The Writers Panel with Ben Blacker (general)

WGA vice-president David Goodman (Family Guy) and David Slack (Person of Interest; Teen Titans Go!) take a good look at the Writers Guild and discuss why writers need a union, what the union does, what was gained by the 2008 writers' strike, and how the union might improve.

Direct download: nwp279_goodman_slack.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:34am PDT

The showrunner of Veep discusses taking over those duties in the just-aired season 5, early writing opportunities with Al Franken, his three years on Saturday Night Live, his time on Seinfeld, scripting Curb Your Enthusiasm, and lots more.

Direct download: nwp278_mandel.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:10am PDT

Head writer Matt O'Brien, Mike Sweeney, Todd Levin, Dan Cronin, Jessie Gaskill, Jose Arroyo, Leah Krinsky, Levi MacDougall, and Andres Dubouchet.

Recorded April 14, 2016 at the Nerdist Theater at Meltdown Comics.

Direct download: nwp276_conan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Joe Pokaski (creator, Underground), Mike O'Malley (Shameless; creator, Survivor's Remorse), Stephnie Weir (MadTV; The Millers), and Hugh Sterbakov (Robot Chicken). Recorded April 24, 2016 at the Nerdist Theater at Meltdown Comics.

Direct download: nwp275_poaski_omalley_weir_sterbakov.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The showrunner of Cinemax's Outcast (based on the Robert Kirkman comics) talks about his start in syndicated shows like Weird Science, Cleopatra 2525, and Xena, his work on Star Trek: Enterprise, moving out of genre with Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty, rooms he learned in, pitching, and more. If you're in LA, join Chris, Robert Kirkman, and cast members to watch the first two episodes of Outcast at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on June 1st! Outcast premieres on Cinemax on June 3rd.

Direct download: nwp274_chris_black.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:03am PDT

The creator of Rude Awakening, Accidentally on Purpose, and How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life) discusses starting out as a teen actor on Knots Landing, transitioning to stand-up comedy and then writing, heartbreaks and joys of the shows she's worked on, and lots more. Plus: hear Claudia cry when she recounts the plot of Star Trek 2.

Direct download: nwp273_lonow.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The writer-director-Christmas enthusiast, whose new film The Nice Guys opens May 20, discusses his interests and process, being called a hack, success and failure, and all of his films, including Lethal Weapon, The Monster Squad, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Iron Man Three, and more.

Recorded May 1, 2016 at the Nerdist Theater at Meltdown Comics.

Direct download: nwp272_shane_black.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Allison Baker (IDW Comics) hosts Emily Andras (creator, Wynonna Earp; Lost Girls), Amber Benson (actor, Buffy The Vampire Slayer; author, The Last Dreamkeeper), Deirdre Mangan (writer, iZombie), and Carolyn Omine (writer, The Simpsons; Full House) Recorded at WonderCon in Los Angeles on March 27, 2016.

Direct download: nwp271_wondercon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The director/co-writer of Neighbors 2, director and/or co-writer of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Five Year Engagement, Get Him to the Greek, and The Muppets, among others, discusses his start in TV, collaboration, emotional comedy, co-creating The Carmichael Show, and more. Neighbors 2 opens this Friday!

Direct download: nwp270_nick_stoller.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Spiro Skentzos (Grimm) hosts Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead; creator, Damien), Richard Hatem (Dead of Summer; Damien; Witches of East End), Meredith Averill (Jane the Virgin; creator, Star-Crossed), Natalie Chaidez (12 Monkeys; Hunters; Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles). Recorded at WonderCon in Los Angeles on March 26, 2016.

Direct download: nwp269_wondercon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Filthy Preppy Teen$ co-creator Paul Scheer and writersTim Neenan (Newsreaders) and Nicole Shabtai (KirbyBuckets) discuss the new series now available on FullScreen,working on a small budget, parody, and more. 

Direct download: nwp268_filthy_preppy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mark Altman (creator, Femme Fatales) hosts Jose Molina (Agent Carter; Firefly), Steven Melching (Star Wars: Rebels), Sarah Watson (Parenthood), Ashley Miller (Thor; X-Men: First Class), Amy Berg (Counterpart; Eureka), and Gabrielle Stanton (Haven; The Flash).

Recorded at WonderCon in Los Angeles on March 26, 2016.

Direct download: nwp267_inside.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:02am PDT

The author of the new novel The Fireman, as well as Horns, NOS4A2, and Heart-Shaped Box, the short story collection 20th Century Ghosts, and the comic book series Locke & Key talks candidly about his process, his influences, horror and genre, his famous writer parents Stephen King and Tabitha King, failure, and more.

Recorded at Brookline Booksmith in Brookline, Massachusetts on November 14, 2015.

Direct download: nwp266_joe_hill.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The creator of Dice and the writer of Old School, School for Scoundrels, Semi-Pro, The Hangover II, and more, discusses working with Andrew “Dice” Clay on the new Showtime series, his “cutting away” process, gathering ideas and when it's time to write, and more.

Direct download: nwp265_armstrong.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Daniel Levy, the co-creator of Schitt's Creek with his father Eugene Levy (Waiting for Guffman; SCTV), discusses being a first-time showrunner, creating a happy work environment, learning from his father, and more. Schitt's Creek is now in its second season.

Direct download: nwp264_levy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Creator Chad Hodge, executive producer Donald De Line and cast members Carla Gugino and Reed Diamond discuss the first season of the hit summer series. Moderated by The Hollywood Reporter's Daniel Fienberg.

Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp263_wayward_pines.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The former Daily Show showrunner and Colbert Report co-creator discusses the daily grind of late night, his new pilots and the shows that got away, writing features, books, and TV, The Onion, Modern Family, and lots more.

Direct download: nwp262_ben_karlin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Boy Meets World and Girl Meets World creator Michael Jacobs is joined by cast members Ben Savage, Rowan Blanchard, and Sabrina Carpenter for a look at tween series from 1990s and the 2010’s. Moderated by TV Guide's Robyn Ross.

Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp261_girl_meets_world.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The creator of Life in Pieces talks about the short story structure of his sit-com, how far to push in comedy, early experiences on The Larry Sanders Show and Less Than Perfect, collaborating with his writers and cast, and lots more.

The first season finale of Life in Pieces airs on 3/31 on CBS.

Direct download: nwp260_justin_adler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Writer/executive producer/co-creator Danny Strong (Recount; The Hunger Games: Mockingjay 1&2) and co-executive producer/writer Wendy Calhoun (Justified; Revenge; Nashville) discuss the first season of the blockbuster series. Moderated by Buzzfeed's Jarett Wieselman.

Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp259_empire.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:08am PDT

The co-creator/showrunner of Supergirl dicusses the three-shows-in-one being produced every week, balancing the “super” and the “girl,” being drawn to multi-generic television, her first job on Beverly Hills 90210, early work in comedy rooms such as It's Like, You Know and Family Guy, collaborating with Ryan Murphy on Glee and The New Normal, and with Greg Berlanti on No Ordinary Family and Supergirl, and lots more.

Direct download: nwp258_ali_adler1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Kyle Killen (creator of Awake, Lone Star, and Mind Games) returns for another look at a specific track of television production with a presentation on the testing process. Following his breakdown of the unique stage of production, Kyle is joined by Julie Plec (co-creator, The Vampire Diaries and The Originals), Ben Wexler (co-creator, The Comedians), Chad Hodge (creator, Wayward Pines), and Dina Hillier (VP of Comedy Development, Paramount Television) to discuss their own experiences with focus groups and testing and how that changed his or her show.

Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp257_testing.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Doug Petrie & Marco Ramirez (showrunners, Marvel's Daredevil); Melissa Rosenberg (Twilight movies; creator, Marvel's Jessica Jones); Jason Katims (creator, Parenthood; creator, About a Boy; Friday Night Lights); Jessica Goldberg (creator, The Path). Recorded February 21, 2016 at the 826LA space in Los Angeles.

Direct download: nwp256_dd_jj_path.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Marta Kauffman (co-creator, Friends), Ron Cowen & Dan Lipman (developers, Queer as Folk [US]), and Graham Yost (creator, Justified) discuss the pressure, the satisfaction, the luxury, and pain of wrapping up their stories, the weight that comes with deciding the final shot, satisfying a viewer while doing the characters justice, and more. Moderated by Entertainment Weekly's Editor in Chief Henry Goldblatt.

Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp255_final_finale.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The writers of The People vs OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, as well as Ed Wood, The People Vs. Larry Flint, and more discuss how the ten-episode OJ story is different to writing a feature, its Dickensian appeal, writing real people, rebranding after their first feature, Problem Child, formatting, and lots more.

Direct download: nwp254_people_oj.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Kevin Williamson (creator, Dawson's Creek, The Following; Scream; co-creator, The Vampire Diaries, Secret Circle, more) and Julie Plec (co-creator The Vampire Diaries, The Originals; creator, Containment) look back over their working relationship, where it started and what they’ve learned from each other when it comes to navigating their way through Hollywood, co-creating a hit TV show, and running multiple shows at once. Moderated by Carina MacKenzie (writer, The Originals).

Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp253_williamson_plec.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:06am PDT

Creator/star Will Forte (Saturday Night Live; MacGruber), showrunner Andy Bobrow (Community) and writers Tim McAuliffe, Erica Rivinoja, Erik Durbin, Matt Marshall, Kira Kalush, Dave Noel, and John Solomon. The Last Man On Earth returns on March 6th on Fox!

Direct download: nwp252_last_man.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Ever wonder how your favorite series was pitched in the room? Hear directly from showrunners/creators how they pitched their original series ideas, plus executives that have heard some of the most iconic pitches. They discuss the factors that affected the original pitch, the pilot, and the ultimate series, and why certain changes may have been made to get their story onto your TV. With Dan Harmon (creator, Community), Michael Jacobs (creator, Boy Meets World and Girl Meets World), producer Mark Johnson (Rectify; Breaking Bad), and HBO Director of Programming Kathleen McCaffrey.

Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp251_pitch.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Kenya Barris (creator, Black-ish); Jonathan Groff (co-showrunner, Black-ish; creator, Andy Barker PI); Mike Scully (The Simpsons; Parks & Recreation; Everybody Loves Raymond); Lilla Zuckerman & Nora Zuckerman (Suits; Haven; Fringe).

Recorded at 826LA on January 24, 2016.

Direct download: nwp250_barriss_groff.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Traditional seasons are a thing of the past. With new content available to viewers at all times, and the distance between seasons being anywhere from 6 weeks to 22 months, there is a new reality that TV is a year-round industry. It's discussed by Noah Hawley (creator, Fargo), Beau Willimon (creator, House of Cards), Mickey Fisher (creator, Extant), and Graeme Manson (co-creator, Orphan Black).

Moderated by The Hollywood Reporter's Tim Goodman. Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp249_unseasonable.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The Survivor host and showrunner, screenwriter, director, producer, and author discusses storytelling in all of its forms, learning by doing, finding big drama in small, personal moments, collaborating, honesty, and lots more.

The new season of Survivor begins February 17 on CBS!

Direct download: nwp248_probst.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The new showrunner of The Muppets discusses taking the reigns on that show, working with felt, jokes and heart, starting out as writers' assistant and her first job on That 70's Show, and her work on The Neighbors, Galavant, and more.

Direct download: nwp247_newman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Creator Bridget Carpenter (Friday Night Lights; Red Road) discusses the new Hulu series based upon the Stephen King novel. She talks about her enthusiasm for the project, working with King, JJ Abrams, and James Franco, drawing out the themes that interested her, honesty in the writers' room, and lots more. 11/22/63 premieres on Hulu on Presidents Day, February 15th.

Live Writers Panels coming up in LA!

-2/21 at 826LA in Echo Park: Daredevil showrunners Douglas Petrie (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Marco Ramirez (Fear the Walking Dead); Melissa Rosenberg (creator/showrunner, Jessica Jones; writer, Twilight films); Jason Katims (creator, Parenthood and About a Boy; showrunner, Friday Night Lights; EP, The Path); Jessica Goldberg (creator, The Path). 

-2/23 at Meltdown in Hollywood: Last Man on Earth with creator/star Will Forte, showrunner Andy Bobrow, and more! Sneak preview of a new episode! 

 

Direct download: nwp246_11_22_63.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Creators/executive producers Dan Harmon & Justin Roiland, and writer/producer Ryan Ridley. Moderated by Variety executive editor Debra Birnbaum.

Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp245_rick_morty.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:35am PDT

Charles Randolph, co-writer of The Big Short, discusses grappling with difficult or multiple concepts, zeroing in on characters, his background as a philosophy professor, The Life of David Gale, and more.

Direct download: nwp244_big_short.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:46am PDT

Dawson's Creek writers room reunion with creator Kevin Williamson (Scream; The Following), Jenny Bicks (The Big C; creator, Men In Trees), Paul Stupin (Switched at Birth), Rob Thomas (creator, Veronica Mars; co-creator, iZombie), Gina Fattore (Californication; Gilmore Girls), and Anna Fricke (creator, Being Human [US]). Moderated by Julie Plec (co-creator, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Contagion). Recorded at ATX Television Fest in June 2015.

Direct download: nwp243_dawsons_creek.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Outsiders creator Peter Mattei discusses his new WGN America series, the ups-and-downs of writing for TV, his background as a playwright and visual artist, writing without a map, and more. Outsiders premieres on WGN America on January 26th.

Direct download: nwp242_mattei.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Creators Jonathan Steinberg and Robert Levine (Jericho; Human Target) and executive producer Dan Shotz discuss the creation and execution of the Starz pirate action-drama, finding the show's tone, their insane production schedule, their collaborators, and more.

The third season of Black Sails premieres on Starz on January 23rd.

Direct download: nwp241_black_sails.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

From the JHRTS (Junior Hollywood Radio & TV Society) event August 2015, Sony EVPs of drama development Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter talk about rising through the studio ranks, speaking the language of writers, developing material they believe in, allowing for creative vision, and lots more.

Direct download: nwp240_jhrts.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Co-creators Carlton Cuse (Lost; co-creator of The Strain, Bates Motel) and Ryan Condal (Hercules film) and star Josh Holloway (Lost; Intelligence) discuss the new USA series including the importance of family, the show's creation, colonization, and more.

Recorded at NY Comic Con on October 9, 2015.

Colony premieres on USA on January 14th.

Direct download: nwp239_colony.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The co-writer of Batman Begins, Man of Steel, Blade, and more; creator of TV's Da Vinci's Demons, Constantine, and Flashforward; and producer of the upcoming The Forest (among others) discusses the role of a film producer, his process, getting into the heads of iconic characters, the weird road to Blade, and lots more.

The Forest is in theaters January 8th.

