Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting

What is script coverage, and how can it help (or hurt) your screenwriting career? In this episode of Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting, Jordan Imiola and David Wingert dive deep into the world of professional script notes — from studio coverage to film festivals to today’s shifting industry.Between the two of them, they've worked on all sides of coverage: reading scripts, receiving notes, and now helping writers find better, more supportive options. David has read for Final Draft, Coverfly, SlamDance, Paramount, Austin Film Festival, and more. Together, we break down:🎬 What coverage really is and why it matters📚 What studio readers and festival judges are actually looking for⚡ The biggest mistakes writers make when submitting scripts📉 Why so many coverage services are shutting down right now🌟 Why ScriptReads.com is a stronger alternative — real screenwriters with produced credits giving feedback that helps your story growIf you’ve ever wondered whether script coverage is worth it, or how to find feedback you can actually trust, this episode gives you the insider truth from two working screenwriters.Join our Screenwriting Success Club 👉 https://www.skool.com/screenwriting-1697/about👉 Subscribe to the Channel for more Screenwriters Talk ScreenwritingMore screenwriting tips at www.jordanimiola.com🙂 TAKE A SCREENWRITING COURSE @ https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/✍️ Get 1-on-1 Screenwriting Coaching @ https://www.jordanimiola.com/screenwritingcoaching#ScriptCoverage #Screenwriting #FinalDraft #Coverfly #AustinFilmFestival

🎬 Ever wondered what it’s like to make a film in just 48 hours? In this episode of Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting, we dive into the world of the 48 Hour Film Project — the international filmmaking challenge where thousands of teams race the clock to write, shoot, and edit a movie in a single weekend.Join Jordan Imiola, Maria Braun, Jordan Lemu, Lillith Crimi, Justin Zelli, and Ryan Zunner as we talk about the highs and lows of the process, the creativity it sparks, and what happens when your film makes it to Filmapalooza — and even to the Cannes Film Festival.Whether you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, or just love behind-the-scenes stories, this episode gives you insight, laughs, and maybe even the push to sign up for the 48 Hour Film Project yourself.

🎬 Want to break into TV or film comedy?Meet Doug Mand & Dan Gregor — the powerhouse writing duo behind Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, How I Met Your Mother, Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers, and more!In this hilarious and insightful episode of Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting, Doug and Dan share:✅ How they broke into Hollywood and built lasting writing careers✅ Secrets to writing sharp, character-driven comedy that stands out✅ Tips for pitching projects and winning over executives✅ Stories (and lessons) from hit shows and features — including what they'd do differently✅ How to collaborate as a writing team and stay friendsWhether you're working on your first pilot, dreaming of joining a writers' room, or looking to elevate your scripts, this episode is packed with real-world advice and inspiration to help you keep going — and finish.💥 Don’t just write — FINISH.🎓 Take a screenwriting course: jordanimiola.thinkific.com✍️ Get 1-on-1 coaching: jordanimiola.thinkific.com/courses/ScreenwritingCoaching📰 Join the newsletter: jordanimiola.com🎧 Subscribe to Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting on Spotify & all major platforms.

TV comedy writer Joe Cristalli (co-creator of the Frasier revival, Perfect Harmony, Life in Pieces) joins Jordan Imiola, Kerstin Porter, and Rund Shami to talk about his sitcom career, breaking in, and what it’s really like writing TV comedy in today’s industry. If you're a screenwriter or comedy lover, don’t miss this fun and insightful episode!👉 Want to write your own script this summer?Join Jordan’s 12-Week Group Course:https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/🎬 New to screenwriting? Start here:Write a Movie in 14 Days Coursehttps://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/✍️ Get 1-on-1 Screenwriting Coaching with Jordan:https://www.jordanimiola.com/screenwritingcoaching#Frasier #ScreenwritingPodcast #TVWriting #SitcomWriting #ScreenwritersTalkScreenwriting

