The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

In this podcast, Cole Haddon discusses the differences between tone, genre, and plot by comparing TV shows like The Bear and Ted Lasso. They explore how these elements create unique worlds and why it's important. The conversation also touches on career challenges, creative anxiety, script editing tools, three-act structures, and emotional depth in storytelling.

Guest Jennifer Deaton, a studio reader for Focus Features and screenwriter, shares insights on navigating creative partnerships, building trust through menial tasks, anecdotes from working in entertainment, feedback in Hollywood, transitioning to a Hollywood studio reader, and the dichotomy of creativity and objectivity in writing and development.

The podcast discusses the making of the award-winning animated short 'WAR IS OVER' inspired by John and Yoko's music. It explores the balance between script perfection and artistic imperfections in animation, harnessing the brain trust for creative breakthroughs, overcoming creative obstacles in film integration, and the joy of completing artistic work. It also touches on building strong relationships in filmmaking and the diminishing value of art and artists in society.

Creators of Oscar-nominated animated short 'War is Over' discuss transforming music into narrative, exploring emotional depth and symbolism, filmmaking freedom, innovative project creation, challenging young minds, and the importance of visual storytelling in filmmaking.

Nimona co-writer Lloyd Taylor discusses adapting the graphic novel, the roller coaster development process, and the importance of finding the best version of a movie. Topics include balancing multiple creative projects, enhancing collaboration in animated feature film production, crafting emotional depth, exploring LGBTQ themes, and the transformative power of lighting in animation.

Elizabeth Hargrave's debut board game Wingspan has become a one this century's most definitional games, but her inspiration to create was pretty simple. She says, "I felt like there were too many games about castles and space, and not enough games about things I’m interested in. So I decided to make a game about something I cared about." This is just one of the MANY points that will apply to your life as a writer.JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/thescreenwritinglife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crafting a feature film story engine is crucial for powering your movie, with elements like clear main character goals, conflicts, stakes, and a well-defined plan. Developing compelling characters with flaws and superpowers, along with maintaining momentum and escalating stakes, are key to keeping the narrative engaging. Exploring narrative elements and prioritizing communication in the industry are also highlighted in this insightful discussion.

Despite this being his first produced feature, David Hemingson's script for THE HOLDOVERS is one of the most celebrated of the year, nominated for over 40 industry prizes (including the Oscar), having won many of them. He's a self-proclaimed "journeyman" writer having bounced between children's animated, network comedy, and hourlong procedurals for over two decades. Even given his decades of experience, his approach to working with Alexander Payne was still one of humility, openness, and discovery. Today, David, Lorien, and Jeff, discuss how Hemingson's "unsellable" pilot about an all boys prep school became a new American classic.JOIN OUR PATREON: www.patreon.com/thescreenwritinglife Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celine Song shares her journey as writer and director of 'Past Lives' and the power of being the author of your own script. The hosts discuss finding joy in horseback riding, challenges of receiving feedback, closure in relationships, standing in authority as a writer and artist, navigating frustrations of writing, and embracing imperfections in art.

Michael Arndt, Oscar-winner and friend-of-the-show, discusses the shift from rebellion to connection in movies, delves into the flawed nature of Barbie land, and explores the balancing act of plot and emotional storytelling in screenwriting. He also emphasizes the process of uncovering themes and stakes in a story and highlights the importance of having a supportive community of fellow writers in writing an original screenplay.