Act Two Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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 COVID, and the consequent difficulties of getting it to the public. 

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 writing. They address questions like How much research is too much? At what point in the process should you research? And how do you research effectively?

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

This Week in Writing, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the Emmys, what makes a script unique, Don't Worry Darling, how Tasha broke through a new original spec, and how to juggle multiple projects for a more successful career.

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

In This Week in Writing, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss Only Murders in the Building and why episode hooks are important, the ending of Nope and how/if it works, one of Josh's projects that has come back years later, and how Minority Report is a master class in world-building exposition.

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

"Working hard" as a professional Screenwriter means more than just writing. It also means building your network and promoting your brand. But the way we Self-Advocate as writers is different than in many other businesses. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what Self-Advocating means as a Screenwriter, and how to do it at any stage of your career.

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with one of the great adaptation writers in our business, Christopher Yost (THOR: RAGNAROK, COWBOY BEBOP), about how he approaches adaptation, how it differs from original writing, and how the tough choices of writing an adaptation are unique. He also discusses his path to writing some of the biggest movies in our industry, and how his latest original movie SECRET HEADQUARTERS (playing now on Paramount+) came to be.

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

From Jealousy and Self-Loathing to Depression and Spite, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss all the unhealthy writer thoughts that come up in their own heads and in their conversations with other writers, why they come up, and how to deal with them in a healthy way. 

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down the Meet Cute device used in some of their favorite romantic comedies and discuss how the writing makes you root for the heroes and their romance.

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

In this episode of This Week in Writing, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss everything from taking your shot with your favorite actors, to how Imposter Syndrome can easily spiral out of control, and new lessons learned this week about pitching.

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg