The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna 209 | Hacks Creators Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky: Writing and Selling A Mixed-Tone Comedy
Aug 15, 2024
Join Paul W. Downs, a talented creator behind Hacks, and Jen Statsky, a collaborative writer on the same series, as they dive into the art of balancing comedy with emotional depth. They explore the struggles of female comedians in a male-dominated industry and share humorous insights from juggling writing and parenting. Their discussion reveals how Ava and Deborah's relationship serves as a creative anchor, showcasing the complexity of crafting mixed-tone narratives while collaborating in a dynamic writers' room.
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Idea Sprouted On A Road Trip
- The idea for Hacks began from a 2015 road trip conversation about overlooked women comedians and generational gaps in recognition.
- That nagging idea matured over years into a character study focused on mentorship, redemption, and comedic craft.
Pitch By Showing Character Purpose
- In a pitch, ground the series in character and a clear purpose beyond plot to hook listeners emotionally.
- Deliver a scripted, conversational pitch and map major season "tent poles" to show long-term shape.
Mixed Tone Was The North Star
- They defined Hacks as a mixed-tone show: "hard funny" plus rich emotional moments, a tone they hadn't seen on TV.
- They used comps like Devil Wears Prada and VEEP but emphasized their tone was uniquely emotional and sharp.