Academy Award-winning director Sydney Pollack (Out of Africa, Tootsie, The Way We Were) and NYPD Blue and Deadwood creator David Milch discuss the inspiration behind creating classic film and television characters. Followed by the suspenseful short film The Lab by writer/director Ryan Scheer, about two young boys whose summer afternoon in the woods goes horribly awry.

Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld writer/producer Alec Berg and Bridesmaids director and Freaks and Geeks creator Paul Feig pull back the curtain to show how they create comedy that resonates with us all. Followed by the hilarious short film Spit by writer/director Benjamin Hayes. Paul will never have his first kiss until he overcomes his fear of saliva.

The creators behind the explosions Con Air, Gone In Sixty Seconds, Hulk, Zombieland and Machete debate what makes a great action movie. Followed by the riveting short film SOLD by writer/director John Irwin. A young investigative journalist goes undercover and is captured into a human trafficking ring.

TV mega-hit Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal discusses the (not so) universal language of comedy in his documentary Exporting Raymond with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang writer/director Shane Black. Followed by the charming Danish short film First Anders by writer/director Kristian Ussing Anderson about a well-meaning, bookish father who attempts to teach his artistic and bullied young son a valuable lesson.

The challenges of making true stories compelling on the screen are discussed by Oscar®-nominated Scott Silver (The Fighter), Oscar®-nominated Nicholas Kazan (Reversal of Fortune), Pamela Gray (Conviction), Oscar®-winner Ron Howard (Apollo 13). Followed by Overnight Stay, directed by Daniela Sherer. A woman recalls a horrific night in Krakow where she experienced the best and worst of human intentions.

On the next On Story, Bones creator Hart Hanson and Veronica Mars and Party Down creator Rob Thomas discuss the creation of a successful TV series. Followed by the short films 0507 by Ben and Chris Blaine and Smile by Lauren Elmer.

On the next On Story, the inspiration behind such classic films as Edward Scissorhands, Toy Story, and Up is discussed by Academy Award winning Pixar director John Lasseter and screenwriter Caroline Thompson followed by the short Playing Ghost directed by Bianca Ansems.

Oscar®-winning writer Ted Tally gives a provocative look at the adaptation and production of the highly acclaimed film The Silence of the Lambs. Tally covers it all: working with director Jonathan Demme, anticipating Jodie Foster's Oscar® win, the changed ending for the world's most famous cannibal, and more. Followed by Thomas Ward's haunting short, In the Middle, about a small-town waitress in the middle of nowhere waiting for her shift to end.

From THE GRADUATE and CATCH-22 to Saturday Night Live and Get Smart, iconic comedic and distinctly American writer, director, and actor Buck Henry recalls his long and storied career in Hollywood. Followed by the heartwarming story of a failed ukulele player and her talking puppet dog, THE BALLAD OF FRIDAY AND JUNE by writer/director Tate English.

Writer/director Rodrigo Garcia discusses the influence of his father, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Gabriel García Márquez, and the complexities and flaws that form nuanced characters in THE GODFATHER, CAPOTE, and his own MOTHER AND CHILD and IN TREATMENT. Followed by the harrowing Spanish short WHO LASTS LONGER by writer/director Gregorio Muro in which the bond between a mother and her son are tragically tested.

The writers behind the beloved animated classics KUNG FU PANDA 1 & 2, King of the Hill, and THE IRON GIANT discuss the comedy, action, and emotion that go into creating the worlds and characters that appeal to audiences of all ages. And then enter the magical world of the short film DREAMGIVER by director/producer Tyler Carter. What fanciful adventures happen after we go to sleep?

Thriller master writer/director Shane Black (KISS KISS BANG BANG, LETHAL WEAPON) discusses the critical elements of a taut, suspense-filled movie - raising stakes, unexpected reversals, and satisfying payoffs - using examples from such classics as ROCKY, THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT, and LA FEMME NIKITA. Followed by the apocalyptic short film BLIND SPOT by writer/director Matthew Nayman.

Legendary television writer Chris Carter reveals the secret behind the creation and success of The X-Files. Lost and "Prometheus" writer, Damon Lindelof, speaks with Carter on how his use of the paranormal and search for truth have become staples of popular culture. Followed by Todd Somodevilla and Marysia Makowska's surreal short film, "Sea Pavilion".

The writers behind WANTED, "The Bourne Ultimatum", "Con Air", and "Snitch" discuss how they use action scenes to further the plot, convey tension, and build toward a satisfying climax. Followed by Lucas Martell's animated short film, PIGEON: IMPOSSIBLE, about a trained CIA agent faced with an unexpected sudden threat to national security.

