The Writers' Hangout

Our guest is Thomas Dekker, an actor, musician, director, and screenwriter. Known for portraying John Connor in "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles," Thomas can next be seen in the upcoming camp horror comedy "HALLOWEEN STORE." Thomas wrote and directed "JACK GOES HOME," featuring Rory Culkin, available to watch on Prime. In this episode, Thomas shares invaluable insights about his screenwriting journey that will benefit writers and all creatives who wake up each day to pursue their dreams.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

The Writers Hangout Podcast is all ears! In today's episode, we delve into the latest updates on Elisabeth Finch through the insights of Camilla Luddington and Jessica Capshaw, beloved actors from the iconic medical drama "Grey's Anatomy." Capshaw beautifully portrayed Dr. Arizona Robbins, while Luddington shines as Dr. Josephine "Jo" Wilson. Together, they also co-host the charming podcast "Call It What It Is," where they share valuable life lessons, talk about friendships, and touch on various engaging topics, including Elisabeth Finch.  

Sandy takes you with her as we discover a private beach in Malibu's beautiful Point Dume area to discuss Elli Mae McNulty, an actor turned screenwriter who allegedly exploits California's tenancy laws to turn casual stays into protracted eviction wars. When asked to leave the premises, this English Rose transforms into a nasty piece of work. You wouldn't want to have tea with this woman at separate restaurants. Quoting Vanity Fair writers, Bradley Hope and Tom Wright, “Sure, let a neighbor use the guest room for a few nights. What could go wrong?”Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerVanity Fair Article by  BRADLEY HOPE AND TOM WRIGHT.https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/serial-squatter-malibu-point-dume?srsltid=AfmBOoqdAQrmQmjiVZHtHCVV9o00imDc44tlluoRCh4xD8HdfPrE33bh

In honor of my friend Linda Mazur, we are replaying one of my favorite episodes: the little-known mystery of the 1997 disappearance of screenwriter Gary Devore.  Gary was returning home after working out the ending of his latest script, which he claimed would blow the lid off government secrets, when he disappeared without a trace.  Did Gary step out to “buy a pack of cigarettes,” or was he met with foul play?   We'll delve into what happened that fateful night and revisit the rumors and conspiracy theories that continue to baffle and disturb people.  Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Show notes to follow.

Rewind. Sandy and Terry discuss *Poltergeist*, one of America's most beloved horror films, which may indeed be the most cursed film in Hollywood history.Released by MGM on June 4, 1982, and written by Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais, and Mark Victor, *Poltergeist* is rumored to be cursed because real human skeletons were used in a pivotal scene. This curse is believed to have led to the tragic deaths of three individuals in brutal and devastating circumstances.We'll also talk to writer and actor Michael McManus, who played Ben Tuthill, the neighbor next door, to get the real story of what happened.

On today's show, we have the legendary entertainment lawyer Peter Dekom. Peter Dekom significantly impacted his time at Bloom, Dekom & Hergott. He has represented remarkable clients, including George Lucas, Keenen Ivory Wayans, John Travolta, Ron Howard, and Robert Towne, as well as renowned companies like Sears and JVC. As an advisor, Peter has contributed significantly to New Mexico, helping shape the state's film incentives. You'll want to bookmark this episode and listen to it at least four times. Peter shares a wealth of valuable advice.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

We're diving into more updates from the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit, and we also have some surprising news about Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were sadly found at their home near Santa Fe, New Mexico.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Rewind: Join Sandy and Terry as they dive into the intriguing differences between the iconic film and the real-life story behind it! First on their list is the 1979 movie "Amityville Horror," featuring the talented Josh Brolin, Margot Kidder, and Rod Steiger. This captivating film tells the tale of a family haunted by supernatural forces after moving into a house with a dark past in Amityville, Long Island, New York. If you're enjoying your experience with us, we'd appreciate it if you could follow along and leave a review.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer/Engineer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