I’m sharing 10 of my favorite Comedy Writing Tips I've learned from watching too much TV ("Friends," "It's Always Sunny," "The Office," etc.) and from comedy books, comedy courses, and comedy experience that helped me become a comedy writer. If you want to learn Comedy Writing & Production, check out my Comedy Course about Comedy. 👉 ⁠https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/courses/comedy-writing-production⁠It’s packed with 33 Comedy Tips in total, with examples from:☕ Friends🎤 Seinfeld📎 The Office📺 I Love Lucy☀️ It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia🍩 The Simpsons🌳 Parks and Recreation🎬 Clerks…and more! This Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting podcast episode covers the first 10 of those tips. The course has all 33, with breakdowns, scripts, and actionable insights for writing comedy. 👉 TAKE this COMEDY WRITING COURSE!!! @ https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/courses/comedy-writing-production✍️ Still reading this, cool, thanks, I got more classes 🙂 @ https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/Subscribe / Follow / Know it's Appreciated!Need help with your script? I offer 1-on-1 screenwriting coaching:https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/courses/ScreenwritingCoaching🎬 Ready to Write Your Movie THIS SUMMER? ☀️☀️☀️Join the 12-Week Screenwriting Summer Course ➡️ https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/courses/write-your-screenplay-this-summer-course

👉 Enroll now: ⁠https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/courses/write-your-screenplay-this-summer-course🎥Finish your movie script in 12 weeks with a Screenwriting Course designed to help you go from idea to full screenplay, even if you’ve never written before.🎬 Ready to finally write that movie that’s been living in your head? Join award-winning screenwriter Jordan Imiola for a fun, focused, and fully guided 12-week summer screenwriting course starting June 26, 2025!How it works:🗓 12 weekly Zoom sessions📝 Weekly writing goals (10 pages/week)📚 Screenwriting tools + structure lessons✔️ Learn structure with examples from movies like Home Alone, Wonder Woman, Die Hard, Alien, Jaws, and more🎯 Personalized feedback from Jordan🎬 Final goal: A completed screenplaySpots are limited. The sooner you join, the sooner you’ll be writing! 🎬 Enroll Now → https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/courses/write-your-screenplay-this-summer-coursePerfect for beginners, hobbyists, or anyone finally ready to stop thinking about writing a movie — and actually do it.📅 Starts Thursday, June 26, 2025💻 Hosted live on Zoom — with replays!🎓 Taught by award-winning screenwriter & coach Jordan Imiola💬 Includes live lessons, writing deadlines, story coaching, and support from a like-minded group✔️ Small group, big resultsNo more excuses. No more confusion. No more writing alone.Let’s make this the summer you finally write your movie! 💥 🎥💪

Take my Comedy Writing & Production Course 👉 https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/courses/comedy-writing-production✍️ Create your own comedy content — even if you're broke, busy, or just starting out!In this episode of Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting, host Jordan Imiola breaks down how to brainstorm and create hilarious comedy with no money and no gatekeepers. Whether you’re building a sketch, sitcom, web series, or indie film — this episode gives you the tools to just start.🎥 Perfect for:Comedy writers figuring out what to write aboutIndie filmmakers who want to actually shoot somethingSketch creators with no budget but big ideasStand-up comics wanting to try screenwritingAnyone who’s tired of waiting for permission to create 🎬Referenced in this episode:📺 Seinfeld – Writing jokes from tiny, relatable ideas😂 Everybody Loves Raymond – Turning family drama into episodic gold🎬 Clerks – DIY filmmaking with heart and a camcorder🎤 Bo Burnham – Personal storytelling meets punchlines🎥 Broad City – Web series turned mainstream hit☀️ It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – Writing what no one else would dare👓 Comedy greats like Larry David, Ray Romano, Kevin Smith, Ilana Glazer, and Abbi Jacobson👇 Subscribe to the Channel for more Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting🎓 TAKE A SCREENWRITING COURSE 🙂 https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/🎬 Get 1-on-1 Screenwriting Coaching @ https://www.jordanimiola.com/screenwritingcoaching📚 More screenwriting tips at www.jordanimiola.com#ScreenwritingTips #ComedyWriting #NoBudgetFilm #IndieFilmmaking #WriteYourStory

Michael Jamin, a veteran TV writer with credits on King of the Hill, Just Shoot Me, Maron, Wilfred, Tacoma FD, Rules of Engagement, and more, shares his journey and expert advice! 📺✍️ Michael takes us behind the scenes of the TV writing process, breaking down what it takes to create hilarious, character-driven scripts. This interview is packed with insight, laughs, and must-know industry tips! Want to become a TV writer? Don’t miss these expert tips from a writer who’s been there and done it! 🎥🔥 📌 More screenwriting tips at www.jordanimiola.com ✍️ Take a screenwriting course @ https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/ 🎯 Get 1-on-1 Screenwriting Coaching @ https://www.jordanimiola.com/screenwritingcoaching Subscribe for more Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting! #TVWriting #Screenwriting #MichaelJamin #ComedyWriting #KingOfTheHill

