RADIO
Distributed & available on PRX The Exchange.
A Conversation with Lee Eisenberg
This week on On Story, a conversation with Lee Eisenberg about the launch of his comedy writing career. Eisenberg and his writing partner Gene Stupnitsky broke into the industry with their adventure-comedy screenplay, Year One, an irreverent retelling of the Book of Genesis in which they collaborated with the iconic comedian and filmmaker, Harold Ramis, who went onto direct the film for the Apatow Company.
In tandem writing with Year One, Lee and Gene were staffed on season two of the notorious comedy television hit, The Office, where they wrote for five hilarious seasons. Masters of craft and discomfort comedy, stories that bring audiences right to the edge of unbearable cringe before easing them with a laugh, Lee and Gene wrote many celebrated teleplays for The Office, including “Dinner Party”, “The Lover”, and audience favorite “Scott's Tots”, in which Michael Scott realizes he cannot fulfill his long-time promise to pay the college tuition of local students.
Eisenberg discusses his process of co-writing these scripts and the importance of leaving pathos and humanity into the most cringey comedic protagonists. Eisenberg also expands on his and Gene's process creating the out-of-the-box reality hoax sitcom, Jury Duty, in which Ronald Gladden, appearing as himself, was unaware that the entire case and jury proceeding had been staged. The one-of-a-kind comedy series was nominated for both Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.
Lastly, Eisenberg elaborates on his latest project: developing the historical drama miniseries Lessons in Chemistry, based on the bestselling book of the same name. Eisenberg reveals how the artistry of the novel not only sparked his genre switch, but inspired him to subtly impart aspects of his lived experience into the Apple TV series.
Jeff Nichols on The Bikeriders and Karyn Kusama
This week on On Story, we’ll speak with acclaimed writer and director Jeff Nichols about his approach to adapting a photobook into a character-driven dissection of 1960s American subculture to create The Bikeriders starring Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Austin Butler.
Later in the episode, we’re joined by filmmaker Karyn Kusama for a look at her celebrated body of work, deeply rooted in both the female experience and in the genre space. Kusama’s work spans both film and television, including her debut feature Girl Fight, cult classic Jennifer’s Body, contained thriller The Invitation, neo-noir crime drama Destroyer, and hit series Yellowjackets. Kusama delves into her experience finding and casting a young Michelle Rodriguez in Girl Fight, balancing her personal and creative partnership with husband and frequent collaborator Phil Hay, connecting with Nicole Kidman to build her character in Destroyer, and working alongside Diablo Cody to bring the world of Jennifer’s Body to life.
A Conversation with Katrin Benedikt + Tommy Lee Jones
This week on On Story, we’ll speak with Katrin Benedikt for an unfiltered look inside the realities of writing in Hollywood, from crafting and pitching the homegrown London Has Fallen franchise for over 10 years, to writing on Expendables 3 with the legendary Sylvester Stallone. Later in the episode, Tommy Lee Jones and the team behind The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada join us to discuss their collaboration in bringing their multi-language Western to the silver screen.
PAST LIVES + FINESTKIND
This week on On Story, we’re joined by Celine Song to discuss writing and directing her semi-autobiographical debut feature, the bittersweet romantic drama Past Lives. The film was recently nominated for Academy Awards in two categories: Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture. Later in the episode, we’ll speak with celebrated writer and director Brian Helgeland about the decades-long journey it took to bring his deeply personal film Finestkind to life.
On Writing Watchmen and Contact
Coming soon to On Story, we’re joined by Damon Lindelof and Cord Jefferson, to discuss writing their Emmy®-winning episode of the hit show Watchmen. Later in the episode, we’ll speak with veteran writer James V. Hart about the creative process behind his science fiction drama Contact.
On Writing Dolemite is my name and iron man 3
This week on On Story, we’re joined by Golden Globe® and Emmy® award winning writing partners Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander, and director Craig Brewer, about their acclaimed comedy Dolemite Is My Name and its journey from script to screen. Later, we’ll speak with legendary screenwriter Shane Black to dissect his contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man 3.
On Writing Warrior and aliens
This week on On Story, we speak with Gavin O’Connor on the writing of Warrior, a sports action film which is inspired by his own childhood. Then it is a conversation with Noah Hawley regarding his adaptation of hit films like Fargo, Legion, and the upcoming Aliens into TV series.
Comedy Writing & Showrunning + All Talk - Writing Dialouge
This week on On Story, we’re talking to revered screenwriters and longtime supporters of AFF, Shane Black, writer-director of The Predator, and Scott Rosenberg, writer of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle for a conversation on the art of writing dialogue and advice for finding your voice as a writer. Later in the episode we’re joined by top comedy showrunners from Universal Studio Group including Lang Fisher of Never Have I Ever, Phil Augusta Jackson of Grand Crew, Luke Del Tredici of Killing It, and Vanessa Ramos of Blockbuster.
DARREN ARONOFSKY + ROB THOMAS
This week on On Story, join us for a conversation with the 2022 Extraordinary Contribution to Film Award Recipient, the Academy Award® nominated director Darren Aronofsky. Aronofsky will walk you through the director's path: from his 1998 debut, Pi, to AFF's 2022 Opening Night Film, The Whale. Then creator of Veronica Mars and Party Down, Rob Thomas discusses his writing influences and tips. Join us for exclusive insight into how he created specific episodes, discovered his passion for writing and more!
SARAH POLLEY+ FACT TO FICTION
This week on On Story, we’re joined by Oscar-winning filmmaker, Sarah Polley, for a conversation on her impressive storytelling career including her process writing-directing her newest feature, Women Talking. Later in the episode we’re talking to the showrunner of The Girl from Plainville and The Dropout, Liz Hannah, and writer of Colin In Black and White and When They See Us, Michael Starrbury for conversation on the art of adapting true stories into scripted TV.
A CONVERSATION WITH ALEC BERG + ON WRITING GHOSTS
This week on On Story, we’re joined by comedy mastermind Alec Berg for a career conversation on his process writing, directing, and producing the hard-hitting comedy shows Barry, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Silicon Valley. Later in the episode we’re talking to Executive Producer and Showrunnner, Joe Wiseman, for a deep-dive into his process adapting Ghosts from a British series into the celebrated CBS sitcom.
A CONVERSATION WITH JAMES GRAY + ON DARK WINDS
This week on On Story, we’re joined by lauded writer, director, and producer, James Gray for a conversation on his incredible career starting with his first feature, Little Odesssa to his newest film, inspired by his childhood, Armageddon Time. Later in the episode we’re talking to creator and showrunner Graham Roland on his newest AMC series, Dark Winds, to discuss the show’s development and importance of storytelling through an authentic Native American lens.
OUTLAWS Q&A + A CONVERSATION WITH EDWARD NEUMEIER
This week on On Story, we’re joined by co-creators Stephen Merchant and Elgin James for a conversation on their dark-comedy, crime-thriller series, The Outlaws. Later in the episode we’re talking to writer Edward Neumeier, to discuss his process behind the classic features RoboCop and Starship Troopers and the art of writing Science Fiction.
A CONVERSATION WITH DEDE GARDNER + ADAPTING TRUE STORIES: FRIEND OF THE FAMILY
In this week's episode, we have conversations with producer Dede Gardner, as well as A Friend of the Family’s showrunner Nick Antosca and producer Jan Broberg.
First up, we talk with Gardner, discussing her amazing career producing films such as 12 Years a Slave, Moonlight, and Women Talking. AFF honored Gardner as the 2022 recipient of the Austin Film Festival’s Polly Platt Award for Producing, a distinction awarded annually to recognize excellence in the television industry.
Later, Antosca and producer Broberg offer a discussion on balancing fact and fiction while adapting true life stories. Using their new true crime miniseries, A Friend of the Family, which is based on Broberg’s childhood, the two will examine how to create compelling television while staying true to the heart of your subject’s story.
Never Have I Ever + THE Inspection Q&A
In this week's episode, we visit with Lang Fisher and Elegance Bratton. First up, Fisher's conversation about creating, writing, and showrunning Never Have I Ever. Lang Fisher has an impressive history of writing and producing hilarious, smart television.
Next up, a conversation with Writer/Director Elegance Bratton about The Inspection, his deeply moving film inspired by his own story, a young, gay Black man, rejected by his mother and with few options for his future, decides to join the Marines, doing whatever it takes to succeed in a system that would cast him aside.
Women Talking Q&A & Nikyatu Jusu
This week on On Story, we’re joined by Oscar-nominated writer-director Sarah Polley to discuss her newest film adaptation, Women Talking. Later in the episode we’re talking to emerging filmmaker Nikyatu Jusu for a conversation on her new film, Nanny.
On Writing The Whale + On Writing Ambulance
This week on On Story, we’re joined by playwright and screenwriter Samuel D. Hunter to discuss his work writing AFF’s 2022 Opening night film, The Whale. Later in the episode we’re talking to writer Chris Fedak, for a conversation on Ambulance and writing action.
The French Connection + The Sopranos with David Chase
On Writing Watchmen and Godless
This week on On Story we’ll hear Emmy-award winning creator Damon Lindelof discuss the HBO series, Watchmen. And later The Queen’s Gambit and Godless writer Scott Frank will discuss using treasures from the past to inspire stories, characters, and world building with his research collaborator Mimi Munson.
The Obituary of Tunde Johnson + A Conversation with Kevin Willmott
This week on On Story, filmmakers Ali Leroi and Stanley Kalu discuss the process of bringing The Obituary of Tunde Johnson to the screen. And later, critically acclaimed writer Kevin Willmott talks about balancing messages of social justice with entertainment in his films Da 5 Bloods, BlacKkKlansman, and others.
A Conversation with Gina Prince-Bythewood and Amy Talkington
This week on On Story we’re joined by filmmakers Gina Prince-Bythewood and Amy Talkington for conversations on writing and directing for film and television. Prince-Bythewood is the writer and director behind Love & Basketball, The Secret Life of Bees, and Beyond the Lights. Most recently she directed the Netflix action drama film The Old Guard which stars Charlize Theron. Talkington is an award-winning screenwriter, director and author. She wrote Valley Girl, MGM’s musical remake of the 80’s cult film, and was a co-executive producer and writer of the series finale episode on Hulu’s Emmy nominated hit series, Little Fires Everywhere.
Greenland + A Conversation with Christopher McQuarrie
This week on On Story - Action sells! It delights! But without a good story to support it, it totally bombs. Even the most intricately choreographed chase sequences that tear across rooftops and speed through construction sites are only effective if they further the story. This week we talk to Greenland director Ric Roman Waugh and Mission: Impossible Fallout and Rouge Nation writer/director Christopher McQuarrie to discuss their approach to creating edge of your seat sequences.
Writing in a Winter Wonderland + A Conversation with Ron Bass
This week on On Story we’re bringing you a conversation with the screenwriters behind Christmas classics: A Christmas Prince, The Christmas Chronicles, and Elf. And later, we’re joined by Academy award winning writer Ron Bass. Bass wrote some of the 90s most popular films including: My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Joy Luck Club, Stepmom, and Rain Man.
Liz Hannah + Sarah Green
This week on On Story we’ll hear from screenwriter Liz Hannah whose first screenplay, The Post, became an Academy Award nominated film. And later Oscar and Emmy nominated producer Sarah Green discusses her approach to producing and her frequent collaborations with filmmakers Jeff Nichols and Terrence Mallick
On Writing Sci-Fi
This week on On Story we’ll talk with science fiction writers and filmmakers to discuss writing futuristic, out of this world stories. The team behind Skyman will discuss the freedom behind shooting a faux-documentary film. And later the writers behind Rogue One and Jurassic World: Dominion will talk about their experience writing big budget franchise films.
The power of true stories to drive change
This week on On Story we’ll look at how true stories are told on the screen. From narrative films adapted from true events to documentaries that explore real individuals and incidents. We’ll talk with filmmakers and writers about the challenges behind balancing fact and fiction while staying true to the heart of the subject’s story.
GLOW + Crazy Ex-GirlFriend
This week on On Story we’re bringing you discussions with the creative teams behind two hit comedy series. Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch will discuss their Netflix series – GLOW which chronicles the lives of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling - a 1980’s women's wrestling circuit. And later, creators Aline Brosh McKenna and Rachel Bloom join filmmaker Katie Hyde to discuss the musical comedy series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and the documentary Oh My God I Think It’s Over - which chronicled the creation of the final season.
ON writing veep + beverly hills cop
This week on On Story we’ll bring you conversations with two comedy titans. VEEP showrunner and Seinfeld writer David Mandel will discuss the widely successful HBO series that wrapped in 2019 and legendary screenwriter Daniel Petrie, Jr. will examine the 1985 comedy classic Beverly Hills Cop which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
EMPIRE + VIRGIL WILLIAMS
This week on On Story we’ll hear from some of the writing team behind the first season of the immensely popular Fox drama series EMPIRE and later we’ll hear from veteran television writer and producer Virgil Williams who was nominated for a 2018 Academy Award for best adapted screenplay for the film MUDBOUND.
To all the boys i’ve loved before & Workin’ moms
This week on On Story we’ll hear playwright and screenwriter Sofia Alvarez discuss the difference between writing for the stage and screen and the process of adapting Jenny Han’s young adult book series into the Netflix romantic comedy TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE. And later Catherine Reitman discusses creating the International Emmy Award nominated series WORKIN’ MOMS.
On WRITING CHERNOBYL
This week on On Story, CHERNOBYL creator Craig Mazin discusses his HBO five part mini-series. The series tells the true story of the world’s worst nuclear disaster and the remarkable acts of bravery and sacrifice that followed. Mazin’s previous writing credits include IDENTITY THIEF, THE HANGOVER 2 and 3 and THE HUNTSMAN: WINTERS WAR. Mazin spoke at the 26th Austin Film Festival about transitioning from comedy to drama, the difference between writing for film and television, and the responsibility behind fictionalizing a true event.
Just Mercy + telling True Crime STories
This week on On Story we’ll hear from screenwriter Andrew Lanham and celebrated character actor Tim Blake Nelson on their new film JUST MERCY and later we’ll hear from screenwriters Guinevere Turner and Michael Werwie for a discussion on adapting true crime events into feature films.
WAVES + RATTLESNAKE
This week on On Story we’ll hear conversations from two writer/directors from the Austin Film Festival. First up, Texas born, Trey Edward Shults, will discuss his emotional new film WAVES, starring Sterling K. Brown, Taylor Russell and Kevin Harrison, Jr. And later, we’ll hear from Australian filmmaker Zak Hilditch, whose new horror film RATTLESNAKE is streaming now on Netflix.
SWAT & Scare Tactics
This week on On Story we’ll hear from showrunners Shawn Ryan and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas on their CBS original series, S.W.A.T. And later, we explore the horror genre with writers Andrew Kevin Walker, C. Robert Cargill and Alvaro Rodriguez.
Angel Has Fallen & Bloodline
This week on On Story we’ll hear from filmmaker Ric Roman Waugh on his latest film, Angel Has Fallen. And later, we’ll hear from Bloodline co-creator Todd A. Kessler on his Netflix- original family drama.
Independent Filmmaking with Roger Corman & Nicole Holofcener
This week on On Story we’ll hear from legendary independent filmmaker Roger Corman whose extensive body of work includes over 500 film credits. And later, we’ll hear from writer and director Nicole Holofcener on her films Please Give, The Land of Steady Habits and Enough Said.
Film Anniversaries: Cookie’s Fortune & Dead Poets Society
This week on On Story we’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Robert Altman film Cookie’s Fortune with a conversation with the film’s screenwriter Anne Rapp & the 30th anniversary of Dead Poets Society with Academy Award® winning writer Tom Schulman.
Writing Family Dramas: Lulu Wang + Felicia D. Henderson
This week on On Story we’ll hear from filmmaker Lulu Wang on her new project, The Farewell. And later, we’ll hear from writer and producer Felicia D. Henderson on her 25-year television career which includes work on some of the 90’s most memorable series including Moesha, Family Matters, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as well as current hits The Punisher and Empire.
Glow with Chris Lowell + The Disaster Artist
This week on On Story, we’ll hear from actor, writer and director Chris Lowell on his latest project, the Netflix television series, Glow. And later, we’ll hear from The Disaster Artist co-writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber.
Comedic Writers Kevin McDonald & Dana Gould
On this week’s episode of On Story we’ll hear from two stand-up comedians with strong backgrounds in television writing. Sketch Comedy master and The Kids In The Hall co-founder Kevin McDonald & The Simpsons staff writer and Stan Against Evil creator Dana Gould will discuss the ins-and-outs of writing different forms of comedy across different mediums.
Women of Comedy: Pamela Ribon + Sasheer Zamata
On this week’s episode of On Story we’re exploring all aspects of comedic writing and performing. We’ll discuss writing animated features with Disney scribe Pamela Ribon and writing and performing stand-up and sketch comedy with SNL veteran Sasheer Zamata.
Writing Comedy with Ali LeRoi + Writing the Young Adult
This week on On Story we’ll hear from comedy veteran Ali LeRoi who’s longtime collaboration with comedian Chris Rock resulted in Everybody Hates Chris and Down to Earth. And later we’ll discuss Young Adult fiction with the screenwriters behind The Fault in Our Stars and CW’s The 100.
Remembering John Singleton + Charles Burnett
On this week’s special On Story, two critically and culturally acclaimed African-American directors: John Singleton and Charles Burnett. First, we look back at the work of the late John Singleton as he discusses his career and the creation of his first film, Boyz n the Hood (1991), which earned him the Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards®, making him the first African American nominee in that category that same year. Later, Charles Burnett highlights details of his career development in narrative and documentary filmmaking, with his seminal film Killer of Sheep (1978), a definitive representation of the African American cultural experience.
Avengers: A Conversation with Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely
On this week’s On Story we’ll hear from Avengers: Infinity War and End Game writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. The two will discuss the daunting process and high expectations behind writing the final two Avengers installments and the misconception that all superhero films are written for 13-year-old boys.
Writing in the Past + Deconstructing Nora Ephron
On this week’s On Story we’ll speak with the writers behind Mad Men, Westworld, and 11.22.63 to explore audiences fascination with film and television set in the past and the challenges writers face when tasked with telling stories set in a different time. We’ll also hear from some of today’s top romantic comedy writers on the lasting influence of filmmaker Nora Ephron.
Wild Wild Country
This week on On Story we’ll hear from documentary storytellers Chapman and Maclain Way on their Emmy® award winning Netflix documentary Wild Wild Country. The six part series tells the true story of a controversial Indian guru and his attempt to build a utopian city deep in rural Oregon in the 1980’s.
True Detective writer & Oscar® nominated Tony Gilroy
On this week’s On Story we’ll hear from playwright and screenwriter Graham Gordy on his new film Antiquities and the third season of HBO’s True Detective. Later we’ll hear from veteran screenwriter Tony Gilroy whose work on the Matt Damon starring Bourne series revitalized the spy genre and whose movie, Michael Clayton, was nominated for seven Academy Awards®.
Insecure co-creator, Larry Wilmore
On this week’s On Story, Emmy Award® winning television producer, actor, comedian and writer Larry Wilmore discusses the creation of the influential Bernie Mac Show and his recent collaboration with Issa Rae creating HBO’s Insecure.
The Americans Executive Producer, Graham Yost + Friends from College
This week on On Story we’ll hear from writer, producer, and showrunner Graham Yost. Yost has been behind 90s action hits Speed and Broken Arrow, World War II epics Band of Brothers and The Pacific, and the suspenseful TV dramas Justified and the recent Golden Globe winning FX series The Americans. And later we’ll hear from husband and wife creators Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller on the second season of their Netflix comedy series Friends from College which stars Fred Savage, Keegan-Michael Key, and Cobie Smulders.
A Quiet Place + The Original Disney Princess Linda Woolverton
This week on On Story we’ll hear from screenwriting duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods on how the classic silent films of Charlie Chaplin and Jacques Tati and the board game Monopoly inspired 2018’s biggest horror hit A Quiet Place. Later we’ll hear from Veteran screenwriter Linda Woolverton who is responsible for writing some of Disney’s most beloved films; Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Maleficent.
New Releases: Vox Lux, Ben is Back & Counterpart
On this week’s episode, we’re bringing you conversations with filmmakers and television creators behind new releases in film and television. Actor Natalie Portman and filmmaker Brady Corbet will discuss their pop culture focused Vox Lux, later writer/director Peter Hedges discusses his heart wrenching addiction drama Ben is Back, and finally creator Justin Marks will discuss his mind-bending espionage thriller series Counterpart which is currently in it’s 2nd season on the Starz network.
Filmmaker Faraday Okoro & The Writers Journey Christopher VogleR
On this week’s On Story we’ll hear from filmmaker Faraday Okoro, a two-time Austin Film Festival alumni who was featured in Moviemaker Magazine’s Screenwriters to Watch list. His first feature film Nigerian Prince was produced for $1 million as part of AT&T’s Untold Stories initiative. And later, we’ll hear from author Christopher Vogler, whose landmark book The Writers Journey has helped countless screenwriters shape their scripts by using the writings of mythologist Joseph Campbell.
Predator w/Shane Black + Sequels & Reboots
On this week’s On Story we’re exploring sequels and reboots. First, we’ll hear from writer/director Shane Black on his latest film, The Predator. And later in the show, we’ll hear from the writers behind the sequels and reboots of hits Dumb & Dumber, X-Men: First Class, Valley Girl, and Predator.
40th Anniversary: Animal House & 90's Comedies
On this week’s On Story we’re tracing the history of modern film comedies back to a singular movie celebrating it’s 40th anniversary. Grab your toga and your ‘college’ sweatshirt as comedy writers reflect on Animal House’s lasting influence. We’ll also hear from SNL alum and Adam Sandler collaborator Tim Herlihy, who used the National Lampoon movies as a model to write some of the biggest comedies of the 1990’s.
