Act Two Podcast

A Screenwriter's Self-Talk Cycle

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about self-talk, the kind that holds us back, and the kind that pushes us forward. How do we recognize and manage those self-destructive thoughts, and how do we start talking kinder to ourselves as writers.

 

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Writing for the Audience (and not sell out)

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss a hotly debated topic -- writing for an audience (it's not what you think it is). What does it mean to think about the audience when you write a scene and how do you do without compromising your vision as a writer.

 

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Framing Devices: What They Are and When They Work

What is a framing device, and why do writers use them? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman explore the storytelling tool that bookends so many scripts. They also have a little disagreement about the use of a framing device in White Lotus...

 

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

How to Advocate for Yourself

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 

How to Get Repped (REPOST)

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 

Starting Your Story Through Location

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 Physical Therapist on Writers' Pains with Melody Garcia

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 

Should You Outline?

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 

Why Now? - What It Means, How to Answer It

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 2025 Episode! W/ Dave Levinson

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