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Fri, 04/25/2008 - 16:13 — Anonymous


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Podcast / feed author: Pilar Alessandra

description: Join professional script consultant Pilar Alessandra as she demystifies screenwriting and answers your questions about script craft and story.

Recent Episodes:

  • EPISODE 20. Writing High Concept, The Writers' Strike "Blacklist" and Pros and Cons of Film Treatments released on Wed, 01/16/2008 - 17:11
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/602943"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE20WritingHighConceptTheWritersStrikeBlacklistAnd734.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Guest Josh Stolberg (Writer/Director, "Manwitch" starring Jack Black, "Good Luck Chuck," record script sale for "Passion of the Ark") talks about writing and pitching high concept projects. And no, Pilar has never posed naked for him... nor has Matt.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/217737528" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 21. Protecting Your Ideas, Life Rights and Spoofing Characters released on Tue, 01/22/2008 - 20:45
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/616672"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE21ProtectingYourIdeasLifeRightsAndSpoofingCharac378.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Entertainment attorney Richard DeLosa suggests ways to make your script lawsuit-proof. No "funny walks!"<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/221199342" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 22. Writing Web Series. Guest: Mike Maden released on Wed, 01/30/2008 - 17:29
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/635227"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE22WritingWebSeriesGuestMikeMaden316.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Mike Maden, writer of "Pink: The Series," talks about the challenges and benefits of "webisodic" storytelling.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/226013500" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 23. Writing Competitions. Guests: Bill Flannigan, Anne Kruse released on Wed, 02/06/2008 - 04:35
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/650102"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE23HowToWinWritingCompetitionsGuestsBillFlannigan515.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Two of Pilar's most acclaimed students reveal the secrets to their success in the cut-throat world of screenwriting competitions.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/230049880" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 24. Busy Mom Sells Script. Guest: Tiffany Zehnal released on Wed, 02/13/2008 - 00:22
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/664858"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE24BusyMomSellsScriptGuestTiffanyZehnal439.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Screenwriter Tiffany Zehnal ("Shotgun Wedding" at DreamWorks) talks about going from TV to feature writing and confronts the work/family juggle.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/234048399" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 25. WGA Contract and Oscar Talk. Guests: Brian Pope and Mike Musa released on Tue, 02/19/2008 - 21:09
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/680268"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE25WGAContractAndOscarTalkGuestsBrianPopeAndMik902.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Pilar breaks down the nominees for Best Original and Best Adapted Screenplay with Oscar expert Brian Pope and Mike Musa. Also, a post-strike wrap-up: WGA member Bill Birch drops by to educate us on the gains and compromises in the new Guild contract.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/237785995" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 26. Writing From Character. Guest: Lyn Greene released on Wed, 02/27/2008 - 02:37
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/698213"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE26WritingFromCharacterGuestLynGreene185.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> "Nip/Tuck" Executive Producer Lyn Greene talks about her theater training, making the transition from actor to writer and the process of writing a one-hour drama.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/241845573" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 27. Sitcom Success Story. Guest: Karin Gist released on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 01:52
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/717636"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE27SitcomSuccessStoryGuestKarinGist378.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Lawyer-turned-scribe Karin Gist ("Girlfriends," Disney's Camp Rock) tells Pilar and Matt how she broke into sitcom writing.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/245843716" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 28. Q&amp;A with Pilar and Matt released on Wed, 03/12/2008 - 00:09
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/735604"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE28QAWithPilarAndMatt194.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Screenwriting instructor Pilar Alessandra and script reader Matt Belknap answer questions about Act Two, first look deals, producer credits and more.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/249819269" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 29. Writing TV Movies. Guests: Brian Turner &amp; Garrett Frawley released on Wed, 03/19/2008 - 03:50
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/755136"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE29WritingTVMoviesGuestsBrianTurnerGarrettFrawle304.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Pilar welcomes TV movie writers Brian Turner and Garrett Frawley ("Santa Baby," "Snowglobe") to the show to discuss eight-act structure and the importance of outlining.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/254038836" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 30. Comic Book Adaptations. Guest: Carr D'Angelo released on Wed, 03/26/2008 - 01:24
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/773942"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE30ComicBookAdaptationsGuestCarrDAngelo279.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Pilar talks comics with producer/comic shop owner (and former studio executive) Carr D'Angelo.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/258013519" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 31. The Romantic Comedy. Guest: Billy Mernit released on Tue, 04/01/2008 - 21:31
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/791575"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE31TheRomanticComedyGuestBillyMernit362.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Script consultant and novelist Billy Mernit ("Imagine Me and You") stops by to discuss his area of expertise: the romantic comedy.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/262223300" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 32. More Questions Answered. released on Wed, 04/09/2008 - 18:49
