523. The Comic Hero’s Journey
Using comedy expert Steve Kaplan’s upcoming book as a launching point, he and TV writer Ellen Sandler discuss the journey, goals and drive of main characters in comedy features and TV shows.

Using comedy expert Steve Kaplan’s upcoming book as a launching point, he and TV writer Ellen Sandler discuss the journey, goals and drive of main characters in comedy features and TV shows.
Star student turned star TV writer Charmaine DeGrate returns to the podcast to share what she’s learned as a writer and producer of the popular CW series “The 100.”
Christopher Vogler, author of the landmark book "The Writer's Journey”, discusses mythic structure, connectivity and “the wisdom of the body."
David Kessler spent years attempting to get life rights for the scripts he wanted to write. In this episode he shares his journey and provides tips for the passionate (and brave) screenwriter.
It's another On The Page/Rock Solid mash-up as Pilar and Pat Francis read listener's log lines and play the songs that the writer would want on the soundtrack.
Want to get a laugh? Try some conflict and hostility. Peter Desberg, psychologist, teacher and author, explains it all to you.
Silicon Valley writer Shawn Boxe talks about getting work, navigating the writers room and creating story while also battling cancer.
The great Scotty Mullen returns to talk about his latest movie: Sharknado 5!
Time, place, pacing and continuity: these are just some of the responsibilities of a script supervisor. Sylvia Parker (Edge of Tomorrow, T2 Trainspotting, The Theory of Everything, Murder on the Orient Express), covers the details!
Kirsten (Kiwi) Smith, the co-writer of "Legally Blonde," "10 Things I Hate About You," "Ella Enchanted" and (in development) "The Expendabelles" and "Sister Act 3," talks about breaking story, creating set-pieces and discovering the “joy" of a character.
From inner wounds to onion chopping, Pilar and author Michael Hauge hash out the complex character arc of the on-screen protagonist.
Writing partners Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin describe their journey from winning contests to writing the live action “Mulan" for Disney.
How do you find the next great story? Writers Jacob Coakley, Alicia Lomas-Gross, Amanda Torigiani, Nadia Madden and Neal Thibedeau share the ways they brainstorm new ideas and find character inspiration from news, work and life.
Jamie Anderson has worked hard creating content and pitching ideas. Now it's paying off with representation and features in development.
Producer Wendy Miller (formerly with Playboy TV, NBC Universal, Lifetime, Oxygen) has heard many, many reality pitches. Here are some of her do’s and don’ts!
Heather Overton, manager of original programming at Crown Media Family Networks, discusses the mission and story approach at the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.
Irish writer/director John Butler discusses the ways he honored and subverted archetypes in his "coming out of age" film, "Handsome Devil."
Pilar learns from husband Pat Francis about the “three phases” of Marvel story-lines in the movies and on television.
Writers Melissa Cassera and Hunter Doohan separately made their first script sales with Lifetime. Hear how they did it, what it’s taught them and what’s next on the horizon.
Carole Kirschner, Director of the WGA Showrunner Training Program, CBS Diversity Program and Humanitas Fellowship, returns with business advice on how to create your personal PR packet, how to prep for a meeting and what not to wear to an interview.
A distributor, marketing expert, acquisitions director, producer, writer and filmmaker offer their opinions and expertise at the Cartagena International Film Festival.
"Go-getters” Aydrea Walden, T. Michael Martin and Denise Cruz reveal the unique approaches to story and business that helped them hit the ground running with their writing careers.
Pilar welcomes legendary Director John Badham (Saturday Night Fever, War Games, Blue Thunder, Stakeout) to the show to discuss his career in filmmaking and his approach to the script.
Pilar celebrates the 500th episode of the On the Page Podcast with her producers past and present.
Director Elliott Lester discusses his upcoming slate of projects including the new film "Aftermath" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Daniel Pyne, screenwriter (sum of all fears, manchurian candidate, pacific heights) and novelist, drops by the OTP Studio to chat about noir tropes, writing authentically, and the challenges of inaccurate IMDB descriptions.
Pilar and guest co-host Jason Levy (winner of the 2016 Log Line Contest) listen to the movie and TV pitches of writers Cat Alvarado, Barbara Cole, Julianne Eggold, Darius Garland, Misha Klein and Ryan Nanni.
Writers Ayser Salman and Lena Khan talk about the challenge and promise of writing Muslim characters for film and TV.
TV and film choreographer Courtney Miller reveals the way on-screen dance contributes to story.
Brian Pope, Mike Musa, Nina Berry and Pat Francis join Pilar for their annual discussion of the nominees for best screenplay and best adapted screenplay.