On today's episode, we have Walter Wolf, the author of The Right Rehab: A Guide to Addiction and Mental Illness Recovery When Crisis Hits Your Family. This step-by-step guide outlines how to identify and access treatment options for individuals and families, regardless of their resources. Writers, I want to share this book with you because being creative isn't easy. If you need help, options are available. This book is also an excellent resource if you're writing about addiction.  We need to talk about Walter Wolff. Walter Wolff is a pen name, and the man behind it promised a loved one privacy. Before, as you will soon learn, a phone call changed his life; Walter was a producer in Hollywood for over 30 years.  Now, he is an interventionist and treatment placement specialist.  We also break down the movie 28 Days, starring Sandra Bullock, through the lens of Walter Wolf.  Warning: the subject matter we discuss can be triggering. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

In today's episode, we discuss three key incidents in the lawsuits involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Baldoni released a voice memo he sent to Blake and shared footage from a film that shows a scene where Blake expressed discomfort about unwanted touching. He believes the footage demonstrates that he was not inappropriate during this scene. Additionally, Baldoni feels that Ryan was mocking him in Deadpool vs. Wolverine.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Send us a textThe conclusion of who killed Thelma Todd in the Pacific Palisades Pt 2. Actress Thelma Todd was the “Queen of the Lot” and made it in Hollywood when she died of mysterious circumstances at 29 years old. Who killed her? Could it be her business partner Roland West, a one-time screenwriter? Maybe it was the ex-husband, son of the Broccoli King, and agent Pat DiCicco? Police investigate, and all roads lead to The Trocadero, a famous nightclub that opened on the Sunset Strip in 1934. Hang out with us as we unfold the inexplicable death of Thelma Todd.An Eternal Hollywood Mystery, Wrapped in Mink and Fog, Survives the Fires | Vanity Fair By Greer Sinclairhttps://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/thelma-todd-death-mystery?utm_source=pocket_reader

Send us a textRewind with one of your favorite episodes.  Actress Thelma Todd was the “Queen of the Lot” and had made it in Hollywood when she died at just 29 years old. Who killed her? Could it have been her business partner Roland West, a one-time screenwriter? Perhaps it was her ex-husband, the son of the Broccoli King, and agent Pat DiCicco? The police are investigating, and all clues point to The Trocadero, a famous nightclub that opened on the Sunset Strip in 1934. Hang out with us as we unfold the inexplicable death of Thelma Todd.❄️ We are thrilled to have music by THE SNO-GLOBES.  Here's a link to listen to more of their holiday music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McFx8spF0Cc&t=5s

Send us a text In today's show, Sandy talks about the wildfires that have sadly affected countless communities and caused trauma to many people in Los Angeles. A thoughtful listener's question brings us an update on Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, adding a personal touch to our discussion. After that, we'll dive into writer Bucky Woodall's lawsuit against Disney regarding the movie Moana 2, exploring the details together.Research for the episode:The Hollywood Reporterhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/moana-2-copyright-lawsuit-massive-box-office-gains-1236106869/The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/21/business/media/blake-lively-justin-baldoni-it-ends-with-us.htmlThe PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Send us a textShow notes to follow.

Send us a textHang out with us as we explore the major spec sale that shook Hollywood just before the holidays: the AI thriller spec script "Alignment" by Natan Dotan, a writer who, until a week ago, had no representation.The Hollywood Reporter Article by Borys Kithttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fifth-season-makeready-1236069133/The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerContact us at the writershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

Send us a textCome with us as we embark on the exciting and rewarding adventure of making friends in Los Angeles. Plus, we'll look at how the WGA encourages studios to take "immediate legal action" against AI companies.Show notes to follow.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerContact us at the writershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

Send us a textREWIND. Terry recently received a phone call from a childhood friend who asked for help. The friend has a connection whose work was offered a huge deal, and he wanted Terry to brief him on "Hollywood" deal-making. However, as Terry spoke with his friend, he began to suspect that the whole situation might be a scam. Unfortunately, this isn't a new problem. Scammers often prey on vulnerable artists, especially screenwriters, by making false promises.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerContact us at the writershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

