Screaming into the Hollywood Abyss

Latest Episodes:

Take 71 - Showrunner and Creator Anthony Q. Farrell, The Office, Secret Life of Boys Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

We speak to the showrunner and creator Anthony Q Farrell. He talks about working in an office, then The Office, and then back to Macy's.
We talk about the uncertainty of starting out and knowing when it is safe to give up the day job, his animated show that he is desperate to share and 'work as therapy'.
Anthony tells us about his leadership style. the 'sick cyclical journey of Hollywood, and going back to the basics of story telling.
He tells us about writing his own voice, the breadth of work he created to get his break and the importance of being collaborative.
A fascinating discussion with the Canadian Showrunner of the Year.

Take 70 - Actor, Writer, Producer Michael Starrbury, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete, Colin in Black and White Jun 08, 2022

Show notes

We talk to the extraordinary Michael Starrbury.
He tells us about his treasured film script that he just can't get made, his decision to not move to Los Angeles and his determination to run his career the way he wants.
He talks about turning down jobs to stick to his path, ignoring the warnings of others and only moving forward with projects he believes in.
Michael talks about drive, commitment and being collaborative.
We also talk diversity quotas, avoiding 'bake offs' and White House invitations from Michelle Obama.
A fascinating insight from a powerful rising star in the industry.

Take 69 - Director and Showrunner James Roland, Blood Drive, The Purge Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

We speak to the fascinating James Roland.
He talks about working long hours on terrible film sets, his journey into directing and rates his abilities as a showrunner.
We talk diversity, the importance of treating people well and what he learned from bad bosses that helped his leadership.
James talks about endangering Harry Belafonte, literally falling asleep at the wheel and giving every one in the room a voice - and a great scene from the Purge that came from that.
A fun and insightful discussion with a man who has worked in many different roles in Hollywood.

Take 68 - Showrunner Beth Schwartz, Arrow, Sweet Tooth May 25, 2022

Show notes

We talk to showrunner Beth Schwartz.
She talks about her painfully long journey from assistant, how she now treats those in that position and what she learned along the way.
She happily shares her tale of her slow start, nearly flying home and giving up and how she got her big break.
Beth talks about respect in a room, the dangers of comparisons with other peoples' careers and finding your own unique path.
A fascinating and honest discussion .

Take 67 - Writer, producer Tze Chun, Secrets of the Mogwai, Gotham May 18, 2022

Show notes

We talk to the amazing Tze Chun.
He talks us through his mathematical approach to creativity and goal-setting - a short every six months, 100 episodes of television! - his transitions from film to tv and back again and talks us through his first big break.
Tze explains how his stubbornness ensured he would never give up, he explains his strengths and weaknesses and how he leads.
A insightful and thoughtful episode with a committed and determined creator.

Take 66 - Showrunner and show creator Jan Nash, NCIS: Hawaii, Without a Trace May 11, 2022

Show notes

We talk to the incredible Jan Nash. She tells us about her long and storied career in Hollywood, the importance of compassionate leadership and her time as a studio executive.
She tells us what she learned as an investment banker, the importance of telling your own story and the privilege of working in a career you love and putting it all into perspective.
We discuss leadership styles, the benefits of co-showrunners and sharing the load, and what makes for a successful room.
Jan tells us her future plans, tells us why she loves the Hawaii franchise and some of her hopes for it and gives some important advice.
A deep and thoughtful interview with a legend of the industry.

Take 65 - Producer, writer, showrunner Liz Hannah, The Post, The Dropout, The Girl from Plainville May 04, 2022

Show notes

We talk to the extraordinary writer, showrunner and producer Liz Hannah.
She talks about working with Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep in her breakout script, getting tattoos after project successes and not buying her husband gifts.
We discuss the pressure of following up a big success, having two hits out at once and the anxiety of working in entertainment and the feeling of relief when getting an overall deal.
Liz discusses the journey of the Post and working with Spielberg, her mum finding out about the deal in the trades and the advice she received on set.
We also cover therapy, being re-written and what she plans to do next.
An honest, fascinating and in-depth discussion about the lows and highs of the industry with an in-demand star.

Take 64 - Writer, director Nida Manzoor, We Are Lady Parts, Doctor Who Apr 27, 2022

Show notes

In an episode with two British voices, it was a pleasure to have writer and director Nida Manzoor join us on the podcast.
She tells us about the excitement and nerves of directing for British institution Doctor Who, turning down a chance to work on a Marvel show and bringing her show We Are Lady Parts to life.
She talks us through the process of both writing and directing, how she chooses her next projects and the challenges of achieving the level of representation she wants.
We talk about the differences between writing rooms in Britain and America, avoiding being pushed into writing Muslim stereotypes and penning superhero movies.
A fascinating interview with a rising star with a unique voice.

Take 63 - Showrunner and creator Christopher Silber, NCIS, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawaii Apr 20, 2022

Show notes

We talk to NCIS legend Christopher Silber.
He talks about his first time working on the franchise, the difficult work environment at the time and getting fired.
But then also his return to the franchise, his continued love for the work and the creation of the Hawaiian iteration of the show.
Christopher discusses the pressure to succeed, the difficulties of being a showrunner - and why he shares the workload with others - and the importance of understanding the toughness of the path of a writer before one sets out.
We talk about learning from bad bosses, how to run a room well and the rare feeling of having a first season of show going smoothly.
A fascinating discussion with a leading showrunner.

Take 62 - Studio President Beatrice Springborn, Universal Content Productions and Universal International Studios Apr 13, 2022

Show notes

Studio president Beatrice Springborn joins the podcast to give the view from 'upstairs'.
She talks about her journey through journalism, start-ups and Pixar with some Film School thrown in.
We discuss her leadership style , her empathy when rejecting projects and whether she wants commercial success or awards.
Beatrice talks about completing a writing course and what she learned about rejection and failure, how she nearly quit the industry and what keeps her up at night.
She tells us the process that execs go through when considering projects, the importance of seeing the bigger picture and the time she broke down in tears after rejecting a project.
An emotional, honest and insightful interview with a leading industry figure.

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