Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk with writer-director Joe Russo about his latest horror film, THE INHERITANCE, which nearly became a victim of the latest wave of studio tax write-offs. Joe talks about how the idea for the script originally came together in 2018, about the process of writing an ensemble horror movie, producing the film during COVID, and the consequent difficulties of getting it to the public. 

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

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?

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what a "Central Question" is when it comes to screenwriting, why you need one and how to find it for your specific story. Inspired by a Screencraft Blog Post, they break down how a Central Question works in current movies and in their own work as practical ways to understand the concept and its use in your own stories.

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what it's like to go to San Diego Comic-Con as a writer, and some panels that proved useful in thinking about Screenwriting. Also, Summer movies are in full swing this year -- are movies back?! 

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

We're off this week, so we're re-releasing a conversation that we loved...

Tasha and Josh break down the mother/daughter story in Pixar’s BRAVE with special guest Michele Wolkoff (EP, Pigeon Tunnel and Rook). They discuss what works, what doesn’t (and why), and analyze how a directorial overhaul 18 months prior to release affected the story and underlying themes.

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman field email questions from listeners, including ways to better improve your dialogue, how to think about a "high-concept" idea, and what their process is when they approach different and distinct genres, like a Western vs. Sci-Fi, etc.

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss their This Week in Writings, including a story from Josh about pitching a father-son story and the personal feedback he got in return, Tasha's meeting with her manager that transformed her working methods, an LA Times article saying Management is dead but is it really?, and what to do if you want to write a biopic but don't have the life rights?

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss an interview with Bryan Cranston where he talks about how acting is a lifestyle, not a job. That same philosophy applies to a Screenwriting career, so they discuss how and why you must consider whether you want the lifestyle of a Screenwriter as much as the job of one. 

TWIW: Do you flash your fangirl/boy tattoo in a meeting? / INSIDE OUT 2 

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down all the many skills required of a Screenwriter to have a long-lasting career and not just a one-hit wonder. Spoiler alert: it's not just about great writing.

TWIW: Tasha has a breakthrough with AI / Is theater popcorn a meal replacement?

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist 

We are halfway through the year, so it's time to look back on our New Year's Goals! Join hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman as they do an honest mid-year check-in on their own goals for this year (which they have definitely not nailed) and discuss how we can all make stronger plans to accomplish those unfinished goals in the latter half of the year.

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Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist