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Writers Guild of America West
News and information about the WGAw, and interviews with screenwriters from the worlds of movies, television, and new media.
Total 102 episodes
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Ep. 388 - Sean Baker - Anora
Host Kristina Woo talks with screenwriter-director Sean Baker (Red Rocket, The Florida Project, Tangerine) about his latest film Anora, the nuts & bolts of indie filmmaking, handling tonal shifts, and more.
39:26
21/11/2024
Ep. 387 - Debora Cahn – The Diplomat
In this episode, host Aaron Fullerton speaks with The Diplomat creator-showrunner Debora Cahn about Season Two of Netflix’s political drama series, how the show’s writers’ aim for authenticity, and more.
29:32
14/11/2024
Ep. 386 - Sanjay Shah – Everybody Still Hates Chris
On this episode host Jonterri Gadson talks with Everybody Still Hates Chris developer-showrunner Sanjay Shah about how he got the Comedy Central animated series WGA-covered, the creative challenges of live-action vs. animation, his best tips for selling your pitch, and more.
01:03:58
31/10/2024
Ep. 385 - WGAW Public Policy Priorities with Laura Blum-Smith
On this episode, with 2024 elections just a few weeks away, campaign season is in full swing. WGAW Senior Research and Public Policy Director Laura Blum-Smith joins Kristina Woo to talk about WGAW’s policy priorities. To learn more about the guild's policy priorities visit https://www.wga.org/public-policy
33:43
17/10/2024
Ep. 384 - Megan Park - My Old Ass
Host Josephine Green Zhang talks with filmmaker Megan Park about her latest film, the coming-of age comedy My Old Ass, making the transition from acting to writing and directing, finding her authentic voice, and more.
43:26
10/10/2024
Ep. 383 - Lauren LeFranc - The Penguin
Host Jasmyne Peck speaks with The Penguin developer-showrunner Lauren LeFranc about how the Max limited series explores the rise of the Gotham crime lord as a character study, the challenges of staying true to The Batman universe, and more.
43:09
26/09/2024
Ep. 382 - Union Town: Casting by Teamsters with Allison Jones & Sherry Thomas
Back by popular demand, we have members of the Hollywood Teamsters Local 399 —this time from the Casting Department. Teamsters Local 399 and their New York counterparts in Teamsters Local 817 began contract negotiating with the studios on August 26th for Casting Directors, Associate Casting Directors, and newly organized Casting Assistants. Host and WGAW member Andra Whipple sits down with two iconic Casting Directors and Teamster negotiating committee members Allison Jones and Sherry Thomas to discuss some of the challenges they are up against. Learn more about the Casting Directors campaign and how you can support them in their campaign toolkit.
58:19
19/09/2024
Ep. 381 - Alma Har'el - Lady in the Lake
Host Moon Zappa speaks with filmmaker Alma Har’el (Honey Boy) about creating, showrunning, and directing the AppleTV+ limited series Lady in the Lake, centering women in the narrative, finding the show’s aesthetic, and more.
47:16
05/09/2024
Ep. 380 - Katie Robbins - Sunny
Host Kristina Woo speaks with Sunny creator-showrunner Katie Robbins (The Affair, Natalia) about her AppleTV+ sci-fi dramedy series, the creative challenges of adaption, the connection between humans and AI technology, and more.
44:48
22/08/2024
Ep. 379 - Keith McNutt, Executive Director of the Entertainment Community Fund
WGAW member Andra Whipple sat down with Entertainment Community Fund Western Region Executive Director Keith McNutt to discuss what services are provided, what the Fund is currently working on, and how you can get involved.
31:29
08/08/2024
Ep. 378 - Anna Fishko - Orphan Black: Echoes
Host Jasmyne Peck speaks with Orphan Black: Echoes creator and showrunner Anna Fishko about exploring identity and found families in her sci-fi thriller series, 4D-printed body parts, what narratives she’s drawn to, and more.
45:51
01/08/2024
Ep. 377 - Josh Margolin - Thelma
Host Josephine Green Zhang talks with screenwriter-director Joshua Margolin about his feature debut Thelma, how his grandmother’s own experience inspired the film, how his improv comedy background informs his creative process, and more.
