The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soJohn Hoffman is the first to admit his surprise at just how comfortable he felt directing Meryl Streep on his set for Only Murders In The Building. She's not the only legend to have appeared on the show...Steve Martin, Martin Short, Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Nathan Lane: it's a murderers' row. And yet, it's been decades of hard work, ups and downs, passes, "almost-greenlights" and visits from Moetta...John's imaginary muse, that have earned him the confidence to showrun one of TVs most beloved comedies. Learn about how he built that confidence in today's lovely conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, celebrated stand-up comedian, actor, and writer Patton Oswalt shares his journey through comedy and film. He discusses his litmus test for choosing roles, the importance of risk in creative endeavors, and the dynamic between writers and actors. Oswalt highlights how classic cinema influences modern storytelling and emphasizes the significance of specificity in writing. With a blend of humor and authenticity, he reflects on embracing grief in comedy and the joys and challenges of the writing process.

Jon Huertas, a veteran actor known for his roles in This Is Us and Castle, shares insights from his extensive career as both actor and director. He discusses the vital collaboration between actors and writers, showcasing how personal backgrounds enrich character development. Jon reflects on the unique storytelling dynamics in TV and the importance of authenticity. He also touches on challenges faced by Latino actors in the industry, emphasizing self-acceptance and growth. Their conversation highlights the power of community and shared experiences in creative journeys.

RSVP for the TSL/Roadmap AFF Party Here: https://bit.ly/4cQWUHaYears ago, Alex Convery and Tate Hanyok were merely attending the Austin Film Festival as screenplay competition winners, and this year, they're attending as panelists! Find out how they used the festival to meet writers, rep, and most importantly, motivate their career in the right direction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS FOR FREE: https://tslworkshops.circle.so/Barbara Stepansky’s career is the culmination of years of incredibly hard work. In addition to winning the highly competitive Nicholl Fellowship, Barbara is a WGA-award winner for a TV movie, the head writer on a German-language Netflix show, and a writer/producer on Starz’s Outlander. Today’s conversation is all about how Barbara built her uniquely multi-faceted career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly O'Sullivan, a writer/director celebrated for her indie film 'Saint Frances,' discusses her journey through independent filmmaking beyond the typical hubs of LA and NY. She shares insights on writing and directing while navigating the chaos of new parenthood. O'Sullivan dives into the importance of emotional storytelling and collaboration with actors to deepen narratives. Through her experiences with 'Ghostlight,' she reveals the balance between personal vision and industry expectations, as well as practical advice for overcoming challenges in indie filmmaking.

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soWhether it was writing for SNL in the '80s, writing RAT RACE in the 90s, or creating MONK in the 2000s, it's no secret that Andy Breckman has had an incredible career. What does he chalk it up to? Luck (and a whole lot of hard work). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Paul W. Downs, a talented creator behind Hacks, and Jen Statsky, a collaborative writer on the same series, as they dive into the art of balancing comedy with emotional depth. They explore the struggles of female comedians in a male-dominated industry and share humorous insights from juggling writing and parenting. Their discussion reveals how Ava and Deborah's relationship serves as a creative anchor, showcasing the complexity of crafting mixed-tone narratives while collaborating in a dynamic writers' room.

What does it take to write engaging children's animated TV? Discover that animation is a medium, not a genre, and how to connect meaningful themes to young viewers. The conversation dives into crafting relatable characters and balancing educational content with storytelling. Hear insights on the crucial role of inciting incidents and how production considerations influence narrative choices. Plus, learn about the power of play in generating creative storylines and the industry's unique challenges.

Nitza Wilon and Elizabeth Kaiden, advocates for women and non-binary individuals over 40 in screenwriting, share empowering insights from their mentorship program. They discuss overcoming ageism and sexism in Hollywood while highlighting the unique experience and wisdom of women in this age group. The duo emphasizes authenticity and diverse representation in storytelling, urging writers to break free from outdated stereotypes. They also explore the power of community, personal resilience, and the importance of nurturing creative voices to redefine female representation in film.