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

Today's episode is all about AI - artificial intelligence - and what it means to TV and screenwriters.

When the WGA writers went on strike, AI was among the concerns. Writers became obsessed with what it was and how it works and whether it's useful or not useful for a professional career. Since the strike ended there have been stories in the press about multiple sides of the issue - from concerns about AI learning from TV and film scripts to the question of whether (and how) writers should use it in their own work. What's the best way forward as a writer in a world where AI gives you options you've never had? How much should we lean in? Should we set boundaries on how we use it? Or should we assume everyone is diving in and in order to be competitive, we should, too?

Nick and Steve offer two different perspectives on Artificial Intelligence as they carve out ways to make use of this tool. There's a ton of passion on each side. Along the way, they'll talk about screenwriter Paul Schrader's opinions, answer a question from the client mailbag, and each make the case for AI's role in the writer's life. Which approach fits your style and your career? This convo may well help you decide where you stand - even as artificially intelligent creatives are standing right beside you.

Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound

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

Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound

On today's episode, we're talking about notes.

Every TV and Feature writer gets notes - whether in writers' groups or from executives, showrunners, production companies or studios. But what do you do with all that feedback? Notes can make people defensive and emotional. All those comments can shut people down and some are just confusing. Should you stay open and soak up all the notes they throw at you? Or get the note-givers to slow their roll and keep the notes to a minimum?

Nick and Steve offer TWO different ways to deal with notes - from differing perspectives. Find out which approach fits your style and your career. Unearth key insights to help you deal with feedback coming from people who may want to pay you and produce your work. Plus: check out a true-life story about the challenging impact of notes on a writer.

Music for Your Creative Life promo by SigmaMusicArt

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

Aiyo/ On My Way/ courtesy of Epidemic Sound