Beyond The Script : Career Strategy For TV and Film Writers
Beyond The Script is fun, informative, and tailor-made for TV and Feature writers. We believe it's not necessarily the technical elements of your screenwriting that need to shift to land that six-figure deal - it's mostly about mindset and strategy. We're Steve Harper and Nick Jobe, writers, coaches, and consultants. We've seen clients succeed using the ideas we lay out in this show. That's why we're passing the wisdom on to you. Be warned, we have wildly different perspectives on just about everything. The show is full of humor, passionate debates, and key insights you can apply to your own...
When And How To Ask For Favors
For many, finding a champion to help them move forward in their screenwriting career is precarious. The conventional wisdom suggests that you need to put in time proving yourself to industry contacts before you can ask for a favor. But what if there were ways to be more direct in your asks, or new forms of thinking about this issue so that the whole process didn't feel so one-sided and transactional?
In this episode, Nick and Steve ponder the question so many in the world of screenwriting ask - "is now the right time to ask for a...
Should Entertainment News Guide Your Decisions?
Human nature suggests that when the sky seems to be falling we turn to the media to confirm our fears. As writing jobs and our industry as a whole contracts writers find themselves turning to the trades to allay fears or just to "find out more." The good wisdom has always seemed to say that "reading the trades" was a must for any writer worth their salt.
But how much trade news - on premieres, and overall deals, and mergers, and agents leaving companies - is too much news?
In this episode, Nick and Steve di...
The DIY Career Launch
Making your own work has been at the core of the strategic playbook for breaking in to film and tv for 25 years. Hollywood loves to embrace and amplify the story of the little gal or guy who made their short film for $500 bucks and landed the major studio deal. But with the ubiquity of film festivals and prohibitive costs to make high quality content, is the DIY career launch still a winning strategy?
In this episode, Nick and Steve examine whether you should cash in your favors and piggy banks to make a short/web series, or w...
The Antihero Dilemma
In a media ecosystem polluted with bad news, online vitriol, and political polarization, what is the writer's responsibility to the audience? If we - as writers - continue to churn out dark heroes and revenge story arcs - aren't we part of an ever growing problem?
In this episode, Nick and Steve break down whether you should follow the money towards script ideas that have explosive action, hair raising violence, and back-stabbing betrayals - or lean into your own heart to find more optimistic narratives.
As always, Nick and Steve will offer two different perspectives o...
AI - Should I?
Today's episode is all about AI - artificial intelligence - and what it means to TV and screenwriters.
When the WGA writers went on strike, AI was among the concerns. Writers became obsessed with what it was and how it works and whether it's useful or not useful for a professional career. Since the strike ended there have been stories in the press about multiple sides of the issue - from concerns about AI learning from TV and film scripts to the question of whether (and how) writers should use it in their own work. What's the...
OverNoted
On today's episode, we're talking about notes.
Every TV and Feature writer gets notes - whether in writers' groups or from executives, showrunners, production companies or studios. But what do you do with all that feedback? Notes can make people defensive and emotional. All those comments can shut people down and some are just confusing. Should you stay open and soak up all the notes they throw at you? Or get the note-givers to slow their roll and keep the notes to a minimum?
Nick and Steve offer TWO different ways to deal with notes...
The One About Life And Death
Every writer wants the secret to career success. It's not only technique. It's not just connections. Those are important, but it's really about navigating what's INSIDE YOU. How do you manage the INTERNAL joys and challenges of living as a writer in TV and Film? You've learned how to put words on the page, but no one taught you to live the life of a writer through the ups and downs. On The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers, and script consultants/coaches, examine the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and t...
The One About Networking?
Every writer wants the secret to career success. It's not only technique. It's not just connections. Those are important, but it's really about navigating what's INSIDE YOU. How do you manage the INTERNAL joys and challenges of living as a writer in TV and Film? You've learned how to put words on the page, but no one taught you to live the life of a writer through the ups and downs. On The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers, and script consultants/coaches, examine the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and t...
The One About Breaking The Rules
Every writer wants the secret to career success. It's not technique. It's not connections. Those are important, but it's really about what's INSIDE YOU. How do you navigate the INTERNAL joys and challenges of living as a writer in TV and Film? On The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers, and script consultants/coaches, examine the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater - as a way to prepare you for a long and fruitful writing career.
In this episode, we discuss BREAKING THE RULES. Can you do it? Sh...
The One About Disruption
Every writer wants the secret to career success. It's not technique. It's not connections. Those are important, but it's really about what's INSIDE YOU. How do you navigate the INTERNAL joys and challenges of living as a writer in TV and Film? On The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers, and script consultants/coaches, examine the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater - as a way to prepare you for a long and fruitful writing career.
In this episode, we discuss DISRUPTION, the idea of trying things that ar...
The One About Pressure
Every writer wants the secret to career success. It's not technique. It's not connections. Those are important, but it's really about what's INSIDE YOU. How do you navigate the INTERNAL joys and challenges of living as a writer in TV and Film? On The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers, and script consultants/coaches, examine the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater - as a way to prepare you for a long and fruitful writing career.
