Best Sandy Adomaitis Podcasts (2024)

1
Michael Crichton's Writing Process Behind the 1996 Blockbuster "Twister" 25:37

6h ago25:37

25:37

Hang out with us as we explore what happened behind the scenes during the writing of Twister, the 1996 blockbuster movie Twister, with a special guest, my cousin Kate! Twister is an action film and screwball romance featuring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt. Writer Michael Crichton conceived it as a combination of the classic romantic comedy "His Girl F…

1
Create Captivating Characters 24:59

14h ago24:59

24:59

Sandy and Terry delved into the Enneagram System, a method of categorizing human personality into nine distinct types. For writers, the Enneagram Personality Test website is a valuable resource for mapping out your characters' authentic emotional journeys. By taking the personality test, you will gain valuable character traits that will enhance you…

1
PAGE Judges Are Talking About Your Script 23:12

9h ago23:12

23:12

The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the Writers’ Hangout podcast and will announce the Quarter-Finalists in their 2024 screenplay competition on Monday, July 15th. And that's our excuse to give our listeners a special treat! Today's episode features Sandy and Terry reading comments from the PAGE Awards Judges' scorecards. We also d…

1
10 Pet Peeves That Make A Script Reader Pause 19:56

7d ago19:56

19:56

We’re baaccck! It is the first week of July 2024, and Sandy and Terry are ready for #hotpodsummer. Did you know that our host and creator of The Writers’ Hangout, Sandy Adomaitis, has a wealth of experience in script development for both television and film? She has worked with some of the industry’s top showrunners, including Carlton Cuse, John Wi…

1
Screenwriter Stephen Gaghan of 'Traffic' Fame Took Some Rough Turns On The Road To Success 25:07

1M ago25:07

25:07

How do they do it? How do successful writers become successful? They must all lead charmed lives. One imagines a successful writer who works hard, gets up at 4 a.m., goes to the gym, then slides behind the laptop for four hours. Afternoons, they take their doodle around the block of their tony neighborhood, then put in another two solid hours of ed…

1
Rewind - PAGE Awards Judges Reveal How They Evaluate Your Script Ft. Karen Craig and Scott Barkan 32:20

2M ago32:20

32:20

REWIND EPISODE. Join the conversation on how PAGE Awards Judges evaluate your screenplay with Karen Craig and Scott Barkan. Karen Craig is a professional screenwriter and script doctor whose credits include such films as AMERICAN PSYCHO II, starring Mila Kunis and William Shatner, and FORBIDDEN SECRETS, starring Kristy Swanson. Karen has served as …

1
The Mysterious Death Of Thelma Todd Ft. Steve Cubine and Nan McNamara From Beneath The Hollywood Sign 53:48

2M ago53:48

53:48

Our guests are Steve Cubine and Nan McNamara from the hit podcast "From Beneath The Hollywood Sign." Every week, Steve and Nan dive into the magical, mysterious, amusing, and sometimes bizarre tales of Old Hollywood. If you're a fan of the Golden Era of Old Hollywood, "From Beneath The Hollywood Sign" is a podcast you won't want to miss. So, follow…

1
All Three Episodes of The Unbelievable True Story of Elisabeth Finch and Grey's Anatomy. 42:45

2M ago42:45

42:45

Parts one, two, and three of "The Unbelievable True Story of Elisabeth Finch and Grey's Anatomy." Available now! Rising star and television writer Elizabeth Finch wrote many emotional scripts for Grey's Anatomy, exploring cancer, abortion, and sexual abuse based on her life experiences. In March of 2022, Grey's Anatomy writer Elisabeth Finch was in…

1
The Mother Of All Episodes 23:59

2M ago23:59

23:59

Happy Mother's Day! Join Sandy and Terry on today's show as they discuss how mothers are portrayed in movies and explore the idea of screenwriters seeking feedback from the most influential women in their lives—their moms. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Producer Sandy Adom…

