Explore every episode of the podcast The Writers Hangout
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Hostile Takeover of Warner Bros. and Its Implications for Writers | 14 Dec 2025 | 00:15:28 | |
Hang out with Sandy as she discusses the joint statement from WGA East and West about the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix and the hostile takeover by Paramount. Plus, an update on Carl Rinch, the writer/director who embezzled $11 million from Netflix. Carl Rinch’s trial just wrapped up last week. We also share an inspiring story about resilience involving Meryl Streep and Dino De Laurentiis. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Novelium: Write With an Editor at Your Side | |||
| Murder of Mafia Princess and Screenwriter Susan Berman | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:24:44 | |
Rewind. On Christmas Eve 2000, Susan Berman, a talented journalist, screenwriter, and author, sadly lost her life at her home on 1527 Benedict Canyon Drive in Beverly Hills. Susan, the cherished daughter of a mobster and a former dancer, was raised as part of mob royalty, celebrating birthdays with Elvis and Liberace. Her tragic passing deeply affected her friends, leaving us wondering—did Susan ever suspect her killer? Executive Producer Kristin Overn | |||
| Spec Scripts Are Selling Again -- What You Need To Know | 31 Aug 2025 | 00:19:16 | |
Eight spec scripts have sold so far in August 2025. That's a fantastic achievement that should energize every writer out there. It looks like audiences are eager for movies that keep them guessing, which means fresh, original stories that can still surprise and delight. Sandy reports on this genuine optimism for screenwriters in an industry that has recently been taken over by existing IP. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT. | |||
| We're Back With The Writers' Strike and A.I. Theatre | 02 Jul 2023 | 00:16:02 | |
We are back! The Writer’s Hangout is back with a brand-new episode. We break down the current WGA Writers’ Strike and whether A.I. can write a screenplay better than a human. We introduce A.I. Theater, where Terry reads from three scripts written by bots. Writers, we challenge you not to laugh at these delightful screenplays. The scripts are all written by bots and can be found on the Instagram Account: @bot_scripts 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com PAGE International Screenwriting Awards Hollywood's favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. | |||
| Rewind - The Strange Disappearance of Screenwriter Ian Mackintosh | 25 Jun 2023 | 00:22:42 | |
Rewind -- British screenwriter Ian Mackintosh's plane went missing on July 7, 1979, nineteen days before his thirty-ninth birthday, over the Gulf of Alaska. What happened remains a mystery. Join us as we tell the story of Lieutenant Commander Hamish Ian Mackintosh, a British Royal Navy officer, a writer of thriller novels, and a screenwriter for British television. Ian's series, THE SANDBAGGERS, was groundbreaking. The New York Times said "the best spy series in television history." Ian MacKintosh was among the first writers to present espionage realistically and as a sordid series of political struggles, double-crosses, and personality clashes. | |||
| TWH Podcast Update Plus Writing Rear Window With Hitchcock and Hayes | 18 Jun 2023 | 00:37:36 | |
We wanted to “jump on the mic,” as the kids say, and give you a Writers’ Hangout update. Terry and I have been working on some projects that took our time away from recording, but we’ve been working behind the scenes on future episodes and are excited about hanging out with you soon. I miss you guys a lot. In the meantime, here’s a favorite episode of mine and Terry's entitled; WRITING REAR WINDOW WITH HITCHCOCK AND HAYES. Learn how a short story from a dime store magazine turned into one of the most discussed films produced in Hollywood and the fifth-grossing film of 1954. The film REAR WINDOW, starring Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly, Raymond Burr, and Thelma Ritter, was written by John Michael Hayes and directed by Alfred Hitchcock. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com PAGE International Screenwriting Awards Hollywood's favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. | |||
| Rewind - Page Judges Reveal How They Evaluate Your Script: Part Two | 11 Jun 2023 | 00:45:16 | |
