The Writers Hangout

Sandy Adomaitis
  • 4.9 (39)
  • Film History
  • Updated Weekly

THE WRITERS HANGOUT, a podcast that celebrates the many stages of writing from inspiration to the first draft, revising, getting a project made and everything in-between. We’ll talk to the best and brightest in the entertainment industry and create a space where you can hang out, learn from the pros and have fun.

  1. 1d ago

    Christopher Nolan's Writing Advice: 5 Quotes Every Screenwriter Should Know

    What can screenwriters learn from one of the greatest filmmakers of our time? In this episode, we explore five inspiring quotes from Academy Award-winning writer and director Christopher Nolan and break down the storytelling principles behind his remarkable career. From Memento and The Dark Knight trilogy to Inception, Interstellar, and Oppenheimer, Nolan has built a reputation for creating emotionally powerful, intellectually challenging films that captivate audiences worldwide. Before diving into his writing philosophy, we also discuss Nolan's upcoming epic The Odyssey, the first major studio feature filmed entirely with IMAX cameras, and what makes the project so ambitious. In this episode, you'll learn: Why embracing your limitations can make you a more creative storyteller.How creating your own storytelling rules is more powerful than simply breaking existing ones.Why point of view is one of the most important decisions a writer can make.Christopher Nolan's "inside-out" approach to writing believable characters.Why stepping away from a script can often be the key to solving story problems.How high-concept ideas only work when they're grounded in universal human emotions.We also discuss: Christopher Nolan's remarkable filmmaking career.His long collaboration with his brother Jonathan Nolan and producer Emma Thomas.The groundbreaking production of The Odyssey and its all-IMAX format.The film's star-studded cast, including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, and Mia Goth.How Nolan spent years developing Inception before discovering its emotional core.Whether you're writing your first screenplay, revising a novel, or simply looking for creative inspiration, these five lessons from Christopher Nolan offer timeless advice on crafting stories that are both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.

    14 min

  2. Jun 29

    Oh My God! They Killed Kenney! The Too Short and Fascinating Life of Screenwriter Doug Kenney

    REWIND This episode explores the remarkable life and tragic death of Doug Kenney, the comedic genius behind Animal House and Caddyshack, and a co-founder of National Lampoon. Friends and collaborators described Kenney as a brilliant creative force whose influence helped redefine American comedy. At just 33 years old, his life came to a sudden and mysterious end after falling from a cliff in Hawaii, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape comedy and filmmaking today. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Executive Producer/CreatorSandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller

    27 min

  3. Jun 21

    Vicky Hart on Her Father, Stan Hart, a Legendary Comedy Writer for The Carol Burnett Show

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Victoria “Vicky” Hart, daughter of acclaimed television writer Stan Hart, whose remarkable career helped shape some of the most beloved comedy programs in television history. Stan Hart, alongside writing partner Larry Siegel, was a key writer for The Carol Burnett Show, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his work. His extensive career also included writing credits for films such as Move and Eat and Run (1986), as well as television favorites such as Love, American Style (1971) and Oh, Nurse! (1972), The Hal Linden Special (1979), The Wonderful World of Disney, and many other productions. During our conversation, Vicky shares stories about her father’s life, legacy, and impact on comedy writing. Dr. Victoria Hart is an accomplished performer and educator in her own right. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Vocal Performance from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has built an impressive career as an operatic soprano and teacher. She has performed leading roles with opera companies across the United States, including Knoxville Opera, Sacramento Opera, Fresno Opera, Greensboro Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, Eugene Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Long Beach Opera, and Rimrock Opera. Join us for a fascinating conversation about television history, comedy, music, family legacy, and the artistic journeys that connect generations.

    52 min

  4. Jun 14

    Filmmaker Billy Luther Talks ‘Frybread Face & Me.’

    Filmmaker Billy Luther talks with Sandy about his coming-of-age film, ‘Frybread Face and Me,’ which was executive-produced by Taika Waititi and distributed by Ava DuVernay’s company, Array, on Netflix. Written and directed by Billy, ‘Frybread Face and Me’ was selected for SXSW 2023's Narrative Spotlight and TIFF 2023's Discovery and New Wave Selects. Billy’s feature documentary, Miss Navajo, premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and aired nationally on PBS’ Independent Lens that same year. Billy has also served as a writer and director on the hit AMC series Dark Winds, adapting Tony Hillerman's novels featuring Navajo tribal police investigations. You can watch ‘Frybread Face and Me,” ‘Miss Navajo,’ and all of Billy’s films for free on his website here: https://billyluther.com If you have Netflix, go watch ‘Frybread Face and Me’ right now!  Pick up the remote, click the link.  Do.   The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller

    37 min

  5. Jun 7

    Billy Wilder's 10 Tips To Write A Great Screenplay

    Rewind. Sandy and Terry will discuss Billy Wilder's 10 tips for screenwriters. Few screenwriters are as pedigreed as Billy Wilder, who is renowned as one of the most creative filmmakers of American cinema's Golden Age. Wilder was nominated 21 times at the Academy Awards, 13 for screenwriting and 8 for direction. He won the Best Director award for his 1945 film "The Lost Weekend" and again 15 years later for "The Apartment." Thanks to the success of "The Apartment," Wilder became the first person to win an Academy Award as a producer, director, and screenwriter for the same movie. Cameron Crowe said, “There’s no better film school than listening to what Billy Wilder says.” The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Creator/Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller

    19 min

  6. Jun 1

    Master One Rule Instantly Become A Better Writer

    In today’s episode, we're diving into a key principle of screenwriting: SHOW DON’T TELL. This simple yet powerful rule can truly elevate your writing to new heights. These three words hold a lot of meaning—so what exactly does SHOW DON’T TELL mean? Join us as we explore this idea and share some great examples from well-known films and TV shows that beautifully illustrate this principle. Executive Producer Kristin Overn   Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis   Producer Terry Sampson   Music by Ethan Stoller   👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts.    📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast   💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

    13 min

  7. May 25

    PAGE Awards Judges Reveal How They Evaluate Your Script: Part Four

    REWIND. We continue our conversation about how PAGE Awards Judges evaluate your screenplay with Karen Craig and Scott Barkan. Next week, to wrap up this four-part series, we’ll be talking to Kristin Overn, the Founder and Executive Director of the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. Karen Craig is a professional screenwriter and script doctor whose credits include AMERICAN PSYCHO II, starring Mila Kunis and William Shatner, and FORBIDDEN SECRETS, starring Kristy Swanson. Karen has served as a judge for the PAGE Awards for the past 12 years, reviewing both Thriller/Horror scripts and Family Films. Scott Barkan is a professional screenwriter with several produced films and sold scripts to his name. He has worked with Blumhouse and Lionsgate and is represented by Mainstay Entertainment and CAA. Scott is also a university professor, teaching music and communications. As a PAGE judge, he primarily reads Action/Adventure, Thriller/Horror, and Science Fiction scripts. 👍 If you enjoy the show please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts.  📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to make a comment please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

    32 min

  8. May 25

    PAGE Awards Judges Reveal How They Evaluate Your Script: Part Three

    REWIND. PAGE Awards Judges David Portlock and John Evans continue our conversation about how they evaluate your screenplay. These two judges share a lot of helpful information in this interview. ✰ David Portlock has worked as a script reader for United Talent Agency and currently works for Bassett Vance Productions. Over the past 15 years, David has consulted and assisted dozens of writers in developing their films. Also a screenwriter, David wrote and directed a feature film picked up by HBO, Cinemax, and Starz; a short film that premiered at Sundance; and a horror script that topped the Bloodlist. As a PAGE judge, David evaluates screenplays in the Science Fiction, Thriller/Horror, Comedy, and Drama categories. ✰ John Evans received his MFA in Screenwriting from Boston University. Since moving to LA, he has worked in the development departments at ABC Studios, The Donners Company, Kopelson Entertainment, and AEI. John has also taught writing at the college level, authored six educational books, and worked as a copywriter and editor for several film distribution companies. John is the editor of our PAGE Awards ezine, and as a contest judge, he primarily reads Thriller/Horror scripts and TV Drama Pilots. 👍 If you enjoy the show please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts.  📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to make a comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

    32 min
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4.9
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

THE WRITERS HANGOUT, a podcast that celebrates the many stages of writing from inspiration to the first draft, revising, getting a project made and everything in-between. We’ll talk to the best and brightest in the entertainment industry and create a space where you can hang out, learn from the pros and have fun.

Information

  • Creator
    Sandy Adomaitis
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    207
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Writers Hangout
  • Show Website
    The Writers Hangout

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