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 gi...
Jun 09, 2022•1 hr 30 min
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 Survi...
May 26, 2022•1 hr 3 min
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 screenwri...
Apr 07, 2022•13 min
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 fro...
Mar 17, 2022•56 min
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 importanc...
Feb 24, 2022•48 min
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 ...
Feb 10, 2022•44 min
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 t...
Jan 01, 2022•1 hr 8 min
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 m...
Dec 16, 2021•50 min
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 tour...
Dec 09, 2021•44 min
I'm excited to announce my newest project: the Screenwriter Survival Guide. In this bi-weekly podcast (airing every other week on Thursday mornings), I'll sit down with entertainment industry professionals, from writers to actors to directors, who have specific insights into one aspect of the industry. In one episode, we'll talk solely about networking. In another, we'll discuss how to write effectively. And in another, we'll talk about how to get that fabled first industry gig. Over the first 1...
Dec 07, 2021•1 min
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...
Nov 11, 2021•57 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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 wit...
Nov 04, 2021•58 min
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. C...
Oct 28, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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 ...
Oct 14, 2021•55 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 S...
Sep 30, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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 f...
Sep 18, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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. Con...
Sep 02, 2021•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 5
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.co...
Aug 19, 2021•55 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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 Twit...
Aug 16, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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 buildi...
Aug 05, 2021•56 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In the first chapter of Screenwriter Survival Guide, we're talking about the all-important move to LA. Moving to LA is vital for any screenwriter, and today we'll discuss why. We'll also discuss how to go about making the move, where to live once you get here, and how to set yourself up for success going into your first industry job. Plus a grab-bag of additional random LA tricks. Connect with Sam on Instagram ( @sambrookspresents ) Questions? Concerns? Reach out on Twitter or Instagram @SSGPod ...
Aug 05, 2021•59 min•Season 1Ep. 1
