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The Diversity Hires — TV & Film
The Diversity Hires

Two professional screenwriters living and working in LA discuss the craft, culture and business of writing for Film and TV from a decidedly Black point-of-view.

Copyright: © 2020 The Diversity Hires

Latest Episodes:

THD 047: Screenwriter Commandments (part 2) Nov 03, 2022

Shu and Sherm finish what they started! Part Two of the Screenwriter Commandments. Finally! Listen now!

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TDH 046: Screenwriter Commandments (part 1) Jun 16, 2022

Shu and Sherm are setting truth in stone. Part One of the Screenwriter Commandments. Thou shalt write, write, write every day! and more... Listen now!

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TDH 045: Ideas that Slap Apr 05, 2022

A picture is worth a thousand words, but what is an idea worth? Shu and Sherm break down what makes an idea worth pursuing in your writing, they discuss the difference between high concept and low concept ideas, and they discuss a slap that somehow we all felt. You know the one. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 044: Adaptation Sep 08, 2021

In this week’s episode, Shu and Sherm talk all about adaptations. They give you pointers on how to write a screenplay from existing source material and share their views on film and TV adaptations. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 043: How to Get Your Show on TV (feat. Anil Kurian) Sep 01, 2021

This week, Shu and Sherm talk to a Development Executive. Anil Kurian, Head of Development for G-Unit Film & Television, joins The Diversity Hires to discuss the development process from the perspective of an executive and gives new writers tips for getting their work recognized.

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 042: Fuuuuuck (Crafting Scenes) Aug 25, 2021

Shu and Sherm discuss the craft of screenwriting in this week’s episode about scenes. They give you practical advice on how to improve your writing and craft great scenes. They also weigh in on a Twitter debate about nepotism and whether or not Hollywood is a meritocracy. Listen!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 041: Shu Hates Genre Aug 18, 2021

This week, Shu and Sherm talk about genre. They define the term and share their thoughts on how the use of genre affects storytelling. They also address the demand for livable wages by writers’ assistants. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 040: Put Some RESPECT on Her Name (feat. Tracey Scott Wilson) Aug 11, 2021

Tracey Scott Wilson, writer of the new Aretha Franklin Biopic, Respect, joins The Diversity Hires to discuss her career. From novels and plays to television and film, Tracey has conquered it all. She shares her journey and drops some knowledge for aspiring writers. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 039: Inclusion Rider Die (feat. Fanshen Cox & Kalpana Kotagal) Aug 04, 2021

This week, Shu and Sherm are joined by two of the creators of the Hollywood Inclusion Rider: Fanshen Cox and Kalpana Kotagal. They discuss what The Inclusion Rider is, why it’s necessary, and how it can improve diversity across the entertainment industry. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 038: THE RETURN Jul 28, 2021

We're back and better than ever! In this episode, Shu and Sherm reflect on a Wall Street Journal article criticizing the elite Master’s programs that leave its students with crippling debt-- including the film program at their alma mater, Columbia University. Plus, they answer some fan questions. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 037: Is This The End? May 19, 2021

Is this the last episode of The Diversity Hires?! Shu and Sherm talk about endings. What makes a good ending, why they are so hard to write, and why this will be the last episode of the podcast... at least for a little while. LISTEN NOW!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 036: The Antagonistic Force May 12, 2021

Shu and Sherm are back with another craft episode! This week, it’s all about Antagonists: what they are, why they’re necessary, and how to make them interesting. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 035: The Check In May 05, 2021

In this check-in episode, Shu and Sherm fill you in on what’s happening in their lives and careers as well as discuss the balance between work and home life. They answer some questions from listeners and give tips on how to manage your time. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 034: The Art of the First Act Apr 28, 2021

Shu and Sherm delve into the craft of screenwriting in this episode all about crafting your First Act. They talk inciting incidents, character choice, and everything else you need to know to make your first act bussin'. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 033: That Script Belongs to the Streets Apr 21, 2021

This week, Shu and Sherm break down when and why rewrites happen in addition to how they differ between television and movies. They share their experiences and dole out some advice on how to navigate both being rewritten and rewriting someone else's script.

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 032: 23 Reasons Why Apr 14, 2021

In this week's episode, Shu and Sherm go through the ScreenCraft article “23 Reasons Why Your Script Was Rejected”. They give their opinion on this list and offer up some of their own advice about how to make your screenplay better. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 031: Stop Saying Sorry (feat. Melinda Hsu Taylor) Apr 07, 2021

Melinda Hsu Taylor (Nancy Drew, Lost) joins Shu and Sherm as they continue to reflect on the tragic violence against Asian Americans. Melinda shares what drew her to writing and discusses her experience as a showrunner. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 030: Beat These People at Their Own Game (feat. Philip Buiser) Mar 31, 2021

This week, Phil Buiser (Shameless, Bates Motel) joins The Diversity Hires to discuss his career as a screenwriter and producer. Phil, Shu, and Sherm reflect on the recent uptick in hate crimes against Asian Americans and talk about the experiences that led Phil to pursue a career in the industry.

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 029: The McKinsey Black Hollywood Inclusion Report Mar 24, 2021

In this episode, Shu and Sherm take a deep dive into the McKinsey report on Black representation in film and television. They discuss everything from the barriers to entry for Black talent to the actionable steps that Hollywood can take to remedy the problem. Listen now!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 028: Vibin' with Vanessa Baden-Kelly Mar 17, 2021

Shu and Sherm vibe out with Vanessa Baden-Kelly (Animal Kingdom, Giants)! She talks about her transition from an actor to a screenwriter, her Nickelodeon days, her Emmy and so much more!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 027: Inside the Writers' Room (feat. Tia Wren) Mar 10, 2021

In this episode, Shu and Sherm flip the writers' room inside out and show you how it works. From "blue-skying" to "breaking the script", all things writers' room will be made clear.

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH SPECIAL: Best of Interviews Mar 03, 2021

In week two of our Best Of series, we take the choice cuts of your favorite interviews and stuff them all into one episode! This episode has Kay Oyegun, Zahir McGhee, Rodney Barnes and more! Jump into this jambalaya now!

FEATURED GUESTS (in Alphabetical Order):
Alan B. McElroy (Star Trek Discovery) - TDH 014
Gina Atwater (Westworld) - TDH 002
Jamund Washington (Random Acts of Flyness) - TDH 004
Kay Oyegun (This Is Us, Queen Sugar) - TDH 008
Rodney Barnes (Everybody Hates Chris, The Boondocks) - TDH 023
Zahir McGhee (Scandal, Stumptown) - TDH 009

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH SPECIAL: Best of Screenwriting 101 Feb 24, 2021

As the first part of our Best Of series, this episode is chock-full of cherrypicked advice from past chapters of TDH history on the basic craft of screenwriting. Learn how to write your first script (TDH 021), create compelling characters (TDH 015), craft dialogue (TDH 025) and revise your first draft (TDH 007) all in one episode! It's a one-stop-shop for screenwriting!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 026: Time Management Feb 17, 2021

Where do you find the time to write? How do you juggle writing projects with other responsibilities? How do you manage multiple projects at once? How do you meet writing deadlines in severe time crunches? The Diversity Hires have the answers to these questions and many more on this week's episode!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 025: Dialogue Feb 10, 2021

Sherm and Shu break down the art of writing dialogue. What makes dialogue feel real? How do you utilize Black vernacular without being corny? And how do you write those big, memorable emotional speeches you find in shows like THIS IS US? Answers to all of these questions and many, many more. CLICK PLAY NOW!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 024: Development Hell Feb 03, 2021

This week The Diversity Hires do a deep dive into the world of Hollywood development. Learn how screenwriters navigate the perilous world of bake-offs, rewrites, producer relationships, studio notes, and much more. The fellas take you on a journey from idea to script to the GREEN LIGHT!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 023: Rodney Barnes - An American Saga Jan 27, 2021

Wutang: An American Saga, The Boondocks, Everybody Hates Chris, American Gods, My Wife and Kids, Tiger, the list goes on and on. From comedies to comic books, dramas, horrors and everything in between, Rodney Barnes has done it, and done it well. Listen now to hear the legend speak!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 022: The Art of The Meeting Jan 20, 2021

What is a general meeting? How is that different from a pitch meeting or a production meeting? How should you conduct yourself in general meetings? The Diversity Hires have the answers in this week's episode!

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E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com

TDH 021: Writing Your First Script Jan 13, 2021

In this episode, The Diversity Hires tell you what it takes to put pen to paper and get the damn thing done. RIP MF DOOM!

TDH 020: Revenge of the Blerds (feat. Deric A. Hughes) Jan 06, 2021

We're back and better than ever! Deric A. Hughes (Warehouse 13, Arrow, The Flash) joins The Diversity Hires in the first episode of 2021. They talk about being a Blerd (Black nerd), breaking in, comic books, writing programs, the WGA and more!

TDH 019: 2020 Wrap-Up (feat. August K. Burton) Dec 23, 2020

In the final episode of the year, Shu and Sherm shoot the sh*t with AKB about 2020. They talk about their favorite movies and TV shows, what screenwriting lessons they've learned, and what advice they have for newcomers wanting to write in 2021.

TDH 018: Prep and Production Dec 16, 2020

After discussing Mike Tyson, Shu and Sherm get into the nitty gritty of the roles of a TV writer from prep to production. Also, is Martin Lawrence the Black Lucille Ball?

TDH 017: Ownership and Prep Dec 09, 2020

The Diversity Hires discuss their qualms with ownership in the TV industry. Do screenwriters get a big enough piece of the pie? Is Shu really the Rodney Dangerfield of screenwriting?

TDH 016: Questions and Answers Dec 02, 2020

The Diversity Hires answer your questions and also talk about what it means to be a dad in the industry!

TDH 015: Passive Characters... Don’t Do That Sh*t Nov 25, 2020

Passive characters? Don't do that sh*t.
aRe YoU a ChArAcTeR wRiTeR oR a PlOt WrItEr?

TDH 014: Good Stories Well-Told with Alan B. McElroy Nov 18, 2020

Film and television writer Alan B. McElroy (Spawn, Star Trek: Discovery) has had a career spanning five decades, but by the looks of it, he's just getting started.

TDH 013: Latinx Representation and Imposter Syndrome (feat. Mel Rodriguez) Nov 11, 2020

The Diversity Hires are joined by writer/director Mel Rodriguez, and together, they want to tell you that you belong.

TDH 012: So You Want to Move to LA... Nov 04, 2020

Is LA the only place to be for a screenwriting career? Can you make it in another state? If you do make the move to LA, when is the best time? The Diversity Hires discuss making the big move in this week's episode!

TDH 011: The Come Up (feat. Courtney Perdue & Baindu Saidu) Oct 28, 2020

Why getting representation might not mean what you think. What is the difference between a manager and an agent? What are the dynamics of having a writing partner? The Diversity Hires are joined by the dynamic writing duo Courtney and B, and together they have the answers!

TDH 010: We Don't Know Sh*t Oct 21, 2020

Looking to The Diversity Hires for advice? Look somewhere else. We don’t know sh*t… except the sh*t we know.

TDH BONUS: The Realest World (feat. Zahir McGhee) Oct 18, 2020

Welcome to the first bonus episode of The Diversity Hires! This is an extension of our last episode with Zahir McGhee. We wanted to share the behind-the-scenes banter with you all in its unedited format. We hope you like it!

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TDH 009: Charm City Kings and Shondaland! (feat. Zahir McGhee) Oct 14, 2020

Welcome to Shondaland! Long-time, Shondaland Writer-Producer Zahir McGhee joins The Diversity Hires to drop mad screenwriting gems. And the GSWOAT discusses his brand new, critically acclaimed feature, Charm City Kings, available on HBO Max! Need we say more? Listen to this banger of an episode now!

TDH 008: Kickin' It with Kay Oyegun Oct 07, 2020

Do Black characters have to be written by Black people? What does it take to be a successful writer? What is an "overall deal" and why is it important? The Diversity Hires are joined by Kay Oyegun— writer on Queen Sugar and This Is Us— and together, they have the answers.

TDH 007: Vomit Drafts and Rapper Notes Sep 30, 2020

Should music stars write and direct? What do you do when a mediocre rapper gives you script notes? What is a “vomit draft”? Is writing reaaalllyy rewriting? Find out this and more in this week’s episode!

TDH 006: Pitching (part 2) Sep 23, 2020

Sherm and Shu get into pitching part two! Can you write a story that is outside of your experience? What should you do if you feel uncomfortable in a writer’s room? Does pitching attire matter? Find out in this week’s episode!

TDH 005: Pitching (part 1) Sep 16, 2020

What is pitching? Why does pitching require so much work? Is spec writing overhyped? Are brads overhyped? The Diversity Hires have the answers to this and so much more in this week's episode!

TDH 004: Deliberate Acts of Flyness (feat. Jamund Washington) Sep 09, 2020

In this week's episode, Shu and Sherm talk to Jamund Washington about boycotts, atypical writer's rooms, how to finance your Indie film and more! Jamund is the producer of the HBO series, Random Acts of Flyness.

TDH 003: The Emmys and Social Justice (feat. August K. Burton) Sep 02, 2020

Shu and Sherm discuss basketball amidst a pandemic and their favorite FOOD Network show. The two discuss the upcoming Emmy Awards and their views on the nominees of the season. They discuss the voting process for the Emmys and give their approach on how they will be voting this season. They share their excitement on the Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie category, which features three African American women this year. They also talk to their producer about his transition into filmmaking and discuss the relevance of film school.

TDH 002: "Struggle Stories" and Passion Projects (feat. Gina Atwater) Sep 02, 2020

Gina talks about her beginnings in the film industry and her film Crossing, which was a Semifinalist in the 38th Annual Student Academy Awards. She also shares how she graduated from Abrams' personal assistant to a sought-after writer who wrote on the critically acclaimed HBO show, Westworld. She and the Diversity Hires talk about their school days at Columbia University's School of the Arts, and discuss what "Black stories" studios are interested in buying and why these "struggle stories" are still relevant.

TDH 001: What Is a "Diversity Hire"? Sep 02, 2020

Welcome to the first episode of The Diversity Hires!!! In this episode, Shu and Sherm explain what a "diversity hire" is and offers insight into their experiences in the industry. The two explain why diversity hires exist and why they are necessary. They also discuss the future of parity within the film industry.

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