Act Two Podcast

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the live action adaptation of LILO & STITCH, breaking down writer and director choices that helped launch it into massive numbers at the box office and that, in these podcasters opinions, makes it the most successful live action Disney adaptation yet!    TWIW: Josh thinks he can be a detective after writing one, and Tasha gets notes that she's a boring writer.   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman have just been side-lined by sicknesses and Tasha is recently back from a month on the road. It's time to talk about how to keep writing during unexpected obstacles. Inertia in the right direction is important, but Life can get in the way. Let's talk practical, real ways to keep going during tough times.   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist Music by 414Beg

Summer movies are out! And it's time to see if you're excited about what Hollywood has to offer in June! Some surprises, and some long-awaited blockbusters. What will you be seeing this June?   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discover a list of top tips for aspiring Screenwriters, according to the New York Film Academy. They disagree fundamentally with some tips, and expound on the practicality of others in the real world. There is advice for up & coming Screenwriters everywhere. Tasha and Josh help translate that advice into real-life scenarios and uses.   TWIW: Outlining as a surprising tool for a writer who doesn't outline   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Host Tasha Huo rants about her oversized sketchpad and the different ways she's used it to help break multiple script ideas. She answers listener questions on using the sketchpad, and, really, just won't shut up about the sketchpad.   TWIW: What would Tasha's greatest betrayal of Josh be? / Don't sleep on The Accountant and The Accountant 2   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Not everything you see on screen was in the script. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down 8 famous improvised movie moments - what made them work, how they changed the scene, and what screenwriters can learn from embracing spontaneity. Questions or comments? Hit us up at ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist.

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dig into the importance of: Knowing Your Story. As screenwriters, we all get notes that make us question everything - is the story different now? Is it better? Or just... different? Tasha and Josh break down knowing your characters and ways to stay grounded when the note floodgates open. Plus: Are You Excited?! Questions or comments? Hit us up at ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist.

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about self-talk, the kind that holds us back, and the kind that pushes us forward. How do we recognize and manage those self-destructive thoughts, and how do we start talking kinder to ourselves as writers.   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss a hotly debated topic -- writing for an audience (it's not what you think it is). What does it mean to think about the audience when you write a scene and how do you do without compromising your vision as a writer.   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

What is a framing device, and why do writers use them? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman explore the storytelling tool that bookends so many scripts. They also have a little disagreement about the use of a framing device in White Lotus...   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss ways to advocate for yourself, whether you have reps or not, and the importance of thinking of yourself as the CEO of your own company of one.   TWIW: the new Nicholls Fellowship setup / Josh's insane Monday morning that ended with a 911 call   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Getting repped can seem impossible, but the good news is there are actually many different paths to representation. In this repost from S4, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down what worked for them in their own careers and what they've seen work for other writers.   TWIW: Josh finished a pilot with his wife and celebrated with Taylor Swift, Tasha celebrates an Act Two mentee getting repped! Plus, how long does it take to write a feature screenplay anyway?   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Some stories begin with a character. Others begin with a question. But what if yours begins with a place? This week, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman kick off a new series on story starting points — beginning with how location can be more than just a setting.   Stephen Sondheim Instagram POST. Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

A writer has unique aches and pains due to the nature of their work: sitting for hours on end, hunched over a computer, typing, fidgeting, etc. Physical Therapist, Melody Garcia, talks about what common ailments she sees among writers and what you can do to prevent and treat your aches and pains.   TWIW: Mickey 17 and a Q1 goals check-in! New Segment: Are You Excited??   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Let's discuss outlines. Should you do them, when is it right for your project and not? Do you ask for it as a step in your deal, or keep it to yourself? Does an outline take the magic and joy out of writing, or can it help you get through an idea when you might otherwise falter? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how they and other writers they know think about outlining.   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

We've all been asked "Why now?" by someone who has read our script or listened to our pitch. But it probably doesn't mean what you think it means. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what an exec is really asking when they say, "Why now?" And how best to answer it. They also discuss ways to prevent ever being asked this question in the first place!   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

The Oscars are here! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman welcome back Dave Levinson (Friend Of The Pod) to break down predictions, categories, and blockbusters that should have been recognized… plus, will everyone actually be watching? The Oscars are a Hollywood tradition - and we need to get into it.    Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

It's Mailbag time! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dive into the Act Two inbox and answer listener questions. Don't forget you can always reach out!    Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dive back into branding yourself as a screenwriter. We're often told to stay in a lane, but how can you widen that lane? How can you tackle multiple genres at once? And how do you build a brand without boxing yourself in?   Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Special guest alert. Dave Levinson is back. We're discussing contained stories — high-stakes, small-scale scripts. We're diving into what makes these stories work, offer some of our favorites, and discuss why they're so appealing to the industry.    Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

"Cheer Moments" build to those audience-pleasing, emotionally satisfying moments... whether they're moments of victory, revelation, or catharsis. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss writing to these moments, where this term came from (pretty sure it's JJ Abrams), and offer examples.    Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

In difficult times, it's easy to feel lost or that our job as Screenwriters doesn't matter or make a difference. But the opposite is, in fact, true. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about what it's like to write during the crisis of the Los Angeles wildfires, how it's helped them cope, and how it actually sheds light on the unique importance of our job as Screenwriters and Filmmakers.   Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman want to thank all of our listeners for their support and their check-ins during this unprecedented disaster. We are safe, we are together, and our hearts are broken for Los Angeles.    Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

2025 Screenwriting Goals have been made and now it's time to execute them. Join hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman as they talk about realistic, practical and effective ways to accomplish your screenwriting goals this year. Making career goals and accomplishing them are completely doable and within your control. Let's do this, together.   Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

In the final episode of Season 5, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk through their 2024 writing goals to see how many they achieved and what lessons can be learned from their failures to prevent a repeat next year. They also list their 2025 writing goals in prep for their New Year's episode...   TWIW: Specs are back! / Movies are back! / Josh's daughter makes them both cry / Tasha's emotional pitch   Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

As INTERSTELLAR (2014) gets its IMAX re-release, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how Christopher Nolan world builds in the film, utilizing every aspect of filmmaking at his disposal from shot framing, camera movement, dialogue, scene-dressing and music. Join in on a mini-breakdown of a masterclass in world-building.   Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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?   Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com 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.   Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com 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?    Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com 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    Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com 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.   Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com 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?   Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com 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.   Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com Edited by Paul Lundquist 

Happy Halloween (week). Josh is joined by special co-host Deve 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.     Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@Gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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 acttwowriters@gmail.com. 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the oft used (and incorrect) advice to writers of "Write what you know." Instead, they argue you should write anything you f***ing want! But if you do, make sure it is believable and well-researched, and Tasha and Josh give some examples from their own jobs where research has both served and hindered their writing. They address questions like How much research is too much? At what point in the process should you research? And how do you research effectively?   Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 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: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist