On Story

"Fargo" creator Noah Hawley talks about adapting feature films into episodic storytelling.

Karyn Kusama sheds light on her body of work, including "Girl Fight," "Jennifer's Body" and "Yellowjackets."

Filmmaker Jeff Nichols explains his approach to adapting a photobook into a character-driven dissection of American subculture in the 1960s for his film "Bikeriders."

Writer, director and producer Gavin O'Connor discusses writing and directing his character-driven sports drama "Warrior."

Producer Lauren Shuler Donner discusses launching the X-Men franchise, standing up for her story convictions and producing "Free Willy."

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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."

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

"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.

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

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

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."

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

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Working within the studio system is discussed by the local filmmakers behind Office Space, Lonesome Dove and El mariachi. Featuring Mike Judge, Bill Wittliff and Robert Rodriguez.

Creating a film from script to screen is discussed by the writer/directors behind Slumdog Millionaire, Up in the Air, and The Brothers McMullen. Featuring Danny Boyle, Jason Reitman, and Ed Burns.

War in film is discussed by the creative minds behind Red Dawn, Born on the 4th of July and Apocalypse Now. Featuring Oliver Stone and John Milius.

The creative minds behind the shows Mad Men, The Wire, and Treme discuss historical and modern day relevance in television dramas.

Episode 5 of "On Story," the creative minds behind UNFORGIVEN, A PERFECT WORLD, and 3:10 TO YUMA discuss creating westerns with resonance. Featuring John Lee Hancock, David Peoples, Michael Brandt and Derek Haas. Film: WESTERN by Lucas Millard

In episode 4 of "On Story," the creative minds behind APOLLO 13, SCHINDLER'S LIST, and A BEAUTIFUL MIND discuss the inspiration behind these classic, Academy Award winning films. Featuring 'Ron Howard' and Steven Zaillian.

In episode 3 of "On Story," the creative minds behind TO DIE FOR, THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN, NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION, and THE HANGOVER discuss comedy in film. Featuring Harold Ramis, Judd Apatow, Buck Henry, and Jon Lucas. Film: Sleep Study by Kerri Lendo and John Merriman and MY BIGGEST WEAKNESS by Bradley Jackson.

In episode 2 of "On Story," the creative minds behind STAR TREK, TRANSFORMERS, EL MARIACHI, and WATCHMEN discuss the challenge of creating fantastical worlds and getting the audience to suspend their disbelief. Featuring David Hayter, Roberto Orci, Damon Lindelof, and Robert Rodriguez. Film: Tadpoles by Miguel Alvarez

his first episode of On Story includes new interviews from Randall Wallace, Writer-Director, Secretariat; Lawrence Kasdan, Screenwriter, Empire Strikes Back; Shane Black, Writer-Director, Lethal Weapon, Long Kiss Goodnight, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang; and the short film Northeast Front, an Austin Film Festival 2010 Official Selection, by Angela Torres Camerena.