First Five

First Five is a podcast hosted by screenwriter and filmmaker Lindsay Stidham that dives into the first five pages of scripts (both classic and new) to explore what makes a story hook work. Each episode unpacks how writers craft their opening, tease out themes, structure, character arcs, and narrative momentum. It's designed for screenwriters, storytellers, and movie lovers who care deeply about craft, opening scenes, and the delicate architecture of a great start. Lindsay brings her experience (MFA-trained, working writer) and her sharp, generous eye to each breakdown, offering insight, encouragement, and inspiration along with an incredible cavalcade of guests at various points in their own careers. Whether you're writing your own script or just obsessed with why your favorite movies grab you, First Five is a thoughtful, creative, and smart conversation about story beginnings.

First Five is a general podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts First Five, a general show with 0 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  First Five

  Joyce Liu Countryman

  Feb 11, 202634 minS0

  <p>In this episode of The First Five, host Lindsay Stidham sits down with producer and storyteller Joyce Liu Countryman to explore the craft of story, the realities of indie producing, and the honor (and responsibility) of joining The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. From lyrical fiction to real-world filmmaking, Joyce offers insights that will inspire writers, producers, and curious cinephiles alike. The pair also tackle the First Five of The English Patient and discuss intimacy, the power of embracing death, atmospheric world building, and more. Follow https://www.instagram.com/joyceliucountryman/ for her own filmmaking journey.</p>

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  First Five

  Katie Folger Gets In Bed With The Pizza Man

  Jan 27, 202648 minS0

  <p>On this episode of First 5, we're joined by actress and writer Katie Folger, who performs the first five pages of her bold, funny, and disarmingly honest one-woman show, Getting in Bed with the Pizza Man.</p> <p>In these opening pages, Katie pulls us straight into a world of intimacy, vulnerability, and sharp self-awareness (where humor and heartbreak share the same slice). With wit and emotional precision, she explores desire, loneliness, fantasy, and the stories we tell ourselves about connection, all while establishing a voice that's fearless and deeply human.</p> <p>First 5 is a podcast about beginnings—the first...

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  First Five

  Episode 5: The Prophecy of Network with Sundance Filmmaker Janek Ambrose

  Jan 13, 202642 minS0

  <p>Sundance alumni filmmaker Janek Ambrose has written, produced, and directed multiple award-winning shorts and features, and most recently attended Sundance as co-producer of In the Summers 🎬✨. Janek also founded Assembly Line Entertainment, where he seeks out projects he'd never conjure on his own—pushing boundaries, genres, and expectations 🚀.</p> <p>Much of Janek's work is politically minded, so he came armed with one of his all-time favorite scripts: Network 📺—nominated for 10 Academy Awards and winner of Best Screenplay for Paddy Chayefsky 🏆. Lindsay and Janek dive into the first five pages, debating just how prophetic the film was about the collapse of modern...

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  First Five

  Big Swings and Small Moments with Ginny and Georgia Writers

  Jan 6, 202640 minS0

  <p>What makes Ginny & Georgia so relentlessly bingeable? In this episode of First Five, we sit down with Ginny & Georgia writers Michelle Askew and Ayotunde Ifaturoti to unpack the craft, chaos, and collaboration behind one of Netflix's most addictive serialized dramas.</p> <p>Michelle and Ayotunde take us inside the writers' room to break down their episode—from the bold structural swings to the quiet, intimate character moments that make the show's teen-and-mom dynamic hit so hard. We talk about how the room balances tonal tightropes and why the smallest emotional beats often carry the biggest weight.</p> <p>The conver...

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  First Five

  Oh, Baby! The art of the sexy short film with Brooke Trantor

  Dec 9, 202532 minS0

  <p>Welcome to a short-film focused episode of First 5, the podcast where we explore the first five pages of screenplays—both iconic and in-progress—to uncover what hooks us, what thrills us, and what makes a script truly tick. The talented multi-hyphenate writer, actor, and director Brooke Trantor joins us this episode. </p> <p>Brooke has made a truly remarkable amount of short films and has played in notable festivals around the country. She regales with tales about her award-winning short film Oh, Baby! The film included working with her very pregnant best friend and navigating directing a sex scene pre...

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