Make My Damn Movie
216 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsMark Reynolds and Tom Swain talk about the movie, media and entertainment industries, focusing on several original screenplays and the challenges of getting a film produced in Hollywood with a few fart jokes peppered in... Okay, fine... It's pretty much all fart jokes.
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Episodes
Dialog That Bites | Ep. 77
May 05, 2021 18:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBMaking the most out of your dialog, making sure characters make sense. Also, Mark & Tom talk with Sonita Kwi in The Writers Roundup, messages from listeners, The Movie Quotes Game, Staff Picks and more, more, more (unfortunately)...
Start Late, Get Out Early | Ep. 76
April 28, 2021 18:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBMark talks about the first drafts of his first screenplay and how he failed miserably at starting scenes late. Also, Tom's young son Aven has a different take on the Make My Damn Movie theme song, Joshua Maheu makes an appearance on The Writer's Roundup, listener messages, Staff Picks, The Movie Quotes Game and so on and so forth...
Script Readers Who Miss The Point | Ep. 75
April 21, 2021 18:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBMark & Tom crack the whip on screenplay readers that simply gloss over obvious elements in a script. Also, Stephen Beyer is in The Writer's Roundup, messages from listeners, The Movie Quotes Game, Staff Picks and some this and some that...
Same Script/Different Opinions | Ep. 74
April 14, 2021 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBMark & Tom read listener feedback on the film, "The Florida Project". Straight-up opinions about how to deal with two polar opposite analysis on the exact same script. Also, Gabriel Marinho in The Writer's Roundup, messages from listeners, The Movie Quotes Game, Staff Picks and...
How To Handle Numerous Characters | Ep. 73
April 07, 2021 19:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBHow many characters are too many in a screenplay? How to handle secondary characters. Mark & Tom lay it out. Also, Alex Canaran stops by in the "Writer's Roundup", messages from listeners, "The Movie Quotes Game", "Staff Picks", and so much more stuff you might poop. Let's hope not, but...
Female Centric Comedy Movies | Ep. 72
March 31, 2021 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBMark & Tom chat about the lack of strong female comedy films. Also, Mark shares more about his youth, a visit with Ronika Merl in "The Writer's Roundup", listener messages, "The Movie Quotes Game", "Staff Picks" and other miscellaneous items...
Write What You Know | Ep. 71
March 24, 2021 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBMark & Tom have brought up writing about what is familiar to you before and now re-visit the subject with another take on it. Also, Mark shares a story about buying a Playboy when he was 15 years-old, Hank Byrd is in "The Writer's Roundup", messages from listeners, "The Movie Quotes Game", "Staff Picks" and so much more, it'll blow your mind. Okay. Probably not, but still...
Handling Criticism | Ep. 70
March 17, 2021 20:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBGetting feedback on your work is tough. We'll discuss. Also, a post script to Mark's high school/"Boogie Nights" story from the last episode, Writer's Roundup with Travis Heermann, listener messages, The Movie Quotes Game, Staff Picks and more...
Making A Script Relatable | Ep. 69
March 10, 2021 20:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBMark & Tom discuss creating story lines that feel "real" to the masses. Also, Mark sees "Boogie Nights" for the first time and it conjures up memories from his high school days (what?!), listener messages, The Movie Quotes game, Staff Picks and a new segment called "Writer's Roundup" where various folks talk about their wins & losses in the screenwriting world for 5-7 minutes. First up, Eric Lee Huffman.
Revamping Entire Scenes | Ep. 68
March 03, 2021 19:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBIt's scary to remove complete scenes that you love from a screenplay, but sometimes... Also, Tom gets called-out for a "Last Man Standing" flub, Mark's Bose earbuds are a dud, listener messages, The Movie Quotes Game, Staff Picks and other lovely things and stuff...
Character Description | Ep. 67
February 24, 2021 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBGive readers something to chew on when it comes to describing the people in your script. We'll discuss. Also, the new Radioactive Rant podcast is out (be kind), Mark opens up about his standards for girls when he was a kid, Tom finally does "okay" with old TV Trivial Pursuit questions, messages from listeners, The movie Quotes Game, Staff Picks and other sundry items...
How Did These Scripts Get Through?! | Ep. 66
February 17, 2021 21:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBEver wonder how a script got through in a screenwriting competition? Yeah, us too. We'll read a few "winning" loglines as we scratch our heads collectively. Also, Mark shares an email from a former colleague, Tom talks about watching "Last Man Standing", Mark talks about watching grind house movies, listener messages, The Movie Quotes Game, Staff Picks and uhh...
Separate Your Scripts From The Rest | Ep. 65
February 10, 2021 20:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBYou must differentiate your screenplays from all the other ones floating around producer's desks. We'll discuss. Also, Mark and Tom are pissed about the lack of cool Super Bowl commercials this year, messages from listeners, The Movie Quotes Game, Staff Picks and other things and stuff...
Formatting A Screenplay | Ep. 64
February 03, 2021 20:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBYou must have knowledge of the "ins & outs" of proper script formatting or you can kiss your chances of having anyone of note read your words. Also, messages from listeners, The Movie Quotes Game, Staff Picks and more TALK about The Radioactive Rant Podcast, will it ever actually happen? Hey! Don't worry about it...
Edit Your Dialog | Ep. 63
January 27, 2021 22:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBMake sure the dialog you write is succinct. Extremely important if you want readers to get into your character's head. Also, bitching about ANOTHER Super Bowl with Tom the butthole Brady, Mark encourages Tom to watch "The Eric Andre Show" from "adult swim", anticipation grows regarding Mark & Tom's soon-to-be podcast, Radioactive Rant, messages from listeners, The Movie Quotes Game, Staff Picks and OxyContin...
Pitching A Screenplay | Ep. 62
January 20, 2021 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBOne of the most important things in screenwriting is pitching your script. It ain't easy, at least that what Mark thinks. We'll dive into that. Also, Make My Damn Movie podcast listeners weigh-in on who they think’s the "Biggest Asshole In Cinema History", listener messages, The Movie Quotes Game, Staff Picks and stuff we simply can't remember, so...
Attract Wide Audiences With Your Writing | Ep. 61
January 13, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBGet those butts in seats by appealing to a larger demographic. We’ll discuss. Also, more talk about our new podcast launching early 2021, listener messages from the MMDM website, our opinions on who the biggest asshole in cinema is, our "Staff Picks", the "Movie Quotes Game" and other sundry items...
Re-evaluate Your Characters | Ep. 60
January 06, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBDon't always "pluck" a character out of thin air. Look around you and you'll find the people in your life could be a huge help in developing character dialog and traits. Also, why Tom is on the f%#@ing phone, Mark's already failed New Years Resolution, listener messages, The Movie Quotes Game and Staff Picks + so much more your head will literally explode... Okay, not literally, but...
Why You Need To Re-evaluate Your Characters | Ep. 60
January 06, 2021 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBDon't always "pluck" a character out of thin air. Look around you and you'll find the people in your life could be a huge help in developing character dialog and traits. Also, why Tom is on the f%#@ing phone, Mark's already failed New Years Resolution, listener messages, The Movie Quotes Game and Staff Picks + so much more your head will literally explode... Okay, not literally, but...
More Uncomplicated Scripts, Please | Ep. 59
December 30, 2020 07:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBCan we PLEASE get a few nice, simple stories produced?! Maybe in 2021 this can happen. We discuss why this is important to the WORLD! Also, a new feature called "Staff Picks" where Mark & Tom suggest a movie for you to check-out + listener messages, The Movie Quotes Game and... Well... That's enough.
Double Checking Your Script's Humor | Ep. 58
December 23, 2020 07:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBMost times, the "hilarious" dialog you have written in early drafts ain't all that knee slappin'. Go back and see for yourself. Also, A lovely little Christmas story from Mark that is sure to warm your heart, the Christmas edition of the Movie Quotes Game, listener messages and more jolly stuff... Merry Christmas!
Choosing Your Words When Writing | Ep. 57
December 16, 2020 07:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBFinding the perfect words or phrases can make a huge difference in your screenplay. We layout a few examples. Also, worst Christmas movie ever, getting ready for our new ranting podcast, Radioactive Rant and more...
