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The Script Lab Podcast

The Script Lab Podcast

By The Script Lab

Featuring deep-dive interviews and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators.
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Charles Randolph — Writer of BOMBSHELL and Oscar-Winner for THE BIG SHORT

The Script Lab PodcastDec 20, 2019

00:00
22:25
4-Time Emmy Nominated Writer Simon Rich, Creator of MIRACLE WORKERS

4-Time Emmy Nominated Writer Simon Rich, Creator of MIRACLE WORKERS

Guest: Simon Rich is an author who got his start in TV when Seth Myers read one of his books of comedic short stories and hired him as a writer on Saturday Night Live. Since then Simon has gone on to create his own TV shows like Man Seeking Woman and Miracle Workers, which is in its second season on TBS and stars Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi. We talk about his crash-course in TV writing, why his TV shows are all based on his books and why you can't write from a cynical place. He also shares some of the best advice about writing I've ever heard. 

Miracle Workers: The Dark Ages airs on TBS on Tuesday nights.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Mar 22, 202031:36
BLOW THE MAN DOWN Writers/Directors Bridget Savage Cole & Danielle Krudy

BLOW THE MAN DOWN Writers/Directors Bridget Savage Cole & Danielle Krudy

Guest: Bridget Savage Cole and Danielle Krudy  wrote and directed the Amazon film Blow the Man Down. The film is about two sisters living on the Eastern seaboard who attempt to cover up a gruesome run-in with a dangerous man. To conceal their crime, the sisters must go deep into the criminal underbelly of their hometown, uncovering the town's darkest secrets.

Despite the serious nature of this murder-mystery, Bridget and Krudy (as Bridget calls Danielle) are a couple of firecrackers and love to joke around. We talk about the long process of writing this script, how they trimmed it to save money during production and how finding someone to be executive producer could be the key to getting your independent film made.

The movie has a great cast that includes Morgan Saylor and Sophie Lowe as the sisters, and June Squib and Margo Martindale as the town matriarchs. 

Look for Blow the Man Down on Amazon Prime on March 20. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Mar 19, 202022:55
THE HUNT Writer Nick Cuse

THE HUNT Writer Nick Cuse

Guest: Nick Cuse wrote the film The Hunt with Damon Lindelof. The controversial film was supposed to release in 2019, but Universal pulled it after two mass shootings and criticism from right wing media. It's finally out in theaters and will most likely surprise people when they learn who the good guys are in the movie.

Nick talks about learning to write while working on HBO's The Leftovers, taking risks in your screenplays and why he thinks now is a much better time for the movie to hit theaters.

Betty Gilpin (GLOW, Nurse Jackie) and two-time Oscar winner Hillary Swank (Million Dollar Baby) star in this film about liberal elites who hunt right wingers for sport.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Mar 12, 202018:35
SWALLOW Writer/Director Carlo Mirabella-Davis

SWALLOW Writer/Director Carlo Mirabella-Davis

Guest: Carlo Mirabella-Davis is the writer/director of the striking new body horror film Swallow starring very talented Haley Bennett as Hunter, a young wife who swallows dangerous objects in secret. The film dark, but it’s also gorgeously shot and at times even funny. Carlo tells me about his very personal and ultimately tragic inspiration for the film and shares the many reasons someone might have such a dark obsession. We also talk about why writers should look to their own family secrets when writing screenplays. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Mar 05, 202019:21
THE INVISIBLE MAN Writer/Director Leigh Whannell

THE INVISIBLE MAN Writer/Director Leigh Whannell

Guest: Leigh Whannell is best known for the Saw and Insidious horror franchises. Now he's written and directed the new monster film, The Invisible Man, starring Elisabeth Moss.

Leigh chats with me about strengthening your horror protagonist by making your antagonist as vicious as possible, keeping your antagonist mysterious to create suspense, and how Elisabeth Moss helped him write less dialogue and less exposition. We also discuss the difference between creating scares and suspense and why he likes to procrastinate when it comes to writing.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Feb 28, 202021:45
IMPRACTICAL JOKERS: THE MOVIE Writer/Director/Producer Chris Henchy

IMPRACTICAL JOKERS: THE MOVIE Writer/Director/Producer Chris Henchy

Guest: Chris Henchy is best known as the producing partner with Will Farrell and Adam McKay, working on movies like Daddy's Home and Tammy, and TV shows like Eastbound and Down, and Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis. Now he's making his directorial debut with Impractical Jokers: The Movie based on the hit hidden camera show. Chris talks about the difficulty of shooting challenges with hidden cameras and non-actors; he also shares what each of the Jokers (Sal Vulcano, Brian Quinn, Joe Gatto, Brian Murray) are like in real life. He also reveals the one challenge that went so wrong, they couldn't include it in the movie. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Feb 21, 202032:03
Andrew Heckler, Writer/Director of BURDEN, Sundance Audience Award Winner

Andrew Heckler, Writer/Director of BURDEN, Sundance Audience Award Winner

Guests: Andrew Heckler wrote and directed the independent film Burden. This powerful independent film won the Audience Award at Sundance and stars Garett Hedlund, Forest Whitaker, Tom Wilkinson and Usher. It’s based on a true story about what happens when a museum celebrating the Ku Klux Klan opens in a small South Carolina town. The idealistic Reverend Kennedy (played by Forest Whitaker) strives to keep the peace even as he urges the group's Grand Dragon (played by Tom Wilkinson) to disavow his racist past. Burden will release in theaters in Los Angeles and New York on Feb. 28 and then roll out to other cities across the country.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Feb 16, 202036:07
OLYMPIC DREAMS Writer/Director Jeremy Teicher and Real-Life Olympic Athlete and Writer/Star Alexi Pappas

OLYMPIC DREAMS Writer/Director Jeremy Teicher and Real-Life Olympic Athlete and Writer/Star Alexi Pappas

Guests: Alexi Pappas and Jeremy Teicher met when they were undergrads at Dartmouth. Alexi pursued her Olympic dreams as a long distance runner while Jeremy pursued his artistic dream as a filmmaker. Eventually, they decided to combine the two. Their latest film Olympic Dreams tells the story of a cross-country skier and volunteer dentist (Nick Kroll), who meet in the Olympic village and fall in love while dealing with the uncertainty of life. Olympic Dreams will release in theaters on Feb. 14.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Feb 07, 202029:22
Emmy-Nominated Actor Brian Presley, Writer/Director/Star of THE GREAT ALASKAN RACE

Emmy-Nominated Actor Brian Presley, Writer/Director/Star of THE GREAT ALASKAN RACE

Guest: Brian Presley started his career as an actor, finding success on the ABC daytime show Port Charles,  which earned him two Emmy nominations. He's now making his directorial debut with The Great Alaskan Race, which he wrote, produced and starred in along with Treat Williams, Henry Thomas and Bruce Davison. Based on a true story from 1925, the movie centers on a group of brave mushers (and dogs) who travel 700 miles to save the small children of Nome, Alaska, from a deadly epidemic. The Great American Race will be available on DVD and streaming Jan. 28. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Jan 24, 202029:53
Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter of TROOP ZERO & BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD Lucy Alibar

Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter of TROOP ZERO & BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD Lucy Alibar

Guests: LUCY ALIBAR, screenwriter and playwright, discusses her new Amazon film Troop Zero along with her 2012 film Beasts of the Southern Wild that was nominated for four Oscars including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress. She discusses her lonely childhood in northern Florida, reading plays in the school bathroom and having her first play produced at age 15. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Jan 17, 202021:37
Jake Kasdan, Jeff Pinkner & Scott Rosenberg — Writer/Director and Co-Writers of JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL

Jake Kasdan, Jeff Pinkner & Scott Rosenberg — Writer/Director and Co-Writers of JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL

Guests: JAKE KASDAN (Director, Co-Writer, Producer) made his feature film debut as writer and director of Zero Effect. The following year, he directed the pilot episode for the short-lived, highly acclaimed television series “Freaks and Geeks,” on which he also served as a producer. Since then, Kasdan has continued to straddle both mediums, working as a director, writer and producer. Kasdan’s feature film credits include Orange County, The TV Set, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Bad Teacher and Sex Tape.

JEFF PINKNER (Co-Writer, Executive Producer), is originally from Baltimore and attended Northwestern University and Harvard Law School. He has co-written screenplays for movies including The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The 5th Wave, The Dark Tower, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and Venom.

SCOTT ROSENBERG (Co-Writer, Executive Producer) is originally from Boston and has written movies including Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead, Beautiful Girls, Con Air, Disturbing Behavior, and Gone in 60 Seconds. He co-wrote High Fideltiy, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and Venom.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Jan 03, 202026:23
Krysty Wilson-Cairns — Co-Writer of '1917' with Director Sam Mendes

Krysty Wilson-Cairns — Co-Writer of '1917' with Director Sam Mendes

Guest: Krysty Wilson-Cairns was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, then trained at the National Film and Television School in London. Her script Aether landed on the Black List, got her an agent and the attention of director Darren Aronofsky, who hired her to adapt the novel The Good Nurse. It was this script that got the attention of another director, Sam Mendes, and Krysty was hired as a staff writer on the TV show Penny Dreadful (Mendes is Exec. Producer on the show).  Mendes then asked her to co-write 1917 with him. 1917 opened in limited release on Dec. 25, and will open wide Jan. 10 and in IMAX Jan. 24.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Dec 27, 201925:32
Charles Randolph — Writer of BOMBSHELL and Oscar-Winner for THE BIG SHORT

Charles Randolph — Writer of BOMBSHELL and Oscar-Winner for THE BIG SHORT

Guest: Charles Randoph, screenwriter of Bombshell and Oscar-winner for the 2015 film THE BIG SHORT. Bombshell tells the sensational true story about Fox News CEO Roger Ailes (John Lithgow), and the female news anchors, Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) and Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), who brought Ailes down. This is a story of power, hubris and a toxic culture where abuse was routinely ignored. It’s also a story of hope, that a woman can find her voice and courage and that both women and men can find a healthy balance in the work place.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Dec 20, 201922:25
Sophia Takal — Director and Co-Writer of Blumhouse's BLACK CHRISTMAS

Sophia Takal — Director and Co-Writer of Blumhouse's BLACK CHRISTMAS

Guest: Sophia Takal is an American actress, writer and director best known for her work in indie films such as All the Light in the Sky, Supporting Characters and Gabi on the Roof in July. Filmmaker magazine named Takal one of the "25 New Faces of Film" in 2011. Her latest film is Black Christmas, which she directed and co-wrote with April Wolfe. The film releases Friday, Dec. 13.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Dec 12, 201923:02
Tom Harper — Director of THE AERONAUTS starring Felicity Jones & Eddie Redmayne

Tom Harper — Director of THE AERONAUTS starring Felicity Jones & Eddie Redmayne

Guest: Director Tom Harper is a BAFTA-nominated film and television director. His credits include the fantastic 2016 miniseries WAR AND PEACE, PEAKY BLINDERS, and WILD ROSE. His current film THE AERONAUTS is stunning visually and thematically. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Dec 06, 201916:03
Minhal Baig — Writer/Director of HALA and BOJACK HORSEMAN + Actress Geraldine Viswanathan

Minhal Baig — Writer/Director of HALA and BOJACK HORSEMAN + Actress Geraldine Viswanathan

Guest: Minhal Baig is the writer/director of Hala, a deeply personal film about a teen girl struggling to please her Muslim family while navigating her sexuality. The film was nominated for the Grand Jury Award at Sundance earlier this year. Actress Geraldine Viswanathan is from Australia and currently stars as the lead character Hala. She can also be seen in the movie Blockers (2018) and the TV show Miracle Workers, also starring Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Nov 30, 201933:46
Christopher Pratt — Former Literary Manager Turned Screenwriter

Christopher Pratt — Former Literary Manager Turned Screenwriter

Guest: Christopher Pratt is the author of Remember the Future: How Steve Jobs Used Time Travel to Think Different (Chaite Press, 2013). He wrote UNTITLED FAIRYTALE TEAMUP and adapted the graphic novel DEAD DAYS.