The writers of re-imagined classics & popular franchises such as GHOST, CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, TWINS and SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN deliberate how to keep stories fresh while staying true to the original. Paired with Spencer and Lloyd Harvey's short film JACK & JILL, a fresh take on the classic nursery rhyme that follows a young Australian girl who finds an inventive way to contact her father, a WWII soldier stationed in New Guinea.

Professional horror writers explore how great drama lies at the core of the most frightening films, and discuss the style and techniques used to invoke fear, suspense and thrills that linger long after the credits roll. Followed by Lynne Vincent McCarthy's STRANGEFACE, a haunting and suspenseful short film about a peculiar and defiant young girl who unexpectedly finds companionship.

The creative minds behind the films THOR, THE AVENGERS, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, THE GREEN LANTERN, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, and X-MEN: FIRST CLASS divulge the complexities of heroes & villains. Followed by John Mitchell's SUPER POWERS, a short film about a husband & wife who try to salvage their love-life by dressing as superheroes, and find they save more than their marriage when forced out of their home in costume.

Damon Lindelof discusses his hand in some of the most celebrated and scrutinized works of science fiction over the past five years, and how much of their success is attributed to writing stories that leave a lot up to one's imagination. Accompanied by Dean Loxton's improvised short film, METRO 7 BIS about a woman's encounter with a handsome stranger in Paris, only to find their meeting was hardly by chance.

James Franco reveals his unique experience working on 127 HOURS, including his faith in director Danny Boyle's vision, and the collaborative approach from cast and crew to fulfill the tension needed to capture this true and tantalizing story. Followed by the allegorical short film, VOICE OVER, directed by Martin Rosete, about a few extreme situations that literally take your breath away.

Larry Wilmore, the Senior Black Correspondent on The Daily Show and creator of The Bernie Mac Show reflects upon different forms of comedy, his own comic influences, and always looking to maximize comedic potential. Followed by two short films about courage and endurance: Chris Bourke and Kevin Harger's LOVE, EMILY, shadowing young love and how to best navigate its awkward terrain, and Andrea Gomez's 036, measuring the fortitude and grit required to survive the paper-pushing, no-nonsense depths of cubicle number 036.

The voices behind THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, BRIDESMAIDS, and RACHEL GETTING MARRIED deliberate how the most impressionable characters - both good and evil - are compelling because of their flaws, complexities, and personal truths. Accompanied by the short film, MENTIROSO by writer/director Will Shipley about trailing a young boy whose incessant lies are almost as far-fetched as an astonishing encounter with the most beautiful girl in town.

The screenwriters behind NEVER BEEN KISSED, SAFE HAVEN, GOING THE DISTANCE and HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU contemplate the important balance of relationship, conflict and originality when creating romantic comedies. Followed by the short film, DO OVER by David Fabelo, illustrating several failed judicious attempts of mastering a first date.

Brian Hegleland, the creative force behind 42, L.A. Confidential, Mystic River, and A Knights Tale, shares his experience as a screenwriter, director, and producer, along with the ups, down, and left turns of the filmmaking industry. Accompanied by the short film, Hector is Gonna Kill Nate, from Ari Issler about a basketball student that rolls into his High School gym looking for revenge.

David McGee discusses adapting Finding Neverland and Life of Pi, and how he approached translating such imaginative worlds for screen. Followed by, The Return, Jeremy Mackie's short film about a college graduate that is literally scared off the screen of his first job.

Vince Gilligan, creator of the AMC hit series Breaking Bad, reflects upon the show's hyper-serialized storytelling as well as his inspirations and influences. Accompanied by Victor Nores' short film, Euthanas Inc.

Frank Darabont, writer and director of such classics as The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and The Mist, discusses adapting works by Stephen King and keeping his characters at the core of the story. Followed by Jeffrey DeChausse's short film, Anniversario, trailing a woman's visit to her two favorite hairdressers on the day of her 45th wedding anniversary for what becomes the most important makeover of their lives.

An iconic example of its genre, Alien's tension, pacing, and craftsmanship are deconstructed by veteran screenwriters John August and Ashley Miller. Accompanied by Jason Mann and Frieda Luk's mystical short film, Delicacy, following a culinary connoisseur and his loyal chef as they dangerously navigate into the unknown with hopes to obtain a rare treat.

House of Cards creator, Beau Willimon, discusses writing for Netflix, working with David Fincher, and delving into the psychology of narrative power struggles. Artiz Moreno's short film, Colera, follows with an ominous glimpse of a town that decides to take the law into their own hands, without considering the consequences.

Rian Johnson, Richard Kelly, and Roberto Orci, masters of weaving time travel into film, dissect the elements that make for a believable "operating system" when writing a comprehensible screenplay timeline. A Conversation About Cheating with my Time Traveling Future Self follows, with one man's attempt to better his life by traveling back in time to offer himself advice.

Callie Khouri reflects upon her experience working with Ridley Scott and writing the classic female-driven-buddy film, Thelma and Louise. Followed by Avram Dodson's short film, Pistachio Milk, a coming of age tale about a young suitor using only his wits and a bottle of pistachio milk to pursue his love interest.

The Clint Eastwood/David Peoples classic Unforgiven is deconstructed by Into the West's Kirk Ellis and Apaloosa's Robert Knott as they explore its gritty action, ambiguous morality, and the tried-and-true tropes of its genre. Christian Baker's short film, The Well, follows suit, trailing a young Civil War soldier stationed alone on the US/Mexico faced with nothing but his own demons.

Men in Black writer, Ed Solomon, explores the genesis of the movie and its journey from pre-production through post. Solomon documents his experiences getting fired and re-hired on the project, the evolution of the story, and working with the cast and crew.

Ray McKinnon, creator of the Sundance Channel's breakout hit, Rectify, details how to capture the personality of a culture through establishing strong characters, tone, and atmosphere. The short film Spanola Pepper Sauce Company follows, directed by McKinnon and written by Graham Gordy, suggesting there's more brewing in Spanola, AK than just its fine pepper sauce cooking.

Ron Nyswaner recounts the social impact of his screenplay Philadelphia, a bold film released during a delicate time in history. Followed by Oliver Kember's Puzzled, about a young boy whose only chance at survival on the playground is to outsmart the other children.

Frank Pierson's Academy Award® winning Dog Day Afternoon elevates the classic crime genre through its exploration of textured characters and rationale. Screenwriters Robin Swicord (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Peter Craig (The Town) examine the story's masterful reveal of information and its surprising, but inevitable and honest conclusion.

Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) and Brian Helgeland (LA Confidential) discuss the modern day Neo Noir - a genre-bending response to the Film Noirs of the 1940s and 50s - and dissect the basic styles, impulses, themes, and tones that embrace this form of storytelling.

Filmmaking legends Paul Thomas Anderson and Jonathan Demme pay tribute to Robert Downey Sr.'s cult classic Greaser's Palace. Next, Andrew Napier's short film, Grandma's Not a Toaster, where a whiskey-guzzling mother-to-be aims to enlist her neurotic brother in attempt to thieve from their ailing grandmother's fortune.

In this second On Story® installation featuring Paul Thomas Anderson and Jonathan Demme, the duo look back on the vision, style, influences, and creative passion for Demme's The Silence of the Lambs, Stop Making Sense, Rachel Getting Married and Something Wild.

Mad Men creator, Matthew Weiner, dissects the culture, identity, and status quo of the show, and the psychology behind its beloved antihero, Don Draper. Followed by Faraday Okoro's short film, Full Windsor, about a young boy's quest to preserve a meaningful piece of his past.

True Detective director, Cary Fukunaga, and Fargo creator, Noah Hawley, discuss the rise of the television anthology series and how to execute a compelling balance of plot, character, and structure within the bounds of one season. Followed by Elaine Poon's short film, Entrain about Laurent, a young man who absorbed in his own world, draws the attention of a fellow train passenger who shares his interest in rhythm, despite their obvious language barrier.

John Ridley reflects on his beginnings and the inspirations that have shaped his approach to screenwriting, with a special look into his journey adapting the Academy Award®-winning script for 12 Years a Slave. Accompanied by Alex Clark's short film, Siren, about two ambulance paramedics faced with an emergency that's out of this world.

Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) and Alvaro Rodriguez (Machete) deconstruct the shock, suspense, and subtleties of David Cronenberg's The Fly and how his execution has contributed to the legitimacy and intellect of the horror genre.

Terry George (writer/director Hotel Rwanda; writer In the Name of the Father) reflects on the art of fictionalizing fact and placing ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances as a storytelling vehicle. Followed by Dean Loxton's short film, Under, about a train operator struggling to deal with a traumatic event and finding solace in an unsuspecting way.

Beau Willimon (creator House of Cards) and Eli Attie (writer The West Wing) debate politically- driven narratives, power struggles, and dramatizing the truths and fictions that comprise ideologically-charged stories. Accompanied by Topher Field's short film, The Hustle, offering a glimpse inside a swindler's artful technique and deception.

Jay Duplass (writer/director Jeff Who Lives at Home, The Puffy Chair) recollects his journey with brother Mark Duplass onto the DIY indie film scene, along with their specific approach to storytelling. Followed by Future Hero, the story of a father, son, and a time-travelling killer android, in a short film by Ramin Serry.

Danny Rubin, co-writer of "Groundhog Day," deconstructs the film's progression from script to screen and talks about his collaboration with the film's co-writer and director Harold Ramis.

Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, co-writers of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, discuss re-imagining the popular sci-fi franchise and their delicate approach to depicting the protagonist's journey.

Tom Schulman, writer of Dead Poet's Society, deconstructs the story's journey from script to screen, along with his unique working relationships on set with Robin Williams and director Peter Weir.

Tommy Lee Jones, writer, director, and protagonist of The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, reflects on the making of the film, accompanied by some of his cast and crew. Followed by Roy Rutngamlug's short film, Formosa, TX, about a first generation Asian-American's fleeting encounter with an out-of-towner who stumbles upon his family's diner.

Scott Frank (Get Shorty, Out of Sight) reflects on his diverse career writing thrillers and pulp films, and his approach to developing complex characters in search of their identity.

Writers from the hit show Justified discuss adapting Elmore Leonard's short story for television and the evolution of the show's tone, rhythm, and setting.

Peter Gould, writer, producer, and director of Breaking Bad and co-creator of its spinoff Better Call Saul discusses shifting gears, schemes, and swindles within the world of Saul Goodman pre-Walter White.

John Singleton, the youngest and first African American filmmaker to win an Academy Award® for his work on Boyz N the Hood, discusses his process, influences, and inspirations, from the work of acclaimed playwright August Wilson to pioneering directors Spike Lee and Federico Fellini.

Perhaps one of the most influential contributors to the landscape of situational comedies and progressive writing in Hollywood, Norman Lear transformed a genre known for play-it-safe humor into a platform for how Americans experience social issues. In this week's On Story, Lear remembers a few of his favorite episodes and how he created some of the most beloved characters in the history of television.

Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Angela Kang (The Walking Dead) explore navigating a male-dominated industry as female genre writers. The women discuss tackling comic book adaptations, the importance of character development, and the fine line between staying true to the spirit of the source material while also breathing new life into preexisting storylines.

Rodrigo Garcia, whose credits include Albert Nobbs, Nine Lives, Mother and Child, and most recently, Last Days in the Desert, contemplates the importance of writing honest relationships in his work, and the visceral connection audiences have with stories about family.

Robert Mark Kamen looks back on his long-time working relationship with Luc Besson and his approach to writing description, violence, and well-developed characters in films such as The Fifth Element, The Transporter, and the Taken franchise. Followed by Luke Patton's short film, Foos Your Daddy?, about a young man's turning point with his overbearing father on the day he leaves for college.

Christos and Ruth Fletcher Gage discuss the process of adapting the Marvel comic Daredevil for television. The duo break down the juxtaposition of brute realism and the moral complexity of Daredevil's characters, along with how they navigated the show's unconventional story structure in the writers room.

Comedy titan Carl Reiner looks back on creating The Dick Van Dyke Show, how the show evolved over the course of its five seasons, and the collaborative efforts of the writers and actors involved. Reiner recalls special moments from behind the scenes and, ultimately, how the creative vision was translated to the screen.

Creator/director/producer/star Issa Rae discusses the unique challenges that surround creating independent webseries, the freedoms that come with doing it your own way, and how to navigate the growing sensation of developing original online content. Followed by The Unexpected, a short webisode from The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl.

Chris Cooper, the Academy Award® winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in the comedy-drama Adaptation, discusses this acting career in both film and television. Cooper looks back on how he managed to navigate through his roles in iconic films such as Lone Star, Adaptation, American Beauty, Seabiscuit, and August: Osage County among many others.

Screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker dissects his bleak thriller masterpiece, Se7en and working with director David Fincher to create the cult classic film.

Writer/Director Gary Ross discusses his film trajectory from co-writing the iconic film Big to approaching and adapting Seabiscuit on screen as well as working on historically depicting his new film Free State of Jones starring Matthew McConaughey.

Producer/Emmy®-award winning actress, America Ferrera talks about her early roles in film and television including the hit show Ugly Betty, Real Women Have Curves, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and working with Ryan Piers Williams on the independent film The Dry Land.

Writer/Director/Producer Charles Burnett shares his career development process in narrative and documentary filmmaking with Killer of Sheep (1978), his seminal film, which was definitive in highlighting African American cultural experience. Burnett's films Killer of Sheep and To Sleep with Anger were both added to the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress for being culturally significant.

Director John Lee Hancock and writer Kelly Marcel discuss how the script for Saving Mr. Banks was successfully transformed onto the screen using heavily stylized elements, and musical cues from the classic film Mary Poppins to depict the life of author PL Travers during the 1960's.

Writer/director Jason Reitman, whose credits include Thank You for Smoking, Up in the Air, Juno, and most recently the TV series Casual, discusses his journey from novice filmmaker to indie stalwart.

In this episode, award-winning writer/director Jeff Nichols talks about bringing a highly charged true story to the screen and finding the personal connection to Richard and Mildred Loving – apolitical people at the center of the landmark 1967 civil rights decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to invalidate laws prohibiting interracial marriage.

Screenwriter Justin Marks shares the bear necessities on updating the classic Disney story to the modern screen. Drawing from influences like Westerns, the New York City black out, and more, this episode takes audiences through the jungle and to the beloved wolf pack that raised Mowgli from a cub to a boy.

From Arrested Development’s Buster Bluth to Veep’s bag man, actor Tony Hale discusses meeting audience’s expectations, getting into character, making out with Liza Minnelli, and the collaborative environment of comedy.

Writer and producer Marta Kauffman discusses "Friends" and "Grace and Frankie."

John Patrick Shanley holds a unique position as both playwright and screenwriter. The writer behind Moonstruck, Doubt, and others shares how he pulls from real life and makes every action count toward story.

With Saturday Night Live and the movies Sisters and This is 40 in her credits, Paula Pell is the queen of comedy. In this episode, Pell talks about her background in theater, creating characters that stick, and drawing from a funny family.

As charming as any muppet, actor/writer Jason Segel relays how he was destined for the stage at an early age and how, from goofball to vampire puppet musical to full frontal nudity, he’s formed a family of weirdos in film and television.

In this episode, writer Aaron Covington discusses how he and co-writer/director Ryan Coogler came up with the idea for a unique and personal spin on the Rocky Balboa story and in the process created a new legend.

Inarguably one of the greatest storytellers in Hollywood, filmmaker Billy Wilder’s classic films include Double Indemnity, Sabrina, Sunset Boulevard, Some Like it Hot, The Apartment, and more. This episode dissects several of his films to analyze what makes his filmmaking style so unique and relevant to audiences today.

From Private Benjamin to Something’s Gotta Give, writer/director Nancy Meyers has created and championed some of the most memorable complicated women characters on the screen. In this episode she shares her career path and stories of her collaborations – with Goldie Hawn, Mel Gibson, and former husband and writing partner Charles Shyer.

Heavily-influenced by politics and family, the screenwriter of In the Name of the Father, My Left Foot, In America, and more discusses his efforts to do justice to Irish fathers, and translate Irish situations and accents for American audiences.

In this episode, screenwriter Jose Rivera discusses his approach to bringing Che Guevara’s story to the screen, balancing Guevara’s political awakening with his road trip adventures, and working with director Walter Salles and actor Gael Garcia Bernal.

Screenwriter Mark L. Smith discusses adapting The Revenant from book to screen, working with Alejandro Iñárritu, and getting that famous bear attack right. For their work on this stunning - and freezing - historical picture, Iñárritu won the Academy Award(r) for Best Director, Emmanual Lubezki won for Best Cinematography, and DiCaprio won his first award for Best Actor.

The Bobby half of the Farrelly brothers team that brought us There’s Something About Mary, Kingpin, and Dumb and Dumber talks about improv, keeping the material fresh, and what makes comedy funny.

The writers behind Red Eye, The X-Files, Disturbia, and Shut In weigh in on the crucial elements for those psychological thrillers that keep you up all night; namely putting regular people into horrifying scenarios – and hopefully getting them out in one piece.

The filmmakers behind Sense and Sensibility, The Jane Austen Book Club, and The Lizzie Bennet Diaries discuss the timelessness and relate-ability of Jane Austen’s characters, from the jealousies, the romances, the desire to improve one’s status, and, of course, Mr. Darcy.

Producer Suzanne de Passe, screenwriter Bill Wittliff, and crew share stories about the making of Lonesome Dove, the movie adapted from the NYT bestselling novel by Larry McMurtry. From Tommy Lee Jones doing his own stunts to cattle stampedes, cowboy hats with personality to confounding Hollywood executives, this episode is full of entertaining stories about the made-for-TV movie that almost didn't happen.

With hundreds of film and television credits to his name, including Better Call Saul, A Mighty Wind, and Six Feet Under, second generation actor Ed Begley Jr. talks about what he looks for when choosing new projects, finding the pain in a character, and working with Christopher Guest and other comedy legends.

Parks and Recreation and Master of None writer Alan Yang talks about making up for lost time, writing for the Harvard Lampoon, and putting stories from his personal life into the show.

