Screenplayed Breakdown

Screenplayed

Learning from cinema’s most gifted actors, directors, and writers. Hosted by Conor O'Malley. A podcast by Screenplayed & The Kinnane Brothers.

  1. 3d ago

    'All Her Fault' Showrunner Megan Gallagher

    Megan Gallagher joins The Screenplayed Breakdown to discuss Peacock’s hit thriller series 'All Her Fault,' starring Sarah Snook. As the show’s lead writer and showrunner, Megan breaks down the process of adapting Andrea Mara’s bestselling novel into an eight-episode television event and reveals how major storylines, characters, and twists were developed specifically for the series. Megan discusses her unconventional path into the industry, moving from the United States to Norway and building a television career through the British and European production systems. She explains the differences between American and British writers' rooms, the challenges of constructing a mystery that keeps audiences guessing, and the importance of creating satisfying twists that feel surprising yet inevitable. The conversation also explores Megan’s experience assembling a writers' room, working with directors Minkie Spiro and Kate Dennis, and translating complex character dynamics from page to screen. She reflects on writing personal material inspired by her own family, the realities of sustaining a career in Hollywood, and why success in the entertainment industry is less about connections and more about persistence and hard work. Before creating 'All Her Fault,' Megan wrote and produced television projects across Scandinavia and the United Kingdom, including work for BBC One. She continues to develop character-driven thrillers and adaptations for international audiences while serving as a writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers:www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed:Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLGTwitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEyFacebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKTWebsite: www.screenplayed.com

    50 min
  2. Jan 24

    'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Writer/Director Jeff Schaffer

    Seinfeld writer and Curb Your Enthusiasm director Jeff Schaffer joins The Screenplayed Breakdown for an in-depth discussion of how one of television’s most influential comedies is actually made. Drawing on three decades of collaboration with Larry David, Schaffer explains why Curb is built without a traditional script, how stories are constructed through outlines rather than dialogue, and why Larry David actively avoids rehearsal to preserve genuine surprise on set. The conversation traces Schaffer’s career from Seinfeld to Curb, highlighting how both shows rely on rigorous structure beneath an appearance of chaos. Schaffer also details the practical realities of directing improvisation: live-directing actors, moving cameras mid-scene, feeding lines during takes, and shaping episodes simultaneously as writer, director, and editor. He describes Curb as being written three times — in outline, on the day of shooting, and again in the edit — and explains why some of the show’s most iconic moments emerge unexpectedly in the moment. The episode offers a rare, craft-focused look at improvisation at the highest level of television, aimed at film fans, television audiences, and anyone interested in how great comedy is actually made. Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

    51 min
  3. Jan 11

    'Jay Kelly' Director and Writers Noah Baumbach & Emily Mortimer

    Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer discuss learning rigor from Wes Anderson, how defending murderers can make someone a better writer, and why first drafts are supposed to be difficult. In a loose, wide-ranging conversation, they break down how Baumbach’s early, half-formed ideas slowly turned into a finished script through collaboration, argument, and repetition. Baumbach reflects on working with Wes Anderson early in his career and how that experience taught him not to settle for scenes that merely function, but to keep revisiting the work until it truly clicks. That discipline shapes his process today and defines his collaboration with Mortimer, who describes acting as both creative partner and structural enforcer, pushing story logic while learning to trust that rough early drafts are part of the job. Mortimer shares how her father’s career as a criminal defense barrister — defending even the most unsavory clients — shaped her approach to character, empathy, and judgment, and why treating every character as innocent until proven otherwise leads to richer storytelling. Together, they talk about why most writing starts out bad, how cutting scenes often helps better versions emerge later, and how creative disagreements can strengthen a script. The conversation also touches on directing actors, including working with George Clooney, and why sticking closely to the page can actually give performers more freedom. It’s a casual, honest look at collaboration, craft, and the long, uncomfortable process of turning ideas into films. Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/screenplayed Follow the Kinnane Brothers: www.instagram.com/kinnanebrothers/ www.twitter.com/kinnanebrothers/ Follow Screenplayed: Instagram: http://bit.ly/34oQKLG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3p5qnEy Facebook: https://bit.ly/2KhPbKT Website: www.screenplayed.com

    20 min
5
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Learning from cinema’s most gifted actors, directors, and writers. Hosted by Conor O'Malley. A podcast by Screenplayed & The Kinnane Brothers.

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