Send us a textIn today's episode, Sandy shares her go-to film genre for those much-needed escape moments.  The enchanting "Moana 2" is lighting up the holiday box office, outshining "Red One," "Wicked," and "Gladiator 2."  In exciting news, Amazon MGM has secured Julia Cox's heartfelt spec script, 'Love of Your Life,' for around $2 million!Research for this episode included:Amazon MGM Wins Battle For Julia Cox Spec Script ‘Love Of Your Life' For Around $2 Million By Mike Fleming Jr, Justin Krollhttps://deadline.com/2024/10/amazon-mgm-wins-julia-cox-spec-script-love-of-your-life-for-around-2-million-1236164029/The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Send us a textThe holiday season box office excitement has kicked off with the launch of Amazon's "RED ONE," featuring the talented Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans! This action-packed adventure revolves around the thrilling kidnapping of Santa Claus, played by J.K. Simmons, and our heroic duo, The Rock and Chris Evans, is on a mission to save him just in time for Christmas. Plus, it comes with a staggering budget of $250 million!Research for the episode includesBox Office: ‘Red One' Has Itself a Fairly Little Opening Day With $10.9 Million by J. Kim Murphy

The Writers' Hangout is thrilled to provide an update on Elisabeth Finch, who produced and wrote for Grey's Anatomy for eight seasons. Once a captivating grifter, she was later uncovered for lying on an epic scale. Previously, we released four episodes based on Elisabeth Finch: Episode 17 The Unbelievable Story of Elisabeth Finch: Part 1Episode 18 The Unbelievable Story of Elisabeth Finch: Part 2Episode 48 Update - Elisabeth Finch The GREY'S ANATOMY Writer Accused Of Faking CancerEpisode 70 Rewind The Unbelievable Story of TV Writer Elisabeth Finch and Grey's Anatomy – Combines all episodes for an easy listen.In today's episode, we dive into the Peacock-exclusive documentary ANATOMY OF LIES, a three-part docu-series investigating Elisabeth Finch's life. And the Instagram post released by Elisabeth Finch on the same day the docu-series debuted on Peacock. As a bonus, we have included Episode 70 and all three previous episodes, diving deep into Elizabeth's unbelievable story.  

What do Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," P. Diddy, and the Universal Lot in Universal City all have in common? It's me, your host, Sandy Adomaitis! Join me as we dive into the captivating story behind Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." Always remember, with writers, there's always an intriguing drama lurking behind the scenes!The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

What happened to Joker: Folie à Deux?  After flopping at the box office debut, receiving poor reviews and the lowest audience score in comic book movie history, Todd Phillips's musical Joker sequel has shocked Hollywood by earning a lackluster $40 million domestically. How did this highly anticipated musical follow-up starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga go so wrong?Research for this article included an article from Vanity Fair's Chris Murphyhttps://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/is-joker-folie-a-deux-bombing?utm_source=pocket_sharedArticle from Variety by Tatiana Siegelhttps://getpocket.com/read/9d4TVAe0g325fZa783ddhvKvf8p1gd3b286q62la3aF0ZmI8ej373V4ed33GtS71_effe7fd23bcddfaf45edeb9f92a03448The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

The fall season is well-known for its cozy atmosphere and festive activities. What could be more enjoyable than snuggling up on the couch for a comfortable night in? Here are Sandy's top 5 films to watch on a chilly fall night.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Claudette Wells, a versatile artist known for acting, writing, and voice-over work, is here to provide insights about her new book, FINE FRENCH THINGS.You may know Claudette from her roles as Peggy from A Different World and the iconic sitcom Square Pegs, where she starred alongside Sarah Jessica Parker.   Claudette was on the Hangout with us previously to discuss a unique group she and I are a part of called Dead Mother's Day. Listen to episode 16 for the 411 on that; it is a good thing.  Buckle up for an exhilarating journey as Claudette Wells leads us to uncover the adventure of FINE FRENCH DOGS.You can purchase FINE FRENCH DOGS at Amazon.Be the first to email thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com with your favorite French food to win a free copy of Claudette's book. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

We have a fantastic episode lined up for you! Kevin Bachar, an EMMY-winning documentary director and screenwriter, is our guest. Kevin has previously joined us to discuss his horror film "The Inhabitant," available on Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Apple+. He also discussed his book "Dredge: 22 Tales of Terror." Now, he's back to talk about his latest book, "The Visitor.”Kevin's books are available on Amazon. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

