Demystifying what it means to be an everyday working screenwriter.
Our top episodes.
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Pitching is Terrible: The Series (Part 7 - Idea to Pitch)
Pitching is terrible. But, it is a necessary evil. All pitches start from the mere seed of an idea and must be built into a pitch script that can dazzle and impress executives enough to pay you money (or, more likely, pay you their boss's money, risking their own jobs if you fail).
So, in this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman do an impromptu brainstorming session on a surprise logline to illustrate how they build a pitch off of a small one-sentence idea.
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The Essential Steps to Writing a Pilot Outline
Writing a Pilot is one of the more difficult undertakings of a Screenwriter. It must set up an entire series without revealing too much of the series journey, engage the audience with questions, but not leave enough questions to be confusing. A great pilot starts with a great outline. In this episode, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how TV Pilots are broken and outlined in a professional writer's room, and how to take those lessons with you to your own personal pilot process.
TWIW: the Writer's Strike is over! A new series is coming to the Act Two Podcast. Tasha was on a panel at the Netherlands Film Festival! Josh broke his ankle, which has ripple effects to the upcoming Patreon. Tasha's TOMB RAIDER teaser came out!
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(Don't) Write What You Know
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?
Want more from Act Two? We’ve got you covered!
Our Patreon community is a network and support group for the everyday working Screenwriter. A place where there are no stupid questions, where we promise to always peek behind the veil, and where when we talk about Screenwriting, it's real talk only.
Perfect for every writer, no matter what stage of their career they are in.
Our Patreon communtiy features two levels…
"Staff Writer" Patron
$5 / month
For those looking to join a community of writers. You will have full access to our Act Two chat community with other Patrons, where you have a chance to engage in conversation with Tasha, Josh, and fellow screenwriters.
You can also enjoy exclusive invites to in-person Act Two events. Plus, you can guide content by submitting questions and ideas for upcoming topics and guests!
What's included
Join the exclusive Act Two Patreon chat community, including Tasha & Josh!
Guide Content by submitting questions for upcoming topics and guests
Exclusive invites to Act Two live events (approx 3 per year)
"Co-EP" Patron
$10 / month
Includes all previous benefits, PLUS:
Each month you'll receive one of the following exclusive BONUS BENEFITS:
Zoom Screenwriter Q&A - Struggling with a midpoint in your script? Wondering how long you should wait to follow up with a potential rep? Tasha and Josh are here to answer all of your story and everyday screenwriting questions! Zoom sessions will be posted afterward as exclusive podcast episodes for Co-Ep patrons only.
Spec Brainstorming 101 – An exclusive bonus VIDEO podcast series! Get an inside look at brainstorming and story breaking techniques in action as Tasha and Josh work together to break a story from the seed of an idea to outline.
Script Club - Get the chance to read and have an in depth discussion on a new script! Simply read the script before the meeting with an eye specifically towards the execution of the writing. Tasha and Josh will come with discussion questions for everyone to dig deeper into what works / what doesn't / what writing lessons can be learned, etc.
What's included
Spec Brainstorming 101 VIDEO SERIES
Zoom Screenwriter Q&As
Join the exclusive Act Two Patreon chat community, including Tasha & Josh!
Exclusive invites to Act Two live events (approx 3 per year)
Guide Content by submitting questions for upcoming topics and guests