Human nature suggests that when the sky seems to be falling we turn to the media to confirm our fears. As writing jobs and our industry as a whole contracts writers find themselves turning to the trades to allay fears or just to "find out more." The good wisdom has always seemed to say that "reading the trades" was a must for any writer worth their salt.

But how much trade news - on premieres, and overall deals, and mergers, and agents leaving companies - is too much news?

In this episode, Nick and Steve dig into whether a daily reading of the trades can empower you or inhibit you. Isn't it just good business sense to know the landscape of your industry? Or are you harming your inner artist by keeping too much of an informed eye on the proverbial prize?

As always, Nick and Steve will offer two different perspectives on the "glued to the news" question to help you move your projects forward in the screenwriting market.

Whether you aspire to be a daily Deadline.com reader, or don't care to know the difference between the Warners and The MGM's, the Beyond The Script team will bring fresh ideas to your career and process.

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Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org

Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Making your own work has been at the core of the strategic playbook for breaking in to film and tv for 25 years. Hollywood loves to embrace and amplify the story of the little gal or guy who made their short film for $500 bucks and landed the major studio deal. But with the ubiquity of film festivals and prohibitive costs to make high quality content, is the DIY career launch still a winning strategy?

In this episode, Nick and Steve examine whether you should cash in your favors and piggy banks to make a short/web series, or write a whole new playbook for gaining viral attention and popularity in today's saturated market.

As always, Nick and Steve will offer two different perspectives on the DIY question that you can use to help you move your projects forward in the screenwriting market.

Whether you're Sundance or bust, or keen on finding brand new avenues to get your work seen, the Beyond The Script team will give you fresh ideas to bring to your process.

Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org

Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound

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.

Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org

Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org

Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound