The Writers Hangout

Latest Episodes:

Secrets to a Great Screenplay? Part 2: It's Not Just About the Hero, w/Michael Weiss, author of BEYOND THE HERO Oct 18, 2026

Show notes

What makes a screenplay truly unforgettable? Is it the plot, the dialogue, or the relationships that keep audiences emotionally invested until the very last scene?

In Part Two of our conversation with Michael Weiss, author of Beyond the Hero: Relationship-Driven Screenwriting and the Secret to Hollywood's Greatest Scripts, we dive deeper into the art of storytelling and discover how focusing on relationships can transform an ordinary screenplay into something extraordinary.

Using examples from beloved films such as CODA, The Hangover, The Big Sick, The Devil Wears Prada, La La Land, and The Bad News Bears, Michael reveals how Hollywood's most memorable stories are often driven by the relationships between characters rather than the hero's journey alone.

In this episode, we explore:

· The midpoint breakthrough: Why the middle of your screenplay is the perfect opportunity to shake things up and force your characters to confront the need for change.

· Making every scene count: How to use the South Park creators' famous "But/Therefore" storytelling technique to keep your story moving forward.

· Writing distinctive dialogue: Why a character's attitude, rather than accents or catchphrases, is the secret to creating an authentic voice.

· Creating tension without shouting: How quiet conversations and conflicting desires can be just as dramatic as explosive arguments.

· The first-draft dilemma: Why writers shouldn't get stuck searching for the perfect line of dialogue when they could be moving their story forward.

· The magic of sparkle moments: How to create earned, emotionally satisfying scenes that make audiences cheer for your characters.

· The Act Two sucker punch: Why one devastating setback can set the stage for an unforgettable third act.

· Writing satisfying endings: How a character can fail to achieve their goal and still experience a meaningful victory.

· Rewriting your screenplay: The three essential places Michael recommends examining first: the beginning, the midpoint, and the ending.

Haven't heard Part One? We recommend listening to the first half of our conversation with Michael Weiss before diving into this episode. Together, these two conversations offer a fresh look at how relationships can become the emotional engine of a great screenplay.

Learn more about Michael Weiss and his book:https://michaeldweiss.com

But... Therefore..." Matt Stone and Trey Parker (South Park) Plotting Advice

https://youtube.com/watch?v=j9jEg9uiLOU

Beyond the Hero is available through major booksellers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Keep writing. The world needs your stories!

The Writers Hangout is sponsored by the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards.

Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller
👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts.
📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast
💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to comment please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

Secrets to a Great Screenplay? It's Not Just About the Hero, w/Michael Weiss, author of BEYOND THE HERO: Part 1 Oct 11, 2026

Show notes

What if the secret to writing a great screenplay isn't your hero's journey, but the relationship that drives the story?

This week on The Writers Hangout, Sandy welcomes screenwriter, author, and award-winning instructor Michael Weiss for a fascinating conversation that just might change the way you approach your next screenplay.

Michael's screenwriting credits include Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Scorpion King 2, Jarhead 2, and The Butterfly Effect 3. He's also taught screenwriting at UCLA Extension, where he received the Distinguished Instructor Award, and at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

His book, Beyond the Hero: Relationship-Driven Screenwriting and the Secret to Hollywood's Greatest Scripts, challenges one of Hollywood's most familiar storytelling approaches: the hero's journey.

Michael believes that behind many of Hollywood's greatest films is something even more powerful than a compelling protagonist: a core relationship between two characters whose lives become intertwined.

And he's here to show us how understanding that relationship can help writers create stronger characters, build emotional stakes, and finally get past those dreaded middle pages of a screenplay.

In this episode, Sandy and Michael explore:

Beyond the Hero's Journey: Why the relationship between two characters may be the real secret behind Hollywood's greatest screenplays.
Creating Unforgettable Characters: Does your protagonist need to be likable, or is being interesting enough?
The Power of Messy Characters: Why flaws, bad decisions, and complicated relationships make characters worth watching.
Life-or-Death Stakes: How to make even ordinary, everyday problems feel extraordinary on screen.
Tools, Not Rules: Why Michael believes screenwriting techniques should encourage creativity rather than restrict it.
The Seven Spices of Screenwriting: The essential ingredients every writer should consider before starting a screenplay.
Getting Unstuck: Practical advice for writers who have a great idea but can't seem to get their screenplay finished.
Learning from Great Movies: What films like The Devil Wears Prada, CODA, Oppenheimer, Goodfellas, and Inside Out can teach us about character relationships and storytelling.

Michael also shares valuable advice about outlining, writing compelling dialogue, creating meaningful conflict, and making every scene count.

Whether you're writing your first screenplay, rewriting your tenth, or simply love discovering what makes great movies work, this conversation is packed with practical advice and fresh perspectives on storytelling.

And there's so much great information that we're making this a two-part episode!

So grab your notebook, writers. You're going to want to remember this one.

About Michael Weiss

Michael Weiss is a professional screenwriter, author, and educator whose work includes major studio films and sequels. Drawing on his experience as a screenwriter, development executive, and instructor, Michael developed his relationship-driven approach to storytelling to help writers create more compelling and emotionally engaging screenplays.

His book, Beyond the Hero: Relationship-Driven Screenwriting and the Secret to Hollywood's Greatest Scripts, offers practical tools for screenwriters at every stage of their careers.

Don't miss Part Two of this conversation on The Writers Hangout!

GREAT OPPORTUNITY!!!!! Michael is giving a lecture on Saturday, Oct 17th, 10 am-12 pm PT via Zoom through UCLA Extension. It is free and open to the public, but it's filling up. https://www.uclaextension.edu/writing/screenwriting/course/beyond-hero-screenwriting-script-72626

The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.
Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller
👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts.
📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast
💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to comment please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

Five Films To Cuddle Up With This Fall Oct 04, 2026

Show notes

Grab a blanket, pour something warm, and settle in! This week, The Writers Hangout revisits a favorite episode, celebrating five wonderfully cozy fall films: Stepmom, The Family Stone, Mystic Pizza, When Harry Met Sally, and Baby Boom.

From Nora Ephron dialogue and Julia Roberts in Central Park to Diane Keaton in Vermont, we’re talking great writing, memorable performances, gorgeous fall foliage, oversized sweaters, and plenty of movie nostalgia.

Plus, Sandy reveals which films earn the coveted five-out-of-five pumpkin rating — and gives a special shout-out to the ultimate fall comfort show, Gilmore Girls.

Happy fall, writers! 🍁🎬

Dark Hollow: Screenwriter/Director Daniel Byers on Horror, and Making Independent Films Sep 27, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to turn a screenplay into a terrifying feature film? On this episode of The Writers Hangout, host Sandy welcomes Daniel Byers, writer and director of Dark Hollow, an independent folk-horror film that blends Appalachian folklore, practical creature effects, and a chilling story rooted in the region’s coal-mining history.

Daniel’s screenplay, originally titled Paradise, won the Jury Award at the 2023 Austin Film Festival, helping launch the film’s journey to production and distribution. In this fascinating conversation, Daniel takes us behind the scenes of bringing Dark Hollow to life, from developing its terrifying creature to filming inside a real coal mine and using cutting-edge virtual production technology to create otherworldly environments.

Daniel also shares how his unusual childhood, growing up in Rwanda, Nepal, and Appalachia, influenced his storytelling and fascination with horror. He discusses his early love of monsters, his years as a documentary filmmaker, and how the landscapes and cultures he experienced helped shape the visual world of Dark Hollow.

For writers and aspiring filmmakers, this episode is packed with practical insights, including why a screenplay should be treated as a literary work rather than simply a blueprint, why rewriting continues throughout production and editing, and what Daniel learned from cutting nearly a third of his original film during the editing process.

We also explore the realities of independent filmmaking, the challenges of securing distribution, the importance of marketing, and how changes in the streaming industry are affecting filmmakers. Daniel offers thoughtful advice on film school, finding mentors, building a creative community, and why assembling the right team can be just as important as writing a great script.

Plus, Daniel shares his approach to a productive writing day, how he handles writer’s block, what happens when a real cat refuses to follow directions on set, and his thoughts on the emerging world of vertical filmmaking.

Whether you're a screenwriter, an aspiring director, an independent filmmaker, or a horror fan curious about what happens behind the camera, this episode offers an entertaining and insightful look at the creative and business sides of making movies.

