EPISODE · Jun 10, 2026 · 1H 10M
Emily Halpern is Booksmart: The Art of Screenwriting
from The Jeremiah Show: Pop Culture, Music Icons Food Gods · host Jeremiah D. Higgins | Culinary, Pop Culture and Music Expert
Emily Halpern: The Art of Screenwriting What does it take to write a screenplay that truly connects with audiences? *This episode originally aired on October 5, 2020 On this episode of The Jeremiah Show, acclaimed screenwriter and producer Emily Halpern joins us for an insightful conversation about the creative process behind screenwriting, the power of collaboration, and the journey from aspiring writer to Hollywood storyteller. Known for her work on the critically acclaimed film Booksmart, as well as projects including Good Girls and Black-ish, Emily shares the lessons she's learned navigating the entertainment industry and developing stories that resonate with audiences. During our conversation, we explored the realities of screenwriting—from endless rewrites and overcoming creative challenges to crafting authentic dialogue and building memorable characters. Emily discusses the importance of collaboration, why every great script evolves through revision, and how reading dialogue aloud can reveal the difference between good writing and great writing. We also dive into her personal journey into the business, the mentors and experiences that helped shape her career, and what aspiring writers should know before pursuing a life in storytelling. Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, filmmaker, creative professional, or simply a fan of great storytelling, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the craft that brings movies and television shows to life. In This Episode: • The making of Booksmart • The screenwriting process • Why rewriting is essential • Creating authentic dialogue • Collaboration in television and film • Working in Hollywood • Lessons from successful writers and mentors • Advice for aspiring screenwriters Emily also shares practical insights into developing a creative career, staying resilient through setbacks, and embracing the unpredictable path that often leads to success. Emily Halpern POP CULTURE, MUSIC ICONS, & FOOD GODS - Listen More & Evolve Catch Up With Past Shows and Your Favorite Guests - TJS MEDIA LIBRARY Partner with The Jeremiah Show BRAND PARTNER DECK The Jeremiah Show is brought to you by Evolve Entertainment Network www.thejeremiahshow.com https://radio-evolve.rocks Host | Executive Producer - Jeremiah D. Higgins Senior Sound Engineer | Producer - Graham Palmer | Surprise Studio THE JEREMIAH SHOW PROUDLY FEATURES Cuzen Matcha Worldwide - Get $30 Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30” Music Connection Magazine MusiCares Omad Records Nicole Sofia Voracious Records Greens First - Get 30% Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30” The Jeremiah Show Radio Broadcast is heard in London, Somerset, U.K., New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, Ontario, Canada, and Santa Barbara on Radio Candy Media. We are broadcast in London on Belter Radio and in Paris on My Indie Radio. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Jeremiah D. Higgins Graham Palmer, Surprise Studio Did you like the music in this episode? The Jeremiah Show Original Music Soundtracks The Jeremiah Show Theme Song “The Ocean and the Butterfly” by The Dave Matthews Band NEW SHOWS - Every Friday Classic TJS Shows Drop Every Wednesday
What this episode covers
Emily Halpern: The Art of Screenwriting What does it take to write a screenplay that truly connects with audiences? *This episode originally aired on October 5, 2020 On this episode of The Jeremiah Show, acclaimed screenwriter and producer Emily Halpern joins us for an insightful conversation about the creative process behind screenwriting, the power of collaboration, and the journey from aspiring writer to Hollywood storyteller. Known for her work on the critically acclaimed film Booksmart, as well as projects including Good Girls and Black-ish, Emily shares the lessons she's learned navigating the entertainment industry and developing stories that resonate with audiences. During our conversation, we explored the realities of screenwriting—from endless rewrites and overcoming creative challenges to crafting authentic dialogue and building memorable characters. Emily discusses the importance of collaboration, why every great script evolves through revision, and how reading dialogue aloud can reveal the difference between good writing and great writing. We also dive into her personal journey into the business, the mentors and experiences that helped shape her career, and what aspiring writers should know before pursuing a life in storytelling. Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, filmmaker, creative professional, or simply a fan of great storytelling, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the craft that brings movies and television shows to life. In This Episode: • The making of Booksmart• The screenwriting process• Why rewriting is essential• Creating authentic dialogue• Collaboration in television and film• Working in Hollywood• Lessons from successful writers and mentors• Advice for aspiring screenwriters Emily also shares practical insights into developing a creative career, staying resilient through setbacks, and embracing the unpredictable path that often leads to success. Emily Halpern POP CULTURE, MUSIC ICONS, & FOOD GODS - Listen More & Evolve Catch Up With Past Shows and Your Favorite Guests - TJS MEDIA LIBRARY Partner with The Jeremiah Show BRAND PARTNER DECK The Jeremiah Show is brought to you by Evolve Entertainment Network www.thejeremiahshow.com https://radio-evolve.rocks Host | Executive Producer - Jeremiah D. Higgins Senior Sound Engineer | Producer - Graham Palmer | Surprise Studio THE JEREMIAH SHOW PROUDLY FEATURES Cuzen Matcha Worldwide - Get $30 Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30” Music Connection Magazine MusiCares Omad Records Nicole Sofia Voracious Records Greens First - Get 30% Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30” The Jeremiah Show Radio Broadcast is heard in London, Somerset, U.K., New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, Ontario, Canada, and Santa Barbara on Radio Candy Media. We are broadcast in London on Belter Radio and in Paris on My Indie Radio. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Jeremiah D. Higgins Graham Palmer, Surprise Studio Did you like the music in this episode? The Jeremiah Show Original Music Soundtracks The Jeremiah Show Theme Song “The Ocean and the Butterfly” by The Dave Matthews Band NEW SHOWS - Every Friday Classic TJS Shows Drop Every Wednesday
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Emily Halpern is Booksmart: The Art of Screenwriting
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