Melanie Maras and Saeed Crumpler are working writers in Hollywood who share everything about what it means to be a writer and make it in the industry. Their in-depth interviews with industry professionals impart all the information they wish they had when starting out. Learn about writing wins and losses through a raw and unfiltered lens. Subscribe and share the podcast now!
Dallas Rico talks about breaking into the TV industry and working on season 2 of the hit tv show Reasonable Doubt.
Blakmaled Production's Head of Film Giselle Johnson chats with us about her career journey and gives insider tips on navigating the writer-exec relationship and how to receive notes like a pro.
Hakim Hill chats about his path to becoming a screenwriter, how he broke into television and his current position in the writers room for HYSTERIA!
Screenwriter Alex Convery talks to us about writing the award-winning feature film AIR on spec, getting on The Blacklist, and adapting IP for the screen.
Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Adly Guirgis gives us a behind-the-scenes look at creating Netflix's THE GET DOWN with Baz Luhrman, playing Frank Mariani on HBO's WINNING TIME, and pivoting from playwriting to TV writing.
Literary manager Zack Zucker returns to answer screenwriter's questions directly from social media, discuss the current climate of the industry, and more.
Script Pipeline contest director and Pipeline Media Group partner, Matt Misetich, talks about his own accomplishments and the many success stories he has helped across the line for screenwriters. Don't miss the First Look Deadline, September 30th!!
Jameel Saleem talks about building his career in television and film as a writer and producer on shows such as, South Park, Bob's Burgers and Dishenchantment.
Showrunner Raamla Mohamed chats with us in the middle of her press tour for the latest season of Reasonable Doubt on HULU to share her journey from assistant to showrunner
Writer-producer and actor Hilliard Guess returns to talk about the current state of the industry, pitching for TV and more.
Screenwriter and Comedian Niles Abston returns to discusses his lastest tour and his short movie '98 Honda.
Screenwriter and host of The Social Screenwriters Podcast Andy Compton tells us how he found his reps, his experience with short films and how he got his first option deal.
TV lit agent Roberto Larios stopped by to chat about the current climate of television, his journey from Chicago to Notre Dame, and the sacrifices he made when pivoting from law to entertainment. Roberto shares what he is looking for in potential clients, tips on pitching, and more.
Multi-hyphenate creator Jordan Carlos cracks the code to balancing it all, breaks down writing packet submissions for late-night TV, and talks about his upcoming book.
Cartel Manager Audrey Knox talks to us about the power of authenticity, how to ace general meetings, and the in-depth resources for writers she's publishing on Substack and LinkedIn. Subscribe to Audrey's newsletter here. Find out more about how you can work with her here.
Executive producer and TV showrunner Aaron Thomas gives a master class on how he created the hit show S.W.A.T. , key tips for pitching and more. Don't miss your chance to work directly with co-host Melanie Maras via Coverfly's Career Mentorship! Enter Now!
Abbott Elementary TV writer Joya McCrory shares how she broke into television, her experience in the Warner Bros TV program, and her latest episode "2 Ava 2 Fest".
TV writer Rah Johnson shares how he pivoted from acting to screenwriting, the script that turned his career around, and how he ultimately staffed for Apple TV+'s new series, THE NEUROMANCER.
Veteran showrunner Jordana Arkin shares gems from her 20-year career – from her first staffing experience to tips on navigating tough rooms and personalities.
Epicenter Literary Manager Allard Cantor shares the latest trends in the script market, what it takes to break a new writer into TV and ultimately prepare them to work with industry titans.
TV writer Lucy Luna shares her path from HBO Access Writing Fellowship to being staffed in the 'All Rise' writers room. Show notes: Lucy Luna on Rising Through the Ranks Saeed's cold query article Kelly Edwards
We took a break from our regular podcast to have a fun episode with Tarot Reader of the Stars, Angie Banicki. She reads our cards live, revealing our writing future and the future of the screenwriting industry. Show notes: Angie Banicki Angie on IG
Literary manager John Zaozirny reveals what he looks for in writers, how he develops new ideas with clients and his thoughts on the future of our industry.
Literary agent Halle Mariner walks us through her journey from the mailroom to agent at Independent Artists Group.
TV writer and director Christopher Derrick shares his path from indie films to the writers room of shows like The Equalizer and Star Trek: Picard. Be sure to check out the podcast he co-hosts, SCREENWRITERS RANT ROOM.
TV writer and Script Anatomy CEO Tawnya Benavides Bhattacharya shares her journey into a lasting television career and a whole lot of holiday spirit with an exclusive discount on the 2024 Pilotpalooza program starting in January! Pilotpalooza exclusive code: twowriters Enter the code in the cart and get 15% off your registration fees.
Adrian Todd Zuniga shares how he started Literary Death Match and how he transitioned into screen writing for TV, Film and popular video games.
Writer-director Sadé Sellers chats with us about her short film Picture which is currently having its run in the festival circuit.
Carole Kirschner has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry from her time as a development executive to career coaching and creating CBS Diversity Institutes's Writer's Program. Carole also directs the WGA Showrunner's Training Program for TV writers.
Television writer Adam Lujan chats with us about his fellowship track, how the Nickelodeon fellowship prepared him for his first writers room and more tips you don't want to miss.
Executive producer and showrunner David H. Steinberg gives a master class on creating your own television show, from concept to set pieces to execution, pitching and more.
Roxy Shih drops by to chat about her journey from sociology major to film director, her advice to aspiring directors learning to protect their vision, how to find a compatible producer that is capable of bringing it to life, and more.
In this episode, producer and former Warner Brothers Discovery Access executive Elly Lachman gives us an inside look at writing fellowships. She offers tips on writing your spec and getting it read, what programs are looking for in an essay, how screenwriters can seek guidance from past alumni during the upcoming application season, and more! Authentic Storytelling is a 6-week course led by both Elly and a seasoned TV writer/workshop alum/artist educator that will get you from concept to pilot draft with a focus on writing a piece that is honest, brave, and most importantly authentic to YOU - because that, in the end, is what matters infinitely more than the mercurial tastes of the industry(especially right now!). Comprised of lectures, guest speakers, guidance through your story documents, notes/feedback in a simulated writers room, and 1:1 consultation, our aim is to be steadfast shepherds of your process to finding and utilizing your unique voice - because it is the most valuable asset you have as a storyteller.For more information or to sign up, please email authenticstorytelling@gmail.com!
TV writer Kristina Thomas shares the journey of persistence and faith that took her into incredible programs like USC's graduate program, Film Independent's Project Involve and eventually landing a seat in the writers room for 'FBI' on CBS.
Literary Manager and producer Chris Coggins walks us through her journey from Escape Artist to Heroes and Villains Entertainment, how Black List script Meet Cute landed stars Pete Davidson and Kaley Cuoco, and her current obsession with pop psychology. www.thechriscoggins.com
Screenwriter Alexandra Tran chats about the script that got her on the coveted year-ending Black List, Barbie, 5 things to consider when looking for a manager, and more.
Our guest today is playwright-turned-screenwriter, Bixby Elliot. If you are curious about making the move from one creative endeavour to another, then this is the episode for you! We chat about the transition from writing for the stage to writing for the screen. We discuss graduate schools and MFAs in writing. If you want to apply for Julliard's playwriting program, have at it. This is the UCLA screenwriting program Saeed attended. We also talk about working jobs outside of writing and how the skills you garner working in the corporate or retail world can benefit your writing career. More info on Bixby's “Finish The Draft” accountability classes and coaching here. Follow Bixby on Instagram and TikTok. Amy Berryman's Intuitive Playwriting class for actors and other creatives who want to write plays. Recommendations: Stephen King's “On Writing” The Cut Land of the Giants Podcast: “Dating Games” Be sure you are subscribed to 2 Writers Talking Shit so you don't miss an episode!
Writer-producer and actor Hilliard Guess takes a break from the picket line to impart his wisdom to our listeners. Hilliard shares how to pivot and sustain longevity in the entertainment industry, what struck filmmakers can do right now, and more.
Our guest today is "Billions" tv show writer and Renaissance man, Amadou Diallo. Parish is coming soon to AMC. Watch Billions on Showtime. Mentorship Matters is an intensive, year-long mentorship program that pairs emerging writers of color with working TV showrunners. Subscribe for updates on their website. If this episode makes you hungry for cannolis and Italian cookies, you can order these New York classics on GoldBelly. Get thee to Ghenet in Brooklyn for Ethiopian food. Alfonso Ribeiro inspired Amadou's skincare regimen. Try Proven. (We are not sponsored by them but we would like to be!) Amadou's Top 5 TV Shows: Caliphate on Netflix The Wire on HBO All In The Family on Amazon Prime Video Abbott Elementary on Hulu Better Call Saul on Netflix Keep up with Amadou on IMDB. Be sure you are subscribed to 2 Writers Talking Shit so you don't miss an episode!
TV writer and playwright Bernardo Cubria shares how his love for the theatre led to working with Gina Rodriguez, finding his place in his first writer's room for Apple TV+'s Acapulco, being in the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, and how he manages to show up for his family throughout the journey. Go see Bernardo's play that led to him working with Gina Rodriguez! Crabs In A Bucket opens July 17th at the Echo Theater Company in Atwater Village. Special promo code for half price tix for our listeners ($17): CRABBY Interested in going to clown school in Italy? Here's the clown school Bernardo wishes he had gone to in Paris – LE COQ. Reading Save The Cat prepared Bernardo to pitch a screenplay for the first time. Watch Acapulco on Apple TV+ If this episode makes you want to rewatch Crossroads, you can't stream it anywhere, but you can buy a DVD. Bernardo's recommendations: The People Of Paper by Salvador Plascencia @Juixxe on TikTok Bardo Follow Bernardo on Instagram and Twitter. Be sure you are subscribed to 2 Writers Talking Shit so you don't miss an episode!
Comedian and screenwriter Niles Abston discusses working on the hit tv show Dave and how he broke into the industry from his YouTube channel. Melanie Maras and Saeed Crumpler are working writers in Hollywood who share everything about what it means to be a writer and make it in the industry. Their in-depth interviews with industry professionals impart all the information they wish they had when starting out. Learn about writing wins and losses through a raw and unfiltered lens. Subscribe and share the podcast now!
Literary manager and producer Jennifer Au stopped by to discuss the sticky topic of adapting intellectual property into a script, what an ideal client/manager relationship looks like, and what kind of voices appeal to her taste. Melanie Maras and Saeed Crumpler are working writers in Hollywood who share everything about what it means to be a writer and make it in the industry. Their in-depth interviews with industry professionals impart all the information they wish they had when starting out. Learn about writing wins and losses through a raw and unfiltered lens. Subscribe and share the podcast now!
'Chicago P.D.' writer Sean Collins-Smith shares how he transitioned from journalism to screenwriting, his advice on signing with (and firing!) a literary manager, and so much more. 2 Writers Talking Shit is hosted by Melanie Maras and Saeed Crumpler, working screenwriters in Hollywood who share everything about what it means to be a writer and make it in the industry. Their in-depth interviews with industry professionals impart all the information they wish they had when starting out. Learn about writing wins and losses through a raw and unfiltered lens. Subscribe and share the podcast now!
Screenwriter William Yu shares how he got on the Blacklist, his past experience in the Sundance Episodic Labs, and what it's like to be an NBC Fellow. 2 Writers Talking Shit is hosted by Melanie Maras and Saeed Crumpler, working screenwriters in Hollywood who share everything about what it means to be a writer and make it in the industry. Their in-depth interviews with industry professionals impart all the information they wish they had when starting out. Learn about writing wins and losses through a raw and unfiltered lens. Subscribe and share the podcast now!
Robert (Robbie) Wittstadt is a working writer and producer on popular television shows such as SWAT on CBS, The Get Down, Mad Dogs, and more. Robbie gives us an in-depth look at how his writing career has developed from assistant-to-the-writer's-assistant to showrunner and the sacrifices he continually made to get to the full circle moment. 2 Writers Talking Shit is hosted by Melanie Maras and Saeed Crumpler, working screenwriters in Hollywood who share everything about what it means to be a writer and make it in the industry. Their in-depth interviews with industry professionals impart all the information they wish they had when starting out. Learn about writing wins and losses through a raw and unfiltered lens. Subscribe and share the podcast now!
Managers Audrey Knox and Corey Trent Ackerman take a break from their busy desks at The Cartel to chat with our hosts about the current state of the screenwriting industry, how to navigate a professional relationship with your team of reps, and how soon is too soon to call your reps back. 2 Writers Talking Shit is hosted by Melanie Maras and Saeed Crumpler, working screenwriters in Hollywood who share everything about what it means to be a writer and make it in the industry. Their in-depth interviews with industry professionals impart all the information they wish they had when starting out. Learn about writing wins and losses through a raw and unfiltered lens. Subscribe and share the podcast now!
Screenwriter, actress, and lover of waltz, Aydrea Walden stops by to drop actionable tips on writing, how to break into the industry, and spill all the tea on what it was like to co-write a Christmas movie with Saeed. Get your notes together before you hit play! 2 Writers Talking Shit is hosted by Melanie Maras and Saeed Crumpler, working writers in Hollywood who share everything about what it means to be a writer and make it in the industry. Their in-depth interviews with industry professionals impart all the information they wish they had when starting out. Learn about writing wins and losses through a raw and unfiltered lens. Subscribe and share the podcast now!
Saeed invites his literary manager Zack Zucker on the show to reveal the various ways writers can break into the industry, important considerations to make before taking on a writing partner, and so much more about the mysteries of successfully getting your writing career off the ground. Melanie Maras and Saeed Crumpler are working writers in Hollywood who share everything about what it means to be a writer and make it in the industry. Their in-depth interviews with industry professionals impart all the information they wish they had when starting out. Learn about writing wins and losses through a raw and unfiltered lens. Subscribe and share the podcast now!
Actress-director-writer Lynn Chen, most well known for her television role on Grey's Anatomy, chats with Melanie and Saeed about her transition to writing and directing, her approach for auditions, and the importance of the #LynnChenSmile. Melanie Maras and Saeed Crumpler are working writers in Hollywood who share everything about what it means to be a writer and make it in the industry. Their in-depth interviews with industry professionals impart all the information they wish they had when starting out. Learn about writing wins and losses through a raw and unfiltered lens. Subscribe and share the podcast now!
Introducing Melanie Maras and Saeed Crumpler, co-hosts of 2 Writers Talking Shit. Subscribe now and add our podcast to your RSS feed.