Best Screenwriting Podcasts (2025)

The BTS team discusses Baz Luhrmann's style and whether it adds or detracts from the narrative, the choice to use Shakespeare's original dialogue, and why we want a Mercutio and Tybalt spin-off. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iJBb62bI-Sk Big Swing Summer Schedule: https://www.patreon.com/posts/131204547 🎬 Join our community! Head t…

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BPS 427: From Pills to Pictures: Cynthia Hill’s Unlikely Path to Documentary Filmmaking 56:09

Play Pause

1d ago56:09

56:09

Cynthia Hill, a filmmaker from North Carolina, discussed her journey from pharmacy school to filmmaking, highlighting her documentaries "Tobacco Money," "Private Violence," and the upcoming eight-part series "Road to Race Day" on NASCAR. She emphasized the importance of storytelling and character development, sharing her experiences with funding th…

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Patreon Preview: Cloud Atlas 3:40

2d ago3:40

3:40

From of our patron-exclusive episode on Cloud Atlas. Listen to the full episode over on the Beyond the Screenplay Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-cloud-133251641 🎬 Beyond the Screenplay on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheScreenplay 🎬 Join our community! Head to the Beyond the Screenplay Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Marshland Munchies: Quina, What ARE You? | FF9 Analysis 1:38:02

3d ago1:38:02

1:38:02

Right out the gate we have an exciting podcast for you. Quina, Chocobo's and Moogles, all the things that make Final Fantasy IX great. Meeting Quina's tribe is a blast and making our way through Burmecia was thrilling. We play all the way up to the end of disc 1 for this episode. Next time, we'll get through Treno and into Alexandria. Enjoy the pod…

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694 - Reviving the Spoof Movie 1:03:08

3d ago1:03:08

1:03:08

John welcomes back Dan Gregor and Doug Mand (Chip n’ Dale: Rescue Rangers, Pretty Smart) to ask, how do you revive a dead genre? Using their upcoming movie The Naked Gun, they look at why the spoof genre fell apart, the challenges of introducing it to a new generation, and why turning genre tropes into jokes will always resonate with an audience. W…

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TV writer/novelist Stefanie Leder 27:43

3d ago27:43

27:43

Stefanie Leder (Faking It; Boo Bitch) discusses her debut novel, Love, Coffee, and Revolution, a coming-of-age/political adventure/rom com. the long road of writing the book, setting reasonable daily goals, the most important thing to getting published, why "TV is Jewish," and lots more. THE WRITERS PANEL IS A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION. Fol…

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Episode 718: Michelle Huneven 36:46

3d ago36:46

36:46

Author Michelle Huneven (Search, Off Course) joins Daniel Ford on the show to discuss her latest novel Bug Hollow. To learn more about Michelle Huneven, visit her official website. Writer's Bone is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

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525: CO-EXECUTIVE PROD - CHRIS RAFFERTY 1:57:27

4d ago1:57:27

1:57:27

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host, writer/producer Dwain Worrell sit down for a super fun conversation with Co-Executive Producer CHRIS RAFFERTY (THE FLASH, COBRA KAI & LUCIFER)! Chris has been a lifelong artist in many different fields. He grew up an illustrator with dreams of drawing comic books. Made short films while earning a film de…

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Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning Q&A - Christopher McQuarrie - Erik Jendresen

6d ago

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Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to co-writer Erik Jendresen and writer-director Christopher McQuarrie about Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved.For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.netBy Jeff Goldsmith

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Black Mirror with Charlie Brooker 1:24:25

6d ago1:24:25

1:24:25

Today on Script Apart, we’re taking a long, hard look in the mirror – Charlie Brooker’s dystopian anthology series Black Mirror, to be more precise, with the beloved British writer joining Al for a spoiler-filled breakdown of the show’s brilliant latest season. Yes, this week we’re delving into a show that reflects back at us our darkest fears abou…

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943. Adventures in Screenwriting 57:32

7d ago57:32

57:32

Writer/producer David Simkins (Adventures in Babysitting, Charmed, Grimm, Blade, Roswell, Angel) talks about his start as a screenwriter and his evolving process of writing his “core story."

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Ep. 406 - Gerard Johnstone - M3GAN 2.0 35:02

8d ago35:02

35:02

In this episode, host Jasmyne Peck speaks with M3GAN 2.0 screenwriter-director Gerard Johnstone(M3GAN) about upgrading horror fans’ favorite robotic doll, the creative challenges of making sequels to hit movies, and more.

