The Screenplay Writers

0064: Managing

To be a successful screenplay writer, you need to have a system to manage your time, team and resources. Nathan goes through all the apps he uses for that purpose, while Ryan discusses the course he is taking. The guys do script surgery on “The House with a Clock in Its Walls,” which brings up a Hare’s Rule: Be literal with your title. Nathan pitches “Two Lawyers, One Case“ in Logline Cage Match.

0063: Criticism

Screenplay writers need to deal with criticism. They need to be able to take it, they need to be able to give it—constructively. The only way to make your screenplay writing better is to listen to criticism, then ignore it and forge your own path. The guys introduce their Ice Cream Sandwich criticism method. They do script surgery on “A Star is Born” and Ryan pitches “The Last Netminder” in Logline Cage Match.

0062: Passion

Passion is why we get up in the morning to try to make a lot of money writing critically acclaimed blockbuster screenplays that linger in the popular consciousness. Bottom line: it's all about passion—and so is the bottom line. Nathan and Ryan discuss the Hare's Rule "Put passion on the page, or flop." They perform script surgery on "Peppermint" and Nathan pitches his dramatic thriller "The Teacher's Pet: Revenge (or Return) of the Pet" in Logline Cage Match.

0061: Books

Compared to screenplays, books are not fun to read. Screenplays are the highest art form, while books are heavy and long. But sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll find a book that contains an idea that inspires you to craft your own original and legally distinct screenplay. The guys do script surgery on “The Spy Who Dumped Me” and Nathan pitches his idea “The Professor’s Pet” in Logline Cage Match.

0060: Sound

It's important to know how to address sound in screenplays, since it often translates to what filmgoers hear when the screenplay comes to life on screen. Nathan announces he is going back to school to study computer programming and Ryan reveals he is on the hunt for a new co-host to replace him. They perform scirpt surgery on "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again." Ryan pitches his idea “The Cabin-Makers Gambit” in Logline Cage Match.

0059: Publicity

How you publicize your screenplay and yourself are critical factors in your success. You need to consider what the ad campaign will be for your work of art while you are crafting every character, every plot point. The guys do script surgery on “Elf” and discuss their idea “The Plush Carpeteer” in Logline Cage Match.

0058: Press Releases (Live)

Nathan and Ryan record their first ever live recording of the Screenplay Writers Podcast. Thanks to all who came out and actively participated in the recording through the many questions and positive feedback you gave us when the microphones were not recording. The guys attempted to do script surgery, and took loglines from the audience for a live, spontaneous and exciting Logline Cage Match session. You won’t want to miss this live recording!

0057: Cinematography

The guys talk about their upcoming live recording of the Screenplace Writers Podcast, which they have been planning for nine months but forgot to tell anyone about until this episode. Ryan pitches his idea “Smoke Haze,” inspired by wildfire smoke. The guys do script surgery on “Crazy Rich Asians” and revisit Ryan's idea "Little Miss Journalist" in Logline Cage Match Update. They note a Hare’s Rule: Your title should have three words and they should all be very descriptive.

0056: Nature

Not every screenplay takes place in the city, suburbs or shopping mall, some take place amid nature. Writing about nature is fun, and to do it successfully you must look up from the page every once in a while to see the beauty that surrounds you. Nathan and Ryan rehash the first annual Screenplay Writers Camp from last weekend, which was a huge success, though there was only one other camper there. They do script surgery on Sorry to Bother You, and Ryan pitches his new idea, Fatigue.

0055: Voice

Voice is one of the most important topics when it comes to screenplays. You should think long and hard about voice before and during the screenplay-writing process. Nathan and Ryan talk excitedly about their upcoming Screenplay Writers Camp. They perform script surgery on Eighth Grade and Nathan pitches “Hospital-ity” in Logline Cage Match.