Top 10 Best Podcasts for Screenwriters
In the last few years, the world of podcasting has exploded, covering almost every topic imaginable. For people looking to learn more about screenwriting or movies in general, this explosion presents a great opportunity to hear from variety of perspectives, from professionals in the field to amatuers who have a passion for quality film.
For those unsure where to begin, here are a few podcasts that are definitely worth checking out:
Write On
A production of Final Draft, Write On features interviews from writers, agents, managers, and producers to provide an insider look at how to thrive in the industry. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to break into the industry or just wanting to keep up on the latest Hollywood news.
Check out their episodes on Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts.
Q and A with Jeff Goldsmith
Jeff Goldsmith is the publisher of the screenwriting publication Backstory Magazine. In this podcast, he dives into the creative process alongside other screenwriters, filmmakers, and actors to discover what makes a great story.
Check out their episodes on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or at their website.
Scriptnotes
John August and Craig Mazin lead the reader through the wide world of screenwriting, touching on everything from story structure to copyright and work-for-hire law. The content ranges from interviews to breakdowns of specific scenes in movies.
Check out their episodes on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, or on their website.
On Story
Created by the Austin Film Festival as a companion to their television show, the team sits down with some of the greatest creative minds in visual entertainment to discuss adaptation, genre writing, and so much more.
Check them out on Apple Podcasts or on their website.
The Writers Panel with Ben Blacker
From conventions to in-studio interviews, Ben Blacker sits down with writers, producers, and showrunners of some of the most influential and popular shows of recent years, such as Gilmore Girls, Breaking Bad, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
Check out their episodes on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or at their website.
No Film School
This podcast focuses on building a career as a filmmaker, covering everything from technical developments to industry trends. They also interview leaders in roles of directing, cinematography, editing, and production.
Check them out on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, or their website.
Draft Zero
Chas Fisher and Stuart Willis, two aspiring writers, explore how great screenplays work. They cover concepts like stakes, opening sequences, and set-up and payoff. This podcast is perfect for any writer looking for practical tips to improve their writing.
Check them out on Apple Podcasts, iHeart, or on their website.
Screenwriting from the Trenches
Rob Hagains and Kay Tuxford explore the variety of ways that writers go about the process of creating stories. From highlighting different film festivals to disbanding common screenwriting myths, this podcast has something for anyone interested in film.
Check them out on Apple Podcast, Podcast Addict, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Scriptcake
Lovinder Gill tackles the unique challenges of screenwriting he has encountered in his many years of teaching. This podcast tackles the common mistakes made by screenwriters so that they can create a compelling narrative.
Check them out on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart, or their website.
Beyond the Screenplay
Want to listen to breakdowns of your favorite films? Michal Tucker and the Lessons from the Screenplay team pick the minds of the creatives behind such works as Saving Private Ryan, Alien, and The Shawshank Redemption to better understand the process of visual storytelling.
Check them out at Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Anchor.
By taking advantage of these resources and others like them, prospective screenwriters can hone their craft without spending thousands of dollars or even leaving the comfort of their home. If you like learning about screenwriting or just about movies in general, these podcasts are a free and fun place to start.
Good luck on your writing journey, and may the Author of all stories be with you!