209 | Hacks Creators Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky: Writing and Selling A Mixed-Tone Comedy

The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna

https://tslworkshops.circle.so

When Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky, and Lucia Aniello were first pitching Hacks, they didn't have a precise tonal comp when the network asked. But the trio ultimately knew that they wanted a show that was allowed to be "hard funny," but still make lots of space for rich emotional moments. Today, Paul and Jen discuss HOW they walk that tightrope while writing, and how centering Ava and Deborah's professional and personal relationship serves as their creative North Star helps the process.