First Five

Lindsay Stidham

First Five is a podcast hosted by screenwriter and filmmaker Lindsay Stidham that dives into the first five pages of scripts (both classic and new) to explore what makes a story hook work. Each episode unpacks how writers craft their opening, tease out themes, structure, character arcs, and narrative momentum. It's designed for screenwriters, storytellers, and movie lovers who care deeply about craft, opening scenes, and the delicate architecture of a great start. Lindsay brings her experience (MFA-trained, working writer) and her sharp, generous eye to each breakdown, offering insight, encouragement, and inspiration along with an incredible cavalcade of guests at various points in their own careers. Whether you're writing your own script or just obsessed with why your favorite movies grab you, First Five is a thoughtful, creative, and smart conversation about story beginnings.

에피소드

  1. Joyce Liu Countryman

    2월 11일

    Joyce Liu Countryman

    In this episode of The First Five, host Lindsay Stidham sits down with producer and storyteller Joyce Liu Countryman to explore the craft of story, the realities of indie producing, and the honor (and responsibility) of joining The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. From lyrical fiction to real-world filmmaking, Joyce offers insights that will inspire writers, producers, and curious cinephiles alike. The pair also tackle the First Five of The English Patient and discuss intimacy, the power of embracing death, atmospheric world building, and more. Follow https://www.instagram.com/joyceliucountryman/ for her own filmmaking journey.

    34분

  2. 1월 27일

    Katie Folger Gets In Bed With The Pizza Man

    On this episode of First 5, we're joined by actress and writer Katie Folger, who performs the first five pages of her bold, funny, and disarmingly honest one-woman show, Getting in Bed with the Pizza Man. In these opening pages, Katie pulls us straight into a world of intimacy, vulnerability, and sharp self-awareness (where humor and heartbreak share the same slice). With wit and emotional precision, she explores desire, loneliness, fantasy, and the stories we tell ourselves about connection, all while establishing a voice that's fearless and deeply human. First 5 is a podcast about beginnings—the first five pages that set tone, character, and promise. Katie's piece is a masterclass in grabbing an audience immediately, inviting us into a confession that's as relatable as it is unexpected. Whether you're a writer curious about crafting a compelling opening, a performer drawn to solo work, or just someone who loves brave storytelling, this episode is a must-listen. Katie has performed this show around the country and there is more to come. Follow here on Instagram to keep track of her journey!  https://www.instagram.com/katiefolger/ #First5Podcast #ScreenwritingPodcast #FemaleActor #Actor #Actress #Comic #Comedian #Sexy #Relationships #Writers

    48분
  3. Episode 5: The Prophecy of Network with Sundance Filmmaker Janek Ambrose

    1월 13일

    Episode 5: The Prophecy of Network with Sundance Filmmaker Janek Ambrose

    Sundance alumni filmmaker Janek Ambrose has written, produced, and directed multiple award-winning shorts and features, and most recently attended Sundance as co-producer of In the Summers 🎬✨. Janek also founded Assembly Line Entertainment, where he seeks out projects he'd never conjure on his own—pushing boundaries, genres, and expectations 🚀. Much of Janek's work is politically minded, so he came armed with one of his all-time favorite scripts: Network 📺—nominated for 10 Academy Awards and winner of Best Screenplay for Paddy Chayefsky 🏆. Lindsay and Janek dive into the first five pages, debating just how prophetic the film was about the collapse of modern news and its transformation into pure entertainment. Meanwhile, Janek delivers excellent survival lessons for writers, directors, and producers alike. Follow Janek's company here: https://www.instagram.com/assemblylineent/ #First5Podcast #ScreenwritingPodcast #Sundance #IndieFilm #NetworkMovie #PaddyChayefsky #ScreenwritingTips #FilmmakerLife #FilmTwitter #WritersLife #BehindTheScenes #StoryCraft

