Podcasts by Act Two Podcast

Filmmaking Tips from James Mangold (LOGAN) from 2023-12-11T09:22:03

Hosts Tasha Huo & Josh Hallman discuss filmmaking tips we can learn from writer-director James Mangold...

TWIW: Party Recap, When a Short Story Has No Hook, and How to Make Your General Work for You from 2023-12-04T08:15:43

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 n...

Finding Clarity of Concept in Your Pilot from 2023-11-27T07:53:07

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 c...

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: LA Event&Patreon Launch from 2023-11-22T08:07:36

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...

Breaking Down Pixar’s BRAVE with Producer&Manager, Michele Wolkoff from 2023-11-20T10:24:08

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...

TWIW: Why Relationships Matter, When to Restructure, How to Think Outside the Box from 2023-11-13T16:22:49

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 re...

Ways to Tackle a 2nd Draft from 2023-11-06T08:45:09

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, ...

Building Dread: Top 5 Horror Films w/ Special Guest Dave Levinson from 2023-10-30T08:06:39

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...

How to Get Repped from 2023-10-23T10:57:47

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:...

Where to Find Inspiration from 2023-10-16T06:40:35

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...

The Importance of Self-Care from 2023-10-09T09:25:27

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 se...

The Essential Steps to Writing a Pilot Outline from 2023-10-02T08:10:50

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,...

Finding Humanity in Your Villain from 2023-09-25T08:33:07

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...

Rethinking How to Adapt IP from 2023-09-18T09:21:43

Why is IP important? Do you need it to make a sale? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down an article by Steven Hartman, the pros and cons of working with IP, and rethinking how to approach...

5 Stages of Spec Writing from 2023-09-11T17:48:17

There are 5 (Emotional) Stages a Screenwriter goes through in writing their spec. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down the writer brain at each stage, and how to power through ...

Breakdown of Act One: SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE from 2023-09-04T15:28:04

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down the structure and writing lessons Screenwriters can learn from Act One of SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, including how to use blockin...

How to Be a Writer on Set from 2023-08-28T19:53:45

Eliza Clark (Showrunner, Y: THE LAST MAN) wrote a document for her writers on what to do once they were on set to produce their episode of television. The document highlights the incredible impo...

Interview with Jeff Howard (HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, MIDNIGHT MASS) from 2023-08-21T07:08

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Screen and TV writer Jeff Howard (HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, MIDNIGHT MASS, OCULUS, GERALD'S GAME) to talk about his unique story of how he...

Screenwriting Tips from INDIANA JONES from 2023-08-14T12:10:48

Jumping off an article posted by NoFilmSchool.com, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what Screenwriting imperati...

Interview with Alyssa Alvarado: AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL from 2023-08-07T19:22:33

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Alyssa Alvarado, the Screenplay Department Director of the Austin Film Festival, to chat about what makes AFF the best festival in the U...

Summer Blockbusters: Midpoint Check-In from 2023-07-31T11:03:39

It is the Midpoint of the 2023 Summer Blockbuster season! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the Barbenheimer phenomenon and what's been good, bad and ugly so far this Summer at the theate...

Interview with Dan Kunka: ARBITRATION from 2023-07-24T07:13

Back by popular demand, Screenwriter Dan Kunka (12 ROUNDS) talks with hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman about his journey through arbitration for his latest film, LIFT, based on his sp...

J.J. Abrams’s Mystery Box from 2023-07-17T07:15

Screenwriters have been inspired for a long time by JJ Abrams's "Mystery Box" TED Talk from 2007. It gave a glimpse into JJ's genius as a writer whose movies and shows were irresistib...

FLASH and INDIANA JONES from 2023-07-10T09:46:45

As huge genre fans, hosts Tasha Huo & Josh Hallman discuss their thoughts on FLASH and INDIANA JONES: DIAL OF DESTINY. *Spoilers definitely ahead, beware!*

Interview with Scott Glassgold: Selling Your Short Story from 2023-07-03T08:29:38

Scott Glassgold, founder of management & production company Ground Control, has recently made waves in Hollywood for finding short stories on Reddit and turning them into high-profile...

Summer 2023 Blockbusters! from 2023-06-27T09:01:10

It's a blockbuster Summer like we haven't seen in years. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the Summer 2023 line-up and what are the must-sees in theater. 

