In honor of my friend Linda Mazur, we are replaying one of my favorite episodes: the little-known mystery of the 1997 disappearance of screenwriter Gary Devore. Gary was returning home after working out the ending of his latest script, which he claimed would blow the lid off government secrets, when he disappeared without a trace. Did Gary step out…

Show notes to follow.By Sandy Adomaitis

Rewind. Sandy and Terry discuss *Poltergeist*, one of America's most beloved horror films, which may indeed be the most cursed film in Hollywood history. Released by MGM on June 4, 1982, and written by Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais, and Mark Victor, *Poltergeist* is rumored to be cursed because real human skeletons were used in a pivotal scene. T…

On today’s show, we have the legendary entertainment lawyer Peter Dekom. Peter Dekom significantly impacted his time at Bloom, Dekom & Hergott. He has represented remarkable clients, including George Lucas, Keenen Ivory Wayans, John Travolta, Ron Howard, and Robert Towne, as well as renowned companies like Sears and JVC. As an advisor, Peter has co…

We're diving into more updates from the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit, and we also have some surprising news about Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were sadly found at their home near Santa Fe, New Mexico. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Executive Pro…

Rewind: Join Sandy and Terry as they dive into the intriguing differences between the iconic film and the real-life story behind it! First on their list is the 1979 movie "Amityville Horror," featuring the talented Josh Brolin, Margot Kidder, and Rod Steiger. This captivating film tells the tale of a family haunted by supernatural forces after movi…

On today’s episode, we have Walter Wolf, the author of The Right Rehab: A Guide to Addiction and Mental Illness Recovery When Crisis Hits Your Family. This step-by-step guide outlines how to identify and access treatment options for individuals and families, regardless of their resources. Writers, I want to share this book with you because being cr…

In today’s episode, we discuss three key incidents in the lawsuits involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Baldoni released a voice memo he sent to Blake and shared footage from a film that shows a scene where Blake expressed discomfort about unwanted touching. He believes the footage demonstrates that he was not inappropriate during this scene.…

The conclusion of who killed Thelma Todd in the Pacific Palisades Pt 2. Actress Thelma Todd was the “Queen of the Lot” and made it in Hollywood when she died of mysterious circumstances at 29 years old. Who killed her? Could it be her business partner Roland West, a one-time screenwriter? Maybe it was the ex-husband, son of the Broccoli King, and a…

Rewind with one of your favorite episodes. Actress Thelma Todd was the “Queen of the Lot” and had made it in Hollywood when she died at just 29 years old. Who killed her? Could it have been her business partner Roland West, a one-time screenwriter? Perhaps it was her ex-husband, the son of the Broccoli King, and agent Pat DiCicco? The police are in…

In today’s show, Sandy talks about the wildfires that have sadly affected countless communities and caused trauma to many people in Los Angeles. A thoughtful listener's question brings us an update on Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, adding a personal touch to our discussion. After that, we'll dive into writer Bucky Woodall's lawsuit against Disney…

Hang out with us as we dive deep into the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Lawsuits: A Comprehensive Overview of the Allegations, Key Figures, and Statements Made. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have been engaged in a contentious exchange — and lawsuits — regarding Baldoni's alleged misconduct on the set of their 2024 film, It Ends With Us. Researc…

Hang out with us as we explore the major spec sale that shook Hollywood just before the holidays: the AI thriller spec script "Alignment" by Natan Dotan, a writer who, until a week ago, had no representation. The Hollywood Reporter Article by Borys Kit https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fifth-season-makeready-1236069133/ The PAGE I…

Come with us as we embark on the exciting and rewarding adventure of making friends in Los Angeles. Plus, we'll look at how the WGA encourages studios to take "immediate legal action" against AI companies. Show notes to follow. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Executive Prod…

REWIND. Terry recently received a phone call from a childhood friend who asked for help. The friend has a connection whose work was offered a huge deal, and he wanted Terry to brief him on "Hollywood" deal-making. However, as Terry spoke with his friend, he began to suspect that the whole situation might be a scam. Unfortunately, this isn’t a new p…

In today’s episode, Sandy shares her go-to film genre for those much-needed escape moments. The enchanting "Moana 2" is lighting up the holiday box office, outshining "Red One," "Wicked," and "Gladiator 2." In exciting news, Amazon MGM has secured Julia Cox's heartfelt spec script, 'Love of Your Life,' for around $2 million! Research for this episo…

The holiday season box office excitement has kicked off with the launch of Amazon’s "RED ONE," featuring the talented Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans! This action-packed adventure revolves around the thrilling kidnapping of Santa Claus, played by J.K. Simmons, and our heroic duo, The Rock and Chris Evans, is on a mission to save him just in time for…

