Shows
Screaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 146 - Director, Producer, Writer Nick Verso, Boys in the Trees, Invisible BoysHe was told he had no future in the entertainment business and yet Australian Nick Verso has gone on to have a stellar career.In this episode we talk about dealing with such raw rejection, how he found his place in the business and also the other early project that was turned down - and the apologies he has had about that since.We talk about why he started directing, how we got good at writing and managing the Australia-Los Angeles divide.A raw and candid episode from a smart and driven creator...
2025-09-0442 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 145 - Story Editor (Head Writer) James Eason-Garcia, Ironman and his Awesome Friends, Star Wars Young Jedi AdventuresWe talk to the incredible, passionate and enthusiastic James Eason-Garcia, co-EP of Ironman and his Awesome Friends.Noah and I geek out a little and cover both James' career while also asking superhero and Jedi questions of a man who has special access to both of those worlds.We talk about his journey from fan to working on these projects, the excitement of actually of walking through the doors of Disney to work and taking notes on established franchises.James talks about the state of the industry, the ongoing fascination with superheroes and...
2025-08-0747 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 142 - Actor, Writer, Director, Author, Producer Eriq La Salle, Coming to America, On CallWe are delighted to have the legendary Eriq La Salle on the show.The talented actor, writer, producer, director and novelist joins us to talk about his illustrious career, the power of storytelling and his love of acting but not necessarily some of the business of acting.We talk about a writing rejection leading to acting, an acting rejection leading to directing and frustrations about pay disparity and inequality shaping his work as a producer.Eriq talks about his role as producing director on On call, how he ended up acting in it...
2025-05-0847 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 141 - Arika Lisanne Mittman, Writer, Showrunner, Timeless, La Brea, The IrrationalWe talk to The Irrational Showrunner Arika Lisanne Mittman.She talks about her ten years as an assistant, finally getting her break and what she learned along the way.We discuss the rise and fall of network television, what the industry learned from the strike and whether she's any good at firing people (she's not!).Arika talks about her strengths and weaknesses as a showrunner, gives advice to those wanting to join the industry and the times she nearly got fired as a script co-ordinator.A detailed and entertaining journey through every facet...
2025-03-2748 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 140 - Showrunner Joe Wilson, The EqualizerWe talk to Equalizer showrunner Joe Wilson.In one of our most candid episodes so far, he talks about his journey from East Cleveland to Hollywood, the tough days at the start and even sleeping in his car.He explains how he got his break, how he is treated when he goes home and what sort of showrunner he aspires to be.We talk cool Hollywood moments, his strengths and weaknesses and the show about bands he aspires to make.A gritty episode that explores all the areas Hollywood doesn’t no...
2025-03-2047 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 139 - Co-Creators Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, On CallIt's always fun we have two guests on, particularly when they are talking about Wolf Productions first go at a streaming platform.We talk to showrunner Tim Walsh and co-creator Elliot Wolf about their new show On Call, making the most of the freedom of a streamer, whether the police in Long Beach still like them and how hard the industry is right now.Elliot talks about the Wolf legacy, trying new approaches to the industry and his pride in the new show.Tim is brutally honest about his time as a security...
2025-03-1352 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 138 - Showrunner, Writer Sally Bradford Mckenna, Will & Grace, LaidWe talk to Sally Bradford Mckenna, co-showrunner of the new Peacock show Laid.She explains how she first got her break, reluctantly, on Will & Grace, how her father's career helped shaped hers and why every show needs two showrunners.She talks about the evolution of comedy writing, difficult rooms early in her career and being brought in to solve problems on shows, and how that didn't always go down well.Sally talks about the excitement of co-showrunning, why she wants to try it solo and how much she has learner from her partner...
2025-03-0647 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 137 - Showrunner JJ Bailey, The Hunting PartyWe talk to showrunner JJ Bailey.He talks about his new show The Hunting Party, finding a new angle for a procedural and the excitement of getting a new network show on air.We hear about the complexity of the showrunner role, learning a way round a writers room and whether you should write about your hobbies.Great insight from a man who seems too nice to be successful in Hollywood.
2025-02-2742 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 136 - Writer Matthew Aldrich, Coco, CleanerWe're back after our New Year and fire break and have a great oe, Coco and Cleaner writer Matthew Aldrich.He talks about the power of spec scripts, why he never celebrates his wins and the pressure and intensity of working with Pixar.He tells about sourcing ideas from news articles, how prior success has meant nothing for future success and the state of Hollywood today.We also cover not living in LA, alternative pastry chef careers and why he feels so fortunate.A great first episode of the year from a...
2025-02-2047 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 135 - Executive and Producer Sue Naegle, Day of the Jackal, Game of ThronesWe talk to former HBO President and now producer Sue Naegle.A fascinating insight from the top of Hollywood about how Game of Thrones nearly didn’t get made, working with Eddie Redmayne and the art of saying no.Sue talks about producing multiple shows at the same time, the projects that got away and the fear of where the next deal is coming from.We also talk about Hollywood coming out of its dark times, the Day of the Jackal and what she learned being an agent.Extraordinary insight from a varied and successful ca...
2024-12-1944 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 134 - Writer and Showrunner Kevin Abbott, Roseanne, Golden Girls, Happy’s PlaceWe talk to comedy writing legend Kevin Abbott.He talks about the drinking, drugs and smoking of his first comedy rooms, how he got his break in the business and working through the night.Pitching while an exec was peeing, why writers are all miserable and the behaviours that are no longer acceptable.Kevin explains that Hollywood is in its worst possible spot, why creatives are not valued and how the industry has changed to be so much more business than show.A fascinating and hilarious discussion with a legend of the business.
2024-12-0650 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 133 - Producer Michael Costigan, Brokeback Mountain, Based on a True StoryWe talk to the magnificent Michael Costigan, producer of such hits as Brokeback Mountain, Robin Hood and Hit Man, among many others joins the show.He talks about his new TV series Based on a True Story, his transition from movies to the small screen and how hard it is to get anything made.Michael explains his journey from terrible assistant, to producing seminal movies and compares adversity in film and television.An honest and candid romp through Hollywood, with tales of the biggest directors and a genuine passion for every project he touches.
2024-11-2141 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 132 - Showrunner Frank Cardea, NCIS, Crazy Like a Fox, ShogunWhat an episode!We talk to TV legend Frank Cardea about his decades in the business.He tells us about his move from accountancy to producing, the extraordinary longevity of his writing partnership and working on more than 400 episodes of NCIS.We hear some great examples of failure, some great examples of success and also some great examples of leadership.A fascinating deepdive into one of Hollywood longest and most prodigious careers.
2024-10-2453 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 131 - Writer and Showrunner Michael Rauch, Beautiful People, Royal PainsWe talk to Michael Rauch. He starts with an extraordinary film school firing, then a late-night 'show being un-picked up' call and how he recovered from those early career setbacks.He tells us about his casting frustrations, managing multiple projects, and what he learned from great showrunners.An excellent episode full of brilliant anecdotes.
2024-10-1046 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 130 - Writer and Showrunner Mark Goffman, West Wing, Sleepy Hollow, Bull, IrrationalWe talk to the fascinating Mark Goffman.He tells us about swapping real Government speech writing at the State Department for writing on the West Wing, some extraordinary career luck and ventriloqism documentaries.Mark talks about the importance of giving people a voice in a room, the importance of working with good people repeatedly and the importance of reflecting something of yourself in every show.He talks about regret, where he derives his satisfaction in the writing process and he answers the question 'are your shows better in your head or on the screen'.A...
2024-10-0340 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 129 - John Wirth Part Two!We weren’t finished with John Wirth, so he comes back for more.This time we talk leadership style, drinking too much soda and the use of the red pen.John talks about being blunt, some more failure stories and even more advice.
2024-09-2655 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 128 - Showrunner and Writer John Wirth, Dark Winds, Nash BridgesWe speak to the legendary John Wirth.He talks about a Hollywood career so long that he can't even remember all of the shows he has run, the shows he has been fired from and arguing with actors who hadn't won Emmys.He talks about managing upwards, 'run money' and an extraordinary argument with talent about trust.A remarkable episode with a remarkable storyteller.
2024-09-191h 15Screaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 127 - Writer, Showrunner, Memoirist SJ Hodges, The Player, Uneven GroundWe talk to the extraordinary SJ Hodges.She talks about changing her name to a gender neutral one to get read, jumping from staff writer straight to show runner and what she learned from managing a literal car crash on The Player.Then SJ shares her personal journey of losing her husband to a brain tumour, what she did next and how she ended up building a community around her memoir Uneven Ground.A poignant and honest episode.
2024-09-131h 50Screaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 126 - Writer Gary Whitta, The Book of Eli, Rogue OneThe podcast is back for the second half of season three and we have a cracker.Gary Whitta, writer of Book of Eli and Rogue One gives an extraordinary interview about his transition from video game editor to writer, working on Star Wars and his frustrations with Hollywood. He gves us an extraordinary pig analogy, talks about the excitement and pressure of being asked to work on the world's largest franchise and why he now won't watch any new Star Wars shows.One of the most honest and candid interviews we've had, Gary holds back nothing a...
2024-09-051h 08Screaming into the Hollywood AbyssWe're back!After a long mid-season break, we are back up with the second half of Season Three of Screaming into the Hollywood Abyss.Noah and Dan talk about what they have been up to the last few weeks - Noah's show got cancelled! - and we thank our long-term partner Scriptation and then introduce tomorrow's episode with Rogue One writer Gary Whitta.This taster episode will just remind you of the quality of our banter, get you reacquainted with our voices and sets the table for a great upcoming season.
2024-09-0554 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 125 - Writer, Producer, Director Ed Zwick, Shakespeare in Love, Blood Diamond, the Last SamuraiOur first Oscar winner!For the last episode before our mid-season break we have Ed Swick on the show.He talks about his new book - Hits, Flops and Other Illusions.And we talk winning Oscars, writing truthful books about Hollywood and his extraordinary career.He tells us how the industry has changed, that films like the ones he made aren’t made anymore and a bit more about winning Oscars.Ed tells us about his motivation for making movies, his favourite industry moments and how writing his book helped him relive his Hollywood st...
2024-05-3052 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 124 - Showrunner, Director Jim Mickle, Sweet ToothWe talk to the fascinating Jim Mickle.He tells us about this start in independent movies, taking a break during the strike and the upcoming final season of Sweet Tooth.He explains how he got in to tv, becoming a showrunner and suffering from imposter syndrome and working in New Zealand during a pandemic.Jim talks about how hard and tiring being a showrunner was, nearly working with Stallone and why he is pleased to have made slow progress at the beginning of his career.A really interesting discussion with an engaging and successful showrunner.
2024-05-2342 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 123 - Showrunner, writer Emily Fox, Hindsight, Watchful Eye, Zoey's Extraordinary PlaylistWe talk to the fascinating Emily Fox who tells us about getting fired, trying to stuff a large chair into a car in the rain while in tears and the importance of connection in a writing room during a pandemic.She tells us about her shows getting cancelled due to a change of exec, being nice to people firing her and building bonds among colleagues.We talk the importance of support outside the industry, her cancellation radar and her ability to forget about failed projects.A fun and interesting discussion with a delightful writer.
2024-05-0251 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 122 - Writer, Producer, Showrunner Wendy West, Law and Order SVU, Dexter, FBI: Most WantedWe talk to Emmy-nominated writer and producer Wendy West.She talks about researching murder, her love of morgues and being the only woman in the room early in her career.Wendy talks about mentoring young female writers, supporting veterans and what it's like to work in the Dick Wolf world.She explains her path to success, her love of crossovers and finding out her show is being cancelled by fax.A fascinating insight into procedural TV by one of the best to have done it.
