The ISA Podcast

Episode 205 with Michael Hauge:

You walk onto an elevator and just before the door closes Steven Spielberg gets on. You have 60 secs to pitch him your latest screenplay. What do you do? Your goal is to have your audience say “yes, I understand, and I care” after reading or watching your brand story.

If your audience just says “now I know” then you have successfully informed them but not enough to make them care, to make them stay to whatever you have to say next. Your career can be made in 60 seconds – if you make the right pitch!

Today’s guest is returning champion Michael Hauge. He is the best-selling author of Writing Screenplays That Sell (now in its 20th Anniversary Edition) and Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read. 

According to Will Smith,

“No one is better than Michael Hauge at finding what is most authentic in every moment of a story.” – Will Smith

We discuss pitching techniques, the pitch story arch, and much more. After partnering with Michael on the best-selling Udemy Screenwriting course Screenplay and Story Blueprint: The Hero’s Two Journeys I wanted to work with him again. We came up with the NEW online course Pitching Your Screenplay or Novel in 60 Secs (Click here for an EXCLUSIVE Discount). 

Enjoy my conversation with Michael Hauge.

A huge thank you to our Wine Wednesday sponsors, Steele Wines, Final Draft, and Tracking-Board.com. Do yourself a favor and check them out!

In this installment of the ISA's Wine Wednesday Facebook Live broadcast, Max and Felicity talk about how delicate the Sci-Fi market is in film and television. And by delicate, they mean the difference between epic sci-fi and grounded science fiction. Epic sci-fi projects like Star Wars or Star Trek, even Battlestar Galactica, only come along once in a generation. It's extremely difficult for original material like these projects to ever get made simply because of how expensive the projects become. A grounded science fiction project allows for original material to focus more on the unique approach to sci-fi - films such as "Ex Machina" or "Her" have much more human elements and do not rely on other words, planets, giant star ships or alien cultures and languages to drive the story. There is a much more intimate approach to the storytelling and, yes, it's a heck of a lot less expensive to make such films. Same goes with television. If a science fiction story doesn't have a giant built-in fan base or following, it's extremely difficult to get a pure/original sci-fi project on the air. It's just the truth, but Felicity and Max discuss in this episode ways to approach your sci-fi projects to give them more of a chance of finding a home.

Remember, Felicity and Max 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.

Max Timm and the Curious About Screenwriting Network has interviewed many professional writers over the years, but none of Max's prior interviews have delved into the details of one of the writers' projects as thoroughly as this one. Because A Quiet Place is so unique on so many levels, Max wanted to talk with its writers, Scott and Bryan, about how they approached the literal writing on the page, the decisions behind certain conceptual elements as well as individual scenes.

Without seeing the film, Max only read the script before the interview, and he is now that much more excited to head out and watch A Quiet Place. Whether you've seen the film or haven't yet (there are spoilers), this is an interview worth checking out. It's a lesson in screenwriting mixed with laughs, industry insights, and some of the best pieces of advice for writers we have yet to present on our podcast network.

Listen in. Enjoy. Just try and keep quiet.

“Avengers: Infinity War” epically battles an intergalactic villain and controversial ending.

The 19th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is its most ambitious and remarkably, it manages to live up to the hype. The 149-minute film tells a ginormous story covering multiple plots, planets, and characters. It takes all of its well-known superheroes, from Tony Stark’s Iron Man to T’Challa’s Black Panther, and gives them great comedy and drama to play. It also has a superb villain in the motion-captured Josh Brolin, and a best-yet performance from Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Its ending, however, is a bit of a cheat. As devastating as it plays, little of it will last as there is simply too much at stake for the MCU’s future to be left that bereft.

Should you make a short film? Should you create a sizzle of your project? What's the difference between the two? The industry continues to change at a rapid rate, and industry professionals like producers, managers, and agents, have even less time to consider new projects or up and coming writers. It's the sad truth. But there are so many opportunities for writers in this industry, so how do you get the attention of the people who can help develop your career? Short films and sizzles are a great way to quickly get the attention of industry pro's, but there is a lot to consider before heading out with your camera and shooting something. Felicity and Max talk about how shorts and sizzles can help (and even hinder) a writer's career. So tune in and find out!

Remember, Felicity and Max 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.

What makes you laugh and why? What can we do as writers to help translate comedy to the page? On this September 2017 episode of the ISA's Wine Wednesdays, our development executives talk all things comedy, including the business of writing comedy and how to get noticed around town. Tune in, enjoy some (hopefully) laughs, some good wine, and insight into the wild world of comedy writing.

Remember, Felicity and Max 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.

You've heard us say it before, but it's because it's all the rage - TV is where the work is! The irony is that even though there are more options for writers in the television space, the competition has become that much more fierce. With opportunity comes responsibility (if that is a saying - we'll coin it anyway). We urge all writers to invest in themselves in as many ways as they can and as often as possible. If it's signing up with Max's Story Farm coaching service, taking classes, or even just making sure you listen to these podcasts and/or tune in regularly to our Facebook Live broadcasts. Keep working hard, and let Felicity and Max help you on your TV writing journey. This broadcast of our September 13, 2017 recording is our first with Steele Wines, our wonderful wine sponsor. Check them out as often as you can - some of the yummiest California wine you'll find.

Remember, Felicity and Max 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.

One of the primary reasons the ISA was founded was for the sole purpose to inspire and motivate writers; to inform, educate, and allow access to every opportunity in the marketplace and around the industry. Day in and day out, the entire ISA team is devoted to helping as many screenwriters as we can, one writer at a time if necessary. When Felicity Wren and Max Timm came up with the idea to launch their Wine Wednesday Facebook Live Broadcasts, it was based on this simple idea of inspire and motivate...with some wine and comedy. This podcast recording of a September 6, 2017 taping of Wine Wednesday does just that, and we hope that you all stay tuned for more broadcasts, live or recorded, in the future.

Remember, Felicity and Max 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.

The reboot of “Lost in Space” looks out of this world but lacks fun.

As reboots go, the new version of “Lost in Space” is light years beyond the original series from the 1960’s in many ways. The production values, costume design, and special effects are all state-of-the-art. Netflix’ new take on the Robinson clan’s intergalactic adventures get a lot right.  Mollie Parker makes a strong lead, the kids are sharp, and the robot is modern and complex. Still, the new Dr. Smith (Parker Posey) is menacing but not as fun as Jonathan Harris’ original. And the show’s first 10 episodes are too landlocked on one planet. As the show progresses, it will need to incorporate more planets, better monsters, and a lot more fun - just like the original series did in its sophomore year.

How to Break Down & Story Map Your Screenplay with Daniel Calvisi

Today’s guest is author Daniel Calvisi. Dan wrote the book Story Maps: How to Write a GREAT Screenplay. He breaks down stories and shows you how to map out your own by analyzing how the masters construct their screenplays. Here’s a bit more on today’s guest.

Daniel Calvisi is a story analyst, speaker, screenwriter and the author of Story Maps: How to Write a GREAT Screenplay, Story Maps: TV Drama: The Structure of the One-Hour Television Pilot, Story Maps: 12 Great Screenplays and Story Maps: The Films of Christopher Nolan. He is a former Story Analyst for major studios like Twentieth Century Fox, Miramax

He is a former Story Analyst for major studios like Twentieth Century Fox, Miramax Films, and New Line Cinema. He coaches writers, teaches webinars on writing for film and television with The Writers Store and speaks at writing conferences and book signings. He holds a degree in Film and Television from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.