021 - Paradise (Pilot) Dan Fogelman The Screenplay Lab podcast

4M ago 46:09

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Breaking Down Hulu's Paradise Pilot by Dan Fogelman: Teleplay Analysis & Screenwriting Lessons

In this episode of The Screenplay Lab podcast, we analyze the pilot teleplay for Paradise, the Emmy-nominated 2025 Hulu series from Dan Fogelman (This Is Us). If you're a screenwriter, TV writer, or filmmaker, this deep dive into modern pilot structure is a must-listen.

What You'll Learn:

How to write a pilot twist that actually works
Dan Fogelman's use of nonlinear storytelling and emotional payoff
Setups/payoffs, mechanics, and pacing in a 55-page script
Crafting dialogue, formatting tips, and white space usage
Behind-the-scenes: how Paradise became a $15M-per-episode drama
Genre blending: sci-fi, political thriller, and character-driven drama

We Break Down:

Script structure
Use of time jumps, flashbacks, and visual storytelling on the page
Clues leading to one of the most effective pilot twists in recent TV

Whether you're writing your first pilot or refining a series bible, this episode offers practical insights from a modern masterpiece in TV writing.

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