Category: Animation

Animation, Television, Writing

How to Write a Pilot

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Ali discusses what goes into writing a TV comedy pilot for this special 100th episode of the podcast! She talks about the two main things any pilot should accomplish as well as the difference between a premise pilot and an episodic pilot, drawing examples from some of her favorites while also talking about how the television landscape has changed over the years.

Here’s the article Ali mentions at the beginning of the episode: Good Place Creator Michael Schur on What We Lose When TV Gets Shorter.

TV Pilots

Animation, Movie, Short Story

Inside Out + “An Emotional First Date”

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Ali discusses the brilliant Pixar movie, Inside Out, directed by Pete Docter, praising the imaginative concept and emotional storytelling that make it one of the best Pixar films. Afterward, she shares an Inside Out story she wrote called “An Emotional First Date.”

Inside Out
Animation, Movie

Hercules

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Ali discusses the Disney movie, Hercules, praising the stellar soundtrack and strong character arcs, all the while reminiscing about seeing the film in theaters and watching it repeatedly with her siblings on VHS.

Hercules and Meg
Animation, Movies

Shrek + Shrek 2

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Ali discusses the breakout hit DreamWorks movie, Shrek, and her personal favorite film of the franchise, Shrek 2, recounting the irreverent humor, sweet moments and timeless themes all wrapped up in a fun fairy tale universe.

Shrek and Shrek 2

Animation, Interview, Television, Writing

Network and Niche TV with Nick Adams

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Ali interviews author and TV writer, Nick Adams, whose writing credits include New Girl, black•ish, People of Earth, Tuca & Bertie and BoJack Horseman. Nick shares what his process was for writing his book, Making Friends with Black People, what it’s like working in a TV writers’ room, favorite jokes he’s contributed, hitting a crucial story beat in one of the final episodes of BoJack he wrote, “Xerox of a Xerox,” plus his advice for aspiring TV writers.

Be sure to follow Nick on Twitter.

Nick Adams

Animation, Movie

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

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Ali caps off ’80s Movies Month by discussing the timeless comedy and mystery movie, Who Framed Roger Rabbit. She reminisces about watching it for the first time over her cousins’ house one New Year’s Eve, sharing her favorite moments while praising its seamless blend of animation and live-action.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Animation, Short Story, Television

The Final Season of BoJack Horseman + “Nothing Unsaid”

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Ali discusses the last season of BoJack Horseman, sharing her thoughts on the final arcs for BoJack, Diane, Princess Carolyn, Todd and Mr. Peanutbutter. She also talks about the brilliant penultimate episode, “The View From Halfway Down,” sharing a few behind-the-scene tidbits along the way, and she praises the series finale, “Nice While It Lasted,” as a wonderful send-off to this exceptional show. Afterward, she shares a BoJack Horseman story she wrote to coincide with the final season called “Nothing Unsaid.”

Videos/articles mentioned:

Be sure to also check out BoJack Horseman + “Temporarily Forget.”

BoJack Horseman Season 6
Animation, Television

South Park Christmas Specials

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Ali discusses the Christmas specials of South Park, starting with the two animated short films that led to the series, The Spirit of Christmas: Jesus vs. Frosty (1992) and The Spirit of Christmas: Jesus vs. Santa (1995), followed by all of the classic Christmas episodes from the show: “Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo” (season 1), “Merry Christmas, Charlie Manson!” (season 2), “Mr. Hankey’s Christmas Classics” (season 3), “A Very Crappy Christmas” (season 4), “Red Sleigh Down” (season 6), “It’s Christmas in Canada” (season 7) and “Woodland Critter Christmas” (season 8).

Woodland Critter Christmas