The Writers' Hangout dives into some entertainment news.  Sandy and Terry cover the latest hot Hollywood lawsuits, which are plural, involving screenwriter R. Lance Hill, Amazon, and the remake of the 1989 ‘Roadhouse.' A cult classic, ‘Roadhouse was a starring vehicle for Patrick Swayze, produced by Joel Silver and directed by Rowdy Herrington.Then, Terry shares an article by David Courtney, Ten Colorful Ways to Say It's Hotter Than Hades in Texas, featured in Texas Monthly.  Research for this episode includes:Amazon, MGM Accuse Original ‘Road House' Screenwriter of Fraud in Countersuit By Ross A. Lincoln for TheWrap by Samantha Bergeson for IndieWirehttps://www.indiewire.com/news/breaking-news/road-house-screenwriter-sues-amazon-over-copyright-ai-use-1234958090/#:~:text=Lance%20Hill%2C%20who%20uses%20the,movie%20was%20released%20in%201989‘Road House' Rumble: Amazon Denies AI Used To Create Actors' Voices For Remake During Strike As Original Pic's Scribe Sues To Shut Down New Movie by Dominic Patten for Deadline Hollywood https://deadline.com/2024/02/road-house-lawsuit-amazon-copyright-1235839774/Ten Colorful Ways to Say It's Hotter Than Hades in Texas, which was featured in Texas Monthly.  https://www.texasmonthly.com/being-texan/folksy-sayings-heat-weather/?utm_source=pocket_shared&utm_source=pocket_sharedThe PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Sandy and Terry Sampson discuss the little-known mystery of the 1997 disappearance of screenwriter Gary Devore.  Gary was returning home after finishing the ending of his latest script, which he claimed would uncover government secrets. However, he disappeared without a trace. Did Gary step out to "buy a pack of cigarettes," or was he met with foul play? We'll delve into what happened that fateful night and revisit the rumors and conspiracy theories that continue to baffle and disturb people.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Hang out with Sandy and Terry as they explore ten screenwriting quotes and learn how to apply them to your writing. Gaining insights from successful writers is an invaluable approach to refining your craft and overcoming challenges.

Hang out with us as we explore what happened behind the scenes during the writing of Twister, the 1996 blockbuster movie Twister, with a special guest, my cousin Kate!Twister is an action film and screwball romance featuring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt. Writer Michael Crichton conceived it as a combination of the classic romantic comedy "His Girl Friday" and a PBS documentary about storm chasers he had seen on TV.Helen Hunt portrays Jo, a meteorologist whose father was swept away by a tornado when she was a child. She has devoted her life to researching tornadoes and has created a device designed to collect essential data in the midst of severe weather systems. Her estranged husband, Bill Paxton, has left his tornado days behind and is ready to settle down with a new woman, Jami Gertz. The film also stars the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman, Succession's Alan Ruck, and Todd Field, who directed Tár.Research for this story includes:Screenwritersutopia.comJeff Nathanson talks Catch Me If You CanBy Fred Topelhttps://www.screenwritersutopia.com/article/33dc5cd0VarietyTwister Stunt Boss Says Steven Spielberg Flew to Oklahoma and ‘Was F—ing Yelling' at the Director After Crew Walked Off Set Amid Chaotic FilmingBy Zack Sharfhttps://variety.com/2024/film/news/steven-spielberg-screamed-twister-director-crew-rebelled-1236078124/Crichton & Co. win Twister LawsuitJury conducts whirlwind deliberationsBy Janet Shprintz https://variety.com/1998/film/news/crichton-co-win-twister-lawsuit-1117467205/Yardbarker.com20 facts you might not know about Twisterhttps://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/20_facts_you_might_not_know_about_twister/s1__37717932#slide_1The Original ‘Twister' Is a Stealth Remake of a Classic Comedyhttps://www.cracked.com/article_42873_the-original-twister-is-a-stealth-remake-of-a-classic-comedy.html96 Twister Screenplay via Scribdhttps://www.scribd.com/document/561736972/Twister-1996-The-Original-Screenplay

Sandy and Terry delved into the Enneagram System, a method of categorizing human personality into nine distinct types. For writers, the Enneagram Personality Test website is a valuable resource for mapping out your characters' authentic emotional journeys. By taking the personality test, you will gain valuable character traits that will enhance your scripts for years by creating authentic and compelling characters!Learn more about the Enneagram System here: https://enneagramuniverse.comThe Writers' Hangout is not affiliated with the Enneagram System.  This is for fun and education. 