  Listen

TWIW: Spiderverse, ”Burn It Down” and AI from 2023-06-19T23:16:17

This Week in Writing includes wildly different reviews of Spiderverse by hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman, Hollywood books that have made it on their reading lists, the DGA agreement ...

Tips for Writing a Short Film from 2023-06-12T09:07:12

What are the main tenets when writing a short film? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what you should be thinking about as you embark on writing your short film in terms of sto...

What is Arbitration? from 2023-06-05T22:24:32

What is Arbitration, how does it work, and what does a Screenwriter have to do when it happens to them? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss Tasha's recent (and first!) arbitratio...

WGA Strike Vibes on the Picket from 2023-05-29T20:12:02

After a day of picketing, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman chat about what it's like to picket and how WGA writers they talked to are currently feeling about the strike. 

Listen

How to Stay in Screenwriting Shape from 2023-05-22T09:18:24

Hosts Tasha Huo & Josh Hallman discuss a Listen

Industry Terms: Part II from 2023-04-24T12:17:45

Back by popular demand... In part two of a series, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss Hollywood phrases that producers, studio execs, and reps say to writers. They discuss what t...

Industry Terms (Part I) from 2023-04-17T10:30:11

Hollywood has its own language that writers must learn to speak in order to succeed. In this Part One of a series, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss some of the most-used phras...

How to Have a Successful Writer’s Group from 2023-04-10T23:12:47

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman have been in the same Writer's Group together since 2009. They discuss how their group started, how they function from week to week, and the Do's and Don'ts that...

How to Write a Heist from 2023-04-03T22:48:46

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how they go about writing heists. Having written a few heists between them, both for film and TV, Tasha and Josh break down the first steps th...

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Screenwriting from 2023-03-27T08:06:58

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and how you can apply it to your Screenwriting career.

Questions / Comments:...

The Hustle from 2023-03-20T13:26:56

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down what it means to "hustle" as a Screenwriter.

TWIW: What writers can learn from actors on pitching, How pitching a movie r...

TWIW: Selling in Animation, Spec Sales, and Learning Writing from Actors from 2023-03-12T22:48:51

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about what we can learn about how actors look at writing, discuss whether specs are necessary for a successful Screenwriting career, how to sell a...

Nicole Ramberg Part II: Her Path To The Black List from 2023-03-06T09:49:16

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk with screenwriter Nicole Ramberg about her script CRAIGSHAVEN which landed on the 2022 Black List. We also talk about her career path, working in ...

Interview with Paul Bae: Screenwriter to Podcaster to Screenwriter from 2023-02-27T19:08:03

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Screenwriter Paul Bae, creator of the hit podcast series BLACK TAPES, and talk about how he turned his screenplay into a podcast to jump start his ...

TWIW: Targeted Note-Giving and What a Screenwriting Career Actually Looks Like from 2023-02-20T23:13:07

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss their This Week in Writing, including AMC's debacle with seat sales, the newly-released TED LASSO teaser, how to give and receive targeted notes to help ...

Pacing in an Action Sequence from 2023-02-13T17:00:34

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss... pacing and action sequences! We love action and the pacing is so important to your screenplay. We also discuss general meetings and the length of spec...

10 Signs of a Great Screenplay from 2023-02-06T19:15:36

Lists on how to write a "great" screenplay are practically useless when sitting down before a blank page. But hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how to use lists and tips in the REWRITE pr...

Screenwriting Skills that ARE NOT Writing from 2023-02-01T07:25:24

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what skills professional Screenwriters need that aren't writing. Turns out there are a lot of skills Screenwriters need to practice and hone i...

Finding&Securing IP: Interview with Steve Desmond (KNOCK AT THE CABIN) from 2023-01-23T22:12:56

Screenwriter Steve Desmond and his co-writer Michael Sherman have made a career of securing IP and adapting it via pitches and spec sales. Their scripts have landed them on the Black ...

TWIW: Keep the Momentum Going from 2023-01-17T09:44:21

This Week in Writing, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the PUSS IN BOOTS franchise, WEDNESDAY, a fantastic book on writing by George Saunders, a schedule of how the industry f...

New Year. New Goals. from 2023-01-03T05:23:35

Happy 2023! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss goals in the new year... how to set them, approach them, tackle them... The new year is here. Let's start strong!

Questions / Comment...

Your IP Responsibilities from 2022-12-27T07:19:56

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the responsibilities of a writer when tackling IP... 