2024-04-2544 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 121 - Producer, Director, Showrunner Eddie Schmidt, Good One: A Show About JokesWe talk to Oscar and Emmy award nominee Eddie Schmidt.He talks about being comedy adjacent, his time in an improv troupe and how he moved into the showrunning part of Hollywood.We discuss leadership style, the fun of working in comedy and the demeaning comments of mean bosses.We talk about how to appreciate comedy, the complexities of navigating Hollywood and being able to speak truth to talent.A fun and insightful discussion about working and succeeding in the comedy part of Hollywood.
2024-04-1840 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 120 - Comedian Ray EllinIn a slightly different style of episode we talk to comedian Ray Ellin.We discuss how social media has changed comedy, hear some magnificent failure anecdotes from comedy clubs and bars and talk through the process of creating comedy.Ray talks us through his love of live standup, working in tv and why he made a podcast about Little House on the Prairie.We also cover cancel culture, Aruba and The Magic Castle.A fun and fascinating romp through entertainment through a different lens.
2024-04-1155 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 119 - Writers and Producers Eric Johnson and Paul Tamasy, The Fighter, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly WarfareWe talk to Oscar-nominated writing partners Eric Johnson and Paul Tamasy, They talk about their fight to get the Fighter written, battling both the mob and Hollywood, the joy of an Oscar nomination and the slog of the promotional campaign.They talk about how they savour every moment of red carpets and parties, the importance of never giving up and the frustrations of the arbitration system.They joke about their fear of TV writing and reveal the secret to Hollywood success - playing football with British people!A fascinating discussion about the slog of making m...
2024-04-0439 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 118 - Writer Tom Vaughan, Winchester, The Haunting of the Queen MaryWe talk to screenwriter Tom Vaughan who opens up about his Hollywood journey.He talks about his early career, the arrogance and refusal to take notes even from Disney and the mistakes he made.He talks candidly about being 'a drunk', how despite success he deservedly couldn't get people to work with him a second time and moving into teaching and taking a break from Hollywood saved him.We talked about his Razzie nomination, how he reinvented himself and why he's not proud of any of the movies that he wrote.An extraordinary insight into...
2024-03-0746 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 117 - Director, Writer, Showrunner Matthew Carnahan, Dirt, House of LiesWe talk to the fascinating Matthew Carnahan.He tells us about his early work with Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, why he didn't want to work in TV and how he broke in to that world.He talks passionately about choosing meaningful projects over money, the joys of a successful project and the anger at the death of that same project.Matt talks about his early-career rage, losing projects to strikes, executive firings and bad luck and the things that bring him career satisfaction.The most honest and candid of discussions with a man with...
2024-02-2941 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 116 - Writer, producer, showrunner Ted Cohen, Friends, Veep, SuccessionThe One with 4-time Emmy winner Ted Cohen.We speak to Ted about his time on Friends, what’s it like to win an Emmy and how we coped after coming off Friends and spending ten years in the development wilderness.We talk about the switch from comedy to drama, writing for himself and getting on Veep.Then we hear about Succession, working on a game- changing project, his desire to create his own show and when you know you’re working on something special.A fascinating discussion with an award winner with some of the...
2024-02-2251 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 115 - Steven O’Neill, Head of Casting, Universal Content ProductionsWe talked to Head of Casting at Universal Content Productions, Steven O’Neill.He proudly talks about his work helping people achieve their dreams, how he fell in love with casting and what the pandemic did to change the process.He talks about how to deal with disagreements with showrunners, separating behaviour from performances and running into actors who he hasn’t cast.A fascinatingly honest, rather inspirational discussion about helping Hollywood dreams come true.
2024-02-1548 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 114 - Writer and Showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker, Luke Cage, Creed IIWe talk to legendary showrunner Cheo Hodari Coker.He talks about his journey from music journalist to writer, what he learned from the tough world of hip-hop and how he used those skills in Hollywood.Cheo talks about the similarities between running and writing, finding pockets of time to write and how screenwriting can be painful.He describes embracing the suck, seizing his moment and writing as pie-eating.A fascinating interview with a talented storyteller.
2024-02-0854 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 113 - Showrunner and Executive Producer Keith Geller, Wipeout, Fear Factor, Floor is LavaWe speak to Keith Geller who talks us through his unscripted journey.We talk game shows versus docu-follows, shrinking budgets and higher expectations and picking only proven formats.He talks about his journey from Shakespeare to Wipeout, the role of social media and the changing attitudes towards mental health and crises.Keith talks pitching new formats, creating his own show and trying to create a fun, fair and safe work environment.An insightful look at the world of large scale unscripted television.
2024-01-2540 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 112 - Writer Daniel Kunka, 12 Rounds, LiftWe talk to the lovely Daniel Kunka, writer of Netflix number one movie Lift.We talk zombie apocalypses, impregnating wolves and the unlikely demise of a great script.He tells us about his 15 year gap between movies, writing for a female lead and ending up with Kevin Hart and how it feels to have the number one movie on a global steaming platform.Daniel also explains the anxiety of losing his health insurance while his wife was pregnant, anxiety and selling scripts that don’t get made.A fascinating discussion with an articulate and funny wr...
2024-01-1848 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 111 - Producers Marc Benardout, Hugh Broder - He Went That WayBack from the winter break and we have another 'case study' episode of the podcast.We talk to Marc Benardout and Hugh Broder, producers of He Went That Way, a new movie out tomorrow.They talk about working with Jacob Elordi and Zach Quinto, about dealing with the death of their director but also Marc's son during production and the 19-year journey to get the film made.We discuss prison visits, poetry professors and sibling serial killers.And the costs of an animatronic chimpanzee.