51:18
18/07/2024
Ep. 376 - Union Town: Hollywood Teamsters Talk Negotiations Part 2
As the Teamsters and Hollywood Basic crafts continue their negotiations with the studios, we’re coming to you with the second half of our two-part series on the issues they hope to address. This time, WGAW member Jonterri Gadson sits down with Teamsters local 399 members and Chef’s Assistants Carlos Gonzales and Ester Garcia.
37:08
11/07/2024
Ep. 375 - Molly McNearney and Danny Ricker - Jimmy Kimmel Live
WGAW member Jonterri Gadson talks with Jimmy Kimmel Live Head Writers Molly McNearney and Danny Ricker about the creative challenges of writing for a late-night comedy/variety talk series, their advice on what it takes to submit a great writing “packet,” balancing the personal and professional, and much more.
32:53
20/06/2024
Ep. 374 - Dave Filoni - Ahsoka
On this episode, Ahsoka creator and Mandalorian writer Dave Filoni talks about expanding the Stars Wars universe, his new role as Lucasfilm’s Chief Content Officer, and more.
45:47
13/06/2024
Union Town - Hollywood Teamsters Talk Negotiations Part 1
In a special full-episode of Union Town, WGAW member/captain Jonterri Gadson talks with Teamsters Local 399 members Doug Weaver and Alison Taylor about the work they do and the importance of this negotiation. This is part one of a two-part series on the issues Hollywood Teamsters hope to address in their current negotiations with the studios.
36:03
07/06/2024
Ep. 373 - Lucia Aniello & Paul W. Downs & Jen Statsky - Hacks
Host Andra Whipple talks with Hacks creators & showrunners Lucia Aniello & Paul W. Downs & Jen Statsky about returning for Season 3 of their Max comedy series, reflections on last year’s WGA strike, and why writing is essential at every stage of the process.
31:32
23/05/2024
Ep. 372 - Lulu Wang | Ridiculousness Writers Get First Contract
Timed to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, WGAW Asian American Writers Committee Chair Kristina Woo speaks with Expats creator-showrunner & filmmaker Lulu Wang about her Amazon series, authentic representation, transitioning to television, and more. (1:00) Next up, WGAW member Jonterri Gadson talks with Ridiculousness writers and new Writers Guild members Erin Conroy and Greg Edwards about the fight to achieve their first-ever WGA contract, the power of solidarity, and more. (41:14)
57:54
09/05/2024
Ep. 371 - Jen D'Angelo | Chris Keyser & David A. Goodman's Morgan Cox Acceptance Speeches
In this episode WGAW member Susie Singer Carter talks with 2024 Writers Guild Award-winning writer Jen D’Angelo (01:10) about crafting films such as Quiz Lady and Totally Killer, how her improv comedy experience informs her creative process, and more. For the Union Town segment (31:31), 2023 WGA Negotiating Committee Co-Chairs and past WGAW Presidents David A. Goodman and Chris Keyser receive WGAW’s Morgan Cox Award at the recent 2024 Writers Guild Awards, honoring their outstanding Guild service and leadership which played a key role in the WGA achieving unprecedent gains during last year’s MBA negotiations and 148-day writers’ strike.
46:22
24/04/2024
Ep. 370 - Brit Marling | AFM Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe
In this episode’s Union Town segment (01:03), WGAW member “Jazz” Peck talks with American Federation of Musicians Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe about representing musicians in the industry, the power of solidarity, and the magic that both musicians and writers create with their work. Then, WGAW member Aaron Fullerton talks with A Murder at the End of the World co-creator-showrunner-writer and co-star Brit Marling (23:26) about telling stories that blend real emotions with big ideas, the unique pitching process she has with her writing partner, and more.
01:00:01
13/04/2024
Ep. 369 - Francesca Sloane | Many Crafts, One Fight Recap
In this episode’s Union Town segment (1:00), Writers Guild members turn out in force to show solidarity at the recent Many Crafts, One Fight rally to kick off crew unions IATSE, Teamsters, and Hollywood Basic Crafts’ negotiations with the AMPTP. Then, host Josephine Green Zhang talks with Mr. and Mrs. Smith co-creator and showrunner Francesca Sloane (9:45) about her new Amazon series, creative process, career, and more.
42:10
21/03/2024
Ep. 368 - Albert Kim | Matt Pearce on Organizing in the Newsroom
This year has seen multiple newsroom strikes, massive lay-offs, and sudden closures. In this episode’s Union Town segment (1:01), WGAW Asian American Writers Committee Chair Kristina Woo talks with Media Guild West President and former Los Angeles Times writer Matt Pearce about how reporters are organizing the newsroom to push back against corporate greed and protect good jobs. Kristina then speaks with writer and former journalist Albert Kim, developer and showrunner of Avatar: The Last Airbender, about crafting his new hit Netflix series, how Asian representation matters, and more. (31:51)
01:13:31
07/03/2024
Ep. 367 - Gina Yashere | Second City Educators Discuss Tentative Deal
In this episode’s “Union Town” segment (1:05), host Andra Whipple speaks with Rebekah Walendzak Slepski & Bina Martin about how educators at the Second City Training Center in Chicago, members of the Association of International Comedy Educators, reached a tentative deal with the iconic comedy company after a marathon, 11-hour bargaining session, thwarting a planned strike and ending a two-year fight for their first contract. Then host Monique Sorgen talks with writer-actor-comedian Gina Yashere (25:18) about her Nigerian-British roots and her unique path from stand-up to co-creating and co-starring on CBS’ hit comedy series Bob Hearts Abishola.
50:37
22/02/2024
Ep. 366 - Cord Jefferson, and USC Adjunct Professors Fight for Unionization
In this episode’s new “Union Town” segment (1:18), WGAW member Jasmyne Peck speaks with educators Peter Gamble and Dara Resnik about how USC’s Adjunct Faculty Alliance is organizing with UAW (United Auto Workers) to improve their pay and working conditions. Next up, to coincide with Black History Month, Committee of Black Writers Co-Chair Hilliard Guess talks with Writers Guild Award & Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated writer Cord Jefferson (18:24) (Succession, Watchmen) about his acclaimed film American Fiction, the challenges of adaption, and creating Black-centered narratives.
57:46
08/02/2024
Ep. 365 - Sarah Polley
Host Moon Zappa speaks with filmmaker Sarah Polley about writing and directing her latest film Women Talking, adapted from Miriam Toews’ novel about women in an isolated religious community who grapple with reconciling their faith with brutal reality.
45:13
26/01/2023
Ep.364 - Max Borenstein
Host David Sheftell talks with Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty co-creator-showrunner-EP-writer Max Borenstein (The Terror: Infamy, Godzilla vs. Kong) about HBOMax’s series chronicling the ’80s-era L.A. Lakers basketball team on and off the court.
01:02:44
13/01/2023
Ep. 363 - Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole
Host Hilliard Guess talks with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever screenwriters Ryan Coogler (director) & Joe Robert Cole about Marvel’s hit sequel and moving the MCU franchise forward.
58:29
05/01/2023
Ep. 362 - Alisha Ketry
Host David Sheftell chats with writer Alisha Ketry (American Dad, Fuller House) about the comedy film I’m Totally Fine.
45:25
29/12/2022
Ep. 361 - Terence Winter
Host David Radcliff talks with Terence Winter (The Sopranos, The Wolf of Wall Street) about the new Paramount+ series Tulsa King, thriving in the writers' room, and law school.
57:35
27/12/2022
Ep. 360 - Chris Estrada
Host Josephine Green Zhang speaks with Chris Estrada about co-creating, writing, and starring in Hulu’s acclaimed, Latinx-centric comedy series This Fool, why representation matters, and more.
46:06
22/12/2022
Ep. 359 - Brittani Nichols
Host Monique Sorgen speaks with writer-actor-comedian Brittani Nichols (A Black Lady Sketch Show, Drop the Mic) about writing for ABC’s award-winning, hit comedy series Abbott Elementary and more.
01:13:37
20/12/2022
Ep. 358 - Todd Field
Host Aaron Fullerton speaks with filmmaker Todd Field (Little Children) about writing and directing his latest film Tár, which explores fame and power.
42:10
17/12/2022
Ep. 357 - James Gray
Host David Radcliff speaks with screenwriter-director James Gray (Ad Astra, The Lost City of Z) about his latest film, Armageddon Time, a personal coming-of-age story about the strength of family and the generational pursuit of the American Dream.
54:01
13/12/2022
Ep. 356 - J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay
Host Brian Gary talks with The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power developers-showrunners J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay about Amazon’s epic fantasy series set in in the Second Age of Middle Earth, thousands of years before J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
50:01
08/12/2022
Ep. 355 - Abi Damaris Corbin & Kwame Kwei-Armah
Host Hilliard Guess chats with screenwriter-director Abi Damaris Corbin & co-screenwriter Kwame Kwei-Armah about their recent film Breaking, whose title resonates in more ways than one.
