Welcome to the Act Two Podcast where screenwriters Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman demystify what it means to be an everyday working Screenwriter. A podcast for Screenwriters, by Screenwriters.
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Sep 28, 2026 · 29:33
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss their favorite tips on how to build more unique action sequences that feel essential, tell story and character, and make your screenplay…
Sep 22, 2026 · 36:49
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss two real-life notes given to a TV writer: "After reading your pilot, I don't know what your series is about" and "You should start your…
Sep 15, 2026 · 37:12
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down and go in-depth on screenwriter Tom Vaughan's viral post about the 10 random things he learned about having a Screenwriting career…
Sep 8, 2026 · 46:43
Hosts Tasha Huo & Josh Hallman talk about their hot takes on this Summer's blockbusters and how this massive Summer for theatrical releases is actually a lesson in writing…
Aug 31, 2026 · 59:02
In honor of the recent announcement about Christopher Yost showrunning Dungeon Crawler Carl, we're sharing this great interview with him! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit…
Aug 24, 2026 · 38:26
After last week's episode where Kevin Shabel mentioned networking as key to building your career, we’re reposting an episode about that very topic! The favorite thing a…
Aug 18, 2026 · 50:31
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk with Kevin Shabel, Tasha's Showrunner's Assistant on Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (Netflix) and the Writer's Assistant for The…
Aug 10, 2026 · 35:04
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the top screenplay hacks according to NoFilmSchool.com , with examples of how and when they use those hacks in their own professional…
Aug 3, 2026 · 50:38
Lists on how to write a "great" screenplay are practically useless when sitting down before a blank page. But hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how to use lists and tips…
Jul 27, 2026 · 31:40
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down Structure for a feature-length story to its basics. What are each of the turning points, when should they fall in your movie, why are…
Jul 21, 2026 · 21:50
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman share five concrete tips for nailing your TV writers' room interview - how to read the room's energy, why having an opinion on the material…
Jul 13, 2026 · 45:39
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Portal A producer, Jacob Motz, to talk about the business of quality filmmaker-driven short form content, and how it's an exciting…
Jul 6, 2026 · 49:52
There are many ways to stay proactive in your writing life. If you're sitting on a script you're passionate about, there are (creative) ways to get it into the world. Hosts Tasha…
Jun 29, 2026 · 39:06
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman field Listener questions. Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquist
Jun 22, 2026 · 47:22
Screenwriters Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman share their wild stories about how they got their first Manager and Agent, and talk through the many ways you can get representation.…
Jun 15, 2026 · 45:25
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the many different ways screenwriters revise a script - from tackling major problems after a first draft to handling vague notes,…
Jun 8, 2026 · 36:30
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the 2026 Summer Blockbuster line-up, what's worth seeing, what are some surprises, and ask the age-old post-pandemic question are "movies…
Jun 1, 2026 · 41:17
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with writer-directors Ryan Polly and Matt Black to talk about their wild story of theft and impersonation that led to them making their…
May 26, 2026 · 37:12
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman answer listener questions about what to do when you see a trailer for an upcoming movie... that looks a lot like the script you've just worked so…
May 18, 2026 · 54:47
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with producer & development consultant, Emmeline Yang Hankins, to discuss what she's learned over the years about perfecting a pitch,…
May 4, 2026 · 31:27
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman check in on their current specs, break down their process for starting a new idea, and talk about why uninterrupted writing time is nearly…
Apr 27, 2026 · 56:07
Host Tasha Huo brings on her Gersh agent, Mark Hartogsohn, for the first in a series designed to help Screenwriters navigate what it means to get an Agent and maximize your…
Apr 20, 2026 · 32:58
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down the mindset shift between rewriting for yourself and rewriting for a job, and what it really means to rewrite like a professional…
Apr 14, 2026 · 36:26
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman mourn the shuttering of JJ Abrams' Bad Robot by talking about one of their most valuable lessons from JJ... "Cheer Moments". They discuss…
Apr 7, 2026 · 40:27
Just being a great writer doesn't mean you can make it as a professional Screenwriter. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss what other qualities professional Screenwriters…
Mar 30, 2026 · 26:50
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman field a listener question about Rewrites. Do you really need to rewrite your drafts before sending them to managers and agents? Will that slow…
Mar 23, 2026 · 35:47
In Part Two of a series about the Screenwriter's lifestyle, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dig into all the ways being a professional Screenwriter is exactly the dream you…
Mar 17, 2026 · 41:38
Being a Screenwriter is a worthy dream that is attainable. But the dream is much different than we imagine. In this Part One of a series, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss…
Mar 9, 2026 · 49:26
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman read real studio script coverage of their old specs, and it's... painful. Plus, they discuss some of this year's Oscar nominees, their…
Mar 2, 2026 · 49:24
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit with Executive Director of Scripted Series at Legendary, Anna Halligan, to get a behind-the-scenes look at her day-to-day as a TV executive,…
Feb 23, 2026 · 43:45
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman field listener questions on free work, working on spec with a producer on your own original idea, and how to approach a producer when you don't…
Feb 16, 2026 · 49:17
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with long-time Universal Pictures Story Analyst, Ray Kolasa, to chat about the process a script goes through when it's sent to a studio,…
Feb 9, 2026 · 34:26
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss Franklin Leonard's much-debated post: The Moral Case for Selling Out and whether "selling out" is the key to having a Screenwriting…
Feb 2, 2026 · 40:38
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman field a listener question about Free Work, the nemesis of all Screenwriters, and the particular bane of up-and-coming Screenwriters. They talk…
Jan 26, 2026 · 31:12
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the question we've all gotten from execs -- "Why you?" They discuss why they ask this question, what it means, and how best to answer it,…
Jan 19, 2026 · 1:00:12
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with editor Patrick Tuck (THE LOW DOWN, RESERVATION DOGS, CHAD POWERS) to discuss how writers' stories evolve in the editing room,…
Jan 12, 2026 · 54:54
Scott Glassgold, founder of management & production company Ground Control, has recently made waves in Hollywood for finding short stories on Reddit and turning them into…
Jan 5, 2026 · 59:31
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk 2026 Screenwriting goals and how to achieve them realistically. They discuss breaking screenwriting goals down into actionable steps,…
Dec 30, 2025 · 40:47
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how many of their 2025 Goals they achieved (spoiler alert: Josh beat Tasha), and what they can learn from their successes and failures…
Dec 22, 2025 · 1:03:33
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss Final Draft blog by Ken Miyamoto, How to Plan Your Entire Screenwriting Year: A Month-by-Month Guide . They break down tasks for each…
Dec 15, 2025 · 33:34
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman chat about Tasha's newest season of Tomb Raider: the Legend of Lara Croft now on Netflix, how the idea for the season came together, and…
Dec 8, 2025 · 39:35
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk through Final Draft's 5 Pieces of Advice to Tell a Compelling Tale and offer their own specifics on why and how these pieces of advice work…
Dec 1, 2025 · 43:14
This week, Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about living outside LA, where Tasha’s pitch stands, and an overdue double-dose of “Are You Excited?” - covering both November and…
Nov 25, 2025 · 40:22
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman field a listener question and discuss the tips & tricks they use to get unstuck in their writing. TWIW: Is The Hunger Games a perfect movie? /…
Nov 17, 2025 · 48:51
Showrunner and co-host Tasha Huo's show premieres November 19 on Amazon Prime Video, and Josh makes her talk about it! Tasha reveals how she got the job adapting the Critical…
Nov 10, 2025 · 35:08
We have a repost this week: Holidays are here, and it’s time to panic about what to get your reps. Freak out no more! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman give some great gift ideas,…
Nov 3, 2025 · 55:56
Hollywood moves fast, and even the best careers can fade. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman share ways to stay relevant as a screenwriter and keep your career thriving. Plus...…
Oct 27, 2025 · 50:17
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman chat with horror writer and Friend of the Podcast, David Levinson (Welcome Home), about their favorite movie villains and how they were written…
Oct 21, 2025 · 31:14
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss a listener question -- When do you know your script is ready? TWIW: Good Boy, the horror movie from the POV of a dog and how Tasha hated…
Oct 13, 2025 · 1:13:36