2024-01-1148 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 110 - Showrunner Ashley Michel Hoban - Marco Polo, Girl from PlainvilleWe talk to the effervescent Ashley Michel Hoban.She talks about the excitement for her new show coming out today, her journey from assistant to showrunner and what she learned along the way.She tells about self belief, imposter syndrome and how’s she’s expecting to feel tomorrow morning after tonight’s Dr Death Season 2 premiere.Ashley discussed the importance of just writing, the pressure of being a showrunner and what she’s learned from previous colleagues who have supported her.A fascinating episode full of candour, humour and insight.
2023-12-2147 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 109 - Writer and Showrunner David Slack - Person of Interest, Law and Order, Teen TitansWe speak to the excellent David Slack.We talk about how an independent movie failure led him to Hollywood, the path from animation to live action and getting fired from Law and Order.David tells us about the shows that didn’t make it, claiming unemployment and some of the poor behaviour that has gone on in Hollywood.We also cover post-strike executive interactions (good), AI ruining civilization (not so good) and the hedge fundication of the industry (not good at all).
2023-11-1642 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 108 - Producer, director, songwriter, writer Adam Anders, Glee, Rock of Ages, Journey to BethlehemThe day before his new movie hits 3000 theaters in 38 countries, we talk to the talented Adam Anders.He tells us about his transition from a very successful music career with shows like Glee to his 17 year journey to writing, producing, directing and songwriting for a Christmas family musical called Journey to Bethlehem.Adam talks about being creatively unfulfilled, the tightrope to walk when working on a religious movie and his extraordinary pursuit of Antonio Banderas.He explains how hard it has been to promote a movie without actors due to the strike, the emotional toll of b...
2023-11-0947 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 107 - Producer, Writer, Illustrator David Kirschner, Hocus Pocus, An American Tail, Frailty, ChuckyMust. Listen. Episode.We have the legend that it David Kirschner. He talks getting his break designing an album cover for Neil Diamond, pitching Steven Spielberg at his July 4th party and Hocus Pocus going from abject failure to cult classic.David explains the story of Hocus Pocus taking years to make, bombing and leaving him in tears and then growing into a massive success.We hear about being sworn at by Harvey Weinstein, how he thinks naivety helped him navigate Hollywood and the importance of being nice.An extraordinary interview with a man whose...
2023-11-0149 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 106 - Writer and producer Jeremy Adams, Supernatural, Lego Scooby-DooWe talk to Jeremy Adams about his life in animation.He tells us about the difficulties animated writers face, how they are treated compared to TV writers and how hard it is to break out of the mould.Jeremy tells us about his successes, the sacrifices his family had to make and the irony of creating great work for little pay and then watching millions be made in consumer goods products.He explains what makes great animated writing, they joys of the comic world and his dream to writer a live action feature.A fascinating...
2023-10-2642 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 105 - Writer, actor, showrunner, director Deborah Pratt, Airwolf, Quantum LeapWe talk to the extraordinary Deborah Pratt. She tells us about how she got her break in Hollywood, her period of homelessness even after Quantum Leap and what she did to get her career back on track.Amazingly, we also cover a wide range of topics from Frank Sinatra to Airwolf to fan chat rooms.Deborah tells us about fighting against discrimination, pushing hard for groundbreaking scripts and what she learned about showrunning along the way.We talk passion projects, flying helicopters and how to manage fan expectations.A fascinating discussion with one of Hollywood's real...
2023-10-1942 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 104 - EVP IP Management Jordan Moblo, Universal Studio GroupThis season we seek to explore failure and rejection in different parts of Hollywood.We have Jordan Moblo, EVP IP Management and Creative Acquisitions of Universal Studio Group.He talks why he is plans to be an agent didn't work, the books that got away and how they try and treat the authors they work with.He explains how they set expectations for what might happen to a book during the long road to production, authors they try not to work with and how he deals with competition from both other studios and other writers....
2023-10-1243 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 103 - Executive, writer and showrunner Lisa Morales, Shameless, Two Sentence Horror StoriesWe talk to the fantastic Lisa Morales. She tells us about crashing James Cameron's Hummer, her role as an executive and then giving that up to become a writer.She walks us through being fired for not being confident enough, imposter syndrome and rebuilding her confidence and her career.What she learned on her journey to being a showrunner, what she did when she got there and what her advice is to others on the way up are also all covered.We talk through the concept of 'caring but not giving a sh*t', how it...
2023-10-0536 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 102 - Writers Aaron and Jordan Kandell, Moana, AdriftWe have the the amazing ‘Jewaiian’ twins who tell us about writing Moana, their early failures and why poetry didn’t pay the bills.They talk about representation in native Hawaiian storytelling, being down to their last 12 dollars and the emotionally challenging story of the making of Adrift.The twins explain how they celebrate success, how they deal with failure and their lives as teachers.A wonderful chat with a couple of serious Hollywood stars who also tell one of the most extraordinary stories of personal and professional worlds intertwining.
2023-09-2852 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 101 - Showrunner Mike Scully, The SimpsonsSeason 3 PremiereWe have legendary Simpsons showrunner Mike Scully on the show.He talks about being pigeon-holed as ‘Cartoon Boy’, losing out on an Emmy to the Rugrats Passover special and writing jokes for $25 for Yakov Smirnoff.He tells us about being accused of being a UN Observer for being so quiet in a writing room, having a show cancelled for being too wild and crazy when they specifically asked for a wild and crazy show and tells us about the comedy show pitch which got no laughs.A brutally honest and insightful interview from one of t...
2023-09-2149 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssPrologue - Season 3After a season break and, not withstanding the strike, the podcast returns.In this pre-season show, we talk about the strike, what people can expect this season and how much Noah surfs.We talk writers, execs and who you can expect to hear from.
