Living To Write

Paul Schrader wrote classics like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and The Last Temptation of Christ, directed American Gigolo, Affliction and First Reformed, documented the history of the transcendental style of film, and he’s still hard at work telling stories with impact.In this special episode, we present his engaging Story Summit VIP Guest Lecture, recorded shortly after the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where he premiered his latest feature, Oh, Canada.Hear how a strict Calvinist upbringing devoid of cinema led to Paul picking up the mantle of the transcendental style of filmmaking, and how he utilizes metaphor to draw audiences into his stories without all the handholding.If you care about meaningful cinema with lasting impact, or simply want to hear what Taxi Driver is actually all about, don’t miss this episode.Produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson

Brian and Bailey chat with The Naked Gun (2025) screenwriters Dan Gregor and Doug Mand.Comedy ain’t easy. And neither is the job of continuing the beloved Naked Gun franchise with a new chapter that honors the spirit of Lt. Frank Drebin without feeling stuck in the past.But that is exactly what Dan Gregor and Doug Mand have accomplished, and they are here to discuss why and how they do what they do, the lessons learned from years of partnership, and what it takes to keep audiences laughing in a new era.Their journey from the improv comedy scene to How I Met Your Mother, from Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers to The Naked Gun, is a colorful one. So tune in for all that, plus their thoughts on comedy writing in the age of YouTube, and why even in Hollywood a good script is never truly dead.This episode is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson conclude their two-part conversation with former president of Paramount Motion Picture Group, David Paul Kirkpatrick.As the man who greenlit some of the most iconic films in cinematic history, David knows not only how the Hollywood machine works, but why it sometimes doesn’t.Why do so few people in the studio system actually read scripts? Why does strong coverage matter more than you think? What does it take to get a studio project across the finish line? And what really happens when a movie falls apart?Plus, why did Michael Jackson shed tears over lunch with David? And is Steven Spielberg truly the mensch the world believes he is?With a remarkable career, a writer’s heart, and a mentor’s wisdom, David brings both insight and irresistible Hollywood tales in one of the most revealing conversations we’ve ever had.This podcast is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

On the latest episode of the Living to Write, Brian and Bailey chat with Story Summit founder and former Paramount Pictures studio executive David Paul Kirkpatrick in Part 1 of an unforgettable conversation.Throughout his illustrious career as president of the Motion Picture Group and head of production at both Disney and Touchstone, David helped bring to life some of the most iconic and influential films and franchises of all time, including — Indiana Jones, Star Trek, Friday the 13th, Top Gun, Ghost, The Hunt for Red October, Witness, Reds — and a Living to Write favorite — Can’t Buy Me Love.His remarkable history, combined with talents as both a writer himself and mentor to many, makes David just the man to share some of the most insightful advice and outrageous Hollywood-insider stories you’ll ever hear.What’s it like to be a studio executive? What does it take to actually greenlight a film—and what quietly kills it?Tune in to Part 1 to find out what really happens behind the curtain. And yes... He names names.This podcast is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

On this episode of Living to Write, Brian and Bailey sit down with Emmy- and Peabody-award-winning writer/director Peter Hastings.With Dog Man now out in the world, Peter discusses why he writes, how improv led him to screenwriting, what it was like working with Steven Spielberg on Animaniacs, and how writing is like music for him. Plus, a look at the projects that shaped his career and what keeps him coming back to the blank page.Support for this episode comes from Story Summit.This podcast is produced by Bailey Patterson and Brian Landwehr.

This time on Living to Write, writer/director Drew Hancock, fresh off his feature debut Companion, joins us to talk about why he writes, how he made the leap to directing his first film, why story is everything, and how he keeps imposter syndrome from slowing him down.Support for this episode comes from Story Summit.This episode is produced by Brian Landwehr & Bailey Patterson.

Lucky there’s a Patrick Meighan guy! Join us as we chat with Family Guy writer Patrick Meighan on the show's 25th anniversary. Patrick shares insights into keeping the Griffin family fresh, balancing irreverence with heart, and his journey from intern to guy who writes the show.For more visit: Story SummitThis episode of Living To Write is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

What do you do when you’ve got no credits, no connections, and no clue? TV writer Michael Jamin (King of the Hill, Beavis & Butthead) figured it out.On this episode of Living to Write, Michael stops by to talk writing, running a show, and how he broke into the industry with zero experience. We dig into how building a social media following helped launch his debut book, A Paper Orchestra, and the one thing he wishes he’d known before getting started.Produced by Brian Landwehr & Bailey Patterson.