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist Music by 4...

Spirited and Writing the Christmas Movie from 2022-12-19T20:43:44

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the latest Christmas movie SPIRITED (Ryan Reynolds, Will Farrell) and Christmas movies in general from the perspective of a Screenwriter. What should you...

Wrapping up for the Holidays as a Screenwriter from 2022-12-12T17:20:03

Winding down for the holidays, what should writers do? What should you be writing, how should you start preparing for your career in the new year, and what holiday gifts are appropriate for your...

A Dialogue on Dialogue from 2022-12-05T21:02:02

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how to hone your ear for dialogue and how to translate unique characters onto the page through the words they say. Hint: eavesdropping on real people is ...

Securing IP, General Meetings, and Pitching! (Mailbag) from 2022-11-28T17:46:20

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman take questions... your questions! We cover some of Tasha's favorite subjects: Intellectual Property and Pitching. 

...

Crafting a Likable Protagonist from 2022-11-20T20:54:08

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman debate the merits of a "likable protagonist" -- a popular note from producers and execs -- and discuss ways to answer the note in your own writing.

TWIW: Stealing from other Movies, and Getting Unstuck in Revisions from 2022-11-14T21:31:21

In This Week in Writing, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss when stealing from other movies and shows makes sense, what the difference is between "stealing" and plagiarism, and how Tasha a...

TWIW: What is Hip-Pocketing and What Makes a Good Showrunner? from 2022-11-08T06:51:31

In This Week in Writing, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what it means to be Hip-Pocketed by an agent or manager, hot topics in Screenwriting news, and what are the qualities that make ...

So You’re Being Rewritten... from 2022-10-31T15:36:10

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about being rewritten! It's going to happen to you sooner or later... What does it mean? What do you do when it happens? Why does it happen? Also,...

A conversation with the Writer of King Richard: Zach Baylin from 2022-10-24T12:16:10

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman chat with Zach Baylin about his career, process, tennis, different Hollywood jobs, and how he secured the job to write KING RICHARD. 

Q...

The Romance Episode from 2022-10-09T13:39:18

Tasha's getting married! So this week, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about love in the movies. What are their favorite romantic films, and why they make the cut from a writing perspectiv...

Pitching is Terrible: The Series (Part 7 - Idea to Pitch) from 2022-10-03T01:40:31

Pitching is terrible. But, it is a necessary evil. All pitches start from the mere seed of an idea and must be built into a pitch script that can dazzle and impress executives enough to pay you ...

Fireside Chat: How to Break into the Industry from 2022-09-26T07:26

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman bring back the Fireside Chat by answering specific questions from a college student on ways to break into the industry, and from a listener on the differences be...

8 Sequence Story Structure from 2022-09-18T22:42:59

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman go through their own Three Act exposure therapy adventure as they talk through a popular structure tool for Screenwriters - Listen

How We Create Characters from 2022-04-03T20:53:47

In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss in detail how they start creating characters for their stories, as well as a This Week in Writing about a new way Tasha has learned to w...

We Should Talk About Nepotism... from 2022-03-27T20:28:49

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss some things... like nepotism, your voice, and certain frustrations...

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@g...

When to Move On... from 2022-03-20T19:47:34

... from your spec. Your manager. Your scene. Your agent. Your producer. If you're writing long enough, you will come up against this question -- "When should I move on from this?"

Having Etiquette As A Screenwriter... from 2022-03-13T20:22:49

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the different scenarios where etiquette comes into play...

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com<...

Pitching Is Terrible: The Series (Part 6 -- How to Prep like Steve Jobs) from 2022-03-07T07:33:29

Steve Jobs was possibly one of the greatest presenters of our time. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss his 6-step pitch-prepping method and how it applies to writers. 

Qu...

Script Club: ENDING THINGS by Kevin Sullivan from 2022-02-27T17:53:15

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman bring the Act Two Script Club to the podcast for the first time, breaking down what we can learn from Kevin Sullivan's writing in his action rom-com, ENDING THIN...

The Manager Life: Interview w/ John Zaozirny of Bellevue Prods. from 2022-02-20T22:25:39

Host Josh Hallman finally gets to put his own manager, John Zaozirny, on the hot seat and gets to ask him all the pressing questions about why managers reject their writer's ideas, what makes fo...