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/813542"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE32MoreQuestionsAnswered223.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> No guest this week, just Pilar and Matt answering your questions on the craft and business of screenwriting (and Matt getting the name of one of Hollywood's most famous screenwriter-authors wrong -- oops!)<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/267198320" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 33. Writing For Emotional Impact. Guest: Karl Iglesias released on Wed, 04/16/2008 - 02:01
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/830611"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE33WritingForEmotionalImpactGuestKarlIglesias491.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Pilar welcomes her colleague, best-selling author Karl Iglesias, to discuss how to maximize the emotional impact of your screenplay.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/271111128" height="1" width="1"/>
  • On the Page: the DVD released on Fri, 04/18/2008 - 20:29
    • <embed src="http://blip.tv/play/AbPFQIP9Pw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="320" height="240" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed> <br /> Exclusive trailer for Pilar's newest project: "On the Page: the DVD." Available now! <br /><br />To order, visit www.writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=3895 <br /><br />Got ten minutes? Write your screenplay. <br /><br />On the Page: the DVD is the ultimate resource for the busy writer, offering over 20 ten-minute writing tools that take your script from the brainstorming stage, through the outline, into a finished script, and even into the rewrite. <br /><br />Screenwriting instructor / script consultant Pilar Alessandra guides writers of all levels through each phase of the process with her engaging and user-friendly approach. An internationally renowned speaker on screenwriting and story pitching, Pilar&#8217;s unique methods have helped hundreds of writers finish their screenplays, win major writing competitions, and make script sales to studios such as Disney, DreamWorks, Warner Bros. and Sony. <br /><br />Now she&#8217;s assembled all of her exercises in one DVD so that you can get your screenplay out of your head ... and On the Page.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/273127734" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 34. The Producer's Perspective. Guest: Kim Zubick released on Tue, 04/22/2008 - 22:34
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/848096"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE34TheProducersPerspectiveGuestKimZubick662.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Kim Zubick (formerly of Robert Simonds Productions, currently with Michael Tollin) offers a rare glimpse at the script development process from the producer's perspective.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/275717848" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 6. Topics: Sequels and Autobiography, Writing Story Synopses released on Sun, 10/07/2007 - 16:51
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/415032"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE6TopicsSequelsAndAutobiographyWritingStorySynopses356.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Pilar considers smoking when gravelly-voiced comedy writer Steffen Phelps joins the conversation. Pilar, Matt and Steffen discuss ways to adapt scripts from real life and conclude that the "more dead" someone is, the better. Also at issue, what does it mean when someone requests a synopsis of a script?<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/166592046" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 7. Topics: More on Adaptations and Pitching Like a Pro released on Mon, 10/15/2007 - 14:55
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/429000"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE7TopicsMoreOnAdaptationsAndPitchingLikeAPro996.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> On the Page writer Bill Birch reveals how he got hired to write two feature films for Warner Bros, how he approached a book adaptation assignment and how he prepares pitches.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/170502551" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 8. Topics: Character Descriptions, The Role of the Manager released on Mon, 10/22/2007 - 21:24
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/440200"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE8TopicsCharacterDescriptionsTheRoleOfTheManager346.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Pilar helps writers get to the "essence" of their characters and Warner Bros. writer Bill Birch discusses the pros and cons of having a manager.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/173492923" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 9. Topics: Pilot Presentations, Commercial Breaks in TV Specs and Television Subject Matter vs. Feature Subject Matter released on Tue, 10/30/2007 - 19:16
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/455615"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE9TopicsPilotPresentationsCommercialBreaksInTVSpe451.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Wendy Miller joins Pilar and Matt for an in-depth discussion about television, while also confirming that great ideas really can be discovered in the shower.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/177321027" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 10. Topics: The Strike. Camera Direction. Pop Culture References. released on Thu, 11/08/2007 - 17:37
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/472526"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE10TopicsTheStrikeCameraDirectionPopCultureRefere355.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> GUESTS: Nina Berry (Warner Horizon), David Wright (television writer) Discussion of the potential effects of the Writers' Strike on WGA and non-WGA writers. Pilar also gives tips on cutting camera direction and learns that the Macarena is over.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/181745039" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 11. Topics: Writing for Reality, The Use of Music in Scripts and How to Avoid Soft Writing released on Tue, 11/13/2007 - 18:49
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/481557"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE11TopicsWritingForRealityTheUseOfMusicInScript730.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Guest: Pat Francis. Matt chaperones as Pilar grills her husband Pat about the role of the reality writer/story producer. Also discussed: ways to incorporate a heavy metal mix tape into your script.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/184249902" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 12. Topics: Comedy Trends, the Use of Voiceover and Writing with a Partner released on Wed, 11/21/2007 - 02:47
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/495261"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE12TopicsComedyTrendsTheUseOfVoiceoverAndWriting942.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Guest: Pat Francis. It's official: neither Pilar nor her husband Pat can pronounce "Apatow."<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/188050894" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 13. Topics: Independent Filmmaking and Writing Dialogue for Specific Professions released on Tue, 11/27/2007 - 17:12
