The Writers Hangout

Grab a blanket, pour something warm, and settle in! This week, The Writers Hangout revisits a favorite episode, celebrating five wonderfully cozy fall films: Stepmom, The Family Stone, Mystic Pizza, When Harry Met Sally, and Baby Boom.
From Nora Ephron dialogue and Julia Roberts in Central Park to Diane Keaton in Vermont, we’re talking great writing, memorable performances, gorgeous fall foliage, oversized sweaters, and plenty of movie nostalgia.
Plus, Sandy reveals which films earn the coveted five-out-of-five pumpkin rating — and gives a special shout-out to the ultimate fall comfort show, Gilmore Girls.
Happy fall, writers! 🍁🎬
The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.
Executive Producer Kristin Overn
Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis
Producer Terry Sampson
Music by Ethan Stoller

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What does it take to turn a screenplay into a terrifying feature film? On this episode of The Writers Hangout, host Sandy welcomes Daniel Byers, writer and director of Dark Hollow, an independent folk-horror film that blends Appalachian folklore, practical creature effects, and a chilling story rooted in the region’s coal-mining history.
Daniel’s screenplay, originally titled Paradise, won the Jury Award at the 2023 Austin Film Festival, helping launch the film’s journey to production and distribution. In this fascinating conversation, Daniel takes us behind the scenes of bringing Dark Hollow to life, from developing its terrifying creature to filming inside a real coal mine and using cutting-edge virtual production technology to create otherworldly environments.
Daniel also shares how his unusual childhood, growing up in Rwanda, Nepal, and Appalachia, influenced his storytelling and fascination with horror. He discusses his early love of monsters, his years as a documentary filmmaker, and how the landscapes and cultures he experienced helped shape the visual world of Dark Hollow.
For writers and aspiring filmmakers, this episode is packed with practical insights, including why a screenplay should be treated as a literary work rather than simply a blueprint, why rewriting continues throughout production and editing, and what Daniel learned from cutting nearly a third of his original film during the editing process.
We also explore the realities of independent filmmaking, the challenges of securing distribution, the importance of marketing, and how changes in the streaming industry are affecting filmmakers. Daniel offers thoughtful advice on film school, finding mentors, building a creative community, and why assembling the right team can be just as important as writing a great script.
Plus, Daniel shares his approach to a productive writing day, how he handles writer’s block, what happens when a real cat refuses to follow directions on set, and his thoughts on the emerging world of vertical filmmaking.
Whether you're a screenwriter, an aspiring director, an independent filmmaker, or a horror fan curious about what happens behind the camera, this episode offers an entertaining and insightful look at the creative and business sides of making movies.
In this episode, we discuss:
Daniel’s extraordinary childhood in Rwanda, Nepal, and Appalachia.
How his early experiences inspired his love of monsters and horror.
The story behind Dark Hollow and its award-winning screenplay.
Creating a terrifying creature with practical effects and CGI.
Filming in a real coal mine and using virtual production technology.
How a screenplay evolves through writing, production, and editing.
Why some of the best storytelling happen in scenes that never make the final cut.
The challenges of independent film financing, distribution, and marketing.
What aspiring screenwriters should know about film school and finding mentors.
Why building a strong creative team is essential to filmmaking.
The pros and cons of vertical storytelling and short-form content.
Daniel’s writing routine, creative rituals, and advice for overcoming writer’s block.
About Daniel Byers
Daniel Byers is a screenwriter, director, and filmmaker with a background in documentary filmmaking. He earned a BA in screenwriting from Brown University and an MFA in screenwriting and directing from Columbia University. His screenplay Dark Hollow won the Jury Award at the 2023 Austin Film Festival, and he went on to write and direct the independent folk-horror feature. His work draws on his experiences across different cultures and landscapes, combining atmospheric storytelling with an interest in the relationship between people, place, and the natural world.
Listen now, and keep writing!

