Season 3
The writing team Kathleen Regan and Simon Barracchini hopped on The Film Mechanics podcast to discuss their film, Godless Children, and the difficult conversations it took to write, produce, and get a distribution deal together. In this week’s episode, Kathleen, Simon, and I talk about:
1) Why Is It Important To Create An End Goal For Your Screenplay?
2) Why Should You Hire Someone That Knows What You Don’t Know?
3) Why Is A Writer’s Agreement Necessary In A Writing Partnership?
Simon and Kathleen entered an agreement where they used his production knowledge and her business acumen to get a distribution deal for their film Godless Children, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi. The chemistry between these two shines bright as they share their values about the screenwriting business.
You can learn about the duo and the movie here:
www.kathleen-regan.com
www.ruminationimages.com
1) Why Is It Important To Create An End Goal For Your Screenplay?
2) Why Should You Hire Someone That Knows What You Don’t Know?
3) Why Is A Writer’s Agreement Necessary In A Writing Partnership?
Simon and Kathleen entered an agreement where they used his production knowledge and her business acumen to get a distribution deal for their film Godless Children, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi. The chemistry between these two shines bright as they share their values about the screenwriting business.
You can learn about the duo and the movie here:
www.kathleen-regan.com
www.ruminationimages.com
The heart of a writer is showcased in this week’s episode with Tamala Baldwin, the talented multi-hyphenated artist of the sensational web series Bubbly Brown Sugar. In this week’s episode, Tamala and I chop it up about:
1) How Can Investing In Yourself Build A Creative Career?
2) Why Is A Shot Out To Her Literary Manager Necessary?
3) What Do Notes Mean In The Grand Scheme of Writing?
Tamala has made that major move to Atlanta to follow her dreams and leverage her filmmaking skills into a passionate, profitable career. Her sacrifice and determination netted her a deal with Paramount to produce her new film, Blended Christmas, which is coming to BET and Paramount+ this upcoming holiday season. You can learn more about Tamala here:
Website: Bubbly Brown Sugar Series
IG: @tamalabaldwin
1) How Can Investing In Yourself Build A Creative Career?
2) Why Is A Shot Out To Her Literary Manager Necessary?
3) What Do Notes Mean In The Grand Scheme of Writing?
Tamala has made that major move to Atlanta to follow her dreams and leverage her filmmaking skills into a passionate, profitable career. Her sacrifice and determination netted her a deal with Paramount to produce her new film, Blended Christmas, which is coming to BET and Paramount+ this upcoming holiday season. You can learn more about Tamala here:
Website: Bubbly Brown Sugar Series
IG: @tamalabaldwin
Bob Saenz, a prolific screenwriter and the author of That’s Not The Way It Works: A No-nonsense Guide to the Craft and Business of Screenwriting, swings by the podcast and talks about the defining moments of his 30 years of experience. We chat it up on:
1) What Is A Calling Card Script, And Why Is It Necessary?
2) Why Screenwriters Shouldn’t Get Attached to Assignment Jobs?
3) Why A Screenwriter Should Never Give A Fee Upfront?
Bob mentors many screenwriters, does a Q&A on Sundays in a screenwriting FB group and is open to learning from others as much as he teaches. The moment every screenwriter understands their leverage, they’ll be able to make a living, and according to Bob Saenz, it won’t be about the awards as much as it is about longevity and the number of people who love watching your films. Get a copy of Bob’s book here and stay in touch with him:
IG: @bobsnz
1) What Is A Calling Card Script, And Why Is It Necessary?
2) Why Screenwriters Shouldn’t Get Attached to Assignment Jobs?
3) Why A Screenwriter Should Never Give A Fee Upfront?
Bob mentors many screenwriters, does a Q&A on Sundays in a screenwriting FB group and is open to learning from others as much as he teaches. The moment every screenwriter understands their leverage, they’ll be able to make a living, and according to Bob Saenz, it won’t be about the awards as much as it is about longevity and the number of people who love watching your films. Get a copy of Bob’s book here and stay in touch with him:
IG: @bobsnz
You ever have one of those moments when you meet someone and talk to them, and they make you laugh while they educate you at the same time? That’s how I felt talking to the incomparable, amazing Angela Nissel. In her twenty years of screenwriting experience, she’s written on some of our favorite shows and learned a lot on her journey. Check Angela and me out as we discuss:
1) The Power of Betting On Yourself, As Others Bet On You!
2) Why There Is Good Money In Optioning A Book?
3) What Is The UnEASY Part Of The Process Of Selling A Show in Hollywood?
Angela, the bestselling author of The Broke Diaries and board member of The Black Girl Film Camp, gives the best advice on listening in Hollywood and why every producer isn’t a “producer.” The discussion is rich with wit, jewels, and a warm, mentorly hug. Stay in touch with Angela and her journey: Instagram: @angelanissel
1) The Power of Betting On Yourself, As Others Bet On You!
2) Why There Is Good Money In Optioning A Book?
3) What Is The UnEASY Part Of The Process Of Selling A Show in Hollywood?
Angela, the bestselling author of The Broke Diaries and board member of The Black Girl Film Camp, gives the best advice on listening in Hollywood and why every producer isn’t a “producer.” The discussion is rich with wit, jewels, and a warm, mentorly hug. Stay in touch with Angela and her journey: Instagram: @angelanissel
Mark Sanderson, the well-renowned Script Cat and author of A Screenwriter’s Journey to Success lands on The Film Mechanics Screenwriting Podcast to grace us with his impressive resumé and knowledge on the business of screenwriting. Mark understands the journey and lays out some groundwork for any beginning screenwriter to follow. Check us out as we discuss:
1) What Is The Life of a Writer?
2) How Do Most Screenwriters Make A Living In The Film Industry?
3) Do Agents Matter In The Business Of Screenwriting?
Mark is intentional when he speaks about pitfalls in the business and how screenwriters can never be bigger than the craft. The screenwriter may have talent, but it requires work ethic, integrity, and, most importantly, always having a follow-up script after you sell your first spec. This episode is a blueprint for a screenwriter’s career. Reach out to Mark
Website: https://fiveoclockblue.net/
X (Twitter): @scriptcat
IG: marksanderson_scriptcat
1) What Is The Life of a Writer?
2) How Do Most Screenwriters Make A Living In The Film Industry?
3) Do Agents Matter In The Business Of Screenwriting?
Mark is intentional when he speaks about pitfalls in the business and how screenwriters can never be bigger than the craft. The screenwriter may have talent, but it requires work ethic, integrity, and, most importantly, always having a follow-up script after you sell your first spec. This episode is a blueprint for a screenwriter’s career. Reach out to Mark
Website: https://fiveoclockblue.net/
X (Twitter): @scriptcat
IG: marksanderson_scriptcat
Niall Cassin, the Dublin native, swings by the podcast to discuss his unique, pivotal moments in the last eight years while becoming a produced screenwriter. In this episode, you can hear Niall (pronounced NILE, like the river) and I discuss:
1) How He Metaphorically Shot His Way Into Becoming A Screenwriter.
2) His Worldwide Journey As A Produced Screenwriter.
3) Is There Real Money In Being An Optioned Screenwriter?
The moment Niall decided he wanted to become a screenwriter, he began setting goals and enjoying the journey. For each peak (goal) he conquers, the fire burns brighter to conquer another. Keep in touch with Niall: IMDb
1) How He Metaphorically Shot His Way Into Becoming A Screenwriter.
2) His Worldwide Journey As A Produced Screenwriter.
3) Is There Real Money In Being An Optioned Screenwriter?
The moment Niall decided he wanted to become a screenwriter, he began setting goals and enjoying the journey. For each peak (goal) he conquers, the fire burns brighter to conquer another. Keep in touch with Niall: IMDb
Season 2
Adé Akisanya steps through the podcast with 30 years of award-winning writing experience that is bridging the gap between Black storytellers from America to Nigeria. This episode you'll get to hear Adé and I discuss:
1) Why Should You Practice Writing Fast?
2) Can the Wrong Structure Hurt Your Story?
3) How Do You Properly Develop Your Story Acts?
Adé discusses the importance of writing from a Black perspective and how the Black experience sometimes doesn't fit Aristotle's version of the 3-Act Structure. As a filmmaker that helmed a film in Nigeria, Adé also describe how the Nollywood structure is different from the Western Hemisphere. You might get a 3-4 hour Nollywood movie and how every bit of the movie is relevant.
Keep in touch with Adé: Adé Akisanya (FB)
1) Why Should You Practice Writing Fast?
2) Can the Wrong Structure Hurt Your Story?
3) How Do You Properly Develop Your Story Acts?
Adé discusses the importance of writing from a Black perspective and how the Black experience sometimes doesn't fit Aristotle's version of the 3-Act Structure. As a filmmaker that helmed a film in Nigeria, Adé also describe how the Nollywood structure is different from the Western Hemisphere. You might get a 3-4 hour Nollywood movie and how every bit of the movie is relevant.
Keep in touch with Adé: Adé Akisanya (FB)
Marquis R. Nave pulls up on us today and drops some invaluable jewels from his 20 years of experience as a Creative Writing College Professor who's fresh in his bag with thought-provoking screenplays. This episode you'll get to hear Marquis and I discuss:
1) Can Save The Cat book by Blake Snyder be a great place to start?
2) Is It Important To Create Your Own Story Template?
3) What Does Screenwriting Mastery Look Like?
Marquis speaks about the "personal purpose of writing" that you'll need in order to go the distance. He also mentions that there is no secret that every screenwriter, who's looking for success, entering the business of screenwriting will have to prepare themselves for "The Marathon Mentality."
Keep in touch with Marquis: @Screenwriterdad (IG). @marquis.nave (FB) ScreenwriterDad (Podcast)
1) Can Save The Cat book by Blake Snyder be a great place to start?
2) Is It Important To Create Your Own Story Template?
3) What Does Screenwriting Mastery Look Like?
Marquis speaks about the "personal purpose of writing" that you'll need in order to go the distance. He also mentions that there is no secret that every screenwriter, who's looking for success, entering the business of screenwriting will have to prepare themselves for "The Marathon Mentality."
Keep in touch with Marquis: @Screenwriterdad (IG). @marquis.nave (FB) ScreenwriterDad (Podcast)
This episode we switched it up a bit and talked to the hilarious, Hollywood comedy tv-writer, Lee House. Lee adds his personal touch to this episode as he discusses his journey from Lench Mob Records (Ice Cube's old label) to the writing staff of UPN's One On One (starring Flex Alexander and Kyla Pratt). This episode you'll get to hear Lee and I discuss:
1) How To Pitch and Engage An Executive, Quickly
2) Dealing In The Business of "NO"
3) The Purpose of Building Thick Skin
Lee's spark of spontaneity and gut-punching truthfulness comes from years of taking "generals"(meetings executives/producers) with some of the most powerful industry heads. He, cathartically, opens up to Deri about his own struggles to get his work produced, which he gives in a dope metaphor pertaining to a selling a VW Bug.
Keep in touch with Lee: @leehouse3 (IG).
1) How To Pitch and Engage An Executive, Quickly
2) Dealing In The Business of "NO"
3) The Purpose of Building Thick Skin
Lee's spark of spontaneity and gut-punching truthfulness comes from years of taking "generals"(meetings executives/producers) with some of the most powerful industry heads. He, cathartically, opens up to Deri about his own struggles to get his work produced, which he gives in a dope metaphor pertaining to a selling a VW Bug.
Keep in touch with Lee: @leehouse3 (IG).
We have the privilege of interviewing the successful gangster genre screenwriter/filmmaker, Marcus Carothers. Marcus and I met back in 2006 when he starred in a film I produced entitled, LOVE BONES, and since then he has taken off and created a huge and growing fanbase for his own films. This episode you'll get to hear Marcus and I discuss:
1) How His Screenwriting Process Always Begin With Relationships
2) Why He's NEVER Wrote in Final Draft
3) What It Will Take To Leave A Legacy In The Industry
Marcus has an undeniably rich story where he was a childhood star who wound up doing "time" as his grandmother, who believed in him no matter what, continued to pay his Screen Actor Guild union dues. Keep in touch with Marcus: @vulturecity (IG). and find his films here: www.dreamtv1.com
1) How His Screenwriting Process Always Begin With Relationships
2) Why He's NEVER Wrote in Final Draft
3) What It Will Take To Leave A Legacy In The Industry
Marcus has an undeniably rich story where he was a childhood star who wound up doing "time" as his grandmother, who believed in him no matter what, continued to pay his Screen Actor Guild union dues. Keep in touch with Marcus: @vulturecity (IG). and find his films here: www.dreamtv1.com
Here's a treat for you, the incomparable writer, producer, and director Maggie Bush stops by to deliver the only way a true professional could deliver. Maggie keeps it real from her early days of being a wife/mother/student/blogger (all at the same time) to rising the ranks in one of the biggest studios in the world, Tyler Perry Studios. This episode you get to hear Maggie and I discuss:
1) Finding The Right Time To Write
2) Breaking Down Structure and What Purpose It Serves
3) How She Finds The Perfect Protagonist
Maggie, an Afro-Latina writer, speaks about writing between the lines because it's where the magic happens.
