517 - Smart People Talking About TV

This week, we revisit some of our favorite conversations with TV writers, including Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project), Alison McDonald (American Dad!), Ryan Knighton (In the Dark), Aline Brosh McKenna and Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). They share their philosophies and practical advice for writing television. We talk about getting staffed, the first day in a writers room, when to speak, development heartbreak, and mapping out a story across seasons. Other important topics include lunch, how to dress, and hot tub brainstorm sessions. In our bonus segment for premium members, John and Megana answer listener questions about Scriptnotes production. Links: Mindy Kaling on IMDb and Twitter Alison McDonald on IMDb and Twitter Ryan Knighton on IMDb and Twitter Aline Brosh McKenna on IMDb and on Twitter Rachel Bloom on IMDb and on Instagram John Gatins on IMDb Scriptnotes, Episode 362: The One with Mindy Kaling Scriptnotes, Episode 368: Advice for a New Staff Writer Scriptnotes, Episode 350: Limerance One Thing You Should Read: Most Hollywood Writers Look Nothing Like America by Hannah Giorgis writing for The Atlantic Get a Scriptnotes T-shirt! Gift a Scriptnotes Subscription or treat yourself to a premium subscription! Craig Mazin on Twitter John August on Twitter John on Instagram Outro by Matthew Chilelli (send us yours!) Scriptnotes is produced by Megana Rao and edited by Matthew Chilelli. Email us at [email protected] You can download the episode here.