Act Two Podcast

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

This Week in Writing

This Week in Writing wherein host Josh Hallman has a breakthrough in how to break story, reveals part of his process that makes him look like a crazy man, and takes notes from a lawyer about the “art of persuasion”; and wherein host Tasha Huo has to pitch someone who doesn’t react and handles it by over-compensating, and learns about a very hidden “note behind the note” in her latest studio notes document.

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

Holiday Gifts -- What to get Reps and Producers

Holidays are here, and it’s time to panic about what to get your reps. Freak out no more! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman give some great gift ideas, and share some insider info from reps themselves on what gifts they are actually looking for this year.

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

The Breakdown: Writing Action Setpieces

Action is its own unique writing skill and different masters craft their action differently. That's why, in this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dive into the specific writing techniques used by some of the best action writers in the business, including Derek Kolstad, James Cameron and Shane Black. 

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

How to Handle Submissions

If you are a working Screenwriter, you will receive Submissions from Producers as a regular part of your job. Screenwriters Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how to handle those submissions, what producers are expecting of you when they submit to you, and how to succeed in the submission game.

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

Screenwriting Twitter Topics

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman chime in on some of the most hotly-debated topics on Screenwriting Twitter going on right now.

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg

The Pitch: Film to TV

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman surprise each other with popular Film prompts that they have to, on the spot, pitch as a TV show. It's an exercise in how to think about adaptation, about the difference between TV and Film, and how to jumpstart the idea process when thinking about your own original TV ideas. How would YOU adapt your favorite movie as a TV show?

 

Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com 

Edited by Paul Lundquist

Music by 414beg