In Part 1 of this two-part exploration of Steven Conrad’s pilots, Jacob Krueger breaks down DTF St. Louis to explore what a great TV pilot needs to accomplish – not just as a compelling story, but as a blueprint for an entire series.
You’ll discover:
• What your TV pilot needs to accomplish beyond telling a great story
• Why established writers have mor ... Show More
Aug 2025
261 | Clarity, Subtext, and Want vs. Need: Kaz Firpo on Crafting Great Screenplays
JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: https://tslworkshops.circle.soIn this episode, Meg and Lorien sit down with Kaz Firpo (Marvel’s ETERNALS, RUIN) to talk about the timeless craft lessons that make a great screenplay. From writing scenes that still land without sound, to creating emotional clar ... Show More
1h 20m
Apr 2020
7 | Mastering Structure In Your Screenplay: Part II
If you haven't listened to last week's episode, jump back and make sure you're caught up, because this week, we're picking up at the midpoint. PLUS, as always, we answer your incredible questions, here, on The Screenwriting Life podcast! Make sure to subscribe to Popcorn Talk! - ... Show More
46m 29s
Aug 2025
260 | From Barf Draft to Next Draft: 5 Steps to Take Now
Join TSL Workshops: https://tslworkshops.circle.soIn this episode, Meg and Lorien dive into a messy, magical stage of screenwriting: the barf draft — your first unfiltered pass at a script.They share how to tackle chaos on the page, whether your draft is too long, too short, tona ... Show More
1h 4m
Mar 2020
3 | What Actually Is THEME In Your Screenplay?
Theme is the essence of good storytelling, but what does it actually mean, and how does it play into screenwriting? Meg and Lorien deep dive today, and answer your questions, here on The Screenwriting Life!Welcome to The Screenwriting Life. Join us as professional screenwriters, ... Show More
45m 21s
Apr 2020
6 | Mastering Structure In Your Screenplay: Part I
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 ... Show More
38m 32s
Sep 2025
263 | Feature Film Story Engine Checklist: 8 Elements to Turn a Situation Into a Movie (REBROADCAST)
Check out our premium TSL WORKSHOPS program here: https://tslworkshops.circle.soSTORY ENGINE. Two words we so often dread, but let's be honest: the engine of your story is what POWERS your movie. It's make, or break. And today, we break down eight elements to test whether or not ... Show More
1h 12m