This episode is indeed MAGGIE-CAL!
Keep in touch with Maggie: @maggie_bush (IG). or ETre Productions @etreproductions
1) Finding The Right Time To Write
2) Breaking Down Structure and What Purpose It Serves
3) How She Finds The Perfect Protagonist
Maggie, an Afro-Latina writer, speaks about writing between the lines because it's where the magic happens.
This episode is indeed MAGGIE-CAL!
Keep in touch with Maggie: @maggie_bush (IG). or ETre Productions @etreproductions
Welcome to Season 2 of The Film Mechanics Screenwriting Podcast w/ Deri Tyton. Today, the amazing and talented filmmaker, Kimberly D. Conner drop in. Kimberly, with 25 years in the game, doesn't mince her words on what it takes to make it in the film industry. This episode you get to hear Kimberly and I discuss:
1) Structure vs. Formula: Is There A Difference?
2) Why Vision Is Necessary When Writing
3) How To Keep Your Faith In The Film Industry.
Kimberly answers the small question with a BIG answer: What keeps you coming back to the writing?
Keep in touch with Kimberly D. Conner: @directorkimberlyconner (IG)
1) Structure vs. Formula: Is There A Difference?
2) Why Vision Is Necessary When Writing
3) How To Keep Your Faith In The Film Industry.
Kimberly answers the small question with a BIG answer: What keeps you coming back to the writing?
Keep in touch with Kimberly D. Conner: @directorkimberlyconner (IG)
Today we jump into it with the incredible, self-determined, self-taught filmmaker, Coquie Hughes. Coquie's words will pierce your soul with her raw and candid answers. This episode you get to hear Coquie and I discuss:
1) Writing Movies That Celebrate Black Women.
2) The Film School Theory
3) Manifesting Happiness in the Film Industry
Get to know the woman who "GETS SH** DONE!"
Keep in touch with Coquie Hughes: @coquiehughes (Instagram)
1) Writing Movies That Celebrate Black Women.
2) The Film School Theory
3) Manifesting Happiness in the Film Industry
Get to know the woman who "GETS SH** DONE!"
Keep in touch with Coquie Hughes: @coquiehughes (Instagram)
Today we chop it up with the phenomenal, world traveling filmmaker, Stacie Hawkins. Stacie and I laughed our way through her experiences to becoming a filmmaker and why The Academy is still sending out DVD's in 2022. This episode you get to hear Stacie and I discuss:
1) Writing Action Vs. Dialogue, and what wins in her first draft!
2) Using Symbolism in her scripts.
3) Encouraging herself through all phases to writing and creating.
What's the last movie to make Stacie cry? Tune in and see what she says!
Keep in touch with Stacie Hawkins: @IamStacieHawks (Instagram)
1) Writing Action Vs. Dialogue, and what wins in her first draft!
2) Using Symbolism in her scripts.
3) Encouraging herself through all phases to writing and creating.
What's the last movie to make Stacie cry? Tune in and see what she says!
Keep in touch with Stacie Hawkins: @IamStacieHawks (Instagram)
Today we chop it up with screen/tv writer/director/producer, Sade Sellers. Sade is in her bag in this episode as a self-taught screenwriter as she stays busy in the industry making connections and being genuine.
In this session, we discuss:
1) How she rewrites as she writes
2) How she gets gigs as a screenwriter in the industry... You'll be surprised!
3) What's her "GOLD" on this journey for a screenwriting career.
Sade states what kind of movie she'll make if she was given a blank check!
Keep in touch with Sade Sellers: https://linktr.ee/sadesellers
In this session, we discuss:
1) How she rewrites as she writes
2) How she gets gigs as a screenwriter in the industry... You'll be surprised!
3) What's her "GOLD" on this journey for a screenwriting career.
Sade states what kind of movie she'll make if she was given a blank check!
Keep in touch with Sade Sellers: https://linktr.ee/sadesellers
Today we chop it up with screen/tv writer/actor/producer, Tyrell Crawford. We kick this episode off with Tyrell because he's the true definition of what "FAITH" look likes in the entertainment industry.
In this session, we discuss:
1) Too Structure or Not Too Structure?
2) His Process on Writing Loglines, Treatments, & Screenplays
3) What's his "GOAL & GOLD" on this journey for a screenwriting career.
I guarantee he drops the gems and the jewels in this one. Keep in touch with Tyrell Crawford: IG: @tyrell2152004
In this session, we discuss:
1) Too Structure or Not Too Structure?
2) His Process on Writing Loglines, Treatments, & Screenplays
3) What's his "GOAL & GOLD" on this journey for a screenwriting career.
I guarantee he drops the gems and the jewels in this one. Keep in touch with Tyrell Crawford: IG: @tyrell2152004
Season 1
The Film Mechanics w/ Deri Tyton Podcast begins with foundational elements in the screenwriting process.
Deri Tyton covers the first three (3) steps in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) What's your story?
2) What's the Point of View (P.O.V.)?
3) What's the Major Dramatic Question (MDQ)?
Deri Tyton covers the first three (3) steps in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) What's your story?
2) What's the Point of View (P.O.V.)?
3) What's the Major Dramatic Question (MDQ)?
Deri Tyton covers the next two (2) steps in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) What is your Theme?
2) What is the screenplay Genre?
3) What's your screenplay Tone?
1) What is your Theme?
2) What is the screenplay Genre?
3) What's your screenplay Tone?
Deri Tyton covers how to create and build your character(s) in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) What is a Character?
2) Why Write a Backstory?
3) What are Archetypes?
4) What are the two (2) Journeys your protagonist/antagonist will take?
5) How to apply your Character Arc?
1) What is a Character?
2) Why Write a Backstory?
3) What are Archetypes?
4) What are the two (2) Journeys your protagonist/antagonist will take?
5) How to apply your Character Arc?
Deri Tyton covers how to develop and build a character's world in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) Why build the world?
2) How to build the world?
3) When You Should Destroy Your World?
4) How To Save Your World?
5) Will Your World Survive?
1) Why build the world?
2) How to build the world?
3) When You Should Destroy Your World?
4) How To Save Your World?
5) Will Your World Survive?
Deri Tyton covers how to compose a logline in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) What is a logline?
2) What are the main four (4) components of a logline?
3) What are some creative ways to keep your logline genre-specific?
4) What are some basic rules to follow?
5) Why do you write a logline?
1) What is a logline?
2) What are the main four (4) components of a logline?
3) What are some creative ways to keep your logline genre-specific?
4) What are some basic rules to follow?
5) Why do you write a logline?
Deri Tyton covers Screenwriting Structure in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) What is screenwriting structure?
2) Who created the screenwriting structure?
3) Why is screenwriting structure so important?
4) How does one write in screenwriting structure?
1) What is screenwriting structure?
2) Who created the screenwriting structure?
3) Why is screenwriting structure so important?
4) How does one write in screenwriting structure?
Deri Tyton covers Screenwriting Outlines in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) What is a screenplay outline?
2) How to write a screenplay outline?
3) Can I sell a screenplay outline?
1) What is a screenplay outline?
2) How to write a screenplay outline?
3) Can I sell a screenplay outline?
The Film Mechanics w/ Deri Tyton Podcast begins with foundational elements in the screenwriting process.
Deri Tyton covers Writing Treatments in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) What is a screenplay treatment?
2) What goes into a treatment?
3) Why Write a treatment?
Deri Tyton covers Writing Treatments in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) What is a screenplay treatment?
2) What goes into a treatment?
3) Why Write a treatment?
The Film Mechanics w/ Deri Tyton Podcast begins with foundational elements in the screenwriting process.
Deri Tyton covers Screenplay Formatting in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) What is a screenplay?
2) What are the four basic elements of a screenplay?
3) How can you sharpen your screenplay?
Deri Tyton covers Screenplay Formatting in the screenwriting process before you write your screenplay, which are:
1) What is a screenplay?
2) What are the four basic elements of a screenplay?
3) How can you sharpen your screenplay?
The Film Mechanics w/ Deri Tyton Podcast begins with foundational elements in the screenwriting process.
Deri Tyton covers Screenplay Rewriting in the screenwriting process after you write your screenplay, which is:
1) Where do you begin in the rewriting process?
2) What to look for when rewriting the screenplay?
3) How to level up and do stress-free rewrites?
Deri Tyton covers Screenplay Rewriting in the screenwriting process after you write your screenplay, which is:
1) Where do you begin in the rewriting process?
2) What to look for when rewriting the screenplay?
3) How to level up and do stress-free rewrites?