Writers Group Therapy

In this session of Writers Group Therapy, we are talking with Brett Wagner, the writer and director of The Big Bend, a thriller borne out of an experience he had with his own family in the deep desert of west Texas. His award winning shorts “Chief” and “Care” appeared at Sundance, the LA International Short Film Festival and received a BAFTA award of excellence, and qualified for the Academy Awards. SHOW NOTES; Trailer: https://youtu.be/fyKelEO-v_0 The Big Bend on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0994587/ Brett Wagner on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10536088/ Review: https://www.showbizjunkies.com/movies/the-big-bend-review/#google_vignette Brett on Instagram: @Wagnerific The Big Bend on Instagram: @theBigBendmovie The Big Bend Facebook page

In this session, horror fans will be excited to hear from The First Omen screenwriting team of Arkasha Stevenson and Tim Smith who also directed and produced the film respectively. We discuss their passion for the original that drove their process in creating a terrifying prequel to the Richard Donner classic. Arkasha and Tim are a team who have written and produced projects for AMC, Hulu, Netflix, SyFy and Amazon including Channel Zero: Butcher's Block, Legion and Briarpatch.  SHOW NOTES: The First Omen: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5672290  The Omen - 1976: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075005 Arkasha: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6674331 TIm Smith: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5654281 “The Omen” Cursed Production: https://collider.com/the-omen-curse-production

We talk with “A Bit of Light” screenwriter Rebecca Callard and Director Stephen Moyer (Bill Compton on “True Blood”) about their touching slice of life film that stars Anna Paquin, Ray Winstone and newcomer Luca Hogan. ***Spoiler note: Contains some spoilers*** SHOW NOTES: Stephen Moyer on X Stephen Moyer on IG A Bit of Light on IMDB:

What happens when writers say and do stuff that comes back to haunt them? We discuss how the industry reacts to the personal actions of writers and what you should be cautious of when posting and vlogging. SHOW NOTES: James Gunn Fired From ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy' Franchise Over Offensive Tweets Star Wars: All 18 Fired & Replaced Directors In the Disney Era Publisher drops author for using fake accounts to ‘review-bomb' peers

Brooklyn lawyer turned actor and author Steve Schlam discusses is new novel “The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” that was released by 8th House Publishing. Steve studied under Joseph Heller, the renowned author of “Catch-22” at City University of New York where he earned his Master's in Creative Writing and English.  SHOW NOTES: Steve's Website: www.steveschlam.com 8th House Publishing Shop Buy on Amazon Buy on Barnes&Noble About the Book

On this session, “Barry” co-executive producer and writer Duffy Boudreau talks about writing the award winning Max series as well as his earlier work in comics and journey from Oklahoma to Washington to Los Angeles. Editor Note: The day after recording our interview with Duffy Boudreau, “Barry” was nominated for Best Comedy Series in the WGA Awards. SHOW NOTES: Barry on IMDB Duffy Boudreau on IMDB

Fashion was the first to get “fast” with “Fast Fashion.” Then saw the rise of “Fast Publishing” and “Fast Music.” Is Hollywood the next creative realm to get to the cheap and trendy treatment? We discuss what is “fast” and how it's going to come for Hollywood. SHOW NOTES: TikTok Is Turning the Publishing World Into Fast Fashion Fast Fashion an music festivals and concerts Asylum movies and the blockbusters they ripped off

In this session, we chat with Jenna St. John, the writer/actor/producer whose indie comedy series “Sexpectations” reach #3 on the top comedies list on iTunes/AppleTV ahead of “Parks and Recreation.”  SHOW NOTES: Jenna on IMDB “Sexpectations” on IMDB Facebook Instagram Apple TV

Special guest, producer and screenwriter Ed Solomon talks about his writers journey and new show “Full Circle” on Max. Ed is know for writing blockbusters like “Men in Black,” “Charlie's Angels,” and “Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.” His latest show “Full Circle” featuring Claire Danes, Dennis Quaid and Timothy Olyphant is streaming on Max.  SHOW NOTES: Ed Solomon on IMDB “Full Circle” on IMDB Watch “Full Circle” on Max Words By Words Show Patreon Page About "Full Circle": An investigation into a botched kidnapping uncovers long-held secrets connecting multiple characters and cultures in present day New York City.

In this episode, we fill out our 2024 Industry Bingo cards with our predictions for the entertainment industry. Some predictions cover AI, unions, streaming, influencers, pilot season, and more. SHOW NOTES: None this episodes

This session we expound on the Black Friday and Holiday deals that might appeal to writers and filmmakers. We also discuss writing holiday movies and what are the key elements that go into them. SHOW NOTES: Writing Christmas Films & Navigating the Holidays: The ULTIMATE Guide 7 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF GREAT HOLIDAY MOVIES Pi.ai - a conversive AI Chatbot The 61 Best Thanksgiving Movies: Your Holiday Movie Feast (I guess there were more Thanksgiving movies than we thought!)

Writer/Director Jeffrey Crane Graham discusses his new award-winning, John Hughesian coming of age dramedy “Always Lola” that is premiering for rent/purchase on most streaming platforms including Amazon Prime, YouTube and AppleTV. Jeffrey also teaches screenwriting and produces and cohosts the podcast “The Screen Writing Life.” SHOW NOTES: Always Lola on IMDB Apple TV The Screenwriting Life Jeffrey's website and screenwriting class

In this session we discuss the state of Hollywood post WGA strike while the SAG-AFTRA strike continues, as wells our own personal writing updates. SHOW NOTES: Box Office: Taylor Swift's ‘Eras Tour' Is No. 1 With $33M, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon' Rides to $23M 2023 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming

Richie Billing is a UK-based author, podcaster and writing instructor whose debut novel, “Pariah's Lament” was published in March 2021 by Of Metal and Magic Publishing. We discuss his writing, teaching and more.  SHOW NOTES: Richie's Website: www.richiebilling.com. The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed podcast Fantasy Writing Classes Richie Billing bio Richie Billing writes all kinds of stories, but mostly fantasy fiction. His tales often explore real-world issues, zooming in on the characters and their troubles. His short fiction has been widely published, with one story adapted for BBC radio. His debut novel, Pariah's Lament, was published by Of Metal and Magic Publishing in March 2021.  Richie also hosts the podcast The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed, a venture inspired by the requests of readers of his acclaimed craft book, A Fantasy Writers' Handbook. When not writing, Richie works as an editor and digital marketer and teaches creative writing both online and in his home city of Liverpool. Most nights you can find him up into the early hours scribbling away or watching the NBA.

Jane L. Rosen is an author, screenwriter, and former Huffington Post contributor. Jane often takes inspiration from real-life stories and interviews to craft her novels. Her first novel “Nine Women, One Dress” was translated into ten languages. Her second novel “Eliza Starts a Rumor” has been optioned by NBC. “A Shoe Story” and “On Fire Island” are out now. SHOW NOTES: Jane's Website: https://janelrosen.com On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelrosen “On Fire Island” on Amazon NBC Developing “Eliza Starts a Rumor” Drama Series

Dusk Wave Arts CEO, Vision Holder and Lead Writer Paul Graham brings attention to neurodiverse issues through digital audio comics and games. We discuss the development of his company and his stories. Show Notes: Instagram: @duskwavearts FB: www.facebook.com/dwavearts Dusk Wave Arts Website:  https://duskwavearts.com "The Glove": https://theglove.comicswithaudio.com "Criminal King":  https://criminalking.comicswithaudio.com

We're back from our Summer break, starting off our 7th year of Writers Group Therapy, but the WGA, and now SAG-AFTRA, are still on strike. We catch up on all the latest and look towards a fall with no premieres.  SHOW NOTES: Talks Between Writers, Studios at a Standstill After Week of Trading Barbs AMPTP Hires New Crisis PR Firm as Strikes Go On Linear TV Falls Below 50 Percent of Viewing for First Time

NOTE: This episode was recorded prior to the WGA going on strike. From their unusual start from a Twitter feed that became “S**t my dad says,” show runners Patrick Schumacker and Justin Halpern are celebrating the success of their shows “Abbott Elementary” and “Harley Quinn.” We discuss their unique start, juggling show running duties on two shows and what the future holds. SHOW NOTES: Justin Halpern on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3824767 Patrick Schumacker on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3824575 Justin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/justin_halpern Patrick on Twitter (https://twitter.com/PMSchumacker) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/PMSchumacker/) Abbott Elementary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14218830 Harley Quinn: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7658402 Bios Justin Halpern & Patrick Schumacker are Emmy-nominated creators, showrunners and executive producers through their company Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions whose overall deal is at Warner Bros. Television. Series include HBO Max's animated hit HARLEY QUINN for WBTV and DC Entertainment which is now in its 4th season and its spin-off NOONAN'S which was recently ordered to series for HBO MAX. Justin and Patrick's newest series, ABBOTT ELEMENTARY with Quinta Brunson, is a hit series that garnered multiple Emmy wins and nominations including a nomination for best comedy series where they serve as executive producers and showrunners. Previously, Halpern and Schumacker were the showrunners and Executive Producers of NBC's POWERLESS for WBTV and DC Entertainment. Prior to that, Halpern and Schumacker co-created Fox's SURVIVING JACK as well as CBS's S#*! MY DAD SAYS. S#*! MY DAD SAYS was adapted for television based on Halpern's New York Times bestselling book, Shit My Dad Says. Justin and Patrick have also been involved with such popular series as iZOMBIE, COUGAR TOWN, and HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN.  Justin & Patrick recently finished writing the feature BIRTHRIGHT based on the graphic novel by Joshua Williamson for Universal Pictures with Ruben Fleischer and Skybound producing. 

We wrap up the 6th year of Writers Group Therapy (Can you believe it's been 6 YEARS!) with a discussion of Rachanee's recently published third novel in the Kingdom Legacy Series: “Heir of Memory & Shadow,” a look at the first week of the writers strike, and our summer plans. SHOW NOTES: Rachanee's Website: https://www.rachanee.net (Buy digital copies directly from Rachanee's site) On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heir-Magic-Mischance-Kingdom-Legacy-ebook/dp/B0C3GW3K25 Schoolyard Studios: https://schoolyardstudio.net

Does your script need some TLC? Maybe a script doctor can help. Shannon Massey Smith shares the ins and outs of being, and working with, a script doctor. SHOW NOTES: Girls to The Front Productions: girlstothefrontproductions.com Shannon on IG: @ShannonMasseySmith Discord: S_Massey

“Blindspotting” creator/writer/producer/director/actor Rafael Casal (Miles) talks about how touring with his music and poetry transformed into telling stories about his community in Oakland, CA in the award-winning Starz series. Show Notes: Rafael Casal on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2592137/ Blindspotting: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7242142/ Season 2 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tWaD6jLE04 Follow Blindspotting on Social  Twitter: @blindspottingtv   Instagram: @blindspottingstarz 

This session, we discuss what Tom learned about Stephen King and writing from his book “On Writing” including the tools and techniques King uses and recommends as well as revealing details about his journey to becoming a published author.  Book Description from Amazon.com: Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King's advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery.  SHOW NOTES: “On Writing”: https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Memoir-Craft-Stephen-King-ebook/dp/B000FC0SIM/ Tom's Note: Special thanks to writer/actor/producer Gary Kohn (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0463376) for recommending this book to me during a script breakdown he did with me. You can watch that at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE3Y7kmPzG0&t=983s

Our guest this session is screenwriter, YouTuber, and podcaster Tyler Mowery who recently rebranded his YouTube Channel with 266,000 subscribers as “Top Development.” We talk about Tyler's journey, process and script consultant services. SHOW NOTES: Top Development YouTube Channel Top Development Website Tyler on Twitter Interview with Get It Made X Founders Matt and Sylvie Boda

SHOW NOTES: Writers Group Therapy Session #166 - CreAItors http://www.writersgrouptherapy.com/2021/05/session-134-ai/ Writers Guild Highlights Compensation, Mini-Rooms in 2023 Negotiations Pattern of Demands https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/wga-pattern-of-demands-2023-negotiations-vote-1235335884/ Writers Guild Highlights Compensation, Mini-Rooms in 2023 Negotiations Pattern of Demands https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/wga-2023-negotiations-priorities-1235327971/

In this session, we discuss promoting your written works and compare promoting books, scripts, shorts and web series. SHOW NOTES: Rachanee's Books: https://www.rachanee.net “The Game” Series: https://www.youtube.com/@thegameseries Laurie Loveman, Novelist: http://www.laurieloveman.com Designcrowd.com: https://www.designcrowd.com

Our future AI overlords have made significant progress since our last episode about AI (Session #134 – Artificial Intelligence in Hollywood: http://www.writersgrouptherapy.com/2021/05/session-134-ai/). We talk Buzzfeed replacing writers with chatbots, DnD OGL and AI dungeon masters, ChatGPT and its screenwriting skills and more. SHOW NOTES: THR: Attack of the Chatbots: Screenwriters' Friend or Foe? Comicsands.com: BuzzFeed's Stock Soars After They Announce They'll Use A.I. Instead Of Writers To Create Content NPR: 'Monkey Selfie' Lawsuit Ends With Settlement Between PETA, Photographer

We talk with the creators of the new comedy streaming series “The Game.” Writers/creators Matt Curtain and Lauren Henning, and director Amanda Sonnenschein talk about the genesis of the show and its unique tone and humor. From the show: The Game is an ensemble adventure-fantasy comedy series that follows a group of TTRPG players both IRL and as their fantasy counterparts in the supernatural realm as they embark on a daring and heartfelt journey towards understanding and acceptance of one another and, most importantly, of themselves. SHOW NOTES: Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6LoLgxY2i8 “The Game” on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21152570 TitTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegame_series Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegame_series/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegameseries Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegame_series Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegamethese... ProductionHub interview with Amanda Sonnenschein: https://www.productionhub.com/blog/post/anatomy-of-a-scene-amanda-sonnenschein-on-the-game

In this session, we talk our writing goals for 2023, the latest news including the WGA prepping for contract negotiations, Twitch payout cuts, COVID in Hollywood, Moviepass' resurrection, and more. SHOW NOTES: Twitch payout cuts WGA Negotiations/Strike Prep Hollywood's Unions and Studios Extend COVID Protocols With Small Modifications Moviepass Resurrection

We're tired of being tired of Franchise Fatigue, but it's a serious issue. There is a steep downward curve in payback on subsequent entries and spin-offs/prequels etc., which is fueling a feedback circle of layoffs and cancellations in Hollywood. Why is this happening and what does it mean for writers? Listen as we try to find the answers.

Writer/Director Thomas Tulak, and Assistant Director/Composer Adam Pineless talk about “Who Dunt Dunt DUNNit?” their a hyper-meta, award-winning comedy film. It's a hilarious murder mystery, wrapped in a murder mystery wrapped in a movie production about a murder mystery. SHOW NOTES: Trailer for "Who Dunt Dunt DUNNit?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Gk2sOXnuQ Film IG: https://www.instagram.com/whoduntduntdunnit/ Easily Amused Group Productions: https://www.easilyamusedgroup.com Thomas Tulsa's website: https://www.thomastulak.com Thomas IG: https://www.instagram.com/tntulak/ Adam Pineless Website: http://www.adampineless.com Adam Pineless IG: http://www.instagram.com/adampineless

It's been a rough few weeks across Hollywood at studios such as Warner Brothers, Cartoon Network, G4 and others. From layoffs to total shutdowns, we take a look at recent turmoil and how it might affect writers. SHOW NOTES: Thanks to ClownfishTV https://twitter.com/ClownfishTVcom for their great analysis. G4 Shut Down Less than a Year After Re-launching Warner Bros. BLOODBATH! WB TV Lays Off 26% of Staff! by Clownfish TV Disney Plus and Netflix FORCED to Be Honest About Their Numbers! by Clownfish TV Amazon Settles With Writers Guild For $4M-Plus Over Unpaid Residuals Writers Guild Arbitration With Netflix Yields $42M in New Residuals for Members Warner Bros. TV Group Shutters Short-Form Shingle Stage 13, Ends Its TV Workshop Programs in Cost-Cutting Move Warner Bros Discovery Makes U-Turn On Closure Of Writers & Directors Workshops, Moves Initiatives To Diversity Unit

For some us, our biggest addictions are caffeine and endlessly scrolling TikTok videos, so, how do we write characters with more serious addictions? We talk to Ted Perkins, a former Warner Brothers and Universal studio executive, producer, screenwriter and now author who tackles the topic in his new book Addicted In Film, for which Ted watched 100 movies in 100 days about addiction. SHOW NOTES: About the Book: www.addictedinfilm.com Buy Addicted In Film on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/addictedinfilm Ted Perkin's Bio Ted Perkins is a former film executive at Warner Bros., and his most recent post as Head of International Co-Productions and Acquisitions at Universal Pictures where he pioneered co-production between U.S. Major studios, Spain, Latin America, China and India. He turned to screenwriting and has sold over a dozen scripts to various companies including Fox Searchlight and Lionsgate. He recently sold a TV series spec for low six figures, and has another one in development with a large production conglomerate in Europe.

This session, we talk with writer/director Matthew Gentile about “American Murderer,” his new true crime thriller about FBI fugitive Jason Derek Brown. "American Murderer" is based on the true story of Jason Derek Brown - a charismatic con man turned party king who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots his most elaborate scheme yet and, in the process, becomes the FBI's most unlikely - and elusive - top ten fugitive. SHOW NOTES: Trailer: https://youtu.be/rX3logJovfQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MatthewLGentile Website: https://www.matthewgentiledirector.com IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4244841/ American Murderer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13603778

We get the scoop on Get It Made X, a script-to-screen program for writers to not only improve their writing, but also learn about marketing and production through group activities, meetings with industry professionals, and peer review opportunities. Co-founders Matt Boda and Sylvie Dang Boda talk about why they created the program and how it helps writers get their work made. SPECIAL PROMO CODE for Writers Group Therapy podcast listeners! Use the Code: WGT50 to get the Get It Made 30-day Trial for 50% off Regular Trial Sign up/enrollment fee: $59.99 WGT Discount: 50% off, $29.99 SHOW NOTES: GetItMade.La: https://www.getitmade.la On Twitter: https://twitter.com/GetItMade_LA On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getitmade.la/ Absurd Hero Productions: https://www.absurdheroproductions.com

Nicholas Bruckman has produced and directed award-winning features, commercials and web-content for groups such as Greenpeace, Black Lives Matter and TED. His films have screened at Tribeca, Sundance, and SXSW where it won the Audience Award. His latest film “Not Going Quietly” is now streaming on Hulu. We talk storytelling in documentary formats, journalistic objectivity and more. SHOW NOTES: Nicholas' site: https://nickny.com PeoplesTV site: https://peoples.tv Documentary website: https://www.notgoingquietlyfilm.com

As writers, we struggle to get our work written, sold, and produced our whole careers. What we don't hardly ever think about is, what happens after we're gone? Our writing doesn't stop being valuable, but who is going to take over managing it and, hopefully, continue to reap the benefits of our creativity for the length of our copyright? We discuss this with Best-selling novelists Matt Buchman, writer of “Estate Planning for Writers” based on his own experiences. SHOW NOTES: Matt's Website: http://www.mlbuchman.com

