The Writers Panel with Ben Blacker

Ever wonder how your favorite series was pitched in the room? Hear directly from showrunners/creators how they pitched their original series ideas, plus executives that have heard some of the most iconic pitches. They discuss the factors that affected the original pitch, the pilot, and the ultimate series, and why certain changes may have been made to get their story onto your TV. With Dan Harmon (creator, Community), Michael Jacobs (creator, Boy Meets World and Girl Meets World), producer Mark Johnson (Rectify; Breaking Bad), and HBO Director of Programming Kathleen McCaffrey.

Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp251_pitch.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Kenya Barris (creator, Black-ish); Jonathan Groff (co-showrunner, Black-ish; creator, Andy Barker PI); Mike Scully (The Simpsons; Parks & Recreation; Everybody Loves Raymond); Lilla Zuckerman & Nora Zuckerman (Suits; Haven; Fringe).

Recorded at 826LA on January 24, 2016.

Direct download: nwp250_barriss_groff.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Traditional seasons are a thing of the past. With new content available to viewers at all times, and the distance between seasons being anywhere from 6 weeks to 22 months, there is a new reality that TV is a year-round industry. It's discussed by Noah Hawley (creator, Fargo), Beau Willimon (creator, House of Cards), Mickey Fisher (creator, Extant), and Graeme Manson (co-creator, Orphan Black).

Moderated by The Hollywood Reporter's Tim Goodman. Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp249_unseasonable.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The Survivor host and showrunner, screenwriter, director, producer, and author discusses storytelling in all of its forms, learning by doing, finding big drama in small, personal moments, collaborating, honesty, and lots more.

The new season of Survivor begins February 17 on CBS!

Direct download: nwp248_probst.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The new showrunner of The Muppets discusses taking the reigns on that show, working with felt, jokes and heart, starting out as writers' assistant and her first job on That 70's Show, and her work on The Neighbors, Galavant, and more.

Direct download: nwp247_newman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Creator Bridget Carpenter (Friday Night Lights; Red Road) discusses the new Hulu series based upon the Stephen King novel. She talks about her enthusiasm for the project, working with King, JJ Abrams, and James Franco, drawing out the themes that interested her, honesty in the writers' room, and lots more. 11/22/63 premieres on Hulu on Presidents Day, February 15th.

Live Writers Panels coming up in LA!

-2/21 at 826LA in Echo Park: Daredevil showrunners Douglas Petrie (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Marco Ramirez (Fear the Walking Dead); Melissa Rosenberg (creator/showrunner, Jessica Jones; writer, Twilight films); Jason Katims (creator, Parenthood and About a Boy; showrunner, Friday Night Lights; EP, The Path); Jessica Goldberg (creator, The Path). 

-2/23 at Meltdown in Hollywood: Last Man on Earth with creator/star Will Forte, showrunner Andy Bobrow, and more! Sneak preview of a new episode! 

 

Direct download: nwp246_11_22_63.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Creators/executive producers Dan Harmon & Justin Roiland, and writer/producer Ryan Ridley. Moderated by Variety executive editor Debra Birnbaum.

Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp245_rick_morty.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:35am PDT

Charles Randolph, co-writer of The Big Short, discusses grappling with difficult or multiple concepts, zeroing in on characters, his background as a philosophy professor, The Life of David Gale, and more.

Direct download: nwp244_big_short.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:46am PDT

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