Flawed Protagonists

About Flawed Protagonists

From breaking in to staying in, two screenwriters at different career stages share honest, behind-the-scenes insights as they navigate an ever-shifting industry.

Publisher

Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco

Category

tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 May 2026

Latest episode

18 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Pitching, Part 3: Practice, Practice, Practice

   In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco share practical tips on how to prepare for and deliver a successful pitch, emphasizing the importance of practice, eye contact, and creating a natural conversation. They discuss strategies for managing nerves, engaging with your audience, and handling questions effectively. KEYWORDS pitching, screenwriting, storytelling, practice, eye contact, presentation skills, film and TV, pitching tips, storytelling techniques KEY TOPICS Preparation and practice techniques for pitching Managing nerves and building confidence The importance of eye contact and natural conversation Using visual aids and cue cards effectively Handling questions and feedback during a pitch Building rapport with your audience and collaborators CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:46 - Pitch Prep 05:33 - Practice with Visuals 07:22 - Goal: Tell a Really Good Story 09:35 - Warming Up the Room 12:46 - The Q&A Section 15:36 - Pitching Advice 18:47 - End of Season 1

2. 

   11 Aug 2026

   Pitching, Part 2: Pitch Tools

   In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco share essential tools and tips for pitching effectively, whether in person or virtually. They discuss how to prepare, visualize, and perform your pitch to maximize impact and connect with your audience. KEYWORDS pitching, screenwriting, virtual pitch, visuals, teleprompter, tools, preparation, storytelling, filmmaking, presentation skills KEY TOPICS Different types of pitches and their structures Tools for building and presenting pitches, including teleprompters and visuals Importance of visuals and mood boards in pitching Technical setup for virtual pitches, including lighting, sound, and camera positioning Using visuals like Splash Deck and Unsplash to enhance storytelling The role of the writer-director in visual storytelling during pitches Tips for rehearsing and performing pitches confidently CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:58 - Types of Pitchers 02:42 - Pitch Tools and Visuals 09:56 - Be Your Own DP

3. 

   4 Aug 2026

   Pitching, Part 1: What Goes Into a Pitch

   In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco share insights on the art of pitching TV shows and films, covering everything from initial ideas to crafting compelling pitches that capture producers' interest. Whether you're a writer aiming to break in or a seasoned creator, learn the key elements to make your pitch stand out. KEYWORDS TV pitching, film pitching, screenwriting, pitching tips, series development, pitch deck, storytelling, production process KEY TOPICS Differences between pitching for TV and film What is an Open Writing Assignment (OWA) Components of a compelling pitch (hook, personal connection, world, characters, etc.) Pitching process: verbal presentation, pitch deck, and supplemental materials Season and series planning in pitches Importance of having a plan and future outlook in pitches How scripts influence pitching opportunities CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 02:19 - What is an Open Writing Assignment (OWA)? 05:48 - Key Components of a TV or Film Pitch 09:15 - Setting Up the World and Characters in Your Pitch 12:24 - Planning the Series Arc and Future Seasons 15:07 - Pitching the Full Film in Features 16:24 - The Importance of a Clear Series or Movie Ending 17:44 - Do You Need a Script Before Pitching? 19:22 - Additional Materials and Next Steps in Pitching

4. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Writing for Network VS Writing for Streaming

   In this episode, Glenise Mullens and Robin Fusco discuss the nuances of writing network versus streaming television shows, including episode structure and the evolving landscape of television production. KEYWORDS TV writing, streaming, network TV, episode structure, showrunner, production, writing tips KEY TOPICS Differences between network and streaming TV Episode structure and act breaks Impact of FCC rules on content Production processes in TV Writing for different platforms CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - What Counts as Network and Streaming 02:33 - Episodic vs. Serialized Storytelling 04:05 - How Commercial Breaks Shape Structure 06:54 - FCC Rules and Content Limits 10:19 - What Kinds of Stories Belong Where 12:47 - Writers’ Room Workflow 15:20 - Portfolio Strategy

5. 

   21 Jul 2026

   A Peek Behind the Curtain: Clearances, Neg Checks, and Fictitious Names

   In this episode, Robin Fusco discusses the importance of clearances in film and television production, covering topics like rights, artwork, and fictitious names, and sharing practical insights for writers. KEYWORDS clearances, film production, television, rights, artwork, fictitious names, scriptwriting, legal considerations KEY TOPICS What are clearances and why they matter Artwork and visual element clearances Fictitious names and neg checks Legal considerations for licensed professionals Practical tips for writers on clearance processes CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:31 - What Clearances Are 00:57 - Real Life Impact of Clearances 03:34 - Handling Fictitious Names and the Neg Check Process 06:09 - Best Practices when Choosing Character Names and Managing Clearance Risks

6. 

   14 Jul 2026

   The (Writers’) Room Where It Happens - Part 3

   In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco explore the unwritten rules and etiquette of the writers’ room, sharing practical tips for effective collaboration, pitching, and maintaining a positive environment. They discuss how to handle conflicts, voice cultural considerations, and foster creativity under pressure. KEYWORDS writer's room, pitching, collaboration, TV writing, creative process, diversity, storytelling, etiquette, problem-solving, TV industry KEY TOPICS Room etiquette and unwritten rules How to pitch effectively and from character perspective Handling cultural sensitivities and diversity in the room Maintaining positivity and energy during sessions Strategies for overcoming writer's block and stuck points The importance of trust and safe space in sharing ideas How to handle rejection and dead-end pitches The role of energy and movement in problem-solving CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 02:08 - Using positive language and building on ideas 04:17 - Pointing out problems with solutions 06:42 - How much to contribute based on experience 09:03 - Pitching from character motivation 11:20 - Handling repeated pitches and dead ends 14:16 - Confidence in pitching and self-doubt 16:22 - The importance of not shutting down writers 17:03 - The fun and playfulness of the writer's room

7. 

   7 Jul 2026

   The (Writers’) Room Where It Happens - Part 2

   In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco share insights on navigating the TV writing room, from preparation and etiquette to the creative process of blue skying and outlining. Perfect for aspiring writers and industry veterans alike. KEYWORDS TV writing, showrunner, blue skying, outlining, script development, writing room etiquette, TV industry, storytelling, episode breakdowns, production process KEY TOPICS Preparation for the first day in the writing room Room etiquette and dynamics Blue skying and story development Outline and script process Adapting to changing showrunner visions Role of staff writers and safety nets CHAPTERS 0:00 - Introduction 00:35 - Preparing for the First Day 02:06 - Navigating Dynamics in the Room 02:41 - Seating Arrangements and Etiquette 04:19 - Room Etiquette and Blue Skying 07:09 - Creating Story Areas and Outlines 08:31 - The Process of Writing Episode Scripts 11:42 - Navigating Notes and Rewrites 16:07 - The Fun of Collaboration in the Room

8. 

   30 Jun 2026

   The (Writers’) Room Where It Happens - Part 1

   In this episode, Glenise Mullins and RobinFusco discuss the hierarchy and roles within television writers' rooms, from staff writers to showrunners. They explore how these roles function, the responsibilities at each level, and insights into the production process. KEYWORDS TV writing, television production, writers' room hierarchy, showrunner, co-EP, assistant roles, TV industry KEY TOPICS TV writers' room hierarchy Roles and responsibilities of staff writers, co-EPs, and showrunners The importance of on-set experience for writers Differences between upper and mid-level producers The role of support staff in TV production CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:38 - Understanding the Writer's Room Hierarchy 02:14 - Roles and Responsibilities of Lower-Level Writers 05:10 - Transitioning to Mid-Level Writers 08:08 - Upper-Level Writers and Their Impact 11:21 - The Role of the Showrunner and Number Two 13:51 - Understanding Room Culture 14:09 - Preparing for the First Day 14:57 - Navigating Dynamics in the Room

9. 

   23 Jun 2026

   Breaking In: How Screenwriters Get Through That Door

   In this episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco discuss the realities of breaking into Hollywood, the importance of relationships, and strategies for writers to succeed in a contracting industry. They share insights on networking, support roles, and creating unique, compelling scripts. KEYWORDS Hollywood, screenwriting, breaking in, networking, industry tips, support staff, showrunners, pitching, script development KEY TOPICS Changing industry landscape and traditional pathways The importance of relationships and networking in Hollywood Support staff roles as entry points and career growth Selling a pilot without room experience Creating distinctive, personal scripts that stand out The role of industry heat and reputation in success Building genuine connections and fans of your work CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction to Breaking In 00:26 - Current Landscape of Screenwriting 00:56 - Common Paths to Success 01:38 - Networking and Relationships 03:14 - The Role of Support Staff 06:28 - Challenges in the Current Industry 07:22 - The Catch-22 of Representation 08:55 - Selling a Pilot vs. Room Experience 09:48 - Building a Reputation in Hollywood 12:41 - Finding Your Unique Voice 15:14 - The Importance of Networking 16:46 - Navigating Contests and Fellowships 17:08 - Crafting Your Unique Script

10. 

    16 Jun 2026

    Notes: How to Give Them, How to Receive Them, and How to Recover from Them

    This episode explores the art of giving and receiving notes in screenwriting, emphasizing how to improve scripts, handle feedback, and build a supportive community for writers. Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco share practical tips, mental models, and personal experiences to help writers navigate the challenging process of script revision and industry collaboration. KEYWORDS screenwriting, notes, script feedback, writing tips, industry advice, collaboration, script revision, writer community KEY TOPICS How to give effective notes to writers Strategies for receiving and decoding notes Building a community of writers for feedback Handling tough notes and recovering from criticism The importance of positive feedback and collaboration TAKEAWAYS How to give effective, tailored notes aligned with the writer’s intentions Strategies to receive notes without defensiveness and decoding the underlying message The importance of balancing positive feedback with constructive critique Approaching prescriptive notes and understanding the note behind the note Navigating notes from peers versus higher-ups and managing emotional reactions Practical ways to recover emotionally and creatively from tough feedback Building community for script feedback, including remote options Differences in giving notes to new writers versus experienced ones Tips for managing the note-taking process during revisions CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 00:35- The Art of Giving Notes 03:44 - Receiving and Interpreting Notes 07:28 - Navigating Feedback from Different Levels 12:04 - Peer-to-Peer vs. Hierarchical Notes 14:17 - Navigating Anxiety and Building Confidence in Writing 15:13 - The Art of Giving and Receiving Notes 17:33 - Finding Your Writing Community 18:56 - Recovering from Tough Notes 23:39 - Noting Ourselves

11. 

    9 Jun 2026

    Make Your Script Impossible to Ignore

    SUMMARY In this insightful episode, Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco discuss what makes a screenplay undeniable, how to craft compelling scripts, and the importance of building a portfolio of strong, diverse work to sustain a screenwriting career. KEYWORDS screenwriting, script development, storytelling, screenplay tips, career building, script vetting, writing community, storytelling techniques KEY TOPICS What makes a screenplay undeniable Building a portfolio of strong scripts The importance of feedback and revision Creating compelling and visceral stories Establishing a distinct tone and voice TAKEAWAYS A minimum of two strong scripts is essential to demonstrate capability and sustain a career. Regularly updating your scripts ensures they stay relevant and avoid dating. Building relationships with trusted readers and mentors is crucial for refining your work. A script that is visceral, emotionally engaging, and propulsive is more likely to be undeniable. Confidence in your storytelling and understanding of genre and tone are key to crafting compelling scripts. CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Need for Multiple Scripts 01:24 - Building Relationships in Screenwriting 06:48 - Crafting Compelling Samples 08:00 - Building a Sustainable Writing Career 10:26 - The Importance of Script Readiness 12:56 - Navigating Feedback and Notes 15:19 - Evaluating Paid Feedback Sources 16:00 - Creating Undeniable Scripts

12. 

    2 Jun 2026

    Your Script's Great. Now Nail the Meeting.

    This episode explores the nuances of Hollywood meetings, from initial general meetings to pitch and showrunner meetings. Robin Fusco and Glenise Mullins share expert tips on how to prepare, make a memorable impression, and navigate different types of industry meetings to build a successful screenwriting career. KEYWORDS Hollywood meetings, screenwriting, career tips, general meetings, pitch meetings, showrunner meetings, industry insights, networking, script development KEY TOPICS Types of Hollywood meetings and their purposes How to prepare for industry meetings Building relationships and making a memorable impression Questions to expect and how to answer them The importance of research and authenticity CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction to Flawed Protagonists 01:25 - The Importance of Being Unforgettable in Meetings 02:33 - Types of Meetings in Hollywood 05:44 - Navigating General Meetings 08:18 - Discussing Shows and Writing Styles 09:27 - Navigating Genre and Identity as a Writer 14:35 - Preparing for General Meetings: Research and Rehearsal 16:20 - The Evolution of General Meetings: From Nerves to Collaboration

13. 

    21 May 2026

    Welcome to Flawed Protagonists

    Welcome to Flawed Protagonists, a new screenwriting podcast pulling the curtain back on what this industry is really like right now, with Glenise Mullins and Robin Fusco. Two writers. Two stages. But one journey. Becauses breaking in is hard, but staying is even harder.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

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