Screenwriting: From the Trenches

This week we’ve got an interview with Angela Bourassa who’s movie, “If You Were The Last” just played this years, SXSW. We discuss how she got "discovered" after over a decade of hard work, how she got her reps, and how her script came to be made for a four-quadrant audience for millions of dollars. Our Weekly Resource: Speaking of the SXSW film festival, here is their official podcast, On Story, which we recommended their episode on Shane Black a few episodes – our episodes – back, but this time we want to recommend the podcast proper, it has interviews with everyone whose career you’ve ever wanted to have in screenwriting or filmmaking and more. And if we’ve recommended this before, too bad, because it’s still good and some of y’all are new, as we discussed earlier. Notes From the Episode:⁠ Zack's Original Instagram video⁠ (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Eric Haywood's video on the state of the industry (for writers) Brittani Nichols (@BisHilarious) Thread on the difficulty for TV writers to advance because of minimums Rob's Video on Being an Indie Line Producer ⁠Rob's YouTube Channel⁠⁠ Cinema Challenge Series⁠, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000")⁠ Angela's Twitter Zack's Twitter ⁠⁠Kay's Twitter⁠⁠ Rob's Twitter⁠⁠ Email us(!)

A question for the ages, Rob & Kay, after being mired in the actions of actors, the industry and our fellow brethren this week, attempt to answer and come up with a pretty decent episode. Our Weekly Resource: The Charlie Kaufman Speech. Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Jenna Ortega Changed Lines in 'Wednesday' Scripts  Rob's "You're Making a Movie" video Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Kay and Rob discuss the hottest thing in our industry, Adaptations. Whether it's a book, news article, or something in the public domain, we've got you covered on the steps that you need to take, what kind of material is available to Joe/Jane Screenwriter, and what you should look out for when adapting IP. Our Weekly Resource: Friend of the Show, Danny Manus, has a great article on Script Mag for Adaptations that is a great addendum to this episode. Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)  @Sethmsherwood's Twitter Thread on how to write elevated horror The Grey List is out, featuring a script by Rob! Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week, as Kay and Rob find the industry to be a dumpster fire currently, so we want to have a heart-to-heart with our listeners on the topic of, "How does one get their foot in the door?" And really...if you really want to? Our Weekly Resource: Kane Parsons, also known as Kane Pixels, made a movie about liminal spaces – spaces that supposedly are adjacent to our reality without being a part of it – which, we didn’t even know was a thing. Anyway this kid, he’s 17, has been tapped by A24 to make the feature version of his YouTube Channel, which is set to shoot this summer. The first backrooms video has, as of this recording, 45M views, which is how that happened. Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)  @sofakarate's Twitter Thread Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week, Rob & Kay are discussing Setups &Payoffs. And while there are no 100% absolutes, but the things discussed in this episode are about as 99.999% repeating as you can get in terms of screenwriting “rules”. You MUST have setups and payoffs in your script, and the lack thereof is the sharpest indicator of a screenwriter that does not have command of their craft. Our Weekly Resource: An OnStory video with Shane Black talking about setups & payoffs. This really resonated with us. There's also audio version, but the video version, is what we are linking here. Either way you consume it, just consume it. Learn it. Absorb it. Please. Setups & payoffs are the backbone of screenwriting. If you are not doing it (or doing it properly), that’s probably why your screenplays aren’t getting any traction. Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) List of MCU movie writers on IMDb Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Sharpen your pencils and get your money ready, cause it's contest/fellowship season (and you've got a million applications to fill out). To guide you, Kay & Rob have graciously (😂) decided to lend you their expertise on what contests are worth it, vs the ones that are scams. Our Weekly Resource: The WGA just dropped a new Writing Programs Masterlist for you to navigate this years Contest/Fellowship season, check it out here. LINK to register for the "How to Make a Movie for $1000" Virtual Workshop! Coupon code BMOFO23 for 30% off Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Rob & Kay talk to Megan Rees about pitching after she got some great advice, recently, from some Hollywood screenwriter Big Shots on her TV pilot, Hot Town. Our Weekly Resource: Megan was recently featured pitching her screenplay on the Screenwriting Life Podcast with Meg LeFauve (and guest Joe Forte) where she, and others who participated, got great advice in a live workshop at the Austin Film Festival. This serves as not only another great place to hear our wonderful guest, but also to get some great advice for yourself from folks who know what it's like to be down in the trenches. This is one of the best podcasts out there, IMHO. LINK to register for the "How to Make a Movie for $1000" Virtual Workshop! Coupon code BMOFO23 for 30% off Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Megan's Twitter Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week, inspired by a Twitter thread by Christopher Cramer (who we have on the show with us), Kay and Rob talk the everyday screenwriter, and how our stories overlap and how we interact with our family, who don't always see us for the artists/creatives that we really are. Our Weekly Resource: Found a new YouTube channel called “The Media Insider” and this guy has a video called “How to Write and Format Screenplays Like a Pro” which is probably the best way that we’ve seen someone show and not tell (ha ha) how to write a script on the page. Just the raw mechanics of where to put what on the page, and why. And it’s not that long of a video, but we feel like anyone who watches can take what they’ve seen and go out and write their own screenplay afterward.  LINK to register for the "How to Make a Movie for $1000" Virtual Workshop! Coupon code BMOFO23 for 30% off Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Christopher's Twitter Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Rob interviews producer Sev Ohanian, producer of the film "Missing" who also co-wrote the film’s predecessor, "Searching". In it, we talk about the charges against Alec Baldwin for the shooting on the set of the film Rust, whether these screen movies qualify as "found footage", the return of the whodunnit genre,  and what brought Sev and his partner to this sequel (after saying previously they wouldn't do one). Our Weekly Resource: The Official Wakanda Forever Companion Podcast. Produced by the company Sev co-founded, Proximity Media, this podcast offers not just a behind-the-scenes look at the making at one of the biggest movies of 2022, but also dives deep to give real heart and context to the making of this film in the wake of the death of the franchise's star, Chadwick Boseman. Hosted by Ta-Nehisi Coates, this is a wonderful podcast not only if you're a fan of the film, but if you're a fan of stories about how movies get made. LINK to register for the "How to Make a Movie for $1000" Virtual Workshop! Coupon code BMOFO23 for 30% off Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Sev's Twitter Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Rob and Kay are talking adaptation, specifically via The Last of Us since Rob has played the video game and Kay has not. We also talk, in our Twitter drama segment, the backlash surrounding the Scooby-Doo prequel cartoon Velma, and how imminent a Writer's Strike could be do the current practices of the studios. Our Weekly Resource: The Last of Us companion podcast. If you want to hear what it was like to adapt one masterpiece into another check out HBO’s official podcast for the show where host Troy Baker (who plays Joel in the video game version), talks with folks who were boots on the ground during the production on the show, mainly showrunners and creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. It’s fantastic to get real insights on how the sausage is made from the mouth of the butchers themselves. LINK to register for the "How to Make a Movie for $1000" Virtual Workshop! Coupon code BMOFO23 for 30% off Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) The Writer's Panel Podcast episode, hosted by Ben Blacker Dog Lady short film Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Rob and Kay talk Christmas get into the topic of (sexy) Worldbuilding and how it's not just for the Star Wars's and the Avatars of the world, but even your average dramas and comedies, etc. And how you can do the leg work so that your movie doesn't feel thin. Our Weekly Resource: The Art of World Building - Immersive Screenwriting with Margaret Kerrison from (the great) Indie Film Hustle, under their Bulletproof Screenwriting banner, we love to give out free resources and this video is great if you're looking to continue down the rabbit hole of information on how to build worlds.  LINK to register for the "How to Make a Movie for $1000" Virtual Workshop! Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Romance Author Fakes Her Own Death TSL Free Screenplay Contest Screenwriter Matt Lieberman on worldbuilding "Free Guy" on The Screenwriting Life podcast Renfield Trailer Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Kay is out this week on birthday adventures so Rob brought in his friend of many years, Brad Johnson, screenwriter, director, and proprietor of The Grey List --  a new initiative for writers over 40 -- the latter of which is discussed in this podcast  Our Weekly Resource: The Grey List. Fighting back against ageism in HW by spotlighting the best screenplays by writers over 40. If you find yourself at the age of this program or know someone who’s perfect for it, please check out the link in the description above for more information as well as follow them on twitter (link above) for more info on how they plan to rock the new year with their awesomeness. LINK to register for the "How to Make a Movie for $1000" Virtual Workshop! Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Greta Thunberg owns Andrew Tate Variety's Worst Movies of 2022 Kim Hornsby on Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Brad's Twitter Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!).

This week Rob (who has a cold) and Kay talk Christmas movies and what we can take away from them as screenwriters as well as taking on the controversy of what constitutes a Christmas movie, aka The Die Hard Conundrum. Our Weekly Resource: CIRCLE OF CONFUSION WRITER DISCOVERY FELLOWSHIP While Rob is loathe to recommend contests/gatekeepers of any kind, this is a free thing where you can submit your pilot script to potentially carve an avenue to which to find eyes or just see what state your pilot is in. The deadline is January 6th, so you can use the Christmas Break – if you have one – to polish up your pilot and get it on over to circle of confusion which always gets a beat for producing Eternal Sunshine. LINK to register for the "How to Make a Movie for $1000" Virtual Workshop! Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible 7 featurette Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

It seems odd that it's taken us 65 episodes to do one on the subject of rewriting, but here we are. Rob and Kay discuss not only the two types of rewriting (queryable vs note driven), but give out tips and tricks on how to develop a proper system that will yield you a bulletproof screenplay. Spoiler alert: it'll take you at least three drafts (and they tell you why). Our Weekly Resource: This week’s Resource: Grammerly! Rewriting is not only about potentially making different choices to your structure or characters, but also a chance to go back through and make sure you’ve spelled things correctly or made sure that each action line serves a purpose. Not to mention that typos and bad grammar annoy readers, especially when they're in the first few pages and that’s where something like Grammerly comes in. It’s free, works through various, easy-to-use platforms for both mac and PC, via app or via desktop and it’s 100% free. I know this sounds like an ad, but we’re not getting any money to say this, we’re just recommending it, Plus, it’s christmas, and maybe you want to gift yourself or another fellow screenwriter a paid LINK to register for the "How to Make a Movie for $1000" Virtual Workshop! Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Little Miss Sunshine Screenplay Nathan Graham Davis's Video on Rewriting Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Rob asks Kay to don her Professor Fedora as they discuss THE MUSTS OF ACT ONE. Characters, introductions and inciting incidents -- oh my! There's also some back and forth about certain trolls being back on Twitter, Patty Jenkins talking about character arcs, and Rob is super jealous of Mike Flannigan, but that's just how we do. Our Weekly Resource: The Binging with Babish Youtube Channel has a paperback cookbook “Eat What You Watch: A Cookbook for Movie Lovers” LINK to register for the "How to Make a Movie for $1000" Virtual Workshop!  Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Death Proof Screenplay Get Out Screenplay Planes, Trains & Automobiles Screenplay Rob's YouTube Channel Cinema Challenge Series, Round 1 ("How to Make a Movie for $1000") Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

In Episode 55, we discussed outlining, which is how Kay Tuxford likes to start. But here in part two? Rob teaches us how to write from the seat of the Pants. Our Weekly Resource: The Moleskine Volant Journals. These are Rob's best friends for making sure that they capture his thoughts as they fall out of his head. They come in pocket (index card sized) and longer-pocket sizes, so that’s where he keeps them, just, in a back pocket, to pull out & use on rough sketches of scenes, sometimes just dialogue snippets, that may not have an immediate place in the script, but figure that out later. It's more important to watch the movie as it’s happening. LINK to register for the "How to Make a Movie for $1000" Virtual Workshop! Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) The Cocaine Bear Trailer Episode 54 of the Script Apart Podcast where Zach Cregger talks about pantsing the hit film, "Barbarian" Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

The Holidays got the Best of Rob & Kay (don't be like that, don't act like we didn't see you in those Black Friday lines at Best Buy) sooooo, we're giving you a previously unaired Screenwriting Therapy episode from a few months ago. We promise to be back next week with the fresh screenwriting goodness you know and love. -- Mgmnt. Our Weekly Resource: For a pure resource, you could do much worse than David F. Sandberg's Ponysmasher YouTube Channel where he not only gives behind the scenes looks at his Hollywood projects like "Light's Out" and "Shazam", but also talks filmmaking, equipment, and making short films on his own. Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week we’re doing our first response podcast as the No Film School Podcast – one of our favorites – put out a podcast recently that essentially was, “You’ve Written a Screenplay. Now What?” Which, after 60-some episodes We were surprised we hadn't done a full deep dive on the same topic, but today, we shall! Our Weekly Resource: Since we’ve done a podcast in response to another podcast it only seems fair to make the No Film School Podcast our crown jewel of value goodness this week, since this podcast is chock-a-block full of it. With interviews from folks you want to hear talk about the business as well as lively debate with the editors of NFS on the issues of the industry and up-to-the-minute tech news. If you’re a podcast person – and we assume you are, you’re listening to us  – and you’re not already subscribed to these folks, what are you doing? Get on it. Make it happen. And tell em, we sent ya’. Notes From the Episode:   Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Jason David Frank (RIP) Ben & Matt start a production company No One Wanted to Make Barbarian Andrea's episode on Querying Managers Paige Talks About Saving Money on Contests Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week we have the resident expert of the Screenwriter forum on Facebook and the writer of one of the most acclaimed books on screenwriting, “That's Not The Way It Works”. He is a producer, writer of 19 produced films and a former actor, Bob Saenz is on the show. Rob & Kay talk to Bob not only about his book, but also about staving off the end of the end of democracy, Super Mario giving everyone the finger, and the unfortunate passing of legendary voice actor, Kevin Conroy. Our Weekly Resource: Bob’s book, “That's Not The Way It Works” is a no-nonsense guide on screenwriting and the business of our craft, Bob’s book is a memoir-style look at our beloved industry with practical advice from a working professional who’s done the work, so you don’t have to wonder. It is not only best-selling, but award winning and is a worthy addition to any screenwriter’s library next to Syd Field, and Blake Snyder. Notes From the Episode:   Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Bob's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

In support of Microbudget Filmmaking, Rob and Kay have started a new series where they both spotlight a film & the filmmakers in order to glean all the golden goodness for those of us in the trenches trying to make Marvels out of A24's. Rob & Kay are back! After a few weeks of irregular guest hosting, our Dynamic Duo returns with not only their usual sass, but also a Returning Guest! Paige Feldman, author, writer/director, and YouTuber, becomes the show's first, stopping in to talk about her new indie TV series, Interrobang, as well as all the Hot Twitter Goss (you know how we do), like: Stephen King owning Elon Musk on Twitter, David Tennant being the Internet's (sexy) Boyfriend, and Screenwriting Twitter collectively freaking out (WHERE DO WE GO?!) over Elon buying our platform of choice. Our Weekly Resource: Paige’s series, Interrobang. The age of independent TV is almost upon us, my friends. As our friend Zack Morrison said in last week’s podcast, even if you don’t sell your thing, it’s much better to have as an example of your work because as we all know in this business, PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO READ YOUR SCRIPT. So be like Paige, be like Zack. Make a thing. And support people who do, like Paige, by watching their things (and cribbing ideas as to how you want to make your thing). Notes From the Episode:   Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Stephen King's Dollar Baby option program Paige's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Guest Cohost Julia is here with Kay standing in while Rob is out of town. They talk about the medium of independent TV pilot with Zack Morrison! Y'all remember Zack, right? He's the guy that gave us our Twitter Drama Theme Song! And there was some juicy drama this week involving an assassination attempt, an asshole billionaire, and some good old FOMO regarding our favorite love-to-hate film festival. This week’s Resource: Zack Morrison’s Youtube Channel featuring a variety of shorts/content/vlogs featuring our guest, as well as his journey on bringing CANUSA to life! Notes From the Episode:   Zack's poster for CANUSA  Julia's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week, Kay, like Backstreet, is back, and we’re talking about writing for the future! And to help us, I’ve managed to convince a guest I’ve wanted to have on for a long time, Liam O'Donnell, writer and director Beyond Skyline and Skylines to come on and tell us what it’s like. We also share some nice news about losers (racists/incels) losing, and Roadmap Writers taking L's on teaching writers about Blockchain. Our Weekly Resource: Speaking futuristic, I’d like to shout out my friend Christopher English and his comic book magazine, Realms, which is up on Amazon, for free if you have Amazon/Kindle unlimited. And by its own description, explores science fiction, fantasy, and steampunk themes, as well as dystopian worlds, alternate realities, multiverse themes. Realms promises a wild ride in every issue. Notes From the Episode:   Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) The Podcast from Jeff Goldsmith that made Rob fall in love with Liam Liam's Podcast, Action for Everyone Liam O'Donnell on Twitter   Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

In support of Microbudget Filmmaking, Rob and Kay have started a new series where they both spotlight a film & the filmmakers in order to glean all the golden goodness for those of us in the trenches trying to make Marvels out of A24's. This week, Kay was MIA (again!) so Rob sat down with Adam Mervis (writer/director) and Mark Stolaroff (producer), of the film, The Last Days of Capitalism.  We also -- like we do -- got into the various Twitter dust ups -- WE SEE FTW(!) -- and got into tea over everyone's favorite corporate overlord villain, WBDiscovery, and their diversity program shenanigans.  Our Weekly Resource: The Last Days of Capitalism. Available for free on Amazon Prime and Tubi, you too can check out this little miracle of a film and form your own opinion of what the title means to you. You can also see some pretty amazing performances from stars Sarah Harper and Mike Faiola Notes From the Episode:   Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Driver X Trailer (another movie Mark produced) Adam Mervis on Twitter Mark Stolaroff on Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Kay Tuxford and Rob are diametrically opposed as to how they come by writing their scripts, so, they decided to do full episodes on the methods to their madness to explain their processes and ultimately learn from each other...so you can too, listener. This is part one. Our Weekly Resource: Index Cards! You can buy them at any office supply store for a few dollars and they are perfect for building and viewing an outline. Great to lay out on a table in front of you while you are building a story or if you love outlining as much as Kay does, great to put on a corkboard. Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) The Hollywood Reporter article on the LOTR: Rings of Power showrunners Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

"Is my screenplay going to earn me a million dollars?" Anything is possible, but Rob & Kay are back this week to expel these frequent myths and demons from screenwriter discourse. Among the things discussed, how to break the rules by Tarantino, do you have to live in LA to be a screenwriter, and the ever popular "Should I bold my slug lines?" (ugh). Amongst the screenwriting drama, we discuss the follies of AFF, the potential mileage of putting your screenplay on The Black List, and how horror specs are popular (who knew?). Our Weekly Resource: Adventures in the Screentrade by William Goldman – Screenwriting’s Grandpa and 2 time Oscar winner. Goldman’s book and its sequel, Which Lie Did I Tell? Is a candid look at the career of a successful screenwriter and many events that chronicled Goldman’s career are still relevant to today’s screenwriter. And since it is his account of his career, it is Myth free. He even debunks a popular screenwriting Myth – that he had a hand in writing Good Will Hunting. (Though Kay likes to believe he wrote it anyway). Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper)  Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

In support of Microbudget Filmmaking, Rob and Kay have started a new series where they both spotlight a film & the filmmakers in order to glean all the golden goodness for those of us in the trenches trying to make Marvels out of A24's. This week, Kay was MIA so Rob sat down with Jay Thornton (of The Thornton Bros) and (R) Michael Gull, the writer/director and lead actor, respectively, on the new film, Cactus Jack. The film tells the story of a documentary filmmaker who becomes first a witness to a murder by, then becoming a victim of, a basement dwelling Neo Nazi named Cactus Jack, who rises to infamy on wave of horrific violence, racism and bigotry of every red shade. After watching (and being offended by) the film, Rob decided to eschew the normal format of the podcast and grill the folks behind the monster, which turned into a discussion on how Cactus Jack came to life in the first place (blame Hollywood), and how Jay Thornton and crew want to do more than build sympathy for the devil with their horror movie.   Notes From the Episode:   Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Jay and Michael's podcast, "Hard Out" Jay Thornton on Twitter (R) Michael Gull on Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

CRAFT EPISODE! Rob and Kay get on the mic to have "A Talk About Dialog" (see what we did there?) First about how to spell it, then about how it should be done in your screenplays. We also talk about how Hollywood doesn't -- apparently -- know how to market Viola Davis as a badass, the scientific facts surrounding melanin in (Little) Mermaids, and how a Twitter battle almost brewed into literal fisticuffs. Y'all know how we do! Our Weekly Resource: Google screenplay dialog and you’ll get a ton of stuff, but this week’s resource from Lessons From the Screenplay on YouTube has a specific example of how to write a battle with words, aptly titled “Writing a Final Battle” using A Few Good Men as it’s example. This video has the dual bonus of being of Aaron Sorkin stanning pedigree, so we can’t help but to recommend it. Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Zack's Coverfly Song (parodying Pokemon) Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Last week was kind of a dramaramallama, so Rob & Kay decided a new Therapy Session was needed! They talk about the death of Queen Elizabeth, the saga (still) unfolding over, "Don't Worry Darling" and Olivia Wilde, Filmic Pro, filmmaking, etc. We hope you can commiserate with us -- it's rough out there, folks. Sometimes you gotta vent. Social Shout Outs: Cindy Begel and Melissa Hunter Our Weekly Resource: Life is pain, so sometimes you need to laugh. We wish we could link you guys to the adult Wednesday series written by Melissa Hunter, but, I can link you to a hilarious short that she did entitled, “Dead Puppies” which is on YouTube for you to laugh at and enjoy. Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) The Reddit thread on Coverfly's payment scale Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

In support of Microbudget Filmmaking, Rob and Kay have started a new series where they both spotlight a film & filmmaker in order to glean all the golden goodness for those of us in the trenches trying to make Marvels out of A24's, and our second episode features the co-writers (and director and producer) of the still-in-production indie, Anna Key, Amanda Megan and Matt Anderson, whom Rob recently worked with. This week’s Resource: Filmic Pro. They may be moving toward a subscription based system soon, so word on the street is, if you’re under the old system – the now system – you’ll be grandfathered in before it goes into any potential subscription nonsense. Notes From the Episode: Stacey Russell's #FirstPageFriday Post Zack's Original Instagram video (for our Twitter Drama Bumper) Key 13 Films on Instagram Anna Key on Instagram Amanda's Instagram Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week we’re discussing #NoHollywood or the questioning of future productions done outside the Hollywood system and to help us with that we have the writer and director of one of Rob’s favorite new movies, 18 & 1/2, Dan Mirvish! We've also got a new Screenwriting Twitter bumper/theme song care of Zack Morrison! Our Weekly Resource: The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking, a book that our guest wrote, is in its second edition over on Amazon, We haven’t read it yet, but Kay and Rob have just bought it on Audible so they will be looking forward to spending more time with our friend Dan in their ears this week. Notes From the Episode: Zack's Original Instagram video Rent 18 & 1/2! Dan's Film Between/Us Dan's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Zack's Twitter Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

In support of Microbudget Filmmaking, Rob and Kay have started a new series where they both spotlight a film & filmmaker in order to glean all the golden goodness for those of us in the trenches trying to make Marvels out of A24's, starting with Rob Schulbaum and his film, "The Wrong Todd". Our Weekly Resource: "The Wrong Todd" on Amazon Prime. We’ve said it before (and we’ll probably say it again. If "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once" is the low-budget "Multiverse of Madness", then "The Wrong Todd" is the microbudget "Everything, Everywhere, All At Once" (it’d make a great triple feature at the drive-in). It’s a fantastic movie and a near masterclass in low-budget screenwriting.  Notes From the Episode: Ezra Miller apologizes HBOMax layoffs, cancellations and removals Sydney Sweeney can't take off six months Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

As AFF (and others) loom in the Fall Festival Festivities, Rob and Kay discuss "Are festivals worth it?" (for writers) as, post-pandemic, we move away from online-only and back to in-person activities.  Our Weekly Resource: Moviemaker's 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee is mostly compiled by Film Freeway (whose business model is built on getting you to submit to festivals, so take it with a grain of salt), but at least it'll get you a place to start.   Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

I mean the title says it all. And to that end, we have a guest, Andrea Berting, who recently signed with Tobias Management. Our Weekly Resource: If you want to see what a manager attracting script looks like, look no further than Andrea's "Breast in Show", on Coverfly which got her a full read from a management company with just the first 25 pages. As always we want to shout out those of us who are in the trenches, aka doin-the-damn-thing and here's a great example of one lady rising out of the pandemic to make something out of her (new) writing career, with a day job. Notes From the Episode: Undone on Freevee The Wrong Todd on Amazon Prime Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

There are folks out there within the screenwriting community who seem to believe that you can't be original with your writing. Luckily, Rob and Kay are here to take umbrage! Our Weekly Resource: Stephanie Palmer’s "Good in A Room". Pitching and putting yourself out there can be hard and you can feel anxious and awkward. Despite the natural urge to run and hide in a sock drawer when the time comes, it’s better to put yourself out there and get some practice in. That, unfortunately, is the only cure and Palmer has some great tips. Notes From the Episode: Natural Selection (2011) Trailer Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

For their first screenwriting DEEP DIVE, Kay and Rob have chosen their personal, sterling example of one location ingenuity, "The One I Love" starring Elizabeth Moss, Mark Duplass and Tony Dan -- sorry Danson, Ted Danson. Kay and Rob manage to extoll the virtues of this brilliant film with NO SPOILERS (mostly), so feel free to listen and then watch the movie to see what they see. In fact, you probably should. Our Weekly Resource: "The One I love" (of course), which, is currently streaming on HBOMax, WHICH, as we discuss in the episode, now has *the* catalogue for all of those "film school movies" that are a part of curriculums across the world. From Truffaut to Kurosawa, to Duplass (and everything in between), a subscription to HBOMax is probably worth your cash.   Notes From the Episode: Spielberg shoots a music video on an iPhone 18&1/2 Movie Website Language Lessons (the other movie mentioned, also on HBOMax) Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Kay and Rob are talking about the sun to our moons, the yins to our yangs -- writing short films vs feature films. Our Weekly Resource: Kay and Rob believe that one should always consider themselves to be a student of film (even after your degree). Andf to this, there are many teachers out there (in various media), from Alex Ferrari, Ryan Connolly, and Robert Rodriguez, to even youtubers like Sara Dietschy, or Peter Mckinnon. This week’s resource is a mixture of both. Kent Lamm and his channel, Standard Story Company, have a wide variety of videos to help you on your filmmaking journey, whether you’re attempting a short or a feature from both writing and production standpoints. There’s a lot of good, competent, advice from someone who’s in the trenches, presented in a fun and interesting way. Notes From the Episode: Details on the Abbott Elementary lawsuit Episode with Meg Cashel Mister Biscuits short film Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week we are continuing our foray into sharpening our skills on the page, and we’ve got some cool things on the docket, not only including something we've never heard done on a podcast before (a live notes session, where the writer, Rob, is "in studio") but also a guest, Michael DiBiasio-Ornelas, filmmaker, screenwriter, friend of Rob's who joins our host to help and celebrate some of his latest accomplishments. Our Weekly Resource: Our Guest, Michael DiBiasio-Ornelas is a talented filmmaker who has done 3 feature films and numerous short films. I found most of his short films, I believe, on Vimeo and they are full of wonderful characters and heavily feature his lovely wife, Rebecca De Ornelas. Notes From the Episode: Rob's Script "Making Friends in Your 30s is Hard!" Michael's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week, Professor Kay Tuxford takes the lead on our topic of Sharpening Your Skills! We get very specific in our crafty episode, focusing on those things that help to make your screenplay functional AND specific. Our Weekly Resource: This week’s Resource: The Hollywood Standard by Christopher Riley. This is a formatting guide that constantly is updated and is available in paperback or as a PDF. Used copies sell online for $7. You have no excuse why it isn’t your constant companion. Notes From the Episode: Rob's 1 Million views movie, "Around the World" Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week, in the midst of all the current turmoil in the world, Kay and Rob examine the important job we, as storytellers, have to the world at large.  And why. Our Weekly Resource: This week we have article by Jon Schiefer, a listener of the podcast and his article on Pipeline artists, “Make the Red Flags” which is kind of a treatise on what we talked about today, but very elegantly written and about Fight Club and on Screenwriting: From the Trenches we are happy to promote both our listeners and people who agree with us, and this qualifies as both. Notes From the Episode: Jon Schiefer's movie, "Algorithm"  Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Kay and Rob talk about the industry whirlwind that surrounded the script "Billy Karate”, to that end, we have the writer of that script, novelist, screenwriter and podcaster, Robert Brockway, who also recently got representation at Entertainment 360. We also talk the internet thirst trapping Ryan Gosling (again) as Ken in Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie, how Rod Serling was woke before woke was technically legal, and discuss -- at length -- our theories about what that woman did to that freaking elephant in India. This is possibly the funniest episode of the podcast that we've done. Blame our guest. Our Weekly Resource: This week we have two new podcasts that we're currently digging through their older episodes and digging. The first is Screaming into the Hollywood Abyss. It is a screenwriting podcast about failure, rejection and adversity in the entertainment industry. Screenwriting Twitter mainstay Noah Evslin is one of the podcast co-hosts. The second podcast is The Film Hacks by James Dean and Chris Ruppert, and this film podcast, unlike most film podcasts, focuses on truly no-budget, out-of-pocket filmmakers. And since these people are the same kind of crazy as Rob, this podcast has been sending him. PLUS, bonus resource! If you would like to read Billy Karate it is online, so you can see what a frenzy inducing script looks like. Notes From the Episode: The Kangaroo video Rob talks about Trailer for Netflix's "Blonde" Our episode with Nathan Graham Davis "Everything's Abridged: Stories" by Dennard Dayle Robert Brockway's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Kay and Rob talk about “The Drop”: that moment in screenwriting when the story/characters fall into place and suddenly you know EXACTLY what the whole thing is going to be about. We also discuss the origins of the Bechdel Test, the proper way of spelling "whoa" (or is it "woah") and why coming for Bernie Mac's (RIP) comedic prowess is a very bad idea on the internet. Our Weekly Resource: We started this podcast to focus on the un-repped, unloved, and unproven (to some) screenwriters out there, who are doing the work, just like the rest of us, but not necessarily getting the kudos. And so, this week I would like to shout out two of our brethren, Paige Feldman and Jay Fingers who both have AMAZING YouTube channels about the life of a screenwriter and you can take all kind of lessons and catharsis from them, and you should. Notes From the Episode: The interview with Tony Gilroy from "On Story" that inspired this podcast TED Talk on "Where Good Ideas Come From" Paige's guest hosting episode on this podcast!   Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Kay and Rob talk about screenwriting consultants - the good, the bad, the ugly. And to that end, we have a guest, Danny Manus who is the man behind No Bull Script Consulting– and has weathered many ebbs of flows of the industry and has lived to tell the tale. We also address scandals in script consulting, why Wonder Woman being a Queer Icon is NOT a big deal, why Rob and Danny have a shared love for, "The Forsaken", and spaces for LGBTQ screenwriters to get read by other LGBTQ folks (and allies). Happy Pride, everybody! Our Weekly Resource: No Bull Script Consulting – You can find Danny’s website (at the link) with testimonials and contact info. Also, Danny runs his own blog on his website offering articles for FREE about screenwriting and the state of the industry.  Add this resource to your arsenal, people! Notes From the Episode: Cindy Begel's thread on Twitter about the scammer aka Sofi Odelle Shout out to @druzif (Drew) for putting together Pride Readers: If you’re an LGBT screenwriter, you can connect with an industry professional on Drew’s website who has volunteered to read and help LGBT writers… FOR FREE. If you want to read, Drew is always looking for skilled volunteer readers as well! The trailer for "The Forsaken" Danny's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

