Act Two Podcast

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