The Beyond the Script Podcast is an original podcast for writers (don’t tell anyone) hosted by Steve Harper and Nick Jobe. They are writers, coaches and friends who talk about the process, pain and joys of writing for TV, film and theater as they answer listener questions and offer up guidance and ideas.
Meet the Hosts
Nick Jobe is a script consultant, writer, and actor. He's helped numerous writers sell pitches, TV shows and feature films. His clients have written for shows in the DC Universe, and worked with Monkeypaw, Netflix, Amazon Studios, and more.
An award-winning writer/actor/producer/director, Steve has guided the development of thousands of writers (professional and aspiring) since he began coaching in 2008.
Featured Episodes
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The Antihero Dilemma
In a media ecosystem polluted with bad news, online vitriol, and political polarization, what is the writer's responsibility to the audience? If we - as writers - continue to churn out dark heroes and revenge story arcs - aren't we part of an ever growing problem?
In this episode, Nick and Steve break down whether you should follow the money towards script ideas that have explosive action, hair raising violence, and back-stabbing betrayals - or lean into your own heart to find more optimistic narratives.
As always, Nick and Steve will offer two different perspectives on The Antihero Dilemma that you can use to help you move your projects forward in the screenwriting market.
Whether you're aiming for a low body count or a total bloodbath, the Beyond The Script team will give you new ideas to bring to your career.
AI - Should I?
Today's episode is all about AI - artificial intelligence - and what it means to TV and screenwriters. When the WGA writers went on strike, AI was among the concerns. Writers became obsessed with what it was and how it works and whether it's useful or not useful for a professional career. Since the strike ended there have been stories in the press about multiple sides of the issue - from concerns about AI learning from TV and film scripts to the question of whether (and how) writers should use it in their own work. What's the best way forward as a writer in a world where AI gives you options you've never had? How much should we lean in? Should we set boundaries on how we use it? Or should we assume everyone is diving in and in order to be competitive, we should, too? Nick and Steve offer two different perspectives on Artificial Intelligence as they carve out ways to make use of this tool. There's a ton of passion on each side. Along the way, they'll talk about screenwriter Paul Schrader's opinions, answer a question from the client mailbag, and each make the case for AI's role in the writer's life. Which approach fits your style and your career? This convo may well help you decide where you stand - even as artificially intelligent creatives are standing right beside you.
OverNoted
On today's episode, we're talking about notes. Every TV and Feature writer gets notes - whether in writers' groups or from executives, showrunners, production companies or studios. But what do you do with all that feedback? Notes can make people defensive and emotional. All those comments can shut people down and some are just confusing. Should you stay open and soak up all the notes they throw at you? Or get the note-givers to slow their roll and keep the notes to a minimum?Nick and Steve offer TWO different ways to deal with notes - from differing perspectives. Find out which approach fits your style and your career. Unearth key insights to help you deal with feedback coming from people who may want to pay you and produce your work. Plus: check out a true-life story about the challenging impact of notes on a writer.
The One About Keeping Secrets
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Jobe and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss the merit of filmmaking fellowships, how to write about your writing, and whether you should reveal the "magic tricks" of your process.
The Secret Writer Podcast might not be a secret anymore, but still, don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org
The One About "I'll Never Work Again"
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss the potential deeper meaning behind a passive protagonist, what to do when people don't get your work, and how to navigate that "all is lost" feeling in your career.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org
The One About Detachment
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss the rise of deeply personal storytelling in popular culture, best practices for receiving feedback from other writers, and the challenge of detaching from your audience.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org
The One About Distraction
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss taking big swings in your writing, evolving past your old work, and the potential meaning behind distractions.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org
The One About Goals
In The Secret Writer Podcast, Nick Job and Steve Harper, writers and script consultants, break down the "secret" inner world of the writing process for TV, film, and theater. In this episode, they discuss AI screenwriters, protecting your brain against unnecessary worry, and knowing your own value as a writer.
The Secret Writers podcast is a secret so don't tell anyone...or do...
Send in your comments and questions about writing for future episodes to
TheSecretWriterPodcast@gmail.com
Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org
Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org
Reviews
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Group therapy for writers.
Wow I’m hooked! Found my tribe! I would love exercises for beginners, book references to get started would help.