The Writers Hangout

We're delighted to introduce Spade Robinson, a talented filmmaker, screenwriter, and story consultant. She runs the Atlanta Film Project, a consulting firm dedicated to helping storytellers polish their scripts and projects. Currently, Spade is working on her debut feature film, 'Late Bloomers,' set against the beautiful backdrop of the American Heartland.
In our chat, we explore what a story consultant does, how Spade encourages hesitant writers to be honest and dig deeper for stronger screenplays, and she shares five of her best screenwriting tips. She also talks about her favorite clients—including housewives who are passionate screenwriters—how to handle rejection with resilience, and the step she believes offers the most democratic way for a writer to change their life.    
Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller

We’re thrilled to welcome Joel Church-Cooper, a highly admired TV showrunner celebrated for his talent in creating shows around the industry’s top comedic voices. We hear how Joel took a viral short video and turned it into the acclaimed half-hour comedy series BROCKMIRE, featuring Hank Azaria and Amanda Peet. Joel also shares the hurdles he faced along his writing journey and how improv played a vital role in shaping his skills as a writer today. Additionally, we discuss Joel’s newest series, GOING DUTCH, with stars Dennis Leary and Danny Pudi. There’s a wealth of lessons here for writers, so be sure to listen to this episode more than once!
 Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller

We're excited to welcome suspense author and travel journalist Dawn M. Barclay. She's here to share insights about her intriguing book: Vacations Can Be Murder, a fascinating travel guide that uncovers the locations of major crimes and buried bodies in New England.
Writers and reference books can be great sources for screenplay ideas, and this book offers countless ideas on every page. Who knows, maybe your next script idea will be on page 43?
 Buckle up as we explore the criminal landscape. "Warning: this episode contains content that may be sensitive, distressing, or inappropriate for certain audiences." Please note that we discuss depictions of violence, murder, and sexual assault that you might find disturbing.
 Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller

Have you ever wondered what a film and television producer does and thinks? Well, you’re in luck because our guest is the talented Marc Resteghini, a producer who owns Jack Tar Pictures, a company based at Amazon Studios. Marc’s first release under this banner is set for March 4, 2026, with Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock, an origin story. Previously, Marc spent over eight years helping to build Amazon Studios, advancing through the executive ranks to eventually serve as the US & Global Head of TV Development. Marc has also overseen more than a dozen feature films over 15 years, working as an executive at 20th Century Fox and as a producer with DreamWorks’ Parkes/MacDonald Productions and Warner Bros.’ Di Novi Pictures.
Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller

Sandy recently came across an article in Variety that she thinks could spark your creativity for your next screenplay, short film, or vertical series. We also take a moment to revisit the March 2024 episode of 'Don’t You Forget About John Hughes,' where Terry and Sandy dive into four inspiring quotes by the legendary screenwriter, producer, and director John Hughes. As one of Hollywood's most successful and influential talents, John Hughes has played a key role in launching the careers of stars like Andrew McCarthy, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Macaulay Culkin, Judd Nelson, and John Candy.
Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller
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