Somebody Feed Phil & Exporting Raymond
On this week’s On Story we’ll hear from Everybody Loves Raymond Executive Producer and Somebody Feed Phil creator and host Phil Rosenthal on the common thread between travel shows and sitcoms, the unifying power of food and the late great Anthony Bourdain. And later, Rosenthal discusses his comedy documentary, Exporting Raymond.
Writing Action & Comedy
This week on On Story we’re exploring two of the most popular movie genres: action and comedy. First we’ll hear from the writers behind massive action hits Deadpool, Gone in Sixty Seconds, and Armageddon. And later, we’ll lighten the mood with a conversation with There’s Something About Mary co-writer and director Bobby Farrelly.
Transformer, Don't Talk to Irene & Mr. Fish
This week, the indie filmmakers behind Transformer, Don't Talk to Irene and Mr Fish: Cartooning From the Deep End discuss their journey from initial concept to ultimately producing and screening their award winning films in Austin Film Festival's film competition this past year.
Ocean's 8, Bob's Burgers & King of the Hill
On this week’s episode, we’ll hear from the creators behind the upcoming comedy heist film Ocean’s 8. Screenwriters Olivia Milch and Gary Ross discuss spinning-off a popular franchise and approaching the heist genre from a new perspective. And later, we’ll hear from King of the Hill writer and Bob’s Burgers’ co-developer Jim Dauterive on writing for animation and how characters develop over a series lifetime.
25th Anniversary: Rudy & Philadelphia
This week, in honor of Austin Film Festival’s 25th Anniversary we’re going back into our archives to bring you conversations with writers that created two of 1993’s most remembered films. First we’ll hear from screenwriter Angelo Pizzo who wrote the inspirational football drama Rudy. And later, we’ll hear from Ron Nyswaner who wrote the Jonathan Demme directed drama Philadelphia, which starred Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks.
The Shape of Water: Daniel Kraus & Vanessa Taylor
This week, we’ll hear from two of the writers behind The Shape of Water, which was developed simultaneously as a novel and film. First up, New York Times bestselling author, Daniel Kraus who originally approached Guillermo del Toro with the story about a sea creature locked in a laboratory based on an idea he had when he was 15 years old. And later we’ll hear from screenwriter Vanessa Taylor who co-wrote the film version of The Shape of Writer and was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Original Screenplay.
Lawrence Wright & Twin Peaks' Mark Frost
This week on On Story we’ll hear Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lawrence Wright on his new book God Save Texas and the Hulu mini-series he adapted from his 2006 book The Looming Tower. And later, we’ll hear from Twin Peaks co-creator Mark Frost on the cult television series return to air after 25 years.
Legion's Noah Hawley & Gale anne Hurd
On this week’s episode, we’ll hear from author, screenwriter, and television creator Noah Hawley. Hawley created FX’s award winning series Fargo, which is loosely based on the Coen brothers film, and Legion which is set in the Marvel universe. Later we’ll hear from legendary producer and The Terminator co-writer Gale Anne Hurd.
Chappaquiddick, New Girl & Kenneth Lonergan!
On this week’s episode, the creative team behind the new film Chappaquiddick which tells the true story of Ted Kennedy’s 1969 car accident which resulted in the death of campaign staff member, Mary Jo Kopechne. We'll also hear from New Girl creator Elizabeth Merriwether and Academy award® winning filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan on their process writing between mediums.
Independent Releases: LBJ, Lady Bird & More!
On this week’s episode of On Story from Austin Film Festival and PRI, we bring you a look at independent releases including Rob Reiner’s, LBJ, Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut, Lady Bird and we bring you a look at how the classic 1970’s action thriller, The Seven-Ups influenced HBO’s hit series, The Deuce.
Alec Berg & Great Adaptations
This week, we’ll hear from television creator Alec Berg. Berg’s television credits include writing and executive producing Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Silicon Valley, which is currently in its fifth season. Later, we’ll hear from three screenwriters who have tackled the difficult task of adaptation. Sarah Gubbins co-created the Amazon series I Love Dick which was based on the 1997 novel of the same name, Marc Haimes wrote the 2016 animated film Kubo and the Two Strings and is currently working on adapting the graphic novel Nimona and the bestselling novel The Girl Who Drank the Moon, and Eric Heisserer who adapted the novella The Story of Your Life into the 2016 Oscar® Nominated film Arrival.
The People v. O.J. Simpson & Power
This week, we’ll hear from writer Scott Alexander. Best known for his work writing unusual biopics with larger-than-life characters, Alexander ventured into television in 2016 when he co-created FX’s award-winning mini-series The People v. O.J. Simpson.Later, television creator, showrunner, and producer Courtney Kemp. Kemp is the mind behind the critically acclaimed gritty New York drama, Power – whose fifth season will premiere this summer on the Starz Network.
My Cousin Vinny & Waiting for Guffman
This week, Dale Launer discusses writing and producing the acclaimed film My Cousin Vinny, and actress Parker Posey looks back on her experience working on the Christopher Guest cult-classic, Waiting for Guffman.
American Gods and Comic Book Adaptations
This week, screenwriters discuss adapting novels and comic books for both film and television. First, Bryan Fuller and Michael Green give an inside look at the process of turning the critically acclaimed Neil Gaiman novel American Gods into a television series. Then, Green joins Ashley Edward Miller and Nicole Perlman for a discussion on the worlds of Marvel and DC, and how they approached adapting beloved comic books for the big screen.
Oscar® Awards Season Special!
On this week’s On Story, we’ll hear from four filmmakers nominated for the 2018 Academy Awards®. Filmmakers Greta Gerwig, Frank Stiefel, Max Porter, and Ru Kuwahata will share their journey from initial idea to Oscar® nomination.
Writing Scripted Podcasts + Underground with Misha Green!
This week on On Story, we’ll hear from podcast pioneers on breaking into a new medium and adapting audio stories for television. And later, we’ll hear from rising television talent, Misha Green, on her work co-creating the critically acclaimed, genre-bending drama Underground.
Hollywood Shuffle with Robert Townsend & Keenen Ivory Wayans!
On today’s episode, we’ll hear from legendary jack-of-all-trades Robert Townsend and Keenen Ivory Wayans. In 1987 the two co-wrote the groundbreaking comedy Hollywood Shuffle based on their experience dealing with racial stereotypes of African Americans in the film and television industry. Robert Rodriguez, writer/director of The El Mariachi trilogy, Sin City, and the Spy Kids franchise introduced Townsend and Wayans at the 24th annual Austin Film Festival.
Deconstructing Jane Austen
On this week’s special On Story Valentine’s Day episode, the filmmakers behind Sense and Sensibility, The Jane Austen Book Club, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, and What Jane Saw discuss how they adapted these beloved novels for various storytelling mediums, and why they think Jane Austen’s themes and stories remain so beloved and powerful today.
Do You Want to See a Dead Body?, The Tick, & Please Stand By
This week’s On Story, actor Rob Huebel talks about his new hit show, Do You Want to See a Dead Body? followed by a conversation with the creator and executive producer of the Amazon show, The Tick. Later in our program writer/director, Ben Lewin talks about his latest film, Please Stand By.
Writing Action & Suspense with Ted Tally, Howard Gordon & Shane Black!
HBO's Insecure with Issa Rae & Larry Wilmore
This week, web series creator-turned cable TV sensation Issa Rae on her journey from YouTube to HBO, her desire for diversity on television and her hit series Insecure. We'll also hear from comedy empresario Larry Wilmore on his work developing Insecure with Issa Rae and his perspective on diverse new voices in comedy.
Holiday Special: The Polar Express & Big Fish
On this week’s special holiday episode of On Story, we bring you The Polar Express & Big Fish, two classic films adapted from popular books which were seemingly unadaptable to film.
New Releases: I, Tonya, Mudbound & Boys in the Trees
On this week’s episode of On Story, writer/Steven Rogers discusses his latest film, I, Tonya. Later in our program, we look at a few Netflix releases including the critically acclaimed new release Mudbound and Boys in the Trees both available now on demand.
Roman J. Israel, Esq., The Awardees & Godless
On today’s episode of On Story, writer/director Dan Gilroy discusses his latest film, Roman J. Israel, Esq. Later in our program, we look back on the 2017 Austin Film Festival with the iconic awardees Keenen Ivory Wayans, Kenneth Lonergan and Walter Hill followed by a conversation with Scott Frank on his latest western limited series, Godless, currently on Netflix.
Television Comedies: Alan Yang & Greg Daniels
This week, Emmy-award winning writers Greg Daniels and Alan Yang look back on their respective journeys writing some of television’s greatest comedies. Daniels reflects on his writing career ranging from Saturday Night Live, to adapting the American version of The Office and co-creating Parks and Recreation. Master of None co-creator Alan Yang then discusses writing naturalistic comedy culled from personal experience, crafting cultural commentary, and the importance of representation in the media.
Independent Releases: LBJ, Lady Bird & more!
On this week’s episode of On Story from Austin Film Festival and PRI, we bring you a look at new independent releases including Rob Reiner’s latest film, LBJ, Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut, Lady Bird and we bring you a look at how the classic 1970’s action thriller, The Seven-Ups influenced HBO’s hit series, The Deuce.
Veteran's Day Special: The Art of War Writing
This week we mark Veteran’s Day with a look at the depiction of war on screen with the writers behind The Pacific, China Beach, We Were Soldiers and Six.
Best of the 24th Annual Austin Film Festival!
Logan & Scott Frank
This week, screenwriter Scott Frank looks back on his career writing some of the most inspired adaptations of our time, including Get Shorty, Out of Sight, and Minority Report. But first, Frank discusses his work on The Wolverine and Logan, and his unique experience writing within the Marvel Universe.
America Ferrera & June Squibb
On this episode of On Story, actress and producer America Ferrera and theatre film and television actress June Squibb discuss their work in film and on television.
American Gods & Comic Book Adaptations
This week, screenwriters discuss adapting novels and comic books for both film and television. First, Bryan Fuller and Michael Green give an inside look at the process of turning the critically acclaimed Neil Gaiman novel American Gods into a television series. Then, Green joins Ashley Edward Miller and Nicole Perlman for a discussion on the worlds of Marvel and DC, and how they approached adapting beloved comic books for the big screen.
Ghostbusters & Curb Your Enthusiasm!
On this episode of On Story, we catch up with Bridesmaids, Freaks and Geeks creator and writer director Paul Feig on his reboot of the supernatural comedy classic Ghostbusters and his work in TV and film. Later, screenwriter Alec Berg takes us behind the scenes of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
A Conversation with Ed Begley Jr.
On this episode of On Story from Austin Film Festival and Public Radio International, second generation actor Ed Begley Jr. talks about what he looks for when choosing new projects, finding the pain in a character, working with Christopher Guest and other comedy legends.
Emmy Week: Fargo & Better Call Saul
On this episode of On Story from Austin Film Festival and Public Radio International, Fargo show-runner Noah Hawley describes the creation of his hit FX series based on the Coen brothers beloved film of the same name followed by Better Call Saul co-creator Peter Gould on bringing Breaking Bad shady lawyer Saul Goodman to life.
Horror Writing with Chase Palmer,Tobe Hooper & Wes Craven
On this week's On Story from Austin Film Festival and PRI we hear from Chase Palmer, co-writer of the brand-new Stephen King adaptation, It which arrives in theatres this week followed by a 1996 discussion from the Austin Film Festival vault with horror legends Wes Craven and Tobe Hooper discussing the influences for their most terrifying films. Get a look inside the creative process with On Story on your local public radio station.
On Story Teaser on Horror Writing!
Tune in to next week's On Story from Austin Film Festival and PRI when we hear from Chase Palmer, co-writer of the brand new Stephen King adaptation, It which arrives in theaters September 8th. We'll also feature a 1996 discussion from the Austin Film Festival vault with horror legends Wes Craven and Tobe Hooper discussing the influences for their most terrifying films. Wes Craven died in 2015 and Tobe Hooper passed away this August.
The Glass Castle, Life of Pi, and more!
This week, The Glass Castle co-writer Andrew Lanham discusses adapting the New York Times Best Seller memoir of the same name followed by Life of Pi and Finding Neverland writer David Magee discusses writing for imaginative worlds, and using language to translate stories to the screen.
Shot Caller & The Shawshank Redemption
This week, writer-director Ric Roman Waugh and producer Jonathan King discuss their new film, Shot Caller, followed by Oscar® nominated writer Frank Darabont detailing the process behind adapting Stephen King’s novel turned award-winning iconic film, The Shawshank Redemption.
James Franco & Chris Cooper
This week, we talk with actor and filmmaker James Franco on the cult sensation Freaks and Geeks, 127 Hours and many more of his unforgettable roles in films both large and small. We follow with Chris Cooper, the Academy Award® winning Best Supporting Actor, behind his role in the comedy-drama Adaptation and how he managed to navigate through his roles in iconic films and television.
90's Blockbusters: Braveheart & The Fugitive
This week, Oscar-nominated writer Randall Wallace reflects on his iconic and Academy Award-winning film, Braveheart followed by screenwriter, Jeb Stuart who dissects the screenplay for his classic thriller The Fugitive, and fills us in on the story's journey from script to screen.
25th Anniversary: My Cousin Vinny & Waiting for Guffman
This week, Dale Launer discusses writing and producing the acclaimed film My Cousin Vinny, and actress Parker Posey talks about her background as an artist, working on Waiting for Guffman, and what it’s like working with renowned comedic writer/director, Christopher Guest.
20th Anniversary: LA Confidential
This week, Academy Award winning screenwriter Brian Helgeland looks back on his favorite projects. First, Helgeland discusses adapting LA Confidential and working with late director Curtis Hanson. Then, Helgeland reflects on his experience writing and directing A Knight’s Tale. Get a look inside the creative process with On Story on your local public radio station.
Mozart in the Jungle & Veep!
This episode of On Story from Austin Film Festival and PRI, Mozart in the Jungle executive producer Paul Weitz discusses the arc of the show's three season run on Amazon and actor Tony Hale describes his work from Arrested Development to HBO's Veep.
A Ghost Story & Keeping Time on Your Side
This week, we talk with filmmaker David Lowery about his new film, A Ghost Story. Lowery then joins the screenwriter behind 500 Days of Summer and The Spectacular Now Scott Neustadter to discuss writing time and temporal elements such as flashbacks, flashforwards, dreams, and montages in both Neustadter’s 500 Days of Summer and Lowery’s Ain’t Them Bodies Saints. Get a look inside the creative process with On Story on your local public radio station.
The Jungle Book & Hook
This week’s On Story, two modern family adventure films. First we hear from The Jungle Book screenwriter Justin Marks discussing the 2016 Disney film based on the Rudyard Kipling classic and inspired by the 1967 animated film of the same name. The Jungle Book features an all-star cast including Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, and Idris Elba as well as new comer, Neel Sethi and was directed by Jon Favreau. Later, Hook screenwriter Jim Hart and the actor who played one of the film’s beloved Lost Boys, Rufio, Dante Basco.
20th Anniversary: Men in Black
This week, we talk with Ed Solomon, the comedic screenwriter behind Hollywood classics Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Men in Black, and Now You See Me. Solomon looks back on his long journey working on Men in Black, and discusses working with industry icons such as Barry Sonnenfeld, Tommy Lee Jones, and Will Smith.
On Story Special! The New Frontier of Storytelling: Fiction Podcast
This week, in honor of our new Fiction Podcast Script Competition, we explore the world of Fiction Podcasts, talking with the writers of hit podcasts Limetown and Homecoming, Skip Bronkie, Zach Akers and Micah Bloomberg.
Logan & Scott Frank
This week, screenwriter Scott Frank looks back on his career writing some of the most inspired adaptations of our time, including Get Shorty, Out of Sight, and Minority Report. But first, Frank discusses his work on The Wolverine and Logan, and his unique experience writing within the Marvel Universe.
Shimmer Lake, Sequels & Trilogies!
This week, Oren Uziel, the screenwriter behind 22 Jump Street and Freaks of Nature looks back on how he got his start in the film industry and his first experience directing his own screenplay, Shimmer Lake. Then, Uziel joins The Hunger Games: Mockingjay screenwriter Peter Craig and Rise of the Planet of the Apes writing duo Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver for a discussion on sequels and trilogies.
On Story Special! From Screenplay Entrant to Success Story
American Gods & Adapting Comic Books
This week, screenwriters discuss adapting novels and comic books for both film and television. First, Bryan Fuller and Michael Green give an inside look at the process of turning the critically acclaimed Neil Gaiman novel American Gods into a television series. Then, Green joins Ashley Edward Miller and Nicole Perlman for a discussion on the worlds of Marvel and DC, and how they approached adapting beloved comic books for the big screen.
Streaming Television
This episode of On Story, the creator and writers of Orange is the New Black, the team behind Hulu’s Casual and Wet Hot American Summer’s David Wain discuss new frontiers in television dramedy.
Wakefield & Rachel Getting Married
This week, Robin Swicord discusses adapting and directing the E.L. Doctorow short story, Wakefield, and screenwriter Jenny Lumet looks back on her critically acclaimed film, Rachel Getting Married, and working with legendary director Jonathan Demme.
The Son & The Revenant
On this week’s On Story, author Philipp Meyer discusses adapting his novel for AMC’s new show The Son, followed by screenwriter Mark L. Smith dissecting the Oscar® winning and box office hit film, The Revenant.
The Great Write Way: From Playwright to Paycheck
It is a truth widely acknowledged that no one goes into theatre to strike it rich as a playwright. As the creative landscape continues to grow within film, television, and new media, there are now more avenues for playwrights to truly make the world their stage. On April 5, 2017 in New York City, Austin Film Festival partnered with the Writers Guild of America, East; the Dramatists Guild of America, and The New School for a conversation that featured playwrights who have turned their passion for the stage into a valuable currency in other mediums. This podcast features highlights from panelists Hannah Bos (Mozart in the Jungle), Peter Hedges (About a Boy, Pieces of April), Theresa Rebeck (Smash, Harriet the Spy), and Diana Son (Thirteen Reasons Why, American Crime). The panel was moderated by Pippin Parker, Dean for The New School for Drama.
Comic Books on Screen
This week’s On Story, Guardians of the Galaxy screenwriter Nicole Perlman, and The Walking Dead screenwriter Angela Kang followed by Thor screenwriter Ashley Miller, The Avengers screenwriter Zak Penn, Hulk screenwriter John Turman and Smallville screenwriter Michael Green.
Remembering Jonathan Demme
This week's On Story episode remembers legendary director Jonathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs, Rachel Getting Married, Philadelphia) who was honored for his Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking at the 20th anniversary Austin Film Festival in 2013. Demme sat with Paul Thomas Anderson to discuss his career and more. This episode also features a conversation with Ron Howard (Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, In the Heart of the Sea) who offers up an epic master class of story, redemption and entertainment.
legendary producer frank marshall
This week, On Story brings you a discussion with the producer behind such iconic classics as Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Color Purple, The Warriors, Poltergeist, Jurassic World and the new documentary Finding Oscar, Frank Marshall.
How to Break In: Becoming a Working Writer
AFF’s Screenplay Competition is currently accepting submissions for 2017. April 20 is the Regular Deadline and May 15 is the Late Deadline. All entrants receive free reader comments and advancing writers will be afforded exclusive panels, workshops, and networking opportunities at AFF’s Annual Screenwriters Conference this October 26th through the 29th. For more information and to submit, please visit www.austinfilmfestival.com.
In partnership with the Academy Education and Nicholl Fellowships Programs, AFF presented “Launching Your Writing Career” on Saturday, April 8th, 2017 at the Academy’s beautiful Linwood Dunn Theatre in Hollywood. This podcast includes highlights from the first panel discussion called “How to Break In: Becoming a Working Writer” featuring writers who have utilized their recognition from the Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition and the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting to become a working writer. Panelists included Nicholl Fellows Michael Werwie and Alisha Brophy, AFF Winner Wes Brown, and AFF Finalist Jimmy Mosqueda. The panel was moderated by Matt Dy (DEE), AFF Screenplay Competition Director. The event began with a few words from Greg Beal, the Director of the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting
THe Leftovers & Psychological Thrillers
On this week's On Story, The Leftovers show-runner Damon Lindelof discusses his HBO show on the eve of its final season and we examine psychological thrillers with the writers behind American Horror Story, Red Eye, Shut In and more.
Jason Segel
This week, actor, screenwriter and author Jason Segel discusses his career from Freaks and Geeks to Forgetting Sarah Marshall to The Muppets and beyond. Catch Segel’s latest film, The Discovery streaming on Netflix starting this Friday!
Friends, Grace and Frankie, and How I Met Your Mother
Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman discusses her work on that show, HBO’s Dream On and her latest series, Grace and Frankie; whose new season starts back up on Netflix Friday, March 24. Later on the show, we hear from How I Met Your Mother co-creator, Carter Bays.
PlaywRights in the Writers Room
It is a truth widely acknowledged that no one goes into theatre to strike it rich as a playwright. As the creative landscape continues to grow within film, television, and new media, there are now more avenues for playwrights to truly make the world their stage. Join Austin Film Festival, the Writers Guild of America, East, and the Dramatists Guild of America for a conversation featuring playwrights who have turned their passion for the stage into a valuable currency in other mediums.
This episode features:
Beau Willimon – Creator/Executive Producer, House of Cards, Warren Leight – Executive Producer, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Adam Rapp – Co-executive Producer, Vinyl, Tracey Scott Wilson – Co-producer/writer, The Americans, Moderator: Howard Sherman
Saturday Night Live Veteran: Paula Pell
This week, comic genius Paula Pell on life from the writers room to the film set as she discusses her work on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, Bridesmaids, The Heat, Sisters and more.
Great Female Filmmakers
In honor of women’s history month, this week’s On Story features Callie Khouri, (Thelma and Louise, Nashville) Michelle Ashford, (Masters of Sex) and Caroline Thompson (Edward Scissorhands) discuss their illustrious careers in film and television.
Classic 80’s Comedy
This week, Herschel Weingrod, the writer behind Brewster’s Millions, Kindergarten Cop and Twins, discusses his Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd classic, Trading Places. Later, the filmmaker behind Private Benjamin, Father of the Bride and The Parent Trap, Nancy Meyers.
John Singleton and Charles Burnett
This week’s On Story, two critically and culturally acclaimed African-American directors: John Singleton and Charles Burnett. First, Singleton discusses his career and the creation of his first film, Boyz n the Hood (1991), which earned him the Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards®, making him the first African American nominee in that category that same year. Later, Charles Burnett highlights details of his career development in narrative and documentary filmmaking, with his seminal film Killer of Sheep (1978), a definitive representation of the African American cultural experience.
Issa Rae from Awkward Black Girl to HBO’s Insecure
This week, web series creator-turned cable TV sensation Issa Rae on her journey from YouTube to HBO, her desire for diversity on television and her hit series Insecure. We'll also hear from comedy empresario Larry Wilmore on his work developing Insecure with Issa Rae and his perspective on diverse new voices in comedy.
Sports in Cinema
This week, On Story takes a look at great sports films with the filmmakers behind Hoosiers, King Pin, The Rookie, 42 and more! John Lee Hancock, Angelo Pizzo, Aaron Covington, Bobby Farrely discuss winners, losers, underdogs and champions. Later, Brian Helgeland talks about writing and directing the Jackie Robinson biopic, 42.
Awards Season
With Awards season in full swing, this week’s On Story takes a look at some of the most memorable films of 2016 including Loving, The Edge of Seventeen, The Jungle Book and more!
A COnversation with Norman Lear
In memory of the Mary Tyler Moore, On Story recommends our episode featuring Carl Reiner in which he discusses his work with Mary Tyler Moore on The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Sci-fi Drama and Dystopian Worlds
This episode of On Story from Austin Film Festival and PRI, Arrival screenwriter Eric Heisserer, Rogue One screenwriter Gary Whitta and The Leftovers Damon Lindelof discuss sci-fi drama and dystopian worlds.
paul WEitz and Tony Hale
This episode of On Story from Austin Film Festival and PRI, Mozart in the Jungle executive producer Paul Weitz discusses the arc of the show's three season run on Amazon and actor Tony Hale describes his work from Arrested Development to HBO's Veep.
The Founder & Saving Mr. Banks
On this week’s On Story, filmmaker John Lee Hancock discusses his new film, The Founder. Later, screenwriter Kelly Marcel joins John Lee Hancock as they take Saving Mr Banks from script to screen.
john patrick Shanley
On this week’s On Story, filmmaker and playwright, John Patrick Shanley on writing memorable characters. Shanley won the Oscar with his screenplay for Moonstruck, as well as a Pulitzer and a Tony for his play, Doubt, which he later adapted for the screen.
jungle book and hook
This week’s On Story, two modern family adventure films. First we hear from The Jungle Book screenwriter Justin Marks, and later, Hook screenwriter Jim Hart and the actor who played one of the film’s beloved Lost Boys, Rufio, Dante Basco.
Bleed for this & Rocky v. Creed
This week’s On Story, writer-director Ben Younger on his new boxing Biopic, Bleed for This, followed by Creed screenwriter Aaron Covington on the legacy of the original Rocky and his latest entry in the franchise.
THe doctors of docs
This week’s On Story, we feature three documentary storytellers and their new films. Keith Maitland discusses Tower, about the 1966 mass shooting at the University of Texas. Later, Steve Mims on Starving the Beast, which examines the philosophical shift in public higher education and Andrew Shea talks Wrestling Alligators, his film on James Billie and Seminole Indian life before and after the rise of casino gambling.
Loving and edge of seventeen
This week’s On Story, we’ll hear from the writer-director behind the new film, Loving, Jeff Nichols followed by Kelly Fremon Craig and James L. Brooks on their new film, The Edge of Seventeen.
Rectify and Justified
On this week’s On Story, we hear from Ray McKinnon, the character actor and filmmaker behind the Sundance TV legal drama, Rectify, followed by the writing team behind FX’s Justified and the actor who portrays the show’s enigmatic antagonist, Walton Goggins.
Special Halloween Episode
This week, On Story delves deep into the horror genre with the filmmakers behind Blair Witch, I Am Legend, The Walking Dead and The Conjuring.
Live from THe 23rd Annual Austin Film FEstival
This week’s On Story comes to you fresh off the 23rd Austin Film Festival with the filmmakers behind Grace and Frankie, Creed, Ghostbusters, Loving and more!
Terry George and Jim Sheridan
This week’s On Story features two highly celebrated Irish filmmakers, Terry George and Jim Sheridan. First, Terry George discusses his collaboration with Sheridan and the second film in the pair’s Irish trilogy, In the name of the Father. Later, Jim Sheridan on his life, and work from the theatre stage to the big screen.
Die Hard Vs Lethal Weapon and Robert Kamen
On this episode of On Story, Die Hard screenwriter Jeb Stuart and Lethal Weapon screenwriter Shane Black discuss their two action classics, followed by screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen on his long-standing collaboration with filmmaker Luc Besson and their work creating The Fifth Element, The Transporter and Taken.
Matthew weiner and vince gilligan
This episode of On Story, Madmen creator Matthew Weiner and Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan discuss their award-winning hit series.
Emmy episode! Feat. Beau willimon & John ridley
In anticipation of the 2016 Emmy Awards, this week’s On Story from Austin Film Festival and Public Radio International features House of Cards Beau Willimon discussing his Netflix political drama which has garnered 13 nominations, followed by John Ridley, creator of ABC’s American Crime, which is nominated for 4 awards.
Luke Wilson and texas mavericks
This episode of On Story, actor Luke Wilson, followed by Castaway screenwriter Bill Broyles, Lonesome Dove screenwriter and producer Bill Wittliff and Saving Mr. Banks filmmaker John Lee Hancock.
Oliver Stone and John Milius
This episode of On Story, we hear from Oliver Stone on his life from Vietnam veteran to activist filmmaker and later, screenwriting legend John Milius joins Oliver Stone to go deep into the genre of war films.
Dog Day Afternoon and Se7en
This episode of On Story, filmmakers Robin Swicord and Peter Craig deconstruct the bank heist classic, Dog Day Afternoon, followed by Andrew Kevin Walker taking his screenplay for the noir thriller Se7en from script to screen.
CARY FUKUNAGA AND BRIAN HELGELAND
On this episode of On Story from Austin Film Festival and Public Radio International, we hear from Beasts of No Nation filmmaker Cary Fukunaga on his diverse filmography. We'll also speak with Academy Award® winner Brian Helgeland on his films LA Confidential, 42, and Legend starring Tom Hardy.
Planet of the Apes and Trainspotting
This week's On Story radio and podcast, Planet of the Apes screenwriters Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa describe the journey from writing room notion to big screen reboot, followed by Academy Award® winning filmmaker Danny Boyle on his work from 28 Days Later to Trainspotting to Slumdog Millionaire.