    42분
  4. Big Swings and Small Moments with Ginny and Georgia Writers

    1월 6일

    Big Swings and Small Moments with Ginny and Georgia Writers

    What makes Ginny & Georgia so relentlessly bingeable? In this episode of First Five, we sit down with Ginny & Georgia writers Michelle Askew and Ayotunde Ifaturoti to unpack the craft, chaos, and collaboration behind one of Netflix's most addictive serialized dramas. Michelle and Ayotunde take us inside the writers' room to break down their episode—from the bold structural swings to the quiet, intimate character moments that make the show's teen-and-mom dynamic hit so hard. We talk about how the room balances tonal tightropes and why the smallest emotional beats often carry the biggest weight. The conversation dives deep into what it's really like to work in a high-pressure TV writers' room: how to bring your own lived experience into the work without losing the collective voice, how to pitch boldly while staying flexible, and how trust among writers shapes story. Michelle and Ayotunde also share insights on writing intergenerational conflict, crafting honest teenage voices, and keeping a serialized narrative emotionally grounded episode after episode. Additionally you can follow Michelle's latest short film work here: https://www.instagram.com/mich3ll3askew/

    40분
  5. Oh, Baby! The art of the sexy short film with Brooke Trantor

    2025. 12. 09.

    Oh, Baby! The art of the sexy short film with Brooke Trantor

    Welcome to a short-film focused episode of First 5, the podcast where we explore the first five pages of screenplays—both iconic and in-progress—to uncover what hooks us, what thrills us, and what makes a script truly tick. The talented multi-hyphenate writer, actor, and director Brooke Trantor joins us this episode.  Brooke has made a truly remarkable amount of short films and has played in notable festivals around the country. She regales with tales about her award-winning short film Oh, Baby! The film included working with her very pregnant best friend and navigating directing a sex scene pre #MeToo. Brooke also highlights what makes a great short versus what makes a great feature as she works towards her first feature film directing effort all while keeping in mind lessons she learned from Oh, Baby along the way.  Oh, Baby! Follow Brooke's filmmaking journey @brooketrantor Watch Oh, Baby! https://vimeo.com/360409872

    32분
  6. Perfume, Pleasure & Period Rom-Coms with Maggie Lane

    2025. 11. 25.

    Perfume, Pleasure & Period Rom-Coms with Maggie Lane

    Welcome to the premiere of First 5, where we crack open the first five pages of screenplays—iconic and in-progress—to uncover what makes them tick. I'm your host, Lindsay Stidham, and today's guest is the wildly talented Maggie Lane. Maggie's a rom-com lover, a cancer survivor, and yes—an alum of Sesame Street. She's also a certified nose who studied perfumery in Italy and brings us A Cord, her steamy, sensory-rich period rom-com set in 1850s Venice and London. We dive into the art of scent, sensual storytelling, and why the first five pages must seduce. Expect masked meet-cutes, olfactory synesthesia, and yes—spontaneous orgasms (thank you, tuberose 🌸). ✨ Key Takeaways 💋 Seeing scent: Using synesthesia as cinematic language 🎭 Masquerade magic: Romance at first whiff 🌹 A heroine shaped like a perfume bottle 💄 Writing sex scenes with confidence + silk robes 🧪 Perfume vs. patriarchy: Pleasure as protest 🪞 Then & now: Victorian themes that still hit Whether you're a screenwriter or scent enthusiast, this episode will intoxicate. 👉 Listen now and enter the fragrant, feminist world of A Cord.

    48분
  • 6개의 에피소드

평가 및 리뷰

5
최고 5점
3개의 평가

소개

First Five is a podcast hosted by screenwriter and filmmaker Lindsay Stidham that dives into the first five pages of scripts (both classic and new) to explore what makes a story hook work. Each episode unpacks how writers craft their opening, tease out themes, structure, character arcs, and narrative momentum. It's designed for screenwriters, storytellers, and movie lovers who care deeply about craft, opening scenes, and the delicate architecture of a great start. Lindsay brings her experience (MFA-trained, working writer) and her sharp, generous eye to each breakdown, offering insight, encouragement, and inspiration along with an incredible cavalcade of guests at various points in their own careers. Whether you're writing your own script or just obsessed with why your favorite movies grab you, First Five is a thoughtful, creative, and smart conversation about story beginnings.

정보

  • 제작진
    Lindsay Stidham
  • 방송 연도
    2025년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    6
  • 등급
    무삭제판
  • 웹사이트 보기
    First Five