The Writers’ Hangout is thrilled to provide an update on Elisabeth Finch, who produced and wrote for Grey’s Anatomy for eight seasons. Once a captivating grifter, she was later uncovered for lying on an epic scale. Previously, we released four episodes based on Elisabeth Finch: Episode 17 The Unbelievable Story of Elisabeth Finch: Part 1 Episode 18…

What do Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein," P. Diddy, and the Universal Lot in Universal City all have in common? It's me, your host, Sandy Adomaitis! Join me as we dive into the captivating story behind Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein." With writers, there’s always an intriguing drama lurking behind the scenes! The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards …

What happened to Joker: Folie à Deux? After flopping at the box office debut, receiving poor reviews and the lowest audience score in comic book movie history, Todd Phillips’s musical Joker sequel has shocked Hollywood by earning a lackluster $40 million domestically. How did this highly anticipated musical follow-up starring Joaquin Phoenix and La…

The fall season is well-known for its cozy atmosphere and festive activities. What could be more enjoyable than snuggling up on the couch for a comfortable night in? Here are Sandy's top 5 films to watch on a chilly fall night. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Executive Prod…

REWIND EPISODE! You never know when your big break will happen. In this episode, co-host Terry Sampson shares how he landed his big break, compliments of Harold Ramis. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller 👍 I…

Claudette Wells, a versatile artist known for acting, writing, and voice-over work, is here to provide insights about her new book, FINE FRENCH DOGS. You may know Claudette from her roles as Peggy from A Different World and the iconic sitcom Square Pegs, where she starred alongside Sarah Jessica Parker. Claudette was on the Hangout with us previous…

We have a fantastic episode lined up for you! Kevin Bachar, an EMMY-winning documentary director and screenwriter, is our guest. Kevin has previously joined us to discuss his horror film "The Inhabitant," available on Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Apple+. He also discussed his book "Dredge: 22 Tales of Terror." Now, he's back to talk about his latest boo…

The Writers’ Hangout dives into some entertainment news. Sandy and Terry cover the latest hot Hollywood lawsuits, which are plural, involving screenwriter R. Lance Hill, Amazon, and the remake of the 1989 ‘Roadhouse.’ A cult classic, ‘Roadhouse was a starring vehicle for Patrick Swayze, produced by Joel Silver and directed by Rowdy Herrington. Then…

Sandy and Terry Sampson discuss the little-known mystery of the 1997 disappearance of screenwriter Gary Devore. Gary was returning home after finishing the ending of his latest script, which he claimed would uncover government secrets. However, he disappeared without a trace. Did Gary step out to "buy a pack of cigarettes," or was he met with foul …

Hang out with Sandy and Terry as they explore ten screenwriting quotes and learn how to apply them to your writing. Gaining insights from successful writers is an invaluable approach to refining your craft and overcoming challenges. 👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out ou…

Hang out with us as we explore what happened behind the scenes during the writing of Twister, the 1996 blockbuster movie Twister, with a special guest, my cousin Kate! Twister is an action film and screwball romance featuring Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt. Writer Michael Crichton conceived it as a combination of the classic romantic comedy "His Girl F…

Sandy and Terry delved into the Enneagram System, a method of categorizing human personality into nine distinct types. For writers, the Enneagram Personality Test website is a valuable resource for mapping out your characters' authentic emotional journeys. By taking the personality test, you will gain valuable character traits that will enhance you…

The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the Writers’ Hangout podcast and will announce the Quarter-Finalists in their 2024 screenplay competition on Monday, July 15th. And that's our excuse to give our listeners a special treat! Today's episode features Sandy and Terry reading comments from the PAGE Awards Judges' scorecards. We also d…

We’re baaccck! It is the first week of July 2024, and Sandy and Terry are ready for #hotpodsummer. Did you know that our host and creator of The Writers’ Hangout, Sandy Adomaitis, has a wealth of experience in script development for both television and film? She has worked with some of the industry’s top showrunners, including Carlton Cuse, John Wi…

How do they do it? How do successful writers become successful? They must all lead charmed lives. One imagines a successful writer who works hard, gets up at 4 a.m., goes to the gym, then slides behind the laptop for four hours. Afternoons, they take their doodle around the block of their tony neighborhood, then put in another two solid hours of ed…

REWIND EPISODE. Join the conversation on how PAGE Awards Judges evaluate your screenplay with Karen Craig and Scott Barkan. Karen Craig is a professional screenwriter and script doctor whose credits include such films as AMERICAN PSYCHO II, starring Mila Kunis and William Shatner, and FORBIDDEN SECRETS, starring Kristy Swanson. Karen has served as …

Our guests are Steve Cubine and Nan McNamara from the hit podcast "From Beneath The Hollywood Sign." Every week, Steve and Nan dive into the magical, mysterious, amusing, and sometimes bizarre tales of Old Hollywood. If you're a fan of the Golden Era of Old Hollywood, "From Beneath The Hollywood Sign" is a podcast you won't want to miss. So, follow…

Parts one, two, and three of "The Unbelievable True Story of Elisabeth Finch and Grey's Anatomy." Available now! Rising star and television writer Elizabeth Finch wrote many emotional scripts for Grey's Anatomy, exploring cancer, abortion, and sexual abuse based on her life experiences. In March of 2022, Grey's Anatomy writer Elisabeth Finch was in…

Happy Mother's Day! Join Sandy and Terry on today's show as they discuss how mothers are portrayed in movies and explore the idea of screenwriters seeking feedback from the most influential women in their lives—their moms. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Producer Sandy Adom…

Our esteemed guest is Professor Carol Stabile, the author of The Broadcast 41, a profound exploration of the experiences of 41 remarkable women. These women, including some of the most prominent figures of their time: Dorothy Parker, Gypsy Rose Lee, Lena Horne, and screenwriter Vera Caspray, challenged the rigid norms of the American television and…

Do you know Judy Blume? She's a fantastic author who has written some of the most beloved childhood novels, such as "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing," and "Deenie." Sandy and Terry discuss some of the best writing tips for aspiring writers by Judy Blume, gathered by Literary Hub's Emily Temple. Trust me, this…

Sandy tells the strange story of Netflix reportedly paying director Carl Rinsch $55 million for a sci-fi series that he failed to complete and spent most of the money on crypto investments, five Rolls Royces, and a $380K watch. Now, Carl Rinsch is demanding an additional payment of $14 million from Netflix. Plus, does Terry get a visit from Black-e…

In this rewind episode, we talk with Kristin Overn, the Founder and Executive Director of the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards competition. Kristin began her film career as a producer's assistant and script reader at companies like Davis Entertainment, Bonneville Worldwide, and 20th Century Fox. Since then, she has consulted, collaborated, a…

Sandy and Terry delve into the latest plagiarism controversy. The Alexander Payne-directed film The Holdovers didn’t win for the Best Original Screenplay at the 96th Oscars, but Da’Vine Joy Randolph did take home the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The film is highly regarded by critics and audiences alike. In early March 2024, reporte…

After watching "Quiet On Set," the Max documentary about allegations against producer Dan Schneider, who is accused of creating a toxic work environment on his Nickelodeon shows and engaging in inappropriate behavior, Sandy can't stop thinking about it. It reminds her of the story she shared with you in Episode 86, about her time writing for ABC/Di…

Sandy and Terry delve into 4 impactful quotes by screenwriter, producer and director, John Hughes. One of the most successful and influential filmmakers in Hollywood history, John has helped launch the careers of Andrew McCarthy, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Macaulay Culkin, Judd Nelson, and John Candy. The PAGE International Screenwriting…

Sandy hangs out with the award-winning actress, musician, and screenwriter Lucy Walsh. When Lucy was seventeen, she was given sixty-three of the love letters her Grandfather Dale wrote her Grandmother Wanda while he was in World War II. A dozen years later, life-changing events compelled Lucy to fly from Los Angeles to tiny Newman, Illinois, to spe…

Terry recently received a phone call from a childhood friend who asked for help. The friend, has a friend, who was offered a huge deal for something they had written, and would Terry get him up to speed on "Hollywood" deal making. However, as Terry spoke with the friend, he began to suspect that the whole thing might be a scam. Unfortunately, this …

We are thrilled to have a special guest, Stan Zimmerman, who is a renowned film and television writer. He has been nominated for two WGA Awards for Best Comedy Episodic Writing for his work on The Golden Girls and Roseanne. Stan talks about his new book, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+girls+stan+zimmerman&crid=2D5…

One of the biggest challenges for new and seasoned writers is to sit down and start writing their screenplay. It's common for writers to have an excellent idea for a script for months but not put anything down on paper. To make matters worse, they might see a movie trailer that looks exactly like the movie they have in their head, causing them to f…

For screenwriters, the Public Domain can be a treasure trove of inspiration and material. Hollywood is obsessed with Intellectual Property (IP) and buying the rights to the latest hit book or graphic novel can be expensive and out of reach for most screenwriters. By tapping into the public domain, screenwriters can find stories, characters, and the…

Did Taylor Swift pen the spy thriller that inspired the new film ARGYLLE? Hang out with Sandy and Terry, who explores how the internet built a conspiracy theory that Taylor Swift secretly wrote the spy thriller ARGYLLE. Matthew Vaughn directs ARGYLLE, which stars Henry Cavill, Ariana DeBose, Bryan Cranston, Dua Lipa, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elly…

Adam Joiner, an ordinary man from the Sacramento area of California, managed to secure millions in funding for a movie that his brother Andrew wrote called 'Legends.' The movie blends legendary 19th-century American figures and steampunk Avengers, designed to satisfy the increasing demand for big-budget fantasy-action films. However, the following …