Carl Reiner and Mitch Hurwitz with Paul Feig
This episode of On Story, the great Carl Reiner discuses a lifetime in comedy and his classic sitcom from the golden age of television, The Dick Van Dyke Show, followed by director Paul Feig in a conversation with Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurwitz.
Jonathan Demme with Paul Thomas Anderson and Ron Howard
On this episode, Jonathan Demme (Silence of the Lambs, Rachel Getting Married, Philadelphia) and Imagine Entertainment co-founder, Ron Howard (Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, In the Heart of the Sea) offer up an epic master class of story, redemption and entertainment.
Original Ghostbuster Harold Ramis
The original 1984 Ghostbusters was directed by Ivan Reitman and stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson and Harold Ramis, who co-wrote the film with Dan Aykroyd.
Harold Ramis passed away in 2014, and his film legacy is an enormous part of the American comedic vocabulary- from Animal House to National Lampoon’s Vacation to Groundhog Day and of course, Ghostbusters. Comedy impresario Judd Apatow spoke with Harold Ramis at the 12th Austin Film Festival in 2005 where we also held a special screening of Ramis’s thriller comedy, The Ice Harvest.
Harold Ramis, Buck Henry, Judd Apatow and Larry Wilmore
This episode of On Story goes deep into hilarity with the comedic geniuses behind the original Ghostbusters, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, The Graduate, and In Living Color! Judd Apatow, Harold Ramis, Buck Henry, and Larry Wilmore take us on a gut-busting ride through their journeys in iconic film and television comedy. Tune in, sit back, and get ready to laugh.
Ghostbusters and Curb Your Enthusiasm
On this episode of On Story, we catch up with writer-director and comedian Paul Feig on his reboot of the supernatural comedy classic Ghostbusters and his work in TV and film. Later, screenwriter Alec Berg takes us behind the scenes of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Hustle & Flow v. Boyz n the Hood
This episode of On Story, we feature Hustle & Flow filmmaker and Legend of Tarzan screenwriter Craig Brewer followed by Boyz n the Hood writer-director John Singleton.
Gary Ross and Steven Zaillian
This episode of On Story, we hear from Gary Ross on his new film Free State of Jones and his career as a storyteller. Later, Academy Award® winner Steve Zaillian discusses his work from The Falcon and the Snowman to Schindler’s List to American Gangster.
Lonesome Dove: Cast and Crew Reunion
The 1989 western miniseries Lonesome Dove is adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel written by Larry McMurtry. On Story was part of a very special event this past March, and we’ve edited the discussions we recorded at the Lonesome Dove Reunion and Trail in Fort Worth Texas to bring you this episode. We’d like to extend very special thanks to Bill and Sally Wittliff, The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University, Texas State University, Texas Christian University, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc. for all of their efforts.
now you see me 2: ed solomon and jon chu / scott frank
This episode of On Story, we catch up with Now You See Me 2 screenwriter Ed Solomon and the film’s director Jon M Chu. Later we hear from Ed Solomon on his work Bill and Ted’s to Men In Black and screenwriter Scott Frank discusses his work adapting classic pulp novels for the screen.
The Nice Guys and Legendary Filmmakers
On today’s episode, we catch up with writer-director Shane Black the soon to be released summer blockbuster The Nice Guys starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, and later in our program, Shane Black is joined by actor-producer-director Sydney Pollack and Deadwood, Luck and NYPD Blue creator David Milch.
Whit Stillman and Rodrigo Garcia
On this week's On Story episode, Love & Friendship filmmaker Whit Stillman followed by the writer, director and cinematographer behind Last Days In The Desert, Rodrigo Garcia.
LAUNCHING YOUR WRITING CAREER IN 2016
On Saturday, March 26th, Austin Film Festival presented a series of panels focusing on how writers can launch their careers through screenplay competitions, fellowships and labs and how they can navigate their way through television and new media. Presented in partnership with the Academy Education and Nicholl Fellowships Programs, the event took place at the Linwood Dunn Theatre in Hollywood. The panels featured various industry gatekeepers, executives, and producers who shared what they look for in a script, the anatomy of a meeting, how to respond to notes, ways to position yourself for success, and what to do once you get your foot in the door. In anticipation of the rapidly approaching late deadline for Austin Film Festival’s screenplay competition, we’ve decided to bring you the highlights.
JASON REITMAN AND JACK BURDITT
This episode of On Story, filmmaker Jason Reitman discusses his work from Thank You For Smoking to his Amazon original series, Casual. In the second half of our program, Emmy Award® winning television writer and producer Jack Burditt describes life in the writer’s room from Frasier and Mad About You to 30 Rock and The Mindy Project.
COMIC BOOKS ON SCREEN
This episode of On Story, Guardians of the Galaxy screenwriter Nicole Pearlman, and The Walking Dead screenwriter Angela Kang followed by Thor screenwriter Ashley Miller, The Avengers screenwriter Zak Penn, Hulk screenwriter John Turman and Smallville screenwriter Michael Green.
MIKE JUDGE AND JIM DAUTERIVE
In this weeks On Story, comedy powerhouses, Mike Judge and Jim Dauterive, discuss their work in the animated television hit series, King of the Hill which ran for thirteen seasons from 1997 to 2010. Jim Dauterive went on to develop the Fox animated series Bob’s Burgers with Loren Bouchard which is currently in its 6th year and has been renewed for both a seventh and eighth season. Filmmaker Mike Judge created the MTV hit animated show, Beavis and Butthead. His filmography includes the cult classic Office Space and Idiocracy. Judge is currently the co-creator of HBO’s Silicon Valley, the third season of which, premieres in April of 2016.
Callie Khouri, Michelle Ashford and Caroline Thompson
This week’s On Story features Thelma and Louise screenwriter Callie Khouri, Masters of Sex show-runner Michelle Ashford, and Edward Scissorhands screenwriter Caroline Thompson.
podcast exclusive: tom mccarthy
Actor-writer-director Tom McCarthy is known for his performances in the films Meet the Parents and Goodnight and Good Luck, and on the television series Boston Public, Law and Order and The Wire. As a writer-director, he’s given us the films The Station Agent, The Visitor, Win Win, Up, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award® and of course, Spotlight which got him nominated in this year’s category for Best Director and for which he just won the Academy Award® for Best Original Screenplay. To celebrate his win, we dug into the Austin Film Festival archives for this discussion from way back in 2004, shortly after the release of his film The Station Agent, starring a very pre-Game of Thrones Peter Dinklage. Journalist Robert Draper spoke with Tom McCarthy on October 15th 2004 at the 11th Austin Film Festival.
Peter Gould and Noah Hawley
On this episode of On Story from Austin Film Festival and Public Radio International, Better Call Saul co-creator Peter Gould on bringing Breaking Bad shady lawyer Saul Goodman to life and Fargo show-runner Noah Hawley describes the creation of his hit FX series based on the Coen brothers beloved film of the same name.
Lawrence Kasdan and Chris Carter
This week’s On Story from Austin Film Festival and Public Radio International, The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars Episode VII – The Force Awakens co-writer Lawrence Kasdan describes his career in film and his early work with George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg. We’ll also hear screenwriter Damon Lindelof speaking with X-Files creator Chris Carter about Carter’s ground-breaking TV series.
