Screenwriters' Rant Room

In this episode, Hilliard and Queer guest co-hosts writer/producer Deonte Staats, actor/filmmaker Dalila Ali Rajah and writer/content creator Skylar Ezell sit down in a super fun, engaging, 2-hour episode chopped full of game.

Some topics: Highlighting people in our culture, anti-fem insults, "it’s just a phase," acceptance of being Out, a Platinum Gay, Shout Out to Patrick-Ian Polk and the new Noah’s Arc Film, centering Queer characters in your work, where to find inspiration for characters, who we are as writers, queer tropes, straight men insecurities and soooooooo much more!

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Our Motto: “Keep it GAME all day!”

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WWW.SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM.COM

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EMAIL:
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@Hilliard Guess on all social media
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IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom

Guests:
@Checkmystaats
@Dalilaalirajah
@skylardawriter

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host writer/producer Deonte Staats sit down for a two hour, nothing but game conversation with Showrunner/Co-Creator of the new MAX hit series DUSTER!

Highlights: LaToya’s time in the Warner Bros Writers Workshop, the Overall Deal and how it works, the John Wells system, creating the show Duster, casting, staffing the room, the importance of what’s on the page and we later open it up for a super fun Q&A with a group of Emerging Writers who were in the building!

About LaToya: Born and raised in Los Angeles, writer-producer LaToya Morgan is known for her work on Shameless, Parenthood, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Into the Badlands and The Walking Dead.

Recently, she joined forces with J.J. Abrams to co-create, showrun and executive produce the HBO MAX series Duster under her shingle TinkerToy Productions alongside Bad Robot for Warner Brothers Television which had its international premiere at Canne series, the Cannes International Series Festival in France in the Spring of 2025. The show premiered May 15th, 2025 is currently airing on the streamer weekly on Thursday nights through July.

On the feature side, Morgan has projects at Universal, Paramount, and was tapped by Amazon/MGM and horror grandmaster George Romero’s family to write a new sequel to the iconic film Night of the Living Dead.

Morgan is an advisor and mentor for the Sundance Institute, Film Independent, and Outfest Episodic Labs and the WGA’s Inclusion and Equity committee. She wrote, produced and directed the award winning short film Team Marilyn which was distributed on STARZ and is expanding into a feature film. In addition to writing for DC Comics, Morgan’s best-selling genre-bending sci-fi comic book series Dark Blood was recently published by BOOM! Studios.

She was enlisted by the company once again – this time along with Creed star Michael B. Jordan and his company Outlier Society – to write Creed: The Next Round, the first ever comic book tie-in for the franchise.

Morgan holds an MFA in Screenwriting from the American Film Institute Conservatory, is a two-time NAACP Image Award nominee, and a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

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Our Motto: “Keep it GAME all day!"

WWW.SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM.COM
For information, Merch (NEW T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room!

https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products
EMAIL: [email protected]
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
@Hilliard Guess on all social media
@Hilliardguess.bsky.social
IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom

Guests:
@Morganicink
@Checkmystaats

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In this Season Finale episode, Hilliard and guest co-host, comedy writer Myles Warden sat down for a super fun, 2-hour episode with CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER STACEY EVANS MORGAN!
We talk about Stacey’s amazing journey from assistant to co-ep, challenges as a writer, investing in yourself, opening doors for yourself, saying yes to opportunities, producing outside of scripted TV, speaking gigs, being the sexy writer in Hollywood, traditional staffing season, having an entrepreneurial spirit, working and developing series' with her brother showrunner Bentley Kyle Evans, the If Come Deal and how it works, the importance of emerging writers writing Spec Scripts and so much more!

In case you don't know, entertainment industry veteran, Stacey Evans Morgan is a television writer and producer with credits on the Disney Channel/Disney Plus show “Saturdays” and she has also written and produced on scripted series such as, “The Parkers”, “Love That Girl”, “Family Time”, “In the Cut and Partners in Rhyme starring MC Lyte and written for shows “One on One”, “Jamie Foxx Show”, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and the DreamWorks Animation series “Madagascar: A Little Wild.” In addition to scripted series, Stacey has written for live television productions such as the NAACP Image awards and The Gracies.

