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On The Page

649 EpisodesProduced by Pilar AlessandraWebsite

ON THE PAGE: Join professional script consultant Pilar Alessandra as she demystifies screenwriting and answers your questions about script craft and story.

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Farewell

February 22nd, 2024

0:39

An important message from RadioPublic

872. And The Nicholl Goes To …

March 15th, 2024

37:39

Writer Jimmy Miller reflects on a script that changed as he changed, ultimately leading to his current Nicholl Fellowship win.

871. Writing Tips, Wrestling and Al Pacino

March 8th, 2024

1:01:18

We’re covering it all in this one: Six writing tips from Pilar’s list, some talk of movies that got overlooked at the Oscars and a discussion of writer Sam Benjamin’s new wrestling short film, Screwjob.

870. Oscar Talk 2024

March 1st, 2024

1:42:42

Pilar and her friends Brian Pope, Mike Musa and Alex Troxler get together for their annual discussion about the best screenplay and best adapted screenplay Oscar nominees.

869. Writer Upgraded

February 23rd, 2024

34:19

Writer/Producer Christine Lenig worked hard and took notes for twelve years before her rom-com Upgraded was finally produced with Camila Mendes, Marisa Tomei and Lena Olin. Now it’s #1 on Amazon! 

868. Write Like a Poet

February 16th, 2024

39:40

Writer/Scholar David Noller discusses his book Master Poetry Forms and talks about the ways that screenwriting and poetry are similar in terms of …

867. Advice From The Experts

February 9th, 2024

38:05

Writer Andrew Zinnes provides nuggets from his new book, Screenwriters Advice, a “how to” as told through the interviews of successful writers of …

866. Hidden Treasures

February 2nd, 2024

37:25

Spotlight on Robert Wooldridge and Kimberly Dilts, two talented On the Page writers with excellent material, ready for their big break!

865. Multimedia Storytelling

January 26th, 2024

45:48

Writer Allison McGevna talks about how the tools and narrative style she uses in her job as a multimedia storyteller and media executive help her as …

864: "None of That Boring Love”

January 19th, 2024

58:16

Today’s glut of rom-coms: Why do we love them? What do they get right? What do they get wrong? Writer Elizabeth McKenzie has opinions!

863. Proof of Concept

January 12th, 2024

48:26

Writer/director Christy Stratton returns to the podcast to discuss her short film, The Runt (and to hear about Pilar’s horror-movie Christmas.)

862. Comedy Expert

January 5th, 2024

35:56

Jonterri Gadson went from "comedy nerd" to "comedy expert" when she earned fellowships with the NBC Late Night Writers Workshop and Kevin Hart’s LOL

861. 2023 Writing Year in Review

December 29th, 2023

42:26

Career coach Lee Jessup returns to discuss the industry changes and writing trends of 2023 and shares what’s ahead for the new year.

860. Logline Competition 2023: Part 2

December 22nd, 2023

1:11:50

Pilar reads and gives feedback on the loglines that didn’t make the top fifteen lists for the 2023 Logline Contest.

859. Logline Competition 2023

December 22nd, 2023

1:25:45

Pilar and Aadip read, evaluate and vote on feature and TV loglines sent in by listeners. Dimwitted extraterrestrials. Time-traveling teachers. Felons at birthday parties. Who will win?

858. Making Things Happen

December 15th, 2023

41:14

A healthy “impatience” led writer Lenore Adediran to stop waiting and make a web series. Since then she’s sold a pilot, a feature and the Christmas …

857. Building a Better Mousetrap

December 8th, 2023

45:55

Portuguese Script writer Miguel Simal spent years in telenovela writers rooms learning to be as creative as possible before going on to co-write the award-winning Netflix series, Glória

856. A Christmas Movie in 70 Beats

December 1st, 2023

43:01

Writer Isabel Dréan talks about her shift from thrillers to holiday movies, leading to five of her scripts being produced in an 18-month period.

855. Announcement: 2023 Logline Contest

November 28th, 2023

3:10

Ready to submit for the annual On the Page logline competition? Pilar explains the rules and gives the deadline.

854. Writing His Way Into a New Life

November 24th, 2023

46:41

As he reaches his ten year anniversary of writing, Scotty Mullen returns to share his thoughts on what he’s learned from writing low budget horror, …

853. Action and Heart

November 17th, 2023

37:08

Writer/Director Lee Whittaker spent years as a stunt man, stunt coordinator and second-unit director before setting out to make a feature film on his own. Hear what he learned from his experience and desire to make a …

852. Telling Their Stories

November 10th, 2023

36:50

Writer/directors Dave Merlino and Dustin Sweet set out to document the stories of the men who served in the 9th Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam. But what they ended up with was a documentary about the need to talk through …

851. Creating a Community

November 3rd, 2023

45:10

From providing a performance space for the UCB in New York to contributing to "Second Draft” evenings in Los Angeles, writer Ellen Ancui continually brings together groups of creatives and builds her own supportive …

850. Crescent Dials In

October 27th, 2023

38:16

Writer Crescent Imani Novell won the Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship in 2018 and has been writing on an animated shows like Dreamworks' Fright Krewe, Marvel’s Moon Girl and Mattel's Barbie: It Takes Two. She’s got …

849. Horror Themes

October 20th, 2023

35:04

Writer Seth M. Sherwood (LeatherfaceLight as a Feather) discusses common horror themes from “screwed by the system” to “man plays God” as written about in his new book, The Scary Movie Writers Guide.

848. Hammer Time

October 13th, 2023

51:08

Writer Nick Smith joins Pilar and her husband Pat Francis in a discussion about Hammer Films, the production company that made DraculaThe Curse of …

847. The Strike is Over!

October 6th, 2023

38:48

From writers' room minimums to guaranteed second steps, career coach Lee Jessup talks about the “exceptional” gains made by the WGA as a result of …

846. All The Things

September 29th, 2023

39:15

Writer/director Nico Casavecchia has made award-winning movies and short films with everything from VR to carbon monoxide molecules. Here he …

845. Calling Himself A Writer

September 22nd, 2023

44:16

Last time writer/actor Michael-Leon Wooley was on the podcast his script Hey Wait A Minute had just gotten the attention of UTA. Two years later UTA …

844. Climate Screenwriting

September 15th, 2023

43:57

Leigh Medeiros, co-founder and co-director of the Hollywood Climate Summit’s Pitchfest for Film and TV, talks about how climate screenwriting equals …

843. The Augustin Empire

September 8th, 2023

53:57

Daniel Augustin and Sh’Kia are actors, writers, musicians and spouses. Listen to how they learned production from music, acquired filmmaking skills from auditioning and started writing directing and starring in their …

842. Storytelling for Docuseries and Reality

September 1st, 2023

38:38

Producers Trishtan Williams and KC Chan Haimes describe the storytelling process behind their new docuseries Why Not Us: Howard Golf and discuss …

841. "What Is The Truth?”

August 25th, 2023

51:46

Whether it’s the factual truth for documentary or the emotional truth for her fictional narratives, writer/director Alicia Ontiveros believes in truth and fairness in her work. Here she talks about what she’s learned …

840. Metamodernism

August 18th, 2023

51:08

What does Once Upon a Time In Hollywood and Barbie have in common? They’re both examples of “Metamodernism." Writer M. Elizabeth Eller explains it …

839. Are You Having Fun?

August 11th, 2023

48:04

Writer Marc Haimes stresses the importance of creative collaborations and the need to have fun as he returns to the podcast to talk about his latest …

838. Feeling “Luckey”

August 4th, 2023

51:28

Rocky (RaKenna) Luckey talks about how she took the skills she learned from “pressure cooker" jobs in music, production and film festivals to write a spec and land a job in television!

837. Telling Positive Stories About Mental Health

July 28th, 2023

37:05

Dr. Laura Erickson–Schroth, psychiatrist, writer and activist, discusses positive and negative portrayals of mental health issues in film and television.

836. Zack Facts

July 21st, 2023

50:06

Managers versus agents, packaging deals versus spec sales. Zack Zucker from Bellevue Management breaks it all down for us.

835. Creating Together

July 14th, 2023

55:34

Proving that a couple who creates together stays together, writer Elizabeth Musgrave and artist Frank Forte talk about their adventures turning features into plays, plays into short films and scripts into comic books.

834. Independence Day

July 7th, 2023

28:49

Pilar helps you “declare your independence” from a conventional screenwriting school of thought on outlining, branding, daily writing and more!

833. Bringing a Trans-perspective to Storytelling

June 30th, 2023

48:11

Actor/writer Scott Turner Schofield, Executive Producer of They/Them and consultant for Euphoria, talks about his work bringing complex and authentic …

832. Call to Action

June 23rd, 2023

36:40

Jon Fitzgerald, co-founder of Slamdance and author of Filmmaking for Change talks about ways to get attention at film festivals, the importance of a call to action in movies with a message and how his latest venture, 

831. True to His Film School

June 16th, 2023

58:39

Writer Bill True, Department Chair at the Scottsdale School of Film and Theater, talks about the specific factors that helped propel a community …

830. The Great Tony McNamara

June 9th, 2023

37:40

Bafta-winning, Academy Award-nominated writer Tony McNamara, (The Favourite, The Great, Cruella), talks about his approach to telling story and creating period pieces with a contemporary stamp.

829. Learning on the Job

June 2nd, 2023

43:53

Jennifer Cram’s experience in casting helped her say “yes” to directing her first feature. Jen talks about the years-long journey of her soon-to-be-released feature film, Sick Girl, why it’s fun to write about …

828. Getting Them To 100

May 26th, 2023

1:13:48

Advice from Brian Keith Etheridge (Mythic Quest, The Neighborhood, The Ranch, Mike and Molly), will help you with pitching and characters, and may …

827. “Not All Teenagers Say Slay"

May 19th, 2023

44:44

For Mother’s Day, Pilar’s 18-year-old daughter Rita Dodson shares her thoughts and wisdom about on-screen content that portrays teenagers in accurate …

826. Unsticking the Duck

May 12th, 2023

32:30

Career coach Carole Kirchner returns to the podcast to talk about ways to brave career obstacles and overcome writers block.

825. Writers Strike 2023

May 5th, 2023

47:35

WGA writers are striking to get the pay and benefits they deserve. But how does this effect non WGA writers as well? Career coach Lee Jessup explains it all.

824. Chat GPT and the Future of Screenwriting

April 28th, 2023

41:22

A little scared about AI’s role in the writing world? So are we. Writer and communications data analyst Michael Grebb helps us understand what’s …

823. The Journey of Paint

April 21st, 2023

34:28

Brit McAdams talks about the fact that it took twelve years to make his comedy Paint, starring Owen Wilson, only to discover that now is the perfect time.

822. The Marvelous Mona Mira

April 14th, 2023

40:14

What does a late night talk show, a game show, a limited series about The Godfather and a college soap have in common? The writer Mona Mira! Listen …

821. A Truly Irish Movie

April 7th, 2023

38:55

Co-writer/directors Peter Murphy and Rachael Moriarty talk about making movies in Ireland, their creative process and the open door that allowed them to write their award winning movie, Róise and Frank, about a …

820. "They’re Looking for You”

March 31st, 2023

38:55

When Broadway went dark and Tommar Wilson found himself without a job, he turned to writing. Now he’s an NBC Fellow and has just been staffed  on an upcoming TV show for Universal Content Productions that will air on …

819. Writing What He Knows. Doing What He Loves.

March 24th, 2023

42:24

After years in the music business and as a counselor in corrections, Jevon Graves found himself writing on the We TV show, Kold x Windy. Now he’s …

818. Scene Direction Contest 2023

March 17th, 2023

1:00:59

Actor/writer Kristen Lee Kelly (original cast of Rent) stage-reads scene direction submissions from listeners as they showcase their writing skills! Who will win?

817. Theater vs. Film: A Director’s POV

March 10th, 2023

46:58

Acclaimed theater director Marya Mazor shares her thoughts on the differences between directing for theater and for the screen and how she follows …

816. Announcement: 2023 Scene Direction Contest

March 6th, 2023

2:09

Did you write a prize-worthy piece of scene direction? Enter it in the On the Page Scene Direction Contest! Pilar explains the rules and gives the …

815. Scene Writing

March 3rd, 2023

52:18

Emphasizing “the art of reader engagement," writers Chris Perry and Eric Henry Sanders’s new book Scenewriting helps writers come up with new ways to plan, draft and perfect their scenes. 

814. Oscar Talk 2023

February 24th, 2023

1:33:58

Pilar and her friends Brian Pope, Mike Musa and Alex Troxler get together for their annual discussion about the best screenplay and best adapted screenplay Oscar nominees.

813. Writing in Perfect Harmony

February 17th, 2023

40:05

Writer Alicia Lomas-Gross shares about her experiences and writing process on her first produced feature, Perfect Harmony for Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.

812. B-sides, Kudos and Flipping the Dolphin

February 10th, 2023

51:26

Writer Matt Pacult of Documentary Now talks about the creative ways he goes about finding story, pitching ideas and giving notes.

811. Having Lunch with Spike Lee

February 3rd, 2023

44:02

Hear how Victor Gabriel captured “the resilience of innocence” in his first short film that went to Sundance and his feature film which attracted none other than director Spike Lee.

810. Copyright Q&A

January 27th, 2023

1:01:24

Copyright advocate David Newhoff returns to answer all your questions about protecting your work, obtaining rights to IP, hiring a lawyer and much, much more.  

809. First Read Radio

January 20th, 2023

44:04

Writer Gary Jones talks about what he’s learned about writing and editing as he turns written short films into spoken radio plays.

808. The Prescription for Success

January 13th, 2023

38:36

Mika Frank talks about how her love of writing, combined with her training in pharmacy and research led her to her current job as story editor on Fox’s hit show, The Resident.

807. Dude, Where's My Car-tharsis?

January 6th, 2023

34:23

From comedy writer to therapist, Phil Stark, writer on South ParkThat 70’s Show and the screenwriter of the movie Dude, Where's My Car? talks about his unique, personal journey.

806. 2022 Writing Trends in Review

December 30th, 2022

40:49

Career coach Lee Jessup returns to discuss the writing trends popular in 2022 and shares what’s ahead for the new year.

805. Logline Competition 2022: Part 2

December 23rd, 2022

1:12:37

Pilar reads and gives feedback on the loglines that didn’t make the top fifteen lists for the 2022 Logline Contest.

804. Logline Competition 2022

December 23rd, 2022

1:31:42

Pilar and Aadip read, evaluate and vote on feature and TV loglines sent in by listeners. It all comes down to a well-written sentence and a creative idea. Who will win?

803. Writing For Christmas

December 16th, 2022

50:40

When his day job was threatened, writer Jeff Bonnett decided that he wasn’t going to write a resume; he was going to write a screenplay. The end …

802. Loss and Grief on Screen

December 9th, 2022

41:54

Linda Klein, co-editor of the new book Loss and Grief, discusses the visual, sensory and emotional realities of the dying and grieving experience and …

801. Announcement: 2022 Logline Contest

December 6th, 2022

3:44

Ready to submit for the annual On the Page logline competition? Pilar explains the rules and gives the deadline.

800. The Anatomy of Genres

December 2nd, 2022

39:41

Screenwriting teacher and author John Truby reveals how to master and transcend genre by understanding their unique story systems and philosophies.

799. Meg LeFauve

November 25th, 2022

49:59

The writer of the Oscar winning film Inside Out talks about her new movie My Father’s Dragon and how she builds story from theme and emotion.

798. The Year of Getting It

November 18th, 2022

41:36

We check back in with writer Kris Crenwelge after her “year of going for it” earned her three writers’ fellowships, staffing on an animated show and a new job on the series True Lies on CBS.

797. Lunchtime Punchlines

November 11th, 2022

43:11

Brandon Childs was only a PA when he started adding jokes to the lunch order e-mail. Before long he was brought into the writers room on Black MondayKenan and, most recently, Netflix’s new comedy Blockbuster.