1
The Broadcast 41 With Professor Carol Stabile 44:49

3M ago44:49

44:49

Our esteemed guest is Professor Carol Stabile, the author of The Broadcast 41, a profound exploration of the experiences of 41 remarkable women. These women, including some of the most prominent figures of their time: Dorothy Parker, Gypsy Rose Lee, Lena Horne, and screenwriter Vera Caspray, challenged the rigid norms of the American television and…

1
Judy Blume's Top Writing Tips To Get You Started And To Keep You Going 19:33

3M ago19:33

19:33

Do you know Judy Blume? She's a fantastic author who has written some of the most beloved childhood novels, such as "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing," and "Deenie." Sandy and Terry discuss some of the best writing tips for aspiring writers by Judy Blume, gathered by Literary Hub's Emily Temple. Trust me, this…

1
How The Rinsch Stole $55 Million From Netflix Using Kindhearted Keanu Reeves 30:07

3M ago30:07

30:07

Sandy tells the strange story of Netflix reportedly paying director Carl Rinsch $55 million for a sci-fi series that he failed to complete and spent most of the money on crypto investments, five Rolls Royces, and a $380K watch. Now, Carl Rinsch is demanding an additional payment of $14 million from Netflix. Plus, does Terry get a visit from Black-e…

1
Rewind -- Behind the Scenes with Kristin Overn the Founder and Executive Director of the PAGE Awards 38:14

3M ago38:14

38:14

In this rewind episode, we talk with Kristin Overn, the Founder and Executive Director of the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards competition. Kristin began her film career as a producer's assistant and script reader at companies like Davis Entertainment, Bonneville Worldwide, and 20th Century Fox. Since then, she has consulted, collaborated, a…

1
The Holdovers Accused Of Plagiarism 16:13

4M ago16:13

16:13

Sandy and Terry delve into the latest plagiarism controversy. The Alexander Payne-directed film The Holdovers didn’t win for the Best Original Screenplay at the 96th Oscars, but Da’Vine Joy Randolph did take home the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The film is highly regarded by critics and audiences alike. In early March 2024, reporte…

1
HBO Max's Hard-Hitting Doc 'Quiet On Set' Hits Home About RECESS 29:46

4M ago29:46

29:46

After watching "Quiet On Set," the Max documentary about allegations against producer Dan Schneider, who is accused of creating a toxic work environment on his Nickelodeon shows and engaging in inappropriate behavior, Sandy can't stop thinking about it. It reminds her of the story she shared with you in Episode 86, about her time writing for ABC/Di…

1
Don’t You Forget About John Hughes 15:31

4M ago15:31

15:31

Sandy and Terry delve into 4 impactful quotes by screenwriter, producer and director, John Hughes. One of the most successful and influential filmmakers in Hollywood history, John has helped launch the careers of Andrew McCarthy, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Macaulay Culkin, Judd Nelson, and John Candy. The PAGE International Screenwriting…

1
Lucy Walsh Talks About Her New Book Remember Me As Human 35:54

4M ago35:54

35:54

Sandy hangs out with the award-winning actress, musician, and screenwriter Lucy Walsh. When Lucy was seventeen, she was given sixty-three of the love letters her Grandfather Dale wrote her Grandmother Wanda while he was in World War II. A dozen years later, life-changing events compelled Lucy to fly from Los Angeles to tiny Newman, Illinois, to spe…

1
Screenwriting Scam Alert! 16:19

5M ago16:19

16:19

Terry recently received a phone call from a childhood friend who asked for help. The friend, has a friend, who was offered a huge deal for something they had written, and would Terry get him up to speed on "Hollywood" deal making. However, as Terry spoke with the friend, he began to suspect that the whole thing might be a scam. Unfortunately, this …

1
Screenwriter Stan Zimmerman Shares Stories From His New Book The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore 45:24

5M ago45:24

45:24

We are thrilled to have a special guest, Stan Zimmerman, who is a renowned film and television writer. He has been nominated for two WGA Awards for Best Comedy Episodic Writing for his work on The Golden Girls and Roseanne. Stan talks about his new book, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+girls+stan+zimmerman&crid=2D5…