REWIND of two more PAGE Awards Judges, Dwayne Smith and Mike Kuciak continue the conversation on how they evaluate your screenplay. Mike Kuciak has two movies coming out in 2022; he's the writer-director and writer-producer of the other. He's a producer on a third film scheduled to begin production in late 2022. He has served as a producer and executive producer on several independent films. He was the senior vice president of development for a literary management-production company and, after that, the founder/CEO of his own company before hanging that up to focus on writing/directing/producing. Dwayne Smith has been a professional screenwriter since 1999 and has written scripts for Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Intermedia, and Gold Circle. His urban thriller PAY THE LADY is in post-production, and his sci-fi feature IMPLANT is in pre-production. Representing the management firm Circle of Confusion at numerous screenwriting conferences and festivals, Dwayne has listened to hundreds of pitches and read countless screenplays in search of new writing talent. As a judge for the PAGE Awards, he reads Comedies, Thriller/Horror, Science Fiction, and Action/Adventure scripts. 👍 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 you have an idea for the podcast or would like to comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com PAGE International Screenwriting Awards Hollywood's favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. | |||
| The Fascinating Death Of Screenwriter Gary DeVore | 04 Jun 2023 | 00:19:04 | |
Rewind of Episode 3 -- Sandy and Terry Sampson discuss the little-known mystery of the 1997 disappearance of screenwriter Gary Devore. Gary was returning home after working out the ending of his latest script, which he claimed would blow the lid off government secrets when he disappeared without a trace. Did Gary step out to "buy a pack of cigarettes," or was he met with foul play? We'll delve into what happened that fateful night and revisit the rumors and conspiracy theories that continue to baffle and disturb people. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller | |||
| Rewind The Unbelievable Story of TV Writer Elisabeth Finch and Grey's Anatomy | 21 May 2023 | 01:00:25 | |
We are rewinding episodes 17, 18, and 48 -- The Unbelievable True Story of Elisabeth Finch and Grey's Anatomy. Rising star and television writer Elizabeth Finch wrote many emotional scripts for GREY'S ANATOMY, exploring cancer, abortion, and sexual abuse using her life experience. In March of 2022, Grey's Anatomy writer Elisabeth Finch was investigated by Disney and placed on administrative leave by the production company Shondaland over concerns about her medical history. Elisabeth told friends and co-works at Grey's Anatomy she'd been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Chondrosarcoma in 2012. She wore a bandage that covered her port, was pale, nibbled on saltines, and took breaks to vomit during work. Elisabeth's cancer inspired a storyline on Grey's Anatomy, where the character Catherine Avery, played by Debbie Allen, was diagnosed with cancer like Elisabeth in Season 15 of Grey's in 2018. Elisabeth also lost a kidney; then, part of her tibia was removed due to chemotherapy. If that wasn't bad enough, she was forced to abort a fetus because chemotherapy made the pregnancy impossible. | |||
| Swimming With Screenwriter Kevin Bachar | 14 May 2023 | 00:37:44 | |
We have a fantastic show for you as we continue celebrating our sponsor, The PAGE AWARDS' 20TH Anniversary, with 2018 Page Awards Grand Prize winner Kevin Bachar. Kevin's screenplay - THE INHABITANT- starring Dermot Mulroney & Leslie Bibb came out last year in theaters and can be found on high-end streamers like Amazon Prime and Hulu. Kevin was a Senior Producer at National Geographic Television for ten years before forming his production company, Pangolin Pictures. Since then, he's developed and produced films and series in all genres but specializes in Natural History films. Kevin's films have won three EMMY awards and garnered another six nominations, including two 2011 Prime-Time Emmy nominations for Jaws: The Inside Story and John Belushi: Dancing on the Edge. Kevin's screenplays won numerous competitions, including the 2018 Page Awards Grand Prize! Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Hang Out And Play: Name The Movie | 07 May 2023 | 00:27:18 | |
Time for some housekeeping plus an announcement from our sponsors, The PAGE Awards, on their upcoming deadline. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Hanging Out With The Comic's Daughter Carrie Freeman Pt. 2 | 30 Apr 2023 | 00:24:37 | |
Part two and the conclusion of last week's episode with author Carrie Freeman. PAGE International Screenwriting Awards | |||
| Hanging Out With The Comic's Daughter Carrie Freeman | 23 Apr 2023 | 00:24:40 | |
We have a terrific show with guest Carrie Freeman. PAGE International Screenwriting Awards | |||
| It's Never Too Late with Comedian Aaron Foster | 10 Aug 2025 | 00:42:23 | |