We get it, a lot of you folks out there want to just write, BUT, the industry as a whole is changing and a lot of us out there are folks who wear a few hats (and are successful because of it). Joining us this week to talk about that is Canadian-American Sonja O'Hara who as a writer, director, actor and creator is well versed in such. We had a great conversation with her and we can't wait to have her back to talk about her journey as a multi-hyphenate! Our Weekly Resource: There are a few patron saints of indie film, Robert Rodriguez, Ava Duvernay, Ryan Connolly, Lynn Shelton, Mark Duplass, but Alex Ferarri deserves to also be on that list. His website, Indie Film Hustle, is THE hub for anyone looking to expand themselves and become a multi-hypenate capable of making their dreams and art projects come true. You will find podcasts and interviews with hundreds of guests, including Sonja, sharing their knowledge bombs with what Alex refers to as the tribe and there’s information there on literally anything you might want to know about filmmaking wise. Seriously, when it comes to filmmaking resources, IFH is probably matched only by something like Film Riot. Go there and begin your journey down a massive wellspring of knowledge. Notes From the Episode: On the Corner of Ego and Desire Trailer Sonja's Emmy Nominated series, "Doomsday" Trailer Sonja's Instagram Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Kay and Rob talk about what lessons we can take about our writing that we can glean from working with actors. And to that end, we have a guest, Meg Cashel, who is the star of Kay and Rob's favorite new short, “It’s Been A While” while also discussing Twitter drama such as massive layoffs in the industry, the White Working Class Writer’s Guild Twitter account, and the She Hulk trailer. Our Weekly Resource: Meg! Meg is in several shorts and things across the internet, please go and check them out below because Meg is amazing and we love her and we wish for her continued success as an artist. Notes From the Episode: Meg's short, "Milo" Meg's short, "The Eulogy" Meg's short,  "Together" Meg's Instagram Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Kay and Rob are talking about their favorite scripts (and what we take away from them), and amid that nerding out, we discuss the various Twitter controversies over Doctor Strange, White Space in scripts and why execs think your writing is probably bad. Our Weekly Resource: For years Drew’s Script-o-rama was the go to place for screenplays. Most times if you want to find a script I suggest google or reddit. But the Internet Movie Screenplay Database is pretty good and has a good system of hosted and linked scripts if you’re feeling lazy and/or just wish to browse. As we’ve said, and will continue to say, the best way to learn how to write scripts is to read them. And if you’re writing scripts, you should be reading scripts, and yes, that is prescriptive, don’t at us. Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Rob & Kay unload in the first (of what they hope will be many) Therapy Sessions on the show. During which they rant (and rave) over Elon Musk, Marvel Movies, the problem with having/getting Representation, how much it costs to go to the movies, indie film, why Rob hates soup, and of course, screenwriting (always screenwriting). We hope you can commiserate with us -- it's rough out there, folks. Sometimes you gotta vent. Our Weekly Resource: Youtube.com – seriously guys, we are so lucky to be living in a time where we can share our collective human experience with the world and NOWHERE is this more true than YouTube. Not only can you find guides from screenwriter’s at all levels there, but as a filmmaking resource it has untold value. Anything you need to learn how to do, filmmaking wise, from pre-production to post, is available and at your fingertips with a search. And it’s also a place you can find advice and therapy on practically any subject. Seriously, the value of YouTube is incalculable. So go there, and get your everything on. Notes From the Episode: Doctor Strange Clip Mark Duplass' 2015 SXSW address, "The Calvary is not Coming" Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Kay is out of town, so Rob asks his beautiful producing partner (and wife), Micha, to fill in this week, discussing -- among other things -- what it's like to live with Rob as a screenwriter, why she's NOT on social media, as well as the ills of the week: Netflix woes (who knew Stranger Things was $30M an episode?), and a (another) thread about "screenwriting rules" that set Twitter on fire. Our Weekly Resource: Trello.com -- if you're looking to get organized with your writing (in order to make things easier on both you and the people in your life), whether it's a todo list, an outline, or a beat sheet, Trello is a free resource that you can use to keep yourself on track. Give yourself due dates and keep them in your calendar, and the paid version allows you to add people to keep track of your progress as well as their own (for all you partners out there). Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Kay and Rob once again tackle writing microbudget screenwriting with various tips/tricks/rants. Because these budgets be shrinking outchere, beloved! And y'all need to be INFORMED. Our Weekly Resource: The Filmmaker’s Podcast, one of Rob's favorite podcasts/sources of inspiration, this episode features independent filmmaker (and future guest), Sonja O’Hara, who has one of the most inspiring stories out there for those of us who need that coal to keep the fire going, but without the artificial bullshit that sometimes comes with these podcast that gloss over the feckless nature of industry gatekeepers. Can’t recommend this episode with Sonja enough, and we can’t wait to talk with her on this podcast about this artform we love so much. Notes From the Episode: "Hobby" short film IT’S BEEN A WHILE –– Short Film "The Climb" short film Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

When is it okay to work for free? Rob & Kay discuss. Along with Cancellable Takes, the latest round of screenwriting contest finalists and scriptsplain' (*sigh*). Our Weekly Resource: How to Say No to Free Work, a fun little video from the YouTube channel, Scriptfella which goes very in depth in a very small amount of time about the situations where you will be asked to work for free (and why). Notes From the Episode: The Bourne Identity Script Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Rob and Kay tackle the page in a craft episode about how to craft a compelling screenplay, line-by-line (and the reasons for doing so), and along the way discuss twitter drama such as loglines, The Slap, and writing for television.  Our Weekly Resource: MeetUp.com Still one of the best places to find online and local screenwriting groups looking for members. Notes From the Episode: Tse Chun's thread on writing for television Death Proof Screenplay Michael Clayton Screenplay Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!) 