1
Rewind - Tips To Get You Writing 21:02

5M ago21:02

21:02

One of the biggest challenges for new and seasoned writers is to sit down and start writing their screenplay. It's common for writers to have an excellent idea for a script for months but not put anything down on paper. To make matters worse, they might see a movie trailer that looks exactly like the movie they have in their head, causing them to f…

1
Why Should Screenwriters Care About Public Domain 20:16

5M ago20:16

20:16

For screenwriters, the Public Domain can be a treasure trove of inspiration and material. Hollywood is obsessed with Intellectual Property (IP) and buying the rights to the latest hit book or graphic novel can be expensive and out of reach for most screenwriters. By tapping into the public domain, screenwriters can find stories, characters, and the…

1
The Taylor Swift Writing Mystery Solved 22:35

6M ago22:35

22:35

Did Taylor Swift pen the spy thriller that inspired the new film ARGYLLE? Hang out with Sandy and Terry, who explores how the internet built a conspiracy theory that Taylor Swift secretly wrote the spy thriller ARGYLLE. Matthew Vaughn directs ARGYLLE, which stars Henry Cavill, Ariana DeBose, Bryan Cranston, Dua Lipa, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elly…

1
The Netflix Blockbuster Scandal 30:03

6M ago30:03

30:03

Adam Joiner, an ordinary man from the Sacramento area of California, managed to secure millions in funding for a movie that his brother Andrew wrote called 'Legends.' The movie blends legendary 19th-century American figures and steampunk Avengers, designed to satisfy the increasing demand for big-budget fantasy-action films. However, the following …

1
Tears and Laughter And Crying At Work 31:13

6M ago31:13

31:13

Sandy and Terry are back and ready to take on 2024. However, Terry encountered a problem when both of his computers crashed, and he lost both copies of the Final Draft. Meanwhile, Sandy worked hard over the holidays to set up a writing office but now finds herself in a difficult situation and turns to The Writers' Hangout for some advice and suppor…

1
Snow White And The Legendary Hollywood Party 29:53

7M ago29:53

29:53

Join us as we rewind and discuss one of the most legendary parties in Hollywood history. After the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt Disney threw a party at the Norconian Resort located in the California Desert to thank his employees. However, the party quickly becomes wild and crazy, and Walt never speaks of it again. It was an unsp…

1
CHINATOWN: Why A Famous Last Line Almost Never Happen - REWIND 18:25

7M ago18:25

18:25

Join Sandy and Terry as they discuss one of the film's most iconic closing lines - "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown" - from the 1974 movie CHINATOWN. The film was written by Robert Towne and directed by Roman Polanski. It features Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway in the lead roles. In this episode, we will discover the fascinating story behind the c…

1
Oh My God! They Killed Kenney! The Too Short and Fascinating Life of Screenwriter Doug Kenney 27:08

7M ago27:08

27:08

Happy New Year! In today's episode, we will rewind the story of Doug Kenney, the screenwriter and co-founder of National Lampoon, who was behind popular movies like Animal House and Caddyshack. Despite being remembered as a 'genius' by his friends and colleagues, Kenney tragically passed away at the age of 33 after falling off a cliff in Hawaii. If…

1
Holiday Clip Show Of The Writers’ Hangout 56:12

7M ago56:12

56:12

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Sandy and Terry! Writers, we've compiled a clip show of our past two years hanging out with you!! Kick back next to a cozy fire and start the show, or be like me and turn on a fake fireplace because you live in Southern California, and it is 62 degrees outside. We love you and are excited to see what the futu…

1
Billy Wilder's 10 Crucial Tips To Write A Great Screenplay 19:29

7M ago19:29

19:29

During today's show, Sandy and Terry will discuss Billy Wilder's 10 tips for excellent screenplay writing. Few screenwriters are as pedigreed as Billy Wilder, renowned as one of the most creative filmmakers of American cinema's Golden Age. Billy was nominated 21 times at the Academy Awards, 13 for his screenwriting and 8 for his direction. He won t…

1
Norman Lear Lifetime Of A Legend 17:44

8M ago17:44

17:44

Sandy and Terry reflect on the life of writer and producer Norman Lear, who transformed American comedy with his daring and immensely popular early-'70s sitcoms such as "All in the Family" and "Sanford and Son," who passed away on Tuesday at 101. Norman Lear created some of the most iconic shows of the 1970s, such as All in the Family, Sanford and …

1
Screenwriter Diane Hanks And The Woman With The Purple Heart 36:38

8M ago36:38

36:38

The Writers' Hangout Podcast has a special treat for you today. Our guest is 2016 PAGE Awards winner Diane Hanks, who has joined us to discuss her stunning novel WOMAN WITH A PURPLE HEART. The story of Lieutenant Annie Fox, the first woman to earn a Purple Heart, is told in "The Woman with the Purple Heart." Annie was the chief nurse at Hickam Hosp…

1
10 Movies Coming To A Theater Near You 27:36

8M ago27:36

27:36

Hang out with Sandy and Terry as they discuss the variety of movies released at the end of 2023. We will see a bit of everything: boys to men wrestling, Beyoncé touring, and Timothée Chalamet singing. This season's movie lineup is sure to captivate audiences of all tastes. So come and tune in to Sandy and Terry's conversation as they share their th…

1
7 Quick Tips for Creating Memorable Character Names 26:15

8M ago26:15

26:15

In this episode, Sandy and Terry discuss seven tips on creating memorable character names for your stories. Have you ever wondered how important character names are in a story? Well, let's ask Google: "The right name can help the reader easily identify each character. However, getting too creative with your name choices can be distracting or even c…

1
Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest TV Theme Songs of All Time 43:44

9M ago43:44

43:44

Hang out with Sandy and Terry as they go through Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest TV Theme Songs of All Time! From Seventies sitcoms with expository jams to modern prestige classics with experimental scores, from 'Sanford and Son' to 'Succession,' from 'Match Game' to 'Game of Thrones.' Will your favorite make the list? Enjoy, and get to humming. The P…

1
The Bitter Sweet Symphony of Adrienne Shelly - Rewind One Year Later 21:01

9M ago21:01

21:01

In honor of the late writer, director, and actor Adrienne Shelly, we are reposting The Writers' Hangout Episode dedicated to her story in the month she passed. This is an opportunity to get to know this talented and amazing woman whose life was cut short by a tragic event. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. E…

1
Dread: 22 Tales Of Terror With Screenwriter Kevin Bachar 30:36

9M ago30:36

30:36

On today's show, Kevin Bacher, the winner of the 2018 Page Awards Grand Prize, is here. Kevin was a guest on The Writers Hangout last Spring, Episode 69, where we discussed his movie, THE INHABITANT, starring Dermot Mulroney and Leslie Bibb. THE INHABITANT was released last year in theaters and can be found on Amazon Prime and Hulu. Besides being a…

1
Happy Halloween With A Recap of The Ghost And Mr. Chicken Ft. Screenwriter Mark Steen 55:01

9M ago55:01

55:01

Happy Halloween!! Hang out with Sandy, Terry, and special guest screenwriter Mark Steen as they recap "Ghost and Mr. Chicken," starring Don Knotts from "The Andy Griffith Show" fame. Directed by Alan Rafkin and written by James Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" is about a timid typesetter who hasn't a ghost of a chance of …

1
How Writers Find Their Agents And Managers 34:01

9M ago34:01

34:01

Thanks for hanging out with us! In this episode, Sandy and Terry discuss a Twitter thread that provides valuable insights into how signed writers found their representation—special thanks to Tyler Clair Smith, the writer on X who inspired this episode. Follow Tyler Clair Smith @tclairsmith - we certainly did! In this episode, we discuss helpful int…

1
Terry's Love Of The Marx Brothers And The Art Of Improvisation 17:11

10M ago17:11

17:11

We discuss Terry’s love of The Marx Brothers and his appreciation of improvisation. The Marx Brothers were a famous comedy act that succeeded in vaudeville, on Broadway, and in 14 motion pictures between 1905 and 1949. The American Film Institute selected five of the Marx Brothers' fourteen feature films as among the top 100 comedy films. Critics, …

