THE WRITERS HANGOUT, a podcast that celebrates the many stages of writing from inspiration to the first draft, revising, getting a project made and everything in-between. We’ll talk to the best and brightest in the entertainment industry and create a space where you can hang out, learn from the pros and have fun.
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Sandy Adomaitis Podcasts

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Patricia Resnick On Writing “9 to 5,” Working With Cher, And Writing For Mad Men
1:14:49
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1:14:49We have a fantastic episode for you. My guest is screenwriter, producer, and standup comedian Patricia Resnick, best known as the writer of the iconic film “9 to 5” and the author of the book for “9 to 5: the Musical.” Patricia Resnick was also involved in writing and producing on TV’s “Mad Men” and “Better Things,” among many other projects. Write…
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Carolyn And Kai Omine Talk Writing The Simpsons + Spill Exclusives
59:58
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59:58Carolyn Omine and Kai Omine hang out with Sandy to discuss their Disney+ episode of The Simpsons called "Yellow Mirror." This mother and son writing team (Carolyn Omine is an Emmy-winning producer who joined the Simpsons’ writing staff in Season ten and became the show's first female Executive Producer when she was credited as an Executive Producer…
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Spec Scripts Are Selling Again -- What You Need To Know
19:16
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19:16Eight spec scripts have sold so far in August 2025. That's a fantastic achievement that should energize every writer out there. It looks like audiences are eager for movies that keep them guessing, which means fresh, original stories that can still surprise and delight. Sandy reports on this genuine optimism for screenwriters in an industry that ha…
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It's Never Too Late with Comedian Aaron Foster
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42:23Today’s guest is Aaron Foster, a standup comic who brings humor to topics like mental health in his stand-up shows. Aaron is touring now with his show “Mostly Jokes,” where he shares honest stories about being clinically depressed, his experience hosting an HGTV show, growing up with a bipolar father, and having a schizophrenic brother. At fifty, A…
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Faceoff: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni – Three Things You Need To Know
21:22
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21:22In today’s episode, Sandy shares the latest updates on the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, highlighting three recent actions taken by each side. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Mu…
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How Mike White Came Up With The Idea For Jack Black’s School Of Rock
16:03
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16:03Let's rewind and join Sandy and Terry as they chat about how writer, actor, and director Mike White (The White Lotus) came up with the hit movie, “The School of Rock,” which has been loved by audiences and critics alike. "School of Rock" played a role in boosting Black’s profile and stardom, highlighting his comedic and musical talents to a broader…
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'And Just Like That' Kills A Character Twice – Seriously
22:52
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22:52Sandy offers a behind-the-scenes look at a major TV show that recently made a surprising mistake—killing off a character twice. How did this happen, and who was responsible? We’ll explore these questions with a focus on "And Just Like That." Even if you haven’t watched the series, you’ll find valuable insights here. Additionally, Sandy discusses ho…
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Hollywood vs History with 1979’s The Amityville Horror
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30:09Let's revisit Episode 15, where Sandy and Terry delve into the fascinating differences between the movie and the true story of the 1979 film "The Amityville Horror,” featuring Josh Brolin, Margot Kidder, and Rod Steiger. This haunting tale follows a family haunted by supernatural forces after moving into a house on Long Island, New York, believed t…
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First Draft Practical Steps With Screenwriter Leo Andronov
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42:36We're thrilled to introduce our special guest, Leo Andronov! He's a talented screenwriter, director, novelist, dramatist, and the author of FIRST DRAFT PRACTICAL STEPS. Originally from Russia, Leo now makes his home in LA. He's celebrated in his home country, having won the top award at the Eurasia International Dramatist Competition, one of Russia…
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Thomas Dekker Delves Deep Into Screenwriting
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53:29Our 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, Thom…
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‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Camilla Luddington Speaks on Elisabeth Finch
19:09
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19:09The 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. Toget…
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The Screenwriter And Malibu Squatter - Ellie Mae McNulty
26:24
26:24
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26:24Sandy 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 wo…
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The Missing Screenwriter Found With No Hands
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18:41In 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…
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Sydney Sweeney Is Turning a Reddit Story Into a Movie
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20:01Show notes to follow.By Sandy Adomaitis
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Poltergeist: Hollywood's Most Cursed Film Ft. Michael McManus
27:02
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27:02Rewind. Sandy and Terry discuss Poltergeist, one of America's most beloved horror films and possibly the most cursed film in Hollywood history, with Michael McManus, who played Ben Tuthill, the neighbor next door, to get the real story of what happened. Released by MGM on June 4, 1982, and written by Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais, and Mark Victor…
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Legendary Entertainment Lawyer Peter J. Dekom Explains It All
50:22
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50:22On 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 co…
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Update: Blake and Justin/Gene Hackman’s Shocking Death
22:49
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22:49We'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 Overn Executive Pro…
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Hollywood vs. History: The Amityville Horror
31:37
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31:37Rewind: 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 movi…
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Being Walter Wolf – Hollywood Producer to Professional Interventionist
39:35
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39:35On 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 cr…
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Blake and Justin - Receipts! Proof! Timeline! Screenshots!
22:17
22:17
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22:17In 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.…
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Who Killed Thelma Todd In Pacific Palisades Pt. 2
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40:01The 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 a…
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Who Killed Actress Thelma Todd In Pacific Palisades?
27:33
27:33
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27:33Rewind 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 in…
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LA Wildfires Blake Lively Update And A Writer Sues Over Moana 2
23:17
23:17
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23:17In 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…
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Blake Lively Vs. Justin Baldoni Everything You Need To Know
38:28
38:28
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38:28Hang out with us as we dive deep into the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Lawsuits: A Comprehensive Overview of the Allegations, Key Figures, and Statements Made. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have been engaged in a contentious exchange — and lawsuits — regarding Baldoni's alleged misconduct on the set of their 2024 film, It Ends With Us. Researc…
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Unknown Screenwriter Sells Script for $3M
19:07
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19:07Hang 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 Kit https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fifth-season-makeready-1236069133/ The PAGE I…
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Hollywood After Dark With Friends Plus The WGA Takes On AI
21:05
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21:05Come 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 Overn Executive Prod…
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REWIND. 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 p…
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Spec Script Sells For 2 Mill Will Sydney Sweeney Star
17:43
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17:43In 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 episo…
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Who Wins Christmas: Red One, Gladiator II, or Wicked Oh My!
13:55
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13:55The 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…
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The Unbelievable Story of Grey’s Anatomy's Elisabeth Finch UPDATE & BONUS
49:40
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49:40The 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 1 Episode 18…
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Monsters/Frankenstein With P. Diddy On The Side
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13:41What 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." With writers, there’s always an intriguing drama lurking behind the scenes! The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards …
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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 La…
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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 Overn Executive Prod…
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Breaking Into Hollywood With A Little Help From Harold Ramis
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25:17REWIND EPISODE! You never know when your big break will happen. In this episode, co-host Terry Sampson shares how he landed his big break, compliments of Harold Ramis. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller 👍 I…
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Claudette Wells Discusses Her New Book: Fine French Dogs
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30:03Claudette Wells, a versatile artist known for acting, writing, and voice-over work, is here to provide insights about her new book, FINE FRENCH DOGS. 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 previous…
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Horror Writer Kevin Bachar Discusses 'The Visitor' Listen If You Dare
23:35
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23:35We 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 boo…
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Amazon Studios Sues 81-Year-Old Screenwriter Of The 1989 film 'Road House'
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20:40The 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…
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What Happened To Gary Devore -- The Screenwriter Found Dead With His Hands Missing
17:26
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17:26Sandy 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 …
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Breaking Down 10 Powerful Writing Quotes So You Can Apply Them To Your Craft
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20:45
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20:45Hang 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. 👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out ou…
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Michael Crichton's Writing Process Behind the 1996 Blockbuster "Twister"
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25:37Hang 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 F…
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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 you…
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PAGE Judges Are Talking About Your Script
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23:12The 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 d…
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10 Pet Peeves That Make A Script Reader Pause
19:56
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19:56We’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 Wi…
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Screenwriter Stephen Gaghan of 'Traffic' Fame Took Some Rough Turns On The Road To Success
25:07
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25:07How 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 ed…
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Rewind - PAGE Awards Judges Reveal How They Evaluate Your Script Ft. Karen Craig and Scott Barkan
32:20
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32:20REWIND 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 …
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The Mysterious Death Of Thelma Todd Ft. Steve Cubine and Nan McNamara From Beneath The Hollywood Sign
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53:48Our 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…
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All Three Episodes of The Unbelievable True Story of Elisabeth Finch and Grey's Anatomy.
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41:50Parts 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 in…
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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 Overn Producer Sandy Adom…
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The Broadcast 41 With Professor Carol Stabile
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44:49Our 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…
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Judy Blume's Top Writing Tips To Get You Started And To Keep You Going
19:33
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19:33Do 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…
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