Hollywood Confessional

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Making Trades: Behind the Scenes at a Hollywood News Outlet Sep 21, 2023

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Strike news drops. In Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, TheWrap. Hundreds of thousands of people jump on the story, the future subject of their talks, hopes, fears, and social media stands. But where did it come from… and why?

In this week’s episode of the Hollywood Confessional, an entertainment journalist gives the inside scoop on what goes on behind the scenes at a trade publication.

From the insane hours and grueling work to the genuine love of story that drives them — even when the system gets them down — our confessor gets real about how news gets made in Hollywood, and sheds light on how they feel trades should be reevaluated and transformed.

Join us in the booth as we learn about this little-discussed side of the industry and catch up on what’s inspiring us during strike times! #WGAStrong #SAGAFTRAStrong

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Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife

The Pizza Angel of the Picket Line Sep 07, 2023

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For 130 days and counting, fresh, hot pizzas have appeared on the LA studio picket lines every... single... day. How?
Meet this week's guest on the Hollywood Confessional, Jess Morse! Jess is one of many people making Hollywood a happier place in strike times. So far, Jess and a team of volunteers have delivered an astounding $20,000 worth of pizza to keep picketing writers and actors on their feet. Join us as we hear how this massive meal-providing operation kicked off with a tweet, and how it was quickly followed by a cascade of generosity and heartwarming stories.
If you'd like to volunteer to deliver pizzas or donate to the pizza cause, you can get in contact with Jess on Twitter @chessmorse. And connect with us while you're at it! It's never been clearer that as positive members of the happy Hollywood community, we are all in this together.

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Behind Closed Doors: A Studio Executive Confession Aug 28, 2023

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Power talks behind closed doors. In this special confession, we hear from an executive at a streaming arm of a studio about what's actually being said and done inside the studios during the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
How corporate chaos fostered by the streaming boom and the pandemic led to a desire among many to double down on control. How that desire manifests differently for the leadership than it does for the rank-and-file. How the disconnect is fostering an atmosphere of dissent within the studios, countered only by fear and the rise of an "us-versus-them" mentality.
Our confessor shares these truths along with some thoughts on how striking workers can most effectively counter the toxicity in this Hollywood Confessional "extra". Please help spread the word by sharing with others who want to make Hollywood a happier place.
#WGAStrong #SAGAFTRA #WGAStrike #UnionStrong

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Green Envelope Grocery Aid Aug 24, 2023

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Hello Hollywood Faithful! This week we've got a very special episode where we interview Joelle Garfinkel, creator of Green Envelope Grocery Aid. Joelle is actively working to make Hollywood a happier place by organizing a mutual aid fund for those in need.
If you'd like to donate to the fund, you can venmo Joelle: http://venmo.com/joelle-garfinkel
You can also send money via PayPal: https://paypal.me/greenenvelopeaid?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US
If you'd like to apply for funds, you can find the application here: https://forms.gle/YrunTwueUZD5uvos8
Additional information can be found at Joelle's twitter: @msjoellegarf

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The Man Who Peed on Me Aug 10, 2023

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Motorcycle chases. Labor abuses. Unsolicited bodily fluids. Just another day Hollywood?
In this week's episode, a small arms and demolitions expert enters a different kind of battlefield when he takes a job as a production assistant on a film run by a notorious low-budget producer. But neither earthquakes nor legal problems nor a $50-a-day flat rate can deter this intrepid confessor. Join us as we hear how, despite crazy obstacles, he hustled his way to the top of the industry... only to discover he wasn't where he wanted to be.
We also have a very special guest this week! Hollywood historian Andrea Van Landingham, author of Hollywood Horrors: Murders, Scandals and Cover-Ups from Tinseltown, joins us to talk about the history of Hollywood and whether it's doomed (destined?) to be a crazy town. Don't miss it!

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The Gun Story, Part 2 Jul 27, 2023

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We pick up right where we left off last episode: the first AD just pulled a real gun. This raises a storm of questions about safety measures, responsibility, and ethics. We unpack this incident, empathizing with the line producer's reaction, and explore the gray areas of accountability when guns make their way onto a film set. In this whirlwind of conflict, controversy, and collective action, we witness the ripple effects shaking Hollywood's foundation.
We also discuss the significance of the recent development of this summer's labor movement and how the industry's landscape is being reshaped. Join us as we examine these complexities, highlight the power of labor solidarity, and ponder the lasting legacy of these incidents on Hollywood's work culture.

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The Gun Story, Part 1 Jul 13, 2023

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A producer walks onto a movie set and takes out a gun. Why?
Our confessor has a lot to say about that. In this week's episode of the Hollywood Confessional, we hear the first part of an intense behind-the-scenes tale from a Second AD on an independent film where a run-and-gun approach led to a dangerous situation. We discuss safety on set, the importance of engaged leadership, and how group dynamics can shape events in ways perhaps no individual expects.
This confession was recorded prior to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. However, our intro was recorded Wednesday, July 12, hours prior to the expiration of the SAG-AFTRA contract. It features a special conversation with our friends at Blue Monday Productions Shira Gorelick and Julie Snyder, as we discuss the rumor mill surrounding negotiations and what we're all fighting for. Check it out, share this episode, and let us know your thoughts @fessuphollywood! And if you have a moment, please leave us a review on your podcast app. It really helps get the word out to those who are working to make Hollywood a happier place!
#WGAStrong #WGAStrike #SAGAFTRA #SAGStrike

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Life In the Ads Lane Jun 29, 2023

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Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in the world of commercial production? Tune in to this episode of The Hollywood Confessional as we hear stories about the immense pressure of juggling time, budget, and creativity while producing commercials.
We have three stories this week: a worldwide search for a model, a client who didn't understand that English and Spanish are different languages, and a scrappy producer just trying to get his job done.
We also talk about the WGA strike as it goes into it's ninth week. So sit back, relax, and hang out with us in the confessional booth.

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Dead Staff Walking Jun 15, 2023

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INT. MAJOR AGENCY - TV LIT DESK - DAY (2007)

A dedicated ASSISTANT discovers a plan detailing exactly when all support staffers will be let go to save the agency money during the 2007 Writers Strike.

Join us in the confessional booth as we hear this support staffer’s tale of seeing exactly how much their agency valued support staff… and their clients. In a parallel to some actions taking place during the WGA strike today, their agency seeks positive PR on the picket lines but turns cutthroat behind closed doors.

As the confessor and their cohorts try to figure out how to weather the storm of this major labor dispute, they reflect on how years of sacrifice can amount to nothing on their company’s bottom line. Ultimately, they realize the most important thing in Hollywood isn’t always saving your job… it’s saving your self.

#wgastrike

#wgastrong

#fessuphollywood

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How To Be Human In Hollywood Without Really Trying Jun 01, 2023

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Ever felt like you were just another horse being traded in the entertainment business?
Join us this week as our confessor shares their story of becoming a hot commodity as a writer... and then losing steam. Through the emotional rollercoaster of selling a pilot and several pitches but never getting anything made, they uncover some invaluable lessons about creativity, self-belief, and various ways to stay human in this highly transactional industry.
In this episode, we also explore the crucial role of having the right people in the room when it comes to nurturing the creative process, and how these connections can help propel us towards emotional and artistic growth. So, whether you're an aspiring TV or film writer or a seasoned pro, tune in for an inspiring discussion about navigating the highs and lows of the industry and finding that creative sweet spot with like-minded individuals.

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