Stacey wrote and directed the short film “21 Days of April” and she is a published poet, essayist and author of her first novel which was adapted from an original screenplay already and later optioned for a film in 2023. A firm believer in “Paying it forward by giving back” Stacey has taught master classes in TV Writing at Delaware State University, Howard University and she has served as an Adjunct Lecturer at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Television as well as her own online workshop series. Stacey has an original TV project currently in development under an “If-Come” deal and continues to live
by her mantra: Write the Vision!

This is a don’t miss episode y’all!

Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review!

EMAIL:
[email protected]

WWW.SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM.COM

For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media
@Hilliardguess.bsky.social
IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom
Guests:
@staceyevansmorgan
@reallymighty

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Our Motto: “Keep it GAME all day!"

In this episode, Hilliard & guest co-host Saeed Crumpler sat down with one of our favorite repeating guests AARON RAHSAAN THOMAS, acclaimed TV, Film writer/producer/ creator/co-showrunner of S.W.A.T., who began his career on Soul Food, Saturday Night Lights, Numbers, CSI NY, Southland, Sleepy Hollow and The Get-Down to list a few!

We talk about how Arron developed and pitched S.W.A.T., how writers can use certain techniques when pitching their projects to networks or PODS, pivoting while shooting during COVID and after the death of George Floyd, management and producing, serving the client, giving yourself room to improvise, why TV Spec scripts are important and so much more!

This is a don’t miss episode y’all!

Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review!

EMAIL:
[email protected]

WWW.SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM.COM

For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room!
https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media
@Hilliardguess.bsky.social
IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom

Guests:
@arthomastv
@balance510

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We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support!

Our Motto: “Keep it GAME all day!"

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host TV/Film writer Saeed Crumpler sat down with big bro Showrunner GLEN MAZZARA (Crash, Damien, The Walking Dead, Hawthorne, Extraction to list a few)!

HIGHLIGHTS:

The WGA's new TV Writers Leadership Training Program, what Glen's been up to since our last episode #93 back in 2016, how to handle Development, Pitching & Notes, protecting yourself when times are slow, writing for tone, breaking down the first day/week in the writers' room and almost 2 hours worth of industry game!

FULL EP:

https://bit.ly/SWRR519

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For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room!
www.Screenwritersrantroom.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media
@Hilliardguess.bsky.social
IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom

Guests:

@glenmazzara

@balance510

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In this episode, Hilliard and comedy writer Myles Warden sat down for a super fun conversation with Co-Executive Producer VINCENT BROWN.
Vincent recently wrapped up as co-executive producer for the FOX animated series HOUSEBROKEN, starring Lisa Kudrow.

Prior to that, he served as a Co-Executive Producer on Apple TV’s series LIFE BY ELLA, winner of the Humanitas Award, a WGA Award and the Emmy Award for writing.

Vincent began as a teen theatre performer, moving behind the scenes after graduating from Yale and becoming Dramaturge at San Francisco’s Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, which mounted his first play: a stage adaptation of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye.

He began in television on the Emmy-winning PBS children’s show, WISHBONE. After moving to Los Angeles, he joined MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE as Writer’s Guild Trainee, and his first network shows were COMMITTED (NBC-Universal) and GIRLFRIENDS. He has
written for numerous family sitcoms, including Disney series such as A.N.T. FARM and K.C. UNDERCOVER, as well as adult sitcoms like the acclaimed Latino reboot of Norman Lear’s ONE DAY AT A TIME. His work on A.N.T. FARM won both a WGA Award and NAACP Image Award. He was
nominated again for a WGA award for his work on LIFE BY ELLA (Apple
TV+) and won the Emmy award for the same show.

He has developed shows for Disney, Nickelodeon, and Kapital Entertainment in partnership with Cedric the Entertainer’s Bird and Bear. He’s currently working with producers trying to bring multiple projects based on IP to market because that’s where we are now.

Our motto: "Keep it Game All Day!"
For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room!
www.Screenwritersrantroom.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media
@Hilliardguess.bsky.social
IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom

Guests:
@VincentBrownLA
@ReallyMighty

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In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-hosts (actor/filmmaker) Shawn Carter Peterson and (actor/filmmaker) Iona Morris Jackson sat down with STACIE GREENWELL who plays the role of Detective Shawna D Lackner, one of the stars on the Amazon Prime hit series CROSS!

Stacie’s journey from the courtroom to the camera is a testament to following one's true passion. After several years practicing law in Washington, D.C., Stacie realized her heart belonged to the world of performance. She made a bold move to New York City, where she earned an M.F.A. in Acting at the Actors Studio Drama School. Years of stage experience in the Big Apple prepared her for her next chapter in Hollywood. Since arriving in Los Angeles, Stacie has appeared in numerous beloved and critically acclaimed television series such as Shameless (Showtime), Perry Mason (HBO), Big Little Lies (HBO), Last Man Standing (Fox), The Pitt (HBO), and Modern Family (ABC), as well as the Oscar-nominated film, Vice. Currently, Stacie plays the role of Detective Shawna De Lackner in Prime Video’s global crime thriller, Cross, which has been recognized with an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Drama!
We talk about Stacie’s amazing journey, listening to her instincts, , auditioning in NY, the big move to LA, landing roles on TV and Film, her audition process for Cross, working with casting directors, what’s expected out of directors, feeling safe on set, what’s next and so much more!

Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review!

For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room!
www.Screenwritersrantroom.com

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media
@Hilliardguess.bsky.social
IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom

GUESTS:
@staciegreenwell
@shawnthemaestro
@ionalotofgold

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BTS @Jade.alexandriia

In this episode, Hilliard and Writer on the Verge, Rich Scott, sit down for an impromptu conversation about writer, showrunner and executive meetings -- over talking, mentorship, perception, nurturing relationships, being ready for an opportunity, working with producers and friends, having a Rep that works for you, not against you and so much more!

Our Motto: Keep it GAME all day!"

For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES - BLACK, GREY & WHITE), all things Rant Room!

www.Screenwritersrantroom.com
https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media
@Hilliardguess.bsky.social

IG:
@ScreenwritersRantRoom
@FatboyFeels
@Wearererichie

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#SUPPORTBLACKBUSINESSES
#SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM

In this episode, Hilliard does his very first Bottle Episode by himself covering TV STAFFING MEETINGS!

He talks about how it all works, the General, the Staffing Breakdowns, mandates, themes, mimicking your script to the pilot, the zoom interview, showing personality, welcome to the show, curiosity, talking about yourself, tell them why you love their script, how writing partners can shine in a meeting and so much more!

This is a don’t miss episode y’all!

Our Motto: "Keep it GAME all day!"

For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room!
www.Screenwritersrantroom.com

https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products

Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media
@Hilliardguess.bsky.social
IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom

WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: [email protected]

We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support!

THEME SONG: Jack Spade

WEBSITE: MQL2,
Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie

"CREATING CROSS"

Hilliard and guest co-hosts actor/filmmaker Johnny Ray Gill and actor/filmmaker Denzel Whitaker chop it up in a dope, 2-part episode with showrunner BEN WATKINS, writer-creator of the NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series and Outstanding Drama Series for Amazon’s new hit series CROSS.

Ben talks about how he created and wrote the series CROSS on Amazon Prime and we go deep into the ins-and-outs of running a successful series, casting, writing, writers' rooms, production, the magical negro trope and so much more!

This is a don’t miss episode y’all!"

Our Motto: Keep it GAME all day!"

For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room --www.Screenwritersrantroom.com

https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products

Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@Hilliard Guess on all social [email protected]: @ScreenwritersRantRoom

WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: [email protected]

THEME SONG: Jack Spade

WEBSITE: MQL2,
Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie
LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth

RANT ROOM TEAM:
Richard Scott - Creative Producer
Tyler Musikanth - Assoc Producer
Brooke Baltimore - Marketing
Togo - Marketing

BTS - Jerry Jerome