Direct download: nwp238_david_goyer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Jose Molina (Agent Carter; Children of Tendu podcast), Nell Scovell (The Muppets; creator, Sabrina the Teenage Witch), and Rico Gagliano (The Dinner Party Download podcast/radio show) discuss 2015 and their experiences writing for Disney-owned properties, a new optimism, and lots more.

Direct download: nwp237_20152.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mark Flanagan is the custodian of the estate of Marty Feldman (Young Frankenstein; Silent Movie; more) and the driving force behind LA's Largo, the theater that's been home to musicians and comedians for nearly 20 years. Flanny discusses finding Feldman's autobiography and having it published as-is (at the prompting of Python Eric Idle), Feldman's place in the British comedy pantheon, the importance of Marty's wife Lauretta, and his own personal unique relationship with artists and performers.

Direct download: nwp236_eye_marty.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Some of this year's favorites return to talk about “The Wiz Live,” buying and selling trends in 2015, their favorite shows, types of comedy, and lots more. With Laura Valdivia (Telenovela), Andrew Miller (Backstrom; upcoming: Tremors), and Ben Wexler (The Grinder; The Comedians). 

Direct download: nwp235_20151.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Ben Blacker is joined by writer Andrew Reich (Friends) to discuss and sneak-preview Dead Pilots Society, a Writers Panel spin-off coming in 2016 in which pilots that were developed but not shot are given the table reads they deserve. Starring actors you know and love from television and film, a live audience, and a good time in which no one gets notes, no one is fired, and everyone laughs. Dead Pilots Society is piloted here with a script Andrew wrote with his then-writing-partner, Ted Cohen, called Laurel and Holly. It stars Molly Shannon (Saturday Night Live), Sarah Chalke (Scrubs), Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect), Kyle Bornheimer (Agent Carter), Jamie Denbo (Ronna and Beverly), Hayes MacArthur (Angie Tribeca), Tony Cavalero (School of Rock), and Valerie Azlynn (Sullivan and Son).

Direct download: nwp234_dead_pilots.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Alfred Gough & Milles Millar (creators of AMC’s Into the Badlands, MTV’s Shannara Chronicles, and Smallville), Brian Koppelman (Oceans Thirteen; creator, Billions), Craig Engler (creator, Z Nation), Jake Coburn (Quantico; Arrow; Gossip Girl), Aaron Cohen (ESPN’s 30 for 30; HBO Sports), Jesse Peyronel (Dracula; Dig; upcoming: Sheltered), and Heath Corson (Scream; DC’s Bizarro; Nerdist Comics Panel co-host).

Recorded October 8, 2015 at NY Comic Con.

Direct download: nwp233_nycc.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The writer of the film Suffragette, out now, and the new Netflix series River, discusses writing issues-driven work, rewriting and rewriting, accolades, how hard it is to get movies made, and more. 

Direct download: nwp232_morgan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The creator and showrunner of the new Amazon series The Man in the High Castle, based upon the Phillip K. Dick novel, discusses his start on The X-Files and what he learned from working in the Chris Carter camp, putting together a staff, running his production company in England, and more. The Man in the High Castle premieres November 20th on Amazon.

Direct download: nwp231_frank_spotnitz.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The showrunners of IFC's Maron discuss their creative partnership, their experiences in the WB Writers Workshop, their early, formative experiences on Just Shoot Me, running Glen Martin DDS, collaboration, and lots more.

Direct download: nwp230_glarum_jamin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Two rounds in this live episode because not everyone could fit on the stage at once! First, hear Unreal co-creators Sarah Gertrude Shapiro and Marti Noxon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer; co-creator, Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce) and The Brink co-creators Kim Benabib and Roberto Benabib (Weeds; Ally McBeal) discuss comedy styles, going dark, and more. Then, returning pals Jeff Greenstein (Mom; Will & Grace), Josh Friedman (creator, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Stephen Falk (creator, You're the Worst), and Phillip Iscove (co-creator, Sleepy Hollow) join newcomer Will Widger (upcoming feature Lumberjanes) to discuss the state of the industry, their processes, and more.

Recorded live at LA Podfest, September 10, 2015.

Direct download: nwp229_la_podfest.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:11am PDT

Recorded live from CBS Studios with Rob Doherty (Elementary), Aline Brosh McKenna (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), Craig Sweeny (Limitless) and David Rosenthal (Jane the Virgin).

Recorded October 15, 2015.

Direct download: nwp228_cbs_showrunners.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:43am PDT

Executive Producer/Director Jason Reitman (Young Adult; Juno), EP/creator Zander Lehmann, EP Helen Estabrook, and EP/showrunner Liz Tigelaar (Life Unexpected) discuss their new Hulu series, airing now! Special appearance by Casual star Tommy Dewey!

Recorded October 18, 2015.

Direct download: nwp227_casual.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The Knick's Michael Begler and Jack Amiel discuss creating the series, collaborating with director Steven Soderbergh on all 20 episodes, writing about social issues, New York, and more.