The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the Writers' Hangout podcast and will announce the Quarter-Finalists in their 2024 screenplay competition on Monday, July 15th. And that's our excuse to give our listeners a special treat! Today's episode features Sandy and Terry reading comments from the PAGE Awards Judges' scorecards. We also discuss the 10-point scale. A tool PAGE Judges use to score ten elements in your screenplay.  These special Judges' comments will only be revealed on episode 123 of The Writers' Hangout Podcast. 

Send us a Text Message.We're baaccck! It is the first week of July 2024, and Sandy and Terry are ready for #hotpodsummer. Did you know that our host and creator of The Writers' Hangout, Sandy Adomaitis, has a wealth of experience in script development for both television and film? She has worked with some of the industry's top showrunners, including Carlton Cuse, John Wirth, and Tom Spezialy. Now, for the first time, Sandy has exclusively compiled a list of ten warning signs that could dampen her enthusiasm for reading your script, available for our devoted listeners.

Send us a Text Message.How do they do it? How do successful writers become successful? They must all lead charmed lives. One imagines a successful writer who works hard, gets up at 4 a.m., goes to the gym, then slides behind the laptop for four hours. Afternoons, they take their doodle around the block of their tony neighborhood, then put in another two solid hours of editing. Have a healthy dinner with friends, then go to bed for a brilliant night's sleep. Well, dear writers, as we know on The Writer's Hangout, it doesn't always go well when we tell you a story about a screenwriter. Hang out with Sandy and Terry, who tell you the fascinating story of screenwriter and director Stephen Gaghan, known for writing the screenplay for Soderbergh's film TRAFFIC, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and Syriana, which he wrote and directed.

Send us a Text Message.REWIND EPISODE.Join the conversation on how PAGE Awards Judges evaluate your screenplay with Karen Craig and Scott Barkan. Karen Craig is a professional screenwriter and script doctor whose credits include such films as AMERICAN PSYCHO II, starring Mila Kunis and William Shatner, and FORBIDDEN SECRETS, starring Kristy Swanson. Karen has served as a judge for the PAGE Awards for the past 12 years, reviewing both Thriller/Horror scripts and Family Films. Scott Barkan is a professional screenwriter who has produced several films and sold scripts. He has worked with Blumhouse and Lionsgate and is represented by Mainstay Entertainment and CAA. Scott is also a university professor who teaches music and communications. As a PAGE judge, he primarily reads Action/Adventure, Thriller/Horror, and Science Fiction scripts.

Send us a Text Message.Our guests are Steve Cubine and Nan McNamara from the hit podcast "From Beneath The Hollywood Sign." Every week, Steve and Nan dive into the magical, mysterious, amusing, and sometimes bizarre tales of Old Hollywood. If you're a fan of the Golden Era of Old Hollywood, "From Beneath The Hollywood Sign" is a podcast you won't want to miss. So, follow and listen to them - we highly recommend it.On today's show, we discuss the mysterious death of Thelma Todd and whether her screenwriter/director boyfriend, Roland West, had something to do with it. You can enjoy this episode, but we highly recommend listening to the previous three episodes we did on Thelma Todd, where we go into much more detail. Those episodes are 47, 48, and 57. Alert: This episode discusses suicide. If you need help, text or call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Listen And Follow "From Beneath The Hollywood Sign" here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-beneath-the-hollywood-sign/id1708470432Follow Steve Cubine's Blog "From Beneath The Hollywood Sign" here: https://frombeneaththehollywoodsign.comThe PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Send us a Text Message.Parts one, two, and three of "The Unbelievable True Story of Elisabeth Finch and Grey's Anatomy." Available now!Rising star and television writer Elizabeth Finch wrote many emotional scripts for Grey's Anatomy, exploring cancer, abortion, and sexual abuse based on her life experiences. In March of 2022, Grey's Anatomy writer Elisabeth Finch was investigated by Disney and placed on administrative leave by the production company Shondaland over concerns about her medical history. Elisabeth told friends and co-workers at Grey's Anatomy she'd been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Chondrosarcoma in 2012. She wore a bandage that covered her port, was pale, nibbled on saltines, and took breaks to vomit during work. Elisabeth's cancer inspired a storyline on Grey's Anatomy, where the character Catherine Avery, played by Debbie Allen, was diagnosed with cancer like Elisabeth in Season 15 of Grey's in 2018. Elisabeth also lost a kidney; then, part of her tibia was removed due to chemotherapy. If that wasn't bad enough, she was forced to abort a fetus because chemotherapy made the pregnancy impossible. You won't believe the shocking story that comes next!The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Send us a Text Message.Happy Mother's Day! Join Sandy and Terry on today's show as they discuss how mothers are portrayed in movies and explore the idea of screenwriters seeking feedback from the most influential women in their lives—their moms.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Send us a Text Message.Our esteemed guest is Professor Carol Stabile, the author of The Broadcast 41, a profound exploration of the experiences of 41 remarkable women. These women, including some of the most prominent figures of their time: Dorothy Parker, Gypsy Rose Lee, Lena Horne, and screenwriter Vera Caspray, challenged the rigid norms of the American television and radio industry during the tumultuous 1950s 'Red Scare' period.  Carol, a highly respected Professor of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon brings her extensive academic background and expertise to her work. Along with Broadcast 41, Carol is the author of Feminism and the Technological Fix, White Victims, Black Villains: Gender, Race, and Crime News in US Culture, and other books.You can purchase The Broadcast 41 on Amazon.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Do you know Judy Blume? She's a fantastic author who has written some of the most beloved childhood novels, such as "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing," and "Deenie." Sandy and Terry discuss some of the best writing tips for aspiring writers by Judy Blume, gathered by Literary Hub's Emily Temple. Trust me, this advice is perfect for anyone who wants to write books, screenplays, or short stories. So, let's get started!The article by Emily Temple discussed in the episode is from Literary Hub. https://getpocket.com/read/8dtpGT9bA5b1dh6827gbz7dCRmd4A6aM1bOYF6WX86Z6f8Xb5660lQVFqebzF3bT_2dac52dd6eb378ddfe90d625cd6bac09The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Sandy tells the strange story of Netflix reportedly paying director Carl Rinsch $55 million for a sci-fi series that he failed to complete and spent most of the money on crypto investments, five Rolls Royces, and a $380K watch. Now, Carl Rinsch is demanding an additional payment of $14 million from Netflix.Research for the story includes:The New York Times article by John Carreyrou entitled, The Strange $55 Million Saga of a Netflix Series You'll Never Seehttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/22/business/carl-rinsch-netflix-conquest.htmlWikipediaIMDBTHE WRAP article by Mike Roe entitled Netflix Director Spent Millions of the Streamer's Money on Crypto and Rolls-Royces in $55 Million Sci-Fi Writeoffhttps://www.thewrap.com/carl-erik-rinsch-conquest-netflix-writeoff-crypto/The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

In this rewind episode, we talk with Kristin Overn, the Founder and Executive Director of the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards competition. Kristin began her film career as a producer's assistant and script reader at companies like Davis Entertainment, Bonneville Worldwide, and 20th Century Fox. Since then, she has consulted, collaborated, and developed screenplays with dozens of writers, producers, and production companies. Kristin also has extensive experience in production and has served as a producer, line producer, and UPM on various independent features, original sitcom pilots, and several award-winning short films, TV commercials, and videos. She is a member of the Producers Guild of America and the Directors Guild of America.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Sandy and Terry delve into the latest plagiarism controversy. The Alexander Payne-directed film The Holdovers didn't win for the Best Original Screenplay at the 96th Oscars, but Da'Vine Joy Randolph did take home the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The film is highly regarded by critics and audiences alike. In early March 2024, reporter Tatiana Siegel at Variety published a report on allegations made by Simon Stephenson, a screenwriter who worked on films such as Luca and Paddington 2. In a 33-page document, Simon claims that The Holdovers, written by David Hemingson, was transposed from his unproduced script, Frisco and that the similarities are “line-by-line” and have been routinely described as “brazen.” 

After watching "Quiet On Set," the Max documentary about allegations against producer Dan Schneider, who is accused of creating a toxic work environment on his Nickelodeon shows and engaging in inappropriate behavior, Sandy can't stop thinking about it. It reminded her of the story she shared with you in Episode 86, entitled "Harassed and Pitching," a Humanities Prize-nominated script.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerContact us at the writershangoutpodcast@gmail.com 

Sandy and Terry delve into 4 impactful quotes by screenwriter, producer and director, John Hughes. One of the most successful and influential filmmakers in Hollywood history, John has helped launch the careers of Andrew McCarthy, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Macaulay Culkin, Judd Nelson, and John Candy.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerContact us at the writershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

Sandy hangs out with the award-winning actress, musician, and screenwriter Lucy Walsh. When Lucy was seventeen, she was given sixty-three of the love letters her Grandfather Dale wrote her Grandmother Wanda while he was in World War II. A dozen years later, life-changing events compelled Lucy to fly from Los Angeles to tiny Newman, Illinois, to spend three days talking with Wanda, which ended up being their final conversations. Lucy transformed her journey into a masterclass on humanity, chronicled in her new book Remember Me As Human: What Three Final Days with My Grandmother Wanda Taught Me About Truly LivingRemember Me As Human is available for pre-order now and everywhere else on March 12th: https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Me-As-Human-Grandmother/dp/B0CT9PZ88L/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V59GXX3GWBQ0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NfoI3cOAS6ut7cmEyM0Lfw.dJX3Q_AVWZreCyfC3V70dueQZHy8a9JuL4jD0OJSH1o&dib_tag=se&keywords=remember+me+as+human+lucy+walsh&qid=1710072024&sprefix=Remember+me+as+human%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerContact us at the writershangoutpodcast@gmail.com 

Terry recently received a phone call from a childhood friend who asked for help. The friend, has a friend, who was offered a huge deal for something they had written, and would Terry get him up to speed on "Hollywood" deal making. However, as Terry spoke with the friend, he began to suspect that the whole thing might be a scam. Unfortunately, this is not a new problem. Scammers often prey on vulnerable artists, especially screenwriters, by making false promises to them.

We are thrilled to have a special guest, Stan Zimmerman, who is a renowned film and television writer. He has been nominated for two WGA Awards for Best Comedy Episodic Writing for his work on The Golden Girls and Roseanne. Stan talks about his new book, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore.https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+girls+stan+zimmerman&crid=2D56CM0FL6JH2&sprefix=stan+zimmer%2Caps%2C415&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_11 We loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in writing for television or what happens behind the scenes.  The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerContact us at the writershangoutpodcast@gmail.com 

One of the biggest challenges for new and seasoned writers is to sit down and start writing their screenplay. It's common for writers to have an excellent idea for a script for months but not put anything down on paper. To make matters worse, they might see a movie trailer that looks exactly like the movie they have in their head, causing them to feel discouraged and frustrated.In this episode, Sandy and Terry Writers focus on "how to begin" with tips by Dean Orion. He wrote the book Live To Write Another Day, A Survival Guide for Screenwriters and Creative Storytellers. You can find Dean's book on Amazon. We pick a card from the Woracle Deck, created by writers for writers; the Woracle Cards are an essential tool to help writers generate ideas for new or existing stories. The cards aim to inspire and rejuvenate the creative juices to get the words flowing back on the page.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerContact us at the writershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

For screenwriters, the Public Domain can be a treasure trove of inspiration and material. Hollywood is obsessed with Intellectual Property (IP) and buying the rights to the latest hit book or graphic novel can be expensive and out of reach for most screenwriters. By tapping into the public domain, screenwriters can find stories, characters, and themes that are already known and loved, and put their own spin on them. On January 1, 2024, a version of Mickey Mouse will enter the public domain in the United States, after almost a century of copyright protection. The public domain refers to all creative works for which no exclusive intellectual property rights apply, either due to copyright expiration, copyright loss because of loopholes and mistakes, death of the copyright owner, or failure of the copyright owner to file for the rights or extension to those rights. Since no one holds exclusive rights, anyone can legally use or reference those works without permission. For example, starting in 2024, the Steam Boat version of Mickey Mouse can be utilized.REARCH INCLUDED:WikipediaIMDB http://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/mickey/ https://historydaily.org/steamboat-willie-facts-stories-trivia-mickey/3The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernProducer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerContact us at the writershangoutpodcast@gmail.com