
Write Your Screenplay Podcast
Rather than rating movies and TV shows like a critic, “two thumbs up” or “two thumbs down,” WGA Award Winning screenwriter Jacob Krueger breaks down scripts without judgment (from scripts you loved, to scripts you hated) to show you what you can learn from them as screenwriters. Plus meet special guests, and get answers to your most pressing screenwriting questions! WriteYourScreenplay.com
Latest episodes

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 6min
Adolescence Episode 4: Should You Write a Limited Series?
This episode pulls it all together, with a deep dive into the structure of Adolescence Episode 4 and how it fits into the overall structure and series engine of Adolescence and how to know if your project should be a Limited Series.
Join us for a Special Thursday Night Writes! Our Happy Hour of Writing Exercises with Jake every Thursday night at 7:00 pm ET, RSVP: https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/free-writing-classes-thursday-night-writes/

Jun 27, 2025 • 38min
Adolescence Episode 3: Adolescence, The Wire and Pattern Based Engine
Learn how Adolescence Episode 3 (building upon structural techniques from The Wire) uses a Pattern Based Series Engine to navigate rare changes in characters and narrative form while still preserving the feeling of the series
Join us for a Special Thursday Night Writes! Our Happy Hour of Writing Exercises with Jake every Thursday night at 7:00 pm ET, RSVP: https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/free-writing-classes-thursday-night-writes/

Jun 13, 2025 • 40min
Adolescence Episode 2: Dialectical Screenwriting
Learn how to use dialectical structure to deepen your screenplay’s theme, character arcs, and emotional impact through a deep analysis of Adolescence Episode 2.
Join us for a Special Thursday Night Writes! Our Happy Hour of Writing Exercises with Jake every Thursday night at 7:00 pm ET, RSVP: https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/free-writing-classes-thursday-night-writes/

10 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 40min
Adolescence Episode 1: Playing at the Top Of Your Intelligence
Discover how adolescence captivates viewers from the very first moments! Unpack the innovative one-shot filming technique that immerses the audience in complex father-son dynamics. Explore the gripping interplay of guilt and intelligence against a backdrop of crime, highlighted by tense character development. Dive into the nuanced themes surrounding familial relationships and the challenges of growing up. Plus, engage in writing exercises designed to enhance your storytelling skills and creativity!

26 snips
May 30, 2025 • 25min
Thunderbolts: Theme in Action Movies
Dive into how Thunderbolts tackles heavy themes like depression and trauma within the action genre. Discover Yelena Belova's emotional journey as she seeks purpose amid chaos. The discussion emphasizes crafting narratives that balance thrilling visuals with deep character development. Plus, explore the significance of connection and vulnerability in superhero stories, highlighting how relationships shape character arcs and enhance storytelling. Perfect for writers looking to add emotional layers to their screenplays!

May 16, 2025 • 0sec
The Last of Us Season 2: Resetting Your Series Engine
Learn how The Last of Us Season 2 resets its story engine—and what it teaches about rebuilding character dynamics, stakes, and tension in your own TV series.
Join us for a Special Thursday Night Writes! Our Happy Hour of Writing Exercises with Jake every Thursday night at 7:00 pm ET, RSVP: https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/free-writing-classes-thursday-night-writes/

May 2, 2025 • 47min
Nickel Boys and Shawshank Redemption: Primary and Secondary Structure
Learn how Nickel Boys and Shawshank Redemption use secondary structure to shape audience expectations—and how to apply these techniques to the structure of your screenplay.
Join us for a Special Thursday Night Writes! Our Happy Hour of Writing Exercises with Jake every Thursday night at 7:00 pm ET, RSVP: https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/free-writing-classes-thursday-night-writes/

Apr 19, 2025 • 38min
The White Lotus: Why Season 3 Feels Different
Learn how Engine and Theme function in all 3 seasons of The White Lotus and how slight changes in The White Lotus Season 3 massively affect the feeling of the series...
Join us for a Special Thursday Night Writes! Our Happy Hour of Writing Exercises with Jake every Thursday night at 7:00 pm ET, RSVP: https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/free-writing-classes-thursday-night-writes/

Apr 11, 2025 • 38min
Anora: Using the “Sea Change” to Supercharge Structure
Discover how Sean Baker’s Anora uses a seismic mid-story twist to reshape structure, character, and theme — and how to apply it to your screenplay.
Join us for a Special Thursday Night Writes! Our Happy Hour of Writing Exercises with Jake every Thursday night at 7:00 pm ET, RSVP: https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/free-writing-classes-thursday-night-writes/

Mar 28, 2025 • 31min
The Brutalist Part 2: Do You Need an Active Main Character?
Discover why Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, rejects the idea that protagonists must drive the action and how its unconventional approach grows out of its thematic exploration of the immigrant experience.
Join us for a Special Thursday Night Writes! Our Happy Hour of Writing Exercises with Jake every Thursday night at 7:00 pm ET, RSVP: https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/free-writing-classes-thursday-night-writes/