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BPS 426: Breaking the Rules: Crafting Powerful Films Without Hollywood Money with Shawn Whitney 51:56

8d ago51:56

51:56

Sometimes, the fire of creativity is struck not by lightning but by the slow, smoldering ache of dissatisfaction. And in today's soul-stirring conversation, we welcome Shawn Whitney, a filmmaker who found cinema not in the corridors of academia, but in the quiet rebellion of self-taught screenwriting and micro-budget filmmaking. Shawn Whitney is a …

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Let The Hunt Begin! The Glory of Lindblum | FF9 Analysis 1:21:03

10d ago1:21:03

1:21:03

Lindblum is the coolest city in all of Final Fantasy. Not only is the world building perfectly executed here, the facing of the story is perfect as well. It's difficult to imagine how this stretch in Final Fantasy IX could have been done better. From Freya and Regent Cid's introduction, through the Festival of the Hunt and up to Garnet's stunning e…

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693 - Setups That Don’t Feel Like Setups 1:02:40

10d ago1:02:40

1:02:40

John and Craig plant the idea for setups that have the most satisfying payoffs. Different from exposition, setups introduce ideas and concepts to an audience, priming them for a later revelation. They look at the sleight of hand required to have your setups deftly planted, take root in your audience’s mind, and grow into something delightful. But f…

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Chris & Paul Weitz (Murderbot) 44:09

10d ago44:09

44:09

Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz (creators, Murderbot; American Pie; About a Boy) discuss working with actors and what Alexander Skarsgård brought to the titular role of Murderbot, who your audience is, writing and directing together after a two-decade break, and lots more. THE WRITERS PANEL IS A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION. Follow and support the …

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Episode 717: Greg Grandin 52:01

10d ago52:01

52:01

Author and historian Greg Grandin (The Empire of Necessity, Fordlandia, Empire’s Workshop) joins Daniel Ford to discuss his latest book America, América: A New History of the New World. To learn more about Greg Grandin, visit his official website. Writer's Bone is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

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Write On: 'Countdown' Creator/Writer Derek Haas 37:54

11d ago37:54

37:54

“One thing I’ve found in the crime genre is that homicides are always interesting. When somebody’s killed, whatever that case may be, it’s usually compelling drama. So then it’s up to you as the writer to surprise the audience and do things that they didn’t think were coming. I’ve described it like this before: If you can hit the sweet spot of, ‘I …

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524: EXECUTIVE PRODUCER - ERIC DEAN SEATON 1:48:36

11d ago1:48:36

1:48:36

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host writer/dir/prod Fia Perera sit down for a 2 hour, in-depth conversation with writer/director/executive producer ERIC DEAN SEATON! Highlights: Working his way up as an AD, getting his first episodic directors gig, sustaining a long career, directors get hired for what you've already done, creating a graphi…

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So, about that Final Fantasy retrospective series... 14:15

12d ago14:15

14:15

Huge thanks to all of our patrons who support us through thick and thin! You make what we do possible! You can support us on Patreon, or Subscribe Star. Thank you!! Now for the big question... what has become of the Final Fantasy retrospective series on this channel? As well as the bigger question, what will become of the Final Fantasy retrospectiv…

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Adolescence Episode 3: Adolescence, The Wire & Pattern Based Engine 38:15

13d ago38:15

38:15

Learn how Adolescence Episode 3 (building upon structural techniques from The Wire) uses a Pattern Based Series Engine to navigate rare changes in characters and narrative form while still preserving the feeling of the series.By Jacob Krueger Studio

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Elio with Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian 44:03

14d ago44:03

44:03

As the Talking Heads once nearly sang: “And may find yourself beamed up into a spacecraft. And you may find yourself pretending to be the leader of Earth. And you may find yourself hanging out with weird and wonderful beings from outer-space, going up against intergalactic warlords and maybe learning a thing or two about belonging along the way.” Y…

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942. Truffle Hunting 44:05

14d ago44:05

44:05

From development funds to film markets, Frederik Ehrhardt talks about what it’s like to write and produce in the United States and Europe.

