To put it lightly, it was a pleasure having Liz Hannah on the ISA's Curious About Screenwriting podcast. Her story of success is nothing short of miraculous, but the podcast host, Max Timm, discussed with Liz the importance of setting oneself up for such a miracle and how there is no such thing as an overnight success. While Liz only briefly discusses the (nothing short of) amazing back and forth she had with industry executives and her reps that eventually landed her meetings with some of the business's elite (Spielberg, Hanks, Streep), but her attitude and strength of character throughout all of The Post's journey from development to release is inspiring. One of the industry's rising stars, Liz is working harder than ever to continue her career and moving it forward in spite of coming out of the gates at full speed with her Golden Globe nomination and WGA Selvin Honorary Award.
We look forward to following Liz's career for years to come, especially with the recent announcement of Liz working with MGM and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine on the film adaptation of the Gail Honeyman bestselling novel Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
“Mary Poppins Returns” delights in song, dance and nostalgia.
“Mary Poppins Returns” is a film full of childhood wonder, exquisite production values, and charming performances across the board, particularly Emily Blunt picking up where Julie Andrews left off as the title character. One does wonder however, if all of this sophisticated entertainment may well be a little lost on the kiddies. Not only is it a period piece, making lots of hay about the English caste system, but it’s a meticulous homage to the original “Mary Poppins” from 1964. Doubtful those under 10 will understand just how much of one it is with its old-school animation and songs in the style of the Sherman Brothers. Still, few Christmas movies this season are as great a gift as this toe-tapping, heart-warming musical.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is an eye-popping and meta animated adventure
Move over “Incredibles 2” and make way for another superb 2018 animated superhero movie -
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse.” This is the 7th Spidey movie since 2002 and it is both reverential to the franchise and able to lampoon it as well. Based on the comic book title that relaunched the web-slinging superhero as a mixed-race teen named Miles Morales, this adaptation is thrilling, moving, and funny as hell. The animation style on display here too is noteworthy, blending 2D and 3D styles for a visual feast that will appeal to ages 6 to 60. It’s already won a ton of critics’ awards and with all this screen story has to offer, it’s easy to see why.
Bringing on the great Michael Hauge on the Curious About Screenwriting podcast is always a treat. Michael Hauge has been a screenwriting and story consultant for nearly 40 years, having worked one-on-one with writers at every level, from novice to A-List (Will Smith swears by him). He's one of the best, and it never fails that any time we have Michael on, something new and seemingly priceless is learned.
In this interview, the ISA's Max Timm and Michael talk about the importance of desire within a character, the differences between plot goals and character goals, and how they all live and breathe together within a very specific structure. Michael is also offering up his 6-Stage Structure Chart through the link below for you all to be able to get a sense of how the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Acts work within a feature film.
So take a listen and soak in all of the knowledge!
Michael's 6-Stage Structure Chart: https://www.storymastery.com/isachart
The Director, Producer and Showrunner of the upcoming Comedy Central show, South Side (as well as past credits including Late Night with Jimmy Fallon), sits with the ISA's Max Timm to discuss all things creative, career, and developing your position within the industry.
SYS Episode 256:
In this episode of the SYS Podcast producer Mark Stolaroff talks about his latest low budget production, DriverX. He also talks about his background in production and how that prepared him for a career as a low budget producer. He also offers tips to screenwriters looking to write for this market.
SYS Episode 255:
In this episode I talk with British filmmaker Jim Hosking about his career writing and directing short films and how he worked his way up to his new feature film, An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn starring Aubrey Plaza, Jemaine Clement, Emile Hirsch, Craig Robinson.
SYS Episode 254:
This week on the SYS Podcast I talk with South African writer Sean Drummond about his writing journey. He and several partners started out by creating a production company and slowly working their way up from commercials and videos, to short films and now feature films.
“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” showcases the Coen Brothers’ wit and morality.
Movie anthologies can be hit and miss, but “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” from Joel and Ethan Coen shoots bulls-eyes throughout. The six, western-themed stories in their new film run the, ahem, range from farce to pathos, but the Coen’s tell each of the tales with gusto and artistry. We expect any movie from the brothers to contain clever dialogue, vivid characters, and twisting plots, but the production values on display here are as exquisite as any period piece from the last 20 years. The Coen’s also ensure that each of the stories here is a shrewd, morality play mining themes of sin and hubris. In their old west, those who are earnest may not win, but they die far nobler deaths than scoundrels.
“The Girl in the Spider’s Web” needs to realize its lead character isn’t James Bond.
Lisbeth Salander, AKA “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” is many things: computer hacker, Goth girl, and righteous advocate of abused women. But one thing she isn’t is James Bond. So why does her latest film “The Girl in the Spider’s Web” play like a 007 adventure? Did the filmmakers want to up the ante to compete with Marvel and Bourne? Didn’t they think the incredibly talented Claire Foy would be interesting enough? (She more than is.) Whatever the reason, turning Salander into a super spy who can best legions of villains and defy death is not her character. Nor does it make for a grounded or very satisfying thriller.
As usual, our wine sponsor for this episode was the ever-so-tasty Steele Wines, and the helpful sponsor who gets the word out for and about us, Table Ready My Screenplay. The Table Ready My Screenplay - Park City contest is taking applications now, so hurry over to their website to check it out.
What's the protocol for self-promotion? Is there a protocol? Is self-promotion related to networking? The easy answer is yes, but in this episode, Felicity Wren and Max Timm discuss the ins and outs of promoting yourself through contests and film festivals, and why they're so valuable to you and your writing career.
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 info@networkisa.org and we will be happy to help.
You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: max@networkisa.org If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at max@thestoryfarm.org. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at Felicity@networkisa.org. 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.