Flesh Out Your Screenplay | Ep. 56
December 09, 2020 22:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBGoing over and over... and over your material truly helps. We'll discuss. Also, messages from listeners from the Make My Damn Movie website, launching our new podcast, The Movie Quotes game and other stuff...
Developing Great Script Ideas | Ep. 55
December 02, 2020 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBHow to come up with spectacular stories for your screenplays. Also, turkey-day "fun", messages from listeners from The Make My Damn Movie website, The Movie Quotes Game, prepping for another podcast and a quickie review of a new podcast...
First Page Script Problems | Ep. 54
November 25, 2020 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBIssues that can wreck your screenplay's first page and how to avoid them. Also, messages from the Make My Damn Movie website, Mark's birthday dinner misfortune, The Movie Quotes Game, tailored pants and other weirdness...
Writing A Killer Opening | Ep. 53
November 18, 2020 22:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBDiscussion of how important a first impression is with your screenplay. Grabbing the reader is rule number one and that must be done out of the gate. Also, messages from listeners from The Make My Damn Movie website, The Movie Quotes Game, a few added classic TV questions from an old Trivial Pursuit game found in the garage, The Robot and Alien show up and we talk about a new podcast...
Ragging On Script Feedback | Ep. 52
November 11, 2020 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBAnother round of calling-out questionable screenplay notes. The listeners have spoken. We discuss launching yet another podcast (yeah, we're dumb). Also, listener messages from the MMDM website, theMovie Quotes Game, a quickie back and forth about the 1984 movie "The Wild Life" and more...
Too Many Movie Choices! | Ep. 51
November 04, 2020 21:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBThere are so many movies churned-out on a regular basis that it is simply too crowded to get a screenplay produced... and that is frustrating! We address this deeply disturbing issue. Also, messages from The Make My Damn Movie website, The Movie Quotes Game and some toys (yay!). Join us, won't we?
What Happened To Young Adult Films? | Ep. 50
October 28, 2020 20:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBRemember when movies with teens and twenty-somethings were actually watchable and you genuinely liked the characters? Where the hell are they?! Also, our scariest movie pick, just in time for Halloween, more messages from listeners from the Make My Damn Movie website, The Movie Quotes game and more about Marsha or Jan being the most attractive (The Brady Bunch). Yep... We need to get out more...
More Screenwriting Myths | Ep. 49
October 21, 2020 20:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBPart two of a few more screenwriting myths to squash. Also, ragging on "The Brady Bunch" TV show, more listener messages from the Make My Damn Movie website + The Movie Quotes Game and other stuff and things...
Screenwriting Myths | Ep. 48
October 14, 2020 19:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBBusting screenwriting myths, so there. Listener messages from The Make My Damn Movie website, the Movie Quotes Game, and generally ragging on stuff (like always).
Dissecting Documentaries | Ep. 47
October 07, 2020 18:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBReview of the 2020 documentary "Jasper Mall" with a deep dive into why this film missed the target by not staying laser focused on the main subject... deserted shopping malls! Also, why we do what we do on The Make My Damn Movie Podcast (like it or not), listener messages and The Movie Quotes Game + more (I think)...
Dissecting Documentaries
October 07, 2020 18:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBReview of the 2020 documentary "Jasper Mall" with a deep dive into why this film missed the target by not staying laser focused on the main subject... deserted shopping malls! Also, why we do what we do on The Make My Damn Movie Podcast (like it or not), listener messages and The Movie Quotes Game + more (I think)...
Coping With Writing Frustrations | Ep. 46
September 30, 2020 20:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBGetting fed-up with projects going nowhere? We get it. Is there any way to deal with that frustration, because we don't know of a sure-fire one. Oh well... Also, Tom WINS the tee shirt on The Movie Quotes Game (finally!), new found toys, listener messages from makemydamnmovie.com Mark's tomb stone wishes (what?) and other stuff and things...
Why You Should Write What You Know | Ep. 45
September 23, 2020 20:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBStruggling with story ideas? Write about things you've done in the past. Makes it easier to move through your tale because you've lived it. Also, listener messages from makemydamnmovie.com, a sound effects extravaganza (sorry) and The Movie Quotes Game with some additional classic TV show questions.
Calling Out Dumb Feedback | Ep. 44
September 16, 2020 20:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBWe've all gotten stupid script feedback, so isn't it time to rag on it? Also, stuff to watch and NOT watch on TV, listener messages from the Make My Damn Movie website, The Movie Quotes Game and more stuff that we can't remember (but it's probably pretty good).
BONUS EPISODE: Interview with Andrew Stevens | Ep. 43
September 14, 2020 14:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBIn this BONUS EPISODE, writer, producer, director, actor and author ANDREW STEVENS discusses the movie industry in today's environment. He also talks about his book, "Screenwriting For Profit/Writing For The Global Marketplace" and much more!
Writing Role Models Into Your Scripts | Ep. 42
September 09, 2020 20:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBWhere are all the role models in movies and television shows? We need characters that we actually like to be satisfied at the end of a movie or a TV show. Also, a review of Neflix's "Inside The World's Toughest Prisons", listener messages from the Make My Damn Movie website, Movie Quotes Game and more.
Using Your First Draft To Learn From | Ep. 41
September 01, 2020 19:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBDig up the first drafts of your screenplays and comb through them. You might be surprised how much you've learned. Also, we will be changing the day we post new episodes from Tuesdays to Wednesdays starting next podcast (next week), to participate or not to participate in the virtual Austin Film festival, listener messages from the Make My Damn Movie website + The Movie Quotes Game and more...
Writing A Great Query Letter | Ep. 40
August 25, 2020 19:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBWriting loglines and query letters the right way, and by the way... we actually remembered to record this episode (yay!). Also, finding the best "Make My Damn Movie" chachki for giveaways, new robots, aliens and monsters (oh my) + the Movie Quotes game and so much more.
Honing Dialog Into Quotable Quotes | Ep. 39
August 18, 2020 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBThis is a "re-do" show. THOUGHT we were recording earlier, but... So, a TON of bitching and moaning about forgetting to hit record on the podcast the first time around today and reminiscing about what a great podcast it was (ugh!). Re-discussion about writing dialog that is memorable as well as quotable and making a lasting impression with your script. Also, The Movie Quotes Game (again) and The Robot and Alien show up (again).
Common Screenwriting Errors Part 2 | Ep. 38
August 11, 2020 19:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBMore flubs screenwriters make all the time (so stop doing them!). Also, listener messages, why you should never eat SPAM, The Movie Quotes Game and more!
Common Screenwriting Errors Part 1 | Ep. 37
August 04, 2020 19:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBPart 1 of pointing out habitual mistakes when crafting a screenplay. Also, enough with the short-form videos, listener messages + the Movie Quotes Game and more...
Are Screenwriting Contests Worth It? | Ep. 36
July 28, 2020 20:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBShould you enter a screenwriting competition? Also, listener messages + The Movie Quotes Game and more!
Methods Used To Write Great Screenplays | Ep. 35
July 21, 2020 21:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBDiscussion about the many processes that are used to write a script. Also, hate mail, listener messages, the Robot and Alien make an appearance, listener messages from the Make My Damn Movie website + The Movie Quotes Game and more!
Writing Funny Comedies | Ep. 34
July 14, 2020 16:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBWhat happened to the hilarious comedy movies like were made in the 70's and 80's?! Also "Down East Dickering" rules, "Storage Wars" sucks + The Movie Quotes Game!
Do I Have To Move To LA To Write? | Ep. 33
July 07, 2020 19:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBActor, producer, writer Eric Lee Huffman discusses the ups and downs of deciding to relocate to Los Angeles to enter the film and TV industry. Also, "toying" with making a "Make My Damn Movie" talking toy button + The Movie Quotes Game and more!
Tips To Make Your Script Readable | Ep. 32
June 30, 2020 20:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBFive sure-fire ways to ensure that your screenplay makes sense to readers, also more new toys, listener messages and email + The Movie Quotes Game!
Screenwriting Guides | Ep. 31
June 23, 2020 19:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBWhy screenwriting periodicals can trip you up when used as a strict rule, also listener messages, the return of toys + The Movie Quotes Game.
Using Screenwriting Guides The Right Way | Ep. 31
June 23, 2020 19:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBWhy screenwriting periodicals can trip you up when used as a strict rule, also listener messages, the return of toys + The Movie Quotes Game.