Ever wondered what it’s like to send Nicolas Cage on a quest for a stolen truffle pig or craft a post-apocalyptic studio blockbuster? Writer and director Michael Sarnoski is here to share all the details on how he blends subtle darkness with authentic humane connection. Join us as Michael takes us through the writing process of "Pig" and "A Quiet Place: Day One," working on a studio franchise, vomit drafts, finding his unique voice on the page, and advice to emerging writers. Plus, we tackle his next project, which stars Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer.A Quiet Place: Day One is now available to rent or buy on VOD.Pig (2021)For more visit: Story SummitThis podcast is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

The time has finally come. The Master of Horror himself, Mick Garris, is here.Writer, director, producer, and frequent Stephen King collaborator, Mick is the mind behind The Stand, The Shining, Sleepwalkers, and Desperation (not to mention Hocus Pocus and Masters of Horror). He stops by to talk about his journey from writing at 12 to becoming one of the genre’s most iconic voices.We get into how he approaches spec scripts, what fuels his creativity, and how a gig with Steven Spielberg led to a career working with the biggest names in horror. And yes—his Post Mortem finale with Quentin Tarantino. We go there.This podcast is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.Visit: StorySummit.us.

YES, CHEF! Today on the menu: Sofya Levitsky-Weitz, story editor and writer on FX’s The Bear! When she’s writing for Gaslit (Starz) and The Dropout (Hulu), she’s crafting her upcoming play, This Party Sucks. Let's go behind the scenes of The Bear, talk writers’ room dynamics, breaking into the industry, and what keeps her coming back to the blank page.This podcast is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

Did someone say Greased Lightning? On this episode of Living to Write, Hollywood legend and T-bird himself, Randal Kleiser, joins the show to chat about a career that spans Grease, The Blue Lagoon, and White Fang.We dig into his new book, Drawing Directors, his early days working with George Lucas, and the encounters with filmmakers who shaped his path. We also look at the lasting cultural impact of Grease, follow up on how directors choose projects, and ask what keeps a filmmaker inspired after decades in Hollywood.It’s a conversation about filmmaking, lessons learned, and how to survive Hollywood with your sanity mostly intact.For more information on Story Summit, visit Story Summit.This episode is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

Welcome to Bailey Meets World! (IYKYK) This time on Living to Write, Bailey and Brian chat with Emmy-winning writer, producer, and director Mark Blutman, known for Boy Meets World, Girl Meets World. We discuss writing, the legacy of Boy Meets World, top-notch poutine (because priorities), and what every new emerging writer truly needs to hear. Plus, we cover his latest projects, thoughts on the WGA strike, and classic Feeny wisdom.Follow Mark on Twitter @BlutmanMark. Check out the latest on the WGA contract and join the Story Summit Facebook writing group. For more on Story Summit, visit Story Summit."Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good." — Mr. Feeny

On this episode of Living to Write, we’re hanging with the insanely talented Jessica Welsh— fellow Story Summit Summiteer and the mind behind Shania!, the spec script that lit up the 2021 Black List. We dive into her journey, life in the Apple TV writers’ room, and her insider take on the 2023 writers' strike. Plus, the ultimate screenwriter showdown: is outlining essential or just a creativity killer? Buckle up.Keep up with Jessica: https://jessica-welsh.comFor more information on Story Summit, visit Story Summit.This podcast is produced by Brian Landwehr and Bailey Patterson.

“Writers don’t sell scripts hiding behind laptops.”This time on Living to Write, we’re joined by the wildly versatile Spyder Dobrofsky— Hallmark Christmas movie mastermind turned horror-western gunslinger with Teardrop on Tubi.We talk about his journey, his directorial debut (Down Below), and that time he ended up on The Jay Leno Show. The highs, the challenges, and what it really takes to make it in this industry.Follow Spyder on Twitter @SpyderDobrofsky for updates on Down Below.For more on Story Summit, visit Story Summit.Produced by Brian Landwehr & Bailey Patterson.

Welcome to the very first episode of Living to Write! And we’re kicking things off with a legend—Jeff Arch, Oscar-nominated screenwriter of Sleepless in Seattle and author of Attachments.We dive into the wild story of how Sleepless sold, the comedy gig that almost changed everything, and Jeff’s creative process. Plus, behind-the-scenes stories, hard-earned wisdom, and what it’s like mentoring Brian and Bailey (spoiler: chaos).Jeff's novel "Attachments": AmazonStory Summit Writing Group: FacebookThis episode is produced by Brian Landwehr, Kenton Edward Dobrowolski and Bailey Patterson. For more information visit Story Summit.