2 Writers Talking Shit

Executive producer and showrunner David H. Steinberg gives a master class on creating your own television show, from concept to set pieces to execution, pitching and more.

Roxy Shih drops by to chat about her journey from sociology major to film director, her advice to aspiring directors learning to protect their vision, how to find a compatible producer that is capable of bringing it to life, and more.

In this episode, producer and former Warner Brothers Discovery Access executive Elly Lachman gives us an inside look at writing fellowships. She offers tips on writing your spec and getting it read, what programs are looking for in an essay, how screenwriters can seek guidance from past alumni during the upcoming application season, and more!

Authentic Storytelling is a 6-week course led by both Elly and a seasoned TV writer/workshop alum/artist educator that will get you from concept to pilot draft with a focus on writing a piece that is honest, brave, and most importantly authentic to YOU - because that, in the end, is what matters infinitely more than the mercurial tastes of the industry(especially right now!). Comprised of lectures, guest speakers, guidance through your story documents, notes/feedback in a simulated writers room, and 1:1 consultation, our aim is to be steadfast shepherds of your process to finding and utilizing your unique voice - because it is the most valuable asset you have as a storyteller.For more information or to sign up, please email [email protected]!

TV writer Kristina Thomas shares the journey of persistence and faith that took her into incredible programs like USC's graduate program, Film Independent's Project Involve and eventually landing a seat in the writers room for 'FBI' on CBS.

Literary Manager and producer Chris Coggins walks us through her journey from Escape Artist to Heroes and Villains Entertainment, how Black List script Meet Cute landed stars Pete Davidson and Kaley Cuoco, and her current obsession with pop psychology.

www.thechriscoggins.com

Screenwriter Alexandra Tran chats about the script that got her on the coveted year-ending Black List, Barbie, 5 things to consider when looking for a manager, and more.

Our guest today is playwright-turned-screenwriter, Bixby Elliot. If you are curious about making the move from one creative endeavour to another, then this is the episode for you! We chat about the transition from writing for the stage to writing for the screen.

We discuss graduate schools and MFAs in writing. If you want to apply for Julliard’s playwriting program, have at it.  This is the UCLA screenwriting program Saeed attended. 

We also talk about working jobs outside of writing and how the skills you garner working in the corporate or retail world can benefit your writing career. 

More info on Bixby’s “Finish The Draft” accountability classes and coaching here.

Follow Bixby on Instagram and TikTok. 

Amy Berryman's Intuitive Playwriting class for actors and other creatives who want to write plays.

Recommendations:

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Writer-producer and actor Hilliard Guess takes a break from the picket line to impart his wisdom to our listeners. Hilliard shares how to pivot and sustain longevity in the entertainment industry, what struck filmmakers can do right now, and more.

Our guest today is "Billions" tv show writer and Renaissance man, Amadou Diallo. 

Parish is coming soon to AMC.

Watch Billions on Showtime.

Mentorship Matters is an intensive, year-long mentorship program that pairs emerging writers of color with working TV showrunners. Subscribe for updates on their website.

If this episode makes you hungry for cannolis and Italian cookies, you can order these New York classics on GoldBelly.

Get thee to Ghenet in Brooklyn for Ethiopian food. 

Alfonso Ribeiro inspired Amadou’s skincare regimen. Try Proven. (We are not sponsored by them but we would like to be!)

Amadou’s Top 5 TV Shows:

Caliphate on Netflix

The Wire on HBO

All In The Family on Amazon Prime Video

Abbott Elementary on Hulu

Better Call Saul on Netflix

Keep up with Amadou on IMDB. 

Be sure you are subscribed to 2 Writers Talking Shit so you don’t miss an episode!

TV writer and playwright Bernardo Cubria shares how his love for the theatre led to working with Gina Rodriguez, finding his place in his first writer’s room for Apple TV+’s Acapulco, being in the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, and how he manages to show up for his family throughout the journey.

Go see Bernardo’s play that led to him working with Gina Rodriguez! 

Crabs In A Bucket opens July 17th at the Echo Theater Company in Atwater Village.

Special promo code for half price tix for our listeners ($17): CRABBY

Interested in going to clown school in Italy?

Here’s the clown school Bernardo wishes he had gone to in Paris – LE COQ. 

Reading Save The Cat prepared Bernardo to pitch a screenplay for the first time.

Watch Acapulco on Apple TV+

If this episode makes you want to rewatch Crossroads, you can’t stream it anywhere, but you can buy a DVD. 

Bernardo’s recommendations:

Follow Bernardo on Instagram and Twitter.

Be sure you are subscribed to 2 Writers Talking Shit so you don’t miss an episode!