Nate Federman
@natefederman.bsky.social
TV writer currently on Big City Greens / Second normal thing / Jamband apologist
Pinned
When I worked on The Office, Greg Daniels had a list of questions he asked of every story. Some were show-specific (eg “Are we saying something truthful if exaggerated about office life?”), but many are applicable to any script. Here’s a little thread on them…
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#Scriptsky #Screenwriting
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#Scriptsky #Screenwriting
I really enjoy watching Daniel Donato play guitar in-person. Finally convinced a buddy to check him out and he kept looking over at me with some “holy shit!” eyes.
February 15, 2026 at 7:38 AM
I really enjoy watching Daniel Donato play guitar in-person. Finally convinced a buddy to check him out and he kept looking over at me with some “holy shit!” eyes.
Reposted by Nate Federman
Andy at the bank in Shawshank cashing out as Randall Stevens made me choke up and cry in theaters from how mf’n joyously brilliant this payoff was
February 14, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Andy at the bank in Shawshank cashing out as Randall Stevens made me choke up and cry in theaters from how mf’n joyously brilliant this payoff was
Reposted by Nate Federman
GROSSE POINTE BLANK: Martin decides not to bring a gun to his high school reunion. There, a classmate gives him a promotional pen from his business. Later, Martin defeats an assassin by killing him with the pen. After disposing of the body, Martin runs into the classmate. “Thank you for the pen.”
Have a favorite example of a great plant and payoff? Drop a reply so others can see examples. Back to the Future is full of amazing plants and payoffs. It’s a master class in structure! But all those little plants and payoffs are part of why it’s so satisfying.
Got questions, let me know.
11/11
Got questions, let me know.
11/11
February 14, 2026 at 5:56 PM
GROSSE POINTE BLANK: Martin decides not to bring a gun to his high school reunion. There, a classmate gives him a promotional pen from his business. Later, Martin defeats an assassin by killing him with the pen. After disposing of the body, Martin runs into the classmate. “Thank you for the pen.”
Reposted by Nate Federman
The flame thrower in ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD.
It’s introduced as a gag in a clip from a Rick Dalton movie. Then we see it in Rick’s shed later, where it’s both payoff (in the form of background gag) and plant (letting us know it’s there so Rick can use it in the climax.)
It’s introduced as a gag in a clip from a Rick Dalton movie. Then we see it in Rick’s shed later, where it’s both payoff (in the form of background gag) and plant (letting us know it’s there so Rick can use it in the climax.)
Have a favorite example of a great plant and payoff? Drop a reply so others can see examples. Back to the Future is full of amazing plants and payoffs. It’s a master class in structure! But all those little plants and payoffs are part of why it’s so satisfying.
Got questions, let me know.
11/11
Got questions, let me know.
11/11
February 14, 2026 at 4:45 PM
The flame thrower in ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD.
It’s introduced as a gag in a clip from a Rick Dalton movie. Then we see it in Rick’s shed later, where it’s both payoff (in the form of background gag) and plant (letting us know it’s there so Rick can use it in the climax.)
It’s introduced as a gag in a clip from a Rick Dalton movie. Then we see it in Rick’s shed later, where it’s both payoff (in the form of background gag) and plant (letting us know it’s there so Rick can use it in the climax.)
You’re writing a script about a killer shark, reach Act 3 and need to figure out how to kill this unkillable monster. What if it chomps on an oxygen tank and blows itself up? That could work but must be set up earlier. So this week’s #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread is on PLANTS AND PAYOFFS.
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February 14, 2026 at 4:03 PM
You’re writing a script about a killer shark, reach Act 3 and need to figure out how to kill this unkillable monster. What if it chomps on an oxygen tank and blows itself up? That could work but must be set up earlier. So this week’s #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread is on PLANTS AND PAYOFFS.
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Nugs finally making their app compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and Android TV devices is the best jamband news I’ve heard in some time. And the worst jamband news my family has heard in some time.
February 12, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Nugs finally making their app compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and Android TV devices is the best jamband news I’ve heard in some time. And the worst jamband news my family has heard in some time.
Even if you set aside the absurd implication that the stock market being up absolves folks from facing consequences for raping children and covering it up, it’s important to remember that the wealthiest 10% own 93% of US stocks. So the DOW hitting 50K isn’t doing a whole lot for 90% of Americans.