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Episode 198: A.I. Artificial Intelligence 1:31:27

14d ago1:31:27

1:31:27

The BTS team discusses the film's decades-long development, its rich story world, and ultimately how inconsistencies in pacing, character motivation, and tone keep it from feeling like a cohesive narrative. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x7zpbrdCM4s Big Swing Summer Schedule: https://www.patreon.com/posts/131204547 🎬 Join our commu…

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Friday Morning Coffee: Rachel Slade 37:37

14d ago37:37

37:37

Author and journalist Rachel Slade talks with Caitlin Malcuit and Daniel Ford about her book Making It in America: The Almost Impossible Quest to Manufacture in the U.S.A. (And How It Got That Way), which is now out in paperback. To learn more about Rachel Slade, visit her official website. Writer's Bone is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.…

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BPS 425: The Power of the Cut: Storytelling Secrets from Michael Trent 42:53

15d ago42:53

42:53

A film editor’s job is much like the work of a sculptor. You take a massive block of material—raw footage—and with a series of delicate, precise cuts, you shape it into something cohesive, something meaningful. In today’s episode, we welcome Michael Trent, a master of cinematic storytelling who has spent his career assembling some of Hollywood’s mo…

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How Death Stranding Changed Me Forever | My Journey Through Solitude 39:01

17d ago39:01

39:01

Death Stranding is one of the most unusual and unique games I've ever played. It flies in the face of conventions and stretches itself out into the real world in some unexpected ways. But, as with most of Hideo Kojima's games, it has a charm that is irresistible. Please consider supporting us on Patreon if you have the means. Thanks for watching! w…

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692 - Crafting the Perfect Villain 1:15:30

17d ago1:15:30

1:15:30

In this craft compendium, John and Craig take a look at everything you need to make your bad guys compelling, memorable, and the perfect antagonist for your story. Using some favorite villains as examples, they look at the importance of understanding their motivations and offer seven tips for making a villain unforgettable. We also take a look at l…

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Episode 716: Being About It With Honorée Fanonne Jeffers 55:34

17d ago55:34

55:34

Best-selling author Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois) joins Daniel Ford on the show to discuss her latest book Misbehaving at the Crossroads: Essays & Writings. To learn more about Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, visit her official website. Writer's Bone is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.…

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28 Years Later with Alex Garland 1:01:42

18d ago1:01:42

1:01:42

The last time acclaimed writer-director Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Civil War, Annihilation) appeared on Script Apart, he told Al about his desire to quit directing temporarily and focus on writing – you know, like in the early days of his career. Well, it doesn’t get much more like those early days than returning to the blood-soaked quarantined Brit…

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523: PRIDE MONTH 2:16:45

18d ago2:16:45

2:16:45

In this episode, Hilliard and Queer guest co-hosts writer/producer Deonte Staats, actor/filmmaker Dalila Ali Rajah and writer/content creator Skylar Ezell sit down in a super fun, engaging, 2-hour episode chopped full of game. Some topics: Highlighting people in our culture, anti-fem insults, "it’s just a phase," acceptance of being Out, a Platinum…

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White Lotus - Season 3 Q&A - Jason Isaacs

19d ago

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Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to actor Jason Isaacs about Season 3 of The White Lotus. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved.For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.netBy Jeff Goldsmith

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A Chilling Discovery: Vivi Enters The Void | FF9 Analysis 1:23:13

19d ago1:23:13

1:23:13

From the edge of the Petrified Forest to the dramatic entry into Lindblum, this is one of the most exciting stretches of Final Fantasy IX. The most notable moment in this stretch is when Vivi discovers the dark secret beneath Dali. What would you do? What would you think? Would you think at all? Can you think if you are not? If you don't exist? All…

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Ep. 405 - Eric Ledgin & Justin Spitzer - St. Denis Medical 46:35

21d ago46:35

46:35

In this episode, host Myles Warden speaks with St. Denis Medical creators Eric Ledgin (American Auto) & Justin Spitzer(Superstore) about keeping the workplace comedy mockumentary format fresh, the creative challenges of writing for network primetime TV, staffing their writers’ room, and more.

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941. The Fab Five 1:06:14

21d ago1:06:14

1:06:14

The five writers selected for the 2025 CBS/Paramount Writers Mentoring Program talk about the craft and career lessons they’ve learned from the program and each other.

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Episode 197: La La Land 1:23:14

21d ago1:23:14

1:23:14

The BTS team discusses the construction of a modern musical with a small cast, the central's character's choices and motivations, and how the opening musical number sets the stage for the rest of the film. Big Swing Summer Schedule: https://www.patreon.com/posts/131204547 🎬 Join our community! Head to the Beyond the Screenplay Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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BPS 424: From Short to Feature The Filmmaker’s Journey with Michael G. Kehoe 1:15:24

22d ago1:15:24

1:15:24

On today’s episode, we welcome Michael G. Kehoe, a filmmaker who turned a whisper of an idea into the resounding voice of a feature film. From Brooklyn to Hollywood, from an eight-year-old boy watching his mother direct community theater to a director commanding his own set, Michael’s journey is one of persistence, heartbreak, and sheer creative wi…

