Today on Screenwriter Survival Guide, we're doing something pretty special. Way back in Season One, I had my friend and creative partner, Axel Arzola, on the show to talk about the development process. This year, I went on his amazing show, High Level with Axel Arzola, and discussed the process of writing your first screenplay, among other things. I thought his episode of Screenwriter Survival guide was fantastic, and he was a big fan of my episode of High Level. In that spirit, we decided to give our listeners something special. So today, I'm bringing you my full episode of High Level on this feed and he's dropping his episode of Screenwriter Survival Guide. You'll hear Axel and I discuss the writing process, being gay in Hollywood, and a whole bunch of other topics related to screenwriting. His show has a much looser, conversational style that I'm sure you'll love. And when you're done, be sure to go listen to his episode of Screenwriter Survival Guide, now available on his feed.
Connect with Axel on Twitter or Instagram (@axelarzola).
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @sambrookspresents, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
LISTEN TO HIGH LEVEL: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-level/id1211324432
Today, I sat down with Rebecca Feuer, the Vice-President of Film & TV at Ridley Scott's production company, Scott Free Films, who brought us Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, and Blade Runner 2049, to name a few. Rebecca had so many fascinating insights to share about how production companies work behind the scenes, and the best ways new writers can get their scripts sold. If you're a screenwriter who's looking to be "discovered", you're not going to want to miss this chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide.
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Have hobbies outside the business.
On this quick bonus episode of Screenwriter Survival Guide, Sam checks in from a Ski Resort in Utah to revise his firmly-held belief that screenwriters must live in Los Angeles. Sam recently made the decision to take a break from LA, something that runs in diametric opposition to Chapter 1 of Screenwriter Survival Guide's first season (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chapter-i-why-and-how-all-screenwriters-should-move-to-la/id1579992191?i=1000531159758), in which he says that all screenwriters should move to LA. Today, he breaks down why he's decided to leave California, how he plans to continue his career from outside the TMZ, and what you should be thinking about if you're considering leaving LA as well.
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
Today on Screenwriter Survival Guide, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Dara Resnik, co-creator of the Apple TV+ series 'Home Before Dark' and the upcoming Amazon Prime series 'The Horror of Dolores Roach'. Beyond her work as showrunner, she's written on virtually every series under the sun, from 'Castle' and 'Daredevil', to 'Jane The Virgin' and her first-ever job working for Aaron Sorkin on 'Studio 60 on The Sunset Strip'. We had a fascinating discussion, covering everything from Dara's writing process to how a newbie writer should behave when meeting with a showrunner.
Connect with Dara on Twitter (@BadassMomWriter).
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Live within your means.
WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/BgFjE_yQcc4
Today on Screenwriter Survival Guide, I had an amazing chat with screenwriter Aaron Tracy, who was a writer on Law & Order: SVU and the creator of the Crackle series Sequestered. He's recently made the leap to audiodramas, where he's made projects with the likes of James Patterson, Shonda Rhimes, and Steve Nash that have gone on to premiere #1 on Audible. We talked about everything from pitching and selling scripts, to the importance of finding fulfillment before you've "made it", to why audiodramas are the future of screenwriting. After you finish this episode, go take a listen to Aaron's newest project: 10 Days, which is a high-stakes audiodrama about the wild world of 10-day contracts in the NBA. Scroll down to the bottom of the show notes for the link to watch.
Connect with Aaron on Twitter (@aarondtracy).
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Write something completely different.
LISTEN TO '10 DAYS': https://www.audible.com/pd/10-Days-Podcast/B09MJP5TMJ
WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/nqE1EOYdYIw
Today on Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with actor Adrian Martinez who you may recognize from films like 'I Feel Pretty' and 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty', or TV shows like 'Stumptown' and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'. He recently wrote and directed his first feature film, iGilbert, which is now available in theaters and On Demand. It's a twisted fairytale about connection and voyeurism. I always find it fascinating to talk with indie filmmakers and hear details about how they get their movies made. Adrian was very happy to talk about his process, and go deep on the messages behind his film. He has crafted a fantastic film and everybody should go check it out the moment they finish this episode. Watch links are at the bottom of the show notes.
Connect with Adrian on Instagram (@tasteofadrian), Twitter (@tasteofadrian), or Facebook.
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Get help.
WATCH iGILBERT: Apple TV, Google TV, Prime Video, Vudu, Trailer
WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWtlF2pgxqY
Happy New Year! To celebrate 2022 and all of the amazing things that are sure to be on the horizon this year, I sat down with filmmaker Sabur Tahir, and we both broke down our favorite films AND TV shows of 2021. We both have very different tastes in entertainment, so this was quite an exciting conversation.
To those of you who've listened to Screenwriter Survival Guide throughout 2021, thank you so much. Everybody says this, but we truly could not do it without you. And if you're new to the family, we've got a massive back catalog of excellent content, so be sure to check out the rest of the feed. We cannot wait to bring you so much more cool stuff in 2022.
Remember, as we break into the new year: Don't just survive, thrive.
Connect with Sabur on Instagram (@sabur.tahir1).
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
SABUR'S PICKS:
SAM'S PICKS:
SABUR'S PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/express-and-refresh/id1587353785
WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN IN 2022!
WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/rrDd7PXRwqI
This is the second episode in our "Spotlight On" series, where I’ll be chatting with some of the coolest young screenwriters, directors, and other industry professionals in Hollywood using a less-structured format. Our goal is to spotlight excellent up-and-comers with unique experiences and perspectives on the industry. Episodes will premiere throughout the year (basically whenever we have one to air).
On this episode, I sat down with my good friend writer/director Jacob Baldy, whose new film 'Ryn' is an epic sci-fi blockbuster made with a budget of, wait for it, about $5000. We go deep on how to make a big genre film on a microbudget, how Jacob goes about writing his films, and our shared love of crappy cinema.
Connect with Jacob on Twitter (@jmbhhf25) or Instagram (@jacobmb25).
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Instagram @sambrookspresents or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Screw the rules.
WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/v5nqZaph3fw
Today on Screenwriter Survival Guide, I’m thrilled to welcome a legendary writer, actor, producer, and director whose writing credits include shows like Glee, MADtv, and Crazy-Ex Girlfriend. He’s also one of the credited writers on Will Smith’s first feature film, and has himself appeared in more than 80 films and TV shows like Bridesmaids, Super 8, Waiting for Guffman, Veep, and Black Monday. As if all that weren’t enough, he also tours the world performing improv for US troops abroad in as far-flung locales as Iraq. But to me, he will always be Ira Gilligan from Arrested Development. I’m talking, of course, about the one and only Michael Hitchcock.
Connect with Michael on Instagram (@hitchmichael).
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @sambrookspresents, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
PART I: Michael's Story
The Best Marionettist in Chicago
Exploring Second City and The Groundlings
PART II: Writing, Writing, Writing
The many wonders of improv
How to become a multihyphenate
Learn from your industry peers
PART III: Directing
Improv is Vital for Directing
Always educate yourself
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Embrace who you are. Warts and all.
It's the grand finale of Volume I, and we're taking a look back at some of the most impactful things our guests have said over the course of the volume. This is not a clip show. We're sifting through the advice that appeared most frequently across the volume to bring you the six key steps you can take right now to help you not only survive, but thrive in this industry. If you only listen to one chapter of the Screenwriter Survival Guide, let it be this one. It will pay dividends for you down the road.
On a personal note, I really appreciate everybody who's joined us on this journey. We've got so many exciting projects lined up for the SSG feed, some coming very soon, and others lined up for 2022 and beyond. We're going to be talking with some brilliant filmmakers, so please go and follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And we'd really appreciate it if you'd give us a rate and review if you're excited for us to keep making stuff like this!
Connect with me on Instagram (@sambrookspresents), or visit my website at sambrooksfilm.com.
Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
If you haven't listened to the rest of Volume I, here are links to all our other chapters:
CHAPTER I: Me (Moving to LA)
CHAPTER I: Laura Modica (Getting An Assistant Gig)
CHAPTER III: Michael Ross (Becoming A Professional Writer)
CHAPTER IV: Jonny Santana (Networking)
CHAPTER V: Queency Luvry (Living In LA)
CHAPTER VI: Timur Bootzin (Indie-Filmmaking)
CHAPTER VII: Quincy Li (How To Get An Agent)
CHAPTER VIII: Axel Arzola (Development Hell)
CHAPTER IX: Beecher Reuning (Film Festivals)
RESOURCES:
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Don't be an "aspiring" screenwriter.
This is the first episode of a new series we're airing throughout the coming year called "Spotlight On". In this series, I’ll be chatting with some of the coolest young screenwriters, directors, and other industry professionals in Hollywood using a less-structured format. Our goal is to spotlight excellent up-and-comers with unique experiences and perspectives on the industry. Episodes will premiere throughout the year (basically whenever we have one to air).
On the first episode, I sat down with Kylie Eaton, who's written and directed many indie films such as 'Dispel' and 'Kinetic'. We had an excellent conversation, covering everything from the writing process, to a great day on set, to the importance of compartmentalizing the different steps of the filmmaking process.
Connect with Kylie online at kylieeatonfilm.com or on Instagram (@kylie109).
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Guest ideas? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
NOTE: Apologies for the audio quality, we had a number of technical difficulties in this episode.
Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers.
Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com.
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Find what works for you.
In the ninth chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with Beecher Reuning, whose screenplays and films have premiered at over 30 film festivals worldwide, including Nashville Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, The Student Emmys, and Final Draft's Big Break Contest. We talked about how to best promote your screenplay to festivals, how to leverage selection at a festival to supercharge your career, and, in a special bonus topic, how to make it as a screenwriter without moving to LA.
Connect with Beecher on Instagram (@beecherweston), Facebook (facebook.com/beecher), and online at beecher.media.
Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
PART I: Beecher's Story (or Why You Don't Need to Move to LA)
PART II: Film Festivals (31:45)
PART III: You're in! Now what?
RESOURCES:
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Learn how your brain works
In the eighth chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with my friend and colleague Axel Arzola to talk about 'development hell'. Axel has been developing shorts and features for over ten years, and I thought he'd be an excellent guest for today's episode considering we're actually developing a pilot together right now. We talked about what you actually do when developing a pilot or feature, how to find the best partners for your project, and why you can't be afraid to just go out and make stuff.
Connect with Axel on Twitter or Instagram (@axelarzola).
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers.
Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com.
PART I: Axel's Story
PART II: Starting a Production Company
PART III: How to Develop Projects
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Work on the project you’d make if you only had six months to live.
In the seventh chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, it's the one you've all been waiting for: how to get an agent (or manager). Since I'm unrepped, I decided to sit down with somebody with a bit more background on the subject, Literary Manager Quincie Li. In this enlightening conversation, we talk through the ins and outs of looking for representation and how to cultivate an excellent working relationship with your reps once you have them.
Connect with Quincie on Twitter (@quincieli).
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
DISCLAIMER: I own a website, advertised on this podcast, called Get Me An Agent, designed to help connect screenwriters with literary agents and managers like Quincie. This site had no bearing on our conversation, and we even discussed on air how unlikely it is to find your reps through processes like Get Me An Agent's alone.
Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers.
Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com.
PART I: Quincie's story
PART II: How to find reps
PART III: Your relationship with your reps
PART IV: How to become a manager
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Surround yourself with people who champion you.