Bondi crashes out over Epstein: "The Dow is over 50,000 dollars! I don't know why you're laughing. You're a great stock trader as I hear, Raskin. The Dow is over 50,000 right now. The S&P at almost 7,000, and the Nasdaq smashing records. That's what we should be talking about."
February 11, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Even if you set aside the absurd implication that the stock market being up absolves folks from facing consequences for raping children and covering it up, it’s important to remember that the wealthiest 10% own 93% of US stocks. So the DOW hitting 50K isn’t doing a whole lot for 90% of Americans.
Reposted by Nate Federman
💯. My mentor taught me the art of egoless arguing. It’s such a great skill to learn in a collaborative environment. The work is the work. It’s not a reflection of who you are. And every idea is equal. Equally bad or equally good. Or “meh.” But everyone has to agree to do it or it doesn’t work
February 7, 2026 at 3:26 PM
💯. My mentor taught me the art of egoless arguing. It’s such a great skill to learn in a collaborative environment. The work is the work. It’s not a reflection of who you are. And every idea is equal. Equally bad or equally good. Or “meh.” But everyone has to agree to do it or it doesn’t work
The showrunner is reviewing your script. She points out a joke that she absolutely loves, but you didn’t come up with it; another writer pitched it. What do you? Here’s a quick #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread on when to credit others, when to take credit, and when to keep your mouth shut.
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February 7, 2026 at 2:36 PM
The showrunner is reviewing your script. She points out a joke that she absolutely loves, but you didn’t come up with it; another writer pitched it. What do you? Here’s a quick #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread on when to credit others, when to take credit, and when to keep your mouth shut.
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Reposted by Nate Federman
Everyone should take 7 min to watch this. Don’t have 7 min? Watch it on 1.5x speed. Just watch it.
ps - Remember not to call the masked, federalized right wing police force that’s targeting minority and marginalized communities “Nazis” bc they haven’t killed enough people yet.
youtu.be/zrcW8SZtYpI
ps - Remember not to call the masked, federalized right wing police force that’s targeting minority and marginalized communities “Nazis” bc they haven’t killed enough people yet.
youtu.be/zrcW8SZtYpI
WATCH: Minneapolis resident and U.S. citizen Aliya Rahman describes being detained by ICE
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
youtu.be
February 5, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Everyone should take 7 min to watch this. Don’t have 7 min? Watch it on 1.5x speed. Just watch it.
ps - Remember not to call the masked, federalized right wing police force that’s targeting minority and marginalized communities “Nazis” bc they haven’t killed enough people yet.
youtu.be/zrcW8SZtYpI
ps - Remember not to call the masked, federalized right wing police force that’s targeting minority and marginalized communities “Nazis” bc they haven’t killed enough people yet.
youtu.be/zrcW8SZtYpI
Wet Hot American Summer is 25 years old. The first time I saw it was in 2001 with like 30 other counselors from the Jewish summer camp we all worked at. It instantly became one of my favorite movies and remains one to this day.
youtu.be/2hA_vfKyUBU?...
youtu.be/2hA_vfKyUBU?...
25 facts about 'Wet Hot American Summer' to celebrate its 25th anniversary
YouTube video by Los Angeles Times
youtu.be
February 4, 2026 at 4:54 AM
Wet Hot American Summer is 25 years old. The first time I saw it was in 2001 with like 30 other counselors from the Jewish summer camp we all worked at. It instantly became one of my favorite movies and remains one to this day.
youtu.be/2hA_vfKyUBU?...
youtu.be/2hA_vfKyUBU?...
Bellwether.
JUST IN: Democrats flip a red seat in the Texas Senate.
Taylor Rehmet wins against Leigh Wambsganss, a conservative activist who helped lead right-wing efforts to take over TX school boards.
With all early vote, and 95% of precincts, in, Dem up 57/43.
Trump won this seat by 17% in Tarrant County.
Taylor Rehmet wins against Leigh Wambsganss, a conservative activist who helped lead right-wing efforts to take over TX school boards.
With all early vote, and 95% of precincts, in, Dem up 57/43.
Trump won this seat by 17% in Tarrant County.
February 1, 2026 at 7:12 AM
Bellwether.
My approach to college was just to take classes I thought were interesting. Had a great experience. Here are 5 that really impacted me:
1. Ethics and Moral Value Theory
2. Civic Duty
3. American Slavery and the Holocaust
4. Screenwriting
5. Anatomy of a Script (The Godfather)
1. Ethics and Moral Value Theory
2. Civic Duty
3. American Slavery and the Holocaust
4. Screenwriting
5. Anatomy of a Script (The Godfather)
Never mind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college:
1.)Astrophysics
2)Advanced Calculus
3)Nonlinear Differential Equations
4)ahh, heh, Nonlinear Differential Equations.
5)Nonlinear. FUCKING. Differential. Equations.
1.)Astrophysics
2)Advanced Calculus
3)Nonlinear Differential Equations
4)ahh, heh, Nonlinear Differential Equations.
5)Nonlinear. FUCKING. Differential. Equations.
Never mind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college:
1. Artificial Intelligence[*]
2. Pharmacognosy
3. Microbiology
4. Software Engineering
5. Human physiology
[*] State of the art in 1990, deep in the AI Winter
1. Artificial Intelligence[*]
2. Pharmacognosy
3. Microbiology
4. Software Engineering
5. Human physiology
[*] State of the art in 1990, deep in the AI Winter
January 31, 2026 at 5:21 PM
My approach to college was just to take classes I thought were interesting. Had a great experience. Here are 5 that really impacted me:
1. Ethics and Moral Value Theory
2. Civic Duty
3. American Slavery and the Holocaust
4. Screenwriting
5. Anatomy of a Script (The Godfather)
1. Ethics and Moral Value Theory
2. Civic Duty
3. American Slavery and the Holocaust
4. Screenwriting
5. Anatomy of a Script (The Godfather)
Reposted by Nate Federman
If I may add, once you come up with a character name, I suggest googling that name. I wrote a rom-com with an evil lawyer named Rick Riordan. One of my readers pointed out that Rick Riordan was the name of a decently famous author. Had to go back and change it through the whole script.
a man holding a piece of paper that says ws
Alt: YouTuber Ryan George as both Screenwriter Guy and Producer Guy
Screenwriter Guy: Whoops!
Producer Guy: Whoopsie!
media.tenor.com
January 31, 2026 at 4:34 PM
If I may add, once you come up with a character name, I suggest googling that name. I wrote a rom-com with an evil lawyer named Rick Riordan. One of my readers pointed out that Rick Riordan was the name of a decently famous author. Had to go back and change it through the whole script.
Reposted by Nate Federman
Also, please for the love of God, say your character's name aloud 😂
Some names can be a clumsy mouthful, which can kill the tone if its not a comedy. I remember having a character I loved in a novel, then realized to my horror that their named sounded like his name was 'cirrhosis' when read aloud.
Some names can be a clumsy mouthful, which can kill the tone if its not a comedy. I remember having a character I loved in a novel, then realized to my horror that their named sounded like his name was 'cirrhosis' when read aloud.
a person holding a sign that says rural juror and tom houghton
Alt: a person holding a sign that says rural juror and tom houghton
media.tenor.com
January 31, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Also, please for the love of God, say your character's name aloud 😂
Some names can be a clumsy mouthful, which can kill the tone if its not a comedy. I remember having a character I loved in a novel, then realized to my horror that their named sounded like his name was 'cirrhosis' when read aloud.
Some names can be a clumsy mouthful, which can kill the tone if its not a comedy. I remember having a character I loved in a novel, then realized to my horror that their named sounded like his name was 'cirrhosis' when read aloud.
I slept like crap and had multiple anxiety dreams last night, so this week’s #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread will be a short one. Let’s talk about the DOs and DON’Ts of NAMING YOUR CHARACTERS. Something I absolutely hate and routinely overthink. But I learned a few tips and tricks…
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January 31, 2026 at 4:10 PM
I slept like crap and had multiple anxiety dreams last night, so this week’s #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread will be a short one. Let’s talk about the DOs and DON’Ts of NAMING YOUR CHARACTERS. Something I absolutely hate and routinely overthink. But I learned a few tips and tricks…
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From Home Alone, to her Christopher Guest’ movie roles, to Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara was a comedic force at every stage of my life (child, teen, adult). We lost one of the greats today.
Catherine O’Hara’s line reads have literally changed the way I pronounce every day words. She was a singular comedic talent. This one hurts.
January 30, 2026 at 8:04 PM
From Home Alone, to her Christopher Guest’ movie roles, to Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara was a comedic force at every stage of my life (child, teen, adult). We lost one of the greats today.
Cloris Leachman did a lot of incredible things, including giving me my 5 seconds of fame and one hell of a story. An absolute legend!
January 27, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Cloris Leachman did a lot of incredible things, including giving me my 5 seconds of fame and one hell of a story. An absolute legend!
This week, I had to pitch the 3 EP’s on my show a new story idea for me to write. It’ll be my 9th script this season. I’ve been on the show for 3 seasons. I had a good idea + 2 solid backup ideas. I was still nervous! So this week’s #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread is on FEAR, both good and bad.
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January 24, 2026 at 4:32 PM
This week, I had to pitch the 3 EP’s on my show a new story idea for me to write. It’ll be my 9th script this season. I’ve been on the show for 3 seasons. I had a good idea + 2 solid backup ideas. I was still nervous! So this week’s #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread is on FEAR, both good and bad.
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This is a good reminder that there’s still a lot more decent folks than bad ones (even if it often feels like the opposite is true).
January 23, 2026 at 11:40 PM
This is a good reminder that there’s still a lot more decent folks than bad ones (even if it often feels like the opposite is true).
I get asked about getting reps a lot and people tend to hate my answer, but you’ll get reps when you get yourself work. Many agents are happy to take their commission (sometimes hip-pocketing you) when you’ve gotten an offer and just need contract negotiation help; that’s the easy part. #Scriptsky
#scriptsky
With gaining representation being tricky, I suspect quite a few of us negotiate our first paid screenwriting gigs ourselves - esp at the low-budget end.
Besides 'get legal help' - I'd love to hear advice from those have done this about how to do it right!
With gaining representation being tricky, I suspect quite a few of us negotiate our first paid screenwriting gigs ourselves - esp at the low-budget end.
Besides 'get legal help' - I'd love to hear advice from those have done this about how to do it right!
January 21, 2026 at 1:27 PM
I get asked about getting reps a lot and people tend to hate my answer, but you’ll get reps when you get yourself work. Many agents are happy to take their commission (sometimes hip-pocketing you) when you’ve gotten an offer and just need contract negotiation help; that’s the easy part. #Scriptsky
This week’s #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread is on WRITERS BLOCK. Specifically, the seven things I do to avoid and/or overcome writer’s block. My focus is on writing, but this stuff works for just about any creative outlet.
#WritingCommunity #Writing
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#WritingCommunity #Writing
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January 17, 2026 at 2:41 PM
This week’s #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread is on WRITERS BLOCK. Specifically, the seven things I do to avoid and/or overcome writer’s block. My focus is on writing, but this stuff works for just about any creative outlet.
#WritingCommunity #Writing
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#WritingCommunity #Writing
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It took me a little while to land on a New Year’s resolution, but I’ve decided to cook 26 new recipes this year. I made my first tonight: grilled bok choy with a sweet soy glaze. So simple but so good my 11 year old asked for thirds.
#26RecipesIn26
www.seriouseats.com/grilled-bok-...
#26RecipesIn26
www.seriouseats.com/grilled-bok-...
Grilled Bok Choy with Sweet Soy Glaze
Bok choy with a glaze made from soy and sake makes a really crunchy and satisfying bite.
www.seriouseats.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:01 AM
It took me a little while to land on a New Year’s resolution, but I’ve decided to cook 26 new recipes this year. I made my first tonight: grilled bok choy with a sweet soy glaze. So simple but so good my 11 year old asked for thirds.
#26RecipesIn26
www.seriouseats.com/grilled-bok-...
#26RecipesIn26
www.seriouseats.com/grilled-bok-...
I’ll Remember You ~😓~ Sphere~Dead & Company~ Las Vegas 6-13-24
YouTube video by nowiknowuryder
youtu.be
January 11, 2026 at 3:52 PM
Listened to the Weather Report Suite from Dicks Picks 1 - my favorite version of one of my favorite songs - and found myself thinking that Bobby doesn’t quite get the songwriting praise he deserves because he (and Barlow) weren’t Garcia & Hunter. But for my money, WRS is damn close to Terrapin.
January 11, 2026 at 1:31 AM
Listened to the Weather Report Suite from Dicks Picks 1 - my favorite version of one of my favorite songs - and found myself thinking that Bobby doesn’t quite get the songwriting praise he deserves because he (and Barlow) weren’t Garcia & Hunter. But for my money, WRS is damn close to Terrapin.