Act Two Podcast

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