796. Seeing Through the Lens

November 4th, 2022

48:30

Cinematographer Sarah Whelden talks about how she holds the vision of the director, looking through the lens to help capture theme, tone and story.

795. The Commonwealth of Writers

October 28th, 2022

1:05:34

As British writer Sam Benjamin discusses the release of his new film The Payday he’s joined by Elizabeth McKenzie from Australia and Dawn Ius from Canada to discuss the challenges of writing in their home country, the …

794. Story Maverick

October 21st, 2022

57:06

Andy Raymer shares writing and industry information gleaned from his experience as a writer, creative exec, independent producer and script …

793. Cocktails and Covid

October 14th, 2022

40:53

Actor/writer Cynthia Gravinese decided to stop feeling powerless and write a web series about the people and place she loved. When Covid hit her hard and she lost the ability to speak, she did the same thing all over …

792. Playlist to Page

October 7th, 2022

52:43

Pilar and her husband Pat brainstorm film and TV show premises inspired by song titles in Pat’s playlist. A fun way to find your next script idea!

791. Putting Themself on the Page

September 30th, 2022

40:36

Vanessa Benton wrote their “F-it” script and broke through. Now they're a writer for Netflix projects Sandman and Fate: The Winx Saga, writing the dark fiction that they love.

790. Making History

September 23rd, 2022

53:21

Writer and historian Gina DeAngelis talks about the balance of historical accuracy and entertainment in her scripted work and on screen in general.

789. Saving Planty

September 16th, 2022

42:11

Josh Staman, Executive Producer of Weird Waters (Peacock), talks about the unique structure of short-form animation, pushing through “analysis paralysis,” and learning to be more “hare-brained” in his writing.

788. Pick's Picks

September 9th, 2022

1:09:40

Pilar sits down with her 16 year old nephew, Eric Pick, to find out about the classic films he’s watching as he embarks upon his journey to become a …

787. The Ebo Sisters

September 2nd, 2022

37:42

Filmmaking duo Adamma & Adanne Ebo talk about the work and thought that went into writing, directing and producing their feature film Honk for …

786. The Many Hats of Keena Ferguson

August 26th, 2022

34:08

From writer to producer to director to actor to parent, Keena Ferguson is always thinking creatively about ways to get her message and stories onto the screen and out to the world.

785. A Couple of Q’s and a Bunch of A’s

August 19th, 2022

45:05

An informal Q&A with two students from Pilar’s class, Laura Weekes and Dale Hildebrand, resulted in an in-depth discussion about the pros and …

784. Una Meta Movie

August 12th, 2022

45:29

Writer/director Jennifer Sharp decided to buck the system, travel to Mexico and make her movie ... which ended up being a story about a writer trying to make her movie while battling the system.

783. The Other Kid in the Hall

August 5th, 2022

34:16

Writer Paul Bellini, “the guy in the towel,” talks about what he’s learned from writing with Scott Thompson and the Kids in the Hall for over thirty …

782. I Love My Dad

July 29th, 2022

39:07

What do you do when your dad catfishes you? Write a movie about it, of course! James Morosini talks about drawing from the truth and creating empathy for his characters as he wrote, directed and starred in his feature …

781. Andy Siara

July 22nd, 2022

42:05

From his critically acclaimed screenplay Palm Springs to his upcoming series The Resort, writer Andy Siara likes to explore the “disappointment of time.” 

780. Psychology for Screenwriters

July 15th, 2022

50:05

William Indick, author of “Psychology for Screenwriters,” discusses why screenwriters must understand human behavior to make their stories come …

779. Inclusive Screenwriting

July 8th, 2022

40:07

Author Jess King talks about their new game-changing screenwriting book, Inclusive Screenwriting for Film and Television, which examines and challenges conventional notions of characterization, world building and three …

778. The Summer of Christmas

July 1st, 2022

42:11

Keith Giglio and Juliet Aires Giglio share the knowledge of screenwriting and Christmas movies that inspired their new book, “The Summer of …

777. The Storytelling of D&D

June 24th, 2022

1:00:08

Pilar’s oldest child Ezra Dodson walks us through the structure and character rules of Dungeons and Dragons, emphasizing the ways in which it can …

776. Good Luck and Hard Work

June 17th, 2022

52:59

After years of assisting and learning on the job, Naomi Brodkin is a working writer with an episode of Little America coming out soon. She discusses what she’s learned from being on set and in the writers’ room and how …

775. Writing with Pride

June 10th, 2022

31:03

Writer Jared Pascoe shares the personal experiences and desire for story that led to his co-founding the Pre-Rainbow Pages aimed at bringing visibility to non-writers guild LGBTQIA+ writers.

774. Phil Rosenthal

June 3rd, 2022

50:07

Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves RaymondSomebody Feed Phil and the new podcast Naked Lunch, talks about the ways that specificity contributes to great storytelling.

773. Gigi!

May 27th, 2022

43:39

Writer Gigi Rios New discusses writing for The Garcias on HBO Max and for the need for Latin-driven content in TV and film.

772. The Trajectory of Chris Derrick

May 20th, 2022

54:07

Writer / director Chris Derrick discusses writing for Star Trek: Picard and how it’s taught him to write to the emotional arc first and bring the …

771. Impact 50

May 13th, 2022

49:49

What takes eight years, sixty-seven writers, thirty-six directors and one actual apocalypse? Hear how filmmaker Chris Jones produced the crowd-created feature film, The Impact, connecting 50 short films into one …

770. Storytelling

May 6th, 2022

42:37

Actor, writer Beverly Mickins, creator of Los Angeles’s longest running storytelling venue Story Salon, talks about the elements that make up a well …

769. Supporting Ukrainian Filmmakers

April 29th, 2022

42:42

Screenwriter Agnieszka Kruk talks about the ways that her creative community in Poland is helping filmmakers in Ukraine affected by the war, and …

768. Yakira Chambers and the Golden Nugget

April 22nd, 2022

33:42

After earning a spot in the prestigious CBS Mentoring Program, Writer Yakira Chambers learned how to create a “personal A story” that contributed to her getting a job as a writer on NCIS Hawaii. She discusses her …

767. Sibling Success

April 15th, 2022

51:52

On "Sibling Day” Pilar sits down with her brother Chris Pittas to discuss his decision to pursue screenwriting, his success in competitions, recent …

766. The Showrunner of Comic Books

April 8th, 2022

42:34

Veteran comic book editor Shelly Bond discusses the similarities and differences between comic book writing and screenwriting.

765. A Director’s Journey

April 1st, 2022

52:29

Television director and feature writer Pete Chatmon dives into his extensive experience and unique perspective on storytelling and directing, while giving a sneak peak of his new book,"Transitions: A Director's Journey …

764. A Marriage of Art and Commerce

March 25th, 2022

44:01

Manager Matt Dy talks about the way he discovers and develops material for the management/production company Lit Entertainment.  

763. Oscar Talk 2022

March 18th, 2022

1:23:54

Pilar and her friends Brian Pope, Mike Musa and Alex Troxler get together for their annual discussion about the best screenplay and best adapted screenplay Oscar nominees.

762. Actor to Writer

March 11th, 2022

40:55

York Walker, staff writer on FBI, talks about his personal path from actor to playwright to television writer.

761. Thinking Like an Anthropologist

March 4th, 2022

35:40

How can writers truly observe their world and society and write honestly about them? Dr. Teruko Vida Mitsuhara, a linguistic anthropologist and …

760. The Making of The Unmaking of a College

February 25th, 2022

41:10

Joshua Berman found himself in the middle of a movement, reached for a camera and never stopped filming. Director Amy Goldstein took it from there, …

759. Making Minamata

February 18th, 2022

45:40

A passion for the true story and years of “crawling through broken glass” helped writer David Kessler get his movie Minamata produced, starring Johnny Depp and directed by Andrew Levitas. 

758. Thinking High Concept

February 11th, 2022

56:01

For 30 years Charlie Vignola has had a hand in developing some of the world’s most successful movie franchises for Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Here he …

757. The Benefits of Age

February 4th, 2022

39:08

Barbara Ward Thall's script Geriosity sparks a discussion about how our views on aging create bias in the hiring process and prevent accurate depictions on screen.

756. The Super Power of Sydney Baloue

January 28th, 2022

42:53

Sydney Baloue (CW’s Tom Swift) talks about how his experiences in the world of queer culture and ballroom contribute to his super power as a …

755. Manager Talk

January 21st, 2022

55:45

Allard Cantor, co-founder of the literary management company Epicenter, shares about finding talent, developing material and getting his clients work in the film and TV industry. 

754. The ABTs of Storytelling

January 14th, 2022

39:58

Doug Passon and Randy Olson talk about the “And, But, Therefore” template they use to help lawyers, scientists and screenwriters tell effective stories.

753. Writing Tips

January 7th, 2022

47:06

From love interests to courtroom scenes, Pilar offers writing tips to kickstart the writing year. Writer Sam Benjamin joins her to discuss!

752. 2021 Writing Trends in Review

December 31st, 2021

42:23

Career coach Lee Jessup returns to discuss the writing trends popular in 2021 and shares what’s ahead for the new year.

751. A Very Scotty Christmas Eve

December 24th, 2021

46:31

Writer Scotty Mullen returns to to talk about his newest movie, A Christmas Village Romance, his love of all things Christmas and why the …

750. Logline Contest 2021

December 17th, 2021

1:50:31

Pilar gives a logline lesson built off of listener submissions, then Pilar and Aadip pick their favorites! 

749. Sustainable Filmmaking

December 10th, 2021

34:48

Development executive Zsófia Szemerédy talks about the the importance of sustainable practices in filmmaking and discusses ways to implement them on set and on the page.

748. Writing Wolf

December 3rd, 2021

36:57

Writer-director Nathalie Biancheri discusses the preparation, script-work and directorial vision that went into creating her new psychological drama, 

747. Announcement: 2021 Logline Competition

November 28th, 2021

4:44

'Tis the season for the annual On the Page logline competition! Pilar explains the rules and gives the deadline.

746. Film Pioneers

November 26th, 2021

42:05

Emerson film student Kat Poole’s passion is to rediscover and celebrate female film pioneers. Here, she educates us about three of them: filmmaker …

745. Inside Hollywood and Washington

November 19th, 2021

39:46

George Stevens Jr. the founder of the American Film Institute, talks about the passion for film that inspired him to preserve and archive great movies, establish the Kennedy Center Honors and serve as a voice for the …

744. One Take Wonder

November 12th, 2021

41:37

Director Philip Barantini shot his independent feature film Boiling Point in one take and lived to tell the tale. Hear how he kept the camera moving while also telling a rich story of an intense night in a restaurant.

743. Never Judge a Character

November 5th, 2021

41:40

Writer Celia Finkelstein talks about the projects she has in development, her pitch style on Zoom and how her acting experience has taught her not to judge a character.

742. A Tornado of Talent

October 29th, 2021

40:48

Canadian writer Lindsay Gossling reveals the work and effort that went into writing and directing her disaster movieThirteen Minutes. She also talks about the challenges of making her film Un Traductor which went on to …

741. Creating Friday the 13th

October 22nd, 2021

40:34

Sean S. Cunningham, director and producer of the original Friday the 13th movie, talks about the film's humble beginnings, Jason’s evolvement as an …

740. A Sense of Dread

October 15th, 2021

54:37

What makes us afraid and how do we write that on the page? Writer Neal Marshall Stevens provides answers as he gives a preview of his book, A Sense of Dread: Getting Under the Skin of Horror Writing

739. Writing for The Conners

October 8th, 2021

37:30

Shelley Dennis grew up loving the TV show Roseanne and now she has a staff writing position on The Conners! Hear how hard work, attention to story …

738. Executive Chair to Writers’ Room

October 1st, 2021

1:00:11

Veteran producer and creative executive Kelly Edwards worked with every major studio in Hollywood and is now pursuing her dream of being a television …

737. Riding the Rollercoaster

September 24th, 2021

36:04

Writer Jo Rochelle was just about to call it quits when her writing career caught fire. Hear how she got the attention of a manager, became staffed on her favorite show Good Trouble, and filmed her own independent movie …

736. Dynamic Danielle

September 17th, 2021

39:19

Actor/writer Danielle Pinnock had a crazy year full of ups and downs but she kept writing, found inspiration in her underwear drawer and set up her …

735. Allergic to Mediocrity

September 10th, 2021

44:35

Michael-Leon Wooley’s search for depth in his singing and performing has informed his writing as well, leading to major attention on his very first …

734. Turning 20

September 3rd, 2021

1:11:35

Pilar Alessandra’s teaching and consulting business On the Page celebrates a 20 year anniversary! Alex Troxler interviews Pilar about her program, …

733. Change is Inevitable

August 27th, 2021

45:18

Richie Siegel and Marissa Torelli-Pedevska, co-founders of the Inevitable Foundation, talk about the need to hire and produce the work of disabled screenwriters. 

732. The Given Circumstances of Story

August 20th, 2021

56:50

Writer Matt Foss talks about how he went from being “terrible and earnest” to "consciously competent” as an award winning playwright and how he uses “given circumstances” to ground his stories and adaptations.

731. The Writers Lab

August 13th, 2021

42:31

Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon, co-founders of The Writers Lab, talk about their efforts to highlight the voices of women over 40 on the screen and on the page.

730. Emily Fox Turns On a Flashlight

August 6th, 2021

58:50

Writer/producer Emily Fox (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Daybreak, Girlfriends Guide to Divorce) shines a light for writers as she describes how she comes up with story and runs a writers room.

729. Dan Mazer from A to Zed

July 30th, 2021

40:13

Writer and director Dan Mazer talks about his long collaboration with Sacha Baron Cohen and the complex storytelling that goes into writing movies …

728. This Guy Wrote Black Widow!

July 23rd, 2021

42:17

Eric Pearson, the writer of Black Widow and Thor: Ragnarok talks about his and Marvel’s approach to storytelling, including “every scene needs to do two things” and “that’s a long way to go for salami." 

727. From "Angry Nerd" to Emmy Winner

July 16th, 2021

35:26

Tim Long’s nerdy beginnings inspired his new movie The Exchange, and his story sense and comedy chops earned him head writer status at Letterman and a 20 year run on The Simpsons. 

726. Performance and Story

July 9th, 2021

50:37

Ted Campbell talks about how his experience as a second unit director and assistant director helped him develop the writing and directing skills he needed to be hired as a writer and director for three projects for …

725. Thinking Like a Creative Director

July 2nd, 2021

51:41

Glenn Sanders, Senior Creative Director at Amazon Prime Video, talks about entertainment marketing and how it can impact choices a writer makes early on in terms of concept, story and character.

724. The Year of Going For It

June 25th, 2021

47:05

Writer Kris Crenwelge turned a lockdown low to an end of the year high when she set her mind to treating her writing passion as a TV business. Hear her take on applying to labs, interviewing for “entertainment …

723. Antwone Fisher

June 18th, 2021

54:33

Writer Antwone Fisher talks about what went into writing and selling the classic movie about his real life and the importance of letting yourself be embarrassed by the truth.

722. The History of Stand-Up

June 11th, 2021

58:05

Comedian Wayne Federman, author of “The History of Stand-Up," talks about the way that technology and the times have changed stand-up from Mark Twain …

721. Bilbo Is Cree

June 4th, 2021

45:02

Writer/director Sonya Ballantyne talks about her experiences as a “creative native” and about her scripted work focusing on Indigenous women and girls in non-traditional film genres. 

720. Cruel Summer. Cool Writer.

May 28th, 2021

37:51

Writer Savannah Ward loves to be “devastated” by a good story. They discuss the multiple timelines highlighted on Cruel Summer and, as a non-binary …

719. Writing The Emotional Procedural

May 21st, 2021

46:58

Alicia Carroll, staff writer for Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, talks about the show’s unique structure and approach to story and music. 

718. A Truly Creative Executive

May 14th, 2021

38:38

Award-winning playwright Dezi Gallegos is now a creative executive at Proximity Media (Judas and the Black Messiah). Here he talks about the company’s desire to develop original movies with a unique perspective. 

717. Asian-American Representation on Screen

May 7th, 2021

52:05

Jennifer Paz talks about her take on script and story as an actor and writer and about the need for more Asian-American content and characters on screen.

716. Reality Running Wild

April 30th, 2021

36:47

Rob Buchta, producer of Running Wild and creator of You vs. Wild on Netflix, talks about the challenges of a choose-your-own-adventure experience and the marriage of action and emotion needed for a factual adventure …

715. Filmmaking for Beginners

April 23rd, 2021

46:51

Deborah Patz’s book, Write! Shoot! Edit! was intended for teenagers but it’s the perfect primer for anyone who’s ever wanted to film something but was too afraid to start. 

714. Oscar Podcast 2021

April 16th, 2021

1:27:19

Pilar and her friends Brian Pope, Mike Musa and Alex Troxler get together for their annual discussion about the best screenplay and best adapted screenplay Oscar nominees.

713. PA to Producer

April 9th, 2021

50:12

Writer Michelle Denise Jackson talks about what she’s learned as she advanced from Writer’s PA on Grey’s Anatomy, to Writers Assistant on Mrs. America, to Staff Writer on two Netflix series and now as Co-Producer on

712. Visual Aids

April 2nd, 2021

46:59

Writer/Producer Evette Vargas discusses the content and applications needed to create successful pitch decks and sizzle reels.

711. Notes!

March 26th, 2021

35:40

Pilar Alessandra talks about ways to give and get script notes at the submission stage, the development stage and the production stage.

710. Screenwriter to Novelist

March 19th, 2021

41:46

Rebecca Phelps talks about her approach to writing the Watty Award-winning novel Down World and its similarities, in process, to writing a screenplay.

709. Jessica Goldberg

March 12th, 2021

40:54

Screenwriter and executive producer Jessica Goldberg talks about Cherry, the feature film she co-wrote starring Tom Holland, as well as her …

708. Writing Military Scripts

March 5th, 2021

47:53

Tom McCafferty, Vice Chairman of Veterans in Media and Entertainment, talks about the creative possibilities and unique challenges of writing movie and TV shows that focus on military events and characters. 

707. Writer’s Room CPA

February 26th, 2021

39:40

When should you incorporate? How can you take a home office deduction? How can you get financially organized? Entertainment accountant Trina Rozen …

706. Before, During and After

February 19th, 2021

44:32

Actor/Writer Finnerty Steeves discusses the courage and "1001 favors" it took to write, produce and star in her independent film, Before/During/After being released by Gravitas Pictures.

705. Honoring the Game Universe

February 12th, 2021

52:34

Andrew Robinson, senior writer for  Blizzard Entertainment talks about how he helps craft narrative and world-building for World of WarcraftStarCraft, Heroes of the StormHearthstone and Overwatch with animated …

704. Constant Collaboration

February 5th, 2021

45:40

Johanna Stein, show-runner of Madagascar A Little Wild, breaks down the animation process from story board to “lip flap."

703. Crosby Selander and the Seven Figure Deal

January 29th, 2021

43:42

After years of hard work and hustle, writer Crosby Selander defied the odds and sold his script in a major bidding war to Legendary Pictures. Hear …

702. Writing Telenovela

January 22nd, 2021

54:25

Award-winning Brazilian writer Rosane Svartman talks about the story work that goes into writing 155 episodes of one season of a prime-time telenovela.

701. What Does The Character Think of Himself?

January 15th, 2021

41:10

Hunter Doohan discusses what he’s learned as an actor and as a writer from portraying the role of Adam opposite Bryan Cranston on the Showtime series

700. Script Guy for Coverfly

January 8th, 2021

42:14

Mitch Lusas, Head of Product for Coverfly, talks about his company’s approach to finding talent and helping writers.   

699. Double the Talent

January 1st, 2021

44:35

JaNeika and JaSheika James, co-executive producers of Gossip Girl, talk about the life and career experiences that went into their inspiring memoir, Living Double.

698. Logline Contest 2020: Part 2

December 28th, 2020

55:39

Pilar reads and gives feedback on the loglines that didn’t make the consider or recommend list for the 2020 Logline Contest.

697. Logline Contest 2020

December 25th, 2020

1:45:48

Pilar and Aadip evaluate loglines sent in by listeners. Who will get a consider, recommend or pass? 

696. 2020 Writing Trends in Review

December 18th, 2020

51:02

Career coach Lee Jessup returns to discuss the writing trends popular in 2020 and shares what’s ahead for the new year.

695. Filming it While Living It

December 11th, 2020

42:59

With a little help from Michael Bay, Adam Mason and Simon Boyes wrote and produced a movie about the pandemic during the pandemic. Hear how both the story and the production of their movie, Songbird, adapted to the …

694. Getting Creative During Covid

December 4th, 2020

57:48

Alexander Troxler reached out to other writers during the lockdown and ended up with a collaborative tv pilot and a whole new kind of writers’ room.

693. Unblocking

November 27th, 2020

36:23

Stress relief expert Suzanne Gundersen talks about how writers can overcome writer's block by dealing with their fear, grief and anxiety.  

692. 2020 Logline Competition Announcement!

November 26th, 2020

8:42

Announcement of the deadline and rules for the 2020 Logline Competition.  Plus a replay of last year’s bonus episode to remind you of 10 patterns to …

691. It’s All About The Theme

November 20th, 2020

54:32

Whether she’s writing on the prequel to Game of Thrones, helping adapt Daisy Jones and The Six for Reese Witherspoon’s company or developing a feature film for Margot Robbie, it all comes down to one thing for writer …

690. Who Invented Oscar Wilde?

November 13th, 2020

1:01:12

David Newhoff, author of Who Invented Oscar Wilde, dives deep into the history of copyright and the protection issues writers and creatives still deal with today. 

689. Filmmakers Make!

November 6th, 2020

45:53

Making movies. Making film festivals. Tony Gapastione of Bravemaker Productions talks about the many things he’s learned as he creates and curates short films and features.

688. Going to Sketch School

October 30th, 2020

40:05

Free-writing, fun writing and brain dumps! Writer/comedian Marc Warzecha talks about ways you can turn an ordinary subject into a hilarious sketch.

687. Burning Down the Kitchen with Mike Royce

October 23rd, 2020

46:35

Writer/ Producer Mike Royce talks about the ways that life issues and personal stories in the writers’ room inspire episodes of the shows he’s worked on: One Day at a TimeEnlisted, Men of a Certain Age and Everybody …

686. "Be Confident in Your Vision”

October 16th, 2020

47:35

Landi Maduro, director and producer at Bluechild Entertainment, offers advice to new filmmakers about creating the emotion, tone and visual look of their on-screen projects.

685. A Writer’s Story

October 9th, 2020

44:19

Writer Delondra Mesa (Z-Nation, Step Up) has paid her dues, working from Zombie-movie writer to Executive Story Editor. Hear how she did it and why she is a better writer because of it!

684. "Very Smart and Very Dumb”

October 2nd, 2020

43:38

Writer / producer Erica Rivinoja (South Park, Clone High, The Last Man on Earth) has great advice about turning simple kids stories into big movies, finding the funny in a scene and pitching with confidence in the …

683. Going on the Record

September 25th, 2020

54:20

Shireen Razack and Angela Harvey, co-chairs of the Think Tank for Inclusion & Equity, talk about issues and problems in the industry facing underrepresented writers and the ways in which their report put hard …

682. Talented Tiffany

September 18th, 2020

38:58

Writer Tiffany Thomas talks about writing on the reboot of The Proud Family and how working as a sketch comedian helped her on the page and in the writers’ room.

681. Writing Lovecraft Country

September 11th, 2020

44:38

Writer Shannon Houston (Homecoming, Little Fires Everywhere, Station 11) is both a writer on and a fan of the HBO show Lovecraft Country which she describes as "complicated, strange and always unraveling.”

680. Writing "The Resident"

September 4th, 2020

40:16

Andrew Chapman, Executive Producer of The Resident, talks about the ways in which the show shines a light on the problems within the medical industry and stresses themes of accountability.

679. Triple Threat

August 28th, 2020

44:05

Richard Bosner talks about the ways working as a producer on independent movies like Fruitvale StationOther People and Mapplethorpe have taught him as a writer and director.

678. “Where Are the Women Who Look Like Me?”

August 21st, 2020

42:24

Writer/actor Kemiyondo Coutinho (MTV’s Undressed, Starz’ Step Up:High Water), talks about the ways that creating content for herself led to her current career as a TV writer.

677. Telling the Truth

August 14th, 2020

43:37

Writer/Producer Michael Jamin (Tacoma FD, Maron, King of the Hill) talks about relying on the truth when he needs to find the story and the funny for TV or memoir.

676. Work It!

August 7th, 2020

38:36

Screenwriter Alison Peck, writer of Ugly Dolls and You Can’t Keep a Good Girl Down (in development)  talks about her approach to writing story and …

675. Solving Mysteries with Christine Lenig

July 31st, 2020

39:01

Fugitives, murders, UFOs and lost loves! Christine Lenig, Senior Vice President of Cosgrove/Meurer Production, talks about the storytelling that goes …

674. Writing is Like Chocolate Chip Cookies

July 24th, 2020

46:41

TV showrunner Janine Sherman Barrois (Claws, Self Made, Criminal Minds, ER) talks about what she looks for in writers' participation and pages, how she breaks story in the writers’ room and why a writing career is like …

673. "I Just Wanted to Write Everything”

July 17th, 2020

45:14

Writer Aydrea Walden discusses her recent job as a development executive at DreamWorks TV and her new gig writing for a Disney Jr. show. She also gives some valuable tips about networking and insight into the writers' …

672. No Wimping. No Crying.

July 10th, 2020

46:01

Writing/Directing brothers Tony Dean Smith and Ryan W. Smith talk about their journey from making movies in their living room to independent …

671. A Community of Creatives

July 3rd, 2020

54:57

Ten writers from across the country and around the world get together on Zoom to ask questions about the craft of screenwriting. Special thanks to …

670. No More “Sassy” or “No-nonsense"

June 26th, 2020

52:44

Actor/writers Danielle Pinnock and Kimberly Hebert-Gregory talk about their annoyance with one-dimensional characterizations of black women in movie …

669. Little Fires Everywhere

June 19th, 2020

49:07

Executive producer Liz Tigelaar dives deep into the character dynamics and issues explored in the Hulu limited series Little Fires Everywhere. Find …

668. The Optimistic Mischief Maker

June 12th, 2020

44:39

Writer / Director Ben Mekler talks about his experiences writing for the Netflix animated series Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts.

667. Ten Things Hollywood Can Do to Fight Racism and Promote Justice

June 5th, 2020

43:12

From a "stereotype moratorium" to “divestment from discriminatory locales," writer and social justice leader Alan Jenkins describes the concrete actions that writers and others in the entertainment industry can take …

666. The Omen with David Seltzer

May 29th, 2020

46:52

Episode 666 called for a discussion of one of the greatest movies of all times, The Omen, with one of the greatest screenwriters of all times, David Seltzer. Not only does he share his thoughts and feelings about …

665. A Roadmap for Achieving Your Goals

May 22nd, 2020

59:18

Goal coach Debra Eckerling talks about the road trip approach to setting, planning and achieving goals laid out in her new book, Your Goal Guide.

664. Finding the Movie of the Doc.

May 15th, 2020

42:07

Documentary filmmaker Senain Kheshgi talks about the way she uses narrative movie structure to shape her groundbreaking films.

663. The Enchanting Rich Fulcher

May 8th, 2020

51:06

Writer/Actor/Comedian Rich Fulcher returns to crack Pilar up with his take on voice acting, pitching and writing on Matt Groening’s animated show

662. From “Ha” to “Aw”

May 1st, 2020

47:38

Veteran writers Juliet Aires Giglio and Keith Giglio talk about following structure while freshening genre in their latest venture writing Christmas …

661. Your Favorite Quarantainment

April 24th, 2020

1:04:32

Pilar enlists the listeners to talk about the bingeable shows that are helping them get through the Coronavirus quarantine.

660. “This is My Jam"

April 17th, 2020

55:22

Chris Sparling, writer of BURIEDTHE SEA OF TREES (nominated for the Palm d'Or at Cannes), MERCY and the soon to be released GREENLAND, is a veteran at working remotely and taking meetings online. In this episode he …

659. Will Podcast for Candy

April 10th, 2020

49:20

Locked down with their mom, Pilar’s kids Ezra Dodson and Rita Dodson discuss “teen” language, portrayals of teenagers on screen and their mutual love of inappropriate horror movies.

658. The Myth of the Starving Artist

April 3rd, 2020

58:07

Personal finance consultant Lisa Gould leads a creative conversation about ways that writers can save, manage and spend their hard-earned money.

657. "Like An Escape Room"

March 27th, 2020

1:00:42

Brian Keith Etheridge has been a writer and co-EP for the half-hour comedy The Neighborhood, The GoldbergsMike and Molly, The Mick and The Ranch … …

656. “The Note Home Remains the Same”

March 20th, 2020

53:36

Screenwriters Dave Merlino and Dustin Sweet share their four-year journey filming a documentary about war veterans.

655. Wanuri Kahiu and the Art of “Afro-bubblegum"

March 13th, 2020

46:39

Writer/director Wanuri Kahiu lives in Kenya, takes meetings in LA, and makes movies for the world.  Here she gives her inspiring take on writing …

654. Special Announcement from Pilar

March 12th, 2020

1:55

Pilar wants to let you know about online/video-conference classes at On the Page and to announce that in-person classes are suspended at the studio for spring due to COVID-19. Stay safe and have a good writing week! 

653. Loglining A Life

March 6th, 2020

43:51

Pilar sits down with her step-father, Philippe Koenig, to discuss the first 40 years of his life as though it were a series of movies.

652. Writing "The Watercooler Kill"

February 28th, 2020

48:48

Writers Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg discuss their love of horror, their unique writing partnership and their experiences writing Spiral (the …

651. A Box Full of Toys

February 21st, 2020

53:14

Showrunner Jeffrey Lieber digs into story, craft and the writers room as he shares his experiences about moving from playwright to filmmaker to TV writer and pitching a show called LOST along the way.

650. Movies Are Like Magic

February 14th, 2020

42:32

Writer/Director Danish Renzu talks about the passion and persistence that went into making his latest movie, “The Illegal.”

649. Oscar Podcast 2020

February 7th, 2020

1:12:28

Pilar and her friends Brian Pope and Mike Musa get together for their annual discussion/argument about the best screenplay and best adapted screenplay Oscar nominees.

648. Getting Started

January 31st, 2020

40:45

Ready, set, go!  Determined to finally get your script “out of your head and onto the page?” Hear how Pilar helped one of her toughest cases: her husband Pat!

647. Things I Learned From Picture Books

January 24th, 2020

43:38

Author / illustrator Vincent X. Kirsch talks about the ways that picture books have helped him write better screenplays and the ways screenwriting has helped him make better picture books. 

646. Producer on the Brink

January 17th, 2020

48:10

Writers aren’t the only ones who have to work their way up.  Producer Mandy June Turpin has paid her dues and now has a roster of projects to talk about - as well as advice about how to develop a movie from script to …

645. Developing TV in the US and the UK

January 10th, 2020

45:14

Siobhan Bachman is a TV executive who previously developed IP for Archie Studios (Riverdale), worked as a manager at 360, was ABC’s UK Comedy and Drama Development Scout and may or may not have discovered a chap named …

644. Cartoon Kate

January 3rd, 2020

50:26

Manager Kate Brogden of The Cartel discusses what she looks for in a great animated project and a great animation client. A must-listen if you write animation or just love watching it.

643. 2019 Writing Trends in Review

December 27th, 2019

51:27

Career coach Lee Jessup returns to discuss the writing trends popular in 2019 and shares what’s ahead for the new year.

642. Log Line Contest 2019

December 20th, 2019

1:20:59

Pilar and Aadip evaluate log lines sent in by listeners. Who will get a consider, recommend or pass? 

641. The Agent

December 13th, 2019

46:30

TV literary agent Davina Hefflin (The Gersh Agency) talks about her work with writers and the storytelling and character development that moves her on the page.

640. A Very Scotty Christmas

December 6th, 2019

48:06

Writer Scotty Mullen returns to the podcast to talk about his upcoming holiday movie, the Christmas tropes he loves and what it’s like to work with …

639. Basement Club Reunion (Part 2)

November 29th, 2019

50:38

Writer/Directors Emily Dell and Hannah Macpherson talk about their productive year creating horror/thriller content and their interesting advice to "come at storytelling sideways."

638. Bonus: Logline Lesson

November 25th, 2019

8:09

Announcement of the deadline and rules for the 2019 Logline Competition.  Plus 10 patterns to help build your logline.

637. Basement Club Reunion (Part 1)

November 22nd, 2019

54:29

Writer/Directors Etta Devine, Barbara Stepansky and April Wright return to talk about a year writing on Outlander, getting a blacklist script produced, creating an award winning documentary and much more.

636. TV Trends Updated

November 15th, 2019

53:46

Writer and television journalist Michael Grebb returns to discuss “Five Big Trends Writers Should Know About” including a new take on "peak TV," the …

635. Frederator!

November 8th, 2019

40:52

Kelsey Calaitges, development executive at Frederator Studios (Adventure Time, The Fairly Odd Parents) and writer on GO! Cartoons Bravest Warriors shares wisdom about pitching and writing for character-driven animation.

634. The Genre Mash

November 1st, 2019

47:23

Pilar and writer Jake Morgan discuss ways to combine genre, tone and intention to create the perfect “genre mash” television show.

633. The 17-year Overnight Success

October 25th, 2019

59:03

Hear how, after seventeen years of stops and starts, Matt Harris’s script “The Starling” was produced with actors Melissa McCarthy, Kevin Kline, Chris O’Dowd, Timothy Olyphant and director Ted Melfi.

632. Rewrite Techniques

October 18th, 2019

24:44

Pilar offers “Five Easy Rewrites” and writers on social media add over 40 more!  Take notes on this one.

631. The Tenacious Writer

October 11th, 2019

49:22

Writer Anne Kruse shares five concepts that build writer perseverance.

630. Getting Schooled in Star Trek

October 4th, 2019

47:54

David Wright, writer/producer on Star Trek: Lower Decks, discusses the storytelling legacy of Star Trek.

629. Notes From The Writer To The Actor

September 27th, 2019

51:15

Acting coach Crystal Carson reveals the ways she helps actors analyze story, discover characters and interpret meaning from feature and TV scripts. 

628. Bless the Harts ... and Christy Stratton

September 20th, 2019

50:26

Writer/Producer Christy Stratton shares her love of act structure and enthusiasm for the new FOX animated show “Bless the Harts.”

627. Scott Beck and Bryan Woods

September 13th, 2019

45:41

The writers of A Quiet Place discuss their upcoming film Haunt, their long-standing writing partnership and their process of discovering story and characters on the page.

626. Lazy TV Writing

September 6th, 2019

24:19

Pilar guides you through a few lazy ways to brainstorm, outline and write your TV pilot.  E-mail for the handout!

625. Making it Real

August 30th, 2019

42:23

Leon Gittens, a character animator for movies and video games, talks about the different kinds of animators needed to create one product, the role of …

624. Aadip Desai: Working Writer!

August 23rd, 2019

1:03:23

Aadip Desai has gone from On the Page Podcast producer to ABC/Disney fellow to staff writer on The Goldbergs.  Hear about his journey to get there …

623. Taylor’s Hollywood Month

August 16th, 2019

44:20

Writer Taylor Vaughn Lasley talks about her exciting summer pitching two series; one with Damon Wayans Jr. and one withFunny or Die.

622. Writing for Young Audiences

August 9th, 2019

51:53

David Skelly (The Muppets, Splash and Bubbles, Word Party) and Jennifer Skelly (My Little Pony, The Lion Guards, Motown Magic) return to the podcast …

621. I Will

August 2nd, 2019

48:36

Maura Chanz, Michelle Flowers and Clarissa Kern have turned their jobs assisting show-runners and producers into major stepping stones to a writing and producing career.

620. Kaplan Talks Horseman

July 26th, 2019

37:11

Writer Rachel Kaplan talks about what she’s learned in the writer’s room of the popular, animated comedy BoJack Horseman.

619. The Wrong End of the Table

July 19th, 2019

47:27

Writer and editor Ayser Salman returns to talk about how she turned real life experiences into a comic memoir and pitch for a tv series.

618. Independent Thinkers

July 12th, 2019

59:06

Filmmakers Sterling Macer Jr, Chris Molinaro and Jeremy Walton share their “dos” and “don'ts” about making movies cheaply, independently and with …

617. Rising Star

July 5th, 2019

40:36

Years of creating high quality content is paying off for writer Jude Roth.  Hear what she’s learned from taking meetings and obtaining high quality representation. 

616. The Hustle

June 28th, 2019

49:12

Filmmaker Alex Ferrari talks about the “hustle” of independent filmmaking and the personal experiences that led him to write his new book, Shooting for the Mob.

615. Like Magic and Music

June 21st, 2019

49:54

Shaun Cassidy (New Amsterdam, Emerald City, American Gothic) went from pop star to rockstar writer. Here he digs into the process of the writers’ room and reveals his personal inspiration for finding story. A …

614. "Television Is My Ministry"

June 14th, 2019

45:25

TV executive Rev. Karen Frost talks about her path in Hollywood and her current role as creative executive at Viola Davis’s JuVee Productions.

613. College Reunion

June 7th, 2019

45:01

Carnegie Mellon graduates Tommar Wilson and Beth Crosby reunited in an On the Page screenwriting class.  Although Tommar performs on Broadway and Beth performs sketch and improv, they also united in their observations …

612. 1999

May 31st, 2019

1:20:21

The Sixth Sense, Election, Being John Malkovich, Magnolia … Tonight we’re gonna write like it’s1999!  Special assistance from Pat Francis and Azul …

611. Wedded to the Writing

May 24th, 2019

41:24

Writers Jason Director and Ayla Harrison are happily married and constantly moving forward in their writing career.  They’ve also developed a list for finalists and fellows to help them make contacts and get work .

610. Character Development

May 17th, 2019

44:00

Pilar is joined by writer Melissa Cassera to discuss ways to create and show the emotional progression of on-screen characters.

609. Daring Canadians

May 10th, 2019

48:45

Canadian writers Michelle Muldoon and Geordie Sabbagh talk about the daring steps they’ve taken to seek out contacts and make their own movies. 

608. The World Builder

May 3rd, 2019

40:41

Ashleigh Powell (The Nutcracker and the Four Realms; one of Variety’s 10 Screenwriters to Watch) talks about her love of writing, genre, and world building.

607. Bare Knuckle Writing

April 26th, 2019

40:44

David Matillo wrote seven unproduced scripts before his feature spec “Bare Knuckle” made the 2015 Blacklist. He discusses the projects he’s written since then and what he’s learned along the way. 

606. What’s the Star on the Horizon?

April 19th, 2019

51:49

Manager/Producer Markus Goerg (Heroes and Villains Entertainment) describes a writer’s career as, “never boring, never easy and never a straight line."

605. "Assume Your Audience is Smart”

April 12th, 2019

44:32

Playwright / screenwriter Christy Hall (I Am Not OK With This on Netflix), discusses her approach to writing for the stage and screen.  

604. The Organized Writer

April 5th, 2019

42:58

Organizer Tracy McCubbin, author of Making Space, Clutter Free, discusses ways to declutter your writing space and organize your writing time.

603. Writing the TV Drama Series

March 29th, 2019

52:35

Author/ USC Professor Pamela Douglas discusses the changes to genre, structure and the international market addressed in the fourth edition of her classic book Writing the TV Drama Series.

602. "All of the Above"

March 22nd, 2019

49:08

Hilliard Guess, writer on Deadly Class, talks about asking for what you want, changing perception and his personal steps toward becoming the next J.J. Abrams.

601. Special

March 15th, 2019

46:32

Ryan O’ Connell talks about writing on Will and Grace and Awkward and discusses his upcoming Netflix series Special, inspired by his experiences as a gay man navigating the world with cerebral palsy.

600. UpLyft

March 8th, 2019

34:50

Eight days. Thirteen states. Thirty drivers.  Pilar’s husband Pat Francis talks about his new documentary in which he traveled across country using only the ride-share service Lyft.

599. Boomerang

March 1st, 2019

47:37

Kendra Jordan and Racquel Baker discuss the new B.E.T. show Boomerang and the way they find episodes and break story in the writers’ room.

598. Doctors in the House

February 22nd, 2019

45:14

Psychiatrist Laura Erickson-Schroth and general practitioner Justin Young are also writers who crave a more realistic depiction of the medical profession on screen.  Listen to their advice about myth vs. truth in the …

597. Oscar Podcast 2019

February 15th, 2019

1:05:40

Pilar and her friends Brian Pope, Mike Musa and Nancy Noever get together for their annual discussion/argument about the best screenplay and best adapted screenplay Oscar nominees.

596. The Gate Keepers

February 8th, 2019

53:00

Story analysts Mark Chandley (HBO), Holly Sklar (Warner Bros.) and Daniel Livnat (UTA) discuss their approach to reading and covering scripts and …

595. Meredith Danluck

February 1st, 2019

49:04

Writer / director Meredith Danluck discusses the thought and effort that went into her independent thriller State Like Sleep and her four-screen narrative film North of South, West of East

594. Lazy Screenwriting

January 25th, 2019

23:06

Stop working so hard!  In a quick tutorial, Pilar guides you through some lazy ways to brainstorm, outline and write your screenplay.

593. Finding a Career by Living a Life

January 19th, 2019

41:59

Jade Branion and Darren O’Hare made some fascinating life choices that influenced and energized their writing.

592. What Do Competitions Want?

January 11th, 2019

40:41

Kristin Overn, Executive Director of the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards, talks about the world of writing competitions and provides insight into the ways judges read and evaluate scripts.

591. Writing BlacKkKlansman

January 4th, 2019

46:21

David Rabinowitz’s first feature-length script got the attention of Jordan Peele and was directed by Spike Lee.  He discusses the writing and pitching process and what he’s learned along the way.

590. Log Line Contest 2018

December 28th, 2018

1:34:16

Pilar and Aadip evaluate log lines sent in by listeners. Who will win ... and who will end up on the “But List?”

589. Return of the Go-Getters

December 21st, 2018

51:01

One sold a movie. One was nominated for a Webby. And one decided to just focus on being happy. Denise Cruz-Castino, Aydrea Walden and Mike Martin …

588. When Your Audience is Your Protagonist

December 14th, 2018

27:42

The creative team at the video game company BioWare shares their insight into writing characters, story lines and action moments.

587. Writing Trends in Review with Lee Jessup

December 7th, 2018

43:07

Career coach Lee Jessup returns to discuss the writing trends popular in 2018 and shares what’s ahead for the new year.

586. Kyle is AOK

November 30th, 2018

40:33

Writer/editor Kyle Dodson discusses what he’s learned from being in the world of short-form content at the digital production company AOK.  He also shares tips for new creatives moving to Los Angeles.

585. Science!

November 23rd, 2018

49:03

Writer/Actor Taryn O’Neill discusses the ways that stories about science can entertain and change the world.

584. OTN, BS and EH

November 16th, 2018

51:34

With the help of writer Elena Zaretsky, Pilar explains the meaning of the mysterious red pen marks she makes on her students' scripts.

583. Harry Potter and the Podcast of Screenwriting

November 9th, 2018

44:25

Writers Carlton Allen and Michael Monteiro Wise love the Harry Potter movies.  Here they explain why the book-to-screen adaptations work so well and why Harry Potter fans may end up saving the world.

582. Scary Suzanne

November 2nd, 2018

55:24

Suzanne Keilly has had such a successful two years writing on Dallas and Robo, creating two horror movies for SyFy and being staffed on the upcoming …

581. Your Private Development Executive

October 26th, 2018

57:17

Literary manager Jeff Portnoy talks about his role giving notes to writers, setting them up with agents, getting them ready for staffing and …

580. This Podcast is Rated PG-13

October 19th, 2018

35:53

Film ratings consultant Barry Freeman discusses rating elements such as sex, violence and language on screen and explains why this knowledge is …

579. Making Movies in Massachusetts

October 12th, 2018

40:01

John Stimpson has happily made a living and achieved success writing, producing and directing movies without moving to Los Angeles! 

578. Staying Alive

October 5th, 2018

49:06

Writers Chuck McCue and Jules Vincent thought like producers when writing their horror movie “Alive.” Now it’s screening at Austin.

577. The Idea

September 28th, 2018

40:32

In anticipation of his new book, writer Erik Bork discusses the seven elements of a viable story for screen, stage or fiction. 

576. Done Deal!

September 21st, 2018

53:31

Will Plyler, owner of Done Deal Pro, shares his thoughts about the thousands of film and TV deals made in Hollywood and archived daily on his …

575. Pippi Goes to Hollywood

September 14th, 2018

39:24

Greta Heinemann raised herself at an early age, learned English by watching Baywatch, came to the United States determined to be a writer and is now a producer on NCIS New Orleans!

574. Market Research

September 7th, 2018

46:52

Kerry Carroll discusses the ways that market research is used to test scripts, films and TV shows.    

573. A House, A Woman and a Broken Tooth

August 31st, 2018

44:38

Producer Kelli Joan Bennett and writer Monica Zepeda talk about how they turned a simple idea and one location into “Collusions,” a festival-winning …

572. More Than Just a Bottle of Water

August 24th, 2018

40:56

Writer Alex Cramer returns to talk about his latest spec sale and what he’s learned from ten years of writing assignments and pitch meetings.

571. Passion and Persistence

August 17th, 2018

41:12

Karen Campbell’s hard work and love of the writers’ room has earned her writing and producing credits on everything from Dexter to Outlander.  

570. Writing With Both Hands

August 10th, 2018

44:06

Writer/producer Anthony Sparks talks about writing "what is and what could be” in his career and on the television drama Queen Sugar.

569. The Stand-up Whisperer

August 3rd, 2018

47:54

Writer/ producer Matthew Claybrooks has written for both Chris Rock and Kevin Hart.  Here he talks about how he honors the comic’s personality and the ways he turns jokes into story.

568. Toni Graphia

July 27th, 2018

51:05

Outlander, Battlestar Galactica, Grey’s Anatomy, Roswell … and the list goes on! Producer / writer Toni Graphia reveals her process and talks about the writers' room from a show-runner’s perspective.

567. Directing for Writers

July 20th, 2018

48:29

Directing teacher Robert Bailey discusses ways that writer/directors can work with actors to bring out the intention and emotion of the page.

566. See What Sticks

July 13th, 2018

48:45

Writers Ilana Pena (Crazy Ex-Girlriend) and Madeline Hendricks (Jane the Virgin) discuss story brainstorming and joke writing in the writers’ room.

565. A Novel Approach

July 6th, 2018

44:41

Thomas Barron, author of the new novel “Bocas," shares the screenwriting-friendly techniques he uses to keep readers turning the page.

564. Crowdsourcing for Creatives

June 29th, 2018

51:43

Drawing from his book "Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers,” Richard (RB) Botto discusses the power of creating networks of friends and fans before, during and after the screenwriting and filmmaking process. 

563. Making Mischief

June 22nd, 2018

50:03

After rising from intern to junior agent to development executive, On the Page’s own Nick Oleksiw is starting his own company, “Mischief Films.” He talks about what he’s learned about networking, story telling and …

562. The Basement Club

June 15th, 2018

1:13:28

These six female writer/directors aren’t afraid to “go into the basement” when it comes to genre.  Emily Dell, Etta Devine, Sarah Ivy, Barbara …

561. Creating Great Content in the Digital Era

June 9th, 2018

54:23

Writer, teacher and author Neil Landau gives tips for writing in the current market and discusses his new book TV Writing on Demand: Creating Great Content in the Digital Era.

560. Making It Meaningful

June 1st, 2018

42:32

Writer/ director Marcus and Karrie Cox share their experiences as producers on movies like Tangerine and Adult Beginners and discuss their process …

559. Focus On Ability

May 25th, 2018

45:34

Jessica Orcsik, Manager & Program Director for Focus on Ability Film Festival discusses storytelling opportunities in writing about characters with disabilities.

558. May the Fourth Be With You

May 18th, 2018

1:00:01

Three writers, Chris Derrick, Michael Zannettis and Amanda Torigiani, talk about their favorite Star Wars movies. ‘Nuff said.

557. Another Day at the Dream Factory

May 11th, 2018

41:36

Writer/Director Vaughn Stein talks about the lessons he learned as an assistant director that helped him write and direct his movie, “Terminal,” starring Margot Robbie and Simon Pegg.

556. Brad Silberling and the Weighty Hey

May 4th, 2018

50:38

The work of writer/director Brad Silberling spans mediums and genres. Jane the Virgin, A Series of Unfortunate Events and Moonlight Mile are just a …

555. Why Are Grandma’s Cats Trying to Kill Her?

April 27th, 2018

41:55

Writer Russ McGarry returns to the podcast to talk about a career as a freelance writer and his latest job writing a three minute show with a compelling season arc.

554. Keeping Score

April 20th, 2018

47:23

West Anthony, host of the Musical Notation Podcast, talks about his favorite scores and soundtracks and how they enhance the story on the screen.

553. John Yorke

April 13th, 2018

45:21

Executive producer John Yorke (Wolf Hall, Casualty, Shameless) talks about writing and selling television in the UK. 

552. A Little Sketchy

April 6th, 2018

50:45

Marc Warzecha of the Second City Comedy Theater talks about the “game” of the sketch and ways that the principles of sketch writing work for TV writing.

551. Talk Talk Bam!

March 30th, 2018

45:50

Writer Jim Rash (The Descendants, The Way Way Back) talks about his co-writing process, his take on character and dialogue and how winning an Oscar doesn’t mean you don’t get writer's block.

550. Paul's World

March 23rd, 2018

51:38

Writer, Actor and longtime listener Paul A. Rose, Jr. sits in to ask questions and give information pertaining to previous episodes of the On the …

549. Frames

March 16th, 2018

41:44

When you choose a “frame” for your story, you control the story that’s told.  Writers Michael Zannettis and Chelsea O’Connor, hosts of the “We Can …

548. Writers Who Research

March 9th, 2018

50:35

Curiosity and lots of research helped Andrew Logan and Taylor Allen write the movie “Chappaquiddick,” a dramatization of the car accident and …

547. Indie Advice

March 2nd, 2018

50:51

Filmmaker Ben Zolno talks about what he’s learned from making the improvised dialogue movie, “Status Pending.”

546. Oscar Podcast 2018

February 23rd, 2018

1:18:15

Brian Pope, Mike Musa, Nina Berry and Pat Francis join Pilar for their annual discussion of the Oscar nominees for best screenplay and best adapted screenplay.

545. Just Like Dating

February 16th, 2018

45:38

Writer Jake Morgan describes the ways in which taking meetings and working in a writers’ room is like dating. And, in honor of Valentine’s Day, Pilar walks us through a structural template for romantic comedies.

544. Starting from Real Life

February 9th, 2018

43:50

Writer Jennifer Joyce talks about how her life and experiences become the starting point for sketches, TV shows and movies.

543. Writing From The Inside Out

February 2nd, 2018

40:43

Writer John Whittington (The Lego Batman Movie, When We First Met, Boy 21) talks about  his live action/animation writing career and the surprising script that changed everything.  

542. The Wisdom of Ed Solomon

January 26th, 2018

55:09

Writer Ed Solomon (“Now You See Me,” “Men in Black,” “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure”) wrote the HBO six-part series “Mosaic” as well as the …

541. Diving in with Doug Jones

January 19th, 2018

52:29

Doug Jones, star of the Golden Globe winning film "The Shape Of Water,” reveals how he brings silent and non-human characters to life.

540. Writing Coco

January 12th, 2018

50:53

Writer Matthew Aldrich and writer/co-director Adrian Molina discuss their approach to story, pay-off and world building for “Coco,” the winner of the …

539. Pitching as Performance

January 5th, 2018

40:58

Jennifer Julian and Holly Payberg of June Bug Pictures talk about the techniques they use to hook a listener in a two-minute pitch.

538. Storytelling For Change

December 29th, 2017

39:56

Alan Jenkins, President of The Opportunity Agenda, and Jon Fitzgerald, author of "Filmmaking for Change," discuss ways to change the world through film, TV and documentary storytelling.

537. Wisdom from the Christmas Guy

December 22nd, 2017

41:26

Writer Brian Turner returns to talk about his new job writing for the Netflix series “Trolls” and helps Pilar answer more questions from her …

536. Trends for 2018

December 16th, 2017

48:39

Career-coach Lee Jessup returns to talk about the changes we saw in 2017 and writing trends ahead for 2018. 

535. Log Line Contest 2017

December 8th, 2017

1:23:50

Pilar and Aadip review log lines sent in from listeners!  Who will be the winner?

534. Writing Non-binary Characters

December 1st, 2017

56:57

Non-binary characters don’t fit into classic male or female molds. Writers Laura Erickson-Schroth and Sonya Ellis discuss the challenges and creative …

533. Surviving AFM

November 24th, 2017

48:23

Armed with a case of thumb drives and a bag filled with aspirin, filmmakers Curt Wiser, Al Mauro and John Wotring went to the American Film Market for four days of pitching, meetings and networking.  Hear their …

532. Beyond Bollywood

November 17th, 2017

47:02

Filmmakers Shazia Malik and Danish Renzu talk about their experiences pitching, writing and directing movies in India and the U.S.

531. Mr. Fortuitous

November 10th, 2017

44:48

Sometimes you just happen to run into an old client from New York, who happens to be in town taking meetings for his feature after wrapping …

530. VO, Flashback and Breaking the 4th Wall

November 3rd, 2017

24:10

Pilar gives a sneak preview of her next book, “The Coffee Break Screenwriter Breaks the Rules,” with this discussion about narrative devices like …

529. Scary Scripting

October 27th, 2017

47:37

Josh Stolberg, writer of “Jigsaw” (in theaters now), talks about the “Saw" franchise, working with Clive Barker and his advice for being scary on the …

528. Write It Like Bruce

October 20th, 2017

55:44
Writer on the verge Eric Rudnick talks about rewriting, video pitching and channeling your inner Bruce Springsteen.  

 

527. Screenplay Development from the Inside Out

October 13th, 2017

1:01:02

So you’ve got a script. What happens next?  Producer Rona Edwards fills us in.  A must-listen for those who want to understand the true business side of showbiz.  Also check out the third edition of her book, “I Liked …

526. The Adventures of Katie Mattila

October 6th, 2017

39:04

Animation writer Katie Mattila (Avatar: The Last Airbender, Kung Fu Panda, Harvey Beaks, 100 Things to do Before High School, Tangled: The Series and …

525. Writing in Cologne

October 1st, 2017

53:36

Pilar's students from the International Film School in Cologne, Germany talk about their stories and feelings about US and German television. 

524. Inbox

September 22nd, 2017

59:14

With the help of writer Suzanne Keilly, Pilar clears out her overstuffed e-mail inbox and gives long overdue answers to listener questions.

523. The Comic Hero’s Journey

September 15th, 2017

54:06

Using comedy expert Steve Kaplan’s upcoming book as a launching point, he and TV writer Ellen Sandler discuss the journey, goals and drive of main characters in comedy features and TV shows.

522. Keeping it “The 100”

September 8th, 2017

44:14

Star student turned star TV writer Charmaine DeGrate returns to the podcast to share what she’s learned as a writer and producer of the popular CW …

521. Christopher Vogler

September 1st, 2017

45:12

Christopher Vogler, author of the landmark book "The Writer's Journey”, discusses mythic structure, connectivity and “the wisdom of the body."

520. Acquiring Life Rights

August 25th, 2017

55:22

David Kessler spent years attempting to get life rights for the scripts he wanted to write. In this episode he shares his journey and provides tips for the passionate (and brave) screenwriter. 

519. The Song Of My Movie: Take 2

August 18th, 2017

1:13:26

It's another On The Page/Rock Solid mash-up as Pilar and Pat Francis read listener's log lines and play the songs that the writer would want on the …

518. Now That's Funny!

August 11th, 2017

48:05

Want to get a laugh? Try some conflict and hostility. Peter Desberg, psychologist, teacher and author, explains it all to you.

517. The Positive Press Tour

August 4th, 2017

54:30

Silicon Valley writer Shawn Boxe talks about getting work, navigating the writers room and creating story while also battling cancer.

516. Not a Cucumber Sandwich Party

July 28th, 2017

44:58

The great Scotty Mullen returns to talk about his latest movie: Sharknado 5!

515. The Script Supervisor

July 21st, 2017

49:50

Time, place, pacing and continuity: these are just some of the responsibilities of a script supervisor. Sylvia Parker (Edge of Tomorrow, T2 Trainspotting, The Theory of Everything, Murder on the Orient Express), covers …

514. Bend and Snap with Kiwi Smith

July 14th, 2017

48:53

Kirsten (Kiwi) Smith, the co-writer of "Legally Blonde," "10 Things I Hate About You," "Ella Enchanted" and (in development) "The Expendabelles" and "Sister Act 3," talks about breaking story, creating set-pieces and …

513. Character Arc

July 7th, 2017

1:01:40

From inner wounds to onion chopping, Pilar and author Michael Hauge hash out the complex character arc of the on-screen protagonist.

512. Dynamic Duo

June 30th, 2017

51:53

Writing partners Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin describe their journey from winning contests to writing the live action “Mulan" for Disney.

511. Idea Think Tank

June 23rd, 2017

47:13

How do you find the next great story? Writers Jacob Coakley, Alicia Lomas-Gross, Amanda Torigiani, Nadia Madden and Neal Thibedeau share the ways they brainstorm new ideas and find character inspiration from news, work …

510. Not Just A Pretty Face

June 16th, 2017

31:43

Jamie Anderson has worked hard creating content and pitching ideas. Now it's paying off with representation and features in development. 

509. The Reality of Reality

June 9th, 2017

54:59

Producer Wendy Miller (formerly with Playboy TV, NBC Universal, Lifetime, Oxygen) has heard many, many reality pitches.  Here are some of her do’s and don’ts!

508. Hallmark Heather

June 2nd, 2017

41:59

Heather Overton, manager of original programming at Crown Media Family Networks, discusses the mission and story approach at the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.

507. Gentle Subversion

May 26th, 2017

48:09

Irish writer/director John Butler discusses the ways he honored and subverted archetypes in his "coming out of age" film, "Handsome Devil."

506. The Marvel Cinematic Universe

May 19th, 2017

56:58

Pilar learns from husband Pat Francis about the “three phases” of Marvel story-lines in the movies and on television. 

505. Luck with Lifetime

May 12th, 2017

34:14

Writers Melissa Cassera and Hunter Doohan separately made their first script sales with Lifetime.  Hear how they did it, what it’s taught them and what’s next on the horizon.

504. What Not To Wear

May 5th, 2017

43:46

Carole Kirschner, Director of the WGA Showrunner Training Program, CBS Diversity Program and Humanitas Fellowship, returns with business advice on …

503. Six Experts and a Toucan

April 28th, 2017

41:38
A distributor, marketing expert, acquisitions director, producer, writer and filmmaker offer their opinions and expertise at the Cartagena International Film Festival. 

 

502. Digging Under The Castle Walls

April 21st, 2017

53:42

"Go-getters”  Aydrea Walden, T. Michael Martin and Denise Cruz reveal the unique approaches to story and business that helped them hit the ground running with their writing careers.

501. John Badham

April 14th, 2017

1:03:11
Pilar welcomes legendary Director John Badham (Saturday Night Fever, War Games, Blue Thunder, Stakeout) to the show to discuss his career in filmmaking and his approach to the script.

 

500. Happy Anniversary

April 7th, 2017

1:04:35

Pilar celebrates the 500th episode of the On the Page Podcast with her producers past and present.

499. My Dinner with Arnold

March 31st, 2017

59:17

Director Elliott Lester discusses his upcoming slate of projects including the new film "Aftermath" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

498. Daniel Pyne

March 24th, 2017

42:13

Daniel Pyne, screenwriter (sum of all fears, manchurian candidate, pacific heights) and novelist, drops by the OTP Studio to chat about noir tropes, writing authentically, and the challenges of inaccurate IMDB …

497. Six Pitches

March 17th, 2017

49:22

Pilar and guest co-host Jason Levy (winner of the 2016 Log Line Contest) listen to the movie and TV pitches of writers Cat Alvarado, Barbara Cole, …

496. Writing Muslim Characters

March 10th, 2017

50:31

Writers Ayser Salman and Lena Khan talk about the challenge and promise of writing Muslim characters for film and TV. 

495. Gotta Dance

March 3rd, 2017

47:00

TV and film choreographer Courtney Miller reveals the way on-screen dance contributes to story. 

494. Oscar Podcast 2017

February 24th, 2017

1:34:38

Brian Pope, Mike Musa, Nina Berry and Pat Francis join Pilar for their annual discussion of the nominees for best screenplay and best adapted screenplay.

493. The Heart and the Spine of the Story

February 17th, 2017

44:24

Kim Zubick, producer of "The Zookeeper’s Wife," reveals the movie's long road from book to screen.

492. Films To Save Your Love Life

February 10th, 2017

51:08

Author Pamela Jaye Smith talks about the structure, characters and different kinds of love found in the movies curated in her new book, “Romantic Comedies: These Films Can Save Your Love Life."

491. Looking Back at the Writers Strike: A Double Episode

February 3rd, 2017

1:13:23

Brian Kalata and Stephen Andrzejewski, the producers of the documentary "Pencils Down! The 100 Days of the Writers Guild Strike,” look back at the issues that created the strike and discuss the changes in the industry …

490. Breaking In

January 27th, 2017

40:01

Career coach Lee Jessup returns to talk about the interviews she conducted for her new book “Breaking In: Tales From The Screenwriting Trenches.”

489. Writing for Virtual Reality

January 20th, 2017

47:44

Screenwriter Giz Gewirtz, co-founder of Seismic Games, discusses the possibilities and limitations of virtual reality narratives.

488. Teachers

January 13th, 2017

56:40

Kathryn Renee Thomas and Caitlin Barlow, creators and stars of “Teachers” on TV Land, school us in the improv techniques they use to build characters …

487. Action on Film

January 7th, 2017

45:05

Jim Churchman, stunt coordinator for Marvel movies, discusses what lifts off the page and onto the screen to create great action sequences.

486. Happy New Year 2017!

December 30th, 2016

45:35
Pilar and members of her Tuesday-night Writers Group pour champagne, look back on 2016 successes and discuss goals for the new year. (Stick around …

485. On The Page and In The Ring

December 23rd, 2016

44:58

What do pro-wrestling and good screenwriting have in common? Writer, actor and wrestling fan Sam Benjamin explains it to you.

484. The Twelve Days Of Writing Revisited

December 16th, 2016

49:34

This week Pilar is on a business trip teaching on the East Coast, so please enjoy a rebroadcast from December 16, 2011. A twelve day writing guide from logline to pages. Sing along with Pat and Pilar!

483. Making It Big In Shorts

December 9th, 2016

50:38

Filmmaker Kim Adelman shares tips on short film writing and low-budget filmmaking from her book, “Making It Big In Shorts,” now in its third edition.

482. The Deadly Sins of Actors … and Writers!

December 2nd, 2016

41:23
Actor Kevin E. West gives an actor’s perspective on the script and discusses how the 7 Deadly Sins get in the way of artists’ success.

 

481. Most Improved

November 25th, 2016

35:42

Nadia Madden, Pilar's "most improved" writer of 2016, talks about navigating the Austin Film Festival, the benefit of notes and classes and how much she secretly hates pumpkin pie. 

480. Storytelling with Mark and Niall

November 18th, 2016

59:56

English writer/director Mark Heywood and Irish writer/director and Tribeca shorts programmer Niall McKay talk about the different story telling approaches here and abroad.

479. Funny Or Die

November 11th, 2016

51:28

Can we still have a good laugh after this election? Kelly Hudson and Jocelyn Richard of “Funny or Die” are here to help.

478. Hit the Floor Running

November 4th, 2016

41:00

Writers Judalina Neira and Sarah Fahey talk about the different roads that led them from college in Boston to writing for shows like “Hit the Floor” …

477. The Industry-Ready Checklist

October 28th, 2016

38:06

Pilar goes it alone this week to help you polish up your script before giving it to an important reader. E-mail her at inquire@onthepage.tv to get …

476. Script to Comic to Script

October 21st, 2016

48:03

Comic book writer Eric Freitas (Judge Dredd, Regular Show, Godzilla), reveals how he uses movie structure to write his comic books, then uses the …

475. Getting Creative

October 14th, 2016

54:29

Sometimes a creator’s got to create in order to create more. Filmmaker Noel Orput and web series producer Sarah Hawkins explain how they made it happen for themselves.

474. The Magical Number Three

October 7th, 2016

49:02

Academy award-nominated animation supervisor David Schaub shares the analysis of three-act structure he used when creating his structure app, “The Three Act Compass.”

473. The AFM

September 30th, 2016

40:49

Jonathan Wolf, Managing Director of the American Film Market, discusses the power of the pitch at the world’s largest motion picture business event.

472. Fan Club

September 23rd, 2016

44:36

Audience Development Strategist Lara Hoefs discusses the ways that creators and storytellers can learn from their fanbase.

471. Glenn Williamson

September 16th, 2016

54:42

Producer Glenn Williamson brings stories from his early years working for Tim Burton on Edward Scissorhands to producing critically hailed and compelling titles like 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', 'Sunshine …

470. Log Line Contest 2016

September 9th, 2016

1:43:41

Matt Belknap (podcast king and former reader for Imagine Entertainment) joins Pilar to evaluate listener log lines and pick a winner!

469. Moving the Needle

September 2nd, 2016

1:12:17

Tom Nunan discusses his tremendous career from being an executive at ABC, Fox, NBC and UPN to founding Bull’s Eye Entertainment which produced the …

468. The Return of Marc Haimes

August 26th, 2016

56:38

Marc Haimes, writer of "Kubo And The Two Strings," discusses his up and coming projects: the adaptation of the subversive graphic novel “Nimona," and a drama based on the Waco Texas tragedy, produced by Mark Boal.

467. Reality Rocks

August 19th, 2016

47:39

Producer and TV host Damona Hoffman talks about the creativity and storytelling that goes into developing and writing reality shows.

466. How To Write Like A 10th Grader

August 12th, 2016

50:04

Larry Friedman, the high school teacher you wish you had, walks us through the inspiring prompts and exercises he gives in his writing classes. …

465. Trans Characters on Screen

August 5th, 2016

45:41

Writer Sonya Ellis talks about the negative tropes and positive approaches to writing trans characters in film and TV.

464. Scoring Story

July 29th, 2016

51:17

Composer and writer Heather Schmidt talks about the ways she captures the emotion, tone, pace and story beats of the films, TV shows, and video games she scores.

463. Romy, Michelle, and Robin Schiff

July 22nd, 2016

46:20

Pilar entertains Robin Schiff in the OTP Studio, as Robin relates the autobiographical origin of her script for 'Romy and Michelle’s High School …

462. Scripting Suits

July 15th, 2016

53:53

Writer Aaron Korsh, (creator of the hit show Suits), and director Kevin Bray (Suits, Empire, Blackish, CSI, Walking Tall) discuss the happy intersection of writing and directing on TV.

461. Novel To Screen

July 8th, 2016

43:00

Rebecca Phelps and Chris Cookson, authors of the blog “Novel2Screen,” discuss the ways that screen adaptations go right … and painfully wrong.

460. Plan For Success

July 1st, 2016

1:01:25

Entertainment attorney Richard DeLossa discusses copyright protection, script releases, writing partnerships and more.

 

459. Out of the Ashes

June 24th, 2016

44:16

Writer Suzanne Keilly talks about her work on "Ash vs. Evil Dead" as a writers’ assistant, episode writer and webisode writer.

458. Inspired By

June 17th, 2016

50:57

Pilar helps writers Alicia Lomas Gross and Steve D’Arcangelo build a whole movie from one real-life-event. Listen and follow along!

457. Terry Rossio

June 10th, 2016

58:01

Terry Rossio, writer of “Aladdin," “Shrek" and "Pirates of the Caribbean," shares his thoughts about adaptation, story telling, dialogue and script notes.

456. The Poetry of the Page

June 3rd, 2016

37:05

SK Valenzuela, literature professor and winner of the Industry Insider Screenwriting Contest, discusses the similarities between poetry writing and screenwriting.

455. Pickle and Peanut and Joel and Noah

May 27th, 2016

46:23

Joel Trussell and Noah Jones traveled from Maine and Tennessee to the land of unicorns. Hear how they did it and went on to work on animated projects such as "Yo Gabba Gabba," "Fish Hooks" and "Pickle and Peanut."

454. Joy To The Script

May 20th, 2016

42:50

Joy Gorman Wettels, producer of "The Meddler" and "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World," starts with the question, “why should your story be …

453. Writing the Thing That Scares You

May 13th, 2016

44:47

Writer Irene Turner does not shrink away from tough characters and true crime. Here, she talks about co-writing "An American Crime," starring Ellen Page, and "The Most Hated Woman in America," with Melissa Leo (Netflix …

452. Paul Rust

May 6th, 2016

51:53

Writer Paul Rust is everywhere on Netflix right now with his show “Love” and co-writing credit on “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.” So it looked like a good …

451. Making Connections When You Have Zero Connections

April 29th, 2016

59:57

Writer and marketing consultant Melissa Cassera talks about 7 ways you can create your “little black book” of helpful industry connections.

450. 1-Hour & Y.A.

April 22nd, 2016

52:09

What do a "Grey’s Anatomy” and “I-Zombie” writer have in common? They both moonlight as Y.A. writers! Jen Klein and Sara Saedi talk about structure and storytelling for both mediums.

449. Creed

April 15th, 2016

49:06

Aaron Covington, co-writer of “Creed," talks about the work and thought that went into writing the 7th "Rocky” movie. 

448. Stephanie Allain

April 8th, 2016

47:01

Stephanie Allain, producer of “Dear White People,"  and “Hustle and Flow,” and an early champion of "Boyz n the Hood," talks about theme, diversity and scripts that make her “heart beat fast.”

447. Pilar and the Script Monsters

April 1st, 2016

44:13

Pilar is joined by writers Garrett Frawley and Brian Turner (AKA The Christmas Guys) to discuss their reboot of the 70's kids' show "Sigmund and the Sea Monsters” and their award-winning Amazon show "Gortimer Gibbon's …

446. Return of The Coffee Break Screenwriter!

March 26th, 2016

48:41

As the second edition of "The Coffee Break Screenwriter" hits the shelves, we replay an episode devoted to that book, hosted by Matt Belknap. New edition available through mwp.com and amazon.com

445. Screenwriters Rising

March 18th, 2016

41:48

Pilar sits down with screenwriting team Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt to discuss the intricacies of writing action films such as "Olympus Has Fallen," "The Expendables 3" and their current release "London …

444. Writing Homeland

March 11th, 2016

40:42

"What keeps you up at night?" Writer Charlotte Stoudt discusses what it's like to write for Homeland.

443. The Producer

March 7th, 2016

47:21

Ethan Erwin, executive VP of Silver Pictures and producer of The Book of Eli and The Nice Guys, discusses the process of movie making, working with Shane Black, Denzel Washington's guest house and Jean Claude Van …

442. Finding the Layers

February 26th, 2016

56:06

Costume designer Mary Zophres and set decorator Dena Allen look to the script to layer the movies and TV shows they work on.

441. Oscar Podcast 2016

February 19th, 2016

1:09:57

Brian Pope and Mike Musa join Pat Francis and Pilar for their annual discussion of the nominees for best screenplay and best adapted screenplay.

440. 5 Things to Avoid When Pitching

February 12th, 2016

46:16

Joey Tuccio, the head of Stage 32 Happy Writers Online Pitchfest, talks about do’s and don’ts for online pitching.

439. The Song Of My Movie

February 5th, 2016

48:59

It's another On The Page/Rock Solid mash-up as Pilar and Pat Francis read listener's log lines and play the songs that they would want on the …

438. Movies and Web Series and Comic Books, Oh My!

January 29th, 2016

52:59

Meredith Berg started in theater, but now she has a critically acclaimed independent movie, a web series with over six-million hits and comic book …

437. Hollywood in Wisconsin

January 22nd, 2016

44:12

Pilar sits down with Comedian and Screenwriter Pete Schwaba to discuss making independent films anywhere in the USA.

436. Q&A with P&A

January 16th, 2016

1:11:19

With Aadip’s help, Pilar answers listeners’ questions about writing voice, genre, scene beats, script competitions and more. 

435. Starting With A Song

January 8th, 2016

50:58

Pilar and the music / writing experts of the Rock Solid Podcast (Pat Francis, Christy Stratton and Murray Valeriano) use song titles to brainstorm …

434. Speaking Forensic

January 2nd, 2016

49:39

Jennifer Dornbush, the author of the book “Forensic Speak," separates fact from fiction for those writing about forensics, evidence and crime scenes.
 

433. TV to Novel to Feature

December 26th, 2015

41:42

Writer Hollie Overton wrote a novel in the “spare time” she had as a working TV writer. Now she’s adapting that book into a feature film. We talk to …

432. Loglining A Lifetime

December 18th, 2015

43:53

Pilar sits down with her mom, Sydelle Pittas, to discuss the story of her life as it might play out through movie log lines.

431. Sibling Scriptwriters

December 11th, 2015

46:13

Brother and sister team Adam Wilson and Melanie Wilson LaBracio reveal their process for writing movies, tv and ice shows!

430. Fact and Fantasy in Movies

December 4th, 2015

57:10

Screenwriter and Author Jonathan Vankin discusses the liberties filmmakers take when they adapt non fiction subject matter for the big screen.

429. Writing Docs Like Scripts

November 27th, 2015

41:37

Filmmaker Viko Nikci talks about his award-winning documentary “Coming Home,” which he edited as though he was writing a screenplay.

428. Making Movies In South Africa

November 20th, 2015

1:25:14

Pilar sits down to discuss the craft of screenwriting with the executives at Triggerfish Animation and some of South Africa's most promising writers.

427. Rewrite Contest Part 2

November 13th, 2015

48:28

With the help of her handsome sidekicks Pat and Mike, Pilar evaluates "Before & After" rewrite submissions sent in by her faithful listeners.

426. Rewrite Contest Part 1

November 6th, 2015

48:16

With the help of her handsome sidekicks Pat and Mike, Pilar evaluates "Before & After" rewrite submissions sent in by her faithful listeners.

425. Collaboration

October 30th, 2015

56:49

Pilar is joined by writers Valerie Ahern, Mike Montesano and Eric Schaar to discuss their process for writing family oriented sitcoms.

424. Thinking Out of the Boxe

October 23rd, 2015

42:24

Writer Shawn Boxe is on the brink! Here he talks about breaking story and taking meetings.

423. John Vorhaus Knows Everything

October 17th, 2015

48:47

Need tools for comedy, sitcom writing or life itself? Author and TV Writer, John Vorhaus has something to teach you.

422. 10 Ways To Make L.A. Work For You

October 9th, 2015

48:25

Writer Alexandra Denye came for a visit and never stopped moving. Here are 10 things she did to make progress on her writing and further her career.

421. Character Epiphanies

October 2nd, 2015

32:49

Great on-screen stories often revolve around major character epiphanies. Author Elise Ballard and Pilar discuss.

420. The Dan O'Bannon Way

September 25th, 2015

43:32

Writer Matt R. Lohr shares what he learned about conflict, structure and world-building from the writer of "Alien" and "Total Recall."

419. Walking the Walk

September 18th, 2015

43:39

Filmmaker Coley Sohn talks about her indie film “Sassy Pants,” her days as Pilar’s wingman and her take on gay characters on screen.

418. Just Between Gaby and Allison

September 11th, 2015

48:27

YouTube comedy writers Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin share their tips and techniques for creating entertaining short content on the web and beyond. 

417. Crime Time

September 4th, 2015

57:08

Criminology expert Kat Lindsey discusses the accuracy of killers and crime as they are portrayed in film and TV.

416. 6 Rewrites

August 28th, 2015

28:03

Pilar revisits six of the rewrite tools from "The Coffee Break Screenwriter" in order to get you prepped for her Before and After Writing Contest. 

415. Rolling The Dice With Carlito Rodriguez

August 21st, 2015

50:51

Hear how writer Carlito Rodriguez entered The Magical Starbucks and came out writing for "The Leftovers" and “Empire." 

414. Joking Around With Laurie Kilmartin

August 14th, 2015

48:14

Comedian, writer and author Laurie Kilmartin discusses her work writing political jokes for Conan O'Brien and personal jokes for her standup.  

413. Rich Sommer

August 7th, 2015

44:23

Actor Rich Sommer talks about his interpretation of script and character while playing Harry Crane on AMC's "Mad Men."

412. Cashing In With Corey

August 1st, 2015

46:45

Writer Corey Mandell returns to the podcast to talk to Pilar and Aadip about “cashing in on the second golden age of television."

411. David Nutter: TV Director

July 25th, 2015

50:00

Director David Nutter joins Pilar to discuss directing episodes of some of the most popular shows in television history, including The Sopranos, …

410. Significant Mother

July 17th, 2015

43:29

Writer Erin Cardillo discusses creating, writing and producing the upcoming CW sitcom "Significant Mother."

409. Story Through Animation

July 10th, 2015

52:22

Animation director Joshua Taback joins Pilar to discuss how he turns the written word into a fully realized and animated story.

408. Bernadette And The Bronze

July 3rd, 2015

40:28

Writer Melissa Rauch (Bernadette on “The Big Bang Theory”) and writer Winston Rauch discuss their independent comedy "The Bronze” which opened Sundance this year and will be released in October.

407. The Bogdanovich Way

June 26th, 2015

40:09

Pilar sits down with Antonia Bogdanovich and her legendary father Peter (Paper Moon, The Last Picture Show, What’s Up Doc)  to discuss “The Phantom Halo” written and directed by Antonia.  Episode perk: a …

406. Dads On Film

June 19th, 2015

50:53

Pilar sits down with Pat and actors David Rees Snell and Ted Lyde to discuss the pros and cons of dad depictions on film and TV.

405. High School on Hulu

June 12th, 2015

37:10

Pilar is joined by writer / producers Charo Toledo  and Carlos Portugal to discuss their Hulu original series "East Los High.” 

404. Laurie Lamson (Exclamation Point)

June 5th, 2015

39:41

Writer Laurie Lamson shares information from her "Now Write!” books about screenwriting, science fiction and mystery.

403. Mike, Molly and More

May 29th, 2015

53:06

Writer Brian Keith Etheridge joins Pilar to discuss his career as a television writer and producer on "Mike and Molly," "South Park" and …

402. Character and World Rules

May 22nd, 2015

43:34

On Mother's Day Pilar sits down with two story experts (her daughters Sara and Rita) to discuss the world and character rules of their favorite …

401. Nightingale

May 15th, 2015

43:24

Director Elliott Lester discusses the making of his soon to be released HBO feature "Nightingale."

400. Hot Pursuit

May 8th, 2015

38:02

Pilar is joined by writer John Quaintance on opening day of his film "Hot Pursuit” starring Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara.

399. The Age Of Adaline

May 1st, 2015

56:03

Screenwriter J. Mills Goodloe talks about writing in "The Shed" and the long journey to get his film "The Age Of Adaline" onto the big screen. 

398. Ride Along

April 24th, 2015

45:51

Charley Dane’s research for his original pilots includes police ride-alongs and gang tours. He talks about this plus his experience writing for  KYLE …

397. Lean In To Your Strengths

April 17th, 2015

52:42

Manager/Producer Scott Carr talks about what he looks for in writers and in scripts. 

396. Writing Treatments

April 10th, 2015

45:19

Writer Eileen Jones discussed her work writing treatments for TV, film and commercials.

395. Stealing from Shakespeare

April 3rd, 2015

56:23

GregRobin Smith, Managing Director of The Washington Shakespeare Festival, discusses the Shakespearean tropes, themes, characters and structure that work for contemporary script-writing.

394. The Page 69 Rule

March 27th, 2015

45:14

Writer/Executive Producer Paul Guyot (THE LIBRARIANS, GEOSTORM, LEVERAGE, FELICITY) returns to update us on his adventures in film and TV. 

393. What Do Film Festivals Want?

March 21st, 2015

52:52

Writer/director April Wright talks about how she reviews films as a programming associate for the Sundance Film Festival and AFI Film Festival. 


 

392. Comics vs. Movies

March 13th, 2015

53:33

Jonathan Vankin, screenwriter and former editor with DC Comics talks about the difference between comic book stories and movie stories. Helping out with the questions are super-fans Kyle Dodson and Kevin Killebrew.

391. Better Call Bob!

March 7th, 2015

57:47

A repost of the 2010 episode featuring actor/writer Bob Odenkirk of "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul."

390. Jessica Bendinger

February 27th, 2015

48:00

Accomplished writer/director/novelist and song-writer Jessica Bendinger talks about story and the need to become a “missionary” for your project.

389. Oscar Podcast 2015

February 20th, 2015

1:07:25

Brian Pope and Mike Musa join Pat Francis and Pilar for their annual discussion of the nominees for best screenplay and best adapted screenplay.

388. Layered Storytelling

February 13th, 2015

49:08

Writer/Director Paul Linsley walks us through four “layers” of storytelling:  Letter, allegory, moral and anagoge.

 

 

387. Star Students!

February 6th, 2015

52:31

On the page writers Charmaine DeGrate and Michael Grebb talk about their recent successes winning awards and getting meetings.

386. The "New Maker"

January 30th, 2015

46:46

Life is an improv for Rick Overton, actor, comedian and Emmy-award-winning writer.  

 

385. Lessons from 2014

January 23rd, 2015

50:26

Cablers, streamers and hackers oh my! Career coach Lee Jessup talks about the trends and trials of a very interesting year.

384. Setting it Up

January 16th, 2015

42:02

John Zaozirny, a principal at Bellevue Productions, talks about what it takes to get a project "set up" within the industry.

383. Anatomy of a TV Show

January 10th, 2015

49:19

Tawnya Bhattacharya, writer/co-producer on NBC’s "The Night Shift” and instructor at “Script Anatomy,” talks about the elements of a good pilot and tv spec.

382. Film, TV or Web?

January 2nd, 2015

44:43

Pilar provides a list of guidelines to help you determine if your story is best 

suited for film, tv or web.

381. Stage 32

December 26th, 2014

46:40

Pilar talks film, scripts and pitching with Richard “RB”  Botto, the founder/ CEO of Stage 32.

380. Christmas Guys 2014

December 19th, 2014

54:05

We're visited once again by Garrett Frawley and Brian Turner, the Christmas Guys who hate Christmas.  This year, they talk about their new gig as staff writers for Amazon’s kid show "Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal …

379. In The Backyard With Jeff Stolhand

December 13th, 2014

31:37

We go to the Budds' backyard as Ryan interviews filmmaker Jeff Stolhand, co-writer of "Burned" (with From Dusk Til Dawn's Alvaro Rodriguez) about …

378. From South Park to Shameless

December 5th, 2014

57:41

Writer Nancy Pimental talks about her experience as Executive Producer of “Shameless" and her early days writing for "South Park."

377. Flight Of Fancy

November 28th, 2014

49:41

Chief Pilot Syd Blue discusses the many ways the world of aviation inspires great story telling. NOTE: In the event of a water landing, this podcast can be used as a flotation device.

376. Sex, Death And Other TV Tips From Carole Kirschner

November 21st, 2014

47:16

Carole Kirschner, director of the WGA Showrunner Training Program, lists the components of a strong pilot and reveals the best TV shows to spec.

375. Meet The Gambinos

November 14th, 2014

58:56

Powerhouse team Lori Gambino (a blacklist screenwriter) and her husband David (producer of “The Judge,” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall) talk about screenwriting, biographical adaptations and the creative …

374. LSF 2014

November 7th, 2014

49:14

Writer Emma Gahan steps in as roving reporter for this year’s London Screenwriters’ Festival. Guests include the Deputy Chairwoman of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, Jason Pittock (the winner of the Bluecat …

373. An Imagineer Writes

October 31st, 2014

36:23

Jeffrey Travis brought engineering and art together with his film "Flatland" and his business "Positron." Here he talks about those projects as well as his movie "Dragon Day," on VOD this week and "Old Fashioned," going …

372. A Great Spec And A Dash of Confidence

October 24th, 2014

44:51

Writer/director Tracie Laymon has a hot spec and new representation. Fortunately, her experience in the independent world has prepared her well.

371. Black Characters on Screen (or the lack thereof)

October 17th, 2014

1:09:34

Writers Hilliard Guess and Lisa Bolekaja talk about the need for diverse characters and diverse writers’ rooms.

370. Beware “The X-Factor!"

October 10th, 2014

55:40

Chris Amick, Development Assistant at Trigger Street Productions, offers up a list of “do’s and don’ts" for new writers.

369. Confessions of Two Very Sweet Writers

October 3rd, 2014

40:56

Hear how Cheryl Texiera (writer/director of "Confessions of a Bitter-Sweet Actress") and Cassie Daniels (writer of "Convalescent" with Sinovio …

368. Log Line Contest 2014

September 26th, 2014

1:38:25

Former Imagine reader Matt Belknap, armed with his terrible Australian accent, returns to help Pilar analyze listener log lines. Who will be the big winner?

367. Pep Talk

September 19th, 2014

50:51

Writer/Director Josh Stolberg inspires as he talks about his Hollywood hits ... and notable misses.

366. The Versatile Writer

September 12th, 2014

53:14

Writer Mark Valadez talks about his journey from the ABC/Disney Fellowship to the comedy medical show “Scrubs" to the dramatic one-hour “Gang Related.”

365. Amy Brenneman

September 6th, 2014

54:21

Amy Brenneman, star of "The Leftovers," "The Practice" and "Judging Amy," talks about character arc, story intention and discovering emotion on the page... even when the character is silent.

364. Oh The Places You’ll Go

August 29th, 2014

51:18

Writer / location manager Robert Paulsen joins Pilar and Mike Siegel of “Travel Tales Podcast” to talk about how place becomes character in …

363. Storytelling for Change

August 22nd, 2014

41:51

Writer/director Ben Zolno creates story-driven campaigns to make people think differently. Terrific tips on how to get a message out, without being …

362. Hell on Wheels

August 15th, 2014

47:11

Bruce Marshall Romans, Writer/Producer for the AMC show “Hell on Wheels” talks about the importance of writing from character and staying grounded in reality.

361. Writing Maron

August 8th, 2014

51:06

Interview with Duncan Birmingham, executive producer of “Maron” on IFC.

360. Writer Q&A

August 2nd, 2014

49:24

What are the biggest mistakes writers make? How do you tackle the rewrite? Procrastination? Agents vs. Managers? Corey Mandell and Pilar answer your questions!

359. Always Be Joking

July 24th, 2014

44:49

Ben Mekler, staff writer at Nerdist Industries, is always joking... and always working.

358. Pitchfest 2014

July 18th, 2014

48:56

Roving reporter Ryan Budds interviews speakers, producers and attendees at the 2014 Great American Pitchfest!

357. Be A Fan

July 11th, 2014

50:30

Being a fan of Adult Swim got writer/director Casper Kelly "in the building,” and eventually landed him the position of creator for the popular show, …

356. Married to Screenwriting

July 4th, 2014

48:08

Screenwriters Keith Giglio and Juliet Aires Giglio share their secrets about being a successful writing team and successful spouses.

355. Live From Dublin!

June 27th, 2014

29:01

Pilar and guest producer Emma Gahan talk with Alan Fitzpatrick, the Managing Director of “Filmbase,” a national resource centre for filmmakers in Ireland.

354. Be Heard

June 20th, 2014

35:31

U.K. writer/ producer Judy Goldberg discusses her collaborative film projects "Be Heard” and “50 Kisses.”

353. 500 Days of Ryan Budds

June 13th, 2014

50:27

On the Page’s own Ryan Budds gives 10 Tips for Making It In LA.

352. The Flexible Writer

June 7th, 2014

45:34

Alex Cramer returns to talk about writing a rock biopic and a Disney movie and gives his more seasoned take on The Bottled Water Tour.

351. Tapping Into Our Fears

May 31st, 2014

46:17

Devi Snively, writer and film professor at Notre Dame, explores and examines horror movies from a sociological perspective. http://deviantpictures.com

350. Shakespeare for Screenwriters

May 24th, 2014

35:45

Hamlet for psychological depth, Macbeth for obsession, Lear for family drama. Jennie Evenson, author of "Shakespeare for Screenwriters," shows us how …

349. Best TV Moments

May 17th, 2014

51:51

David Bax and Pilar discuss some of their favorite moments on TV including "biggest shocker" and "best kiss."

348. Non-Stop Writing

May 9th, 2014

41:47

Christopher Roach, writer of the Liam Neeson hit movie “Non-Stop,” talks about screenwriting, his roots in reality TV and writing for the WWE.

347. All You Need Is Love

May 2nd, 2014

40:42

Pamela Jaye Smith, author of “Show Me The Love! All Kinds of Love for All Kinds of Stories” discusses the different kinds of love that can be found in movies and tv shows.

346. "Write to the Gun"

April 25th, 2014

45:37

Writer Matthew Riopelle talks about eight act structure and writing for Lifetime.

345. Sign. Service. Sell.

April 18th, 2014

40:18

Jake Wagner, head of the Management Division of BenderSpink, talks about finding talent and selling screenplays.

344. The Doctor Is In

April 11th, 2014

35:26

Dr. Zach Lutsky talks about what he's learned as a medical consultant and writer for television dramas (E.R., Mob Doctor, Scandal and more).

343. Digital Storytelling

April 5th, 2014

47:27

Jesse Wolfe, writer of Eye Of The Hurricane, director, and film professor at Savannah College of Art and Design says the future of film is all about …

342. Acquisitions and “Artsploitation”

March 28th, 2014

51:08

John Rhodes, founder of ScreenCraft, talks about what he’s learned from working in acquisitions and on films such as Rabbit Hole, Drive and Enders …

341. Comedy Central

March 21st, 2014

41:21

Gary Mann, Senior VP of Original Programming and Development, talks about the direction, tone, and taste of Comedy Central.

340. "Getting It Write" with Lee Jessup

March 14th, 2014

44:05

Career Coach Lee Jessup returns to talk about her new book, “Getting It Write: An Insider’s Guide to a Screenwriting Career.”

339. Breaking Into The Business

March 7th, 2014

43:07

Corey Mandell returns to talk about the best way to get work and keep working as a Hollywood screenwriter. www.coreymandell.net

338. Seth Hoffman and The Walking Dead

February 28th, 2014

53:29

That’s right, “The Walking Dead!” Plus, Seth has written for House, Prison Break and more.

337. Oscar Podcast 2014

February 22nd, 2014

1:07:32

Brian Pope and Mike Musa join David Bax and Pilar for their annual discussion of the nominees for best screenplay and best adapted screenplay.

336. Group Hug

February 14th, 2014

1:02:05

Pilar celebrates Valentine’s Day by answering writing questions from some of the people she loves … her students.

335. Stories Unexpected

February 8th, 2014

43:23

Writer/Producer Liz Tigelaar (Bates Motel, Revenge, Nashville) and actress Shiri Appleby (Girls, E.R., Roswell) talk about how life intersected with fiction on the one-hour drama "Life Unexpected."

334. Camping It Up

February 1st, 2014

35:16

Scotty Mullen, writer of Asylum's My Boyfriend is a Zombie Stoner, talks about his hot delicious pizza approach to pitching and writing.

333. Managing The Agent Relationship

January 25th, 2014

52:16

Chad Gervich, Author of How To Manage Your Agent, talks candidly about getting and keeping an agent.

332. The Internal Green Light Analysis

January 17th, 2014

41:52

Song writer David Kauffman set out not only to make a film, but to open a film. Here’s his story so far.

331. The Gender Gap

January 11th, 2014

49:47

Franklin Leonard (founder of the Blacklist) and Madeline Di Nonno (director of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media) discuss “unconscious bias” on screen and in the hiring process.

330. About Nadia

January 3rd, 2014

36:20

Nadia Bacon, staff writer on “About a Boy,” talks about comedy, perseverance, and dating as research.

329. Wine and Chocolate with Christy

December 27th, 2013

43:14

Christy Stratton, Co-EP of "Awkward" and writer on "King of the Hill" talks about the "glamorous" world of tv writing.

328. Christmas Guys!

December 21st, 2013

45:09

Garrett Frawley and Brian Turner, writers of four Christmas specials, return to talk about their work on live and animated shows in 2013.

327. Crowd-funding and the Independent Spirit

December 13th, 2013

44:12

What goes into a successful crowd-funding campaign? Independent filmmakers Kat Castaneda, Reko Moreno and Gary Allen discuss!

326. The Activity Pass

December 7th, 2013

29:44

Ignore the echo and prepare to take notes!  Pilar provides tips and tools from her rewrite class to help make your scenes more active and …

325. Collaboration

November 30th, 2013

42:33

Michael Hitchcock (writer on Glee) and Eddie Alfano (actor/writer) talk about their industry experience and their writing collaboration.

324. Remembering Syd

November 22nd, 2013

45:56

In honor of the great screenwriting teacher Syd Field, we replay his 2011 On the Page episode.

323. Scene Direction Contest, Part 2

November 15th, 2013

52:52

Well, 1/4 page really.  Pilar and Ryan Budds read and evaluate listener submissions with the help of Mike Siegel. 

322. Scene Direction Contest, Part 1

November 8th, 2013

45:05

Well, 1/4 page really.  Pilar and Ryan Budds read and evaluate listener submissions with the help of Mike Siegel.  

321. Writing for Video Games

November 1st, 2013

57:21

Do video game characters have backstories? Could Breaking Bad become a video game?
Game writer Susan O'Connor reveals all.

320. Molly Shannon

October 25th, 2013

42:28

Molly Shannon from Saturday Night LIVE, TV and Movies talks about creating characters.

319. Blue Cat

October 19th, 2013

44:01

Gordy Hoffman talks about the Blue Cat Screenplay Competition and about what works on the page.

318. Paul Pitches

October 11th, 2013

54:15

Screenwriter and TV producer Paul Guyot returns to talk about pitches, meetings and being good in the room.

317. Russ McGarry: Writer Ninja

October 5th, 2013

45:55

Writer Russ McGarry talks about his wrestling documentary, writing on Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja (Disney XD), and his podcast.

316. Tremor's Resume

September 28th, 2013

45:44

Writer Tremor Temchin - former agent assistant, writer's assistant and celebrity assistant - shares what he's learned about writing and about the industry. (pardon the echo)

315. Story Templates

September 21st, 2013

31:34

Pilar goes through the structure of 8 different story-telling templates from "Origin Stories" to "Puzzle Movies."  NOTE:  The "echoes" of the new  …

314. Avoiding Sushi

September 14th, 2013

38:18

Theater fundamentals for screenwriters as discussed by playwright / Film Instructor Steven Wolfson.  Take his advice and audiences won't be tempted …

313. It's a Crime

September 7th, 2013

45:48

Can a car door protect you from a bullet?  How do you know when a criminal is lying

Writers Dave Merlino (former Federal law Enforcement Supervisor) …

312. Perfectly Pippa

August 30th, 2013

55:24

Actor / Writer Pippa Hinchley talks about sketch vs. film and gives tips from her class on writing for the web.

311. Comic-Con

August 23rd, 2013

1:12:40

"San Francisco Terisa" crashes Comic-Con and snags interviews with Jane Espenson, Scott Aukerman, Jeffrey Tambor and More!

310. Writing for Game Shows

August 16th, 2013

45:20

Writer/producers Bret Calvert and John Ricci Jr. talk about the comedy and drama of Game Shows!

Geeky Award / Comic-Con Preview

August 13th, 2013

6:13

At Comic-Con, roving reporter San Francisco Terisa spends six minutes with Kristen Nedopak talking about the up-coming Geeky Awards.

309. How To Write Like a Third Grader

August 9th, 2013

36:00

Third grade super teacher Erica Rood provides writing tips for writers of all ages.

308. No Nodding

August 2nd, 2013

47:33

Actor David Rees Snell of "The Shield" and "The Unit" talks about his take on scripts from
an actors point of view.

307. Writing With Refrigerator Magnets

July 27th, 2013

46:22

Writer/Producer Troy Devolld, author of "Reality TV: An Insiders Guide to TV's Hottest Market," talks about getting work in the reality show industry.

306. Agency Analysis

July 20th, 2013

52:54

Jeff Portnoy, Story Editor for Resolution, talks about what he and others look for when reading scripts submitted for representation.

305. China

July 12th, 2013

36:52
Chellis Ying, writer and marketing executive, discusses the ways that China has become a major film market and an emerging force within the film industry.

304. A Passionate Writer and a Seven-Figure Sale

July 5th, 2013

1:07:45

Paul Guyot, Feature and TV writer, talks about his recent feature sale to Paramount Pictures and his experience writing for TV shows such as …

303. Candid Producer Talk

June 28th, 2013

57:31

Producer Kim Zubick (The Zookeeper's Wife; License To Wed: Yours, Mine and Ours), discusses the state of the industry, the different approaches to producing movies of varying budgets, and attaching A-list talent. 

302. Theme

June 21st, 2013

45:00

Ruth Atkinson, script consultant, story editor, and advisor to Sundance Institute/Film Independent, discusses the importance of theme and making your …

301. The Comic Book Guy Returns

June 14th, 2013

42:50

Carr D'Angelo, movie producer and owner of Earth 2 Comics, discusses the marriage of comics and movies.

300. The Starling

June 7th, 2013

52:44

Pilar is joined by writer Matt Harris to discuss their new venture … producing the independent feature, "The Starling."

299. Mother Effing Good Writing

June 1st, 2013

40:47

Actor, writer, comedian Johanna Stein talks about writing for tv, web and more.

298. Tribeca

May 25th, 2013

46:59

Roving reporter San Francisco Terisa sits down with Pilar to discuss her experiences at the Tribeca Film Festival and the Silent Film Festival.

297. Writing In Warsaw

May 17th, 2013

30:52

What's it like to be a writer in Poland? Writer and festival organizer Agnieszka Kruk provides insight.

296. iPhone Filmmaking

May 10th, 2013

36:18

Writer/Director Chad Diez talks about creating his award-winning web series, LAPS, on an iPhone.

295. Bacon Sizzles

May 3rd, 2013

48:41

Writer Caleb Bacon returns to talk about his work on the Vince Vaughn produced show "Sullivan and Son."

294. The Writing Groups

April 28th, 2013

1:08:51

The members of Pilar's private writers' groups tell all.

293. Tammy and Joe's Act 3

April 20th, 2013

48:34

Filmmakers Tammy Caplan and Joe Gold wrap up their long adventure with their indie-film, by talking about distribution and the road to screening in …

292. The Business of TV Writing

April 13th, 2013

54:32

"Staffing season."  "Baby writers."  "Diversity hires."  Nick (our intern-turned-agency-bigshot) explains it all!

291. Coming to LA

April 6th, 2013

58:33

Ryan Budds, aspiring writing and future On the Page podcast producer, talks about his first six months out in Los Angeles and opportunities found by just saying "yes."

290. Phil Tippett

March 30th, 2013

32:14

Roving reporter San Francisco Terisa interviews visual effects master Phil Tippett about his work on Star Wars, Twilight and more.

289. Q&A with Karl Iglesias

March 22nd, 2013

1:03:40

Karl Iglesias, author of "Writing For Emotional Impact" joins Pilar and Aadip in answering listener questions about suspense, flash-forwards, love scenes and more.

288. Logline Contest 2013 (Part 2)

March 16th, 2013

56:42

A winner is picked from this year's batch of listener loglines!

287. Logline Contest 2013 (Part 1)

March 9th, 2013

1:14:58

Matt Belknap joins Pilar to evaluate and vote on listener loglines!

286. Matt Price

March 2nd, 2013

1:03:35

Writer/Actor Matt Price talks about writing for "The Regular Show" while also acting on such shows as "Men of a Certain Age," "Reno 911" and "1600 …

285. Oscars 2013!

February 23rd, 2013

1:18:19

Brian Pope and Mike Musa are back to review the best screenplay and adapted screenplay nominees. This year they're joining Pilar and David Bax to …

284. Adaptation

February 16th, 2013

1:03:33

Writer Craig Fernandez discusses his approach to adaptation of books, classic stories and comic books.

283. Rich Fulcher: Man of Mystery

February 9th, 2013

55:45

David Bax and Pilar talk to writer/performer Rich Fulcher (The Mighty Boosh and Snuffbox) about career and comedy in the US and UK.

282. Supporting Characters Gone Wild

February 1st, 2013

50:47

As a follow up to her Script Magazine article, "Party Pals and Doormat Dudes,"Pilar and Aadip cover the wide-range of supporting characters on film …

281. "Guy In Wheelchair"

January 25th, 2013

46:47

Actor Tobias Forrest and Director Hilari Scarl discuss the benefits of writing for characters with disabilities. 

280. Writing for Saturday Night Live

January 19th, 2013

42:48

Writer/Producer Hugh Fink talks about his seven years writing on Saturday Night Live and about his current TV show, Parental Discretion.

279. Joy in 2013

January 11th, 2013

43:24

Filmmaker and funny girl Joy Gohring talks about her adventures in independent filmmaking for features, tv and web.

278. Career Strategy with Lee Jessup

January 4th, 2013

47:19

Career Coach Lee Jessup discusses personal branding and making it in the business. http://www.leejessup.com

277. The Seven Year Pitch

December 29th, 2012

48:28

Actor/Producer Joe Sabatino describes the journey he went on to create, pitch and produce the one-hour show "Necessary Roughness."

276. Return of The Christmas Guys

December 22nd, 2012

39:40

They're back!  "Christmas Guys" Brian Turner and Garrett Frawley talk scripts and Santa.

275. TJ Miller

December 15th, 2012

56:55

TJ Miller writes in a bathing suit.  He also has some interesting things to say about script writing, comedy and ways to create "likable" characters.  

274. London Screenwriters Festival, Part 2

December 7th, 2012

50:16

Taped live at the London Screenwriters Festival, Pilar interviews Pitchfest Winner Tom Kerevan, Writer Paul Bassett Davies, Producers Luke Ryan & …

273. Political Theater

November 30th, 2012

39:50

Filmmakers Jane Edith Wilson and Grace Lee discuss their controversial movie "Janeane From Des Moines" and its unique fact-to-fiction style of storytelling.

272. Stand-up to Script

November 24th, 2012

54:37

Stand-up comedians Murray Valeriano, Ryan Budds and Pat Francis discuss the structure of joke writing and the craft of script writing.

271. London Screenwriters Festival, Part 1

November 16th, 2012

50:53

Taped live at the London Screenwriters Festival, Pilar interviews producer Lucy V. Hay,  author Linda Aronson and writers Tim Clague and Danny Stack.

270: NYC Writers

November 9th, 2012

28:45

NYC Writers speak!  (Please remember to help out their city).

269. Talking Politics

November 3rd, 2012

51:19

PIlar and David discuss the structure and DNA of political films and tv shows.

268. Shriekfest!

October 27th, 2012

41:20

Roving reporter "San Francisco Terisa" interviews writers and filmmakers at Hollywood's scariest film festival!

267. The Unofficial Google Plus Film Festival Podcast Episode

October 19th, 2012

47:35

Writer/Director, producer of the "Unofficial" Google Plus Film Festival Mike Wollaeger discusses shorts and web series.   

266. Animation and Visual Effects

October 12th, 2012

54:29

Dara McGarry, animation production and visual effects, has a "chin wag" with Pilar and Pat.

265. Saying "Yes" To Story

October 5th, 2012

51:02

For show runner Jeff Kline, it all boils down to story.

264. Four-part Structure

September 29th, 2012

44:21

What do "The Master" and "The Avengers" have in common?  Four-part Structure!  Pilar and Pat discuss.

263. Writing the Contained Thriller

September 22nd, 2012

58:41

Chris Sparling, writer of "Buried," talks about finding inspiration from airplanes, obituaries and bunk beds.

262. The Screenwriter's Fairytale

September 15th, 2012

46:18

Todd Klick, author and writer, discusses the universal story and scene beats of great movies.

261. Pitching to Representation

September 8th, 2012

31:24

Using an On the Page template, Pilar runs through the elements of pitching to a manager or agent.

260. Laura Learns Lessons

September 1st, 2012

57:22

In the process of selling two original pilots, Laura House learned ten valuable lessons about writing and selling to Hollywood. http://laurahouse.com

259. Five Projects With Warner Brothers

August 25th, 2012

44:20

Writer Bill Birch talks about pitching material, getting assignments and doing the job.

258. Thinking Independently

August 18th, 2012

54:14

Edgar Pablos and Judith Cummings discuss pre-production on their film The Legend of The Horse Thief. Joe Gold and Tammy Caplan finish production on …

257. Catch-up and Conflict

August 11th, 2012

42:54

Pilar and David talk shop and discuss the meaning of scene conflict.

256. Ninja Writing

August 4th, 2012

43:33

Dan Avidan & Brian Wecht, co-writers and producers of Ninja Sex Party and DJs in PJs, talk about their love of music and storytelling.

255. Get Up and Practice

July 28th, 2012

49:27

Sean Hood, screenwriter (Halloween:Resurrection, Cube2, Conan The Barbarian) and blogger, discusses the (sometimes painful) rewrite process. 

254. Conceptual vs. Intuitive Writing

July 21st, 2012

47:58

Are you an outliner or a page person?  Writer / Teacher Corey Mandell discusses.

253. Karin Gist and Regina Hicks

July 13th, 2012

45:04

Karin and Regina write together and apart, cover every genre on TV and have great advice on getting work!

252. Meet the Manager

July 6th, 2012

56:50

Literary manager Mark Wheeler discusses what he looks for in clients and in scripts.

251. Action Line Contest!

June 29th, 2012

2:00:08

Parts 1 and 2 of the reading and analyzing listener submitted scene direction. Who will be the winner?

250. Eye of the Hurricane

June 22nd, 2012

33:36

Writer/director Jesse Wolfe discussed the making of his indie film starring Campbell Scott and Melanie Lynskey.

249. GAPF 2012

June 15th, 2012

37:45

Roving reporter San Francisco Terisa interviews writers, producers and organizers at the 2012 Great American Pitchfest.

248. Comedy Film Nerds

June 10th, 2012

53:59

Graham Elwood and Chris Mancini, hosts of the Comedy Film Nerds Podcast, discuss popcorn movies, genre cliches, smart kids camp and the Secret Service. www.comedyfilmnerds.com

247. Writing for Conan

June 1st, 2012

56:09

Conan writers Dan Cronin and Ted Levin talk comedy, submission packets and the "joke delivery system."

246. Hollywood Logic

May 25th, 2012

49:47

Doug Chamberlain, writer of Toy Story 2, reveals what he's learned about writing and the business.

245. Script Writing, Novel Writing and the YA Market

May 19th, 2012

50:40

Nina Berry and Jen Klein talk about how writing scripts has made them better YA novelists.

http://ninaberry.com http://jenkleinbooks.com

244. Mom as Protagonist

May 13th, 2012

56:45

Mom as movie protagonist? Pilar, Pat and filmmaker Leila Charles Leigh discuss! http://www.leilacharlesleigh.com

243. Smart Writing For Clever Kids

May 6th, 2012

47:15

Jack Thomas, writer of "The Fairly Odd Parents," "The Replacements," and the tv show "How to Train Your Dragon," talks about his writing career. Special cameo by Rita Dodson.

242. Writing Great Scene Direction

April 28th, 2012

53:04

Pilar, Pat and guest Alex Cramer explore and analyze well-written character descriptions and action lines. New contest announcement as well!

241. The Power of Film

April 21st, 2012

1:03:22

UCLA Screenwriting Professor Howard Suber discusses key ponts from his books The Power of Film and Letters to Young Screenwriters. http://thepoweroffilm.com

240. Writing Through It

April 13th, 2012

42:27

Irving Belateche, professional screenwriter and author of Under An Orange Sun, Some Days Are Blue, talks about how a tragic moment changed his perception about life and screenwriting. 

239. Writing For the Faith-based Market

April 6th, 2012

53:09

No preaching on this podcast!  Filmmakers Alan Tregoning and Jason Vaile talk about writing for the Christian market and their personal success with "speed filmmaking."

238. Out-of-the-Box Funding

March 30th, 2012

50:26

Independent filmmakers J.T. Arbogast and Kimberly Dilts talk about their creative approach to storytelling and fundraising. www.angelsperch.com

237. Ten Ways to Get an Agent

March 23rd, 2012

47:25

TV executive / career coach Carole Kirschner explains it all to you. http://www.hollywoodgameplan.com

236. TV Trends 2012

March 17th, 2012

44:18

Writer/journalist Michael Grebb discusses the current tastes and trends of the cable and broadcast networks.

235. Storytelling in Tel Aviv

March 10th, 2012

47:38

Julie Gray discusses her plan to unite women in the Middle East through writing and filmmaking. www.storiesnoborders.com

234. Making a Scene

March 3rd, 2012

44:32

Find out how Pilar got a black eye, Nick got locked in a trunk and Pat spilled his milkshake.

233. Beyond Project Greenlight

February 25th, 2012

47:26

Director Efram Potelle discusses his approach to writing, directing and the film industry.

232. Oscar Talk 2012

February 17th, 2012

1:03:16

Pilar and Laurence join Pope's Picks team Brian Pope and Michael Musa in discussing and analyzing the best screenplay and best adapted screenplay Oscar nominees.

231. Rom-Com Structure

February 10th, 2012

55:14

Pilar offers eight different romantic comedy structures as guest David Kessler lends his dating wisdom.

230. Acting Wisdom for Writers

February 4th, 2012

54:19

Actor Kevin E. West's (CASTLE, JUSTIFIED, LOST, 24) approach to the page reveals great character and story tips for writers.  http://kevinewest.com/

229. The Editors' POV

January 27th, 2012

56:32

POV of movie storytelling from Crispin Struthers (editorial dept. for THE FIGHTER, ROCK N' ROLLA and more) and Charles Kaplan (editorial department for HOT TUB TIME MACHINE, THE ROCKER, and more).

228. Four TV Movies!

January 21st, 2012

40:42

Jen Notas, writer, OTP client and former babysitter, talks about writing for Hallmark. Joe Gold and Tammy Caplan update us on their indie film.

227. Writing For The Tonight Show

January 14th, 2012

56:57

Tonight Show writer Michael Loprete talks about writing for late-night TV. Pilar lists scenes she'd like to retire in 2012.

226. Josh Stolberg Writes Everything

January 6th, 2012

57:32

Indie, Studio, Horror, B-movie... Josh wrote it or is writing it!

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