Kay is back! And just in time for she and Rob to discuss Managing Expectations, Squid Games, the lies of indiefim (via meritocracy) and, of course, The Oscars. Kay also coins the term, "Messy Bitch Draft". Our Weekly Resource: What I Do On The Page, a 41 page screenwriting manifesto (?) by Twitter dad, Javier Grillo-Marxuach, who is very much about managing expectations and screenwriters of all skill levels can learn something from these pages. Notes From the Episode: Chris Stuckman article on Deadline Scott Leger's "Neither and Both" pilot Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Kay is out of town this week, so Melissa Turkington, columnist, story analyst, screenwriter and director, joins us as a guest co-host to discuss our marquee topic. We also delve into the recent controversy where Melissa was harassed by another screenwriter and discuss what steps women (and others) can take to unmask these predators and bring them into the light. Our Weekly Resource: The Story Engine Deck. There are 16 of these Story Engine decks, expansions and booster sets, and inside of them are all you need to create your own story ideas, creative writing prompts, character prompts, D&D campaign ideas, character ideas, one shot ideas, encounter ideas, fantasy writing prompts and more. If you go to the website (which is linked in the show notes), there is a link to get a free sample. Notes From the Episode: Melissa's Pipeline Artist's article Kevin Nelson's script, "Shia LaBeouf Won the Wrong Mutha Fuckin' Screenwriting Competition" Melissa's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week we are discussing burnout. Dear God we are so burned out. Our Weekly Resource: The Breaking Out of Breaking In Podcast. Their latest episode features a former guest and Kay’s co-writer on her feature film, ``The MisEducation of Bindu”, Prarthana Mohan, so that’s awesome. And no matter if you’re a screenwriter, indie filmmaker, or whatever flavor of storyteller you find yourself to be, Christina Raia and Bri Castellini are host to a hot cup of comfort for the soul. I don’t know them personally, but maybe we can do a podcast swap in the future. Notes From the Episode: Eric Kohn’s latest article Kay's Seed and Spark campaign for "Through the Blinds"   Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Rob and Kay discuss the tips/tricks/devices that will keep you writing! Our Weekly Resource: The StoryClock Workbook, from Seth Worley. A cool kind of all-encompassing little thing to help facilitate your writing. Has a story clock, obviously, and also a place for notes, developments, research, ideas, etc. It’s like carrying around your story brain in a notebook, which, can be extremely helpful. Notes From the Episode: -- Our winners from the contest started in episode 20, @CoralAOTW wins a lifetime subscription to WriterDuet, while Bulgakov_MnM won the copy of Fade In software! Thanks to everyone who participated and we cant wait to do another giveaway again, and soon! -- Steven Johnson's Ted Talk, "Where Good Ideas Come From" -- Sarasa Dry Pens (Rob's New Favorite!) Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Rob and Kay welcome Rod Blackhurst (Here Alone, Amanda Knox) to the podcast to talk about one of the primary jobs of screenwriters -- at least in feature films -- working with directors. Our Weekly Resource: It’s us! This is the last week we are running our screenwriting program contest where you can win a copy of Fade in or WriterDuet. All you have to do is listen to this episode, or episode 20, and tag Rob and Kay in a post on Twitter telling us which program you’d prefer. Or answer the question in the poll attached to this episode and leave your email address. Either way, this is your last chance, so help give a happy ending to our first giveaway by giving you free stuff! Notes From the Episode: Kay's Seed and Spark campaign for "Through the Blinds"   Rod's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Rob & Kay are reunited and talk about all the reasons that screenwriters should occasionally (or regularly) get out of their words and into the business of making them real...for the sake of their words🤔 Our Weekly Resource: Film Riot. If you take our advice and begin to make things, you’ll need a guide and Film Riot, in their over 10 year presence online, has an episode for damn near just about ANYTHING when it comes to filmmaking/editing/screenwriting/cinematography/lighting/general filmmaking advice. Their YouTube Channel Their Podcast Notes From the Episode: GQ's article on Francis Ford Coppola Kay's Seed and Spark campaign for "Through the Blinds" Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Since Rob (as longtime listeners know), is no fan of contests, Kay grabbed Julia this week to this episode to put the Executive of Script Pipeline, Matt Misetch in the hot seat. Our Weekly Resource: Script Pipeline’s new Symposium series. It’s free and covers all sorts of writing topics. Can’t make a scheduled Symposium? They are recorded and download for free for all writers! Notes From the Episode: Kay Tuxford's articles on Pipeline Artists Reddit Post "I spent 4,099.88 on 'The Hope Industry' (contests/coverage) last year! I suck!" The Title Sequence to Peacemaker on HBOMAX Matt's Twitter Julia's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This episode we are putting our favorite screenwriting programs, Fade in and WriterDuet, together, for a little tet-a-tet. Our Weekly Resource:  Giveaway! Our first giveaway comes from the proprietors of the screenwriting programs discussed in this episode giving us a free copy of each program to bequeath to our listeners, so, if you are able to see in your podcast app the question posed to this episode, answer it there and leave your email address and Twitter handle and you’ll be entered into the contest. Notes From the Episode: Paige Feldman's Gamification Thread Paige's previous podcast Gina DeAngelis' thread on the blacklist Fade In on Twitter WriterDuet on Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Welcome to Thunderdome! In our independent film umbrage episode, Kay and Rob discuss Eric Kohn's indiewire article as a backdrop to a heap of gripes about the state of independent film, such as it is in 2022. Among the topics discussed, the machine that is Sundance, the meritocracy lies of Hollywood, and how studios have sucked the life out of indie film with a business model riddled with middle men. Our Weekly Resource:  Blackmagic Design: Where you can find such products as DaVinci Resolve (free), the Pocket 4K ($1295), the Pocket 6K ($1995) and the Pocket 6K Pro ($2495) Notes From the Episode: Eric Kohn's Indiewire Article Ezra Miller's Threat against the KKK The Duplass Bros short film, "This is John" Ever, a film by Josh Beck Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This episode we sports a guest co-host (while Rob is off for his birthday), Julia White, who is also Kay Tuxford’s writing and producing partner, to the show. They talk tales from set – things Julia and Kay both learned as writers on set when their work was being filmed. Our Weekly Resource: The US Copyright Office - register your script or treatment for 30 years! Take that WGA registration! It costs a little bit more, but you’ll need it if you go into production anyway. Julia's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Rob & Kay talk to Nathan Graham Davis,  Professional (repped) screenwriter, YouTuber, and made man to discuss the realities of working a day job while writing, professionally. Along the way they discuss Twitter drama, addictive games, relationships with managers/reps, type 2 fun, and Stephen King's "The Dark Tower". Our Weekly Resource: Nate's YouTube Channel Notes From the Episode: Wordle -- the cult masquerading as a game Zack Morrison's Tweet Nate's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Rob and Kay salute 2021 on the last day of the year by discussing some of the questions that have been sent to them by loyal listeners (like you) as well and having all the tangential conversations on "Don't Look Up!",  that such an endeavor would ultimately inspire. Right in the middle, our duo get the news of Betty White's passing and pay tribute to her legend, as well. Our Weekly Resource: How to Write a Movie in 21 Days (free on Kindle Unlimited) Stephen King's "On Writing" Notes From the Episode: Betty White Obituary John Truby's "The Anatomy of Story" Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!) 

This episode we brings a guest, Julia White, who happens to be Kay Tuxford’s writing and producing partner, to the show. We discuss Writing Partnerships: how Kay and Julia met (and how to woo Kay), how they manage writing duties (in and out of Covid scenarios) and what both a good AND bad writing partnership looks like. Our Weekly Resource: Plotdash.com -- a free online virtual corkboard. Use the old school board techniques in an app you can take wherever you go!  Julia's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Kay is back for our last live episode of the year, and this week our guest is Robin Rose Singer, former actress turned writer, producer, director (and teacher), who joins us to discuss the topic of "Being Who We Are". We discuss how the industry can often attempt to push us in directions we don't want to go, gatekeepers, writing for our own mental health and, of course, craft, craft, craft.  Our Weekly Resource: Sheaffer Ion Blue Gel Rollerball Pen (Potential Christmas gift?) Notes From the Episode: Everything Everywhere All At Once Trailer The Blacklist's Annual List Jack Marchetti's Short, Compatibility (starring Robin!) Rod Blackhurst's Twitter Thread about Rob Robin's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