01:04:53
02/12/2022
Ep. 354 - Alfred Gough & Miles Millar
Host Andra Whipple speaks with Wednesday creators-showrunners Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (Smallville, The Shannara Chronicles) about their Netflix’s Addams Family spinoff comedy -mystery series, creative process, and more.
44:42
29/11/2022
Ep. 353 - Gordon Smith and Alison Tatlock
All Things Must Come to an End: Host David Radcliff talks with Better Call Saul writers-EPs Gordon Smith and Alison Tatlock about the final season of AMC’s acclaimed, award-winning series.
01:11:09
28/11/2022
Ep. 352 - Charles Shyer
Home for the Holidays: Host Susie Singer Carter chats with filmmaker Charles Shyer (Father of the Bride, Baby Boom) about co-writing and directing Netflix’s holiday romantic drama The Noel Diary, his career, and more.
01:00:16
22/11/2022
Ep. 351 - Attica & Tembi Locke
Host Aaron Fullerton speaks with From Scratch creators-writers-sisters Attica & Tembi Locke about their Netflix limited series, based on Tembi’s memoir about finding love and home in Sicily.
52:21
19/11/2022
Ep. 350 - Vanessa Ramos
Be Kind Rewind: Host Andra Whipple chats with Blockbuster creator-showrunner Vanessa Ramos (Superstore, Kenan) about her new Netflix comedy series and more.
44:52
15/11/2022
Ep. 349 -Veterans Day Episode
To salute Veterans Day, hosts Steve Trautmann and Ken Pisani speak with veteran writers Brian Anthony (Station 19), Megan Ferrell Burke (Outlander), and Jalysa Conway (9-1-1: Lone Star) about how their military experience informs their work and their collaboration on the new comic book anthology Soldier Stories.
01:31:20
12/11/2022
Ep. 348 - Andrew Hinderaker
Host Moon Zappa talks with Let the Right One In creator-showrunner Andrew Hinderaker (Away, Penny Dreadful) about adapting the Swedish horror film and novel with a fresh, diverse spin for Showtime’s new series.
37:33
08/11/2022
Ep. 347 - Carlton Cuse
Host Brian Gary talks with writer Carlton Cuse (Jack Ryan, Locke & Key) about co-developing the AppleTV+ drama series Five Days at Memorial, chronicling the impact of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath at a local hospital.
55:56
04/11/2022
Ep. 346 - Dana Stevens
Host Hilliard Guess talks with screenwriter Dana Stevens (Fatherhood, Safe Haven) about the historical epic The Woman King and more.
54:02
02/11/2022
Ep. 345 - Walter Hill
Host Brian Gary speaks with veteran filmmaker Walter Hill (48 Hours, The Warriors) about writing and directing his latest film, the Western Dead for a Dollar, career, and more.
58:04
28/10/2022
Ep. 344 - Greg Garcia
Host Monique Sorgen talks with creator-showrunner Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl, Raising Hope) about his Amazon Freevee comedy series Sprung and more.
01:24:26
25/10/2022
Ep. 343 - Gary Goldstein
Host Brian Gary speaks with writer Gary Goldstein (Forever Christmas, For Love & Honor) about his new Hallmark holiday movie, Lights, Camera, Christmas!, his latest novel, The Mother I Never Had, and pivoting from screenwriter to author.
01:03:43
24/10/2022
Ep. 342 - Raamla Mohamed
Host Hilliard Guess talks with Reasonable Doubt creator-showrunner Raamla Mohamed (Scandal, Little Fires Everywhere) about her new Hulu legal drama series and more.
55:07
20/10/2022
Ep. 341 - Rodrigo Garcia
Host Susie Singer Carter speaks with screenwriter-director Rodrigo Garcia (Four Good Days, Last Days in the Desert), about his latest film, Raymond & Ray, a dramedy which explores how two half-brothers reunite to honor their father’s final wish.
52:15
18/10/2022
Ep. 340 - Steven Rogers
Host Moon Zappa talks with screenwriter Steven Rogers (I, Tonya, Love the Coopers) about creating and writing Hulu’s limited series, Mike, chronicling the controversial life and career and heavyweight champion boxer Mike Tyson.
57:19
13/10/2022