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/506321"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE13TopicsIndependentFilmmakingAndWritingDialogueFo703.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Guest: Pete Schwaba (screenwriter/filmmaker) Pete talks with Pilar about his experiences making an independent film in his Wisconsin home town.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/191374392" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 14. Topics: The Role of the Script Reader and The Five Biggest Mistakes Writers Make released on Wed, 12/05/2007 - 01:46
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/521239"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE14TopicsTheRoleOfTheScriptReaderAndTheFiveBig342.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Guest: Matt Belknap (Reader for Imagine Entertainment). Matt and Pilar have a difficult time counting to five, but ultimately give their personal "don'ts" for screenwriting.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/195275103" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 15. Topics: The Role of the Sales Agent, Uses and Abuses of Exposition and Finding Your Hook released on Wed, 12/12/2007 - 04:15
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/536055"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE15TopicsTheRoleOfTheSalesAgentUsesAndAbusesOf648.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Guest: Deb Setele (screenwriter; Assistant Sales Agent) Deb talks about writing for foreign markets. Matt puts story above Keira Knightley. Pilar gives a soulful rendition of "Heard It Through The Grapevine."<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/199002480" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 16. Topics: Writing for the Internet, The Pros and Cons of Film School released on Tue, 12/18/2007 - 23:36
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/549590"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE16TopicsWritingForTheInternetTheProsAndConsOf297.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Guest: Richie Solomon (Emmy-nominated Producer/Writer) Richie discusses the future of Internet writing. Pilar learns that "w00t" is the new "awesome." Matt reveals his secret tattoo.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/202447358" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 17. Topics: Creating and Pitching Reality, Life After Page 40 and Finding Scripts Online released on Wed, 12/26/2007 - 01:46
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/560980"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE17TopicsCreatingAndPitchingRealityLifeAfterPage905.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Guest: Annie Hanlon (Documentary and Reality TV Producer) The team discusses reality show development, feature script outlining and Joan Collins' husband.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/206306472" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 19. Confessions of a Studio Exec released on Wed, 01/09/2008 - 00:04
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/587303"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE19ConfessionsOfAStudioExec599.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Guest Marc Haimes (VP of Development, Dreamworks) proves he's "one of the good ones" as he illuminates the process of developing a script from the executive's perspective.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/213486745" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 18. Topics: Writing for Animated Characters and Puppets, Writing for Short Films released on Wed, 01/02/2008 - 06:24
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/573477"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE18TopicsWritingForAnimatedCharactersAndPuppetsWr206.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Guests: David Skelly (Writer/Director, Pixar story artist) and Kirk Thatcher (Writer/Director, The Jim Henson Company) We discover that Miss Piggy is a bit phone challenged and that it's easier for computers to animate fish than people.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/209731339" height="1" width="1"/>
  • On The Page: Episode 1 released on Tue, 08/14/2007 - 00:03
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/339014"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-Episode1845.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Pilar and "undiscovered writer of the moment" Chip James answer questions about set pieces, "edgy" writing and commerciality.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/143835090" height="1" width="1"/>
  • Episode 2: Research. Single-camera vs. Multi-camera. released on Mon, 09/10/2007 - 19:50
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/372531"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-Episode2ResearchSinglecameraVsMulticamera850.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Nicholl Fellowship winner Matt Harris joins Pilar to discuss the uses and abuses of research and the pros and cons of multi-camera and single-camera television writing.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/154724746" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 3. Topics: Sex Scenes and Comedy Writing released on Tue, 09/18/2007 - 16:21
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/385035"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE3TopicsSexScenesAndComedyWriting555.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Pilar is joined by online movie critics and funny girls Heather Stewart and Suzanne Keilly. Together, they discuss the art of writing sex scenes in screenplays (don't miss the dramatic staged reading) and suggest ways to make your screenplay "pee-in-your-pants funny."<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/158134716" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 4. Topics: Cracking The First Ten Pages; Finding Time to Write When You Have Kids released on Tue, 09/25/2007 - 00:15
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/394971"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE4TopicsCrackingTheFirstTenPagesFindingTimeToWr660.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Online movie critics and funny girls Heather Stewart and Suzanne Keilly join Pilar for their second bottle of wine, legend-busting about those elusive "first ten pages" and some additional wisdom from podcast producer (and veteran reader) Matt Belknap.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/160835461" height="1" width="1"/>
  • EPISODE 5. Topics: Loglines, Book Adaptation and Sketch Comedy released on Tue, 10/02/2007 - 17:55
    • <center> <a href="http://blip.tv/file/407082"><img src="http://panther2.video.blip.tv/OnThePage-EPISODE5TopicsLoglinesBookAdaptationAndSketchComedy978.jpg" border="0" /></a> </center> <br /> Pilar and sketch comedy writer Mike Loprete (also known as "the guy who lives in your computer") discuss ways to adapt a sketch into a screenplay, Pilar gives tips on finding your logline and Matt and Pilar agree that it&#8217;s easier to adapt a crappy book than a good one.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/OnThePage/~4/164305614" height="1" width="1"/>