How to Set the Tone in Meetings from 2022-02-13T21:01:14

When we get our first opportunities and jobs as Screenwriters, we are so grateful to finally be doing this for a living that many of us naturally slip into a "people-pleasing" role. We want to p...

How to Revise Your Script from 2022-02-06T21:31:36

So, you finished a draft of your script. Congratufreakinglations! First, go celebrate! Then, come back and listen to this episode before you start revising, as hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman a...

Heroes&Villains: The Pirate, the Crooked Cop, the Wicked Step-Mother, and the Adventurer from 2022-01-30T22:16:12

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman each choose one favorite movie hero and one villain then discuss how they are setup and developed across the movie, and why they are effective. There is much to ...

Pitching Is Terrible: The Series (Part 5 -- The Rewrite Pitch) from 2022-01-23T19:44:54

Pitching is terrible. Pitching for a rewrite job is particularly tricky and terrible. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the Do's and Don'ts of pitching rewrites, and also...

MacGuffins: To Use Or Not To Use? from 2022-01-17T10:01:33

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss all things MacGuffins! One of Josh's absolute favorite things, but they're sometimes looked at as a cheat in Screenplays -- What are they? When should yo...

Breaking Into The Industry: Q&A With Mickey Fisher from 2022-01-09T16:58:58

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk with Screenwriter Mickey Fisher - creator of TV series EXTANT (CBS), REVERIE (NBC). He also worked on MARS (NatGeo), THE STRAIN (FX), and JACK RYAN (Amazon)...

New Year, New Writing Goals from 2022-01-02T12:08:08

Season 3 is here! Welcome to 2022. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about setting writing goals and how to manage them.

The beginning of the year is a great time to map out how you ...

Taking A Break Over The Break? from 2021-12-26T10:47:31

It's the final episode of 2021! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman wonder if writers should take a break from writing over the holidays. Should we recharge or power through? Sit back, relax, and e...

The Setup: Home Alone vs. Home Sweet Home Alone from 2021-12-20T06:56:08

Home Alone has a perfect setup, and Home Sweet Home Alone is probably a lot better than you think. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dive into the beginnings of both movies to discuss character, ...

The Breakdown: DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (Better than the OG?) from 2021-12-12T22:57:13

Which DIE HARD movie is your favorite? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman will go to their graves believing DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE is the best in the series, but here they go up agai...

Don‘t Please Your Producer (from a Producer) from 2021-12-05T22:39:35

One of the most difficult things for a Screenwriter is figuring out how to work with your Execs. They pay you, so are they your boss? They can veto your choices (because they're paying you), so ...

Holiday Gifts -- What to get Reps and Producers from 2021-11-21T11:24:31

Holidays are here, and it’s time to panic about what to get your reps. Freak out no more! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman give some great gift ideas, and share some insider info from...

The Breakdown: Writing Action Setpieces from 2021-11-14T23:03:07

Action is its own unique writing skill and different masters craft their action differently. That's why, in this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dive into the specific writi...

How to Handle Submissions from 2021-11-07T20:02:52

If you are a working Screenwriter, you will receive Submissions from Producers as a regular part of your job. Screenwriters Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how to handle those subm...

Screenwriting Twitter Topics from 2021-10-31T11:04:57

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman chime in on some of the most hotly-debated topics on Screenwriting Twitter going on right now.

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Listen

The Pitch: Film to TV from 2021-10-24T18:36:03

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman surprise each other with popular Film prompts that they have to, on the spot, pitch as a TV show. It's an exercise in how to think about adaptation, about the di...

Finding Your Next Idea from 2021-10-18T08:20:29

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss where they get their ideas and inspiration from, what tricks they use in Act Two, and how to start asking more questions about your world to g...

When to Work for Free? from 2021-10-10T22:34:25

To write for free or not to write for free, that is the oft-asked Screenwriter’s question. So, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss situations in their own careers when they’ve be...

Tasha Interviews Josh: AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL from 2021-10-03T22:16:51

Austin Film Festival 2021 runs from October 21 - 28, so host Tasha Huo chats with co-host Josh Hallman who has been to AFF twice. First in 2014, when he won the Fade to Black Award fo...

Josh Interviews Tasha: SHOWRUNNING from 2021-09-26T20:51:05

Host Josh Hallman makes co-host Tasha Huo tell the story of how she became a Showrunner on TOMB RAIDER: THE ANIMATED SERIES, what the job entails, what surprises there were, and steps writers ca...

Writer‘s Tool Chest: The Notecard from 2021-09-12T20:47:14

Knowing how to break your ideas and scripts into Notecards can be an extremely valuable tool in your writer’s tool chest, and is key to understanding a career in TV development. In th...

What A Good Relationship With Your Reps Looks Like from 2021-09-05T20:51:03

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss a topic every screenwriter loves... your reps! Specifically, how to maintain a good relationship with your reps and what a working relationship looks lik...

Daily Life of a TV Staff Writer with Monty Bennett from 2021-08-22T21:07:12

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman hang out with September Act Two Mentor, Mr. Monty Bennett, to discuss the daily life of a staff writer in a TV room. They share stories on everything from when y...

Anatomy of an Action Setpiece from 2021-08-15T20:42:18

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down and talk about their favorite thing -- action setpieces in movies. Breaking down iconic action sequences from four different films, they discuss how sto...

The Note Giver's 10 Commandments from 2021-08-08T19:17:17

Part II of the Notes Commandments series, wherein hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down the best, most effective (and simultaneously, the kindest) way to GIVE notes to Screenwriters, and w...

To Study Film, or Not? with Special Guest: James Stoteraux from 2021-08-01T13:02:35

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Screenwriter James Stoteraux, Executive-Producer of "Batwoman", after his thread about his volatile experience at Columbia's graduate film program ...

Staying Proactive And Being An Advocate For Yourself. from 2021-07-25T19:58:53

There are many ways to stay proactive in your writing life. If you're sitting on a script you're passionate about, there are (creative) ways to get it into the world. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Ha...

The Open Writing Assignment (OWA): Devil or Deliverer? from 2021-07-18T20:15:58

Some Screenwriters think Open Writing Assignments (OWAs) are a waste of time and a product of the Devil, other Screenwriters build sustainable careers off of them, and still others believe they ...

How to Stay Organized from 2021-07-04T15:08:37

In this Screenwriter-nerd episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman get specific about how they and other professional Screenwriters organize their files. Easy and clear organization becomes ext...

This Week in Writing from 2021-06-27T21:52:25

A busy week of new discoveries, bizarre meetings and franchise opportunities -- Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dish on their This Week in Writing, in the life of a professional Screenwriter. Listen

The Art of Adaptation with Special Guest: Evan Spiliotopoulos from 2021-06-20T13:18:38

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with screenwriter and master of the adaptation Evan Spiliotopoulos (Snake Eyes, The Huntsman: Winter's War, Beauty and the Beast) to discuss how he appr...

Film Writing vs. TV Writing with Special Guest David Levinson from 2021-06-13T20:04:03

This was the description I wrote — Writing for the small screen is not the same as writing for the big screen. They are completely different skills. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hal...

Fireside Chat: This Is Us from 2021-06-06T22:18:13

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the personal stories they consider turning points in their Screenwriting careers. 

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Listen

Pitching Is Terrible: The Series (Part 4 -- The Ten Minutes After You Pitch) from 2021-05-31T08:19:58

It turns out there is a crucial moment after you pitch -- the ten-minute window when the pitch is finished. In part four of this multi-episode series hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss thi...

The Note Taker's 10 Commandments from 2021-05-23T20:56:49

To have a sustainable Screenwriting career, you need to know more than just how to write a brilliant screenplay. Eventually, every Screenwriter is asked to revise. But taking notes an...

WHY MOVIES WORK: Nobody, Mortal Kombat and The Mitchells vs. the Machines from 2021-05-16T22:50:25

In this inaugural edition of WHY MOVIES WORK, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss three recently-released movies — NOBODY, MORTAL KOMBAT and THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES — and,...

Development Hell from 2021-05-09T20:40:29

Development Hell is part of every Screenwriter’s career, great and small. In this first in an ongoing series about real-life development stories, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman kick...

Ghostwriting -- The Best Kept Secret in Screenwriting from 2021-05-02T20:41:25

Chances are, the Screenwriters of your favorite movies have hired a Ghostwriter to do everything from joke punch-ups to full on writing of your favorite scenes and set-pieces. Ghostwriting is on...

The Walt Disney Television Writing Program: Interview with 2020 alums, Adrian Viña&Allyson Philobos from 2021-04-25T10:01:08

The Walt Disney Television Writing Program is one of the most sought-after programs for up-and-coming writers because of its extremely high success rate in transitioning its program participants...

