On this episode, Jonathan and Devon chat with playwright and screenwriter John Pollono about his writing journey from stage productions to theatrical releases including his new film RIFF RAFF starring Bill Murray, Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Pete Davidson, Gabrielle Union, and Lewis Pullman.

John Pollono is an American playwright, screenwriter, and actor. He is best known for writing the 2017 film STRONGER and the plays SMALL ENGINE REPAIR and LOST GIRLS, which premiered Off-Broadway in 2013 and 2015, respectively. SMALL ENGINE REPAIR was later adapted into a feature film in 2021. As an actor, he is known for his recurring roles in the TNT series MOB CITY and NBC's THIS IS US.

(00:00) Intro

(01:15) John Pollono's writing journey

(09:30) Small Engine Repair, Lost Girls, and Rules of Seconds

(13:17) Rules of Seconds film adaptation

(19:30) Riff Raff film adaptation

(33:44) Challenges of adapting a stage play to a movie

(40:27) Pollono's filmaker inspirations

(46:20) Modern day playwrights

(47:02) Pollono on Musicals

(48:52) Pollono on collaboration

(50:34) Nice guys make horror movies

(53:51) Rules of Seconds release date?

(55:05) Parting words

(56:12) Outro

Title music by JK/47.

Additional featured music in this episode by Josh Tarp.

The program is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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