The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

Fresh off the massive critical and commercial success of FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES, friend of the show Sheila Hanahan Taylor is back to share the ins and outs of producing a studio movie. What can writers do to develop a good relationship with a producer? How does a producer serve both the studio's voice and the writer's voice? On today's episode, Sheila unpacks it all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Kim Rosenstock, an Emmy-nominated TV writer and co-creator of Dying for Sex, joins the conversation. She discusses how complex protagonists with simple goals can lead to emotionally rich storytelling. Kim emphasizes the importance of clarity in character objectives, which gives narratives depth and momentum. She also explores character development, the unique challenges of adapting stories, and the role of collaboration in shaping compelling arcs, especially in portraying intimate relationships and female empowerment.

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.so What’s it like to collaborate creatively with your spouse — and still want to have dinner together after? This week, we’re joined by Joe Forte, screenwriter (Firewall) and longtime writing partner (and husband!) of Meg LeFauve. We talk candidly about the unique dynamics of working with your life partner — the communication hurdles, the unexpected benefits, and how to protect both the relationship and the work. Plus, Joe shares the power of writing retreats, how he thinks about mentorship, and what it really means to support another writer’s voice while honoring your own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join TSL Workshops: https://tslworkshops.circle.so When you’re pitching — whether it’s on studio IP or your own original idea — what sets you apart is your take. But what does that actually mean? This week, Jac Schaeffer (WandaVision, Agatha All Along) breaks it down. For Jac, a great take starts with the emotional core — “what is the deep down” that connects you to the material. From there, it’s about delivering a pitch only you could give: not necessarily linear or formulaic, but full of energy, essence, and personal vision. We talk about how far is too far from the IP, how to navigate studio mandates, and how to protect your voice in rooms full of competing takes. 🎬 Jac’s first feature, TiMER, is now available to stream for free on Tubi! https://tubitv.com/movies/100029089/timer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special roundtable, we’re joined by three working screenwriters — Nic Curcio, Kristen Tepper, and Julia Yorks — who have each built successful writing careers while also growing authentic, engaged followings online. We talk candidly about the growing pressure for writers to maintain a social media presence. From expanding your network to attracting opportunities, social media can help. But it can also complicate your creative process, affect your mental health, and make the work feel secondary. This conversation is an honest look at that tension — and how, with the right mindset, social media can become less of a burden and more of a creative outlet that reflects your voice, supports your goals, and connects you to a writing community in an often isolating industry. --------------- Check out Nic, Kristen, and Julia's social accounts below... Nic Curcio Instagram: @nicolascurcio | TikTok: @nicolascurciowriter Kristen Tepper Instagram: @kristentepper | TikTok: @teppertoks Julia Yorks Instagram: @juliayorks | TikTok: @juliayorks --------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslwokshops.circle.so Trey Edward Shults is an inspiration to directors everywhere — including Jeff. His debut feature, KRISHA, was a no-name psychological drama shot in his own home on a shoestring budget under $30K. Against all odds, it won SXSW, screened at Cannes, and eventually sold to A24. KRISHA stands as a beacon for anyone looking to make a personal, ambitious feature with limited resources. Now Trey is collaborating with The Weeknd, and even though their new film HURRY UP TOMORROW feels bigger in scale, Trey's storytelling ethos remains unchanged: center the character, prioritize emotion, and use the camera as a tool to highlight the story — not to distract from it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special mailbag installment, professional screenwriters share their real-world struggles. They tackle the challenge of balancing plot and character, emphasizing the need for honesty and collaboration. Zoom pitching techniques are discussed, focusing on engaging audiences effectively. The emotional crossroads of decision-making in projects are explored, revealing the delicate balance of self-worth. They also blend humor with media insights, touching on the unique challenges of motherhood while pursuing a creative career.

Veteran director Rob Spera, with over 20 years of teaching experience at AFI, shares invaluable insights from his handbook on directing. He emphasizes the significance of clarity and emotional truth in both directing and screenwriting. The conversation covers essential topics like collaborating with actors, the art of visual storytelling, and the importance of conflict in narratives. Spera also highlights overcoming creative blocks and how deadlines can spark creativity, making this discussion a treasure trove for writers looking to enhance their craft with a director's perspective.

Emily Brundige was tired of waiting around for gatekeepers to say yes. So, she stopped asking.In this candid conversation with Lorien, Emily shares how her frustration with the traditional hurry-up-and-wait pitch process pushed her to self-produce an animated short. That project — born from passion, resourcefulness, and a refusal to wait — eventually became GOLDIE, a series now on Apple TV+.They dive into what it actually takes to make your own work, how festivals and buzz helped build momentum, and why animation is such a powerful space for self-starters. If you've ever felt stuck in development limbo, this episode might just give you the spark (and strategy) to make your move.CHECK OUT EMILY'S BOOK HERE: https://www.emilybrundige.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carla Banks-Waddles, an accomplished writer and producer known for her work on Good Girls and Bel Air, shares her inspiring journey through the diverse worlds of multi-camera comedies and single-camera dramas. She discusses finding balance between personal well-being and creative passion, emphasizing self-care amidst the demands of writing. Carla reflects on the evolution from intern to showrunner, weaving in the importance of growth and adaptation in storytelling. With a touch of humor, she even dives into favorite writing snacks and the quirks of language.