The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

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.

Sharon Horgan, a multi-BAFTA winning actor and writer renowned for her authentic portrayals in Bad Sisters and Catastrophe, shares her journey starting her career in her mid-30s. She dives into the nuances of writing complex characters and the emotional depth required in storytelling. Discussing the challenges of balancing humor and heartfelt family dynamics, she explores the art of crafting villains that are both relatable and detestable. Horgan also emphasizes the collaborative nature of screenwriting and the importance of rich character development.

Join TSL Workshops NOW with our special 2024 coupon code HOLIDAY24: https://tslworkshops.circle.soThanks to AFF for welcoming us back this year for another Story Workshop, and a special thanks to Brittney, Jessica, and Adam for sharing their projects. If you'd like to reach Adam to discuss his cult-inspired TV show, you can reach him here: https://www.adambranson.com/contact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Dan Siegel, a renowned psychiatrist and bestselling author, shares profound insights on character psychology. He explores how childhood traumas shape belief systems and influence narrative arcs, highlighting the importance of emotional depth in storytelling. Siegel emphasizes the interplay of agency, bonding, and character development, urging writers to reflect on their own emotional histories for richer narratives. His analysis of stories like 'Inside Out' showcases how understanding psychological needs can create more relatable and transformative characters.

Jenna Lamia, an acclaimed showrunner and writer from Netflix's hit The Perfect Couple, dives into her journey from acting to writing. She shares her secrets behind adapting best-selling novels into screen successes. The conversation delves into the art of crafting a captivating murder mystery, balancing character dynamics, and themes of identity. Lamia also reflects on her emotional creative process, the transition from solitude to collaboration, and the importance of authenticity in character development, emphasizing the power of personal storytelling.

The hosts share their experiences from the Austin Film Festival and discuss the value of their workshops for writers. They explore the importance of finding one's voice and the balance between creative freedom and direction. Consistency in storytelling is emphasized, along with the art of showing character emotions through actions. Strategies for enhancing narrative stakes and overcoming writing challenges, including ADHD tips, are also discussed. Finally, they provide advice on transitioning scripts into the industry and the need for authentic connections in the writing community.

Peyton Elizabeth Lee, star of Hulu's 'Carved' and a Columbia University student, joins Cheryl Meyer, co-writer and advocate for creatives with disabilities. They dive into the art of writing horror and share nostalgic tales from their formative spooky movie experiences. The duo explores the delicate balance between horror and humor, character-driven narratives, and the evolution of their project, 'Carved.' They highlight the importance of collaboration in filmmaking and reflect on how personal journeys shape storytelling in the genre.

Laurel Senick, a dedicated member of the workshop community, shares her creative journey and insights. The conversation kicks off with the emotional trials writers face when receiving feedback, emphasizing community support. They discuss the vital role of active protagonists in storytelling and the importance of character agency. Practical exercises are introduced to help writers clarify their characters' motivations. The challenge of defining characters who act versus react is explored, along with a fun exercise involving a tomato that symbolizes greater narrative stakes.

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soHow does a TV writer go from working on a classic sitcom (The Office), to a deeply-felt immigrant dramedy (Little America), to creating a hidden camera show (Jury Duty), and most recently, creating an Emmy-nominated female-driven workplace drama (Lessons in Chemistry)? Hard work. Despite his mega-career, Lee Eisenberg doesn't believe he is in the upper echelon of Hollywood's most talented writers, but he does believe he outworks almost anyone else in town. Tune in to find out how you can, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices