Behind-the-Scenes of the Business and Craft of professional Screenwriting.
…
continue reading
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what it's like to break and write a script in a TV Writer's Room, including the expectations you have as a writer versus the realities. Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul LundquistBy The Act Two Network
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Interview with Joe Russo: From Writing to Release of the ensemble horror movie THE INHERITANCE
54:18
54:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:18
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk with writer-director Joe Russo about his latest horror film, THE INHERITANCE, which nearly became a victim of the latest wave of studio tax write-offs. Joe talks about how the idea for the script originally came together in 2018, about the process of writing an ensemble horror movie, producing the film during C…
…
continue reading
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the oft used (and incorrect) advice to writers of "Write what you know." Instead, they argue you should write anything you f***ing want! But if you do, make sure it is believable and well-researched, and Tasha and Josh give some examples from their own jobs where research has both served and hindered their w…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Does your script have a Central Question?
32:13
32:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:13
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what a "Central Question" is when it comes to screenwriting, why you need one and how to find it for your specific story. Inspired by a Screencraft Blog Post, they break down how a Central Question works in current movies and in their own work as practical ways to understand the concept and its use in your o…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
San Diego Comic-Con for Writers and the Summer Blockbuster
43:37
43:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:37
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what it's like to go to San Diego Comic-Con as a writer, and some panels that proved useful in thinking about Screenwriting. Also, Summer movies are in full swing this year -- are movies back?! Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
RE-RELEASE: Breaking Down BRAVE with Producer & Manager, Michele Wolkoff
53:57
53:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:57
We're off this week, so we're re-releasing a conversation that we loved... Tasha and Josh break down the mother/daughter story in Pixar’s BRAVE with special guest Michele Wolkoff (EP, Pigeon Tunnel and Rook). They discuss what works, what doesn’t (and why), and analyze how a directorial overhaul 18 months prior to release affected the story and und…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Mailbag: How to Write Professional Dialogue, How to Write Different Genres, and more!
42:32
42:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:32
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman field email questions from listeners, including ways to better improve your dialogue, how to think about a "high-concept" idea, and what their process is when they approach different and distinct genres, like a Western vs. Sci-Fi, etc. TWIW: Beverly Hills Cop Axel F, Longlegs, Ryan Reynolds' sacrifices on Deadpool, …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
TWIW - Being an Authentic Writer, Are Managers Staying Away from New Clients?, Beverly Hills Cop, and More!
40:41
40:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:41
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss their This Week in Writings, including a story from Josh about pitching a father-son story and the personal feedback he got in return, Tasha's meeting with her manager that transformed her working methods, an LA Times article saying Management is dead but is it really?, and what to do if you want to write a …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Are you dedicated to Screenwriting? Let's find out.
47:45
47:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:45
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss an interview with Bryan Cranston where he talks about how acting is a lifestyle, not a job. That same philosophy applies to a Screenwriting career, so they discuss how and why you must consider whether you want the lifestyle of a Screenwriter as much as the job of one. TWIW: Do you flash your fangirl/boy tat…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Keys to a Successful (and long) Screenwriting Career
53:07
53:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:07
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down all the many skills required of a Screenwriter to have a long-lasting career and not just a one-hit wonder. Spoiler alert: it's not just about great writing. TWIW: Tasha has a breakthrough with AI / Is theater popcorn a meal replacement? Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Pa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Have you hit your goals? -- 2024 Mid-Year Goals Check-In
23:57
23:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:57
We are halfway through the year, so it's time to look back on our New Year's Goals! Join hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman as they do an honest mid-year check-in on their own goals for this year (which they have definitely not nailed) and discuss how we can all make stronger plans to accomplish those unfinished goals in the latter half of the year. …
…
continue reading
You just got notes and you want to curl into a ball and cry. Please don't do that. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what happens after you get notes. It can be intimidating. What's the process? Where to begin? Each scenario is different, and it's important to have a clear idea when you jump back into your writing. Questions / Comments: ActT…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Interview with Script Pipeline’s Matt Misetich
47:40
47:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:40
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman have a great conversation with Matt Misetich from Script Pipeline. We discuss how Script Pipeline is an asset for writers, contests, Brag Bars, and dive into the state of the industry, Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul LundquistBy The Act Two Network
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Career post AIR: Interview with Alex Convery
1:04:59
1:04:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:59
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down again with Act Two writer and Screenwriter of AIR, Alex Convery, to discuss how his screenwriting career and craft has changed since AIR was released in April 2023, and how the flurry of accolades during award season changed his career. With AIR being an original spec, Alex also talks about where the power …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Fan Fiction as a Road to Screenwriting: Interview with Keely MacDonald (AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER)
42:12
42:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:12
One of the most exciting things about Screenwriting is that everyone finds a different path to becoming a professional. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Keely Macdonald (AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER, SLEEPY HOLLOW) to discuss her path to discovering a career in Screenwriting through her fan fiction, one big fat coincidence, and the Fox …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Act Two Mixer, and How to Have a Successful Writer's Group
39:11
39:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:11
Thank you all for an awesome mixer! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman tell stories from their 2nd Act Two Podcast Mixer in Los Angeles and, since writers groups were created on the night, they discuss what makes a successful writer's group and what has made their group run strong for 15 years. Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by …
…
continue reading
The Act Two Mixer is fast approaching, and hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what to expect from the event and gain more from your writing community. TWIW: Can you send out an old version of a new script to different producers? / An awkward general and how to handle. / Josh watched UNFROSTED and has thoughts. / How editing footage is actuall…
…
continue reading
Screenwriting has its own special language, things that might sound insane if you aren't in the industry. We were inspired by the Screencraft article: 33 Terms Every Screenwriter Needs To Know. So, we dive into the article and discuss terms that screenwriters will hear and use... Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Pau…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pitching is Terrible: The Series (Part 8 - Things Execs Say)
39:20
39:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:20
After weeks of hard work, you've finally made it to the room and are pitching your take on a movie or show. Congrats! Now for the hard part... Whether it's to producers, studio execs, a director, actor/actress, or another creator -- you are going to get thoughts and questions after your pitch that you absolutely cannot predict. What do you do, and …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Internal Dialogue in Screenwriting - Do or Don't?
40:32
40:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:32
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman take on the hotly debated topic amongst Screenwriters of whether to include a character's Internal Dialogue in action descriptions, or simply write a blueprint for the camera (as we are taught in film school). Using examples from successful spec scripts that have sold and their own scripts, Tasha and Josh break down…
…
continue reading
What should you write next? It's common not to know what your next move should be, and it can be overwhelming knowing you'll spend months on a script. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how they determine what to write next and ways to prioritize certain projects. Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquis…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
TWIW: When to Take the Note, the Pitching Tiers and More!
37:44
37:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:44
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman answer listener and Screenwriting Twitter questions about what to do with conflicting notes, and discuss some TWIW in their own lives, from the many tiers of a single pitch before getting the job to their feelings (and realities) about a 10-year-old being hired to develop a studio movie. Questions / Comments: ActTwo…
…
continue reading
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about where the ideas for three of their Film & TV scripts came from, where they were in their lives when it happened, and what can be learned about Idea Creation from that process. TWIW - Revising Strategy: Start with a Blank Page / Is Roadhouse in the zeitgeist? Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com E…
…
continue reading
The favorite thing a screenwriter can do is to Network! Not really. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dive into all things networking and what that means for a screenwriter. We discuss the dos and don'ts when you're forced out of your comfort zone and find yourself trying to make new connections. Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com -- Edited…
…
continue reading
We all get notes, but sometimes we know they're not the right notes. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss when to take the note or when to stand your ground. There is a lot to consider: Are you getting paid? Are you writing on spec? Who is giving the note? How long have you been working on the script? Will it change the script? For better or wo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Secret to the Spec Sale: Interview with Daniel Kunka (Retake)
1:10:36
1:10:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:36
Tasha has lost her voice so this is a Retake: Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk with spec master Daniel Kunka to discuss his latest script: LIFT. Kunka’s spec created a frenzy that resulted in him teaming up with Netflix, Simon Kinberg, and Matt Reeves. The Act Two Podcast loves (LOVES) specs, and it was great to have Kunka offer inspiration wh…
…
continue reading
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss their Oscar predictions and why, what movies they feel were snubbed, their favorite Oscar traditions, and what makes a script adapted vs. original? Also they ANNOUNCE their first ever Act Two Patreon Oscar Pool! Join now to receive the Oscar Ballot and try your hand at winning this year's prize! Questions / …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Agent Series with Mark Hartogsohn: What is a Lit Agent and How to Get One?
56:07
56:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:07
Host Tasha Huo brings on her Gersh agent, Mark Hartogsohn, for the first in a series designed to help Screenwriters navigate what it means to get an Agent and maximize your working relationship once you have an Agent. In this introductory installment, Tasha and Josh discuss how Mark became a Hollywood agent, what it means to be a Lit Agent for Scre…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Journey from Pitch to (Not) Getting the Job
49:30
49:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:30
Fresh from being told she *didn't* get the job, host Tasha Huo talks about the process of putting together a series pitch for one of her favorite IPs, what her process was, and what it was like to be told you didn't get the job. Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Fireside Chat: Manager-Writer Conflict and the Problem of the Stubborn Writer
49:12
49:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:12
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman take you through a Fireside Chat of real-life stories of working Screenwriters, including real hurdles, obstacles and situations that professional Screenwriters have come up against and what to do in those situations. TWIW: Are you too old to start your Screenwriting career? / Why you shouldn't copyright your script…
…
continue reading
It is the bane of any Screenwriter's existence when they turn in their perfect screenplay only to be told they need to cut 10 pages. Whether it's for the read or for production, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss their step-by-step process for cutting pages when you absolutely don't want to, but HAVE to. Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gm…
…
continue reading
Where ideas come from and then how to turn that into an actual movie or TV show is THE hardest part of being a writer, and one of the most-asked questions between writers: "How did you come up with that?" So this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down in detail how they went from Idea to Outline for their new Murder Mystery spec. TWIW…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Getting Comfortable with Feeling Uncomfortable
35:24
35:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:24
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss all the ways a Screenwriter feels uncomfortable in their day to day working lives, and how they tackle those feelings when they come up, whether it be a Pitch, a General Meeting, or discussing difficult ideas in their scripts. TWIW: How Act Two's first Patreon Live Q&A went, Tasha's Screenwriting nightmare, …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
How to Combat (and Defeat) Imposter Syndrome
53:17
53:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:17
We all feel it. That voice in our head telling us we are Imposters and someone will finally figure out we don't know how to write, pitch or create stories. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what their own Imposter Syndrome looks like and how they have managed to not only combat it, but in some cases, completely defeat it. TWIW: Is Barbie an …
…
continue reading
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what a General Meeting is and how to impress once you're in one. They also discuss why reps are key, but not imperative, to a Screenwriting career, and how to meet with reps if you are taking meetings with Agents and Managers. TWIW: 22 Jump Street's surprising improv scene, The importance and beauty of liste…
…
continue reading
Happy 2024! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss goals in the new year. Get ready. It's an exciting time. Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul LundquistBy The Act Two Network
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
’Tis the Season: Why Christmas Movies Work
43:23
43:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:23
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss their Top 3 Christmas movies, why they work, and what they would do if they wrote a Christmas movie. TWIW: The Oscars are now honoring "fan favorite" films / How NFL has cornered the market on character-driven storytelling / and the pain in the ass that is living with a writer. Questions / Comments: ActTwoWr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Filmmaking Tips from James Mangold (LOGAN)
44:45
44:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:45
Hosts Tasha Huo & Josh Hallman discuss filmmaking tips we can learn from writer-director James Mangold (LOGAN, INDIANA JONES & THE DIAL OF DESTINY). TWIW: Is Harry Potter just a magical Mission Impossible movie? And how do you combat "spec boredom" so you can finish your script instead of move on to a new idea? Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@g…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
TWIW: Party Recap, When a Short Story Has No Hook, and How to Make Your General Work for You
43:28
43:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:28
This Week in Writing includes a recap of our Screenwriter Meet Up, heart vs marketability, when to throw the kitchen sink at your script’s hook, how to work a general to your advantage, do you need to drop your rep if they don’t “get you,” the learned skill of trimming minutes, shredding the “a screenplay is a bland blueprint” opinion, and a remind…
…
continue reading
How do you get the heart of your show across in a clear and concise way without overloading the script with too many elements or underwhelming with too few? Tasha and Josh discuss how to bring clarity of concept into your writing using lessons from their recent pilots. TWIW: Lessons from a Mike Flanagan Kickstarter. Why distinctive characters are e…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: LA Event & Patreon Launch
4:06
4:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:06
The day has finally arrived! On Nov 30th we officially launch the Act Two Podcast Patreon. To celebrate, we’re hosting a Screenwriter Meet & Greet that night in Los Angeles. If you’re in the area, come say “Hello!” We’d love to see you there! Link for Event Info Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Breaking Down Pixar’s BRAVE with Producer & Manager, Michele Wolkoff
53:57
53:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:57
Tasha and Josh break down the mother/daughter story in Pixar’s BRAVE with special guest Michele Wolkoff (EP, Pigeon Tunnel and Rook). They discuss what works, what doesn’t (and why), and analyze how a directorial overhaul 18 months prior to release affected the story and underlying themes. Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
TWIW: Why Relationships Matter, When to Restructure, How to Think Outside the Box
39:41
39:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:41
This Week in Writing includes why relationships are key to the Hollywood long game, signs you may need to restructure your spec, and why the simple act of reading a comic can be so creatively refreshing. Plus, Josh breaks through with a new idea to avoid extensive, unpaid rewrites! Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT P…
…
continue reading
Writing a first draft is tough. But writing a second draft can be tougher. Tasha and Josh discuss best practices for tackling the deceptively difficult second draft, be it going scene-by-scene, starting anew, or ignoring a note to find the real note lurking underneath. TWIW: Why staying active with programs and competitions keeps you going. Should …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Building Dread: Top 5 Horror Films w/ Special Guest Dave Levinson
1:19:02
1:19:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:19:02
What makes a horror film truly terrifying? Tasha and Josh, along with special guest and horror aficionado Dave Levinson, break down their favorite horror films and what makes them so frightening that even decades later just the thought of the film sends a shiver up our spine. TWIW: Josh is shocked by the discrepancies between a pilot script and a f…
…
continue reading
Getting repped may seem impossible, but there are actually many different paths to representation. Tasha and Josh break down what worked for them and what they’ve seen work for others. (Spoiler: the best way is to write a good script!) TWIW: Josh finished a pilot with his wife and celebrated with a bottle of rosé and Taylor Swift. Tasha celebrates …
…
continue reading
There’s no wrong way to be inspired, but finding inspiration can oftentimes prove elusive. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss various techniques they use when they need a burst of creative inspiration, be it in nature, nostalgia, or an engaging museum plaque. TWIW: Josh and Tasha fear AI becoming a creative crutch, but admit that it can be a …
…
continue reading
Take a break! Eat dinner with your family! Hangout with that friend! We promise you’ll still get your writing done. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the importance of self-care in a post-strike world, and the various strategies they use to relieve the ever-present pressure of work work work. Step one: acknowledging that you…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Essential Steps to Writing a Pilot Outline
54:21
54:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:21
Writing a Pilot is one of the more difficult undertakings of a Screenwriter. It must set up an entire series without revealing too much of the series journey, engage the audience with questions, but not leave enough questions to be confusing. A great pilot starts with a great outline. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how TV…
…
continue reading
A great villain is the hero of their own story. Search for their humanity and discover what makes them your hero’s shadow self. Plus, Elemental and the lost art of word of mouth marketing. TWIW: Josh achieves #couplegoals. Tasha struggles to finish her short story, but finds hope in her calendar of all places. Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gm…
…
continue reading