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The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

Meg LeFauve & Lorien McKenna
Screenwriting
Grief
Always, Lola
Story Engine
Creative Process
Character Development
Micro Budget Filmmaking
Christmas Movies
Conflict
Theme
Character Arc
Film Production
The Holdovers
Plot Goals
Tone
Main Relationships
Wingspan
Diversity In Film
Past Lives
Nimona

Welcome to The Screenwriting Life, a podcast where Oscar-nominated writer Meg LeFauve and Emmy-nominated writer Lorien McKenna discuss not only the craft and business of Screenwriting, but also the emotional life: the ups and downs of being a creative, to remind you that you are not alone and to keep writing.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes279Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
TV & Film

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Artwork for The Screenwriting Life

Latest Episodes

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Meg was already a fan of Jeff Hiller from his Emmy-winning performance in SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE, but after listening to his moving and hilarious memoir Actress of a Certain Age, she fell completely in ... more

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: tslworkshops.circle.so

This week, we’re joined by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the writer-directors of KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, to unpack the craft behind one of the year's biggest movies.

From finding the emotional core ... more

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We’re thrilled to welcome Oscar-winner Akiva Goldsman for a masterclass on making writing sustainable. For Akiva, the real “tragedy” is living in the anxious space between drafts. His cure? Treat wr... more

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STORY ENGINE. Two words we so often dread, but let's be honest: the engine of your story is what POWERS your movie. It's make, or break. And today, we break down eight ... more

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Recent Guests

Jeff Hiller
Emmy-winning actor, comedian, and writer known for his role in Somebody Somewhere and author of the memoir Actress of a Certain Age.
Somebody Somewhere
Episode: 266 | Emmy-Winner Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere) on the Myth of the “Big Break”
Maggie Kang
Co-director and co-writer at Sony Pictures Animation
Sony Pictures Animation
Episode: 265 | KPop Demon Hunters Directors: Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans on Balancing Heart, Humor & Music
Chris Appelhans
Co-director and co-writer at Sony Pictures Animation
Sony Pictures Animation
Episode: 265 | KPop Demon Hunters Directors: Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans on Balancing Heart, Humor & Music
GG Hawkins
Filmmaker and host of the No Film School podcast
No Film School
Episode: Indie Film Craft 5 | How a Celebrity-Free Microbudget Feature Premiered at SXSW (ft. GG Hawkins)
Eva Victor
Writer, director, and actor known for her debut feature 'Sorry, Baby'
Barry Jenkins Company, Pastel
Episode: 262 | Writing (and Directing) Intimate, Personal Films That Feel Cinematic (ft. Sorry, Baby's Eva Victor)
Julie Waters
Co-founder and CEO of Watermark Media and producer.
Watermark Media
Episode: Indie Film Craft 4 | How to Make Your Script Undeniable to an Indie Producer (ft. Julie Waters)
Kaz Firpo
Director, screenwriter, and photographer
CAA, collaborated with Marvel and Amazon
Episode: 261 | Clarity, Subtext, and Want vs. Need: Kaz Firpo on Crafting Great Screenplays
Courtney Hoffman
Costume designer turned writer and director known for her work on films like 'Baby Driver' and 'The Hateful Eight'.
Episode: 259 | Costume As Character: What (& What Not) To Include in Your Screenplay (ft. Courtney Hoffman)
Daniela Gonzalez
Literary manager at Good Fear Content, representing talent in both TV and film.
Good Fear Content
Episode: 256 | Getting Repped in a Post-Strike Industry - Part 1 (ft. Daniela Gonzalez & Garrett Greer)

Hosts

Meg LeFauve
Host and Oscar-nominated screenwriter with extensive experience in feature film storytelling and the emotional life of writing.
Lorien McKenna
Host and Emmy-nominated writer, dedicated to exploring the complexities of screenplay writing and the emotional aspects of creativity.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.8k ratings
  • Helped me

    This is one of the best podcasts for emerging writers. The episode about the writing engine saved me a lot of tears. I now know what I need to step back and take a look at.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Touchedjoy
    United States24 days ago
  • My fav film podcast

    I look forward to every Thursday! They bring on such great, insightful & inspiring guests and I love how they talk about the work & the craft and share their own vulnerability. Thankful for this podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    theohiokid11
    United States25 days ago
  • Sneaky Story Shamans

    TSL is the best (obviously) but what makes it SO special is a bit of a magic trick, and took me a little while to articulate. While this show will absolutely equip you with incredible tools of the trade, pragmatic advice and technical know-how, it’s actually Meg and Lorien (and Jeff’s) deep and abiding reverence for the obscure sorcery of Writing that elevates this podcast from an excellent professional tool to a critical spiritual and creative North Star. They know how the industry works, sure,... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jacobyn7
    United States25 days ago
  • The wind beneath my quill!

    I’m not sure where I would be in my writing without this show. As an older writer, as least entering into this field as an older writer, I have everything to learn. I’m good on story, but Meg, Lorrien, and Jeff have added the layers my writing has needed: character wants, character traits, letting go of perfectionism, and it’s ok to struggle. I study writing more than I write sometimes, super procrastinator here, but at least I see it for what it is now. I recommend TSWL to everyone in my screen... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JolietJackie
    United States2 months ago
  • Gold

    Meg and Lorien give excellent advice for screenwriters at all levels. They cover all elements of craft as well as just the practical realities of being a writer. It's incredibly inspiring, encouraging and their advice is GOLD. And their guests are always brilliant. If you want to finish that screenplay or pilot - LISTEN! It will help your process immensely!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alvaroowho?
    Australia2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The blend of personal anecdotes and professional advice resonates well, often making complex topics more relatable and less daunting.
Listeners praise the hosts for their insightful and practical guidance on screenwriting, with many highlighting the uplifting and supportive atmosphere of the podcast.
There are some critiques regarding the pacing and focus during conversations, with occasional mentions of individual hosts dominating in discussions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#184
Canada/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#200
United Kingdom/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#185
Australia/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#237
France/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#240
Italy/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#20
Ukraine/TV & Film

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

266 | Emmy-Winner Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere) on the Myth of the “Big Break”
Q: What brings you the most joy about your work?
Hiller shares that he enjoys the audience reaction, stating that sharing his work is what truly makes him happy.
266 | Emmy-Winner Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere) on the Myth of the “Big Break”
Q: What was your process of putting the pitch together?
Hiller explains that he usually lets a germ of an idea develop in his mind before fleshing it out with characters and working on the pilot episode, while expressing trouble with subplots.
266 | Emmy-Winner Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere) on the Myth of the “Big Break”
Q: Can you talk about that, that tumble as we're trying to get our big break and our view of ourselves as it's happening or not happening?
Hiller discusses the feelings of embarrassment and audacity in declaring ambitions as an actor or writer, emphasizing the noble pursuit of storytelling despite the absence of guaranteed success.
264 | Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind, I Am Legend, Star Trek): Turning Writing Into a Job (and a Life)
Q: How do you protect yourself emotionally when putting so much of yourself into your writing?
You shouldn't protect yourself from emotion; the full commitment of your heart and soul is necessary for impactful work.
264 | Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind, I Am Legend, Star Trek): Turning Writing Into a Job (and a Life)
Q: What is your advice to emerging writers who can write only a few hours a week?
Treat writing like a job, aiming for consistency in your schedule. Writing even an hour a day builds habits and prepares you for larger projects.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Screenwriting Life

What is The Screenwriting Life about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the art and craft of screenwriting, this engaging podcast features discussions between experienced writers on various aspects of the writing process, the film industry, and emotional support for creatives. Topics frequently explored include screenwriting techniques, character development, narrative structure, and the challenges of maintaining motivation in a demanding industry. The hosts also offer personal anecdotes and practical advice, aiming to connect with aspiring writers and provide encouragement for their creative journeys. This podcast is particularly noteworthy for its focus on emotional well-being and community support, making it a welcoming space for anyone passionate about writing for film or television.

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How many listeners does The Screenwriting Life get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Screenwriting Life?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Screenwriting Life:

1. Scriptnotes Podcast
2. Script Apart with Al Horner
3. The No Film School Podcast
4. The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast
5. IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit

How many episodes of The Screenwriting Life are there?

The Screenwriting Life launched 6 years ago and published 279 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Screenwriting Life?

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What guests have appeared on The Screenwriting Life?

Recent guests on The Screenwriting Life include:

1. Jeff Hiller
2. Maggie Kang
3. Chris Appelhans
4. GG Hawkins
5. Eva Victor
6. Julie Waters
7. Kaz Firpo
8. Courtney Hoffman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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