In this episode, we discuss the PRESSURE of working with well-known talent, an...
The One With The Burning Questions
Every writer wants the secret to career success. It's not technique. It's not connections. Those are important, but it's really about what's INSIDE YOU. How do you navigate the INTERNAL joys and challenges of living as a writer in TV and Film? On The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers, and script consultants/coaches, examine the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater - as a way to prepare you for a long and fruitful writing career.
In this episode, we discuss the BURNING QUESTIONS we keep hearing from cl...
The One About Getting Canceled
Every writer wants the secret to career success. It's not technique. It's not connections. Those are important, but it's really about what's INSIDE YOU. How do you navigate the INTERNAL joys and challenges of living as a writer in TV and Film? On The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers, and script consultants/coaches, examine the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater - as a way to prepare you for a long and fruitful writing career.
In this episode, we discuss what "getting canceled" means in the entertainment in...
The One About Steve Harper
On The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, examine the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this juicy episode, Nick interviews Steve - to learn about his creative journey as a TV writer, playwright and actor, his thoughts about writing and his writing coaching process. Steve talks about growing up in New York, when he first entered the industry, his stellar education and the best writing advice he ever received (from Pulitzer Prize winner Marsha Norman).
Rate the show wherever you listen and tell yo...
The One About Nick Jobe
On The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, examine the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this juicy episode, co-host mysteries are revealed! For the first time, Steve interviews Nick - to find out about his creative life as a writer and an actor, his writing philosophy, and what makes writing material pop. Nick talks about his family connection to the NFL, his love of plays, and singing, his adventure working with David Fincher and Gary Oldman on Mank, and how he started working with writers...
The One With Winnie Holzman
On The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, examine the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this juicy episode, Steve and Nick visit with playwright, screenwriter and showrunner Winnie Holzman (Wicked, My So-Called Life ). Winnie talks about The two-part Wicked movie, her play, Choice, going back to writing class, finding focus and bravery in facing the page, and putting all other things aside for the sake of the work.
Send in your comments and questions about writing, this episode, or anything (writing-wise) to:
...
The One With Matt Arnold
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, examine the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, Steve and Nick visit with showrunner Matt Arnold (Emerald City, Siberia on NBC.) Matt breaks down how he organizes his writing schedule for maximum efficiency, why it's best to create a buffer when receiving studio notes, and what makes the TV writing life cycle so rewarding.
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
The One About Getting Help
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss the wisdom of dreams, how to develop an inner loving writing parent, and why asking for help just might change your life.
The Secret Writer Podcast might not be a secret anymore, but still, don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - http...
The One About Stability
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss awards shows, how to manifest ideas, and the relationship between chaos and creativity.
The Secret Writer Podcast might not be a secret anymore, but still, don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org
Aiyo...
The One About Keeping Secrets
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss the merit of filmmaking fellowships, how to write about your writing, and whether you should reveal the "magic tricks" of your process.
The Secret Writer Podcast might not be a secret anymore, but still, don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - https...
The One About Returning
In the premiere of Season 2 of The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode they discuss the shifting writing landscape post-strike, how to think like an executive, and the debut of a new show segment called "The Rewrite."
The Secret Writer Podcast might not be a secret anymore, but still, don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Mus...
The One About The Future
In the Season Finale of The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss how to handle the "weirdness" of a life in entertainment, what to do when plans go sideways, and the future of the podcast.
The Secret Writer Podcast might not be a secret anymore, but still, don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
The One About The Inner Critic
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss takeaways from the Sundance Film Festival, how to treat your career like one big experiment, and why shame is the number one adversary for the creative writer.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joys...
The One About Taking Risks
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss why some great shows never break through to the mainstream, how to get used to asking for what you're worth, and why taking big swings is the key to forward momentum (even if those swings fail.)
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
The One About Selling
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss how to handle good things coming your way, cultivating trust with the actors who interpret your work, and why learning to sell is a good thing.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - h...
The One About Goals
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss AI screenwriters, protecting your brain against unnecessary worry, and knowing your own value as a writer.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org
Music by Joystock...
The One About Dreaming Big
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss how to handle things when your tastes change abruptly, the "right" way to write, and why so many writers settle for small dreams when big dreams are on offer.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Mu...
The One About "I'll Never Work Again"
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss the potential deeper meaning behind a passive protagonist, what to do when people don't get your work, and how to navigate that "all is lost" feeling in your career.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Mus...
The One About Detachment
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss the rise of deeply personal storytelling in popular culture, best practices for receiving feedback from other writers, and the challenge of detaching from your audience.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - ht...
The One About Distraction
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss taking big swings in your writing, evolving past your old work, and the potential meaning behind distractions.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org
A...
The One About Starting Things
In the series premiere of The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. They discuss a weird meme, writing shame, and the funny feelings that arise when you begin any project anew.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org
Music b...
