Shows
The Diversity HiresTDH 045: Ideas that SlapA 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!WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2022-04-0556 min
The Diversity HiresTDH 044: AdaptationIn 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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-09-081h 09
The Diversity HiresTDH 043: How to Get Your Show on TV (feat. Anil Kurian)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.WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-09-011h 12
The Diversity HiresTDH 042: Fuuuuuck (Crafting Scenes)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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-08-251h 24
The Diversity HiresTDH 041: Shu Hates GenreThis 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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-08-181h 05
The Diversity HiresTDH 040: Put Some RESPECT on Her Name (feat. Tracey Scott Wilson)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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-08-111h 07
The Diversity HiresTDH 039: Inclusion Rider Die (feat. Fanshen Cox & Kalpana Kotagal)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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-08-041h 06
The Diversity HiresTDH 038: THE RETURNWe'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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-07-2859 min
The Diversity HiresTDH 037: Is This The End?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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-05-1954 min
The Diversity HiresTDH 036: The Antagonistic ForceShu 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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-05-121h 00
The Diversity HiresTDH 035: The Check InIn 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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.comShow Less
2021-05-0534 min
The Diversity HiresTDH 034: The Art of the First ActShu 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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-04-281h 00
The Diversity HiresTDH 033: That Script Belongs to the StreetsThis 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.WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-04-211h 03
The Diversity HiresTDH 032: 23 Reasons WhyIn 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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-04-141h 12
The Diversity HiresTDH 031: Stop Saying Sorry (feat. Melinda Hsu Taylor)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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-04-071h 07
The Diversity HiresTDH 030: Beat These People at Their Own Game (feat. Philip Buiser)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.WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-03-311h 06
The Diversity HiresTDH 029: The McKinsey Black Hollywood Inclusion ReportIn 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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-03-241h 05
The Diversity HiresTDH 028: Vibin' with Vanessa Baden-KellyShu 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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-03-171h 04
The Diversity HiresTDH 027: Inside the Writers' Room (feat. Tia Wren)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.WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-03-101h 05
The Diversity HiresTDH SPECIAL: Best of InterviewsIn 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 014Gina Atwater (Westworld) - TDH 002Jamund Washington (Random Acts of Flyness) - TDH 004Kay Oyegun (This Is Us, Queen Sugar) - TDH 008Rodney Barnes (Everybody Hates Chris, The Boondocks) - TDH 023Zahir McGhee (Scandal, Stumptown) - TDH 0092021-03-031h 10
The Diversity HiresTDH SPECIAL: Best of Screenwriting 101As 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! WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-02-2459 minThe Diversity HiresTDH 026: Time ManagementWhere 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!WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-02-171h 02The Diversity HiresTDH 025: DialogueSherm 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! WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-02-101h 04The Diversity HiresTDH 024: Development HellThis 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! WebsitePatreonInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-02-031h 13The Diversity HiresTDH 023: Rodney Barnes - An American SagaWutang: 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!WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-01-271h 10The Diversity HiresTDH 022: The Art of The MeetingWhat 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! WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterE-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com
2021-01-201h 07