The doctors (not real doctors) are in, again. We're back from our Summer break and kicking off our 6th year with a look at all the recent stories in the news that impact Hollywood and writers including Roe v. Wade, inflation and supply chain woes, YouTube TV, CA Tax incentives, and more. SHOW NOTES: THR: One Big Reason Hollywood Hasn't Begun Boycotting States Over Abortion Access THR: California Readies $1.65B Film/TV Tax Credit to Draw Productions From Anti-Abortion States THR: Digital Creators Rethink Hollywood As Some Push to Work On Their Own Terms THR: Hollywood Aims to Trim Production Costs Amid Inflation Surge, Supply Chain Pain THR: YouTube Takes Live TV Market Share as Streaming War Escalates Gamespot: Video Game Spending is down 13% year of year a drop of $1.71 billion

In this session, we talk with novelist and screenwriter/showrunner Dennis Lehane. His award-winning novels and the film adaptations spawned major feature films such as “Shutter Island,” “Mystic River” and “Gone Baby Gone.” The show's he's written for, “The Wire” and “Boardwalk Empire,” are always at the top of everyone's “best written show” lists. We discuss his journey and his latest project, the true crime limited series on AppleTV+ “Black Bird” starring Taron Egerton. SHOW NOTES: Black Bird on IMDB Dennis' website

Maggie Cohn, one of the show runners and writers of The Staircase, the new HBOMax true crime series is our guest for this session. Maggie won a Golden Globe for writing and producing American Crime Story: Versace and previously co-executive produced Narcos. SHOW NOTES: Official Trailer "The Staircase" on HBOMax "The Staircase" on IMDB

Are the broadcast networks just going through the motions this pilot season? With each having its own streamer, are we seeing the last days of the traditional pilot season? What does this mean for writers? And Tom remembers the day so of Saturday morning cartoon pilot season.   SHOW NOTES: Tom was wrong, “The X-Files” was not a mid-season replacement show. The first season was a full 24 episodes running from September 1993-May 1994. It was a Friday night show, which were shows that weren't expected to do that well, hence the slot was often called the “Friday night death slot.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_night_death_slot) Deadline Pilot Panic: https://deadline.com/category/primetime-pilot-panic/ Disney Trims $1B in content spending: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/disney-content-spend-profit-streaming-1235145367 Pilot Season Hits New Low as Broadcast Shifts Towards Streaming Model: https://thestreamable.com/news/total-volume-of-pilots-hits-a-new-low-this-broadcast-season-as-cable-industry-shifts-to-streaming Broadcast TV Scorecard 2022: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/broadcast-tv-2022-new-renewed-canceled-1235104494  

Getting in, staying in and consuming entertainment all take a certain amount of resources. We discuss how to prioritize where you put your time, money and heart into the entertainment industry, both as an artist and as a consumer.   SHOW NOTES: None this episode

Our own Rachanee Lumayno takes the hot seat to discuss the release of “Heir of Memory & Shadow” Book #2 of the Kingdom Legacy YA Fantasy series. We discuss was it like writing a second book in a series, self-publishing and marketing the books and what's next in the Kingdom. SHOW NOTES: Heir of Memory and Shadow (Book #2): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1736181130 Heir of Amber and Fire (Book #1): https://www.amazon.com/Heir-Amber-Fire-Kingdom-Legacy-ebook/dp/B08YR3JZY5 Website: https://www.rachanee.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachaneelumayno TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachaneelumayno Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaneelumayno/

David Bergantino shares his 30 years of interactive storytelling with companies like Disney and Nickelodeon. David's company, Cold Room Entertainment, recently released “Dying Light 2.” David is also a novelist with 11 novels, including the novelization of Wes Craven's “New Nightmare.” SHOW NOTES Dying Light 2: https://dl2.dyinglightgame.com Cold Room Entertainment: coldroomentertainment.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bergantino-98110686/ FB author's page: https://www.facebook.com/DavidBergantino