What’s it really like to work for a Hollywood legend?
On this episode of The Writers Hangout, comedian and screenwriter Charlie Nadler takes us behind the scenes of his career in Hollywood, including his time as Rob Reiner’s executive assistant and his work at Castle Rock Entertainment.
Charlie shares stories about working with Rob and getting a firsthand look at the filmmaking process. He also talks about growing up in a family of writers—his parents met while working on Laverne & Shirley—and his father Marty Nadler’s long career working with legendary filmmaker Garry Marshall.
We also talk about Charlie’s journey into stand-up comedy, the lessons he learned about paying his dues and finding his voice as a writer, and the special comedy partnership he shared with his father.
It’s a funny, insightful, and heartfelt conversation about writing, comedy, Hollywood, family, and finding your own path in the entertainment business.

In honor of Dolly Parton's recent passing, we are rewinding our episode with 9 to 5 screenwriter Patricia Resnick.
We have a fantastic episode for you—and one that feels especially meaningful as we remember the extraordinary Dolly Parton.
My guest is screenwriter, producer, and stand-up comedian Patricia Resnick, best known for writing the iconic film 9 to 5, starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, as well as writing the book for 9 to 5: The Musical.
With the recent passing of Dolly Parton, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the remarkable legacy of 9 to 5—a film that became much more than a comedy. It gave working women a voice, challenged workplace sexism, and became a cultural touchstone. Dolly’s performance, humor, music, and unforgettable title song helped make the film an enduring classic.
Patricia Resnick was there at the beginning, creating the story that would become one of the most beloved workplace comedies of all time. She was also involved in writing and producing on television’s Mad Men and Better Things, among many other projects.
Writers and friends, I promise you'll want to listen to this episode multiple times.
Patricia shares her incredible journey to becoming a successful, working screenwriter and talks candidly about what it was like to build a career as a writer and a single mom during a time when women in the workplace were often simply called “the girl.”
In honor of Dolly Parton, we’re revisiting the story behind 9 to 5 and celebrating the women who helped bring this groundbreaking story to life.
Dolly may be gone, but her music, her movies, her generosity, and the doors she helped open for women will continue to inspire generations of writers, artists, and dreamers.
This episode is a celebration of Dolly Parton, Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5, and the power of women telling their own stories.
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

What happens when a struggling writer claims a Hollywood powerhouse stole her idea?
In this episode of The Writers Hangout, Sandy takes a closer look at a lawsuit filed by writer Lauren J. Salkin, who alleges that Taylor Sheridan and others used elements of her 2016 pitch, Sovereign Nation, to create the hit series Yellowstone.
Sandy breaks down a recent Variety article about the lawsuit and examines the similarities Salkin claims exist between her project and Yellowstone — including a tribal casino at the center of political and development power, disputes over reservation land, development deals, and allegedly similar character roles.
But is this actually plagiarism, or could it be a case of parallel thinking — two writers independently arriving at similar ideas within the same genre?
Sandy also looks at the history of Yellowstone, including Taylor Sheridan and John Linson's earlier development of the project, Sheridan's career as a screenwriter, and the challenges writers face when they believe their work has been copied.
Sandy also discusses the importance of understanding how Hollywood actually works when it comes to pitches, ideas, scripts, and intellectual property.
What do you think? Do you believe Taylor Sheridan stole Lauren J. Salkin's pitch, or do you think the similarities are simply examples of parallel thinking?
Send your thoughts to thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com.
The Writers Hangout is sponsored by the Page International Screenwriting Awards.
Executive Producer: Kristen Overn
Executive Producer and Host: Sandy Adamides
Co-Host: Terry Sampson
Music: Ethan Stoller
If you enjoyed the episode, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. And remember: Keep writing. The world needs your stories.
Taylor Sheridan Accused of Stealing ‘Yellowstone’ From 2016 Pitch in Copyright Lawsuit By Jack Dunn
https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/taylor-sheridan-accused-stealing-yellowstone-lawsuit-1236840854/