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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
Theme
Conflict
Character Arc
Film Production
The Holdovers
Tone
Plot Goals
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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes296Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
TV & Film

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Artwork for The Screenwriting Life

Latest Episodes

In this special craft supercut, we gather wisdom from recent guests on one essential question: how do you introduce a character?

From subtle entrances to defining first actions, writers including Sharon Horgan, George Saunders, Dana Fox, and Akiva G... more

IN YOUR DREAMS writer/directors Alex Woo and Erik Benson join us to talk about writing animated features - from storyboarding as a form of rewriting to building emotional stakes in fantastical worlds.

Alex and Erik break down collaboration in animat... more

Noah Baumbach (MARRIAGE STORY, FRANCES HA) and Emily Mortimer (THE PURSUIT OF LOVE, DOLL & EM) join Lorien to talk about co-writing their new Netflix film JAY KELLY, from long conversations and false starts to discovering the emotional core of the st... more

Rian Johnson (KNIVES OUT, LOOPER, STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI) joins Meg for a deep craft conversation about balancing bold, high-concept ideas with intimate emotional storytelling.

Rian breaks down how character - not plot mechanics - is the engine be... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Alex Woo
Founder and CEO of Kuku Studios and co-writer, co-director of In Your Dreams
Kuku Studios
Episode: 282 | In Your Dreams Writer/Directors Alex Woo & Erik Benson on Writing Animated Features
Erik Benson
Writer and director with a background in acclaimed animated films
Kuku Studios
Episode: 282 | In Your Dreams Writer/Directors Alex Woo & Erik Benson on Writing Animated Features
Noah Baumbach
Four-time Academy Award-nominated writer and director
Netflix
Episode: 280 | Noah Baumbach & Emily Mortimer on Creative Partnership, Process, and Permission
Emily Mortimer
Actor, writer, director, and producer
King Bee Productions
Episode: 280 | Noah Baumbach & Emily Mortimer on Creative Partnership, Process, and Permission
Rian Johnson
Two-time Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated filmmaker, known for his distinct storytelling and work on films such as Knives Out and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
T Street
Episode: 279 | Rian Johnson on Writing High-Concept Stories with Deep Emotional Stakes
Dana Fox
TV and film writer, producer and showrunner, co-writer and executive producer of Wicked and Wicked for Good.
Sony Pictures Television
Episode: 281 | Wicked: For Good Writer Dana Fox on High-Concept Movie Ideas
John August
Screenwriter and author, known for Aladdin and Big Fish
Quote Unquote Apps
Episode: 277 | Scriptnotes Hosts John August & Craig Mazin: The Craft Lessons That Matter Most
Craig Mazin
Multiple Emmy Award-winning writer and director of The Last of Us
HBO
Episode: 277 | Scriptnotes Hosts John August & Craig Mazin: The Craft Lessons That Matter Most
Doug Mand
Writer and producer known for The Naked Gun reboot and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
Episode: 276 | The Naked Gun Writers Doug Mand & Dan Gregor on Fearless Comedy and Trusting the Process

Hosts

Lorien McKenna
Co-host, focuses on the emotional and practical aspects of writing and being a creative.
Meg LeFauve
Co-host, known for her contributions to screenwriting and her emphasis on character development and emotional storytelling.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.9k ratings
  • Great Hosts

    The hosts of this show are great! However, they need to thoroughly vet the integrity of their guests. I am quite familiar with one featured individual. Who is reminiscent of a middle-aged Jojo Siwa! Hollywood’s motto, “It’s not what you know. It’s who you know, and if they like you!” However, this can only serve someone’s career in the short term. Because it’s the viewing public who determines the longevity of any imposter. They support the entertainment industry with their money! Thank ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    M.I.WOLF
    United States16 days ago
  • Inspiring podcast

    One of my favorite podcasts! I find so much inspiration in every episode. The content, knowledge and support that Meg and Lorien provide is always astounding. I come away wanting to be a better writer, and a bit more confident that I can achieve that. And even if I falter, I know that I am in good company. Truly wonderful and highly recommended!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DaisyCanDo
    United Statesa month ago
  • GREAT listen

    Love this podcast! It’s so helpful, and they cover the exact topics I’m interested in. When I listen to it I feel like I’m getting insight into the industry but the vibe is also just right for a podcast - where you feel like you’re just sitting around with your industry friends talking shop with a glass of wine. We’re all drinking wine while we listen right? *pours glass, plays next episode*

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KristenNBallard
    United States2 months ago
  • Overall great advice, bad imposter syndrome episodes

    I want to start by saying that this is overall a great podcast. However, if we could review specific episodes I will say the two-part episode on imposter syndrome got much more “woo-woo” than practical. I honestly think these episodes neither explained what imposter syndrome is or how to combat it very practically. If you started with these episodes and didn’t like the format or info, go to the others.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Ken Carson
    United States2 months ago
  • Favorite Podcast of All Time!!!

    Insightful questions, exciting guests, candid conversations, and heartfelt advice. I listen to this podcast whenever I need inspiration, and it always provides the comfort I want and/or the wake-up calls I need.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    fridgemangos
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the podcast's blend of practical guidance and emotional support, often describing it as a valuable resource for aspiring screenwriters.
The candid conversations about the challenges of the writing process resonate deeply with many, providing a sense of community.
Some suggest improvements in guest focus, as they feel certain hosts dominate discussions, reducing the opportunity for diverse voices to be heard.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#234
United States/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#202
Canada/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#205
United Kingdom/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#98
Germany/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#121
Australia/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#73
India/TV & Film

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

281 | Wicked: For Good Writer Dana Fox on High-Concept Movie Ideas
Q: What's the best advice you ever received?
Someone told me... that I was being too defensive.
281 | Wicked: For Good Writer Dana Fox on High-Concept Movie Ideas
Q: What part of craft today, in this moment, do you feel really confident about executing?
I'm very good at playing mind games with myself to get myself to sit down in the morning and just get into it.
281 | Wicked: For Good Writer Dana Fox on High-Concept Movie Ideas
Q: What part of craft do you still struggle with?
All of it. I hate it all. It's terrible. It's all impossible.
279 | Rian Johnson on Writing High-Concept Stories with Deep Emotional Stakes
Q: What's your proudest career moment to date?
Reading the reactions that some people have had to this movie online, where I read one and was just filled with tears, just the notion of human connection through this weird medium.
279 | Rian Johnson on Writing High-Concept Stories with Deep Emotional Stakes
Q: If you could have coffee with your younger self, during those eight years, what advice would you give him?
I wouldn't want to mess that person up because the journey that they're on is their own journey.

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?

This podcast focuses on the intricacies of screenwriting, merging discussions on both the technical aspects of writing and the emotional challenges of the creative process. The hosts, seasoned writers, often feature guest interviews with industry professionals who share their experiences, insights, and personal anecdotes related to screenwriting, production, and navigating the film industry. Noteworthy elements include candid conversations about imposter syndrome, character development, and practical advice for aspiring screenwriters, fostering a supportive community for listeners. With a blend of practical tips and heartfelt discussions, the content appeals to both novice and experienced writers seeking guidance and inspiration.

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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. The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast
3. IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit
4. The Business
5. The Town with Matthew Belloni

How many episodes of The Screenwriting Life are there?

The Screenwriting Life launched 6 years ago and published 296 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. Alex Woo
2. Erik Benson
3. Noah Baumbach
4. Emily Mortimer
5. Rian Johnson
6. Dana Fox
7. John August
8. Craig Mazin

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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