In a candid conversation, Mike Jones, a Pixar story genius behind hits like Soul and Luca, shares insights into what creates a great act three in storytelling. He dives into the nuances of crafting emotional endings and the importance of relatable characters, using examples from his work. Jones discusses the challenges of directing animation and the dynamics of collaboration. He also reflects on the balance between self-centered characters and vulnerability, emphasizing how personal experiences shape profound narratives.

In this engaging discussion, Kelly Younger, a fairy tale expert and writer for The Muppets, dives deep into why fairy tales are the backbone of modern storytelling. He shares how these timeless narratives foster connections through personal experiences and explore themes of adversity and growth. Younger discusses the significance of the underdog archetype in fairy tales, as well as strategies for overcoming writer's block. His insights into the challenges of writing for beloved characters like the Muppets add a delightful twist to the conversation.

Glen Mazzara, a veteran TV writer and showrunner known for his work on The Walking Dead, shares his candid insights into the ups and downs of TV development. He discusses the intricate balance of creativity and industry expectations, emphasizing the importance of character-driven narratives. Glen highlights the critical role of mentorship and community for emerging writers, warning against costly missteps like paying for representation. He also reflects on crafting genuine character emotions and the collaborative joy found in storytelling.

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soAs promised, here is part two of our writers' assistant dive. We chat with Anthony Musella, writer's assistant to Rodney Barnes, who's known for some of the most subversive shows and movies of the last 15 years, such as The Boondocks and Winning Time. Anthony dives deep into what it's like working in development with one of Hollywood's busiest creatives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soTo help support relief efforts related to the fires in LA, consider donating to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: https://supportlafd.kindful.com/?campaign=1040812Listen as former writers' assistants Maggie Gottlieb, Lauren Halberg, and Jonathan Hurwitz detail their experiences as writers' assistants. They answer the important questions like: how do you actually get a writers’ assistant job, how can you elegantly parlay that job into bigger opportunities, and... the Big Scary Question: can I pitch in the room? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soClint Bentley, our guest on today's show, and his filmmaking partner Greg Kwedar, co-write and co-produce every feature film project they tackle, with one of them taking on the role of director. This wildly unique and successful partnership has led to one of the year's most beloved movies, "Sing Sing." Today, Clint unpacks how he and Greg decided to tackle the project, how they involved the real life creators behind the program that inspired the movie, and - yes, this is true - how they managed to pay everyone on set the exact same day rate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soPart 2 of our 2024 TSL guests answering the Three Big Questions: What brings you the most joy when it comes to writing? What pisses you off about writing? And what advice would you give your younger self? Happy New Year!:45 - Dave Holstein (Episode 196)7:04 - Kelsey Mann (Episode 197)12:40 - Meredith Scardino (Episode 198)17:11 - Todd A. Kessler (Episode 199)19:48 - Joey Slamon (Episode 200)25:28 - Christopher Vogler (Episode 204)31:29 - Nitza Wilon & Elizabeth Kaiden (Episode 207)33:25 - Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky (Episode 209)39:28 - Andy Breckman (Episode 210)42:51 - Kelly O'Sullivan (Episode 211)46:18 - Barbara Stepansky (Episode 212) 47:42 - Tate Hanyok and Alex Convery (Episode 213)1:02:09 - Jon Huertas (Episode 214)1:08:06 - Patton Oswalt (Episode 215)1:11:15 - John Hoffman (Episode 216)1:16:00 - Jenna Lamia (Episode 222)1:20:40 - Sharon Horgan (Episode 225)1:23:52 - Justin Kuritzkes (Episode 226)1:27:25 - Susannah Grant (Episode 227) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The speakers dive into the emotional rollercoaster of writing, sharing personal stories of joy and struggle. They explore the importance of community and connection among creatives, emphasizing resilience in the face of challenges. Insights on navigating financial confidence reveal parallels to the creative process. The conversation highlights the dual joys of writing—discovery and impact—while discussing the intricacies of receiving constructive criticism. Ultimately, they encourage aspiring writers to embrace imperfection and pursue their passions wholeheartedly.

Susannah Grant, an Academy Award-nominated writer known for Erin Brockovich and Unbelievable, joins the conversation to discuss the fine line between truth and facts in storytelling. She explains how personal experiences fuel creativity and the emotional complexities involved in writing biopics. The dialogue covers the intricacies of character development, especially for female leads, and the challenges of addressing sensitive topics. Grant also shares insights from her first directing experience, balancing preparation with the joy of creation.

Justin Kuritzkes, a screenwriter known for the films Challengers and Queer, dives into his inspiring journey in the podcast. He reveals how his newfound passion for tennis sparked the idea behind Challengers, exploring the complicated relationships beyond the game. The conversation touches on crafting engaging character dynamics and the importance of collaboration in storytelling. Kuritzkes also discusses the challenges and joys of transforming personal interests into professional narratives, emphasizing the intricacies of character development.