On The Page

Pilar gives a sneak preview of her next book, “The Coffee Break Screenwriter Breaks the Rules,” with this discussion about narrative devices like voice over and flashback.

Josh Stolberg, writer of “Jigsaw” (in theaters now), talks about the “Saw" franchise, working with Clive Barker and his advice for being scary on the page. 

Writer on the verge Eric Rudnick talks about rewriting, video pitching and channeling your inner Bruce Springsteen.    

So you’ve got a script. What happens next?  Producer Rona Edwards fills us in.  A must-listen for those who want to understand the true business side of showbiz.  Also check out the third edition of her book, “I Liked It, I Didn’t Love It:  Screenplay Development from the Inside Out."

Animation writer Katie Mattila (Avatar: The Last Airbender, Kung Fu Panda, Harvey Beaks, 100 Things to do Before High School, Tangled: The Series and Home: Adventures with Tip and Oh) talks about her experience with script-driven animated series and story-board driven animated series.  

Pilar's students from the International Film School in Cologne, Germany talk about their stories and feelings about US and German television. 

With the help of writer Suzanne Keilly, Pilar clears out her overstuffed e-mail inbox and gives long overdue answers to listener questions.

Using comedy expert Steve Kaplan’s upcoming book as a launching point, he and TV writer Ellen Sandler discuss the journey, goals and drive of main characters in comedy features and TV shows.

Star student turned star TV writer Charmaine DeGrate returns to the podcast to share what she’s learned as a writer and producer of the popular CW series “The 100.” 

Christopher Vogler, author of the landmark book "The Writer's Journey”, discusses mythic structure, connectivity and “the wisdom of the body."

David Kessler spent years attempting to get life rights for the scripts he wanted to write. In this episode he shares his journey and provides tips for the passionate (and brave) screenwriter. 

It's another On The Page/Rock Solid mash-up as Pilar and Pat Francis read listener's log lines and play the songs that the writer would want on the soundtrack.

Want to get a laugh? Try some conflict and hostility. Peter Desberg, psychologist, teacher and author, explains it all to you.

Silicon Valley writer Shawn Boxe talks about getting work, navigating the writers room and creating story while also battling cancer.

The great Scotty Mullen returns to talk about his latest movie: Sharknado 5!

Time, place, pacing and continuity: these are just some of the responsibilities of a script supervisor. Sylvia Parker (Edge of Tomorrow, T2 Trainspotting, The Theory of Everything, Murder on the Orient Express), covers the details!

Kirsten (Kiwi) Smith, the co-writer of "Legally Blonde," "10 Things I Hate About You," "Ella Enchanted" and (in development) "The Expendabelles" and "Sister Act 3," talks about breaking story, creating set-pieces and discovering the “joy" of a character.

From inner wounds to onion chopping, Pilar and author Michael Hauge hash out the complex character arc of the on-screen protagonist.

Writing partners Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin describe their journey from winning contests to writing the live action “Mulan" for Disney.

How do you find the next great story? Writers Jacob Coakley, Alicia Lomas-Gross, Amanda Torigiani, Nadia Madden and Neal Thibedeau share the ways they brainstorm new ideas and find character inspiration from news, work and life.