iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Now, more than ever, it feels healthy to expose myself to new art created by actual humans. It’s part of the reason I see so much live music. And last night’s Punch Brothers’ show at The Ford was one of those shows that reminded me humanity is capable of creating profoundly beautiful and unique art.

1322

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Everyday is full of new waking nightmares. Billionaires and politicians tearing apart our social contract. Efforts to outsource all labor to AI. Jamgrass! To stay sane, I’m focused on the stuff I can do to make things just a little better. Inspired by posts on here, I started donating platelets.

The stuff they give you when you donate platelets: A black American Red Cross Platelet donor bag. With a red bag containing a Hello Kitty American Red Cross toy in it.

0110

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

I have buddy named Ada, who’s a graffiti artist, but when he tags stuff, everyone just assumes he’s a really big advocate for disabled folks.

160

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

In addition to the pork belly, there were at least eight other things on the menu. One of those places where nearly every dish is excellent.

豚再者
"BUTA KAKUNI”
PORK BELLY BOILED FOR 4HR$ TO
TENDERNESS AND REDUCES FAT,THIS PORK IS SO SOFT, YOU
CAN CUT IT WITH SHOPSTICKS.
SERVED WITH POTATO & BOILED EGG

Buta KAKUNI. Pork belly in broth with potatoes, eggs, and mustard. The best pork dish I’ve ever had.

"MUSHA'S CHEESE RISOTTO"
ITALIAN DISH WITH JAPANESE CREATION. JAPANESE GRAIN BROWN RICE COOKED WITH CHICKEN BROTH.
N PANFRIED WITH BACON, ONION & TOUCH OF HEAVY CREAM.
SERVED IN A WHOLE CHEESE BOWL TO YOUR TABI F

A giant block of parmesan cheese with a hole in the top filled with risotto. Two big spoons scrape and scoop the melted Parmesan risotto.

020

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

My kids are great eaters. Most of the dishes I love to cook, they love to eat. Baked potato bar is not one of them. But they left for summer camp today, so I didn’t hear any complaints when I made this absolute unit for dinner tonight.

On a picnic table, a plate is topped with an air fryer baked potato, shredded cheddar, bacon, sweet hot jalepenos, roasted broccoli, sour cream, and green onion on top.

3160

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

This is from an exec who chewed me out my first time running a room because the staff’s morale was low. Now granted it was largely low because of the exec, but still, I thought their advice was excellent. When I’m in charge, I still adhere to it. Think about others while you do the job. 🧵11

Give clear goals + expectati
• Designate tocus periods + then give breaks
• If we hit an impasse, work as individuals
• Keep things light+ fun
• frame things constructively

1120

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Characters arc over the course of a story, but that transformation doesn’t happen all at once. Each scene should put them in (at least a slightly) different place emotionally than they were before. They come in feeling one way, encounter an obstacle, and end the scene feeling different. 🧵9

What is the point of this Scene? Where do they start in the beginning + where do they end?
starts here → obstacle → end

271

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

The 5 stages of grief. No, this isn’t a coping mechanism for dealing with the entertainment industry. It’s a reminder that characters need to change. And this is a solid roadmap for how a character might deal with trauma. I pitched it as Tilly’s B story in Dirt Jar and Kenny Byerly ran with it! 🧵8

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
S. Acceptance

150

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

This from my boss, Jordana Arkin, on my first kids’ animated show, Star vs the Forces of Evil. My early stories were feeling too complicated, so she gave me some real basic things I needed to do to tell a compelling story. It helped me simplify my stories and focus on the fun. 🧵7

•Llever way to kick off
Story
• What our characters have todo as a result
• an unexpected twist & some set pieces
• how situati
yets worse
for characters
• how they resolve it

1110

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

That being said, I still keep the Save the Cat! beat sheet and Dan Harmon story circle on my wall. Why? Because if I’m having trouble breaking a story, I like to plug what I have into these and look for holes/redundancies/issues. I’m wary of over relying on a template, but they can be helpful. 🧵6

Title:
Genre.
pening image
Theme sate (S)
Setup
(/10)
Catalyst
(IZ)
Debate
(12-25)
Breakintmo (25)
B Stort
(30)
Funt Games
(30-55)
Midpoint
(S5)
Bad Guys clse in (55-75)
All is lost
(75)
Bleak into three
Finake
(85-10)
Final Image (1r0)

STORY STRUCTURE CIRCLE
You
(a character is in a zone of comfort)
1
Change
(now capable of change)
Need
(but they want something)
8
2
Return
(and go back to where they started)
LIFE
CONSCIOUS
ORDER
DEATH
UNCONSCIOUS
DISORDER
Go
(they enter an
unfamiliar situation)
Take
(pay its price)
Search
(adapt to it)
Find
(find what they wanted)

170

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Different shows have different ways of breaking story. Different DOs and DON’Ts. This is the list of DOs and DON’Ts for Big City Greens. You’ll notice it’s all about character, story, and what the audience is feeling. No plot point guidelines, because overly formulaic stories become predictable. 🧵5

Want vs Need

• What is the lie your chalacter beliams?

• Is it funny to watch?

• Who is the story about?
• What's at stake?

• Is the story relationship-based? What newin?

• What's it all about? (in 12 Voids)
• Escalate stories

• Avoid characters being miserable

• No simple mişunderstandings

• Simple stories. Let em beathe.

• Bad choices make good stories

• cause & effect story telling

• Contrast ( city/cantre, richpoor,

old/ yang, complicated/simple)

• The Greens are the weird ones
• Avail jealousy stories
lective] miin

1101

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

This is my logline template. I think I got it from some screenwriting book. It’s a good reminder that a logline is more than just a description of the world; it’s a call to action and the foundation of a character arc. Nail your logline and you’ve got enough conflict to carry your story. 🧵4

A [descriptive adjective [ main
Character's profession] must
I do something antitletical to their niture] in order to solna a big problem

1142

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

This comes from a letter David Mamet wrote to his staff on The Unit. It was his advice for what every scene must have/avoid. The avoid section is Mamet’s way of saying, “exposition is boring, so find a way to tell the story without resorting to characters just spelling it out.” Show don’t tell. 🧵3

Every scene ask:
1. Who wants what?
2. What happens if they dont gelit?
3. Why now?
Every score must stand alone AND
advemee the plot
AND be essential
Avoid:
• Turo characters discussing a third
- "as you lenow"
Do:
• Tell the story in pietures.

1132

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

On The Office, Greg Daniels had this engraved onto a chair. For him, they were the crucial elements of any story. Nail these six things and you have the foundation of a compelling story. Screw any of them up and you have a story problem that must be solved. 🧵2

Twists, turns
Stakes, motivation,
Wants & needs

2174

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Not a bad place for a watch party. Thoroughly enjoyed a post-match swim too.

120

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The Internet has felt like an especially toxic place lately. Last week, I spent a couple days in rural Oregon and there wasn’t any cell or internet reception (which was nice), but there were lots of crabs (which was also nice). This one was a real cutie!

1356

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

I saw SML for the 3rd time last night. Each time they’ve played fully improvised sets in the round. Last night, I took in the view from the stage of the Teragram Ballroom - a novel perspective that offered perfect sight lines of Anna Butterss (bass) and Booker Stardrum (drums). This rhythm section!

040

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

I was up for an open writing assignment and found out I didn’t get the job. No matter how long you do this, that never feels good. But it feels a whole lot better than it used to. This week’s #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread is on REJECTION. Dedicated to OG Anunoby and what he did to the Spurs. 🧵1

OG Anunoby blocks Dearon Fox’s shot at the rim as everyone in MSG andNew York City looks on.

2172

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Torrance’s incumbent mayor is MAGA, but the office is non-denominational so very few Torrance residents knew that… until the No Kings rally when SB progressives spread the word. Kalani is not a progressive but she’s an improvement. Post the wins and don’t let anyone tell you protests are worthless.

The current vote totals for the city of Torrance mayoral election. Sharon Kalani has overtaken (MAGA) George Chen. 18,803 (50.53%) to 18,408 (49.47%).

080

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

CA voters, we’re 8 days away from the primary. Make sure your voice gets heard - vote! LA voters, we checked Knock LA and LA Forward voter guides to help us find progressive candidates. www.laforward.org/voterguide knock-la.com/knock-la-pro...

A hand placing a ballot into an official ballot drop box.

01811

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

Blocked someone this morning. Not gonna publicize them or what they said. But I am going to post this helpful flow chart I made for figuring out whether or not you should respond to someone on the Internet it. They failed it. I didn’t.

A flow chart that explains whether or not you should respond to someone on the Internet. The answer is never respond unless they’re a decent person, you’d say the same thing to them in person, and you’re a decent person.

082

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

In honor of the Knicks, I made a NY strip streak with a chimichurri sauce (Dinosaur BBQ cookbook). I accidentally overcooked my steaks and that was almost as disappointing as NY through 3 quarters. But the chimichurri was as good as the Knicks in the 4th and OT. #26RecipesIn26

White mashed potatoes, a green sauce on a steak, on a blue plate.

140

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Who says old cats can’t learn new tricks?! After 16 years, this guy has finally decided to become a lap cat.

A black cat contentedly lays on the well-toned, incredibly muscular legs of a liar.

2120

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Tried to get Olivia Rodrigo tickets for my daughters yesterday, but struck out for all TEN of her LA shows at the Intuit Dome. There are of course thousands of tickets available on the secondary market. Makes me long for the days of waiting in line to get tix at JC Penny’s.

A Ticketmaster queue page. I’m 139,290 in line for an Olivia Rodrigo show.

140

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

I made the Food Lab’s pasta e fagioli recipe tonight. One kid said, “I hate the pasta.” The other said, “I hate the bacon.” My wife said, “It’s pretty good, I guess.” But hey, my family is dumb. This was killer! Soups are rarely this tasty with a 30 minute cook time. #26RecipesIn26

A bowl of soup with macaroni, kidney beans, parsley, bacon, onions, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.

130

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Before I get to script or outline or even beat sheet, I start every pilot or feature I write with THE BLANK BOARD. So this week’s #Scriptsky #Screenwriting thread is on my personal process going from an idea germ to a script. It’s an amalgamation of what I learned while working on The Office. 🧵1

A cork board wall that’s entirely blank, except for three white index cards that say, “Act One,” “Act Two,” and “Act Three.”

4313

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

I made The Food Lab’s extra garlicky shrimp scampi. Between the garlic and shrimp infused olive oil, garlic shrimp marinade, and thin slivers of cooked garlic, this is a helluva dish for people who like shrimp and garlic (with none of the harshness of raw garlic). My kids loved it! #26RecipesIn26

A bowl of fusilli pasta with perfectly cooked pink shrimp and bits of green parsley.

130

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

The cashier at Howlin’ Rays said, “You must hear this all the time, but you look just like Jake Gyllenhaal.” I was feeling so unbelievably flattered until he added, “Yeah, just like Jake Gyllenhaal in Night Crawler.”

Jake Gyllenhaal in Night Crawler, looking gaunt and creepy, and apparently like me.

040

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

I think I could write 20K words about that Phish show. But for now, I’ll just say Phish + Sphere + psychedelics is like shooting fish in a barrel.

1100

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

I made the Food Lab’s Eggplant Parm Casserole tonight. It was both some of the best eggplant parm I’ve ever had and something I will probably not be making again anytime soon. Not sure the juice was worth the squeeze. Might try deconstructing it next time if I do it make again. #26RecipesIn26

A white pan was browned melted mozzarella over layers of fried eggplant and homemade tomato sauce.

240

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

No #Scriptsky thread this weekend because I was skiing and largely offline all weekend. (That little silhouette in the picture is me.)

A steep snowy ski run. At the top of it, a skier is silhouetted against a white cloud.

2140

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

And of course, it’s not working.

The “something went wrong” error screen on nugs’ google tv app.

010

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

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!