1
How Mike White Came Up With The Idea For School Of Rock 20 Years Later 18:13

10M ago18:13

18:13

Hang out with Sandy and Terry in their discussion about the 20th anniversary of School of Rock and the process of generating creative ideas when a screenwriter begins to write a movie. We find the process intriguing - from when an idea strikes the writer, often while in the shower, to how they shape it based on their life experiences. Research for …

1
What Is S.A.D. And Why Writers Should Spend Winter in Lithuania 30:26

10M ago30:26

30:26

Hang out with Sandy and Terry as they discuss what is going on with the writer's strike, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and writing in winter in Vilnius. Research for this episode relied heavily on the NIH National Institute of Mental Health. nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder Other resources: thealaskafrontier.com/do-…

1
Hey Writers What's The Big Idea 22:58

10M ago22:58

22:58

Hang out with Sandy and Terry as they discuss the "big idea" - a high-concept premise that can persuade studio executives to read your script and turn it into a movie. Terry shares his opinion on the best pizza in the San Fernando Valley, while Sandy gets serious about New York bagels. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITER…

1
Harassed And Pitching A Humanitas Prize Nominated Script 27:56

11M ago27:56

27:56

Sandy and Terry hang out and discuss Sandy being sexually harassed and bullied but still pitching a Humanitas Prize-nominated idea to Disney/ABC/ RECESS with her former writing partner. 👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast💙 If y…

1
Hollywood Then and Now With John Wirth and Gail Matthius Pt. 2 29:02

11M ago29:02

29:02

Hang out with our guests, John Wirth and Gail Matthius, a Hollywood couple who met in high school, fell in love and moved to Hollywood to pursue their dreams. Gail was a cast member on Saturday Night Live in 1981 and is known for her voice acting work in animated shows, including Bobby's World, Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs, and The Tick. John W…

1
Hollywood Then And Now With John Wirth and Gail Matthius Pt. 1 48:02

11M ago48:02

48:02

Hang out with our guests, John Wirth and Gail Matthius, a Hollywood couple who met in high school. Gail was a cast member on Saturday Night Live in 1981 and is known for her voice acting work in animated shows, including Bobby's World, Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs, and The Tick. John Wirth is a television showrunner, producer, and writer. His c…

1
How To Procrastinate Like A Successful Screenwriter 24:46

11M ago24:46

24:46

Hang out with Sandy and Terry as they talk procrastination with a capital P! Everyone deals with it, but how do you stop procrastination? Then, once you do, what do you write your screenplay about? You have three great ideas, but which one do you write? We address this in the latest episode and have a few laughs. Research for this episode includes …

1
Sandra Bullock’s The Blind Side Controversy 28:01

11M ago28:01

28:01

Hang out with Sandy and Terry as they discuss THE BLIND SIDE controversy over Michael Oher, the NFL veteran whose life inspired the movie and who is suing his conservators, Sean and Leigh Ann Tuohy, for $15 million. The former Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers Tackle says in his filing that he gave the rights to his life story away to 20th Cen…

1
Play Guess The Movie With Sandy and Terry 26:23

12M ago26:23

26:23

Time to play – The Writers’ Game Show!!!! Sandy will give a brief synopsis of a movie that involves music, one sentence at a time, and we’ll see how many sentences Terry and you take to come up with the movie's name. We are going for a low score here. If you get it on the first sentence, you give yourself a one, the second sentence a two, etc. All …

1
Best-selling Author and Screenwriter Claire McGown Let’s Us In 24:37

1y ago24:37

24:37

Today, we have a great guest on the show, best-sell author and screenwriter Claire McGown. Claire was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in a village where she said, “The most exciting thing that ever happened was a herd of cows getting loose in the road.” Clair now lives in London, and her latest mystery thriller book, LET ME IN, was just releas…

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Sandy Adomaitis Podcasts

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