In this episode, screenwriter and 2016 Black List honoree Liz Hannah shares the story behind her acclaimed debut film, The Post. Liz reveals how reading TheWashington Post Publisher Katherine Graham’s memoir years prior sparked the inspiration for the screenplay—and how, from the start, she imagined the iconic role of Graham being played by none other than Meryl Streep. Hosts Franklin and Kate dive into Liz's creative process, discussing her approach to writing across genres, exploring the nuanced "gray area of mental health" on screen, her work on the rom-com Long Shot, and much more. Liz’s recent work on the Kate Winslet-led film Lee is a great reason to listen back to this excellent 2020 conversation.

Originally published in 2020. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.

To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.

Mentions:

+The Post: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_post

+Long Shot: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/long-shot

+Mindhunter: https://www.netflix.com/title/80114855

+All the Bright Places: https://www.netflix.com/title/80208802

[REPRISE] From science major to punk rock band member to comedy writer, he is now the co-creator of multiple popular television shows, a producer, screenwriter, and film director. Alan Yang joins the show to talk about his creative journey to Parks and Recreation (an experience he cherishes for the incredible education it gave him) and beyond. He also dives deep on his developing a character-based approach to comedy, directing his film Tigertail, and some of his creative influences. Plus: the reason he thanked white guys in an awards speech.

This conversation took place in 2020. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.

To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.

Mentions:

+Tigertail: https://www.netflix.com/title/80202958

+Little America: https://deadline.com/2018/06/apple-little-america-immigrant-anthology-series-the-big-sick-writers-lee-eisenberg-alan-yang-1202413632/

+Master of None: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/master_of_none/s01

+Parks and Recreation: https://www.nbc.com/parks-and-recreation

[Encore episode] Russian Doll co-creator Leslye Headland joins Kate and Franklin for a wide, thoughtful take on all the things that excite her about movies and storytelling (Headland is also a playwright). She reflects on the origins of her love of film, including the many things her parents let her stay up to watch, or actors and movies they introduced her to. On the Kubrick film that inspired her to become a filmaker, she says: "I watched it almost every day. I just couldn't get enough of it. ...And I just thought, somehow I'm going to do this. Somehow I'm going to make this happen for myself. I don't know how but I'm going to do it." Plus: what it was like writing for the quirky FX drama Terriers, challenging the overwhelming white maleness of the cinematic canon (think: The Graduate, Taxi Driver) and so much more.

Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst.

To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. This episode was originally published behind a paywall in 2020.

Mentions:

+Russian Doll: https://www.netflix.com/title/80211627

+The Shining: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shining

+Terriers: https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/terriers