191

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

My wife doesn’t like tomato-based pasta sauces, but a pink sauce is a compromise the whole family can get behind. This is from J Kenji Lopez Alt’s Food Lab cookbook. I substituted chicken sausage for the chicken, and when I make it again, I’ll add a bit more cream. Still very good. #26RecipesIn26

Penne pasta in a pink sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, in a white bowl.

2100

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 11/01/2026

I wrote this the day after seeing Dead and Company at The Sphere on 6/13/24. My tribute to Bobby Weir. I’ll remember you… 🧵1

2162

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

All this 15 year old pup wanted for Christmas was non-stop pets and scritches. And she got ‘em. #DogsOfBluesky #Dogs

1133

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

My favorite Christmas book is, “One Thousand Christmas Beards” by Roger Duvoisin. It’s the story of Santa viciously assaulting all the people dressing up like him and stealing their fake Santa beards. Seriously.

A furious Santa stands on top of a man dressed like Santa. A child watched in shock and horror as this Christmas nightmare unfolds in front of her.

Alas, his pride melted away like a snowman in the sun when she looked at him and said severely:
"Santa, you cruel man,
did you kill all the false Santas who wore those false beards?"
"No, I didn't," said Santa,
"but I put an end
to their trying to look like me."
"Santa, you are so silly!
You never stopped to think, did you, why there are lots of Santas about when Christmas comes.
In how many places can you be at one time?"
"Why, one, of course."
"Then, how do you think people can have true Christmas cheer in their towns when they see you for only a moment or not at all?"

The book cover for One Thousand Christmas Beards with a furious Santa holding a fake Christmas beard he’s yanked off a false Santa.

050

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

My favorite part of holidays are cooking for my family. Tonight, we had two Melissa Clark recipes: Roman lamb over cheese polenta (pommes purée for the kids) and dark chocolate pudding w/ homegrown blackberry sauce. Plus, my wife and kids made a Yule log with meringue mushrooms.

Roman lamb with peas, mint, and scallions over cheese polenta.

Yule log with merengue mushrooms. Not pictured: my killer chocolate pudding and blackberry sauce.

291

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

And here’s my 8 year old’s Santa list. I’m not sure what I think is cuter request: “my sister to get a present from you” or “NO AI!!!”

1100

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

Here’s her last-minute Santa list…

A handwritten list to Santa asking for things like a phone, stickers, and “Dnled Trump not to be president.”

3120

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

My wife and I decided not to shop at Target, Walmart, and Amazon in 2025. We weren’t perfect but spent less than $100 and managed to make Christmas happen only spending $15 between the three companies. It’s not much, but it felt good to support less awful businesses.

A Christmas tree surrounded by presents.

1300

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Looking for some new Christmas programming? Big City Greens has you covered. Check out: “Green Christmas,” “Virtually Christmas,” and “Dream Tree.” The latter two were written by this Jew, but are still very much holiday appropriate.

The words Dream Tree written in snow on the window of Bill’s Kludge.

170

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Name an unheralded profession you have immense respect for. For me, it’s movers. Two thicc Russians came to my house to take out my broken washer and old dryer. They understood angles and the geometry of tight spaces like they were Euclid. Got them out in 15 minutes - would’ve taken me 15 years.

A white dryer stacked on top of a white washing in an incredibly cramped laundry nook.

2263

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Sometimes when people are rude to me, I leave them this flow chart I made. It… doesn’t help. <SIGHS>

Flow chart of whether or not you should reply to a comment on the Internet.

110

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

Timeline cleanse. Here’s my sweet pup napping. With so much darkness out there, we all gotta try to enjoy the sunny spots when we find them.

A gray dog napping in the sunny spot on a blue couch.

090

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

The Internet is kinda vague on this, but I found this comment on Reddit, so maybe it wasn’t the heat stroke causing me to hallucinate.

A Reddit post about Camp Oswego saying the Slip played the first night.

110

Nate Federman @natefederman.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

One thing I love about vote by mail / ballot box drop off in CA, is that they email you once your vote is counted so there’s no stress it didn’t go through. #YesOn50

An email from the California Secretary of State stating that my ballot was counted.

1423543