On Story

For every iconic character, there's an equally iconic backstory. Sydney Pollack (Out of Africa, Tootsie) and David Milch (NYPD Blue, Deadwood) put on a stimulating seminar, revealing the mosaic of humanity they pull from when breathing authenticity into the characters who end up carrying their tales. Film: The Lab by Ryan Scheer

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.

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.

TV megahit 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.

Set against the grand tapestry of life, almost any story might be a movie. But when constrained by the silver screen, very few could be considered cinematic. The struggle of distilling true stories into taut and visceral arcs is brought to life by the creators behind The Fighter, Reversal of Fortune, Conviction, and Apollo 13. Featuring Ron Howard, Scott Silver, Nicholas Kazan, and Pamela Gray. Film: Overnight Stay by Daniela Sherer

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.

How to tether a rocketship; or how to keep your high-flying creations grounded and accessible. In this week's fascinating discussion, the brilliant tacticians behind such classics as Edward Scissorhands, Toy Story, and Up! wade deep in the underlying mechanics of structure and where to find resonant truth in its rigid formalities. Featuring John Lasseter and Caroline Thompson. Film: Playing Ghost by Bianca Ansems

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.

From The Graduate and Catch-22 to Saturday Night Live and Get Smart, iconic comedic and distinctly American writer, director, and actor Buck Henry recalls his long and storied career in Hollywood. Followed by the heartwarming story of a failed ukulele player and her talking puppet dog, The Ballad of Friday and June by writer/director Tate English.

The scholarly Rodrigo Garcia discusses the influence of his father, Gabriel García Márquez, and the complexities and flaws that form nuanced, layered characters in The Godfather, Capote, as well as his own Mother and Child and In Treatment. Film: Who Lasts Longer by Gregorio Muro

The writers behind the beloved animated classics Kung Fu Panda 1 & 2, King of the Hill, and discuss the comedy, action, and emotion that go into creating the worlds and characters that appeal to audiences of all ages. And then enter the magical world of the short film Dreamgiver by director/producer Tyler Carter. What fanciful adventures happen after we go to sleep?

Thriller master writer/director Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Lethal Weapon) discusses the critical elements of a taut, suspense-filled movie – raising stakes, unexpected reversals, and satisfying payoffs – using examples from such classics as Rocky, The Long Kiss Goodnight, and La Femme Nikita. Followed by the apocalyptic short film Blind Spot by writer/director Matthew Nayman.