Today’s guest is Aaron Foster, a standup comic who brings humor to topics like mental health in his stand-up shows. Aaron is touring now with his show “Mostly Jokes,” where he shares honest stories about being clinically depressed, his experience hosting an HGTV show, growing up with a bipolar father, and having a schizophrenic brother. At fifty, Aaron decided to follow his passion for stand-up comedy. I’m genuinely excited to introduce Aaron to you all, writers. Remember, it’s never too late to chase your dreams, and I believe Aaron’s story will inspire you to do just that. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT. | |||
| Brooke Shields And One Regret | 16 Apr 2023 | 00:32:19 | |
Hulu's documentary PRETTY BABY: Brooke Shields reminds Sandy she spent time on the set of SUDDENLY SUSAN, the NBC half-hour sitcom, and walked away disappointed in something Brooke did to Kathy Griffin. You don't have to have watched PRETTY BABY: Brooke Shields to listen to this episode. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| The Wild Story Behind 1993's The Super Mario Bros. Movie | 09 Apr 2023 | 00:35:48 | |
Did you know there was another SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE besides the animated blockbuster with Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, and Fred Armisen? The first SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE hit theaters in 1993 and was the first feature-length live-action film based on a video game. It follows brothers Mario Mario (Bob Hoskins) and Luigi Mario (John Leguizamo) in their quest to rescue Princess Daisy (Samantha Mathis) from a dystopic parallel universe ruled by the ruthless King Koopa (Dennis Hopper), directed by the husband-and-wife team Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel. Unfortunately, it was a box office failure, and critics hated it. The credits list three writers Parker Bennett, Terry Runté, and Ed Solomon. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| How Aaron Sorkin The WGA And You Feel About AI Writing | 02 Apr 2023 | 00:15:06 | |
For today’s episode, we have a follow-up on Season One, Episode 61 entitled Can A.I. Write A Screenplay With Filmmakers Jon and Matt Firman, it came out last month. You don’t have to go back and listen to episode 61, but things will make more sense if you do. In the A.I. episode, we explored the benefits of using AI to help writers manage their process from idea to script and spoke to the creators of Story Prism a suite of AI-powered writing tools to help creators flesh out their stories. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Breaking Into Hollywood With A Little Help From Harold Ramis | 26 Mar 2023 | 00:25:17 | |
You never know when your big break will happen. In this episode co-host Terry Sampson share how he landed his big break compliments of Harold Ramis. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Can A.I. Write A Screenplay With Filmmakers Jon and Matt Firman | 20 Mar 2023 | 00:39:02 | |
We have a terrific show for you with today’s guests Jon and Matt Firman who are Baltimore, MD-based indie filmmakers. After spending more than eight years immersed in the local film community, brothers Jon and Matt saw a need for writers to have an easier way of turning their ideas into stories. So, the brothers decided to explore the benefits of using AI to help writers manage their process from idea to script, which led them to develop Story Prism a suite of AI-powered writing tools to help creators flesh out their stories. | |||
| Rewind With How Page Judges Evaluate Your Script | 12 Mar 2023 | 00:40:50 | |
One of our most listened to episodes. Two PAGE Awards Judges, Victoria Lucas and Laurie Ashbourne, talk about how they evaluate your screenplays, whether you're just starting or have a script in the competition. You do not want to miss this inside talk. 👍 If you enjoy the show please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. PAGE International Screenwriting Awards | |||
| Living Outside Of LA And Having A Screenwriting Career with Matias Caruso | 05 Mar 2023 | 00:26:37 | |
Our guest is screenwriter Matias Caruso who lives in Argentina. Matias taught himself English and how to write screenplays — and after writing and working hard to develop his craft, he wrote an absolutely stunning script called CARNIVAL that won our Grand Prize in 2014. After his win, Carnival was optioned by a PAGE judge and signed by an agent. Matias continues to live in Argentina, and he never moved to the States; he has since had a couple of movies (MAYHEM and WITCH) produced. PAGE International Screenwriting Awards | |||
| Screenwriter Angela Bourassa Explains It All | 26 Feb 2023 | 00:27:06 | |
We continue to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our sponsor, The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards, with our guest Angela Bourassa. Angela won the Gold Prize in the Science Fiction category for her script EVERYTHING IS RIGHT UNTIL IT'S WRONG, and under its new title, TURN ME ON; the movie was filmed last year, produced by Truant Pictures and Blue Creek Pictures, directed by Michael Tyburski, and starring Bel Powley and Nick Robinson. It's now in post-production. In addition, Angela's movies IF YOU WERE THE LAST and BLACK BAGS have also recently been produced, and IF YOU WERE THE LAST is premiering at SXSW next month. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Did A Potato Cause Thelma Todd's Death Ft. Forensic Death Investigator Kyle Finney and Judy TrueCrime | 19 Feb 2023 | 00:57:03 | |
We're going to pause on interviewing the PAGE Award-winning screenwriter series to bring you the latest on the Thelma Todd murder mystery we talked about last December. If you haven't listened to the two-part episode called Thelma Todd's Inexplicable Death In Hollywood's Golden Age, I highly recommend you go back and listen. The episodes aired on December 4th and 11th of 2022. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Television Writer Jason Gavin Talks Flag Football and Friday Night Lights | 12 Feb 2023 | 00:28:39 | |
It is Super Bowl LVII weekend, and we have a treat for you. Our guest is television writer Jason Gavin, who got his big break when he got staffed on a show called Friday Night Lights. Kristin Iversen of Nylon wrote, "Friday Night Lights had achieved a rare trifecta in the world of prestige television: critical acclaim, cultishly adoring fans, and a genuinely wide audience (which, sadly, it didn't have when it aired on network television, but what are you going to do).' Jason's other credits include ROYAL PAINS, HAWAII FIVE-O, and ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO. Jason is a co-executive producer on the much-anticipated return of DARK WINDS, the number-one show on AMC+, and one of the executive producers on MARVEL's ECHO, out this summer. | |||
| Faceoff: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni – Three Things You Need To Know | 03 Aug 2025 | 00:21:22 | |
In today’s episode, Sandy shares the latest updates on the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, highlighting three recent actions taken by each side. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT. | |||
| Hanging Out With Television Writer Davah Avena | 05 Feb 2023 | 00:46:21 | |
We continue celebrating the 20th anniversary of the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards with Davah Avena. Davah took home the 2006 Silver Prize for Best TV Drama Pilot and has risen in television from staff writer to Co-Executive Producer on shows like FIREFLY LANE and ZOEY'S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST. PAGE International Screenwriting Awards | |||
| Screenwriter Alexandra Qin Takes On ThirstyGirl | 29 Jan 2023 | 00:43:48 | |
We continue to celebrate our sponsor, The PAGE INTERNATIONAL Screenwriting awards 20 Anniversary Celebration, I spoke with our Grand Prize winner Alexandra Qin an independent filmmaker based in New York City with a background in technology, social justice, and visual/ performance art. Her first screenplay, ThirstyGirl, won the 2022 PAGE Grand Prize. A raw, intimate story about addiction, sisterhood, and Asian-American identity, it was heavily inspired by Alexandra's own journey of addiction and recovery. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Become A Better Person Become A Better Writer with Screenwriter Larry Postel | 22 Jan 2023 | 00:37:35 | |
We continue to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our sponsors, The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards, by interviewing past winners. Today we have Larry Postel, who took home the PAGE Awards Grand Prize in 2005. Since then, Larry has written four original spec screenplays that have made. Including The Main Event, a Netflix Original; High Holiday, a Peacock Original; Flip Turn, an indie drama available on Amazon; and Sony's 5000 Blankets. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Hanging Out with PAGE Award winner Nardeep Khurmi | 15 Jan 2023 | 00:34:21 | |
In honor of our sponsors, PAGE International Screenwriting Awards , celebrating their 20th anniversary, I'm interviewing some of the competition's winners. Today's guest is Nardeep Khurmi, who won the PAGE 2021' Silver Prize in drama for his screenplay, LAND OF GOLD. PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
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| Hanging with PAGE Awards Winner and Screenwriter R. Scott Shields | 08 Jan 2023 | 00:34:23 | |
We have a terrific show for you today. As promised, for January 2023, we are doing a series of interviews with PAGE Awards winners. First up is R. Scott Shields who won the PAGE Bronze Prize in 2009 for his beautiful family drama STRAWBERRY MANSION and then won our Grand Prize in 2010 for his animated feature SUPERCAT! Since then, sometimes with representation and sometimes without, Scott went on to write a sci-fi fantasy for Hydraulx Entertainment called JASON AND THE ASTRONAUTS and was hired to write two sports biopics. Scott discusses getting a writing assignment without representation, what makes a good bio-pic, and why you never say no when your next-door neighbor asks you to write a short film that will get shot. | |||
| The Year 2023 Coming In Hot... | 01 Jan 2023 | 00:18:33 | |
Happy New Year!! We have a fun, happy episode this week. Sandy puts all the Christmas movies away for the year and discusses her favorite New Year's Eve movie scenes. Terry checks in with a report for the San Fernando Valley. And last but not least, Sandy reads your New Year Writing Resolutions, and one lucky winner wins a free entry into the PAGE Awards Competition. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Very Merry Christmas by The Snow-Globes ft. in Episode 49 | 25 Dec 2022 | 00:03:12 | |
Listen to VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS by The Sno-Globes featured in Episode 49 --That Time The 'Titanic' Cast and Crew Ate PCP-Spiked Chowder Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| That Time The 'Titanic' Cast and Crew Ate PCP-Spiked Chowder | 25 Dec 2022 | 00:19:15 | |
Ho, Ho, Ho!! Happy Holidays. | |||
| Listen to When You Wish A Christmas Wish by The Sno-Globes | 18 Dec 2022 | 00:02:59 | |
Listen to When You Wish A Christmas Wish by The Sno-Globes featured in Episode 48 Update - Elizabeth Finch The GREY'S ANATOMY Writer Accused Of Faking Cancer. | |||
| Update - Elisabeth Finch The GREY'S ANATOMY Writer Accused Of Faking Cancer | 18 Dec 2022 | 00:27:20 | |
Update on one-time rising star Elisabeth Finch the GREY'S ANATOMY writer accused of faking cancer. What made her do it and can she make a comeback? Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| How Mike White Came Up With The Idea For Jack Black’s School Of Rock | 20 Jul 2025 | 00:16:03 | |
Let's rewind and join Sandy and Terry as they chat about how writer, actor, and director Mike White (The White Lotus) came up with the hit movie, “The School of Rock,” which has been loved by audiences and critics alike. "School of Rock" played a role in boosting Black’s profile and stardom, highlighting his comedic and musical talents to a broader audience.
The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. | |||
| How I Love That Santy Claus by The Sno-Globes | 11 Dec 2022 | 00:01:53 | |
Listen to HOW I LOVE THATY SANTY CLAUS by The Sno-Globes featured in Episode 47 Thelma Todd's Inexplicable Death In Hollywood's Golden Age - Pt. 2 Here's a link to listen to more of their holiday music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McFx8spF0Cc&t=5s | |||
| Thelma Todd's Inexplicable Death In Hollywood's Golden Age - Pt. 2 | 11 Dec 2022 | 00:39:57 | |
The conclusion of Thelma Todd's Inexplicable Death In Hollywood's Golden Age. | |||
| Listen To The Sound Of Christmas by The Sno-Globes | 04 Dec 2022 | 00:03:14 | |
Listen to The Sound Of Christmas by The Sno-Globes featured in Episode 46 Thelma Todd's Inexplicable Death In Hollywood's Golden Age - Pt. 1 Here's a link to listen to more of their holiday music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McFx8spF0Cc&t=5s Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Thelma Todd's Inexplicable Death In Hollywood's Golden Age - Pt. 1 | 04 Dec 2022 | 00:26:36 | |
Actress Thelma Todd was the “Queen of the Lot” and had made it in Hollywood when she died at just 29 years old. Who killed her? Could it be her business partner Roland West a one-time screenwriter? Maybe it was the ex-husband, son of the Broccoli King, and agent Pat DiCicco? Police investigate, and all roads lead to The Trocadero, a famous nightclub that opened on the Sunset Strip in 1934. | |||
| Insider Kelly Edwards Explains What A Creative Executive Wants | 27 Nov 2022 | 00:35:32 | |
Today we have the talented and charming Kelly Edwards, who has worked for every major studio in Hollywood and developed shows like LIVING SINGLE, GIRLFRIEND, THE PARKERS, CLUELESS, AND TWO GUYS A GIRL AND A PIZZA. Kelly wrote the best seller, The Executive Chair: A Writer’s Guide To TV Series Development, and if you want to write for television, get this book. The Executive Chair is like getting the playbook of the other team but ethical! Kelly is currently a producer and television writer. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Do I Have To Live In L.A. To Be A Screenwriter? | 20 Nov 2022 | 00:24:32 | |
We discuss the age-old question, do you have to move to Los Angeles to be a successful screenwriter with answers from William Goldman, Diablo Cody, and Aaron Sorkin? Plus, a fun quiz that pits a native-born Los Angeleno, Kathy Rager, and The Writers' Hangout's very own Terry Sampson. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Walt Disney FIGHT For Your Right To Party | 13 Nov 2022 | 00:29:27 | |
COME HANG OUT with us as we talk about one of the most famous parties in Hollywood. To thank his employees for the success of SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, Walt Disney threw a party at the Norconian Resort in the California Desert. The party turned wild, and Walt himself never referred to the party again. And, if you wanted to keep your job, you didn’t mention it either. | |||
| The Bitter Sweet Symphony of Adrienne Shelly | 06 Nov 2022 | 00:21:01 | |
Adrienne Shelly was waiting to hear if the movie she wrote, directed, and starred in, WAITRESS, would get selected for the Sundance film Festival. On Halloween night in 2006, Shelly and her husband, Andy Ostroy, threw a party for their family and friends. The next day, Andy found Adriene hanging from a sheet in her office's bathroom in the West Village. Police said suicide, but anyone who knew Adrienne didn't believe this for a second. Join us as we tell you the story of this remarkable woman who the world must never forget. PAGE International Screenwriting Awards Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| The Writers' Room Survival Guide by Niceole Levy | 30 Oct 2022 | 00:39:11 | |
On the eve of Halloween, we have only treats for you because our guest Niceole Levy is here to discuss her new book entitled: The Writers’ Room Survival Guide Don’t Screw Up the Lunch Order and Other Keys to a Happy Writers’ Room. Niceole has written on Ironside, Shades of Blue, Cloak & Dagger, and S.W.A.T. She is currently a co-executive producer on Graymail, which will air on Netflix. Grab your favorite Halloween candy, and let’s start the show. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Hanging Out With Emmy-Winning Comedy Writer Ken Levine | 23 Oct 2022 | 00:43:30 | |
Writers, we are so happy to have Emmy-winning writer/director/ playwright and major league baseball announcer KEN LEVINE hangs out with us. Ken’s credits include M*A*S*H, WINGS, CHEERS, FRASIER, and ALMOST PERFECT, which he created with his writing partner, DAVID ISAACS. He voiced Dan Hoard in THE SIMPSONS as well as co-wrote the episode. Ken has directed over 60 TV episodes, co-wrote the Tom Hanks movie VOLUNTEERS, and has a popular podcast called Hollywood and Levine. Ken shares excellent tips on how to get your spec to the top of the pile, a gem of an idea on the way to make sure your writing sample stands out, and the best crew gift he ever got. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| 'And Just Like That' Kills A Character Twice – Seriously | 12 Jul 2025 | 00:22:52 | |
Sandy offers a behind-the-scenes look at a major TV show that recently made a surprising mistake—killing off a character twice. How did this happen, and who was responsible? We’ll explore these questions with a focus on "And Just Like That." Even if you haven’t watched the series, you’ll find valuable insights here. Additionally, Sandy discusses how continuity is usually managed in TV production, highlighting Gregg Nations, the talented script coordinator from "LOST," as covered in a New York Times profile. Executive Producer Kristin Overn, Executive Producer/Creator Sandy Adomaitis, Producer Terry Sampson, with music by Ethan Stoller. | |||
| The Life & Ghastly Death of Director/Writer Al Adamson | 16 Oct 2022 | 00:28:39 | |
Spooky Season continues with Sandy and Terry as they discuss the life and gruesome death of Al Adamson, a horror film director and writer. Al worked on the fringes of Hollywood during the golden age of drive-ins and grindhouse films. Al died in 1995 in a manner so dreadful it could have been a scene from one of his movies. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| PAGE Judge Nate Adams On Why He Options A Script And More! | 09 Oct 2022 | 00:40:38 | |
PAGE Awards’ Judge Nate Adams hangs out with us!!! Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||
| Was The Poltergeist Movie Set Cursed Ft. Michael McManus | 02 Oct 2022 | 00:27:02 | |
Sandy and Terry discuss Poltergeist, one of America's most beloved horror films. We'll also be talking to writer and actor Michael McManus who played Ben Tuthill in POLTERGEIST, the neighbor next door, and get the real story of what happened. Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. | |||