In this episode, we discuss:

Daniel’s extraordinary childhood in Rwanda, Nepal, and Appalachia.
How his early experiences inspired his love of monsters and horror.
The story behind Dark Hollow and its award-winning screenplay.
Creating a terrifying creature with practical effects and CGI.
Filming in a real coal mine and using virtual production technology.
How a screenplay evolves through writing, production, and editing.
Why some of the best storytelling happen in scenes that never make the final cut.
The challenges of independent film financing, distribution, and marketing.
What aspiring screenwriters should know about film school and finding mentors.
Why building a strong creative team is essential to filmmaking.
The pros and cons of vertical storytelling and short-form content.
Daniel’s writing routine, creative rituals, and advice for overcoming writer’s block.

About Daniel Byers

Daniel Byers is a screenwriter, director, and filmmaker with a background in documentary filmmaking. He earned a BA in screenwriting from Brown University and an MFA in screenwriting and directing from Columbia University. His screenplay Dark Hollow won the Jury Award at the 2023 Austin Film Festival, and he went on to write and direct the independent folk-horror feature. His work draws on his experiences across different cultures and landscapes, combining atmospheric storytelling with an interest in the relationship between people, place, and the natural world.

Listen now, and keep writing!

Rob Reiner: A Hollywood Assistant’s Story with Comedian Charlie Nadler Sep 20, 2026

Show notes

What’s it really like to work for a Hollywood legend?

On this episode of The Writers Hangout, comedian and screenwriter Charlie Nadler takes us behind the scenes of his career in Hollywood, including his time as Rob Reiner’s executive assistant and his work at Castle Rock Entertainment.

Charlie shares stories about working with Rob and getting a firsthand look at the filmmaking process. He also talks about growing up in a family of writers—his parents met while working on Laverne & Shirley—and his father Marty Nadler’s long career working with legendary filmmaker Garry Marshall.

We also talk about Charlie’s journey into stand-up comedy, the lessons he learned about paying his dues and finding his voice as a writer, and the special comedy partnership he shared with his father.

It’s a funny, insightful, and heartfelt conversation about writing, comedy, Hollywood, family, and finding your own path in the entertainment business.

Remembering Dolly Parton: The Story Behind 9 to 5 with Screenwriter Patricia Resnick Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

In honor of Dolly Parton's recent passing, we are rewinding our episode with 9 to 5 screenwriter Patricia Resnick.

We have a fantastic episode for you—and one that feels especially meaningful as we remember the extraordinary Dolly Parton.

My guest is screenwriter, producer, and stand-up comedian Patricia Resnick, best known for writing the iconic film 9 to 5, starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, as well as writing the book for 9 to 5: The Musical.

With the recent passing of Dolly Parton, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the remarkable legacy of 9 to 5—a film that became much more than a comedy. It gave working women a voice, challenged workplace sexism, and became a cultural touchstone. Dolly’s performance, humor, music, and unforgettable title song helped make the film an enduring classic.

Patricia Resnick was there at the beginning, creating the story that would become one of the most beloved workplace comedies of all time. She was also involved in writing and producing on television’s Mad Men and Better Things, among many other projects.

Writers and friends, I promise you'll want to listen to this episode multiple times.

Patricia shares her incredible journey to becoming a successful, working screenwriter and talks candidly about what it was like to build a career as a writer and a single mom during a time when women in the workplace were often simply called “the girl.”

In honor of Dolly Parton, we’re revisiting the story behind 9 to 5 and celebrating the women who helped bring this groundbreaking story to life.

Dolly may be gone, but her music, her movies, her generosity, and the doors she helped open for women will continue to inspire generations of writers, artists, and dreamers.

This episode is a celebration of Dolly Parton, Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5, and the power of women telling their own stories.

The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT.
Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller

Did Taylor Sheridan Steal the Idea for Yellowstone? Aug 23, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a struggling writer claims a Hollywood powerhouse stole her idea?

In this episode of The Writers Hangout, Sandy takes a closer look at a lawsuit filed by writer Lauren J. Salkin, who alleges that Taylor Sheridan and others used elements of her 2016 pitch, Sovereign Nation, to create the hit series Yellowstone.

