Human nature suggests that when the sky seems to be falling we turn to the media to confirm our fears. As writing jobs and our industry as a whole contracts writers find themselves turning to the trades to allay fears or just to "find out more." The good wisdom has always seemed to say that "reading the trades" was a must for any writer worth their salt. But how much trade news - on premieres, and overall deals, and mergers, and agents leaving companies - is too much news? In this episode, Nick and Steve dig into whether a daily reading of the trades can empower you or inhibit you. Isn't just good business sense to know the landscape of your industry? Or are you harming your inner artist by keeping too much of an informed eye on the proverbial prize?As always, Nick and Steve will offer two different perspectives on the "glued to the news" question that you can use to help you move your projects forward in the screenwriting market. Whether you aspire to be a daily Deadline.com reader, or don't care to know the difference between the Warners and The MGM's, the Beyond The Script team will bring fresh ideas to your career and process. last transition by samc44 on pixabayMusic by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound
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37:13
The DIY Career Launch
Making your own work has been at the core of the strategic playbook for breaking in to film and tv for 25 years. Hollywood loves to embrace and amplify the story of the little gal or guy who made their short film for $500 bucks and landed the major studio deal. But with the ubiquity of film festivals and prohibitive costs to make high quality content, is the DIY career launch still a winning strategy? In this episode, Nick and Steve examine whether you should cash in your favors and piggy banks to make a short/web series, or write a whole new playbook for gaining viral attention and popularity in today's saturated market. As always, Nick and Steve will offer two different perspectives on the DIY question that you can use to help you move your projects forward in the screenwriting market. Whether you're Sundance or bust, or keen on finding brand new avenues to get your work seen, the Beyond The Script team will give you fresh ideas to bring to your process. Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound
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34:14
The Antihero Dilemma
In a media ecosystem polluted with bad news, online vitriol, and political polarization, what is the writer's responsibility to the audience? If we - as writers - continue to churn out dark heroes and revenge story arcs - aren't we part of an ever growing problem?In this episode, Nick and Steve break down whether you should follow the money towards script ideas that have explosive action, hair raising violence, and back-stabbing betrayals - or lean into your own heart to find more optimistic narratives. As always, Nick and Steve will offer two different perspectives on The Antihero Dilemma that you can use to help you move your projects forward in the screenwriting market. Whether you're aiming for a low body count or a total bloodbath, the Beyond The Script team will give you new ideas to bring to your career. Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic SoundMusic by Joystock - https://www.joystock.orgMusic by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound
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34:53
AI - Should I?
Today's episode is all about AI - artificial intelligence - and what it means to TV and screenwriters. When the WGA writers went on strike, AI was among the concerns. Writers became obsessed with what it was and how it works and whether it's useful or not useful for a professional career. Since the strike ended there have been stories in the press about multiple sides of the issue - from concerns about AI learning from TV and film scripts to the question of whether (and how) writers should use it in their own work. What's the best way forward as a writer in a world where AI gives you options you've never had? How much should we lean in? Should we set boundaries on how we use it? Or should we assume everyone is diving in and in order to be competitive, we should, too? Nick and Steve offer two different perspectives on Artificial Intelligence as they carve out ways to make use of this tool. There's a ton of passion on each side. Along the way, they'll talk about screenwriter Paul Schrader's opinions, answer a question from the client mailbag, and each make the case for AI's role in the writer's life. Which approach fits your style and your career? This convo may well help you decide where you stand - even as artificially intelligent creatives are standing right beside you.Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic SoundMusic by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound
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26:58
OverNoted
On today's episode, we're talking about notes. Every TV and Feature writer gets notes - whether in writers' groups or from executives, showrunners, production companies or studios. But what do you do with all that feedback? Notes can make people defensive and emotional. All those comments can shut people down and some are just confusing. Should you stay open and soak up all the notes they throw at you? Or get the note-givers to slow their roll and keep the notes to a minimum?Nick and Steve offer TWO different ways to deal with notes - from differing perspectives. Find out which approach fits your style and your career. Unearth key insights to help you deal with feedback coming from people who may want to pay you and produce your work. Plus: check out a true-life story about the challenging impact of notes on a writer.Music for Your Creative Life promo by SigmaMusicArtMusic by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound
About Beyond The Script : Career Strategy For TV and Film Writers
Beyond The Script is fun, informative, and tailor-made for TV and Feature writers. We believe it's not necessarily the technical elements of your screenwriting that need to shift to land that six-figure deal - it's mostly about mindset and strategy. We're Steve Harper and Nick Jobe, writers, coaches, and consultants. We've seen clients succeed using the ideas we lay out in this show. That's why we're passing the wisdom on to you. Be warned, we have wildly different perspectives on just about everything. The show is full of humor, passionate debates, and key insights you can apply to your own writing life. Find Steve at Yourcreativelife.com and Nick at Pageonetv.com.
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