The second season of The Knick premieres tomorrow, October 16, on Cinemax.

Direct download: nwp226_knick.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Jason Rothenberg (creator, The 100), Janine Sherman Barrois (Criminal Minds; ER), Gloria Calderon Kellett (iZombie; How I Met Your Mother), and Zev Borow (Chuck; lots of legit stuff like The New Yorker and McSweeney’s).

Recorded September 27, 2015.

Direct download: nwp225_rothenberg_barrois_kellett_borow.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Show EP/creator Sam Shaw and EP/director Thomas Schlamme (Sports Night; The West Wing; ER; The Americans) discuss bringing out the show's themes, casting, pitching, and lots more.

Season 2 of Manhattan airs Tuesday, October 13, at 9pm on WGN America.

Direct download: nwp224_manhatten.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Damon Lindelof (co-creator, Lost, The Leftovers), Chris Dingess (Agent Carter), Noelle Valdivia (Ash Vs the Evil Dead; Manhattan), and Kit Boss (iZombie; Bob’s Burgers).

Recorded September 13, 2015.

Direct download: nwp223_lindelof_dingess_valdivia_boss.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:09am PDT

Marc Guggenheim (co-creator, Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow), Corinne Marshall (School of Rock; Surviving Jack; creator, KC Undercover), Evan Bleiweiss (Rosewood; Matador; The Shield), and Laura Valdivia (Hot and Bothered; Weird Loners; Ben & Kate).

Recorded August 23, 2015.

Direct download: nwp222_guggenheim.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:44am PDT

Family Men: Masters of the Family Sitcom with Norman Lear (creator of All in The Family, The Jeffersons, Maude, One Day at a Time, Sanford and Son, Good Times, and MORE), Phil Rosenthal (creator of Everybody Loves Raymond), and Steve Levitan (co-creator of Modern Family).

Direct download: NWP221_Family_Men__Masters_of_the_Family_Sitcom.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:08am PDT

Join us for a lively panel discussion with a very engaged audience on the ups and downs of careers in cartoons between voice actor Jason Spisak (Young Justice), producer/writer/director/artist Shannon Eric Denton (Ultimate Spider-Man) , and writers Heath Corson (Throne of Atlantis), and Adam Beechen (Transformers: Robots In Disguise). Topics include getting started, finding ideas and staying sane.

Recorded at Phoenix Comic-Con May 28-31, 2015

 

Direct download: nwp220_animated.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:10am PDT

The creator of Peaky Blinders, The Detectives, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and screenwriter of the upcoming Pawn Sacrifice and World War Z II, as well as Locke, Closed Circuit, Eastern Promises, Dirty Pretty Things, and others discusses his process, structure, telling six-hour stories, collaboration, and more. Pawn Sacrifice is in cinemas tomorrow.

Direct download: nwp219_knight.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:35am PDT

Writer/creator Damon Lindelof, director/executive producer Mimi Leder, and co-stars Ann Dowd, Chris Eccleston, Carrie Coon discuss the first season of the HBO series and what's coming next. 

Recorded June 7, 2015 at ATX

Direct download: nwp218_leftovers.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Adaptions are hard enough — honoring an original vision, satisfying a fan base, and translating characters from one medium (written word or film) to another (episodic television). What if in addition to that, you also had to balance tone, voices, and rhythm? Join a conversation between three unique, powerhouse creators, who have managed to do something beyond adaptation: they have respected the original distinctive worlds and characters, while managing to create something of their own. With Bryan Fuller (creator, Hannibal), Noah Hawley (creator, Fargo), and Graham Yost (creator, Justified). Moderated by James Hibberd (Entertainment Weekly).

Recorded June 6, 2015 at ATX

 

Direct download: nwp217_adapt.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

How does a studio or network know whether or not a show is right for them? What happens when multiple executives from different companies want the same series? Hear from a panel of network, cable, and platform executives responsonsible for buying content. These individuals will discuss what makes them unique, as well as, how they form and buy series. Featuring Kathleen McCaffrey (HBO), Ken Segna (Starz), David Sleven (NBC Entertainment), and Grant Gish (20th Century Fox Animation). Moderated by Lesley Goldberg (TV News Editor, The Hollywood Reporter).

Recorded Friday, June 5, 2015 at ATX.

 

Direct download: nwp216_buyers.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

First, Bunheads creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and cast members Sutton Foster, Kelly Bishop, and Stacey Oristano discuss the dance sequences, turning points, and character moments that made this Cancelled-Too-Soon series so loved in it's short time on air.

Then, Younger star Sutton Foster discusses the hit TVLand sitcom.

And finally, Teachers, an upcoming TV Land sit-com based upon the web-series is discussed by showrunners Jay Martel and Ian Roberts (Key & Peele), and writer/creator/actors “The Katydids”: Katie O’Brien, Caitlin Barlow, Katy Colloton, Cate Freedman, Kate Lambert, and Kathryn Renee Thomas. Moderated by Buzzfeed's Jarrett Wieselman.

Recorded June 5, 2015 at ATX.

Direct download: nwp215_bunheads.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:34pm PDT

The Simpsons has spanned 27 years. It has shaped many people's childhood, young adolescence, and adulthood, while defining a culture and a medium. Listen to co-creator James L. Brooks, and veteran writers/producers Al Jean, Matt Selman, and David Silverman discuss its long running history and how it has evolved and shifted over three decades. Moderated by James Hibberd (Entertainment Weekly).

Recorded June 6, 2015 at ATX.

 

Direct download: nwp214_simpsons.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Esquire's Andy Langer chats with writer/creator Graham Yost, writer/producers Dave Andron and Fred Golan, director Jon Avnett, and co-star Nick Searcy (“Art Mullen”) about ending the brilliant FX series based upon the Elmore Leonard story.

Recorded June 6, 2015 at ATX

 

Direct download: nwp213_justified.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:01am PDT

The creator Gilmore Girls and Bunheads joins Entertainment Weekly's Danielle Nussbaum for an intimate conversation about the creation of her shows, writing strong characters and dialogue, and lots more.

Recorded June 5, 2015 at ATX Television Festival.

 

Direct download: nwp212_sherman_palladino.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Riki Lindhome (co-creator, Another Period; Garfunkel & Oates), Mickey Fisher (creator, Extant), Tad Stones (creator, Darkwing Duck), Ben Edlund (creator, The Tick; Powers; Gotham), Cheryl Heuton (co-creator, Numb3rs), Jenny Klein (Supernatural), Aaron Ginsburg (The 100), Patrick Schumacker (iZombie; co-creator, $#*! My Dad Says).

Recorded live at BAMFest in San Diego, July 13, 2015.

 

Direct download: nwp211_bamf.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:36am PDT

James L. Brooks is the writer/director of such seminal films as Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News. In TV, he started in series such as My Mother the Car, That Girl, and The Andy Griffith Show before creating or co-creating a staggering list of shows that changed the entertainment landscape: Room 222, The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-offs Rhoda, Phyllis, and Lou Grant, Taxi, and more. He's responsible for shepherding The Tracy Ullman Show and The Simpsons. In this candid conversation with Everybody Loves Raymond co-creator Phil Rosenthal, Brooks discusses fifty years in television.

Recorded June 6, 2015 at ATX.

 

Direct download: nwp210_brooks.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Chris Cantwell and Chris Rogers, creators of AMC's Halt and Catch Fire, discuss telling personal stories in a public medium, writing together, pitching and selling, and more.

Direct download: nwp209_halt_catch_fire.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

With co-creator Graeme Manson and co-star Kristian Bruun (“Donnie”). Hosted by Natalie Abrams (Entertainment Weekly). 

Recorded June 6, 2015 at ATX Television Festival.

 

Direct download: nwp208_orphan_black.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:29am PDT

Moderated by Sony Pictures Television's jocular senior VP of drama development & production Chris Parnell, this year's heroic lineup includes Jesse Alexander (Agent X, Heroes, Lost, Hannibal), Michael Narducci (The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Medium), not so savage Steve Holland (The Big Bang Theory), Sarah Watson (Parenthood, About a Boy), Ashley E. Miller (Terminator, Fringe, Andromeda), Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Rebels, Guardians of the Galaxy Animated), Gabrielle Stanton (The Flash, Haven, Castle), Jose Molina (Agent Carter, Sleepy Hollow, Firefly), Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Helix, Lost, The Middleman), and Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, Castle, Necessary Roughness).

Recorded April 4, 2015.

 

Direct download: nwp207_wondercon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The co-creator of Friends, Grace & Frankie, and Dream On discusses how she runs shows, what she looks for in a room, bringing heart to her shows, working with Netflix, the cultural impact of Friends, and lots more.

Recorded June 5, 2015 at ATX Television Festival.

 

Direct download: nwp206_marta_kauffman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

FX Comedy Night panels from ATX Television Festival, June 5, 2015.

Married featuring creator Andrew Gurland and stars Nat Faxon, Judy Greer, Brett Gelman, and Sarah Burns; moderated by Ben Blacker; Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll featuring creator/star Denis Leary and stars Elaine Hendrix, Bobby Kelly, Elizabeth Gillies, and John Ales; moderated by Gary Levin (USA Today); You're the Worst featuring creator Stephen Falk and stars Aya Cash, Chris Geere, Desmin Borges, and Kether Donohue; moderated by Lesley Goldberg (Hollywood Reporter).

Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll and the second season of Married premiere on FX on TONIGHT!

 

Direct download: nwp205_fx_comedy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:36pm PDT

Chris Carter, The X-Files creator discusses returning to the franchise he started 24 years ago,  pitching and planning the show, mythology and “monster-of-the-week” episodes, his collaborators, how the room works, and lots more. 