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Severance - Season 2 Q&A - Dichen Lachman

24d ago

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Host Jeff Goldsmith talks to actor Dichen Lachman about Season 2 of Severance. Download my podcast here Copyright © Unlikely Films, Inc. 2025. All rights reserved.For more great content check out Backstory Magazine @ Backstory.netBy Jeff Goldsmith

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691 - Collaborative Storytelling and RPGs 50:27

24d ago50:27

50:27

John and Craig welcome author Stu Horvath to look at the rich history of tabletop role playing games. From Stu’s collection of over 2300 RPGs, they look at the evolution of collaborative storytelling, interactive narrative design, and the communities of players they inspire. We also discuss the complicated influences of J.R.R. Tolkien and H.P. Love…

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Episode 715: Ivy Pochoda 32:21

24d ago32:21

32:21

Author Ivy Pochoda (Sing Her Down, These Women) joins Daniel Ford to discuss her novel Ecstasy, out now from G.P. Putnam's Sons. To learn more about Ivy Pochoda, visit her official website. Also watch her appearance on "CBS Saturday Morning." Writer's Bone is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

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Write On: 'Apple Cider Vinegar' Creator and Showrunner Samantha Strauss 40:03

25d ago40:03

40:03

“In my mind, Belle is going through life, at least our version of Belle – I've never met the real Belle – she’s going through life with this hole inside, this overwhelming need for approval, that social media absolutely capitalizes on and she just keeps trying to feed the beast. She hasn't grown up with the healthiest of role models herself. She ha…

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522: SHOWRUNNER LATOYA MORGAN 2:01:28

25d ago2:01:28

2:01:28

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host writer/producer Deonte Staats sit down for a two hour, nothing but game conversation with Showrunner/Co-Creator of the new MAX hit series DUSTER! Highlights: LaToya’s time in the Warner Bros Writers Workshop, the Overall Deal and how it works, the John Wells system, creating the show Duster, casting, staf…

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Adventure, Intrigue, and a Stolen Princess | FF9 Analysis (Ep.2) 1:16:05

26d ago1:16:05

1:16:05

The way that the intro to this game is framed by a theatrical performance is absolutely brilliant. Once again, Sakaguchi displays his prowess in the drafting of yet another beautiful and captivating introductory sequence that holds our attention and immerses us into a new and exciting world in Final Fantasy IX. We discuss the beginning of this game…

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The Truth About Agents 10:54

26d ago10:54

10:54

How Writers Really Get Repped (The 90/10 Rule You Need to Know), Take 10 with ISA Founder Craig JamesBy Craig James

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940. Young Storytellers 39:10

28d ago39:10

39:10

Bill Thompson discusses his exceptional arts non-profit Young Storytellers and the new report, Growing Pains, which centers around the concerns and tastes of Gen Alpha.

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Episode 196: Interstellar 1:50:14

28d ago1:50:14

1:50:14

The BTS team discusses the film's grounded central relationship, ambitious plot mechanics, and masterful blending of the two at the story's midpoint. Big Swing Summer Schedule: https://www.patreon.com/posts/131204547 🎬 Join our community! Head to the Beyond the Screenplay Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/beyondthescree…

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Friday Morning Coffee: John W. Miller 44:16

28d ago44:16

44:16

Host Caitlin Malcuit discusses sports betting in America with guest co-host Scott Cassell. Then, author and journalist John W. Miller joins Daniel Ford to chat about his book The Last Manager: How Earl Weaver Tricked, Tormented, and Reinvented Baseball. To learn more about John W. Miller, visit his official website. Writer's Bone is proudly sponsor…

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BPS 423: From Instagram Mysteries to Indie Horror The Bold Experiments of Joe Kowalski 1:09:56

29d ago1:09:56

1:09:56

When the winds of curiosity rustle the mind and stir the soul, they often bring with them storytellers—those rare beings who don’t just recount events but breathe life into them. On today's episode, we welcome Joe Kowalski, a young filmmaker from Cleveland whose creative spirit dances between shadows and light, weaving stories through film, mystery…

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Ep. 404 - Mara Brock Akil - Forever 57:00

29d ago57:00

57:00

In this episode, host Hilliard Guess talks with Forever creator-showrunner Mara Brock Akil(The Game, Being Mary Jane) about reimagining Judy Blume’s teen novel through the lens of young Black love, empowering new voices at her Writers’ Colony residency, the importance of completing writing projects, and more.…