Act Two Podcast

"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