In 2010, he Executive Produced the LIONSGATE film KILLERS, starring Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl, Tom Selleck, Rob Riggle and Catherine O'Hara. He produced THE AIR I BREATHE, starring Forest Whitaker, Brendan Fraser, Emile Hirsch, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kevin Bacon and Andy Garcia. He is set to produce the feature film GONE at Universal Studios and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Paramount.

For ten years, he produced George Wallace LIVE – the #1 comedy show in Las Vegas. In addition to the show, Pratt helped develop a line of merchandise and alternate revenue streams. He became a brand consultant for CRI, which was responsible for over $300 million in annual real estate sales until 2009 when they sold to the Goldman Sachs Whitehall Fund.

As a talent manager, he spent years developing screenplays with clients, sometimes making seven figure sales. “The intimacy of film still moves me,” says Pratt, “Some writers may be talented artists but they don’t understand the business. I hope to become excellent at marrying commerce and storytelling on the path to finding truthful, emotional connections for my audience.”

Pratt is married to pro tennis player Jessica Roland, the couple has two daughters.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Nov 23, 201942:02
Dan Ewen — Writer of PLAYING WITH FIRE

Dan Ewen — Writer of PLAYING WITH FIRE

Guest: Dan Ewen is an L.A.-based writer, producer and longtime improv performer hailing from Athens, Georgia. His new film PLAYING WITH FIRE is currently playing in theaters. He is also both writing and producing the reboot of the ERNEST franchise. He has several feature and television projects in development at various studios, including 20th Century Fox and Universal.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Nov 13, 201938:53
John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle — YA Authors of the Book that Inspired the New Netflix Film LET IT SNOW

John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle — YA Authors of the Book that Inspired the New Netflix Film LET IT SNOW

Guests: John Green, author of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, Maureen Johnson, author of TRULY DEVIOUS: A MYSTERY, and Lauren Myracle, author of UPSIDE DOWN MAGIC. The three authors came together to write the book LET IT SNOW: THREE HOLIDAY ROMANCES that has just been turned into a Netflix film of the same name. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards


Nov 08, 201925:29
Alfonso Gomez-Rejon — Director of THE CURRENT WAR: DIRECTOR'S CUT

Alfonso Gomez-Rejon — Director of THE CURRENT WAR: DIRECTOR'S CUT

Guest: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon is an Emmy-nominated director known for American Horror Story (2014), and Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015). His stunning new film The Current War: Director's Cut tells the story of how three men, Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch), George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon) and Nicola Tesla (Nicholas Hoult), fought to bring electricity to the American marketplace in the late 1800s. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Nov 04, 201927:56
Dawn Luebbe and Jocelyn DeBoer — Writers/Directors/Stars of GREENER GRASS
Nov 01, 201928:11
Max Eggers — Co-Writer of THE LIGHTHOUSE

Max Eggers — Co-Writer of THE LIGHTHOUSE

Guest: Max Eggers and his brother Rob Eggers wrote the screenplay for THE LIGHTHOUSE, with Rob directing. The movie is a hypnotic and hallucinatory tale of two lighthouse keepers (Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson) on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s. This is a Promethean story like you've never seen before. If you're a fan of Rob Eggers's first film, THE WITCH from 2015, you'll certainly like THE LIGHTHOUSE.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is the author of Ada Lovelace: the Countess who Dreamed in Numbers. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Oct 24, 201925:29
Tim Greenberg — Showrunner for Netflix's LIVING WITH YOURSELF & Two-Time Emmy-Winner for THE DAILY SHOW

Tim Greenberg — Showrunner for Netflix's LIVING WITH YOURSELF & Two-Time Emmy-Winner for THE DAILY SHOW

Guest: Timothy Greenberg. As executive producer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Greenberg won two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. He received another Peabody for Comedy Central’s Endangered List. Prior to The Daily Show, he was named one of Shoot Magazine's "Up and Coming Directors” for his commercial work. He began his directing career in games, including Riven: the Sequel to Myst, one of the top-selling desktop games of all time. Other credits include HBO’s Problem Areas as writer and executive producer, and TBS’ The Detour as writer and director.

