The Script Reader Pro Podcast
Ever wish you had a pro screenwriter whispering the secrets of how to create and sustain a writing career in your ear each week? (And how to enjoy the ride!) This is exactly what you’ll get when you tune into the Script Reader Pro podcast with pro writer, Scott Parisien, and his co-host Desiree.
We’re a small group of story analysts who are also professional screenwriters. We’ve written scripts, been produced, know how the business works and how to break into it. And in this podcast, we’ll show you how. Our speciality? Taking long-winded, often contradictory and confusing screenwriting theories and turning them into actionable, step-by-step processes.
On the podcast, we answer listener questions, read your loglines, scenes, and break down what works and what doesn’t in professional scripts. We also have guests on—from writers, to actors, to managers and producers—to share their experiences and hands-on advice too. Our aim is for you to not just listen passively, but go away knowing how to apply what you’ve heard to your own work right away. Whether you want to know how to start writing a script, or you’ve written 10 but had minimal success, or even if you’ve sold several scripts but are having trouble sustaining your career, we’ve got you covered.
So join Scott and Desiree for a weekly screenwriting deep dive, and let’s help fulfill your creative dreams of becoming a paid and (always) working writer.
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- Update frequency
- every 11 days
- Average duration
- 43 minutes
- Episodes
- 40
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Building a Character from Scratch
In this episode, Scott puts Desiree on the spot and together they build a character from scratch, digging into wants vs. needs, defining moments, secrets, fears, and how reality TV can sharpen your c…
Building a Portfolio
In this episode, Scott and Desiree dive into why building a strong portfolio is essential before reaching out to managers, agents, or producers. From how many scripts you need to what else belongs in…
Loglines
In this episode, Scott and Desiree break down the art of writing a killer logline, that one-sentence hook that makes someone have to read your script. They share the 5 C’s of loglines, common mistake…
Great TV Writing
In this episode, Scott and Desiree break down what makes great TV, using Department Q as a masterclass example. From broken characters to intricate plotting, they explore how to write layered, memora…
Opening Pages
In this episode, Scott and Desiree break down the first pages of six produced screenplays, exploring what grabs the reader, what sets the tone, and what falls flat. Expect sharp insights, script anal…
Give and Take Notes
In this episode of the Script Reader Pro Podcast, Scott and Desiree explore how to develop your idea into a strong foundation before you start writing. From pressure-testing your premise to using log…
Believe in Yourself
Feeling stuck in self-doubt? You’re not alone. In this heart-to-heart episode, Scott and Desiree talk about the highs and lows of being a screenwriter, and why believing in yourself might just be the…
How to Master Pacing in Your Script
How do you master pacing in your script? In this episode, Scott and Desiree break down what makes a screenplay feel too slow or too rushed, genre by genre. Plus, they analyze real examples, dish on m…
What Makes a Scene GREAT?
Are you ready to elevate your scenes? Our latest podcast episode dives into the anatomy of a scene, exploring the essential do's and don'ts every writer should know. We discuss the importance of conf…
How to Get a Manager
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p…
"Bones and All" - 10-Page Read-Through!
The Art of Challenging Yourself in Writing
In this episode of The Script Reader Pro Podcast, Desiree and Scott explore the importance of challenging yourself as a writer.
They discuss how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to authent…
"Writing Is Rewriting" But How?
In this episode of the Script Reader Pro Podcast, Scott and Desiree dive into the real work of screenwriting — rewriting. They share practical tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that will help you…
Why Rom Coms are Back! (and Tips On How to Write One)
Romantic comedies are back! In this episode, we break down what makes a great rom-com - from classic tropes to modern twists. Learn how to balance humor and heart, avoid common mistakes, and craft a …
Writing Outside the Box
Want to make your screenplays stand out? In this episode, we break down what it means to think outside the box in screenwriting. From crafting original ideas to unexpected character choices, Scott an…
Structuring Through Character
In this episode of the Script Reader Pro Podcast, we’re diving deep into screenplay structure. What is it? How do you master it? And how does it differ for TV vs. film? Scott and Desiree break it all…
A Conversation w/ Pro Writer Matthew Currie Holmes on the "Fast Draft Method" and More
In this episode of the Script Reader Pro Podcast, we chat with Matthew Currie Holmes (MCH) about his unique Fast Draft Method, a game-changing approach to overcoming writer’s block and getting your s…
How to Nail Your First Page (w/ Script Examples)
Join us for hands-on advice, insider hacks, and deep dives into the world of screenwriting! In this episode, we’re breaking down why your first page is the most important page of your screenplay. Get…
How to Write a Script That's UNDENIABLE
In this episode of the Script Reader Pro Podcast, Desiree and Scott dive into what makes a script undeniable. They discuss the key elements that can make your script stand out, including feedback, to…
Austin Film Festival Debrief
In this episode, Scott and Desiree dive into the highlights of the Austin Film Festival and Screenwriting Conference. From golden nuggets of writing advice to behind-the-scenes stories about iconic s…