The producer behind Raiders of the Lost Ark, Back to the Future, The Sixth Sense, and more talks about starting his career with Spielberg, Coppola, and Lucas, the creativity in producing, and working with writers.

Director and actress Greta Gerwig talks about her theatrical beginnings and how she came to write and direct "Lady Bird."

Writer, director and producer Keenen Ivory Wayans talks about his path to Hollywood and how "In Living Color" helped pave the way for many artists and projects.

Academy Award-winning writer-director Kenneth Lonergan compares screenwriting with playwriting and talks about being open to mistakes.

Screenwriter Eric Heisserer talks about "Arrival," working with director Denis Villeneuve and the challenges of writing a sci-fi story about love and loss.

Screenwriter Dan Gilroy discusses the evolution of "Nightcrawler," working with Denzel Washington, and the challenges and benefits of being part of a Hollywood-successful family.

Producer Gale Anne Hurd discusses her career, including working with Roger Corman and James Cameron.

Director David Lowery and writer Toby Halbrooks reinvent "Pete's Dragon" and discuss the difference between making indie films versus big budget movies.

Writer and producer Misha Green discusses her experience as a first-time showrunner, and she talks about having to say goodbye to a story before it's finished.

"Twin Peaks" co-creator Mark Frost talks about the show's impact and his collaboration with David Lynch.

Scott Alexander talks about developing and writing "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story."

Actor and director Robert Townsend's career spans 30 years in front of and behind the camera.

Saddle up yer horses with legendary writer/director Walter Hill and Oscar® nominated screenwriter Scott Frank as they explore the great quintessential Western genre. In this episode, Hill and Frank discuss the art of writing the good, the bad, and the ugly.

In this episode, Bloodline’s co-creator Todd A. Kessler talks about the genesis and development of the popular Netflix series. With their storied, dynastic image of small business success and solid moral fiber, the Rayburns seem like the very picture of the American dream.

In this episode, creator, showrunner, and producer Courtney A. Kemp discusses the power dynamics in the television industry, the writers room, and a well-crafted story. With credits that includes The Good Wife, The Bernie Mac Show, Justice, and creating the critically acclaimed gritty New York drama Power, Kemp knows her way around a successful TV show.

With a huge list of characters, centuries’ worth of mythology, and battles between gods—all within the confines of a television series, adapting Neil Gaiman’s seminal novel American Gods was no small feat. In this episode, Season 1 writer, co-showrunner, Michael Green will walk through the series’ script, discussing topics like staying true to and expanding the world that Gaiman created.

In this episode, the screenwriters behind Arrival, Kubo and the Two Strings, and I Love Dick discuss book-to-film adaptations and translating themes and literary devices to the screen. The art of writing them is as advantageous as it is demanding especially within the constraints of a 90-minute film.

In this episode, award-winning screenwriter, producer, and director Noah Hawley, the man behind some of TV’s best dramatic series, Fargo and Legion explores the creation and execution of a limited series, writing across mediums, and making adaptations your own.

In this episode, co-writer of the Academy Award® winning film, The Shape of Water discusses collaborating with genre director Guillermo del Toro on his initial idea for the film and the process of writing the dark fantasy world del Toro envisioned for the film.

Join Snowpiercer co-writer Kelly Masterson as he dissects the story’s journey from graphic novel to script-to-screen. Masterson will reference specific scenes from the film—with clips projected throughout—and discuss writing for a multinational audience, the writer/director relationship with Joon-ho Bong, writing through language barriers, and the layered messages throughout the film.

Academy-Award® nominated actor Woody Harrelson and director/producer Rob Reiner discuss how the bio-pic, LBJ came to life with actor Woody Harrelson who portrays the president following the Kennedy assassination in 1963.

Television producer, actor, comic and writer Larry Wilmore discusses comedy in front of and behind the camera.

Linda Woolverton, the first woman to write an animated feature for Disney, talks about her work, including "Beauty and the Beast," "The Lion King," "Alice in Wonderland" and "Maleficent."

Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, writers of "Avengers: Infinity War," discuss juggling a massive ensemble cast and multiple storylines.

"A Quiet Place" screenwriters Scott Beck and Bryan Woods talk about creating tension and telling a story with little dialogue.

"Westworld" writers and producers Bridget Carpenter and Carly Wray talk about research, what to do when the story conflicts with authenticity and crafting a world that mirrors the past.

Writer and filmmaker Peter Hedges talks about his process of writing novels and screenplays, from "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" to "Ben Is Back."

Academy Award® nominated writer and director Tony Gilroy has built a career on making thought-provoking thrillers including the Bourne franchise, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Michael Clayton. In this episode, Gilroy discusses his long career and what it takes to make a living as a writer.

Comic and writer Ali LeRoi, co-creator of "Everybody Hates Chris," talks about writing, directing and creating for television.

Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber discuss "The Disaster Artist" and its adaptation to film.

Producer and director Roger Corman talks about independent filmmaking and his work, which includes more than 500 film credits.

Documentary filmmakers Chapman and Maclain Way talk about their Emmy Award-winning documentary "Wild Wild Country."

Writers Tess Morris and Scott Neustadter discuss the impact of Nora Ephron's films and the impact her writing has had on their own work.

Writer, producer and showrunner Graham Yost's hits include "Speed," "Broken Arrow," "Justified" and "The Americans."

Writer and author Pamela Ribon discusses the Disney films "Moana" and "Ralph Breaks the Internet" as well as the television show "Samantha Who?".

Comedy writer and performer Kevin McDonald discusses writing sketch comedy and performing stand-up and improv.

Actress and comic Sasheer Zamata talks about sketch comedy writing and acting on "Saturday Night Live."

Dana Gould talks about writing for "The Simpsons" and his role as creator and co-executive producer of "Stan Against Evil."

Craig Mazin, Emmy Award-winning creator of the HBO miniseries "Chernobyl," talks about the creative process behind his account of the 1986 nuclear accident.

Lulu Wang, writer and director of "The Farewell," talks about the autobiographical story of her family's decision to plan a wedding instead of telling her grandmother the truth about her terminal illness.

Series co-creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss explain the process of adapting George R. R. Martin's books into the HBO series "Game of Thrones."

Writer Sofía Álvarez discusses the process of adapting the young adult novel "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" into a romantic comedy for Netflix.

Catherine Reitman talks about her acting career in film and television, as well as her transition to the role of creator/writer/star of the comedy series "Workin' Moms."

Writer and producer Felicia D. Henderson discusses her 25-year television career, navigating the shift from writer to showrunner and exploring relationships through film.

Screenwriters Michael Werwie and Guinevere Turner talk about the challenges of writing compelling true crime stories while also respecting the people affected by the crimes.

Writer Megan Amram talks about developing characters whom audiences care about, emotion behind humor, and her web series "An Emmy for Megan."

Writer Virgil Williams talks about adapting work for the screen, his Academy Award nomination and the power of routine.

"Veep" showrunner David Mandel talks about developing characters for "Veep" and bringing the story to a close.

Screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan recalls the creative process behind some of his films, which include "The Big Chill" and "The Empire Strikes Back."

"GLOW" co-creators Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch talk about adapting the real-life "GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling" as a fictional series.

Academy Award-winning screenwriter Ron Bass talks about his work, which includes "Rain Man," "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "Sleeping With the Enemy."

Writer, director and producer Gina Prince-Bythewood discusses her character-driven work in "The Old Guard," "Love & Basketball" and "Beyond the Lights."

Academy Award-winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman discusses "A Beautiful Mind," "A Time to Kill," "Star Trek" and "Titans," and the role of personal experience and self-exploration in developing characters.

Writer and director Brenda Chapman talks about what influenced her writing in the animated classics "The Lion King," "The Prince of Egypt" and "Brave."

Writer Kevin Willmott discusses balancing messages of social justice with entertainment, working with Spike Lee and writing "BlacKkKlansman," "CSA: Confederate States of America" and "Da 5 Bloods."

Writer and producer Damon Lindelof talks about creating the television series "Watchmen," "The Leftovers" and "Lost," mashing up genre conventions, adapting a graphic novel and reassembling a story.

Writer and producer Liz Hannah discusses her career, from her first screenplay "The Post" to the true crime series "Mindhunter."

From "Ed Wood" to "Dolemite Is My Name," screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski reflect on writing biopics about unconventional figures.

Author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn discusses writing in different mediums and adapting "Gone Girl," "Sharp Objects," "Widows" and "Utopia" for the screen.

Screenwriter and television producer Mara Brock Akil talks about writing and producing hundreds of television episodes, and creating "Girlfriends" and "Being Mary Jane."

Producer and screenwriter John Logan talks about working in multiple storytelling mediums, writing for actors and bringing his vision to stage and screen.

Writers Akela Cooper and Owen Egerton discuss their love for the horror genre and inspirational moments from "Pumpkinhead" and "Night of the Living Dead."

"Barry" co-creators Alec Berg and Bill Hader talk about how they created an honest and convincing story about a bizarre anti-hero.

Screenwriter and playwright Kemp Powers, co-writer and co-director of "Soul" and "One Night in Miami," talks about adapting his own play and building a compelling narrative.