Greenberg is now the show runner of the current Netflix show Living with Yourself starring Paul Rudd.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is the author of Ada Lovelace: the Countess who Dreamed in Numbers. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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Oct 19, 201927:57
Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon — Directors of THE ADDAMS FAMILY and SAUSAGE PARTY

Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon — Directors of THE ADDAMS FAMILY and SAUSAGE PARTY

Guests:  Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan again collaborate on the new animated film The Addams Family, having previously collaborated on Sausage Party in 2016. Vernon is best known for directing Shrek (2001) and Shrek 2 (2004), while Tiernan is best known for directing Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends. They discuss finding the right tone and story elements to bring the beloved Addams Family to life in 2019. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her novel, Ada Lovelace: The Countess who Dreamed in Numbers was published earlier this year. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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Oct 10, 201919:58
Kevin Smith — Writer/Director of JAY AND SILENT BOB REBOOT

Kevin Smith — Writer/Director of JAY AND SILENT BOB REBOOT

Guest: Kevin Smith is an American writer/director and actor. His first movie, Clerks (1994), was filmed in the convenience store where Smith worked and he was only allowed to shoot at night after the store closed. This movie won the highest award at the Sundance film festival and was brought to theaters by Miramax. He went on to make numerous films including Chasing Amy (1997), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), and Jersey Girl (2004). He returns with Jay and Silent Bob Reboot which I'm happy to report is hilarious. It’s an unconventional father/daughter love story that even has some tender, emotional moments. Kevin talks about of the origins of the characters jay and silent bob, working with his daughter and even shares how his heart attack last year empowered his career. 

Jay and Silent Bob Reboot will be playing on Oct. 15 & Oct. 17 in 600 theaters around the country. To get tickets visit: FathomEvents.com/reboot. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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Oct 08, 201937:28
Brian C. Brown and Elliott DiGuiseppi — Writers of LUCY IN THE SKY

Brian C. Brown and Elliott DiGuiseppi — Writers of LUCY IN THE SKY

Guests: Brian C. Brown and Elliott DiGuiseppi initially got attention when their biopic about Shel Silvertein made the Black List, allowing them to take numerous meetings where they were able to pitch Lucy in the Sky to studio executives. Eventually, they earned the attention of Reese Witherspoon, who ultimately produced the film. Born and raised Ovieda, Florida, Brown and Elliott became best friends at the age of 12. They currently live in Los Angeles. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her novel, Ada Lovelace: The Countess who Dreamed in Numbers was published earlier this year. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

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Oct 01, 201923:51
Robyn Paris — Writer/Director of the Award-winning Web Series THE ROOM ACTORS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Robyn Paris — Writer/Director of the Award-winning Web Series THE ROOM ACTORS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Guest: Robyn Paris started her career as an actress and can be seen as Michelle in the cult favorite film The Room (2003), which inspired the 2017 film The Disaster Artist starring James Franco.  Now a writer/director, Robyn's experience has inspired her to make a funny mockumentary web series called The Room Actors: Where are They Now? For anyone who’s ever considered making a web series, Robyn shares some crucial information like how she crowd-sourced the funding through Kickstarter, the creative ways she marketed the web series and what opportunities have come to her as a result. And if you’re a fan of the movie The Room, she shares details of what working with Tommy Wiseau was really like.  

To watch Robyn's web series, visit theroommockumentary.com.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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Sep 15, 201925:22
Scott Beck and Bryan Woods — Writers of HAUNT and A QUIET PLACE

Scott Beck and Bryan Woods — Writers of HAUNT and A QUIET PLACE

About: The new film Haunt, written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, is the perfect follow up to A Quiet Place (2018) and scared the living daylights out of me. If you like haunted houses, oh-so-creepy masks and intense gore, you’ll love this more traditional slasher movie. I sat down with Scott and Bryan to find out how to write a character-driven horror film, and see if they could share any details about A Quiet Place 2, which is set to release in 2020.

Starring Katie Stevens (Faking It) and Will Brittain (William), Haunt centers around a group of friends who encounter an extreme haunted house that promises to feed on their darkest fears. The night turns deadly, however, as they come to the horrifying realization that some nightmares are real.

Guests: Bryan Woods was born on September 14, 1984 in Davenport, Iowa, USA. He is a producer and writer, known for A Quiet Place (2018), Haunt (2019) and Nightlight (2015).

Scott Beck was born on October 22, 1984 in Denver, Colorado, USA. He is a writer and producer, known for A Quiet Place (2018), Haunt (2019) and Nightlight (2015).

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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Sep 10, 201930:34
Britt Poulton and Dan Madison Savage — Writers/Directors of THEM THAT FOLLOW starring Walton Goggins and Olivia Colman

Britt Poulton and Dan Madison Savage — Writers/Directors of THEM THAT FOLLOW starring Walton Goggins and Olivia Colman

About: Set deep in the wilds of Appalachia, where believers handle death-dealing snakes to prove themselves before God, THEM THAT FOLLOW tells the story of a pastor (Walton Goggins) who digs deeper into his faith when he discovers his teenage daughter Mara (Alice Englert) holds a secret that threatens to tear their fragile community apart.

Written and directed by first-timers Britt Poulton and Dan Madison Savage, this film is a modern-day telling of Adam and Eve, with all the temptation and snakes of the archetypal story. Olivia Colman (THE FAVOURITE) plays Hope and packs an emotional punch that makes it one of the best performances of the year.

In the podcast, Poulton and Savage talk about the challenges of getting the film made and why writers really don’t need to go to film school.

Guests: Britt Poulton is a writer and director. After studying International Relations at UC Berkeley, she left politics to pursue film and completed her MFA at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. She wrote PROFILE, a female-driven political thriller that played at both Berlinale and SXSW in 2018. THEM THAT FOLLOW is her first feature-length screenplay and marks her directorial debut.

Dan Madison Savage is a writer and director. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and studied film history at Vassar College. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to complete an MFA at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. THEM THAT FOLLOW is his first screenplay and his directorial debut.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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Aug 26, 201920:01
Hannah Pearl Utt and Jen Tullock — Writers/Director of BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, developed in the 2019 Sundance Filmmaker Labs

Hannah Pearl Utt and Jen Tullock — Writers/Director of BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, developed in the 2019 Sundance Filmmaker Labs

About: Today I speak with Hannah Pearl Utt and Jen Tullock, writers of the adorable indie comedy BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, which Hannah also directed. Hannah and Jen star as sisters from a dysfunctional family who discover their birth mother (played by Judith Light) isn’t dead, but alive and acting on a popular soap opera. Mandy Patinkin and Alec Baldwin also star.

I was excited to talk to Hannah and Jen because they developed their film through the illusive Sundance Filmmaker labs – something I’ve personally been rejected from numerous times. Luckily, Hannah and Jen share their advice on applying to the labs and the one thing that ended up being a game-changer and helped get them in.

Guests: Hannah Pearl Utt is an actress and writer, known for Before You Know It (2019), Disengaged (2016) and Partners (2015).

Jen Tullock is an actor and writer best known for the 2019 Sundance comedic drama "Before You Know It," which she co-wrote and stars in alongside collaborator Hannah Pearl Utt, Judith Light, Mandy Patinkin, and Alec Baldwin. The film, formerly titled "Stupid Happy" was a participant in the 2017 Sundance Director and Producer Labs. Their short film "Partners," which they also starred in, premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. In 2016 she co-wrote and starred in the Turner/Super Deluxe series "Disengaged," created with and directed by Utt. She was featured in the NBC Diversity Showcase and is the award-winning narrator of several New York Times best-selling audio books, as well as the voice of the title character in Emmy award winning short Henry.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Aug 26, 201927:25
Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky — Writers of GOOD BOYS (2019) and THE OFFICE (US) for Five Seasons

Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky — Writers of GOOD BOYS (2019) and THE OFFICE (US) for Five Seasons

Guests: Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky writers of Good Boys (2019), Bad Teacher (2011) and The Office (2005-2010), talk about the challenges of making a comedy with kids (especially when shooting scenes with a sex doll named Peaches), the genius of Stephen Merchant on screen and off, and what they learned from writing for The Office for five seasons.  

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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Aug 16, 201923:56
Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz — Writers/Directors of THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (2019)

Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz — Writers/Directors of THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (2019)

Guest: First time writers/directors Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz chat with us about the challenges making this astonishing, heartfelt film. According to Tyler and Michael, writing the script was the easy part. Getting people to read it – well that was pretty challenging. Listen to find out the creative way they got producers to request their script. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Aug 15, 201916:05
Jennifer Kent — Writer/Director/Producer of THE NIGHTINGALE, Known for THE BABADOOK

Jennifer Kent — Writer/Director/Producer of THE NIGHTINGALE, Known for THE BABADOOK

Guest: Jennifer Kent is an actress and director, known for The Babadook (2014), The Nightingale(2018) and Monster (2005).

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Aug 14, 201922:35
Andrea Berloff — Writer/Director of THE KITCHEN (2019) and Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter of STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON (2015)

Andrea Berloff — Writer/Director of THE KITCHEN (2019) and Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter of STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON (2015)

Guest: Andrea Berloff is a writer and actress, known for Straight Outta Compton (2015), World Trade Center (2006) and Blood Father (2016).

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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Aug 12, 201916:42
Casey Affleck — Oscar-Winning Actor and Writer/Director/Star of LIGHT OF MY LIFE (2019)

Casey Affleck — Oscar-Winning Actor and Writer/Director/Star of LIGHT OF MY LIFE (2019)

Guest: Affleck also directed I'm Still Here (2010), which he also wrote and produced starring Joaquin Phoenix. Affleck also co-wrote with and starred alongside Matt Damon in Gus Van Sant's independent road movie Gerry (2002). He has also appeared in Van Sant's Good Will Hunting and To Die For, Hamlet with Ethan Hawke and Julia Stiles, the Oceans trilogy and Tony Goldwyn's The Last Kiss with Zach Braff and Blythe Danner.

On stage, Casey appeared in Kenneth Lonergan's West End debut of his award winning play This is Our Youth. Affleck played the role of 'Warren' alongside Matt Damon and Summer Phoenix.

In 2016, Affleck starred opposite 'Michelle Williams' in Manchester by the Sea (2016). The film tells the story of an uncle (Affleck) who is forced to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy's father dies. Written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan, the film will be released on November 18th by Amazon Studios.

Also that year, he was seen in Triple 9 (2016), opposite Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet. The film follows a gang of criminals and corrupt cops who plan to murder a police office in order to pull off their biggest heist yet. The film was released by Open Road in February. Additionally, Affleck starred in The Finest Hours (2016), opposite Chris Pine. The Disney film recounts the story of the Coast Guard's daring rescue attempt off the coast of Cape Cod after a pair of oil tankers are destroyed during a blizzard in 1952.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Aug 10, 201922:03
Lynn Shelton — Writer-Director of SWORD OF TRUST (2019)

Lynn Shelton — Writer-Director of SWORD OF TRUST (2019)

Guest: Lynn Shelton is a director and actress, known for Humpday (2009), Sword of Trust (2019) and Laggies (2014).

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

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Aug 10, 201932:45
Weiko Lin — Author of Crazy Screenwriting Secrets: How to Capture a Global Audience

Weiko Lin — Author of Crazy Screenwriting Secrets: How to Capture a Global Audience

Guest:  For film and TV, Weiko Lin has written projects for companies such as The Mark Gordon Company, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts,  Ivanhoe Pictures (producer of box office hit CRAZY RICH ASIANS), Don Mischer Productions, The Unison Company (Taiwan),  Wanda Pictures (China).  His credits as original story writer and producer include Chinese romance film 100 DAYS that released theatrically nationwide in Taiwan and premiered in Mainland China as an official selection of 2014 Golden Rooster Hundred Flowers Film Festival.

​Recently, he wrote a TV pilot for Super Deluxe (former Digital Studio of Turner/Warner Media) and adapted the U.S./China co-production feature film based on the New York Times Notable Book and best-selling memoir RIVER TOWN by MacArthur Fellow Peter Hessler for Fugitive Films and acclaimed director Lu Chuan (CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH, Disney's BORN IN CHINA) . 

From the publisher of Save the Cat! and The Writers Journey, his book CRAZY SCREENWRITING SECRETS: How to Capture a Global Audience (July 1, 2020) is on sale wherever books are sold. 

A current-active member of Writers Guild of America West and Dramatist Guild of America, Weiko is represented by Anonymous Content and United Talent Agency. 

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Aug 07, 201935:40
John August — Highland 2.5 Software, ALADDIN and His Upcoming GREASE Prequel

John August — Highland 2.5 Software, ALADDIN and His Upcoming GREASE Prequel

Guest: John August's screenwriting credits include Go (1999), Big Fish (2003), Titan A.E. (2000), Charlie's Angels (2000), and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003). Born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, John earned a degree in journalism from Drake University in Iowa and an MFA in film from the Peter Stark program at the University of Southern California. He lives in Los Angeles. John has a weekly screenwriting column on Internet Movie Database, in the "Ask a Filmmaker" section of indie.imdb.com.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Jul 18, 201916:60
James Vanderbilt — Screenwriter of MURDER MYSTERY starring Jennifer Aniston & Adam Sandler

James Vanderbilt — Screenwriter of MURDER MYSTERY starring Jennifer Aniston & Adam Sandler

Guests: James Vanderbilt was born in 1975 in the USA. He is a producer and writer, known for Zodiac (2007), Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), Basic (2003) and the recently released Murder Mystery.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Jun 19, 201926:51
Jeff Chan & Andrew Rhymer — Writers/Directors of PLUS ONE

Jeff Chan & Andrew Rhymer — Writers/Directors of PLUS ONE

Guests: Jeff Chan is an American director and screenwriter. He grew up in Ridgewood, NJ and graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in 2008. His directorial debut, Plus One, was produced by Ben Stiller's Red Hour Productions and stars Maya Erskine and Jack Quaid. He's directed for TruTV's Adam Ruins Everything and written for Hulu's Pen15. He also co-wrote/directed two Vimeo Staff Picked short films, Pregame and Post-Party. Andrew Rhymer is a producer and production manager, known for Plus One (2019), PEN15 (2019) and Pregame (2016).

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Jun 17, 201928:35
Madeleine Olnek — Writer/Director of new-release WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY

Madeleine Olnek — Writer/Director of new-release WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY

Guest: Madeleine Olnek is a director and writer, known for Wild Nights With Emily (2018) and  Countertransference (2008). She is also co-author of the book, A Practical Handbook for the Actor, which describes an acting technique developed by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet and Oscar-nominated actor William H. Macy.

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Apr 22, 201922:22
Tim Disney — Writer/Director of new-release WILLIAM

Tim Disney — Writer/Director of new-release WILLIAM

Guest: Tim Disney is a director, writer and producer, known for William (2019) and American Violet (2008).

Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards

The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Apr 19, 201918:11
Max Minghella — Writer/Director of TEEN SPIRIT starring Elle Fanning

Max Minghella — Writer/Director of TEEN SPIRIT starring Elle Fanning

Guest: Max Minghella is a director and writer, known for Teen Spirit (2018). He's also an actor known for his roles in Art School Confidential (2006), The Social Network (2010) and The Internship (2013). Minghella currently stars as Nick Blaine in the Hulu drama series The Handmaid's Tale.


Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards


The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place.

Apr 15, 201914:36
Mike Leigh — 7-time Oscar-nominated Writer/Director

Mike Leigh — 7-time Oscar-nominated Writer/Director

Guest: Mike Leigh is a director and writer, known for Happy-Go-Lucky (2008), Secrets & Lies (1996) and Another Year (2010).


Host: Shanee Edwards graduated from UCLA Film School with an MFA in Screenwriting and is currently the film critic for SheKnows.com. She recently won the Next MacGyver television writing competition to create a TV show about a female engineer. Her pilot, Ada and the Machine, is currently in development with America Ferrera’s Take Fountain Productions. You can follow her on Twitter: @ShaneeEdwards


The Script Lab: For all the latest from The Script Lab, be sure to follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

And become a member of TSL 360 to enjoy the LARGEST screenwriting education content library, featuring masterclasses, deep-dive interviews, and lectures from Academy Award-winning screenwriters, TV show-runners, producers, literary managers, agents, studio executives, and leading educators – all in one place. 

Apr 05, 201923:57