It’s Austin Film Festival time! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman tackle the art of networking - a word that makes most writers shiver. They share how to approach it…
Oct 6, 2025 · 43:00
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss Tasha's dialogue hack to quickly improve your dialogue and trim pages. TWIW: What does it mean when a manager or agent "hip-pockets" you?…
Sep 29, 2025 · 1:03:33
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Francisco Angones, the creator of DUCK TALES (2017) and Co-EP on THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA (S4, S5) to discuss what a Screenwriting…
Sep 22, 2025 · 1:05:05
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about all the different types of careers for a Screenwriter and which may be right for you, depending on your personality. TWIW: How to…
Sep 15, 2025 · 39:23
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the movies coming to your eyeballs in September, and about the things on their mind this week in the world of Screenwriting. Questions /…
Sep 8, 2025 · 48:22
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Derek Kolstad, writer and creator of the JOHN WICK and NOBODY franchises, to discuss everything from crafting character-driven…
Sep 2, 2025 · 33:52
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Josh's agent, David Boxerbaum, a partner at Verve, to discuss how successful writers work with their agents, the recent boom in…
Aug 26, 2025 · 53:27
Life gets crazy and overwhelming. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down how screenwriters multitask - balancing multiple projects, writing more than one script at a time,…
Aug 18, 2025 · 49:44
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman sit down with Screenwriter and Tennis Pro, Michael Basha, to discuss how the psychology of professional athletes can be a useful road map for…
Aug 11, 2025 · 49:20
Host Tasha Huo talks candidly about her writing journey on her first produced film, RED SONJA, from her first pitch to getting rewritten to final credits determination. RED SONJA…
Aug 4, 2025 · 49:13
Host Tasha Huo went to San Diego Comic-Con this year and has thoughts on why it's a great con for Screenwriters. Plus, Are You Excited about what's coming out in theaters in…
Jul 28, 2025 · 45:59
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about which July Summer movies they're excited about, and give some interesting behind-the-scenes Screenwriting tidbits about how some of…
Jul 21, 2025 · 59:45
This week, we chat with screenwriters Nic Curcio and Kristin Tepper about branding, social media, and what it means to create content as a writer in today’s industry. We dive…
Jul 14, 2025 · 44:33
Inspired by a post from Screenwriter Zack Stentz , hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss whether it's a smarter career move to work on IP or to put your head down and write…
Jul 8, 2025 · 34:50
It’s a mailbag episode! Tasha and Josh tackle listener questions - from writer’s groups to pitching and more. Plus, This Week in Writing… Tasha is not a boring writer. Questions…
Jun 30, 2025 · 30:08
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the live action adaptation of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, breaking down, from a writer's perspective, what made it successful and, in these…
Jun 23, 2025 · 45:47
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the live action adaptation of LILO & STITCH, breaking down writer and director choices that helped launch it into massive numbers at the…
Jun 16, 2025 · 39:37
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman have just been side-lined by sicknesses and Tasha is recently back from a month on the road. It's time to talk about how to keep writing during…
Jun 9, 2025 · 37:58
Hosts Tasha Huo & Josh Hallman discuss a blog post by Final Draft about 5 Ways to stretch your Screenwriting muscles every day so you never lose writing momentum, even on days…
Jun 2, 2025 · 22:08
Summer movies are out! And it's time to see if you're excited about what Hollywood has to offer in June! Some surprises, and some long-awaited blockbusters. What will you be…
May 26, 2025 · 41:00
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discover a list of top tips for aspiring Screenwriters, according to the New York Film Academy . They disagree fundamentally with some tips, and…
May 19, 2025 · 31:21
Host Tasha Huo rants about her oversized sketchpad and the different ways she's used it to help break multiple script ideas. She answers listener questions on using the…
May 12, 2025 · 39:32
Not everything you see on screen was in the script. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break down 8 famous improvised movie moments - what made them work, how they changed the…
May 5, 2025 · 40:46
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dig into the importance of: Knowing Your Story. As screenwriters, we all get notes that make us question everything - is the story different now?…
Apr 29, 2025 · 32:19
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about self-talk, the kind that holds us back, and the kind that pushes us forward. How do we recognize and manage those self-destructive…
Apr 21, 2025 · 41:47
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss a hotly debated topic -- writing for an audience (it's not what you think it is). What does it mean to think about the audience when you…
Apr 14, 2025 · 39:49
What is a framing device, and why do writers use them? Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman explore the storytelling tool that bookends so many scripts. They also have a little…
Apr 8, 2025 · 51:30
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss ways to advocate for yourself, whether you have reps or not, and the importance of thinking of yourself as the CEO of your own company of…
Apr 1, 2025 · 43:17
Getting repped can seem impossible, but the good news is there are actually many different paths to representation. In this repost from S4, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman break…
Mar 24, 2025 · 46:08
Some stories begin with a character. Others begin with a question. But what if yours begins with a place? This week, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman kick off a new series on…
Mar 17, 2025 · 54:44
A writer has unique aches and pains due to the nature of their work: sitting for hours on end, hunched over a computer, typing, fidgeting, etc. Physical Therapist, Melody Garcia,…
Mar 10, 2025 · 33:35
Let's discuss outlines. Should you do them, when is it right for your project and not? Do you ask for it as a step in your deal, or keep it to yourself? Does an outline take the…
Mar 3, 2025 · 32:43
We've all been asked "Why now?" by someone who has read our script or listened to our pitch. But it probably doesn't mean what you think it means. In this episode, hosts Tasha…
Feb 25, 2025 · 56:19
The Oscars are here! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman welcome back Dave Levinson (Friend Of The Pod) to break down predictions, categories, and blockbusters that should have been…
Feb 17, 2025 · 36:20
It's Mailbag time! Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dive into the Act Two inbox and answer listener questions. Don't forget you can always reach out! Follow us @ACTTWOWRITERS…
Feb 10, 2025 · 38:27
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dive back into branding yourself as a screenwriter. We're often told to stay in a lane, but how can you widen that lane? How can you tackle…
Feb 3, 2025 · 39:54
Special guest alert. Dave Levinson is back. We’re discussing contained stories — high-stakes, small-scale scripts. We’re diving into what makes these stories work, offer some of…
Jan 27, 2025 · 38:04
"Cheer Moments" build to those audience-pleasing, emotionally satisfying moments... whether they’re moments of victory, revelation, or catharsis. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman…
Jan 20, 2025 · 23:39
In difficult times, it's easy to feel lost or that our job as Screenwriters doesn't matter or make a difference. But the opposite is, in fact, true. In this episode, hosts Tasha…
Jan 13, 2025 · 4:55
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman want to thank all of our listeners for their support and their check-ins during this unprecedented disaster. We are safe, we are together, and…
Jan 7, 2025 · 50:05
2025 Screenwriting Goals have been made and now it's time to execute them. Join hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman as they talk about realistic, practical and effective ways to…
Dec 31, 2024 · 43:34
In the final episode of Season 5, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk through their 2024 writing goals to see how many they achieved and what lessons can be learned from their…
Dec 24, 2024 · 43:13
As INTERSTELLAR (2014) gets its IMAX re-release, hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how Christopher Nolan world builds in the film, utilizing every aspect of filmmaking at…
Dec 16, 2024 · 47:03
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how to survive the holidays as a writer while staying productive, the best holiday gifts to get writers, and how to shop for those pesky…
Dec 10, 2024 · 35:01
Christmas movies are the best! We dive into the Christmas magic of genre mashups, discussing how some films seamlessly blend Christmas themes with action, music, and comedy. We…
Dec 3, 2024 · 33:42
Being a professional Screenwriter means that, unlike a corporate job, every day of your work life is different. But, a Work/Life Balance is achievable, it's just about making the…
Nov 25, 2024 · 47:32
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the different meetings you will have as a Screenwriter and how to turn them into work opportunities. Whether it's a Producer, a Director…
Nov 18, 2024 · 52:28
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss the Training Montage. Use it? Don't use it? What are the most iconic training montages and why do they work? Where do training montages…
Nov 11, 2024 · 47:26
Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman answer your questions, including - what is the difference between the "Call to Action" and the "Inciting Incident", how do you avoid common…
Nov 4, 2024 · 42:02
Ever feel like a movie or show disappoints you? Like they missed an opportunity? Like they let you down somehow but you can't quite place it? Well, it might be a Chekhov's Gun…
Oct 28, 2024 · 59:50
Happy Halloween (week). Josh is joined by special co-host Dave Levinson to discuss their favorite horror sequels (Tasha is back next week). They discuss what makes a great sequel…
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