You want to show people who you are as a writer. You need a calling card piece -- something that will give folks a taste of what you're capable of on the page and Rob & Kay are here with the do's & don'ts of what that script should look like, as well as what it should never be.
This Week’s Resource:
The Fellowship and Writing Programs for Screenwriters Masterlist is a wonderful resource from the WGA that allows you to organize your ultimate plan of attack for getting yourself out there during Fellowship Season.
Also we're happy to partner with Fade In while the Dasher experiment is ongoing! Remember that if Rob finishes the first draft of his novel then they will be providing two copies of their screenwriting program to give away to you loverly listeners! And if Rob DOESN'T finish his 1st draft by the deadline -- July 1st -- then he will be purchasing two copies of Fade In for you guys. So find them on Twitter, give them a follow, and let them know how much you appreciate their continued support of you, our listeners, and the podcast!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Click here for the Nicholls Fellowship Countdown
Denis Villeneuve hates dialogue
On the Rebecca Ferguson set abuse
Gauntlet Script Analysis hopes to combat AI with more expensive gatekeeping
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THIS WEEK Rob & Kay because Hollywood is slacking, we are discussing show, don’t frickin' tell. The only rule of screenwriting everyone can agree on...usually.
This Week’s Resource:
We’ve done this before when dealing with one of the core conceits of screenwriting, and as we always say, we are not the only voices on this subject, SO, we have compiled a new YouTube playlist for you guys to chew on, in further thought on today’s topic.
Also we're happy to partner with Fade In while the Dasher experiment is ongoing! Remember that if Rob finishes the first draft of his novel then they will be providing two copies of their screenwriting program to give away to you loverly listeners! And if Rob DOESN'T finish his 1st draft by the deadline -- July 1st -- then he will be purchasing two copies of Fade In for you guys. So find them on Twitter, give them a follow, and let them know how much you appreciate their continued support of you, our listeners, and the podcast!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Click here for the Nicholls Fellowship Countdown
Tyler Perry halts $800M expansion
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THIS WEEK Rob & Kay invite Brad Johnson on to discuss the sophomore year of THE GREY LIST, as well as ageism in the industry and how we as screenwriters can combat or adapt to it!
This Week’s Resource:
The Grey List (of course). Checkout the list, download scripts you think sound good, retweet your favs!
And while it isn't free, the Smodscastle 37 Hour Film Challenge sounds like it could be a fun thing to participate in. You pay $37 and make a film that could be watched and interacted with the man himself, Kevin MF Smith.
Also we're happy to partner with Fade In while the Dasher experiment is ongoing! Remember that if Rob finishes the first draft of his novel then they will be providing two copies of their screenwriting program to give away to you loverly listeners! And if Rob DOESN'T finish his 1st draft by the deadline -- July 1st -- then he will be purchasing two copies of Fade In for you guys. So find them on Twitter, give them a follow, and let them know how much you appreciate their continued support of you, our listeners, and the podcast!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Paramount+ and Peacock considering a merge
Click here for the Nicholls Fellowship Countdown
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
Kay's Twitter
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THIS WEEK, amid reports that the industry is more of a dumpster fire than usual, Rob & Kay thought it was a good time to have a Screenwriting SOTU!
This Week’s Resource:
The International Screenwriters’ Association’s Diversity Initiative strives to elevate writers from underrepresented and marginalized communities. And, as such they are launching a FREE CONTEST, seeking writers with unique perspectives based on race, sexuality, gender, neurodiversity, disability, economic inequality, age and other. Their goal being to break down barriers and celebrate authentic narratives. Final deadline is March 14. I don’t believe you have to be a paying member of ISA, but there is a free profile option if you have to join the site.
Also we're happy to partner with Fade In while the Dasher experiment is ongoing! Remember that if Rob finishes the first draft of his novel then they will be providing two copies of their screenwriting program to give away to you loverly listeners! And if Rob DOESN'T finish his 1st draft by the deadline -- July 1st -- then he will be purchasing two copies of Fade In for you guys. So find them on Twitter, give them a follow, and let them know how much you appreciate their continued support of you, our listeners, and the podcast!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Tracy Chapman Luke Combs 2024 Grammy full performance
Click here for the Nicholls Fellowship Countdown
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
Kay's Twitter
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Rob & Kay are starting off Black History month with a very special guest, Jordan T Simon who just finished his proof of concept for his pilot “The Boy Who Promised the Moon”
This Week’s Resource:
Monkey Paw Productions, along with Universal Pictures and TIFF have announced their No Drama competition. Up to six filmmakers will be selected to each receive a grant to produce their submitted short scripts. During the one year non-exclusive talent experience selected participants will engage in roundtables and workshops to enrich their creative process in producing a short film/proof of concept. Filmmakers will work closely with Monkeypaw throughout the creative process. NO DRAMA seeks to amplify dynamic filmmakers with a passion for telling genre centered stories. All participants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a writer-director with a unique and innovative perspective who demonstrates an interest in creating content that resonates with a global audience.
- Must be passionate about sub-genres including horror, fantasy, futurism, sci-fiction, suspense-thrillers, magical surrealism and more.
- Applicants must be the sole writer of any material submitted and own the rights. Material from writing teams will not be accepted.
Also we're happy to partner with Fade In while the Dasher experiment is ongoing! Remember that if Rob finishes the first draft of his novel then they will be providing two copies of their screenwriting program to give away to you loverly listeners! And if Rob DOESN'T finish his 1st draft by the deadline -- July 1st -- then he will be purchasing two copies of Fade In for you guys. So find them on Twitter, give them a follow, and let them know how much you appreciate their continued support of you, our listeners, and the podcast!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling
Click here for the Nicholls Fellowship Countdown
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
Jordan on Insta
Kay's Twitter
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Zack's Twitter
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Rob & Kay invite one of Kay’s screenwriting mentors and overall lovely human being, Andrew Guerdat, to discuss his career and new YouTube series, THE GO DRAFT.
This Week’s Resource:
ANDY’S YOUTUBE SERIES:
THE GO DRAFT! Andy’s series is ongoing, but there are 6 episodes up already. Go watch!
Also we're happy to partner with Fade In while the Dasher experiment is ongoing! Remember that if Rob finishes the first draft of his novel then they will be providing two copies of their screenwriting program to give away to you loverly listeners! And if Rob DOESN'T finish his 1st draft by the deadline -- July 1st -- then he will be purchasing two copies of Fade In for you guys. So find them on Twitter, give them a follow, and let them know how much you appreciate their continued support of you, our listeners, and the podcast!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
The Mothership Will Not Land at Netflix
Neither Will Doug Liman's Roadhouse at Amazon
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
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Rob & Kay get all nerdy n' gritty talmbout dem action lines. Y'all not gon' wanna miss this one as they finna leave no screenwriting stone unturned. Get it!
This Week’s Resource:
We’ve said this before, but we are not the only voices on the subject of screenwriting, so we thought maybe you could use this podcast as a jumping off point to investigate the subject further. And as such, Kay and Rob have come up with a medley of YouTube videos on the subject from the likes of Jay Carver, John August and Film Courage, just to start. Happy watching!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
Kay's Twitter
Rob's Twitter
Zack's Twitter
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Rob & Kay sit down with Denise Cruz-Castino, whose script for "5 Weddings" was made into a movie that made it's way to the Cannes Film Festival!
This Week’s Resource:
5 Weddings is streaming for free seemingly everywhere: Pluto, Tubi, Freevee, Peacock, and the Roku Channel, so go put it in your eyeholes and get a taste of our friend Denise.
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Sag-Aftra and Replica Studios
Open AI says ChatGPT impossible to create without Copywrite protected material
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
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THIS WEEK Rob & Kay are discussing worldbuilding – again. It’s not just for hobbits! Our hosts take you through how important expanding your the world of your screenplay is going to be in the marketplace going forward in 2024 (and beyond).
This Week’s Resource:
Air is up on Prime, it was one of my favorite films of 2023, but I’ve been following the story of it’s screenwriter, Alex Convery, via podcast for most of 2023, because I feel like his story is kind of like the Cinderella story we all want, but even within the Cinderella story, it’s the story of doing The Work. And The Q & A w/Jeff Goldsmith is not only one of my favorite podcasts, but it breaks Alex’s story down in a way that demystifies the process.
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Alligator Man Scene from Atlanta
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Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
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Rob & Kay are back in 2024 with a an opening public service announcement for the new year: turns out, you gotta do the work.
Sorry.
This Week’s Resource:
This week we are repeating our TRIO of free resources for you, because sometimes y'all don't listen when we be giving out free ish, sooooo -- LAST CALL!
First up is the Circle of Confusion x Anarchists United Writers Discovery Fellowship, which is first because it’s deadline is first at January 5th.
Then we have The Orchard Project Episodic Lab is open till mid January and is free. Get you the free stuff! (Great for all of our East Coasters)
And finally the Fox Entertainment Writer’s Incubator which, while a little intensive, is STILL FREE so Happy New Year!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
Kay's Twitter
Rob's Twitter
Zack's Twitter
Email us(!)
It's Christmas! (2023) So Rob & Kay have decided to do a little reflection, musing on that thing that all of us are trying to do -- all the time it seems like -- breaking in. And, joining them, is one of their favorite Twitter Brethren, Leah Simmons, aka, Leah From South Dakota, who also talks about her debut feature, Valentine Crush and what she got from making her indie roller derby feature.
This Week’s Resource:
This week we have a TRIO of free resources for you, because this is Christmas and we’re still giving out free ish!
First up is the Circle of Confusion x Anarchists United Writers Discovery Fellowship, which is first because it’s deadline is first at January 5th.
Then we have The Orchard Project Episodic Lab is open till mid January and is free. Get you the free stuff! (Great for all of our East Coasters)
And finally the Fox Entertainment Writer’s Incubator which, while a little intensive, is also free so merry christmas ya filthy animals!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
David Zaslav is buying Paramount?
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
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Rob & Kay take on their FINAL holiday deep dive with a Double Feature of their personal holiday favorites Die Hard (for Rob) & Hook (for Kay) directed by John McTiernan & Steven Spielberg, respectively -- with scripts from Jeb Stuart & Steven E. de Souza (of Die Hard) and James V. Hart & Nick Castle (of Hook) while boasting actors Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman & Reginald VelJohnson and Bonnie Bedelia for Die Hard, along with Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, & Bob Hoskins for Hook.
This Week’s Resource: Die Hard is in THEATERS. Go check it. It’s not free, but I think it’s worth seeing our favorite Christmas Blockbuster on the big screen (for $5-$7 on Tuesday). Hook is on streaming – for free – on YouTube, the CW app and on the Roku Channel.
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
The Blacklist
Hollywood Reporter: Post Writer's Strike -- Where are the TV Deals?
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
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Rob & Kay decided to do their penultimate holiday deep dive on Elf, the timeless Christmas classic that is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Jon Favreau directed film stars Will Farrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Zoey Deschanel, and Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Asner (as Santa)
This Week’s Resource: Elf! You can find it streaming on Max & Hulu, but because of the 20th anniversary, you can also find it in theaters for a limited a time! So watch it, see what the heck we're talking about, and tell us if you agree!
Also we have the Coverfly Pitch Week opt-in. It's free, and y'all know that's how we do! Deadline is the 18th!
And lastly, we have last-call for The Screenwriting Lab's Free Screenplay Contest! Again, FREE! What do you have to lose!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Lists: Stunt List, Georgia List, Next List, Blacklist
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
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Rob & Kay kick continue their holiday movie breakdown streak with a shared favorite of theirs, Shane Black's "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" starring Robert Downey Jr, Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan.
This Week’s Resource: The Long Kiss Goodnight on Pluto! Shane Black has given us another underrated Christmas Classic that we encourage you to watch if you like movies that are good and scripts that are better.
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Script for "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
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Rob & Kay kick off the holiday season with one of Rob's favorite romantic comedies, "The Holiday", Nancy Myers' Christmas classic two-hander starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black and Eli Wallach.
This Week’s Resource: The Holiday is available on Hulu!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
Kay's Twitter
Rob's Twitter
Zack's Twitter
Email us(!)
THIS WEEK! Rob & Kay talk to author, actor and screenwriter, Nate Golon whose indie tv series, Workshop was the first independently produced TV series to be picked up by Hulu!
This is the 3rd episode in our month-long dive into indiefilm tv!
This Week’s Resource:
Workshop Seasons 1 & 2 are available on YouTube.
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Cyote vs Acme now to be shopped following backlash
An in-depth look on the actor's strike
Series Pilot for Frasier (2023)
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
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Rob & Kay invite THESPIAN creator/writer/producer/show-runner/director, Marc Unger, as he speaks on how he's written three seasons of a show with no guarantees. How he writes character arcs and storylines when you don't have access to actors/locations/money to finish them out, but still have to keep the train on the tracks.
This is the 2nd episode in our month-long dive into indiefilm tv!
This Week’s Resource:
Thespian! You can watch the first two seasons on Tubi, for free! The first three episodes from season 3 are up on YouTube, which, we expect, you may want to delve into, after having spent some time with Marc and hearing about the scenes Rob worked on (for later in the season) so now is the time to get caught up!
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Deadline article on Strike Ending
David Zaslav Shelves Cyote Vs Acme for $30M Write-off
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How to Make a Movie for $1000
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This week Rob & Kay interview Jenna St. John and (her husband), Kevin Good about the writer's room and process of their independently produced series, SEXPECTATIONS! This includes finding the engine of the show (and how modern tv has the ability to shift/change it each season, a la The Good Place or Atlanta), how they consider Sexpectations to be a comedy, but not a sitcom, and what narrative challenges future seasons might pose.
This is the first episode in our month-long dive into indiefilm tv!
This Week’s Resource:
Two resources again this week. The first is from CinemaStix on YouTube with a video essay on how the comedic writing is so tight in Shaun of the Dead, that even with someone (Rob) who has watched it at least once a year, every year, since the year it came out (our lord of 2004), there are jokes in there that were somehow missed.
Our Second Resource is Sexpectations! You can watch it on Apple or Amazon. Shout out to Paige Feldman, friend of the show, who is no doubt listening to this, Paige, this is your show. For the rest of you out there, this is the example of what we've talking about so many times on this podcast: a show written and directed by people like you, who are in the trenches, grinding this shitty industry, making shit that not only works, but is AWESOME. It’s not free, but buying the whole season is worth your $9.
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
Kay's Twitter
Rob's Twitter
Zack's Twitter
Email us(!)
Kay Tuxford is at Austin! Rob is not! Is he jealous? Maybe -- but that's not going to get in the way of the two of them tackling one of the most important parts of the screenplay, THE MIDPOINT!
This Week’s Resource:
We have two resources this week. The first is from a friend of the podcast, Paige Feldman, who is documenting her journey as she writes -- and prepares to direct -- her first feature film on her YouTube channel. But this week she put out a really great video on what she calls “Cringe Paralysis” and the name sort of speaks for itself. We’re not gonna spoil the video for you, Paige kind of lays out her fears about her screenplay and we think it’s something that you guys might find helpful because we all have had some form of cringe paralysis at one time or another.
Our second resource, like what we did for acts two & three, is a playlist of videos designed to help you identify and craft your midpoint based on the information acquired. And we gotta say, the internet, specifically YouTube, does love its midpoint videos, as these videos are BANGERS. Chock-a-block full of easy-to-digest definitions and recognizable examples, especially the one from lessons from the screenplay on Collateral. It’s legit amazing.
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Variety Article on Fran Drescher's Toy Plushie
Our Podcast on "The Perils of Writing Act Two!"
Meg Lefauve's Screenwriting Life Podcast
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
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Rob & Kay follow up on their previous episode, which, hopefully got your booty into the chair with your new idea ready to write. This episode focuses on what happens when your butt hits the seat: mentally, physically, and in terms of craft -- all in preparation for the bane of the screenwriter's existence...Page 40 (and how to get past it!).
This Week’s Resource:
While this podcast doesn't really endorse any contest, this year’s free screenwriting contest from TSL is open for submissions and you should, because...why not? Plus, if you want to spend some cash to get notes, it makes this contest a nifty bargain. Up to you, but the main thrust is FREE ENTRY and if it gets your script in front of movers & shakers, even better.
Notes From the Episode:
Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)
Maureen Ryan's book, "Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood"
Coffee Break Screenwriter book
(Rob's Lawyer) Pam's Episode
Buy your own Vomit Draft Notebook
Buy your own Plot Fold Screenwriting Map
How to Make a Movie for $1000
Kay's Twitter
Rob's Twitter
Zack's Twitter
Email us(!)