Writer Ed Solomon talks about the beginning of the writing process, when to pursue an idea and when to leave one behind, and finding the right state of mind for creativity.

Television creator Michael Schur discusses his role in creating and writing for "Parks and Recreation," "The Office" and "The Good Place."

Screenwriter Dave Callaham talks about the role of personal experience and self-exploration in the development of big budget movies.

Writers Jihan Crowther and Zach Baylin talk about tackling real-life events and how they translate on screen.

Writer David Koepp talks about jumping between genres and working on adaptations, collaborating with Steven Spielberg and writing "Carlito's Way," "Jurassic Park" and more.

Writer Brad Ingelsby, creator of "Mare of Easttown," talks about writing the small-town thriller.

Writer and director Craig Brewer talks about influences and personal experiences behind "Hustle & Flow" and "The Poor & Hungry" and working with producer Stephanie Allain.

Writer Derek Kolstad, creator of the John Wick franchise, talks about his career and how he weaves emotion and humanity into action set pieces.

Producer Stephanie Allain talks about "Boyz N the Hood," "Poetic Justice" and others, as well as how she uses her position to greenlight diverse stories that focus on underrepresented voices.

Academy Award-winning screenwriter Eric Roth ("Forrest Gump") discusses his process of adapting stories from beloved properties.

Writer and director Michael Sarnoski dissects writing, constructing and managing the overall production scope of his directorial debut, "Pig."

Tony Award-winner Stephen Karam talks about his directorial debut and adaptation of "The Humans."

"Miss Juneteenth" writer/director Channing Godfrey Peoples talks about her feature directorial debut and her work as an independent filmmaker.

Writer/creator/showrunner Glen Mazzara talks about his work on "The Shield" and "The Walking Dead" and how having multiple roles in television has developed his versatility as a storyteller.

Writer-director Elgin James talks about his personal process when directing, writing and scoring films and where his inspiration comes from for creating television shows.

Writer, director and producer Lisa Joy talks about creating "Westworld," and the discovery of humanity in non-traditional narratives.

Comedy writer Stephen Merchant talks about co-creating the BBC original series "The Office," creating relatable characters and how he found comedy inspiration from drama.

Producer and showrunner Joe Wiseman talks about his work behind the American adaptation of the BBC series "Ghosts," including finding the cast and the process of recreating the story for an American audience.

Writer-director Nikyatu Jusu talks about her early short films and the process behind creating her debut feature "Nanny."

Action writer Chris Fedak talks about writing compelling action that propels a story forward.

Writer-director James Gray talks about the evolution of his creative process and career, from his first feature "Little Odessa" to "Armageddon Time."

Creator and showrunner Graham Roland talks about the development of "Dark Winds" and the importance of creating a show through a Native American lens.

Academy Award-winner Dede Gardner, president of Plan B Entertainment, talks about her success as a producer in Hollywood.

Writer Andy Siara breaks down the time-bending structure of his science fiction romantic comedy "Palm Springs."

Writer and producer Lang Fisher, co-creator and showrunner of "Never Have I Ever," talks about the stories behind the coming-of-age comedy series.

Writer Edward Neumeier talks about writing science fiction and his classic films, such as "RoboCop" and "Starship Troopers."

Writers Liz Hannah and Michael Starrbury relay the delicate process of adapting a real-life story into a scripted television series.

A look inside the process of producing and writing for television with Rob Thomas, creator of "Veronica Mars" and co-creator of "Party Down."

Marc Bernardin and Beau DeMayo, writers of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" and "Star Trek: Picard," discuss science fiction writing, world-building and bringing new ideas to the classic franchise.

Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sarah Polley talks about her storytelling career and the film "Women Talking."

Director Darren Aronofsky reveals details about his unique approach to storytelling and his journey through cinema.

Joanna Calo delves into her experience sharing showrunning duties on "The Bear" with creator Christopher Storer, and crafting lovable characters that keep an audience invested.

"Lawmen: Bass Reeves" creator Chad Feehan and series directors Christina Alexandra Voros and Damian Marcano discuss their revival of the television Western.

Cord Jefferson discusses writing and directing his debut feature, "American Fiction."

One of this year’s most talked-about films, Past Lives is an achingly beautiful love story about lost chances. Hear from playwright turned filmmaker Celine Song on navigating the differences between writing for stage and screen, and how to connect emotionally with an audience.

Writing team Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, alongside filmmaker Craig Brewer, discuss their collaboration on the hilarious, outrageous film "Dolemite Is My Name."

Join the creator of Severance to learn about the inspiration and creative process behind the grounded sci-fi thriller that has enthralled both audiences and critics, including writing an intriguing pilot, creating characters that audiences love, and keeping your viewers on their toes.