2023-09-1423 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssBurn it Down Special - Author Mo RyanWe temporarily return from our mid-season break to hear from Burn It Down author Mo Ryan.She talks about writing her book, what she tried to achieve and her hopes for the industry.On her second podcast appearance she describes the toll writing a book like this takes, the chapters she didn't write and what she thinks about the future of Hollywood.A powerful interview with a passionate author about an important book.
2023-08-0355 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 100, Producer Erica Huggins, The Dark Tower, Ted and President of Fuzzy Door ProductionsOur 100th guest is the amazing Erica Huggins, President of Fuzzy Door Productions.She talks about her early days as a film editor, being fired and told she will never work in this town again and her subsequent successful career.She talks balancing the comedy of Ted with the pressures of the modern world, working with Seth MacFarlane and the transition from film to television.We talk resilience, leadership and running a real business in Hollywood.Erica talks working in partnerships, inspiring interns and the film shoot that was shut down by the threat of...
2023-03-3045 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 99 - Former soldier, TV host Chef Andre Rush, Kitchen CommandoWe talk to the extraordinary Chef Andre Rush in a slightly different episode of the podcast.The former solider and White House Chef talks about his transition into television, the 'sharks' he found there and why he chose to make the leap.Chef Rush tells us about the stresses of White House cooking, his role in spreading awareness about mental health and being in the gym at the Pentagon on September 11.We talk spilt wine, working with Gordon Ramsay and his desire to stay in television after the success of his first show.An extraordinary...
2023-03-2339 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 98 - Writer, Producer and Showrunner Brannon Braga, Star Trek: The Next Generation, 24, The OrvilleWe talk to the excellent Brannon Braga. He talks about the pressure of working on the Star Trek franchise, understanding when he was, and wasn't, 'in peril', and we walk through his failures.Brannon tells us about which shows were hits, which were cancelled and what type of leader he is.We discuss how he receives fan feedback, working on his soul's work and taking notes from the studio.A thorough and candid look at Hollywood life from a man who has been at the top for a long time.
2023-03-1640 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 97 - Writer and entrepreneur Steve Vitolo, Black-Ish, co-founder ScriptationWe talk to Steve Vitolo, aspiring writer and now a tech leader. He tells us his story of writing in rooms, getting his show cancelled and developing his app on the side.He talks not taking advantage of his new found access, feature writing and telling his TV colleagues about his app.Steve tells us about leadership, winning an Emmy and when to quit writing.A fun interview about breaking in and getting out of Hollywood.
2023-03-0937 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 96 - Writer and Showrunner Diane Ruggiero-Wright, Veronica Mars, iZombieWe talk to the amazing Diane Ruggiero-Wright. She talks passionately about early success, a big cancellation and nearly returning to waitressing.She tells us why she regrets not completing her education, the huge fall-out she had at the end of our her first show and why she isn't very good at taking notes.We talk writing ability, over-noting and leadership style as well as hearing about imposter syndrome, the overconfidence of youth and writing characters based on you.An extraordinarily honest and fascinating discussion about the ups and downs of Hollwyood.
2023-03-0245 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 95 - Writer, Showrunner Diane Ademu-John, Crossing Jordan, Medium, Dune: The SisterhoodWe talk to the amazing Diane Ademu-John. She talks about her first writing room, being afraid to speak and then getting fired from Crossing Jordan.She talks about leadership, co-showrunning and learning and growing even from bad projects.Diane talks about her love of genre, her new production company and working on a large ‘estate’ like Dune.An inspiring interview about confidence, storytelling and the inevitably of being fired.
2023-02-2340 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 94 - Showrunner Luke Tunnecliffe, Making their Mark, FearlessWe talk to Australian showrunner Luke Tunnecliffe.He tells us about trying to run a sports documentary during a global pandemic, bringing an LA production to Australia only to get locked down and moving from sports documentaries to scripted dramas.He explains the difficulty of pitching Australia in Hollywood, the Australian obsession with sport and what he learned about showrunning managing productions during Covid.We talk the shows that got away, the importance of trust and relationships with streamers and editing 7,500 hours into 7 episodes of television.
2023-02-1639 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 93 - Comedian, actor, showrunner Gina Yashere, Bob Hearts AbisholaWe speak to the extraordinary Gina Yashere about her journey from British comedian to American sitcom actress and showrunner.She talks about her dream to play a best friend in a sitcom, the lack of pressure because she never really wanted to be a showrunner and moving to America.Gina talks about her powerful comedy, talking about her childhood suicide attempt and breaking down barriers.She tells us how she doesn't yet feel successful, how she wants to help others like a 'rich white man' helped her and the importance of telling Nigerian stories.We...
2023-02-0941 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 92 - Actor, producer, showrunner Jim Piddock, Tooth Fairy, MascotsTwo Englishmen talk Hollywood rejection as we managed to lose Noah for the episode.Veteran Jim Piddock tells us about his fight for fair pay for Tooth Fairy, what a nice man the Rock is and his huge problems with a high profile actress.He compares rejections as a writer, an actor and then an author, tells is about his thousands of failed auditions and why he loves writing.Jim talks casting, the studio exec who ruined his dream project and also shamelessly plugs his book!
2023-02-0246 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 91 - Dan Rutstein, former journalist and diplomat and podcast co-hostWe turn the microphone round and have host Dan Rutstein as guest.Friend of the podcast Paul Bae asks the questions with Noah as Dan talks through unsuccessfully applying for 100 jobs, getting laid off during the pandemic and the resilience needed to change careers.He talks openly about the importance of vulnerability, what he's learned from interviewing showrunners and why he didn't succeed as a writer (because he only wrote one thing!).It's not your normal episode but it has plenty of rejection, failure and adversity.