Amazon has closed its deal to by MGM that it announced in May 2021. How will the purchase of the 98 year old studio impact Amazon Prime, Hollywood, consumers and, of course, writers. SHOW NOTES: THR: MGM's Amazon Era Begins With Big, Unanswered Questions MGM Television Programs MGM

In this session, Tom talks with Lauryn Kahn, the screenwriter of “Fresh,” the new indie thriller starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan that took Sundance by storm. The film, produced by Adam McKay (“The Other Guys,” “Step Brothers”) and Searchlight Pictures, was acquired by Hulu.   SHOW NOTES: "Fresh" is available to stream on Hulu Lauryn on IG: https://www.instagram.com/laurynkahn/ Lauryn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/youdonknowme Fresh premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2022, and is scheduled to be released on March 4, 2022, on Hulu by Searchlight Pictures. 

Paul Kalburgi is a British screenwriter, playwright and TV producer, as well as author and podcast host of the book and podcast “The Writer's Toolkit.” He discusses his journey as a writer, his process and the tools he uses in his craft. Guest host Sam Gasch.   SHOW NOTES: Paul's website and “The Writers Toolkit”: https://www.paulkalburgi.com/thewriterstoolkitbook TW: https://twitter.com/PaulKalburgi IG: https://www.instagram.com/paulkalburgi/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJxb9iS3qEkbTmFe4vKn0Qg   Guest host Sam Gasch's Ideal Remake podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideal-remake/id1298864585 Sam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamGasch

This session, we have the multitalented Ken Atchity, a best-selling author, producer, literary manger, professor and editor who aptly goes by the moniker The Story Merchant. He got his B.A. at Georgetown, his Ph.D. at Yale. He was a tenured professor of comparative literature at Occidental College and a distinguished instructor at UCLA Writers program. He's worked in publishing and filmmaking and is a member of the TV Academy of Arts and Sciences as well as the Producer's Guild.   SHOW NOTES: Blog: www.kenatchityblog.com "Writing Treatments that Sell": https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Treatments-That-Sell-Industry/dp/0805072780 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoryMerchant/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storymerchant https://www.instagram.com/atchityproductions https://www.instagram.com/ken_atchity Twitter: https://twitter.com/storymerchant https://twitter.com/kennja  

This session, we're excited to have with us James Vanderbilt, a screenwriter and producer with over 20 years of major feature film experience including blockbusters such as White House Down, The Amazing Spider-Man 1 and 2, and, one of Tom's favorites, The Rundown. He is also the Chief Content Officer of Project X Entertainment.   SHOW NOTES: James on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jamesthevan Project X Entertainment: https://www.projectxentertainment.com Scream movie website: https://www.screammovie.com

Streaming services have broken the mold on episode length. In this session, we discuss how they've changed the measuring stick on script length and where, when and if it still matters. SHOW NOTES: None this show

With shorter and shorter seasons, accelerated by streamers with big budget, high-quality event shows, has the era of 24 episode season containing the inevitable filler episode come to an end? And how would this change impact writers? SHOW NOTES:  NY Times: Streaming TV's Boom Is a Mixed Blessing for Some Hollywood Writers Vulture.com: The Business of Too Much TV 9 Best Clip Show Episodes On TV, Ranked According To IMDb Wikipedia: The Clip Show

In this session, we look back at the year behind us and at the year ahead and talk about how the industry has changed and where it's going, our past goals, accomplishments, and future plans.   SHOW NOTES: “Heir of Amber and Fire” is the first book in Rachanee's Kingdom Legacy series. Available online at these e-bookstores: https://books2read.com/rachanee On Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736181114 Wordcursion: http://www.wordcursion.com Tom on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/zumonchurocka