Direct download: nwp204_carter.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:03am PDT

Neil Cross, the creator of Luther and Crossbones talks about his beginnings as a novelist, banging his head against the wall, working from Wellington, New Zealand (where this interview was recorded!), learning TV from his first job on BBC's Spooks/MI-5, the fun of writing Doctor Who, and lots more, including comic books, Fox's Luther remake, and how great Idris Elba and Matt Smith are.

 

Direct download: nwp203neil_cross1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Kay Cannon, the hilarious, charming writer of Pitch Perfect and its sequel talks about her compulsion to write an a capella movie, her six years on 30 Rock, training at various Chicago improv studios, and lots more. 

Direct download: nwp202_kay_canon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Mickey Fisher (creator, Extant), Joshua Applebaum (co-creator, Zoo), and Adam Stein (Under the Dome) discuss their CBS summer event series, how they started in the business, and lots more. Under the Dome's third season debuted June 25; Zoo premieres June 30; Extant's second season premieres July 1.

Recorded June 5, 2015 at ATX Television Festival.

 

Direct download: nwp201_cbs_summer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

What makes an audience valuable? Can a loyal, passionate fan base whose voice is ten times louder than a casual viewer make an impact? That and more are discussed by Phil Rosenthal (creator, Everybody Loves Raymond), Bryan Fuller (creator, Hannibal, Pushing Daisies, Wonder Falls), Noah Hawley (creator, Fargo), and HBO director of development Kathleen McCaffrey. 

Recorded June 5, 2015 at ATX Television Festival.

 

Direct download: nwp200_niche_mass.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Following an advance screening of the Complications premiere, creator Matt Nix (Burn Notice), writer/producer Michael Horowitz, and stars Jessica Szohr (Gossip Girl), Beth Riesgraf (Leverage) discuss the show with Mark Peikert of Backstage Magazine. Recorded at ATX opening night, June 4, 2015.

Complications premieres on USA tonight, June 18!

PLUS: The original ATX theme song by @BenBlacker & @ToddCooper!

 

Direct download: nwp199_bonus.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:47am PDT

Brannon Braga, the co-creator of WGN America's Salem discusses his 15 years in the Star Trek franchise, starting as an intern on The Next Generation, running Voyager, and creating Enterprise, as well as talking candidly about Fox's Terra Nova, getting energized on 24, and lots more. 

Direct download: nwp198_braga.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:01am PDT

Matt Nix, the creator of USA's upcoming Complications and Burn Notice returns to talk about his new medical thriller, telling a personal story, changing viewer habits, caring about stories, and making soup. Complications debuts on USA on June 18th. 

Direct download: nwp197_matt_nix.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The writer of the Cannes premiering Sea of Trees, directed by Gus Van Sant, as well as thrillers-in-a-box Buried and ATM, talks about the good side of being pigeon-holed, breaking in, writing for himself, and lots more.

Direct download: nwp196_chris_sparling.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Creator/executive producer Joelle Garfinkel, director/executive producer David Slack, and co-star/executive producer Kate Bond discuss their new web-series, including its origins, the thematic goals, production, and lots more. Cam Girls premieres June 1 at CamGirlsTheSeries.com!

Direct download: nwp195_cam_girls.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:37am PDT

Director/co-writer Jack Plotnick and VFX supervisor Billy Brooks discuss the independent science fiction period black comedy, available now On Demand.

Direct download: nwp194_spacestation.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:46am PDT

Showrunner Chad Hodge (creator of The Playboy Club, Runaway, and All About Us) talks about writing scripts you're passionate about, getting his unexpected break, early success in the Peter Engels (Saved by the Bell) camp, Oprah, writing pilots, and how the Fox limited series came together. Wayward Pines premieres this Thursday, May 14, on Fox!

Direct download: nwp193_chad_hodge.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51am PDT

Jane the Virgin creator/showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman (Gilmore Girls; Hope & Faith; Men in Trees) discusses the various stages of the show's development, finding Jane's voice, collaborating with her writers' room, the creation and cancelation of her previous CW series, Emily Owens MD, and lots more. 

The finale of Jane the Virgin airs Monday, May 11. Don't miss it!

 

Direct download: nwp192_snyder_urman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Adam Pava (The Boxtrolls; Out of Jimmy's Head) and Mark Miller (VP of Clive Barker's Seraphim Inc; writer of the Hellraiser comic) talk about writing as much as possible, writing even when you're not being paid, writing other people's properties, and more. Plus: Adam talks in depth about the work he did on The Lego Movie for his friends Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

Direct download: nwp191_pava_miller.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:58am PDT

Better Call Saul season 1 in review with co-creator/co-showrunner Peter Gould, writers Thomas Schnauz, Gennifer Hutchison, and Gordon Smith, and special guest Michael McKean (Chuck). Recorded live at Largo at the Coronet on April 13, 2015. 

Direct download: nwp190_better_call_saul.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Diane Ruggiero co-created iZombie and became showrunner Rob Thomas's right hand on Veronica Mars. Here, we dig deep with Diane to talk about how she was always a writer, how she went from waitressing to selling her first script to Nora Ephron to creating her own show to not working for a few years. She talks about how she likes to work and the best parts of writing. 

Direct download: nwp189_diane_ruggiero.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:03am PDT

While TV viewing evolves so does our appetite for spoilers. How do they affect how we consume television? Featuring Beau Willimon (creator, House of Cards), Udo Azuba (actor, Orange is the New Black), Nick Wechsler (actor, Revenge), Kerry Ehrin (creator, Bates Motel), Tim Goodman (The Hollywood Reporter), Eric Pallotta (director of social media for Netflix). Moderated by cultural anthropolgist Grant McCracken.

This year's ATX Festival is right around the corner, and it's going to be a big one! Get your badge now: http://www.atxfestival.com/

Direct download: nwp188_spoilers.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

The Comedians co-creator and showrunner talks about his new FX show, working with a comedy legend, who steers the ship on an auteur-driven show, his time on season 4 of Community, season 4 of Arrested Development, and the only season of The Michael J. Fox Show. The Comedians premieres on FX on April 9, and it's really, really good!

Direct download: nwp187_ben_wexler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Peter Horton, the actor (thirtysomething), director (Grey's Anatomy; Dirty Sexy Money), and writer discusses the new show he co-created, American Odyssey, as well as storytelling in its different modes, working on and behind the camera, building characters, tension in storytelling, and lots more. American Odyssey premieres April 5 on NBC.

Direct download: nwp186_peter_horton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Indie game creator Alexis Kennedy (Fallen London, Sunless Sea) of Failbetter Games plumbs the murky depths of games with Heath Corson (Bizarro, Justice League: Throne of Atlantis) as they discuss the role of Kickstarter in indie gaming, game pacing, managing world creation, how to keep game franchises fresh, oh, and cannibalism.  There’s actually a fair amount of talk of cannibalism. 

Direct download: nwp185_alexis_kennedy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Diane Ruggiero (co-creator, iZombie; Veronica Mars; creator, That's Life) and Sarah Shapiro (creator, UnReal) discuss their new shows and take questions from the audience.

Direct download: nwp184_sxsw.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

David Greenwalt (Buffy seasons 1-3; co-creator of Angel; later work includes co-creating Grimm), Marti Noxon (Buffy seasons 2-7; Angel; later work includes co-creating Un-Real and developing Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce), David Fury (Buffy seasons 2-7; Angel seasons 1-5; later work includes Lost, 24, Fringe, Tyrant), Jane Espenson (Buffy seasons 3-7; Angel; Firefly; later work includes Once Upon a Time, co-creating Husbands), Tracey Forbes (Buffy seasons 4-5; later work includes co-creating CBC's Cracked), Steven DeKnight (Buffy seasons 5-7; Angel seasons 4-5; Dollhouse; later work includes creating Spartacus, showrunning Netflix's Daredevil), Drew Z. Greenberg (Buffy seasons 5-7; Firefly; Marvel's Agents of SHIELD; later work includes Warehouse 13, Arrow), Drew Goddard (Buffy seasons 6-7; Angel; director/co-writer, The Cabin in the Woods; later work includes Lost, Daredevil, upcoming Sinister Six movie), Elizabeth Craft (Angel; co-showrunner, Dollhouse; later work includes The Vampire Diaries, The 100). Topics include Joss Whedon and how great Joss Whedon is.

 

Direct download: nwp183_mutant_enemy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Heath Corson (Bizarro, Justice League: Throne of Atlantis) is on special assignment at the Stoopid Buddy HQ to interview the masterminds behind ROBOT CHICKEN: co-creator Matt Senreich, Exec. Producer Eric Towner and John Harvatine. Tune in as they talk the secret origins of Robot Chicken, how George Lucas' requested that they keep making fun of Star Wars, Matthew's early days at Wizard magazine and their new stop motion animation masterclass now available on Vimeo. 

Direct download: nwp182_robot_chicken.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:19am PDT

Jonathan Tropper, the co-creator of Banshee and author of six novels including Plan B and This Is Where I Leave You discusses discovering plot in the process of writing, his interests as a writer, developing Banshee and keeping it interesting, and lots more. The season finale of Banshee airs this Friday at 10pm on Cinemax.

Direct download: nwp181_jonathan_tropper_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Co-creator Kerry Ehrin (Friday Night Lights; Boston Public) and co-star Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) discuss their collaboration on both the hit A&E drama and the pilot they co-wrote this year. They also talk about keeping Bates Motel, and Norman Bates, real, Highmore's chemistry with his on-screen mom Vera Farmiga, how the room works, and changing things up in season three, which premieres Monday, March 9, on A&E.

Direct download: nwp180_ehrin_highmore.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:56am PDT

Executive producer Matt Thompson and co-producer Casey Willis, both of whom have been with show creator Adam Reed since Sealab 2021 and Frisky Dingo, discuss how Archer is written and produced, the increasing quality of the animation, working with FX, working from Atlanta, Georgia, the “Archer Vice” detour, and what's planned for season 6, currently on air.

Direct download: nwp179_archer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am PDT