On today’s show, I’m going to discuss screenwriting scams that ALL screenwriters should be aware of and avoid at all costs. It never surprises me how predatory people can be with screenwriters and filmmakers in this business. I did an episode exposing ways screenwriters can get screwed on writing assignments. Listen to that one here. I do a deep dive into each of the following scams in the show. The Free Option – Optioning your screenplay for free Agent Reading Fees Script Consults That Ask for a Backend Cut Screenwriting Marketing Services Screenwriting Contests – Promises Screenwriti ..read more

Today’s guest is screenwriter and Hollywood script doctor Peter Douglas Russell. I wanted to go deep into the back alleys of what Hollywood script doctors actually do in the business. Peter’s conversation was eye-opening, to say the least. Peter Russell sold two television pilots in 2017. He enjoys working on projects both as a ghostwriter and as a consultant.  And he can both write and teach what he knows. So many successful screenwriters and producers have no idea how to teach what they do, and so many teachers can’t actually sell stories. But Peter does both. Peter was UCLA’s Teach ..read more

Today on the show we have author Jennifer Dornbush who has written the book Forensic Speak: How to Write Realistic Crime Dramas. We sit down and discuss all things forensics. We even discuss the impact of the OJ Simpson case on the world of forensics. Here’s a bit about her amazing book. Crime stories have always intrigued viewers and storytellers. Today, crime shows rule the airwaves and there is truly a procedural drama out there for every personality — and every writer. Born out of the author’s real-life experiences growing up around death investigation, Forensic Speak unlocks t ..read more

Corey Mandell is a screenwriter and screenwriting instructor known for his work in the entertainment industry. He has worked as a screenwriter, script consultant, and writing coach. While he may not be as widely recognized as some Hollywood screenwriters, he has gained a reputation for his expertise in helping aspiring screenwriters develop their skills and craft. Corey Mandell has offered various screenwriting courses and workshops, and he has coached many writers in their pursuit of creating compelling screenplays. His teachings often focus on character development, storytelling techniques ..read more

Neil Landau is a screenwriter, author, and professor known for his work in the field of film and television. He has written screenplays for various film and television projects and has also authored several books related to screenwriting and storytelling. Some of his notable works include: “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead” (1991) – Landau co-wrote the screenplay for this comedy film, which became a cult classic. “Melrose Place” (TV Series) – He worked as a writer and producer on the popular television series “Melrose Place.” Teaching and Writing – Neil Landau is also known for his cont ..read more

Today on the show we have screenwriter, Eduardo Cisneros. He began his screenwriting career in his home country of Mexico. Working on countless television series including Saturday Night Live: Mexico. His career took an upward trajectory when he began working with one of the biggest comedy actor/writer/producer and director in the Latinx world,  Eugenio Derbez. Eduardo help develop the massively successful crossover smash Instructions Not Included. Eduardo Cisneros’s latest project hits close to home. Half Brothers, who he co-wrote and produced with Jason Shuman, is based on ..read more

UPDATE: Mark Toia has passed away in 2023. He was a visionary filmmaker whose extraordinary talent and creativity transformed the landscape of modern cinema. His ability to blend breathtaking visuals with compelling storytelling made his work unforgettable and inspired countless aspiring artists. Mark’s legacy will continue to shine through his groundbreaking films, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and in the hearts of those who admired him. So insane and talented Australian filmmaker Mark Toia is back to tell us how he made millions of dollars self-distributing his remarkable debut ..read more

It’s always way fun to have a guest who is also a fan of the show. This week’s guest is definitely a member of the tribe. We chatted up pre-interview about some of his favorite IFH podcast episodes like Ed Burns and Joe Carnahan and I knew front hen on we were on for a treat. My guest today is award-winning writer, director, and producer, Chris Sparling. Chris has written some of Hollywood’s most original and fascinating screenplays like Buried, Greenland, Mercy, Down A Dark Hall, Reincarnate (featuring Leonardo DiCaprio), The Sea of Trees with Matthew McConaughey, etc. One of his latest fi ..read more

This week, I invited author, writer, and director, Jamie Nash on the show to discuss his ‘Save The Cats Writes for TV’ formula in his new book, Save the Cat!® Writes for TV: The Last Book on Creating Binge-Worthy Content You’ll Ever Need. Jamie is a horror and children’s film screenwriter with fifteen years of experience writing projects for  Nickelodeon, Liongate, Discovery, Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc, and also teaches screenwriting to college students. Some of his most notable horror credits include V/H/S/2, Lovely Molly, and Seventh Moon, A Comedy of Horrors, and Two Front Teeth. And ..read more

Today on the show we have returning champion author K.M. Weiland. I wanted to bring her back on the show to discuss her new book Writing Your Story’s Theme: The Writer’s Guide to Plotting Stories That Matter. “Theme Is What Your Story Is Really About.” Theme—the mysterious cousin of plot and character. Too often viewed as abstract rather than actionable, theme is frequently misunderstood and left to chance. Some writers even insist theme should not be purposefully implemented. This is unfortunate because in many ways theme is story. Theme is the heart, the meaning, the point. Nothing ..read more