It's becoming and increasingly common (and important) question: are we allowed to tell stories about characters whose lives don't reflect our own? On today's show, UCLA psychologist Dr. Yalda T. Uhls answers this question, in addition to addressing questions around TV programming for kids and adolescent viewers, and unconcious bias in our writing.

115 | Can We Write Characters that Don't Reflect Our Experience? (ft. Dr. Yalda T Uhls)

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.

TV & Film

When Inside Out debuted, it was quickly celebrated as one of Pixar's masterpieces, earning multiple Oscar noms (including one for our HOST Meg LeFauve!) How then, do you approach a sequel to such a beloved classic? This was one of the many questions that weighed on both Kelsey Mann and Meg LeFauve as they reopened Riley's head to jump back in. Jump in with them!

197 | Inside Out 2 Director Kelsey Mann and Writer Meg LeFauve on How To Approach A Sequel

When asked about his first time working in feature animation, Meg's Inside Out 2 co-writer Dave Holstein described the process as: "writing inside a dishwasher while it's running." This is just one of many charming talking points in this lovely conversation between two brilliant minds: Dave, and our very own Meg LeFauve!

196 | Inside Out 2 Writers Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein

TSL WORKSHOPS EMAIL LIST: www.thescreenwritinglife.co/workshops Friend of the show Dustin Lance Black is back to talk about the central lynchpin of a great film: the protagonist. Lance is known for his complicated heroes (often real people) who draw us in and don't let go. Today, we discuss how to draw a protagonist that will hold an audience's attention, and perhaps more importantly, what to avoid so that same audience won't lose interest. 

195 | Dustin Lance Black: Writing (And Adapting) Compelling Protagonists

TSL WORKSHOPS: www.thescreenwritinglife.co/workshops BILLY'S BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JSFBR4 The romantic comedy is one of the most enduring genres in American Cinema and for good reason: it's all about love, joy, and transformation, aka, the heart of good storytelling. This is Billy Mernit's entire ethos, the foundation that has made Billy's rom-com philosophy one of the most celebrated in our business. Billy is a story consultant, novelist, and Romcom guru, who's booking WRITING THE ROMANTIC COMEDY is a fundamental screenwriting craft text for emerging writers and pros.

194 | Romantic Comedy Writing Masterclass w/ Billy Mernit

JOIN TSL WORKSHOPS: www.thescreenwritinglife.co/workshops We're back with part TWO of our ten common traps that will kill your script. Take notes, TSL Fam!

115 | Can We Write Characters that Don't Reflect Our Experience? (ft. Dr. Yalda T Uhls)

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