Secret to the Spec Sale: Interview with Daniel Kunka from 2021-04-18T21:11:21

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, Sim...

How to Have a "Voice" from 2021-04-04T15:32:47

"That writer has a great voice," is a comment often uttered by producers and reps when talking about writers they love. And it's what buyers and producers look for in hiring the best writer for ...

Snyder Cut&Mythology from 2021-03-28T21:43:39

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman watch the 4-hour Snyder Cut of JUSTICE LEAGUE and both rant and rave about it, while also bringing it back to writing -- How do you write good mythology, and wha...

ANNOUNCING: Act Two Mentorship Program with Coverfly (with special guest, Tom Dever, Head of Writer Success at Coverfly) from 2021-03-21T19:12:05

Screenwriting is an isolating career by its very nature, but in Act Two, we believe that it doesn't have to be. If we support one another, we are all supported. For that reason, Act Two has part...

The Breakdown: TED LASSO Pilot -- Character Intros from 2021-03-21T19:09:13

TED LASSO deserves all the awards (all the things!), so say hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman. In this Breakdown episode, they break down how writers Jason Sudeikis and Bill Lawrence introduced t...

Documents Writers Write (that aren't the script) from 2021-03-07T21:34:35

Being a professional Screenwriter doesn't mean you're just good at writing scripts. You must become a master/mistress of a slew of other document types, from Format Documents to Scriptments and ...

Process: Getting the Job - Tomb Raider and Red Sonja from 2021-02-28T18:15:30

It's a big month in the news for co-host Tasha Huo, who has been hired to create and executive produce the animated series TOMB RAIDER for Netflix, and to adapt the comic RED SONJA for Millenniu...

Fireside Chat from 2021-02-21T20:59:16

In this Fireside Chat, join hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman in discussing three real-life stories from Screenwriters this week -- A new writer who has sent loglines to a studio executive and ha...

The Art of Act One: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone from 2021-02-14T10:19:43

A Hufflepuff and a Slytherin examine the first act that started it all: HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE! Harry Potter is one of the greatest and most influential film franchises of all tim...

Three Act Structure from 2021-02-07T19:56:39

You have to learn the rules before you can break them. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss why Three Act Structure is important and they break down some of the most popular...

Screenwriting Life: A New Hope from 2021-01-31T20:29:53

"Hope is like the sun. If you only believe it when you see it, you'll never make it through the night." - General Laia, Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Hope is what every Screenwriter's dreams are bui...

WGA 101: Interview with Ben Shiffrin, WGA Captain from 2021-01-24T21:59:59

Becoming a member of the Writer's Guild of America is an important milestone for every Screenwriter, and a significant hurdle in accessing a consistent and successful career. In this episode, ho...

Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling from 2021-01-17T19:40:49

Pixar storytellers are some of the best in the history of our business. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman walk through a viral Twitter feed where former Pixar storyboard artist E...

Pitching is Terrible: The Series (Part 3 -- Visuals in a Pitch) from 2021-01-10T17:41:18

Pitching is terrible. But one of the biggest ways to set yourself up for success is by adding visuals to your pitch presentation. So whether you're pitching over Zoom, or you're back in a room w...

Get Competitive: Interview w/ bRock Newell, 2018 Screencraft Fellowship Winner from 2021-01-03T17:11:35

Fellowships have become a formidable way to jumpstart (or restart) your Screenwriting career. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with bRock Newell, winner of the 2018 Scr...

New Year's Resolutions: How to Make (Writing) Goals from 2020-12-27T21:20:41

Sure, New Year's Resolutions suck and never work. But, what if your writing resolutions DID work? What if by Dec. 31st of next year, your career looked vastly different? It can happen. You (and ...

The Breakdown: LETHAL WEAPON (Demystifying a Legend) from 2020-12-20T16:15

There is a legend among Screenwriters that Shane Black wrote LETHAL WEAPON right out of college, sold it immediately, and that his first draft was what went into production. Tearing down that my...

The Breakdown: Back to the Future (Act 3 - Obstacles&Pay-Offs) from 2020-12-13T17:02:21

BACK TO THE FUTURE, crafted by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, has one of the most satisfying endings in film. It accomplishes this through building continuous Obstacles and Paying Off all the Set...

The Breakdown: BACK TO THE FUTURE (Act Two - The Art of Cause&Effect) from 2020-12-06T13:28:45

BACK TO THE FUTURE, written by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, is a masterclass in how to craft the perfect Act Two. It has a powerful story engine, unexpected twists and turns, emotiona...

First Script is Done. Now what? from 2020-11-29T17:09

You've written your first script and you're ready to show it to the world. Where do you share it? Who do you trust with feedback, and what do you do with it? When is your ego getting in the way,...

The Breakdown: BACK TO THE FUTURE (Act One) from 2020-11-22T21:40:22

BACK TO THE FUTURE, written by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, wasn't always the perfect movie you think it was. The original draft was far from the genius that made it to screen. In this special ...

Get Competitive: Guest Interview w/ Nicole Ramberg, 2020 Screencraft Competition Winner from 2020-11-16T06:31:22

Competitions are a very effective way to jumpstart your Screenwriting career. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Nicole Ramberg, 2020 Winner of the Screencraft Actio...

A Million Ways: Guest Interview w/ Screenwriter Corey Deshon from 2020-11-08T11:57:18

There are a million ways to a Screenwriting career. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with screenwriter Corey Deshon to discuss his epic Twitter thread on the many start...

How to Have a Good Relationship with Your Reps from 2020-11-01T18:24:14

One of the most important and fraught relationships a Screenwriter will ever have is the one they have with their reps. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman field questions from Scr...

Pitching is Terrible: The Series (Part 2 -- Formatting Your Pitch) from 2020-10-27T17:15:41

Pitching is terrible. But when you have a pitch format you can rely on, it's that much easier to be confident and successful in the room. In this episode of the "Pitching is Terrible" Series, ho...

Pitching is Terrible: The Series (Part 1 -- What, How and Why do you Pitch?) from 2020-10-18T21:55:52

Turns out a Screenwriting career is not just about what you can do on a page. It's also about what you can do in a room. In this first part of a multi-episode series focused entirely on Pitching...

The Confident Writer, an Oxymoron from 2020-10-12T20:57:22

Confidence can literally make or break your writing career. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman get philosophical as they talk about their struggles with confidence as writers and how they powered ...

Working Hard or Hardly Working? -- A Day in the Life of a Screenwriter from 2020-10-04T20:51:36

The first question every Panel Host asks a Screenwriter is, "What does your typical writing day look like?" It's a burning question we've all had because knowing how other writers work effective...

A Screenwriter Walks into a Festival... from 2020-09-28T09:41:10

... and then what? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about their experiences as Screenwriters at Sundance and the Austin Film Festival (respectively) and how it affected their careers. Why s...

General Meetings: The Couch&Water Tour from 2020-09-21T09:22:47

"The Couch & Water Tour" is the colloquial term for the slew of General Meetings that Screenwriters take on the road to finding work and building their network. It's called that because an assis...

The Job: TV Staff Writing with Nneka Gerstle from 2020-09-13T18:17:19

How the heck do you get a Staff Writing job on a TV show? And once you have it, what does the job even look like?

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman grill seasoned staff writer, Nneka Gers...

HARD KILL: Script to Screen with Joe Russo from 2020-09-06T19:12:16

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman chat with Act Two member, Joe Russo, about his writing process on HARD KILL, his '90s throwback action movie starring Bruce Willis and former WWE wrestler Eva Ma...

The Art of the Spec Script from 2020-08-30T22:51:33

Spec scripts -- original feature-length screenplays you write for free and then try to sell on the market -- are an imperative part of a Screenwriter's profession, particularly for new and mid-l...

Welcome Home: Blank Page to Red Carpet with David Levinson from 2020-08-24T07:29:28

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down (with some electrolyte margaritas) and chat with screenwriter David Levinson on getting his first movie produced. They break down what it's like for a w...

We're Back! Post-Quarantine for Screenwriters from 2020-08-24T07:27:54

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk surviving the apocalypse as a working screenwriter, what their writing days now look like, what brings them hope and inspiration in these trying times, and ...

Getting Repped -- All the Ways to Get a Manager or Agent from 2020-08-24T07:27:47

Screenwriters Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman share their wild stories about how they got their first Manager and Agent, and talk through the many ways you can get representation. Everyone tells you to ...

Introducing the ACT TWO Podcast from 2020-08-23T22:25:27

Welcome to the Act Two Podcast where screenwriters Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman demystify what it means to be an everyday working Screenwriter.    In this introductory episode, meet your hosts, learn...