

Write Your Screenplay Podcast
Jacob Krueger
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 31, 2025 • 39min
A Real Pain: Building Characters With Vignettes
Discover the art of character vignettes and their role in shaping screenplays. Explore how impactful first impressions can influence audience perception and narrative development. Delve into personal and historical trauma through character dynamics, using examples from Jesse Eisenberg's film. Gain insights into creating complex portrayals that captivate A-list talent. Learn how these crucial moments can unlock deeper understanding of your characters while enhancing story structure.

Jan 19, 2025 • 47min
A Complete Unknown: Writing The Biopic
Learn what makes A Complete Unknown work as a biopic, and how to approach the complex relationship between truth and dramatization in the adaptation of any true life story.
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/

Jan 5, 2025 • 1h 13min
How to Prepare a 3 Minute “Elevator Pitch”
Get your 3 minute pitch ready for our free online pitching event (or any other pitching opportunity) with this podcast recording of Jake’s recent Thursday Night Writes class.
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/

Dec 31, 2024 • 53min
Keep Your New Years Resolutions: Do You Need More Discipline?
Learn practical techniques for transforming your writing blocks into bridges by understanding the psychology of creative resistance and how to work with it rather than against it.
Join us for 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/

Dec 14, 2024 • 59min
Ensemble Pieces with Erin Brown Thomas
Erin Brown Thomas, a talented filmmaker known for her Sundance film, Chasers, shares insights on crafting ensemble films. She discusses the emotional challenges of writing ensemble pieces, focusing on character introduction and development. Erin delves into the complexities of toxic masculinity seen through character perspectives, and the importance of intertwining narratives like a tapestry. She also emphasizes the transformative role of mentorship in fostering creativity, along with filmmaking techniques like one-er shots that enrich storytelling.

Nov 29, 2024 • 51min
The Penguin: What’s The Container for Your Show or Movie?
Learn from The Penguin how to master the art of packaging complex, character-driven stories within commercial frameworks that can sell in today's Hollywood marketplace.
Join us for 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/

Nov 10, 2024 • 41min
How To Get The Most From Film Festivals
Learn how to strategically choose and attend film festivals, build meaningful industry relationships and advance your screenwriting career through authentic networking and mentorship opportunities.
Join us for 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/

Oct 25, 2024 • 27min
The Starless Sea: Harnessing The Power of Metaphor
Discover how metaphors shape storytelling, as highlighted through Erin Morgenstern's novel. The discussion emphasizes characters as symbols, revealing their deeper meanings and connections to themes like capitalism and religion. Explore the balance between plot and authenticity, encouraging writers to embrace their instincts. Plus, engage in an interactive exercise to help uncover the central metaphor in your narrative. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to add layers to their writing.

Oct 11, 2024 • 0sec
Between the Temples – Alternative Forms of Structure
Learn from Between The Temples how to create compelling structure in your screenplay, even when working with passive main characters or unconventional narratives.
Join us for 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/

5 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 35min
Strange Darling: Primary and Secondary Structure
Uncover the nuances of primary and secondary structure in screenwriting and their critical role in captivating audiences. Explore how mundane details, like a cooking scene, can be transformed into compelling storytelling through curiosity. Delve into the creative process by analyzing familiar tropes, such as the 'final girl,' and learn to craft unique characters that enrich your narrative. This discussion promises to enhance your writing skills and provide fresh insights for your next project.