In the sixth chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with award-winning indie director Timur Bootzin to talk about ditching the studio system and striking out on your own. Timur's films have collectively amassed over 18 million views on YouTube, but that's barely scratching the surface. He's also directed a music video for LA-based band V.O.T.G, been tapped to direct a documentary for the same, and launched his own podcast called 'The Inspiration of Now' that made me step up my game for this episode. He brings a really unique worldview to his films and the filmmaking process, and anybody looking to venture into the quagmire of indie-filmmaking would do well to listen.
Connect with Timur through his production company, Los Feliz Films - https://www.losfelizfilms.com, or IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9374174
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com.
PART I: Timur's Story
PART II: The Ins And Outs of Indie Production
PART III: Writing For Your Own Projects
PART IV: Distributing & Marketing Your Film
RESOURCES:
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Don't aim for just survival
In the fifth chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, we're doing something a little bit different: we're talking about your life outside of writing. You're never going to thrive as a writer if you're entirely focused on work all the time. So it's important to remember to find a balance of work and "not-work" that's healthy for you. To help me with the "not-work" part, I'm chatting with my friend Queency Luvry, an Indonesian/Canadian sound editor who also happens to be my oldest friend in LA.
Connect with Queency on Instagram (@qluvry), by Email (qluvry@gmail.com), or Facebook (facebook.com/queencyluvry).
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com.
PART I: Queency's Story
PART II: Your Daily Life in LA
PART III: Getting Out of Town
RESOURCES:
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP
QUEENCY'S: Put your mental health first.
SAM'S: Find a work-life balance that works for you.
In the fourth chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with my good friend, writer-director Jonny Santana to talk networking. Jonny's been making movies since he was four years old, and his work has been featured on NBC, CBS, The CW, and Telemundo. He's even been tapped to give a TED Talk. He's an absolute beast at networking, and I was personally floored by his approach to cultivating real, meaningful relationships across the industry.
Connect with Jonny online (jonnysantanamovies.com), and watch his films on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtE1CJ1Dol7K3AHOpLBQqZA
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers. Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com.
PART I: Jonny's Story
PART II: How to become a genius networker
RESOURCES:
SCREENWRITER SURVIVAL TIP: Studying social skills is a superpower.
In the third chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, we're going deep on the writing process. I sat down with screenwriter Michael Ross, whose credits include Switched At Birth, The Baker And The Beauty, and the hit Netflix series, Firefly Lane, to discuss his path into the industry, how to balance your personal career with the show you're paid to write, and why it's so important to go above and beyond when you're working as an assistant.
Connect with Michael on Instagram (@mykleraus) and Twitter (@mykleraus), and watch Firefly Lane on Netflix later this (or next) year.
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers.
Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com.
PART I: The screenwriter's career path
PART II: The day-to-day of a screenwriter
PART III: Tips and tricks for screenwriters
In the second chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, I sat down with an excellent young writer/director, Laura Modica (who also just so happens to be my coworker) to discuss how to get your first assistant gig in Hollywood. We start by going over her story (LMU alumni to the front), then dive deep on how to get an internship or job, and what sorts of responsibilities you'll have once you get them. Then we talk about the most important things for not-yet-screenwriters to keep in mind when building their career.
Connect with Laura on Instagram (@whatawonderfulsite2see) and Twitter (@laura_lmod)
If Screenwriter Survival Guide is providing value for you, we would really appreciate a quick rate and review! That really helps us build this community and keep delivering excellent advice for screenwriters.
Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod, or email me at sam@screenwritersurvivalguide.com.
Screenwriter Survival Guide is presented by my newest venture: Get Me An Agent: The fast pass that connects unrepped writers with agents and managers. For as little as $14.99/mo, you can reach out to unlimited literary agents and managers.
Get a free month, plus half off FOREVER with the discount code 'survive'. Check it out at getmeanagent.com.
PART I: How to get an internship in Hollywood
PART II: What you'll do in internships
PART III: How to get a job as an assistant
