21 episodes
Screenwriter Survival Guide Sam Brooks
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- TV & Film
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4.8 • 6 Ratings
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Up-and-comer Sam Brooks presents the ultimate guide to surviving and thriving as a young screenwriter in Hollywood. Each episode, Sam and his guests dive into a different aspect of the entertainment industry that you won’t hear on most screenwriting podcasts, from where to live and how to make screenwriter friends, to how to land one of those fabled assistant gigs, and understanding your first writing contract. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support
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On Writing Your First Screenplay and Being Gay in Hollywood - Me on High Level with Axel Arzola
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
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support -
Ridley Scott’s Producer, Rebecca Feuer, on Making It in Hollywood and What to Write if You Want Your Script to Sell
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.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support -
I F**cked Up - Leaving Los Angeles
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.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support -
'Home Before Dark' Creator Dara Resnik on Screenwriting, TV Production, and Working with Aaron Sorkin
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.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support -
'Law & Order: SVU' Screenwriter Aaron Tracy on The Future of Screenwriting
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
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support -
'The Guilty' Star Adrian Martinez on Directing His First Feature Film
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
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwritersurvivalguide/support
Customer Reviews
Exactly what transplants to LA need to hear!
As someone who’s lived in LA for two years, I remember the whole planning-to-move-to-LA process as being overwhelming? What neighborhoods are safe? What is there to do in sad neighborhood when I’m not writing? Is it close to the beach? Is it far from my already-established LA friends? It was a lot!
Sam, thankfully, breaks this all down and makes the process feel much more manageable. His pacing is strong and not too quick that you feel you’d missed anything, which is important for podcasts. His personality seems approachable to the ear and the way he speaks is articulate enough to maintain listening.
I would’ve loved to have had this podcast around when I’d been moving!
One thing I will say to anyone reading this review is that money burns fast! Make sure you have a great budget before moving and understanding that, besides living in NYC, Los Angeles is probably the most expensive city to live. Don’t let that deter you, though. It’s worth it…if you make it worth it.
Looking forward to hear more of Sam’s advice throughout the episodes!