From the Bespectacled Mofo channel's Pandemic archives comes an interview with YouTube giant Darious J. Britt whose channel is a must for any budding filmmaker into today's indiefilm landscape. Rob and Darious discuss the various excuses that people give themselves not to make films, as well as the other (painful side) of doing everything yourself. This interview was one of the best from this year, as Darious offers what is dangerously close to a Master Class in getting started as an independent filmmaker, and we are excited to share it with you. Our Weekly Resource: Darious's YouTube Channel Notes From the Episode: Darious's Movie, Unsound  Darious's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Kay is still in New York this week, so we have another guest host Paige Feldman, author, writer, director, and most recently, YouTuber, as she documents her journey to make her first feature film, Kaleidoscope. But as a guest host Paige is here to help with today’s topic/interview “ How to Decrease Budget Without Decreasing Story (Part Two)” with our other guest, filmmaker Josh Caldwell. Our Weekly Resource: Josh's appearances with Indie Film Hustle:  First, Second, Last And Bulletproof Screenwriting: Episode 82 Notes From the Episode: Paige's Article on Screenplay Contests Paige's Episode on Scriptnotes Rod Blackhurst's Twitter Thread about Rob  Paige's Twitter Josh's Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Kay is in New York this week and the next, so we will have guest hosts in her place, and this week’s guest host is Jeremy LaLonde, filmmaker, podcaster (Canadian). But as a guest host Jeremy is here to help with today’s topic/interview of sorts “ How to Decrease Budget Without Decreasing Story” with our other guest, Aleem Hossain, the writer/director/filmmaker behind the $30K sci-fi indie feature, "After We Leave", currently streaming on Amazon Prime and IMDbTV. Our Weekly Resource: Aleem's Interview with Film Courage Notes From the Episode: Rod Blackhurst's Twitter Thread about Rob Aleem Hossain's No Film School Article Jeremy's Podcasts with Rob: Witches of Eastwick, Made in Heaven, Dead Poet's Society Jeremy's Twitter Jeremy's Instagram Aleem's Twitter Aleem's Instagram Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Kay & Rob interview Jamie Nash about his book, the latest in the StC series, and talk writer's rooms, pitching, staffing, specs, broken compasses, and why the StC formula doesn't always fit the structure of a pilot. Our Weekly Resources: Jamie's Book -- Save the Cat Writes for TV Jamie's Podcast -- Writers/Blockbusters Notes From the Episode: Aleem Hossain's No Film School Article Wild Life Trailer Ellen Sandler's TV Writer's Workbook Jamie on Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

From the Bespectacled Mofo channel's Pandemic archives comes an interview with Nicol Paone, writer/director of Friendsgiving (now on Netflix!) just in time for Thanksgiving! Nicol talks about how she came to embrace her artistry after denying that she was a director, her writing process, dealing with big actors/personalities, understanding what goes into the writing of a joke, and her love of indie film. Nicol was so great and generous with her time, everyone go check out Friendsgiving on Netflix! It's a perfect film for Turkey Day shenanigans!  The Friendsgiving Trailer Watch Friendsgiving on Netflix Nicol on Twitter Nicol on Instagram Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Kay interviews Prarthana Mohan, co-writer (and director) of their debut feature, The Miseducation of Bindu, and discusses their history, both shared and formative,  pitching, being a woman in the industry and, what "real" indie film is in 2021. Our Weekly Resource: Shot Designer    Notes From the Episode: Bindu on Twitter Bindu Trailer Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Kay and Rob discuss tips and tricks for two different but related topics if you're out there pursuing the craft (and business) of screenwriting in the COVID hellscape that is 'Merica. Our Weekly Resource: Twitter -- If you're not on there, you should be!   Notes From the Episode: Jim Cummings Interview The Beta Test Trailer Cathy Scorsese Interview The Screenwriting Life Podcast Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

Rob & Kay sit down with award winning director Jordan Miller of the Camp Nightmare podcast to talk writing, Stephen King, Twitter drama, Jordan's latest (award winning) script, METH GATORS (along with who Nicholas Cage should play in the movie), and, of course, LOW-BUDGET HORROR for our very own #SpookySeason episode. Jordan and Rob are old friends (and frequent collaborators) and invite Kay into their friendship venn diagram(?). Truly, this is our best episode so far. Enjoy! Our Weekly Resource: Camp Nightmare -- Jordan's Podcast (truly worth checking out) Notes From the Episode: Jordan's (award winning) short, Three Jordan on Instagram Camp Nightmare on Instagram Camp Nightmare on Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

TITLE FIGHT: OUTLINING vs PANTSING! With the Twitter Drama out of the way, Rob and Kay get down to business and discuss their writing habits and make a startling discovering. Afterward, Our Hosts discuss what they're watching this week, the Dave Chappelle controversy and give their resource of the week.  Our Weekly Resource: The Popped App  Notes from the Episode: Kay's Bindu Articles: Part One Kay's Bindu Articles: Part Two Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This Week Rob and Kay get into Outlining vs Pantsing, BUT, there were also various Twitter dramas that needed dealt with so got down into the digital mud.  Things from the episode: IATSE Stories Needle in a Timestack Trailer Rob's Nemesis on Twitter Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

From the Bespectacled Mofo channel's Pandemic archives comes an interview with Jenna St. John. Jenna and I used to be part of a writing group when she lived on the east coast, but has since moved to LA LA Land to get into the trenches of professional TV/FILM writing. She and her husband have co-created a tv show, SEXPECTATIONS, that was done on a fraction of the budget for most streaming shows without sacrificing quality, putting her at the forefront of what I believe is the next frontier in this business. The SEXPECTATIONS landing page The SEXPECTATIONS Instagram Jenna on Twitter Jenna on Instagram Kevin Good (Jenna's Husband) on Instagram Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

This week Kay and Rob discuss the benefits and advantages of writing the first draft of your screenplay by hand, as well as getting into umbrage about artist thievery, Shia LaBeouf, Squid Game, and Stephen King. It's an embarrassment of riches, really. Our Weekly Resource: The Vomit draft(s) -- P.E. Robinson Screenplify Vomit Draft Screenplify Writing Notebook Notes from the Episode: Bad Art Friend Shia LaBeouf Won the Wrong Mutha Fuckin' Screenwriting Competition Rob's YouTube Channel How to Make a Movie for $1000 Kay's  Twitter Rob's Twitter Email us(!)

From the Bespectacled Mofo channel's Pandemic archives comes an interview that Rob & Kay did with Powell Robinson and Patrick Young for their film, Threshold (2020). In the interview, Rob and Kay get into the nitty gritty about iphone filmmaking, the frustrations of working in the industry, and, of course,  WRITING, for low budgets and resource based filmmaking. Find THRESHOLD Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T5PWWxsSic On DVD/BluRay: https://www.arrowvideo.com/dvd/threshold/13187722.html Powell’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/powellsundae Powell’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/powell_robinson Patrick’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/justyoungenough Rob's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BespectacledMofo How to Make a Movie for $1000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtTa9-TlvwU&list=PLOtQ8_lHXG0Bz-5T3PlQiaOaYD7kliS3F Kay's  Twitter: https://twitter.com/kay_tux Rob's Twitter: https://twitter.com/BspectacledMofo Email us(!): rob@bespectacledmofo.com

An introduction to the podcast and it's hosts. We discuss the delayed notifications of AFF placings in the screenwriting competition, the new iphone 13 and what that means for screenwriters, and what this podcast has in store for listeners down the road. Our Weekly Resource: Wknd Read -- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weekend-read/id502725173 Rob's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BespectacledMofo How to Make a Movie for $1000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtTa9-TlvwU&list=PLOtQ8_lHXG0Bz-5T3PlQiaOaYD7kliS3F Kay's  Twitter: https://twitter.com/kay_tux Rob's Twitter: https://twitter.com/BspectacledMofo Email us(!): rob@bespectacledmofo.com