Jordan talks with his client, friend, and legendary voiceover actress, Cheryl Chase known for Angelica Pickles in RUGRATS, as well as contributing to classics like THE REN & STIMPY HOW and ADAMS FAMILY VALUES. Now, Cheryl embarks on a new adventure with her upcoming web series, SCHMIDTI'S CIRCUIT!Support Schmidti's Circuit on Kickstarter: 👉 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/schmidtiscircuit/schmidtis-circuitCheryl showcases her talents as a creator, actress, and screenwriter.  In this episode of SCREENWRITERS TALK SCREENWRITING, Cheryl discusses her transition from voice acting to screenwriting, sharing insights into developing original content. With guidance from screenwriting coach Jordan Imiola, she has crafted a series that promises to captivate audiences.More screenwriting tips @ www.jordanimiola.com1-on-1 Screenwriting Coaching @ https://www.jordanimiola.com/1-on-1-coaching✍️ Take a screenwriting course @ https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/Subscribe to the Channel for more Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting #Screenwriting #WebSeries #SchmidtisCircuit #Rugrats #CherylChase

Want to break into TV sitcom writing? In this episode of Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting, we dive into the art of crafting hilarious TV comedy with Malik S., a sitcom writer on the hit CBS show The Neighborhood! Not only does Malik bring the laughs in the writers’ room, but he also plays the character Tre on the show. As a stand-up comedian, he knows how to write and deliver comedy that lands—and he’s sharing his best tips on writing funny dialogue, punch-ups, and building comedic moments that keep audiences hooked. In this episode, you'll learn: 🎭 How to break into TV sitcom writing – Malik S. shares his journey to The Neighborhood.  ✍️ The key to writing funny dialogue – Crafting jokes that land on screen. 🎬 Inside the writers' room – How sitcoms are written and rewritten. 😂 Balancing stand-up and sitcom writing – Lessons from a comedian-turned-writer. 📺 How to make characters funnier – Creating comedy that feels natural and relatable. If you love sitcoms and want to write jokes like a pro, this episode is a must-listen! 📌 More screenwriting tips and 1-on-1 coaching at www.jordanimiola.com ✍️ Take a screenwriting course @ https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/ Rate, Review and Follow Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting for more new episodes! #TVWriting #Screenwriting #SitcomWriting #ComedyWriting #TheNeighborhood

Bringing a TV show to life is a long road—and for On Call creators Elliot Wolf and Tim Walsh, it was a five-year journey to get their gripping half-hour police drama on the air. Now a  breakout series on Amazon, On Call has captivated audiences with its fast-paced storytelling, real-time format, and nail-biting action. In this episode of Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting, Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf reveal the challenges, victories, and behind-the-scenes process of creating and showrunning On Call. They share how they navigated the industry, developed the show’s unique structure with EP, Dick Wolf, and ultimately turned their vision into a successful streaming series. 🎬 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How On Call went from idea to Amazon’s hit police drama ✅ The pitching and development process behind launching a TV show ✅ What it takes to be a showrunner in today’s entertainment industry ✅ Advice for aspiring TV writers looking to get their scripts produced If you're a fan of police dramas, wolf entertainment, or an aspiring screenwriter, or just love hearing how great shows get made, this episode is packed with must-hear industry insights! 🎧 Watch now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more screenwriting interviews! 🎧 Watch now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more screenwriting interviews! 📌 For more interviews & resources, visit: www.jordanimiola.com #OnCall #TVWriting #Showrunner #AmazonPrime #ScreenwritersTalkScreenwriting  

Mattea Greene has been kicking ass in the Cobra Kai writers' room since Season 2, rising from writer’s assistant and script coordinator to Executive Story Editor for Season 6. In this conversation, she shares her journey from breaking into TV writing to crafting fan-favorite episodes like Season 3's “The Good, the Bad, and the Badass”. Get exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the Cobra Kai writers' room, hear how Mattea approaches character arcs and epic fight scenes, and learn her top advice for aspiring TV writers. Whether you're a die-hard Cobra Kai fan or an emerging screenwriter, this episode is packed with inspiration and expert tips on writing for television. 🎧 Watch the video version at www.jordanimiola.com #CobraKai #KarateKid #MatteaGreene #TVWriting #Screenwriting #WritersRoom #Netflix #ScreenwritersTalkScreenwriting

We welcome back TV writers (and now TV producers) Alex Franklin and Marc Muszynski to talk about Dexter: Original Sin, the highly anticipated prequel to the iconic Showtime series. Alex and Marc give exclusive behind-the-scenes details about the Dexter TV writing process, the challenges of crafting a compelling origin story, and how they approached developing a younger version of the infamous Dexter Morgan. We discuss casting, including Patrick Gibson, Christian Slater, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and the new cast members. They go over character evolution and the creative choices that shaped the series and share invaluable insights into thriving in the competitive world of TV writing. Whether you're a die-hard Dexter fan, an aspiring screenwriter, or just love hearing how great television is made, this episode is packed with must-hear stories, industry wisdom, and plenty of laughs. Hosted by Jordan Imiola, Kerstin Porter, and Elena Dizon. Don’t miss the newest episode of Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting! #TVWriting #Dexter #ScreenwritersTalkScreenwriting #DexterOriginalSin

Dexter: New Blood required a team of talented storytellers. Enter Alex Franklin and Marc Muszynski—TV writers who played a crucial role in crafting the next chapter of Dexter Morgan’s dark and twisted journey. In this episode of Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting, hosts, Jordan Imiola, Kerstin Porter, and Rund Shami sit down with Alex and Marc to talk about their experience as staff writers on Dexter: New Blood. They share what it was like stepping into the world of the legendary crime drama, working alongside showrunner Clyde Phillips, and helping shape the story that brought Dexter back to our screens. But that’s just the beginning! Alex and Marc also drop incredible writing advice for aspiring TV writers, covering everything from breaking into the industry to navigating the pressures of a writers’ room. They break down the process of writing for an established IP, creating tension that keeps audiences hooked, and crafting compelling character arcs that evolve over multiple episodes. If you’re a Dexter fan, an aspiring screenwriter, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories about TV writing, this episode is a must-listen! 🎥 Watch the video version at www.jordanimiola.com and join the conversation! #Dexter #DexterNewBlood #TVWriting #Screenwriting #BehindTheScenes #WritersRoom #Storytelling

Let’s talk dialogue. In this episode, I’m sharing MY TOP 7 TIPS for Writing Dialogue to help you write dialogue that’s snappy, natural, and full of personality.  Ever written a scene and thought, Wow, this sounds like two robots reading a script? We’ve all been there. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! So, grab your coffee, hit play, and let’s make your dialogue shine! 🎬🔥 Listen to Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you Podcast. #Screenwriting #WritingDialogue #ScreenwritingTips

In this episode of Screenwriters Talk Screenwriting, we sit down with Michael Markowitz, the writer of the hit comedy Horrible Bosses and a longtime TV comedy writer known for Duckman and Becker. Michael dives into his journey from stand-up to studio features, shares wild stories from the writers’ room, and offers sharp insights into what makes comedy work on the page and on the screen.If you're looking to write comedy that stands out, or just want to laugh while learning from one of the best, this conversation is for you.Hosted by Jordan Imiola, Kerstin Porter, and Rund Shami. #HorribleBosses #Screenwriting #TVWriting🙂 TAKE A SCREENWRITING COURSE @ https://jordanimiola.thinkific.com/✍️ Get 1-on-1 Screenwriting Coaching @ https://www.jordanimiola.com/screenwritingcoaching📖 More screenwriting tips at www.jordanimiola.com

Q&A with Hugh Fink known for his writing on Saturday Night Live, Last Comic Standing, The Drew Carey Show, The Showbiz Show with David Spade, The WGA Awards, and much more. A replay of the first episode of the Deadline Junkies Screenwriting Podcast hosted by Jordan Imiola, Kerstin Porter, and Rund Shami. #SaturdayNightLive #SNL

A Replay from the Christmas Movie Screenwriter Podcast.  Screenwriter Jordan Imiola discusses his successes with Christmas movies, connecting with producers, turbo-charging your productivity, and the pros and cons of paid screenwriting services. Whether you’re a seasoned screenwriter or just starting, this podcast offers actionable insights to help you succeed in the merry marketplace of Christmas scripts.

Screenwriter Jordan Imiola goes over how to do a table read for your script with your friends or professional actors and what to expect after that table read. 

Screenwriters and Actors Marisa Dzintars, Gloria Garayua, Jordan Imiola, Gloria Tsai, and David Wingert talk about what they're grateful for in their careers over the past 10 years.