Episode Details

Liz and Sarah discuss their recent Bad Trip writing marathon in Santa Barbara. The highlight? Writing outside at Godmothers in Summerland. Then they interview Rina O’Malley, a writer who’s breaking into the industry, about how she managed to do the impossible — get representation! This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your next meeting: have a preliminary call. Finally, Sarah recommends the Stray Kids Survival Show.

LINKS:

Rina O’Malley:

https://blcklst.com/profile/Rina-OMalley

Rina’s recs:

1. Darcy Fowler’s TV & Film Writing Workshops https://www.tvwritersrefuge.com/

Darcy is very good at helping writers find the actual story beneath the story they think they’re writing, and is also a truly amazing human. Generous, brilliant, and intuitive.

2. Script Anatomy https://scriptanatomy.com/

I’m a big fan of their instructors (all working writers) and their curriculum. I especially love the draft intensive classes, which are a great structured way to get a draft written fast.

3. Jen Grisanti https://www.jengrisanti.com/

Jen's annual workshop is magical. She brings in incredible guests, showrunners you can pitch and get feedback from. She also has free interviews online where you can learn a lot about story.

4. Lee Jessup https://leejessup.com/

One of the best people to learn from about the industry -- where you fit in it, your brand, your strategy, and how to think about your career like an actual career. You can work with Lee directly, but she also has a great YouTube channel where she breaks down the state of the industry and interviews reps: https://www.youtube.com/@leejessup5299

5. Roadmap Writers https://www.roadmapwriters.com/

A great place to learn about both craft and career, and connect with other writers. Tons of events, webinars, and classes. The team really cares about helping emerging writers.

Bonus: Events where you can learn and network

Storytelling360 https://storytelling360.com/

In-person panels and networking events in LA, NYC, and London.

Austin Film Festival Writers Conference https://austinfilmfestival.com/festival-and-conference-aff/conference/

Definitely worth going if you can. Thousands of screenwriters packed into downtown Austin for panels, roundtables, tacos, drinks, and mild chaos. Basically spring break for screenwriters.

Stray Kids Survival Show: 

https://strayksubs.com/videos/survival-show/

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