Noah Baumbach (MARRIAGE STORY, FRANCES HA) and Emily Mortimer (THE PURSUIT OF LOVE, DOLL & EM) join Lorien to talk about co-writing their new Netflix film JAY KELLY, from long conversations and false starts to discovering the emotional core of the story together.
They talk about writing without outlines, why not knowing is part of the job, how acting inform ... Show More
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
Jan 15
281 | Wicked: For Good Writer Dana Fox on High-Concept Movie Ideas
Dana Fox (WICKED, WICKED: FOR GOOD) returns to talk about high-concept movie ideas and why the premise matters more than ever. Dana breaks down what makes an idea market-ready, how to tell if a concept has real gas in the tank, and why emerging writers should focus on selling the ... Show More
1h 10m
Aug 2025
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 goi ... 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