Sandy breaks down a recent Variety article about the lawsuit and examines the similarities Salkin claims exist between her project and Yellowstone — including a tribal casino at the center of political and development power, disputes over reservation land, development deals, and allegedly similar character roles.

But is this actually plagiarism, or could it be a case of parallel thinking — two writers independently arriving at similar ideas within the same genre?

Sandy also looks at the history of Yellowstone, including Taylor Sheridan and John Linson's earlier development of the project, Sheridan's career as a screenwriter, and the challenges writers face when they believe their work has been copied.

Sandy also discusses the importance of understanding how Hollywood actually works when it comes to pitches, ideas, scripts, and intellectual property.

What do you think? Do you believe Taylor Sheridan stole Lauren J. Salkin's pitch, or do you think the similarities are simply examples of parallel thinking?

Send your thoughts to thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com.

The Writers Hangout is sponsored by the Page International Screenwriting Awards.

Executive Producer: Kristen Overn
Executive Producer and Host: Sandy Adamides
Co-Host: Terry Sampson
Music: Ethan Stoller

If you enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. And remember: Keep writing. The world needs your stories.

Taylor Sheridan Accused of Stealing ‘Yellowstone’ From 2016 Pitch in Copyright Lawsuit By Jack Dunn

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/taylor-sheridan-accused-stealing-yellowstone-lawsuit-1236840854/

Rewind: How to Spend $600 Million Dollars: The Story of Screenwriter Steve Bing Aug 16, 2026

Show notes

Let us introduce you to the fascinating and luxurious world of Stephen Leo Bing, an American businessman, philanthropist, film producer, and screenwriter. Sadly, Steve Bing passed away from multiple blunt-force trauma after jumping from the 27th floor of a luxury apartment building in Century City, Los Angeles, on June 22, 2020. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner officially confirmed his death as a suicide. He was just 55 years old.
Enjoy the show.
Contact us: thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com
The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.
Executive Producer Kristin Overn and Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller

PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent.

The Wild Story Behind 1993's Super Mario Bros. Movie Aug 09, 2026

Show notes

Rewind. Did you know there was another SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE besides the animated blockbuster starring Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, and Fred Armisen? The first SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE hit theaters in 1993 and was the first feature-length live-action film based on a video game. Directed by the husband-and-wife team Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel, it follows brothers Mario Mario (Bob Hoskins) and Luigi Mario (John Leguizamo) as they quest to rescue Princess Daisy (Samantha Mathis) from a dystopian parallel universe ruled by the ruthless King Koopa (Dennis Hopper). Unfortunately, it was a box office failure and was widely panned by critics. The credits list three writers, Parker Bennett, Terry Runté, and Ed Solomon.
Why did one MARIO movie succeed when the other MARIO movie didn’t? That’s the big question Sandy and Terry tackle in this episode.
👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts.
📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast
💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to make a comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

PAGE International Screenwriting Awards
Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent.

Growing Up Orkin: Comedy, Creativity, and the Legacy of Dick Orkin’s CHICKENMAN with Lisa and Haris Orkin Aug 02, 2026

Show notes

Hang out with us for a fun conversation with Lisa Orkin and Harris Orkin — daughter and son of legendary radio writer, actor, and producer Dick Orkin. Dick Orkin, the mind behind the iconic radio serial “Chickenman” and the creative powerhouse The Famous Radio Ranch, was hailed by Newsweek as the pioneer of “The Advertising Theater of the Absurd.” He revolutionized audio advertising with his use of deadpan comedy, memorable characters, and situational humor, setting a new standard for creative storytelling in audio.

Meet Our Guests:

Lisa Orkin is a comedian, actor, writer, and audio director renowned for her unique blend of comedy, storytelling, and marketing across radio, film, and digital audio platforms. She’s also known for her podcast production work, distinctive voice acting, and creative leadership at The Radio Ranch.
Harris Orkin is a multi-medium storyteller — author, playwright, screenwriter, video game narrative designer, and voice director. He’s best known for his BAFTA and WGA-nominated scripts for the Resident Evil video games and for his James Flynn Escapades spy comedy novels.

The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.
Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Executive Producer/CreatorSandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller

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