Writers dread the idea of feeling confined by a structure, but what they don't realize, is that structure is one of the greatest gifts that they can be given as a writer. Structure = story, and the best films ever made know how to "play within the rules." Today, we go over those rules!
Welcome to The Screenwriting Life. Join us as professional screenwriters ... Show More
Jan 29
283 | The Art of the Character Introduction
In this special craft supercut, we gather wisdom from recent guests on one essential question: how do you introduce a character? From subtle entrances to defining first actions, writers including Sharon Horgan, George Saunders, Dana Fox, and Akiva Goldsman share how they think ab ... Show More
40m 2s
Jan 19
279 | Rian Johnson on Writing High-Concept Stories with Deep Emotional Stakes
Rian Johnson (KNIVES OUT, LOOPER, STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI) joins Meg for a deep craft conversation about balancing bold, high-concept ideas with intimate emotional storytelling. Rian breaks down how character - not plot mechanics - is the engine behind mystery, world-building, a ... Show More
52m 36s
Mar 2021
The Trial Of The Chicago 7 with Aaron Sorkin
Our guest this week is one of the most celebrated screenwriters in film and TV today. Aaron Sorkin is the storytelling titan behind The Social Network, Steve Jobs, The West Wing, Moneyball, A Few Good Men and Charlie Wilson’s War… the list goes on. Across a glittering three-decad ... Show More
40m 11s
Sep 2019
'The Goldfinch' - Roger Deakins
On this week's episode, Carolyn sits down with legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins to discuss his work on 'The Goldfinch'. He delves into his process for lighting scenes and shares his thoughts on the current state of Hollywood films. In this podcast series, Carolyn Giardina, ... Show More
32m 5s
Aug 2023
“The Last Supper” Part 2: Entrée
Writer, director, and executive producer Michael Patrick King is joined by executive producers Elisa Zuritsky and Julie Rottenberg, consulting producer and writer Susan Fales-Hill, and supervising producer and writer Samantha Irby to break down the season 2 finale of And Just Lik ... Show More
1h 19m
Sep 2021
'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' - Sue Chan
The Production Designer for Marvel's 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' joins Carolyn to discuss how she designed the ten rings and the many location for the film. In this podcast series, Carolyn Giardina, Tech Editor for The Hollywood Reporter, extends her coverage of t ... Show More
29m 21s
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">"Personally, I think writing is bleeding. It's blood magic. It's very hard to do," says writer/director Jade Halley Bartlett of the new Southern gothic romance, </span><em><span data-preserver-spaces= "true">Miller's Girl.</span></em></p> <p> ... Show More
