Act Two Podcast

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how to survive the holidays as a writer while staying productive, the best holiday gifts to get writers, and how to shop for those pesky managers and agents of yours. 

TWIW: the Blacklist winners were announced, and Tasha & Josh have some favorites; movie-watching etiquette disaster during Interstellar; Tasha has two very different kinds of pitches in the same week, what does that look like? Plus another installment of WOULD YOU RATHER?

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Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Christmas movies are the best! We dive into the Christmas magic of genre mashups, discussing how some films seamlessly blend Christmas themes with action, music, and comedy. We explore how these films balance the holiday spirit with unexpected twists ... and why we love them for it.

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Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist 

Being a professional Screenwriter means that, unlike a corporate job, every day of your work life is different. But, a Work/Life Balance is achievable, it's just about making the right choices each day to prioritize your schedule. Midst the end of year chaos, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how they succeed at achieving a Work/Life Balance and, when they fail, how it happens. 

TWIW: Standing up for a casting choice you believe in, or back down? 

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Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the different meetings you will have as a Screenwriter and how to turn them into work opportunities. Whether it's a Producer, a Director or another Writer, there are different ways to approach each meeting and maximize your time. 

TWIW: Do you engage on a project even if you're not passionate about it? / How an idea gestates over time. / A big new spec sale just hit Hollywood by storm! What we know & don't know 

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Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the Training Montage. Use it? Don't use it? What are the most iconic training montages and why do they work? Where do training montages fail and slow down the movie? How can you incorporate them into your own writing? Let's get hyped, and train.

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Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman answer your questions, including - what is the difference between the "Call to Action" and the "Inciting Incident", how do you avoid common pitfalls in adapting IP, what are the do's and don'ts for recent film school grads, and how did Tasha go about choosing the emotional throughline in her show Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft?

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Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist 

Ever feel like a movie or show disappoints you? Like they missed an opportunity? Like they let you down somehow but you can't quite place it? Well, it might be a Chekhov's Gun problem. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what Checkhov's Gun is, why it's important in writing stories, how to use it, and examples of great and failed uses of Chekhov's Gun in popular movies.

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Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist 

Happy Halloween (week). Josh is joined by special co-host Dave Levinson to discuss their favorite horror sequels (Tasha is back next week). They discuss what makes a great sequel and how to improve from the original concept. If we missed anything, let us know.  

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Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist 

Halloween is upon us. Joe Russo and Deve Levinson join the pod to discuss Rules and Mystery in horror films with a focus on 'The Ring.' Co-Host Josh Hallman steers the ship while Tasha travels... but she's here in spirit. 

We also dive into the Variety article: The 100 Best Horror Movies Of All Time.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist 

It is still TOMB RAIDER: THE LEGEND OF LARA CROFT month! Co-host and Showrunner/Executive Producer Tasha Huo discusses changes from script to screen and how to tackle notes. Also, more Q&A. If you haven't already, check out Tomb Raider: The Legend Of Lara Croft on NETFLIX! 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist 

October is TOMB RAIDER: THE LEGEND OF LARA CROFT month! Co-host and Showrunner/Executive Producer, Tasha Huo, is answering listener questions about the show, releasing October 10 on Netflix. Tasha is fielding any and all questions about process, craft, specific questions around scenes, dialogue, moments, and more! If you ever wanted to ask a showrunner how the sausage is made, now's your chance! In this first installment, Tasha addresses overall questions about how she got the job, how she handled oversight of such a beloved IP, her approach to the IP and specific characters, and more!

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist 

Tasha is traveling the world and doing press, so we're reposting our episode on 8 sequence structure. When she's back, we'll tackle all things Tomb Raider - craft, process, pitching, episodes, etc. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. October is going to be an amazing month!

Tomb Raiders comes to Netflix on October 10th. 

We all have different paths in this industry, and it's important to understand where those paths lead and what jobs you'll be asked to do. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss showrunning, producing, and setting expectations as screenwriters. 

Also .... TWIW!

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist 

As screenwriters, we work in a collaborative medium. But we also need to be the arbiters of great storytelling and are hired for our creative and unique visions. We work with other writers, producers, actors and directors, all of whom have opinions and thoughts that may conflict with your own. How do you captain the ship (script) while also respecting their input? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss!

TWIW: Josh went to the Emmys! And is writing a difficult sport on the body? 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman are at a mental low point in writing and discuss how they got there, the patterns of writing-depression they've noticed, and their helpful tips and tricks on how to get through it and keep writing. The ultimate deterrent to a writing career is giving up. Let's talk about how not to give up!

TWIW: The Bear S3 is taking chances!

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 own stories.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 underlying themes.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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, and how Tasha figured out how to find time for reading.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 biopic but don't have the life rights?

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 tattoo in a meeting? / INSIDE OUT 2 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 of a Screenwriter lays, and how to combat the stalemate that often accompanies a Screenwriting career.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 Writers Incubator program.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 actually a writing skill.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 how can you possibly prepare?

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss some real questions and feedback they've gotten after their pitches, and how best to improv your answers. Pitching is terrible, but the more prepared we are, the slightly less terrible it becomes.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 the benefits of adding Internal Dialogue and why it can work.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist

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 worse, no scenario is the same.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist

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 while sharing his insight.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist

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 / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 Screen and TV Writers, and how he goes about finding new clients.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 scripts. / Tasha & Josh finished breaking their spec, what next? / Is the Apple Vision Pro going to change Screenwriting? / The value of traditional weekly-released TV shows. / What is the tone of the new Mr. & Mrs. Smith TV show?

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: Tasha's unexpected self-sabotage moment / To reference other movies in your action description, or not to? / Some new thoughts on pitch language

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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, Short Form content and how difficult it is to crack.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 "adapted" or "original" screenplay? / Tasha is watching Pokemon! / How to get over rambling and apologizing while pitching / Where ideas come from can be so surprising!

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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 listening to others on set, and Josh & Tasha list their Top 5 favorite movies of 2023 (which may surprise you).

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Happy 2024! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss goals in the new year. Get ready. It's an exciting time. 

Questions / Comments: [email protected] Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 reminder of why the first ten pages of your screenplay need to be engaging (even if it’s a slow burn!).

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 essential for pitching a network TV show. Thoughts on The Killer’s use of voiceover. Why you should watch Blue Eye Samurai. And what was season 2 of Loki about? We’re still confused. Thank goodness for Tom Hiddleston!

LINK
Mike Flanagan’s Absentia Kickstarter

Questions / Comments: [email protected]
Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 an agent ask for your resume? Style lessons from the Barbarian screenplay. And a friendly reminder that public domain is a proven place to mine IP. Plus, Josh and Tasha both finished drafts of their specs!

Questions / Comments: [email protected]
Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 finished pilot episode. Tasha gets to the root of the simplistic genius behind Netflix’s Fall of the House of Usher. 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 an Act Two mentee getting repped! Plus, how long does it take to write a feature screenplay?

How Professional Screenwriters Outline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAY5Y9XWu4I

The Rep Thread: https://x.com/tclairsmith/status/1711126582549447165?s=46

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 helpful tool when creating perfect imagery for look books (but shh! don’t tell anybody!!).

Questions / Comments: [email protected]
Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 need self-care in the first place!

TWIW: Josh experiences notes in real time. Tasha feels pressure to make her next spec definitive while also finishing her short story five years in the making.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]
Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 Pilots are broken and outlined in a professional writer's room, and how to take those lessons with you to your own personal pilot process. 

TWIW: the Writer's Strike is over! A new series is coming to the Act Two Podcast. Tasha was on a panel at the Netherlands Film Festival! Josh broke his ankle, which has ripple effects to the upcoming Patreon. Tasha's TOMB RAIDER teaser came out! 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 adapting one.

TWIW: Goal Buddies keep us on track and motivated to solve Act 1 problems, and why you should sit on notes for a day (even if you agree with them).

Link to article: https://screencraft.org/blog/is-this-the-end-of-existing-ip-domination/

Questions / Comments: [email protected]
Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 to get that spec done.

TWIW: pitching safely vs. pitching for the win, being a Machiavellian writer to avoid notes, and would TAKEN be as iconic without *that* scene?

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 blocking and silence to tell your story, how to maximize spare dialogue, and how to use action to advance your story and hide exposition.

TWIW: the structure and writing lessons of WAR OF THE WORLDS, and if you were to fire your rep, should you do it during or after the strike?

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 importance of a writer on set, and how imperative episodic writers are for Showrunners in production. 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down Clark's list of writer duties on set, and further elucidate the important, unique and difficult job that a writer has in production.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 got started (including meeting the Terminator), how he became director Mike Flanagan's writing partner, his own career struggles, and the realities of working in a TV room.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Jumping off an article posted by NoFilmSchool.com, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what Screenwriting imperatives one can learn from dissecting INDIANA JONES movies, including everything from how to introduce characters in an impactful way and how to keep your story moving with an active protagonist. 

TWIW: Josh was told his characters sound like him, so what is voice and how do you find it in a character? Tasha's TMNT reactions. Tasha's takeaway re: simple storytelling vs. complex storytelling after writing for TV.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 US for Screenwriters and what writers can expect by both applying and attending the festival, including tips on networking successfully while in Austin.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 theaters. 

TWIW: Act Two's Idea Creation Night, Why studios hire A-list writers when a lower-level writer could do the job for cheaper, Favorite MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE titles and why they do/do not work.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 spec, and why more writers need to learn that being rewritten is simply part of the job. 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 irresistible and impossibly engaging. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman walk through JJ's TED Talk and how and why the "Mystery Box" could make you a better writer.

TWIW: SAG-AFTRA has joined the WGA on strike, "Elemental", breaking in through temp agencies, and an Act Two Patreon?

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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

TWIW: Quiet Writers vs. Loud Writers in a TV Writer's Room, that time Josh saw INCEPTION with Christopher Nolan, and NO HARD FEELINGS (with Jennifer Lawrence)

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 sales for new writers. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman walk through that process with Scott and discuss the potential of the short story market for writers in any stage of their career.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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. 

TWIW: the unlikely origin story of a Fast & Furious cast member, and different structures writers use to write.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 and AI, and the State of the (Screenwriter) Union.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 story, character and structure.

TWIW: ChatGPT writes "Black Mirror" episodes and BURN IT DOWN by Maureen Ryan and toxicity in writers rooms.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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!) arbitration experience trying to retain credit on one of her features, breaking the process down from start to finish.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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. 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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Hosts Tasha Huo & Josh Hallman discuss a blog post by Final Draft about 5 Ways to stretch your Screenwriting muscles every day so you never lose writing momentum, even on days you don't feel like writing.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how Screen and TV writers get paid, and why the pay system can make it difficult to grow your Screenwriting career.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how the WGA Strike has affected them and their projects, and suggest resources for WGA and pre-WGA writers to learn more about the Strike, why it's happening, and how it can affect them.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the MARIO movie, 3 different kinds of note-taking writer personalities, the hopeful future of movie theaters, and Josh's first visit to a David H. Steinberg Writer Meet-Up.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 they mean, where they're coming from, and how to address them as a writer. 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 phrases that producers, studio execs and reps say to writers. They discuss what they mean, where they're coming from, and how to address them as a writer.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 have kept their group running smoothly.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 they take to organize and plot their heist before going to script.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 requires multiple skills as a writer so get good at all of them, and the writer term "Is it a bug or a feature?"

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 script in animation and more This Weeks in Writing!

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

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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 Hollywood, and her love for Amblin-esque movies. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

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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 Screenwriting career, how he got his agents, how Twitter has helped his career, and how he has managed to make it in Hollywood as a Canadian still living in Canada.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 a writer write the script they want to write (not you), and a look into what a typical pro Screenwriter's career actually looks like and why some call it the "Screenwriting Wilderness".

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 specs. 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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 process to help hone your decent script into a great one.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 in order to have a successful career.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 List multiple times, and their latest feature, KNOCK AT THE CABIN, releases in theaters February 3, 2023 with M. Night Shyamalan directing. And it all started with a little-known IP.

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how Steve finds his IP, secures it, and successfully adapts it at such a high level. If you've ever been interested in adapting your favorite IP but aren't sure where to start, this is the starting line.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 functions, and reading between the lines when an Exec tells you to send work "at any stage".

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 / Comments: [email protected] Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist Music by 414beg

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

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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 consider while writing a Christmas movie, how should you approach it, and what are must-haves and must-nots? 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 reps? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss all things End of Year for Screenwriters.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 key!

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 and Josh are currently rewriting their Act Twos. 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 a good Showrunner or a monstrous one.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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, Happy Halloween. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

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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. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

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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 perspective? Let's talk about love!

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 money (or, more likely, pay you their boss's money, risking their own jobs if you fail). 

So, in this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman do an impromptu brainstorming session on a surprise logline to illustrate how they build a pitch off of a small one-sentence idea.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 between a pitch for a rewrite job and an original. 

TWIW: Is Jurassic World: Dominion over-complicated?, how feature writers are treated poorly, and does the movie True Lies' convenient plot device work or feel campy?

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 - The 8 Sequence Story Structure - that at once excites them, aggravates them, then inspires them.

Script Structure is something all Screenwriters have to learn and think about to have successful careers. In TV, structure is often as precise as knowing when your turning points are going to be down to the minute. In features, knowing what page number your story takes new turns is key to crafting your script as well as producing it. So it's no wonder Structure is a hot topic. One that Tasha and Josh clearly have mixed feelings about...

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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"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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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: [email protected]

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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: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Rasheed Newsom, co-showrunner of BEL-AIR on Paramount+ and author of the upcoming historical novel, MY GOVERNMENT MEANS TO KILL ME. 

