Untitled Female Driven Podcast

EPISODE 57: Author and screenwriter Liz Kerin returns to UFDP with updates and to share the reality of how the development process of turning her Night's Edge duology into a TV series concluded.

EPISODE 56: Liz Kerin, playwright, screenwriter and author of vampire duology Night's Edge and First Light, told UFDP all about her writing process and the development process of adapting her own novel into a TV series during last year's writers strike.

EP 54: We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to say... WE DID IT! The epic 2023 writers strike is over! Tune in now to hear what UFDP talk about the highs and lows of strike life, what deal points we're most excited about, and what we hope happens next!

EPISODE 53: UFDP sits down with Mina Baban, a television development executive at Fifth Season, formerly Endeavor Content (the studio behind Severance, Nine Perfect Strangers, Tokyo Vice etc). For a peek behind the development curtain, tune in as we pepper Mina with questions ranging from process to pitch.

EPISODE 52. A highly serious and important episode where UFDP discusses their favorite snacks to eat while writing. The answers may surprise you.

EPISODE 51. UFDP gets real honest about life on strike, from the logistics of picketing to the emotional burdens. Striking isn't easy... but it is necessary! Bonus: Hannah makes Erica and Jess cry by sharing a poignant strike-related family moment.

EPISODE 50: All about writer's groups! This week, the Untitled Females discuss how to start (or join an existing) writers group. How do you find a group of like-minded writers? What makes certain groups work well (or not)? There's no right way to writer's group... but there are a few wrong ways, and we'll get into them!

Also, email UntitledFemaleDrivenPodcast@gmail.com if you're looking to join a new writer's group and we'll help pair you with other writers looking to form a group!

EPISODE 49: Free work is often the bane of a writer's existence. Sometimes it's a necessary evil that holds the promise of genuine opportunity; other times, it's just bullsh*t. In this episode, UFDP breaks down the different types of unpaid work writers are often asked to do, and how to determine whether the free work is worth your free time.

EPISODE 48. UFDP shares their new years resolutions for 2023, along with what's realistic for you to set in your writing/career goals and what 2023 might look like for working writers.

EPISODE 47. UFDP breaks down the definition of a script rewrite and a polish (and how to differentiate between the two), what you should know about contracts, producer expectations, managing your time, and a very special Jabba the Hut impression.

EPISODE 46. UFDP discusses their highlights and low points of 2022, what to expect in terms of a potential strike, what they're looking forward to in 2023! Happy holidays to all!

EPISODE 45. UFDP goes over what belongs in the first 10 pages of your script and what doesn't, and of course how to wow your readers so they keep on reading!

EPISODE 44. UFDP continues exploring a bake-off for Three Little Pigs...In Space! Screenwriters Jess and Hannah duke it out as they go through their story milestones for Exec-For-A-Day Erica as she evaluates takes and sips Grand Marnier on ice. Who will Erica choose to move forward in this imaginary development process? Stay tuned to find out!

EPISODE 43. UFDP dives into what pitching in a multiple writer "bake-off" situation actually looks like. Screenwriters Jess and Hannah pitch (evil?) Exec Erica on a surprising OWA (Open Writing Assignment): THREE LITTLE PIGS... IN SPACE! Who gets the job? Find out next time in Part 2!

EPISODE 42: This week we interview VERY SPECIAL GUEST and longtime UFDP friend Lindsay Calhoon Bring, co-creator of HBO Max's original series PRETTY LITTLE LIARS: ORIGINAL SIN, about partnering with superstar producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and what it was like being a first-time showrunner. Don't miss today's episode as Lindsay tells us her incredible origin story and shares what it took to bring PLL: OS to life!

EPISODE 41: Hey, guess what? All three UFDP hosts are currently adapting projects in different ways! Listen in to hear exactly how, creatively speaking, UFDP turns books into pitches and scripts.

EPISODE 40: UFDP discusses how and when you might be able to adapt literary materials into screenplays, pilots, or pitches. Where do you find the best source material? How do you know it should be a movie or TV show, and if so, which? Tune in to learn more about this process!

EPISODE 39: You have some free time on your hands (or you don't, but you know you need a new sample!) You have a bunch of ideas (or you don't, but you're really dying to write something new!) How do you decide what script to write next? UFDP are here to help you decide which of your potential upcoming writing projects you should devote your precious time to.

Episode 38: We've all felt it. The green-eyed monster inside of us that roars when our friends, colleagues, or nemeses gets an assignment, job, or win that we wanted...and learning how to tame our envy in the highly competitive world of screenwriting is essential to our success and mental well being. Listen in as we engage in a free-wheeling, slightly loopy conversation about the times we've been jealous, how we handled them, and what we've learned. 

EPISODE 37. UFDP dives into the process of partnering with producers on your own projects. How do you find a producer? What should you look for in a great partner? What are some red flags to avoid? Find out more by listening in!

EPISODE 36: You won’t want to miss this one! This week, our brothers in industry podcasting, Javi and Jose - aka the Children of Tendu - dispense incredible advice on how to survive and thrive in the wild world of TV writing. 

Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Emmy Award-winning writer/producer on "Lost" and creator of "The Middleman") and Jose Molina (writer/producer on "Legacies" "Firefly," "Castle" and "Law & Order: SVU") are the hosts of THE CHILDREN OF TENDU, a podcast with practical, straight-shooting advice on breaking into television and staying there. Check them out on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/children-of-tendu/id833831151

Don't forget to rate and review this week's UFDP!

EPISODE 34. UFDP interviews Julia Turner (Director of Current Programming, Warner Bros) about how she got her first industry job, what a Current Programming exec actually does, how writers can ace their meetings with her and other execs, and how the heck she knows Hannah so well.

EPISODE 33: UFDP fellowship graduates Hannah (WB) and Jess (CBS) go behind the curtain on what doing a TV fellowship is actually like: the day-to-day, the lessons learned, people met, and of course the effect their fellowships have had on their careers.

EP 32: UFDP fellowship graduates Hannah (WB) and Jess (CBS) go in-depth on the misc. materials needed to apply for TV writing fellowships - essays, statements of interest, Q & A's - and, more importantly, how to make your stories and prose stand out from the pile.  

EP 31: UFDP fellowship graduates Hannah (WB) and Jess (CBS) give us the down-low on why and how to apply to the TV writing fellowship programs.

RESOURCES

Fellowship and Program List 2022 (UPDATE IN PROGRESS):

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WJ7VHqvLYWH2TsBC5M0rlL3kWkvYjO8B875QVruppoI/edit#gid=0

WGA Fellowships & Writing Programs List:

https://www.wgfoundation.org/fellowship-writing-programs-for-screenwriters-masterlist

EP 30: Happy new year, ya filthy animals! (We know, that's not how it goes...) In this special final episode of 2021, UFDP reflect on their professional and personal bests and worsts of 2021 - the successes, the rejections; what they celebrated, what they learned; and their goals for the next year in writing. 

EPISODE 29: RED FLAGS. This episode is all about what to consider when you're considering (taking a job). UFDP discusses how to prepare for a job interview, whether it be entry-level or a staffing gig; questions to ask, what to watch out for, and yellow and red flags we've seen in our careers (sometimes too late).

EPISODE 28: UFDP delves back into all the weird terms writers and other industry folks use. Listen in to learn which of these terms are real and which are fake: Freewrite, Emo Journey, Amuse Bouche.

EPISODE 27: Around the Horn. Four Quadrants. Sophie's Choice. These are just a few examples of shorthand phrases thrown around in Writer's Rooms when breaking story. In this episode, we discuss what they mean along with a lot more jargon used by writers (and execs, producers, and other industry people). Listen in to learn the lingo of professional screenwriters so that when you get your first WR job, you won't feel like you're on the wrong end of the Chowder Spout (is that actual jargon T.V. writers use? Check out this episode to find out!)

EPISODE 26: Ever wanted to reach out to someone for advice, but weren't sure where to start? UFDP breaks down how to make a good first impression on an industry contact (and/or a potential mentor) — and how to form a genuine, meaningful connection that can last throughout your career. 

EPISODE 25: UFDP goes into detail on how to rock one of the most important meetings you'll ever have— the one that could get you hired for a TV writers' room! Listen in to learn how to stealthily enchant your potential new boss/showrunner, and everyone else whose support you need to get that coveted job.

EPISODE 24: In this episode, UFDP talks to a very special guest... Rebekah Berlin, esteemed editor (and secret fourth member) of the Untitled Female Driven Podcast! Rebekah breaks down everything writers should know about editing, how she got her start, and how to make sure what begins on the page doesn't end up on the cutting room floor. 

EPISODE 23: We've been over who and where and why, now strap in for the WHAT! UFDP gets into how, exactly, to craft a pitch for a feature or series. Complete with secret tips, how and when to break the rules, and how to make your pitch stand out from the crowd.

EPISODE 22: Ever wondered about the whats/wheres/whens/hows of everything pitch-related? Love 'em or hate 'em, pitches are a vital part of a screenwriter's career...and UFDP is here to break down the process!

EPISODE 21: How do you create iconic characters who stand out, who feel like real people, who your audience will root for? This week we talk about how to craft characters that leap off the page (or screen!) and what makes a great protagonist (and antagonist - everyone loves a good villain!)

EPISODE 20: UFDP wonders: what's the difference between an original pilot and a TV spec script? Or the difference between a TV spec script and a Film spec script? What are the uses for all these different types of scripts, and how can you make yours stand out? Tune in to learn all these things and more!

EPISODE 19: You wrote an episode of television! And it's getting made! And you get to be involved in producing it... so what exactly does that entail? UFDP breaks down a writer's role and responsibilities during pre-production and on set.

EPISODE 18: UFDP answers a listener's question on how to juggle multiple projects at the same time and wrangle demanding producers. It's not easy!

EPISODE 17: UFDP answers a listener's question on worldbuilding— what it is, how to build up the mechanics of a world properly, and and what questions you need to answer, especially as a genre writer. Part two of two!

EPISODE 15: UFDP answers a listener's question on worldbuilding— what it is, how to build up the mechanics of a world properly, and and what questions you need to answer, especially as a genre writer. Part one of two!

EPISODE 14: UFDP offers a free therapy session on how to deal with the most common aspect of starting a screenwriting career: rejection.

EPISODE 13: The UFDP survival guide on how to navigate your first TV staff writing job.

EPISODE 12: UFDP talks about the different types of day jobs writers can take in order support themselves while pursuing their dream career. Here to destigmatize surviving in this crazy entertainment world.

EPISODE 11: UFDP interviews Erin Cancino, former Shonda Rhimes Creative Assistant, SCANDAL Writer's Assistant and BRIDGERTON Researcher, on how she worked her way up to become a Staff Writer on the new Marvel/Disney+ show HAWKEYE. A significant and scandalous detour into the writing of BRIDGERTON was bound to ensue, gentle listeners.

EPISODE 10: UFDP digs into how to get your first job writing features, whether through pitches, OWAs, or selling your first spec script.

EPISODE 9: UFDP advises on getting (and surviving) your first job as support staff or a staff writer in a TV Writers Room. 

EPISODE 8: UFDP interviews the amazing Maggie Levin (MY VALENTINE, Blumhouse: Into The Dark/Hulu) on how to break in not just as a writer but a writer/director.