In Part 1 of our deep dive into imposter syndrome, counselor and healer Madaline Blau helps us understand where creative insecurity really comes from - and why so many writers feel stuck between confidence and collapse.
We unpack instinct, how insight shapes character and story, and the early experiences that form our creative identity.
This episode ends a ... Show More
Nov 13
271 | Melissa Rosenberg (Jessica Jones, Dexter): Finding Your Creative Center
Melissa Rosenberg - creator of JESSICA JONES, head writer of DEXTER, and screenwriter of the TWILIGHT films - joins Lorien to talk about what it takes to stay grounded as a storyteller. From building creative communities to rediscovering her artistic voice after decades in Hollyw ... Show More
50m 25s
Nov 12
270 | Jenny Han (The Summer I Turned Pretty): Writing Love, Longing & Coming of Age
Jenny Han - creator, showrunner, and bestselling author of THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY - joins Lorien to talk about the art of writing love, longing, and growing up. From balancing fandom expectations to crafting authentic emotion, Jenny shares how she translates deeply personal t ... Show More
42m 14s
Oct 30
269 | Writing Horror with the Carved Creative Team (REBROADCAST)
With Halloween around the corner, we’re revisiting one of our favorite spooky episodes. Join us for a conversation with the team behind Hulu’s CARVED — director and co-writer Justin Harding, co-writer Cheryl Meyer, and star Peyton Elizabeth Lee — as they share how they brought th ... Show More
1h 16m
Aug 1
DZ-120: Subtext is overrated
Or, how focusing on good drama will result in good subtext. We often hear how subtext is important for good screenwriting. We're here to tell you it isn't. Good subtext is a result of good drama, and your focus should be on creating that good drama. But how? In this episode, Chas ... Show More
1h 54m
Nov 2024
Write On: 'A Real Pain' Writer/Director Jesse Eisenberg
<p dir="ltr">"What I wanted to do with this movie was take this interesting relationship that I have been exploring over the course of my writing, over 20 years, and this dynamic, and set it against the backdrop of something so objectively worse than anything the characters are g ... Show More
31m 22s
Aug 2024
Crafting Tension: ‘Spermworld’ & ‘How To Blow Up a Pipeline’ Editor Explains
As an editor, should you specialize in documentary film or narrative film? Who says you can’t do both? Editor Daniel Garber proves it’s possible, sharing his unique approach to editing some of his most recent projects. He dives into the nuances of pacing, note-taking, and the art ... Show More
40m 52s
Dec 2023
DZ-106: How do you know if you have enough story?
How do you know if you have enough narrative fuel to write a script? In this episode, Chas, Stu and Mel attempt to answer a listener question: “In your own pre-writing process, how do you know you have enough for a feature? And do you have a specific pre-writing method you're go ... Show More
1h 36m
Apr 2024
How ‘Challengers’ Screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes Aces Character, Tension and Stakes
Justin Kuritzkes is the screenwriter for the film, Challengers, starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor. The story revolves around tennis pros who are caught in a love triangle. It’s not just about the game of tennis, but about the game of love and power. Let’s dive into ... Show More
29m 44s
Apr 2023
WGA Strikes for Everybody, Plus Ray Romano, and Falling Out of Love
What are some ways can you support the writer’s union if they end up going on strike? What should you do when you find yourself resenting the project you are working on? What did Ray Romano learn from his directorial debut, Somewhere in Queens?
In today’s episode, No Film Schoo ... Show More
1h 10m
Jul 2024
The Burden of Unpaid Work, Ramping Up Your Reps & Roth IRAs; Plus ‘A Family Affair’ Screenwriter Carrie Solomon
At what point should you get paid for the work you do to develop a project? What types of conversations should you be having with your agent? How can you show up confidently for potential projects, even though you’re feeling utterly afraid?
In today’s episode, No Film School’s G ... Show More
1h 11m