This episode was sponsored by our wonderful wine sponsor, Steele Wines, and our amazing friends at Cinequest - www.cinequest.org (which has a submission deadline in March that you should be preparing for!)
What makes for a great true story or biopic about an amazing person? Felicity Wren and Max Timm discuss just that in another fun, wine-induced episode of the ISA's favorite podcast, Wine Wednesday.
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 info@networkisa.org and we will be happy to help.
You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: max@networkisa.org If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at max@thestoryfarm.org. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at Felicity@networkisa.org. 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.
Two weeks in a row with a special guest! This time around, Max brought on producer and consultant, Wendy Kram, to talk about the business of screenwriting and how to navigate this crazy town. This episode was sponsored once again by our fabulous wine sponsor, Steele Wines, as well as Wendy's consulting business, LA4hire.com. Check her out - Wendy is the best! You can always learn more about Max's own one-on-one consulting business as well at www.TheStoryFarm.org or email mx directly - Max@TheStoryFarm.org
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 info@networkisa.org and we will be happy to help.
You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: max@networkisa.org If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at max@thestoryfarm.org. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at Felicity@networkisa.org. 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.
Sponsored by our lovely wine sponsor, Steele Wines, and the incomparable screenwriting and career coach, Lee Jessup, this episode dives into the importance of delivering character flaw and how it relates to creating emotion - not only within each individual scene and moment, but how the emotion evolves and changes throughout your structured story. Whether you're writing a feature of a TV series, you'll get a lot out of this episode that Max hosts alongside one of his Story Farm coaches, Cameron Graham. Cameron has been in the screenwriting education game for nearly two decades, and loves working one-on-one with writers. If you're curious about The Story Farm, check out www.TheStoryFarm.org or email Max directly at max@thestoryfarm.org or find out more.
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 info@networkisa.org and we will be happy to help.
You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: max@networkisa.org If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at max@thestoryfarm.org. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at Felicity@networkisa.org. 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 4 – An American Haunting
After visiting the Tennessee location where the Bell Witch Haunting took place, ghost hunters Scott Markus, and Wendy Lynn Staats analyze how screenwriters Brent Monahan and Courtney Solomon struggled to bring this historical haunting to the screen.
SYS Episode 253:
This week on the SYS Podcast I talk with Writer/Director Jermey Ungar. We talk through how he got his new thriller, Ride, produced. He originally wrote and directed a short film as a proof of concept, which helped him gain traction with the feature version, which he recently completed.
“Widows” goes deep into character to tell its unique heist tale
Director Steve McQueen doesn’t seem interested in telling a typical heist film story. His new film “Widows” is gravely serious instead of a raucous romp like the “Ocean’s Eleven” trilogy, and his characters wear angst on their sleeves like they’re in another genre altogether. That makes for an involving movie that bends so many rules, it can be confounding. McQueen and fellow screenwriter Gillian Flynn twists timelines, character motivations, and expectations throughout. Sometimes it feels a bit indulgent and takes too long to get where it’s going, but it never fails to fascinate. And with its focus on its empowered female characters, it can’t help but feel like an ‘of-the-moment’ film exploring their rejection of patriarchy.
SYS episode 252:
This week on the SYS Podcast I talk with Writer/Director Ari Gold. We talk through the early days of his career directing theater, which lead him to short films, and eventually feature films and his new indy drama, The Song of Sway Lake.
The remake of “Suspiria” adds little to the classic horror tale.
Despite the talents of director Luca Guadagnino and screenwriter David Kajganich, their remake of Dario Argento’s classic 1977 horror tale “Suspiria” doesn’t come to much. The film is well-shot, edited, and scored, but most of the rest of it feels muddled or too self-conscious. The story never gets a proper bead on its lead character and whether or not she’s aware of her witchy powers when she joins a Berlin dance academy. The excessively violent set-pieces veer from arthouse to grindhouse. And so much of what Tilda Swinton does in her three roles comes across as showing off. Such tricks take the viewer out of the movie, rendering this an admirable exercise in filmmaking, but not nearly enough of an actually involving movie.
Episode 3 - X–Files: Jose Chung’s From Outer Space
Taking a break from horror movies, Scott sits down with English Professor, Dr. Patrick Gonder to discuss the many layers of the classic X-Files episode “Jose Chung’s from Outer Space."
Episode #2
On the heels of the breakout success of "The Conjuring," James Wan tells the story of the Enfield Poltergeist case as framed by real life paranormal investigators Ed & Lorraine Warren (despite them only actually being on the case for a day or two). Do the storytellers report right? More than you may expect. This episode is hosted by Scott Markus of WhatsYourGhostStory.com and Connor Bright of the Ghost Hunters of Urban Los Angeles (or GHOULA).
“The Haunting of Hill House” is an eerie and moving mystery of a mini-series.
Again, Netflix creates a watercooler show, one that dominated most of the Halloween conversation in 2018. This adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s titular 1959 gothic horror novel is perhaps the most compelling one yet. Mike Flanagan’s superb expanding of the story combines potent scares with a “This Is Us” modernity. Eschewing jump scares and cheap violence in favor of character development and surprising twists, all 10 hours of this fare were frightening and affecting. The never-better Carla Gugino headed the superb cast of actors playing a family as haunted by their individual choices as they are by the cursed house they lived in.
SYS Episode 251
In this week's episode of the podcast I talk with Jeremy Wechter about his his new horror film, E-Demon. We talk about his background writing/directing/producing short films and how that lead to this new feature.
After visiting the real life locations in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, ghost hunter Scott Markus, and paranormal podcast host, Wendy Lynn Staats analyze how screenwriter Richard Hatem and director Mark Pellington adapted this incredible story and the book by John Kleel for the screen.