857. Building a Better Mousetrap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please note: This episode was originally recorded on January 20, 2024 before the recent Conde Nast strike in response to media layoffs.

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

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

Jonterri Gadson went from "comedy nerd" to "comedy expert" when she earned fellowships with the NBC Late Night Writers Workshop and Kevin Hart’s LOL to land a show on adult swim and launch a career writing for The Upshaws, A Black Lady Sketch Show and the upcoming animated show Everybody Still Hates Chris.