Writers Group Therapy

Catch up with your writing therapists Rachanee and Tom as they discuss the latest news in the industry of which writers should be aware as well as from their own adventures in Hollywood. SHOW NOTES: On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZHn83CLXcDJ7ubQgKKRPZ?si=Cdft_hgXRbChEOV5xr5TyA Reddit’s Screenwriting Sub-reddit (r/Screenwriting): https://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/ KAPOW Intergalact...

Where in the world...? In this week's session, we talk about world building. How different is creating for science fiction vs. fantasy? We look at some recent films and how their worlds were built, for good or bad. SHOW NOTES: None this episode.

First it was Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. Then the TV and cable netowrks - HBO Now, Starz and CBS All Access. Then came MoviePass (R.I.P.), Sinemia and AMC's A-List. DC Universe just launched and soon Apple and Disney will be OTT subscription services themselves. It seems EVERYONE is going to a subscription model. We discuss how the evolving film and TV markets effect writers in today's session. SHOW...

You've done it! You've produced your short film - now what? In today's session, learn from Tom and Rachanee's experience on the film festival circuit. The how, where, when and why of submitting your film, and keeping your sanity and shirt in the process.  SHOW NOTES: Filmfreeway.com: https://filmfreeway.com Withoutabox.com: https://www.withoutabox.com  

It's Back to School time! We ask the question: What did you do on your summer vacation? And now that school is back in session, what will you be working towards this fall? SHOW NOTES:  Reclamation Comic Con Q&A: https://youtu.be/aI4cYXPmGYk Synesthesia Comic Con Q&A: https://youtu.be/aDxxFNREbLM Burbank Film Festival: http://www.burbankfilmfest.org Golden State Film Festival: https://www.goldensta...

Travis Joe Dixon, a writer/producer/DP joins us in Session #54 to share his experience behind the keyboard and the camera, and his work on recent timed filmmaking contests. SHOW NOTES: Reach Travis on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TravisJDixon Instagram: http://instagram.com/TravisJDixon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travisdixonactor/ Website: http://www. MrTravisDixon.com

What makes a good plot twist? We all love being blown away by a being thrown an awesome curveball in movies and shows. In today's session we discuss what makes them work, and what doesn't. Tweet us your favorite twists!   SHOW NOTES: Visit session page on Writersgrouptherapy. com page for links to films discussed  

52 weeks ago, we started Writers Group Therapy to help other writers navigate their writing, careers and Hollywood. How are we doing? In this 52nd session, we look back on a year of podcasts.  Thanks to all our listeners, those from Session #1 to those that are just joining the group now. SHOW NOTES: Tom's Favorite Session: Ready Player One http://www.writersgrouptherapy.com/2018/04/readyplayer1 R...

We've already talked about WHY you might want to move to Los Angeles to pursue your dream of screenwriting for the next Emmy or Oscar winner (See Session #38), but what happens when you actually decide to make the move? In today's session we talk about tips for making the move to Los Angeles and surviving when you get here.  SHOW NOTES: Session #38 - Do you need to be in LA? - http://www.writersgr...

Sometimes you just can't help but like a show or movie that everyone else thinks are completely unfit for human consumption. In this week's session we discuss the things we loved that others hated. **Spoiler alert! - We discuss key plot points to movies and TV shows, most listed below, but may have missed a few.** SHOW NOTES:  Lady in the Water: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452637 Dinotopia: http...

Did you ever see a movie in the theater and really enjoy it, but then, months later watch it again and think "what was I thinking!?" In this week's Session, we discuss Tom having this same revelation in regards to "The Last Jedi."  SHOW NOTES: None this episode

In our session today, we discuss the how and why of creating diverse characters and stories in your scripts, avoiding stereotypes, and how diverse shows and movies have changed over time. SHOW NOTES: None this episode

Did you get your nerd on for Comic-Con? We just spent a few days in San Diego at the Comic-Con watching great short films at the film festival and going to panels and in general just enjoying all the geek culture we could. We'll tell you what we saw and learned in this week's session. SHOW NOTES:  Comic-Con: https://www.comic-con.org/

Everything old is new again...on TV! In the past year, and into the Fall season, reboots of "Magnum PI," "Charmed," "Murphy Brown," "Lost in Space" and many others will hit flat screens everywhere. In this week's session, we take a writer's perspective on remaking nostalgic TV classics.  SHOW NOTES: Deadline.com's Fall 2018-19 Broadcast TV Schedule Grid: https://deadline.com/2018/05/tv-schedule-20...

Have you ever been confronted by the dreaded "personal statement," required with many screenwriting fellowships or contest? Do you hate writing...about yourself? In this week's session, we break down what to include, and what not to include, in your personal statement. SHOW NOTES: None this episode

Making the trek to Nerdvana in San Diego, also known as Comic-Con? Or any of the other hundreds of cons around the world? We discuss, as a writer, how to make the most of your time at whatever con you're attending. SHOW NOTES: San Diego Comic-Con: https://www.comic-con.org/ ConventionScene.com (listing of cons): http://www.conventionscene.com/schedules/comicbookconventions/  

You wouldn't write a brilliant screenplay or TV pilot and then just give it away, would you? We discuss protecting your rights as a writer in this session, and look at how to protect your work when you submit it to agents, managers, contests and fellowships. 

Screenwriting isn't the solitary endeavor people often think it is. It takes a team. In Session 42, we discuss who you need on your team, when to bring them on and where you might find them. SHOW NOTES: None this episode.

You've made it to THE END of your first draft. Congrats! Now what? In Session #41, we delve into the art of the rewrite. SHOW NOTES: None this episode.

You've finished your masterpiece! Now what? Chances are, you're going to need a query letter to submit your script anywhere. So what is a query letter and what do you put in it?  SHOW NOTES:  Writing the Perfect Query Letter by Screencraft: https://screencraft.org/2015/12/08/writing-the-perfect-query-letter-for-your-scripts/ How to Write a Query Letter the Right Way by The Writers Store: https://w...

There are no new ideas, it's been said. So how do you come up with original stories? One way, study the prototypes for your story ideas.  SHOW NOTES: None this episode

"You have to go to LA," is what "they" say if you want to get into the screenwriting business. But do you? We debate in session #38.  SHOW NOTES: None this episode.

The multi-talented Sarah J Eagen, a writer/actor in Los Angeles, who also has a degree in neuroscience, is our guest in this session of Writers Group Therapy.  Sarah scored an 8 on the Blacklist with one of her scripts and she is currently working with the showrunner of a new CW show. SHOW NOTES Sarah's Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sarahjeagen

Can making a short film help you get your feature film get made? We discuss some case studies of films that have done just that in this week's session. SHOW NOTES: “Whiplash: From Short to Feature”  https://vimeo.com/183575305 Deadpool/Celine Dion “Ashes” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX11yw6YL1w “Dirty Laundry” (“Punisher” short film” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWpK0wsnitc “Alive in Joburg...

How do you keep on track? Achieve your goals? Meet your deadlines? What motivates you? In this session of Writers Group Therapy we talk about Accountability.  SHOW NOTES: none this episode