They discuss Rasheed's rise from production assistant to showrunner, how being a showrunner is actually just being a middle manager disguised as a boss, lessons he's learned from writers rooms that have imploded, and why the #2 job in a writers room should be the most coveted job in Hollywood.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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Taika Waititi is considered one of the busiest filmmakers in Hollywood right now, working on some of the biggest franchises in history while also finding time to write, produce, direct, and act in other passion projects. So hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss Taika Waititi's 10 Pieces of Screenwriting Wisdom from Taika Waititi to see what can be learned and applied to everyday Screenwriting careers.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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The first day in a Writers Room for both a Writer and Showrunner are full of anxiety and uncertainty. In this episode, Josh Hallman talks with his co-host, Showrunner Tasha Huo, on what the first day of a room usually looks like to help allay fears and best prepare.

TWIW: How Screenwriters Get Paid in Percentages (that force us to get other jobs to survive), How to Get & Give Targeted Notes in late-stage writing, THE BEAR is Awesome, and Writing on Vacation.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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The tone in which you give notes matters. Your note can be technically correct, but you may deliver it in a way that offends the writer or makes them combative, which can ruin your relationship with the writer and make their revision experience feel painful rather than inspiring.

To illustrate how to give notes in a respectful tone, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman share the Opening Setup of scripts they've never shared with each other before, and give each other notes in a live Mock Notes Session. 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

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From how Tasha reads samples as a Showrunner and how this has influenced her writing - to - Writer's Block, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss their This Week in Writing. 

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On this 100th Episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman chat with Steven DeKnight -- Showrunner-Writer-Producer-Director of such shows as DAREDEVIL, SPARTACUS, and BUFFY -- about his experiences transitioning from Writer to Showrunner, and then Writer to Director. They get into what the real difference is between simply being a Writer and being a Showrunner, and how to acquire the skills necessary to be a Showrunner or Director if your background has always been writing

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman start their new series -- "What's the Theme?" -- with TOP GUN: MAVERICK. They break down what worked and didn't about the Theme in this epic thrill ride breaking box office records. Beware: lots of SPOILERS!

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk with Ben Lustig and Jake Thornton about being writing partners: their process, schedule, how they met, their first sale, and a ton more... Also, Ben and Jake discuss their (incredible) upcoming movie, THE PRINCESS. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

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You have a great idea, now what? The distance between an idea and a finished script can feel vast and wrought with disappointment. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how they go from having an Idea to molding a Script out of that idea. 

TWIW: Are TV specs as samples back in vogue? How learning to be a producer is key to a writing career. Tom Cruise is awesome. How Mark Duplass advocates for sharing and workshopping your ideas with your writing community.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

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Screenwriters Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss Screencraft's 5 Must-Haves for Writing Action Sequences and how to apply these must-haves to your own writing in a practical way, as well as how to avoid common missteps in action writing.

TWIW: Tasha's life gets turned upside down in the best way by their previous Work/Life Balance episode, and a real-life action sequence issue that came up for Tasha in TOMB RAIDER.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

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Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk with screenwriter Alex Convery about being on the Blacklist multiple times, the influence that has had on his career, and about the story of how his most recent Blacklist script, AIR JORDAN, got Ben Affleck attached to direct and co-star with Matt Damon.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

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Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman often stress out and over-caffeinate to get their work done. To learn how to do things differently, they sit down with veteran screenwriter, David H. Steinberg (American Pie 2, The Simpsons, No Good Nick), and make him get detailed about how he manages multiple projects at once, what his daily schedule looks like, and how he successfully maintains a Work/Life Balance as well as a successful screenwriting career. Let's talk time management!

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

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Hosts Tasha Huo & Josh Hallman discuss the 4 most common big-picture notes they receive (and are currently addressing in their own scripts), and how to approach revisions effectively.

TWIW: How to choose what IP to adapt. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

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Host Tasha Huo (Red Sonja, Tomb Raider: The Animated Series) talks about how she starts her adaptation projects, from the moment she picks up the IP to pitching it to execs; and host Josh Hallman tries to poke holes in her process.

TWIW: (SPOILER ALERT!) The Batman, and how to look at consulting producing as a "side hustle for writers".

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

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Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the BAFTA lecture series from Tony Gilroy (ROGUE ONE, BOURNE Trilogy, MICHAEL CLAYTON), where he discusses his 7 Steps on how he writes an original screenplay. They break down each step, what it means, and how to use it practically in your own writing. 

TWIW: Actors who don't want to be vulnerable, Josh's life-changing encounter with a waiter/screenwriter, Using babies to create tension in your writing.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

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Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman take on Screenwriting Twitter's topics of the week -- Being Rewritten by Your Showrunner and Can Animation be Elevated? -- and discuss their Top 5 Pixar movies, with a breakdown of why those five earn such distinction.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

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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 write action description, and Josh's thoughts on the structure of the action classic, SPEED.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

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

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... 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?"

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss different kinds of moments in their own Screenwriting careers when they wanted to give up or move on,  and discuss how to spot the signs to keep going, and the signs to put the pencil down.

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

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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. 

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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 THINGS. Join us for a discussion about writing mechanics, what works in original specs and why. 

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

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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 for a bad manager and what to do about it, what does a manager do in their daily life anyway, top questions from Screenwriting Twitter, and more!

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 please our reps and our producers, and this can often shift the power dynamic in our business relationships in a way that starts to work against us as creators and career-builders. It is easy, as a Screenwriter, to feel like a child in a room of adults in suits. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss why setting the tone in your meetings is important to your long-term career goals, and how to start setting the tone in your own meetings. Their big reminder: This is not about ego, it's simply about setting yourself up for a successful career as a powerful creative voice.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 are here to take you through different ways to approach your revisions. From outlines to "Game Plans", they talk about all the ways you can dive into revisions and what's worked best for them over the years.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 learn from the genius of others.

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 the red flags to be aware of before you spend your precious time engaging on a rewrite opportunity.

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

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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 you use them? Are they cheating? When don't they work? Did we mention that Josh loves MacGuffins?

Questions / Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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).

We discuss how Mickey broke in, process, and creativity. He's a great person, and it's a great conversation...  

Subscribe to Mickey's newsletter: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/mickeyfisher73

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the Great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 want things to go, it's easy (and good) to get overly ambitious with your goals. We talk about the practical ways you can approach everything. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 enjoy the end of season 2...

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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, plot, and how small moments turn to big things. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 against Special Guest David Levinson who goes to the mat for The OG DIE HARD. Who’s right, who’s wrong? Watch the movie then follow along as they break down the three acts of DIE HARD 3 to find out what its secrets are, how its crafted, and if it really does transcend the original.

The Act Two Breakdown Series takes an in-depth look at the writing of some of the most influential stories of our time, including the behind-the-scenes of how these scripts came together, and how they function onscreen. Sit back, grab a drink, and let’s see what we can all learn!

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 should you just do what they say? What should the dynamic between a Writer and a Producer look like? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman speak with a Producer about real-life Writer/Producer scenarios that haven't worked, and discuss why and what lessons Screenwriters can learn from those experiences.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

This Week in Writing wherein host Josh Hallman has a breakthrough in how to break story, reveals part of his process that makes him look like a crazy man, and takes notes from a lawyer about the “art of persuasion”; and wherein host Tasha Huo has to pitch someone who doesn’t react and handles it by over-compensating, and learns about a very hidden “note behind the note” in her latest studio notes document.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 reps themselves on what gifts they are actually looking for this year.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 writing techniques used by some of the best action writers in the business, including Derek Kolstad, James Cameron and Shane Black. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 submissions, what producers are expecting of you when they submit to you, and how to succeed in the submission game.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 difference between TV and Film, and how to jumpstart the idea process when thinking about your own original TV ideas. How would YOU adapt your favorite movie as a TV show?

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 get the brain juices flowing.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 been asked to do free work, what that looked like and why they did it. They also discuss the various ways free work can come up for Screenwriters, and debate whether writers should or should not engage.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 for his action-comedy I F****d James Bond and also met his Agent, and again in 2019 with his festival favorite short, Robu (now available on YouTube starring Emmy winner, Jharrel Jerome). Act Two’s resident expert on AFF, Josh spills the beans on what it’s like to go to the festival and shares practical tips and tricks on how to maximize your experience as a Screenwriter.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 can take to prepare for the job.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

Sit down with hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman as they chat about a new slew of real-life problems and complications that have come up for Screenwriters working in the industry right now, and how the Screenwriter overcame them. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman get into the nitty gritty of what developing with Notecards looks like, lessons they’ve learned about the process, and how to make them useful in your own Screenwriting career.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 like. This episode is a companion piece to a previous episode, which you can find here:

How to have a good relationship with your reps. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dish on their week in Screenwriting, including writing advice from an Emmy-award winning casting director, how writing a fan letter to an author could lead to a job, what happens when you get a note you don't want to address, and more!

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 you're expected to file in for the day, what's the snack situation, room politics, and how to pitch a good idea.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 story structure, reversals, and character development are all key ingredients to crafting an action scene. Turns out, action is so much more than just punching someone in a really cool way. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 what Screenwriters should expect in their own notes meetings with producers and executives.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 went viral on Twitter. We get honest with James as we all share our Film School experiences, how we feel Film School failed us, where film academia excels, and how to make the most of your program if you are taking the college plunge or are actively in Film School already. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 Hallman talk about the different outlets screenwriters have and ways to be an advocate for yourself. 

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

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 are a unique gateway for up & coming Screenwriters to get their foot in the door. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman walk through what OWAs are, the different types, and the Pros & Cons to engaging on them. 

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

A busy week of A-list writer meltdowns, reps pushing us to be selfish jerkoids, organization coming back to haunt us, and one TV writer’s tirade against film school — Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dish on their This Week in Writing, in the life of a professional Screenwriter.

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

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 extremely important as you receive notes that could take you through years of development on the same project. A clean organization of your documents will allow you to refer back to single scenes from months ago, easily call back old drafts that suddenly become relevant with new producers, or for any number of unexpected reasons that come up when you're a working Screenwriter. Do you have a unique way of organizing your drafts and notes? Let us know! 

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

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.

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

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 approaches adaptation vs. an original idea, and how his latest film, the horror movie THE UNHOLY, based on the novel "Shrine" by James Herbert, was a unique adaptation experience. Evan also opens up about what it's like to be a Screenwriter making his directorial debut (and during a global pandemic!). 

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

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 Hallman sit down with feature writer David Levinson -- who is currently writing his first TV pilot -- to discuss the growing pains between writing for Film vs. TV, how each requires a different way of thinking about story, and how they've approached adapting their screenwriting skills to the small screen.

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

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

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

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 this moment and how it can make or break your pitch. It's important and pitching is the greatest/worst!!! 

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

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 and executing them effectively is a whole other part of the brain and a different skillset than simply writing a genius spec. For that reason, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman kick off their Notes Series with the “10 COMMANDMENTS FOR NOTE TAKERS”, a handy how-to-guide for Screenwriters on how to think about notes like a professional, and set yourself up for continued success.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist -- Music by 414beg 

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, more specifically, why these movies work on a screenwriting level. *Do be warned — SPOILERS AHEAD*

Questions/Comments: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist -- Music by 414beg 

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 things off with a break down of just how a writer gets caught in Development Hell, what exactly that means, and even tell a few epic stories of how some hellish development stories have produced movies we all know and love.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist -- Music by 414beg 

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 one of the best kept secrets in Hollywood Screenwriting. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman go full investigative journalist and bring to light real stories from real working Ghostwriters in Hollywood who have ghost written everything from TV shows to studio franchise movies. These Ghostwriters dish (anonymously) on what it’s like to have big writers ask you to do their work for them. The stories that came up may shock you.

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 into working staff writers on Disney/ABC TV shows. In this interview with 2020 alums Adrian Viña and Allyson Philobos, we break down how the program works and why it's so successful. We discuss everything from the grueling interview process, the fantastic education in real-life skills to help develop you as both a writer and a professional, and how the program goes about connecting its participants to staff writing jobs. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist -- Music by 414beg 

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 while sharing his insight. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist -- Music by 414beg 

Fireside Chats are where hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman pose real situations from real-life working Screenwriters, and ask "What would you do?" In this chat, they discuss everything from What would you do if an exec fell asleep in your pitch to How would you gracefully fire your manager?

Questions/Comments: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist -- Music by 414beg 

"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 the job. Using examples from masters of voice in the industry (JJ Abrams, Shane Black, Mike Flanagan, and others), hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down what the hell "voice" even means, why your voice is so important as a Screenwriter, and how to find your unique voice in your own writing.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist -- Music by 414beg 

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 what are some of the pitfalls to avoid if you are creating your own mythology in a script?

Questions/Comments: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist -- Music by 414beg 

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 partnered with Coverfly to connect up-and-coming writers with professional Screenwriters in the Act Two community for a 6-month career & industry mentorship program where new Mentees will be chosen every month to join a unique Mentorship opportunity with one of Act Two's incredible working writers.

Mentorship is incredibly important in a writer's career, whether they are just starting out or are showrunning their own show. To find out more about this unique opportunity, whether you're looking to be a Mentee or a Mentor, join hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman as they chat with Tom Dever, Head of Writer Success (what a title!) at Coverfly about how this Mentorship was conceived and why it's so important in the life of a Screenwriter.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] -- Edited by Paul Lundquist -- Music by 414beg 

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 the now iconic characters in the Pilot of their hit show on Apple TV, how they created "villains" in a feel-good dramedy, and how they flip expectations to keep you leaning in. *SPOILERS AHEAD* (but also, you really need to watch TED LASSO).

Questions/comments: [email protected] - the Act Two Podcast is edited by Paul Lundquist and music is by 414beg.

Questions/comments: [email protected] - the Act Two Podcast is edited by Paul Lundquist and music is by 414beg.

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 Bibles, all of which have different definitions depending on who you ask. In this practical-use episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman wade through the minefield and break down the definitive WGA definitions of each non-script document you'll be asked to write as a professional Screenwriter, what they're for, why they're important, and how much you should be getting paid for them.

Questions/comments: [email protected] - the Act Two Podcast is edited by Paul Lundquist and music is by 414beg.

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 Millennium. So in this episode, Josh Hallman forces Tasha to finally talk about herself and discuss the process behind getting both those jobs, and what comes next.

Questions/comments: [email protected] - the Act Two Podcast is edited by Paul Lundquist and music is by 414beg.

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 hasn't heard back, a mid-level writer who is struggling with endless free rewrites, and an advanced writer who failed to deliver a solid draft and left his producer in a bind. 

Questions/comments: [email protected] - the Act Two Podcast is edited by Paul Lundquist and music is by 414beg.

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 time. It effortlessly brought us into a magical world that felt grounded and introduced an unsung hero. If you're world-building, write fantasy, or have that unassuming hero... grab your butterbeer and get ready. Questions/comments: [email protected] - the Act Two Podcast is edited by Paul Lundquist and music is by 414beg.

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 structure guidelines out there, including Blake Snyder's "Save the Cat" model. They also discuss how to avoid becoming a slave to structure guidelines, and how to instead use them as a valuable tool in your writing tool chest.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

"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 built on, and it is also the hardest thing to sustain during the dark nights of your career. In this unique episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman illustrate the importance of hope in the Screenwriting journey through the inspirational origin stories of two now famous Screenwriters who lost all hope right before they achieved massive success -- Sylvester Stallone and George Lucas.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Screenwriter and WGA Captain Ben Shiffrin to discuss the basics of WGA membership, the pitfalls of a non-WGA deal and how to combat them, and the myriad of helpful resources available to Screenwriters that few even know exist (whether you're a member or not!). 

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Questions/Comments: [email protected]

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Edited by Paul Lundquist

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Music by 414beg

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 Emma Coates posted Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling, and they talk about how those rules can be applied to your screenwriting in very real and practical ways.

You can find the original post here -- https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-22-rules-of-storytelling-according-to-pixar-5916970

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 with real humans, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss all the different ways to use visuals to great effect in your pitch.

In addition, Act Two has a fantastic and talented in-house layout designer to help you with all your lookbook and pitch presentation needs if doing your own visuals just isn't your thing. Check out professional layout designer Katie Olsen's visual pitch portfolio for Screenwriters at LuckyDelaney.com

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 Screencraft Fellowship to chat about what exactly the Fellowship entails, why he refused a free hotel stay in LA, and the incredible effects the Fellowship has had on his career. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 only you) have the power to progress your career over the next year.

In this special End of Year episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk in detail about how they make writing goals, their tricks on how to keep them, and how to wield those goals into real actionable, career-changing steps. Next year, take control of your career.

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 myth are hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman, with Special Guest David Levinson, who go behind the scenes of how this holiday action movie really came to be. The truth is nowhere close to mythic, and much closer to the hard reality of what it takes to get a movie made. Hint: Shane Black wasn't the only writer!

It is an Act Two belief that the best writers never stop learning -- so the Breakdown Series will take an in-depth look at the writing of some of the most influential stories of our time, including the behind-the-scenes of how these scripts came together. Sit back, grab a drink, and let's see what we all can learn!

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 Setups from Act One. In this last installment of The Breakdown: BTTF Edition, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down just how a perfect, satisfying ending is pulled off at the writing level.

The Breakdown Series is a special, ongoing series where hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman tear into the Screenwriting of masterful films and television episodes, breaking down how the sausage is made. It is an Act Two belief that the best writers never stop learning -- so this series will take an in-depth look at the writing of some of the most influential stories of our time, including the behind-the-scenes of how these scripts came together. Sit back, grab a drink, and let's see what we all can learn!

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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, emotional ups and downs, and it forces the audience to be an active participant in the adventure. In this second installment of The Breakdown: BTTF Edition, Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down just how Zemeckis and Gale pulled all this off to create one of the most perfect films in history -- Hint: Cause & Effect.

The Breakdown Series is a special, ongoing series where hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman tear into the Screenwriting of masterful films and television episodes, breaking down how the sausage is made. It is an Act Two belief that the best writers never stop learning -- so this series will take an in-depth look at the writing of some of the most influential stories of our time, including the behind-the-scenes of how these scripts came together. Sit back, grab a drink, and let's see what we all can learn!

Questions/Comments: [email protected]

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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, and how can you tell? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about their first scripts and the hard lessons they learned when they were confident film school grads just starting out.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 holiday episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman take a close look at how Zemeckis and Gale handle Act One problems like setups, character intros, theme, dialogue, and suspense in the masterpiece that is BACK TO THE FUTURE, and they compare the rocky, more adult first draft to the finished tour de force that made it into our hearts and minds.

Thus begins our Breakdown Series where Tasha and Josh tear into the Screenwriting of masterful films and television episodes, breaking down how the sausage is made. It is an Act Two belief that the best writers never stop learning -- so this series will take an in-depth look at the writing of some of the most influential stories of our time, including the behind-the-scenes of how these scripts came together. Let's see what we all can learn!

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 Action-Adventure Feature Competition, to discuss how she found Screencraft, the application process, and how winning has affected her writing career. Hint: she now has a manager. 

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 starts and stops of his writing career, and how "the slog" is part of the job description. Corey started as a Production Assistant and found immediate success in Hollywood as an indie film writer, but never quite saw his career take off despite sales and produced credits. Now a working staff writer in TV and in post on his directorial debut Daughter due out in 2021, Corey reflects on the stutter-stops along the way, and goes in detail on all those arduous steps of his path to finding a career as a Screenwriter. Hint: it involved lots of credit cards. (This episode is part of the "Million Ways to a Screenwriting Career" series, where Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman go in-depth with Screenwriters of all walks of life to discuss the unique way they became a working Screenwriter.)

Find Corey Deshon: @CoreyDeshon 

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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 Screenwriters struggling with their Manager / Agent relationships and talk about how to maximize those relationships and how to transform a difficult or stagnant representation team into one that is working for you.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the standard formats they use in structuring their feature and TV pitches that make it much less terrible.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

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, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk generally about how you get pitches, what they are, and what you do once you have one. Pitching is terrible, but necessary if you are to have a Screenwriting career. So, let's start by breaking down the beast so we can figure out how to conquer it together.

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg.

Questions/Comments: [email protected] 

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 through it. It ain't easy, but it is possible.

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 effectively can be extremely helpful, especially if you struggle with stress, procrastination, excuses, or timing issues. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk through their typical writing day, and chat openly about their writing schedule trials, tribulations, tips and tricks. 

... 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 should you apply to a screenwriting festival, what do you do once you're at one, and what's the point of them? Tasha and Josh go in-depth on the festival experience as a Screenwriter and why it may be right (or wrong) for you. 

"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 assistant inevitably tells you to sit on the waiting room couch and asks if you want water. It can feel like a grind, but it's an inescapable and vital part of any screenwriting career.

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down what these General Meetings are for, how you get them, and what you do once you're in them. And since General Meetings are often a first step in getting work as a Screenwriter, they give tips and tricks on how to maximize your face-time with the producer or studio executive you're meeting generally, and share both their successes and embarrassing horror stories.

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 Gerstle, on what it's really like to be in a TV Writer's Room. Nneka dispels the mystery surrounding a staff writer's experience, tells the story of how she got her first staff writing job, and breaks down what her day-in-the-life is like in "The Room".

Nneka Gerstle has staffed on Tim Kring's "Jason Bourne" spin-off TREADSTONE on the USA Network, and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and JUST BEYOND for Disney +. If you've ever wondered what a job in TV looks like, or wondered if it was the job for you -- check out Nneka's story.

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 Marie. Joe walks us through the unique development process of writing a low-budget actioner, illuminates the realities of life as a working Screenwriter, and shares his entertaining tales from the trenches (like meeting Bruce Willis!). 

Watch HARD KILL now on Amazon Prime HERE.

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-level writers. They can offer you a unique control over your career, and have the potential to catapult you into the spotlight overnight. In this episode, Tasha Huo chats with co-host Josh Hallman about his spec writing process. He dives deep into how he develops his spec scripts, what land mines he's faced when it comes time to sell, the politics that are involved, and the absolute importance of passion.

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 writer during the entire process, from development, to casting, to eating too much craft services on set in Italy.

WELCOME HOME by David Levinson -- A couple rents a villa in Italy hoping to mend their bruised relationship, but the devilishly charming homeowner can't seem to leave them alone. Emmy Award-winning actor Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad") stars in this thriller of a weekend getaway gone wrong.

Watch WELCOME HOME here!

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 what the landscape looks like now as a screenwriter. Spoiler alert! It's not as bleak as you think!