The ISA Podcast

This week we’ll be talking about Hereditary written and directed by Ari Aster. I want to start by talking about the first image of this film. So, if you’re worried about spoilers, we will get to some spoilers later, but you can listen to the beginning of this podcast without concern. The first image of Hereditary is the most important.

What does it take to get past that first draft mode? Too many of us spend far more time than necessary working on a first draft. We all know we need to get through it quickly, but Felicity and Max discuss in another round of Wine Wednesdays how the outlining process - if done well and extensively - can get you through your first and even second draft without ever having to write any pages. By the time you do open up your Final Draft software, you should know exactly where you're going and how you're going to get there. Sure, dialogue and character action may change and evolve, but if you don't know the whole story before you get to that screenwriting software, you will lose yourself and your character by page 40...and then have to start all over again and maybe wallow in some fresh vino. Max and Felicity are here to keep you from wallowing and instead, enjoy that glass of wine as well as your initial drafts. Join in on the fun as we raise a glass to your final draft.

Remember, Felicity Wren and Max Timm always have open Q&A during every Facebook Live broadcast, so you should tune in when they broadcast their next live chat. Even though most broadcasts focus on a particular subject, every writer is welcome to ask anything they like at any time. Felicity and Max will do their best to give you a straight and honest answer.

This is a podcast recording of the ISA's Facebook Live broadcast of Wine Wednesdays. Please note that some promotions offered during the live broadcast are no longer available. We can, however, assist you if you wish to find out more information regarding ISA events, contests, or consulting offers. Just reach out to [email protected] and we will be happy to help.

You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: [email protected] If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at [email protected]. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at [email protected]. She, too, can work with you one-on-one, so don't hesitate to inquire. We can't wait to support you.

Subjects and themes for the broadcasts change from week to week, so stay tuned on most Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm Los Angeles time. For a specific schedule and set of announcements, "Like" the ISA Facebook page and keep up to date.

Episode 243

This week I talk with Luke Del Tredici (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, 30 Rock) about how he broke into the biz as a television writer and then how he latest dark comedy feature, Arizona (Seth Rogen, Danny McBride, Luke Wilson), came together.

This week, we are going to be looking at Deadpool 2 by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and a new addition to the writing team, Ryan Reynolds.

If you missed my podcast on the original Deadpool, you might want to check that out as well, because one of the things that is exciting about Deadpool 2 is the way it manages to maintain a consistent tone, even over the course of a very different film.

If you’ve studied TV writing in our  TV Drama Classes, TV Comedy Classes or Web Series Classes, you know that every episode of a TV show should feel the same, and also feel different. that it should deliver the same genre experience to the audience, the same tone, the same feeling, the same experience, while taking them through a story that also feels very new, and very fresh, and very different.

But now, we’re seeing the same phenomenon in big action movie franchises, like Deadpool or Guardians of the Galaxy or The Avengers, where each installment needs deliver on those expectations of the audience.

So, setting aside the questions all over the internet about “which is better, Deadpool 1 or Deadpool 2?” — rather than comparing these films in terms of which is a more successful movie, instead, what I want to do is I want to look at this question, which will be valuable for any writer, whether you’re working in features or TV.

How do you maintain that consistent tone?

How do you create one screenplay after another that has the same feeling that feels entirely fresh and also entirely consistent?”

Join Felicity and Max with a glass of wine and let's consider just how important and essential a character is in each and every story. The audience will connect with your character a lot more than they will the plot or concept - so, it's all about character.

Remember, Felicity Wren and Max Timm always have open Q&A during every Facebook Live broadcast, so you should tune in when they broadcast their next live chat. Even though most broadcasts focus on a particular subject, every writer is welcome to ask anything they like at any time. Felicity and Max will do their best to give you a straight and honest answer.

This is a podcast recording of the ISA's Facebook Live broadcast of Wine Wednesdays. Please note that some promotions offered during the live broadcast are no longer available. We can, however, assist you if you wish to find out more information regarding ISA events, contests, or consulting offers. Just reach out to [email protected] and we will be happy to help.

You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: [email protected] If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at [email protected]. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at [email protected]. She, too, can work with you one-on-one, so don't hesitate to inquire. We can't wait to support you.

Subjects and themes for the broadcasts change from week to week, so stay tuned on most Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm Los Angeles time. For a specific schedule and set of announcements, "Like" the ISA Facebook page and keep up to date.

Episode 242

Writer / Director Mike Mayhall talks about his new limited series TV show, Bronx SIU, now premiering on UMC.