2023-01-2654 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 90 - Showrunner Eric Guggenheim, Miracle and Magnum P.I.We talk to the fascinating Eric Guggenheim.We talk early career success, serious imposter syndrome and working with his brothers (one of whom has already been on the podcast).He tells us about his good years, his fallow years and how much he loves being in a room.We discuss the importance of learning the craft of writing, how it feels to tell your staff your show is cancelled and then how it feels to tell them you’ve been picked up by another network.A very human, a very vulnerable and a very interesting discussion.
2023-01-1954 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 89 - Writer and showrunner Simran Baidwan, Manifest, Clean SlateWe talk to the extraordinary Simran Baidwan.She tells us about her best and worst rooms, the transition from criminal prosecutor to Hollywood and the importance of grace in leadership.We cover inclusion, telling a good story and how to not put roadblocks in your own path.Simran tells us how her Indian immigrant parents dealt with her career move, why she walked away from TV's number one show and why aspiring writers should just write.An extraordinarily thoughtful and insightful interview with a Hollywood rising star.
2023-01-1249 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 88 - Showrunner Jeffrey Lieber, Lost, CharmedWe talk to the amazing Jeffrey Lieber - for the second time.We take a deep dive into the world of failure, rejection and adversity in Hollywood.We talk ill-fitting jobs, managing and leading teams and shit sandwiches.Jeffrey tells us about his fears of not showrunning again, talks us through the mistakes he’s made and gives advice to aspiring writers.A fascinating insight into the darker side of the business with one of its great minds and critical thinkers.
2023-01-0545 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 87 - Podcaster, writer Paul Bae, Black Tapes, Big LoopWe talk to the fascinating Paul Bae. The teacher/comedian/podcaster/screenwriter/actor talks us through his journey.We talk failing in screenwriting and acting leading to millions of downloads for his scripted podcasts, getting a chance to tell Korean stories and his secrets to pitching.He tells us how naming Korean menu items cost him a speaking part in the Interview, telling authentic stories and being offered an overall deal for terrible money.A fun and funny interview with a serious student of the craft.
2022-12-1540 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 86 - Showrunner Ildy Modrovich, CSI Miami, Californication, LuciferWe talk to the extraordinary Ildy Modrovich. She talks about arranged marriages, the importance of two showrunners and the pilot that was guaranteed - until it wasn't.She talks about losing her confidence, making sure others don't lose theirs and missing out on Sons of Anarchy to take a safer job.Ildy tells us about dealing with failure, the importance of good timing and not taking it personally when projects fail.Motivational and inspirational in equal measure.
2022-12-0842 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 85 - Writer, Showrunner Chris Sheridan, Family Guy, Resident AlienWe speak to the amazing and hilarious Chris Sheridan.He reads out some of his rejection letters, tells us about making calls from payphones on street corners and why he really didn't want to work on Family Guy.But then he talks about how great working on Family Guy was, running his own show and working in the studio kitchen.Chris tells us about travelling cross country to Hollywood, the importance of remembering his humble beginnings and dealing with success.A fun, insightful and inspirational interview.
2022-12-0144 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 84 - Writer and Actor Brittani Nichols, Abbott ElementaryWe have comedian, actress and writer Brittani Nichols on the show.A fascinating discussion about diversity, inclusive comedy and working on a rocketship of a show like Abbot Elementary.We talk happy and unhappy rooms, friendships on shows and how nice her Abbott Elementary colleagues are.We talk perseverance in a career, award nominations and what comes next.A fun, entertaining and insightful discussion with a Hollywood rising star.
2022-11-1743 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 83 - Writers and Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, A Quiet PlaceWe talk to the dynamic duo of Scott Beck and Bryan Woods about gimmicks in scripts, a yes after multiple nos and what happened to their directing dreams.They talk with incredible candor about their Quiet Place journey, what happened, what they learned and how they coped with a complex career conundrum.We talk difficult decisions, celebrating and commiserating and putting things in perspective.A fascinating interview with two of the most genuine writers about their unique Hollywood story.
2022-11-1045 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 82 - Daria Polatin, novelist and showrunner Devil in OhioWe talk to novelist and showrunner Dari Polatin.She talks about getting her book written at 4am and during lunchbreaks, the rarity of being allowed to adapt a novel and the struggles of a junior female writer in a room full of men.She talks about writing plays, struggling to pay bills and her pride in showrunning her own show.Daria talks about social media, fan feedback and the vulnerability of failure.A fascinating and insightful interview with the creator of a number one global Netflix show.
2022-11-0346 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 81 - Writer, Showrunner Andy Siara, Palm Springs, The ResortWe talk to the amazing Andy Siara.He tells us the story behind the time loop in Palm Springs, his fear of never working again and gives the most extraordinary piece of advice about hope.He talks the difficult of showrunning, explains what he does well and what went wrong for him when he lost control of his story and why he loves co-showrunners.We cover starting a family, touring rock bands and the importance of having a magic script.You’ll never hear a more honest, raw and self-critical interview about making it in Ho...
2022-10-2750 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 80 - Producer, Development Executive Alex Hedlund, Great WallWe talk to development executive Alex Hedlund.We talk at length about Matt Damon movie The Great Wall, why it failed, how he was involved and when he realised it was going wrong.He tells us what he learned from working on it, how it impacted his career and how it killed a genre.Alex talks about giving and taking notes, how he now chooses his projects and working on sensitive documentary topics.A great interview full of great advice.
2022-10-2040 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 79 - Actor, Director, Producer John Cameron Mitchell, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Joe ExoticWe talk to the extraordinary John Cameron Mitchell.We talk failure in writing, directing and actor, the risks of coming out and how they decide which projects to work on.John talks Hedwig, passion projects and discrimination.They tell a remarkable OnlyFans story, explain the fightback against stereotypes and makes very clear their view on content houses.JCM also talks about every failure leading eventually to success, some amazing career near-misses and how you can follow your heart AND still be commercially successful.An interview like no other.
2022-10-1341 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 78 - Writer and Director Peter Kosminsky, White Oleander, The Undeclared WarWe (by which we actually mean just Dan) talk to writer and director Peter Kosminsky.He tells us about his early firings (of which there were many including lasting only a day as a researcher because they didn't like his ideas around tampon tax) as well as how he went from Chemistry student to lighting expert.He discusses his shortcomings as a director, his strengths and how they work on both sides of the Atlantic and the time he nearly gave up after being completely out of his depth on a big Hollywood movie.We talk...
2022-10-0642 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 77 - Writer and Showrunner Amy Berg, Warrior Nun, CounterpartWe talk to the magnificent Amy Berg. She tells us her journey through Hollywood - taking a step down to be an assistant, her first big break on North Shore and her start with a writing partner (and then his moment of grace and nobility that ended that partnership).She talks openly about being bullied to the point of physical illness, what happened after that boss was cancelled and what she learned from the experience.We talk about the challenges facing the industry nowadays, the cycle of boom and bust in Hollywood and how she copes with...
2022-09-2939 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 76 - TJ Brady and Rasheed Newson, showrunners Bel-AirIn our first episode in the second half of the season, we talk to dynamic duo Rasheed and TJ about their journey to the top.How to decide the credits, how to share victories/commiserate losses and instances of when outside forces have tried to pull them apart are all covered in this fun and insightful episode.We discuss bad rooms, bad jobs and bad people. But also rewarding shows, great colleagues and the joy of writing.The pair discuss what keeps them up at night, the importance of original ideas and dispense excellent advice about...
2022-09-2253 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 75 - Showrunner Joe Barton, Giri/HajiWe talk to amazing British showrunner Joe Barton.He tells us about being fired from Batman, what a British showrunner does and standing in the snow waiting to be rejected.We cover writing about a foreign culture, critical versus commercial success and a bit more about being fired from Batman.He tells us about his creative process, British interest in America and the importance of grammar when looking for an agent.A fascinating discussion with a very cool, very fun, very successful creator.
2022-07-1442 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 74 - Studio President Toby Gorman, Universal Television Alternative StudioWe talk to Toby Gorman, president of Universal Television Alternative Studio.He tells us about his dream of being an airline pilot, falling into this career by accident and becoming a showrunner in his 20s.Toby tells us about killing projects, giving notes and part of the American Idol set nearly falling on him.We talk nepotism, the role of a studio president and the transatlantic cultural differences in unscripted.A fascinating insight into the unscripted world with a showrunner turned studio exec - and the most polite guest we've had.
2022-07-0740 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 73 - Showrunner Josh Silberman, Deadliest Catch, Fear FactorWe talk to Emmy-nominated showrunner Josh Silberman.We talk eating rats, nearly freezing to death and creating compelling TV.He tells us about his journey to the top, stolen show ideas and how to treat junior staff.Josh also talks Gene Wilder, working for Disney and constant seasickness.A fascinating insight into unscripted television by one of the best.
2022-06-3046 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 72 - Writer and Showrunner Meredith Scardino, Mr Mayor, Girls5evaWe talk to the effervescent Meredith Scardino.She tells us about the transition from late night to episodic, handling rejection of both instant and slow ideas and how her upbringing prepared her for a life of pitching ideas.We discuss warm rooms, mean rooms and no asshole policies and what sort of leader she is.Meredith talks about the issues with virtual rooms, the joy of writing comedy and the dopamine hits of pitching a good idea.A fun romp through the world of comedy with an entertaining and insightful guest.
2022-06-2346 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 71 - Showrunner and Creator Anthony Q. Farrell, The Office, Secret Life of BoysWe 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...
2022-06-1635 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 70 - Actor, Writer, Producer Michael Starrbury, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete, Colin in Black and WhiteWe 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...
2022-06-0945 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 69 - Director and Showrunner James Roland, Blood Drive, The PurgeWe 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...
2022-06-0245 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 68 - Showrunner Beth Schwartz, Arrow, Sweet ToothWe 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 .
2022-05-2640 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 67 - Writer, producer Tze Chun, Secrets of the Mogwai, GothamWe 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.
2022-05-1941 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 66 - Showrunner and show creator Jan Nash, NCIS: Hawaii, Without a TraceWe 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...
2022-05-1242 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 65 - Producer, writer, showrunner Liz Hannah, The Post, The Dropout, The Girl from PlainvilleWe 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...
2022-05-0553 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 64 - Writer, director Nida Manzoor, We Are Lady Parts, Doctor WhoIn 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...
2022-04-2834 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 63 - Showrunner and creator Christopher Silber, NCIS, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: HawaiiWe 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...
2022-04-2142 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 62 - Studio President Beatrice Springborn, Universal Content Productions and Universal International StudiosStudio 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...
2022-04-1439 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 61 - Director Tessa Blake, NCIS Hawaii, American Horror StoryWe talk to director Tessa Blake about her rise through the world of episodic TV.She talks about the balance between craft and leadership skills, what she learned as a cocktail waitress and the importance of learning people's names.Tessa tells us about early rejections, insinuations that women couldn't succeed in this part of the industry and her attempts at writing.She explains how she overcame the obstacles in front of her, her legendary levels of preparation and how she uses that preparation to free her up to be flexible on set.An honest and...
2022-04-0748 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 60 - Writer Liz Alper, WGA Board Member, Pay Up HollywoodWe talk to TV writer, WGA Board Member and co-founder of Pay Up Hollywood Liz Alper. We chat with Liz about the challenges she’s faced this year looking for work as well as what the industry is facing as a whole in the middle of what feels like an industry-wide slowdown. She discusses what the guild is doing to help writers sustain their careers as well as the impetus for Pay Up Hollywood, a program designed to pressure the major studios into paying assistants more. Liz also opens up about how her work with this progr...
2022-03-3146 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 59 - Mike Royce, Everybody loves Raymond, Men of Certain AgeWe talk to comedian, writer and showrunner Mike Royce.He talks us through his life as a comedian, compares bombing on stage to bad pitching in a room and the joy of regular Emmy nominations.And then trying to find success post-Raymond, failing at one show yet getting into the showrunners' club and being given another chance with the next one.We discuss why showrunning is hard, what he learned from others and used in his rooms and the importance of food and going home early.Mike tells us about panic naps, learning that other...
2022-03-2443 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 58 - Writer, Exec Craig Engler, ShudderWe talk to Shudder General Manager Craig Engler.The writer-turned-exec tells us what he’s learned about rejection as a writer and how he now behaves as an exec.Craig talks about the emotional heartbreak of a writing project ending in turmoil and legal dispute, how that drove him back to the exec side of the business and what it meant to him.He explains why he likes to give a quick no, how sometimes they greenlight too quickly for some writers and gives a great explanation of what horror actually entails.And he tells asp...
2022-03-1745 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 57 - Showrunner Vaun Wilmott, Dominion, Jack RyanWe talk to showrunner Vaun Wilmott who tells stories of giving up acting, selling shampoo and breaking into the world of writing.He tells us about his 'overnight success', taking more than ten years of writing until he created Dominion and the joys of being the number two in a room.We talk about leadership over Zoom, missing out on the snacks and lunches of the old days and working on a 'dream job' like Star Trek.Vaun talks about his shows, the importance - in a world of rejection - of remembering your value and...
2022-03-1036 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 56 - Showrunner Patrick Macmanus, Dr DeathIn one of our most in-depth and emotional interviews we talk to showrunner Patrick Macmanus.He tells us his Hollywood journey - part-time bartending, failed at acting and transition to writing.Patrick talks about giving up on the entertainment business, moving to Mongolia and breaking a promise to his mother-in-law.We go deep discussing distance from family, sacrifice and the commitment needed to make it through the tough times.A powerful, honest and painful discussion about succeeding in Hollywood the hard way.#Screenwriting #TVWriting #Showrunner #Writing #Adversity #Failure #Rejection #Hollywood
2022-03-0356 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssPrologue -Season 2Ahead of the return of our second season, Noah and Dan sit down for another of their little chats.They talk about Noah's recovery from illness, the incredible reception to our first season and what is to come in the second.We start our listener's questions segment, discuss the amazing honesty of our guests so far and set the scene for 50 more stories of rejection, failure and adversity.
2022-01-2021 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssEpilogue - Season One reviewNoah and Dan review the first season of Screaming into the Hollywood Abyss.They talk about what they learned, why they did it and how much it meant to both of them.And Noah reveals a secret that will bring new meaning to overcoming adversity.
2021-11-1851 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 34 - Special Episode - Screenwriter Noah Evslin - with guest co-host Paul BaeOn a special episode, we push Noah Evslin into the guest hot seat and the creator of the world's most successful scripted podcast Paul Bae joins as co-host.Noah talks about his experience of rejection, failure and adversity. He talks about the risks of leaving the relatively safe world of producing in Shondaland to push forward with writing elsewhere, the continual fear that you never know if you'll work again and his enjoyment of the process of creating.He explains what he has learned about the industry and rejection from this podcast, Paul tells us some classic s...
2021-07-2243 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 22 - Writer and Showrunner Kira Snyder - Handmaid's Tale, The 100We talk to Kira Snyder, computer game designer-turned-writer and now showrunner. She talks about the 'new' Hollywood and its concern for mental health and wellbeing, how working in corporate America has helped her prepare to be a showrunner and why working on Eureka was so fulfilling.Kira talks about diversity, how failed computer games prepared her for failure in Hollywood and the importance of working on projects you really care about.We discuss making the next project the most important, the thrill of working within sight of the Hollywood sign and looking for the good in every...
2021-04-2946 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 12 - Writer Jeff Howard, Haunting of Hill House, Oculus, I Know What You did Last SummerWe talk to horror writer Jeff Howard. He tells us about being rejected - with various levels of misfortune - by Nicolas Cage, John Stamos and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.He talks about the kiss of death 'well told', the desire for a quick 'no' and self-sabotaging a meeting by failing to read the room. And Noah tells the story of pitching to a sleeping exec.Jeff tells us about his movie that was sold, then died, then they were asked to re-pitch the same movie - just another way Hollywood can reject you.He also wo...
2021-02-1849 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssTake 4 - Screenwriter Dan Hernandez, Detective Pikachu, the Tick and 1600 PennWe talk to screenwriter Dan Hernandez. He tells us about how he handled the pressure of writing fan favorite Detective Pikachu, the big opportunities that got away in his career and going to high school with Josh Gad.He explains the benefits of being part of a writing duo, the importance of finding people around you with good 'taste' and how he handles the anxiety and rejection of a career in Hollywood.Dan tells how every big rejection in his career led back to eventual success, losing a movie because it was funded by Russian mobsters and...
2020-12-2353 minScreaming into the Hollywood AbyssPrologueYour hosts Noah Evslin and Dan Rutstein explain what their new podcast is all about.Screaming into the Hollywood Abyss, is a podcast about failure, rejection and adversity in the entertainment industry.Seasoned Hollywood writer Noah and former diplomat and podcaster Dan take you on a journey through the lows of Hollywood life and are joined each week by a talented guest who will guide you through their journey and how they dealt with the difficult times along the way.It's honest, candid, inspirational and heartbreaking in equal measure.We hope you enjoy!
2020-11-2909 min
United States of DramericaSocial Distancing Special #2. Noah Evslin, Hollywood writer and producer.We talk to non-whisky drinker and Hollywood writer Noah Evslin. He tells us whether Coronavirus would have made a believable story, how Grey's Anatomy would have treated this pandemic and how writing rooms may change in the future.
2020-03-271h 06