49 Degrees North Writers Podcast

Producer Andrew Williamson talks about his digital series Spiral, his thoughts on finding the story in unscripted formats, and we discuss how film school rejection set him up for subsequent success. Check out Andrew’s work on his production company website.

In part two of my conversation with writer Gemma Holdway we discuss the National Screen Institute (NSI) Totally Television Program, Gemma’s transition from journalism to TV writing, and her thoughts on the industry.  

In part one of this two-part discussion, writer Gemma Holdway talks about her role as story editor on Cardinal and Ghost Wars, reveals the painful origin story of her short film Dog Bite, and explains the rules of writing movies of the week (MOWs).

Writer-producer Jackie May (Strange Empire, 19-2) talks about the writing process on Van Helsing and how Twitter plays an interesting role in the discussion. She also looks back on Strange Empire, and provides some great insight for writers looking to break into the business.

Writer-producer-director Brianne Nord-Stewart (Trolls, Young & Reckless) discusses the creation of her webseries The Dangers of Online Dating, and her path to becoming a director. You can keep up to date with Brianne’s work on her website, and you should watch The Dangers of Online Dating on YouTube.

Writer and producer Ken Craw (Heartland) makes time to chat about writing on Heartland, how the X-files led him to Vancouver, and how he made his own indie one-hour pilot.

Award-winning indie producer Amanda Verhagen (The Devout) talks about filmmaking, life as an indie producer, and why we should all watch The Dressmaker. You can find more information about Amanda and her myriad projects on her website, and you should watch The Devout on iTunes.

Animation writer David Elver (Nerds and Monsters, Pirate Express) breaks down the animation writing process, his trajectory from actor to writer, and reminisces about helping Bruce Willis find an elevator.

Award winning writer, producer & poet Jennica Harper (Cardinal, Motive) discusses back-to-back stints in the Somewhere Between and Cardinal writing rooms, her approach to storytelling and her monkey spy movie!!

Screenwriter Jason Filiatrault discusses his new feature film Entanglement, the importance of letting story ideas percolate, and the need for writers to be more pro-active in taking control of their material. Please follow him on Twitter and check out his website for more information. He also tweets as Sarcastic Rover.