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 covet...

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 dis...

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 & Shirle...

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 Dol...

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...

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: thewritershangout...

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 q...

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 creativ...

Thanks for hanging out with us! In this REWIND episode, Sandy and Terry dive into a fascinating Twitter thread that shares some really valuable insights into how signed writers found their representation. A big thank you to Tyler Clair Smith, the talented writer on X who inspired this episode. Be sure to follow Tyler Clair Smith at @tclairsmith—we certainly did! In this episode, we discuss helpful internet programs for screenwriters. The Writers’ Hangout Podcast did not receive payment for ...

What makes Terminator 2: Judgment Day one of the greatest films ever made? We're excited to have Becky D'Anna join us! Becky is a podcaster, a movie historian, and a lifelong cinephile with a 26-year career in movie marketing. We'll dive into an engaging chat about The Terminator, Comic-Con, the works of Ingmar Bergman, and much more! Becky shares how watching Terminator 2 on opening day in 1991 inspired her Hollywood career and ultimately led to a 26-year career in movie marketing, working o...