Act Two Podcast

How to Revise Your Script

So, you finished a draft of your script. Congratufreakinglations! First, go celebrate! Then, come back and listen to this episode before you start revising, as hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman are here to take you through different ways to approach your revisions. From outlines to "Game Plans", they talk about all the ways you can dive into revisions and what's worked best for them over the years.

 

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

Heroes & Villains: The Pirate, the Crooked Cop, the Wicked Step-Mother, and the Adventurer

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman each choose one favorite movie hero and one villain then discuss how they are setup and developed across the movie, and why they are effective. There is much to learn from the genius of others.

 

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

Pitching Is Terrible: The Series (Part 5 -- The Rewrite Pitch)

Pitching is terrible. Pitching for a rewrite job is particularly tricky and terrible. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the Do's and Don'ts of pitching rewrites, and also the red flags to be aware of before you spend your precious time engaging on a rewrite opportunity.

 

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

MacGuffins: To Use Or Not To Use?

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss all things MacGuffins! One of Josh's absolute favorite things, but they're sometimes looked at as a cheat in Screenplays -- What are they? When should you use them? Are they cheating? When don't they work? Did we mention that Josh loves MacGuffins?

 

Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

Breaking Into The Industry: Q&A With Mickey Fisher

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk with Screenwriter Mickey Fisher - creator of TV series EXTANT (CBS), REVERIE (NBC). He also worked on MARS (NatGeo), THE STRAIN (FX), and JACK RYAN (Amazon).

We discuss how Mickey broke in, process, and creativity. He's a great person, and it's a great conversation...  

 

Subscribe to Mickey's newsletter: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/mickeyfisher73

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the Great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

New Year, New Writing Goals

Season 3 is here! Welcome to 2022. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about setting writing goals and how to manage them.

The beginning of the year is a great time to map out how you want things to go, it's easy (and good) to get overly ambitious with your goals. We talk about the practical ways you can approach everything. 

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

Taking A Break Over The Break?

It's the final episode of 2021! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman wonder if writers should take a break from writing over the holidays. Should we recharge or power through? Sit back, relax, and enjoy the end of season 2...

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

The Setup: Home Alone vs. Home Sweet Home Alone

Home Alone has a perfect setup, and Home Sweet Home Alone is probably a lot better than you think. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dive into the beginnings of both movies to discuss character, plot, and how small moments turn to big things. 

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com

Edited by the great Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

The Breakdown: DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (Better than the OG?)

Which DIE HARD movie is your favorite? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman will go to their graves believing DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE is the best in the series, but here they go up against Special Guest David Levinson who goes to the mat for The OG DIE HARD. Who’s right, who’s wrong? Watch the movie then follow along as they break down the three acts of DIE HARD 3 to find out what its secrets are, how its crafted, and if it really does transcend the original.

 

The Act Two Breakdown Series takes an in-depth look at the writing of some of the most influential stories of our time, including the behind-the-scenes of how these scripts came together, and how they function onscreen. Sit back, grab a drink, and let’s see what we can all learn!

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

Don‘t Please Your Producer (from a Producer)

One of the most difficult things for a Screenwriter is figuring out how to work with your Execs. They pay you, so are they your boss? They can veto your choices (because they're paying you), so should you just do what they say? What should the dynamic between a Writer and a Producer look like? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman speak with a Producer about real-life Writer/Producer scenarios that haven't worked, and discuss why and what lessons Screenwriters can learn from those experiences.

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg