Screenwriters' Rant Room

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host writer/dir/prod Fia Perera sit down for a 2 hour, in-depth conversation with writer/director executive producer ERIC DEAN SEATON! Highlights: Working his way up as an AD, getting his first episodic directors gig, sustaining a long career, directors get hired for what you've already done, creating a graphic novel an producing the award-winning short, fake it til you make it and we open it up to a room full of filmmakers who "ASK US ANYTHING!" More about Eric: With a Daytime Emmy nomination and three NAACP Image Award wins, Eric Dean Seaton stands out as one of the most dynamic and versatile storytellers in television, seamlessly crossing genres and styles. In the dramatic realm, Seaton has directed and executive produced the pilot and series Average Joe. His episodic work includes episodes of Will Trent, High Potential, The Cleaning Lady, Superman and Lois, Batwoman, Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, The Flash and All American: Homecoming. In the world of single-camera comedies, he has contributed to hits like Modern Family, Black-ish, The Goldbergs, American Housewife, Life in Pieces, and Grown-ish. In multi-camera productions, Seaton has taken on pilots for Family Reunion, The Prince of Peoria, Raven’s Home, Mighty Med, and Kickin’ It. Additionally, his work in variety includes helming the beloved sketch shows All That and So Random making him one of the very few directors to have successfully navigated every style of narrative television. In addition to his work behind the camera, Seaton is the creator, writer, and publisher of the critically acclaimed graphic novel series Legend of the Mantamaji, and its sequel, Legend of the Mantamaji: Bloodlines. He also directed the accompanying multiple award-winning Legend of the Mantamaji: Live Action Short. Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! Our Motto: “Keep it GAME all day!" WWW.SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM.COM For information, Merch (NEW T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products EMAIL: ScreenwritersRantRoom@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom Guests: @Ericdeanseaton @theglobalactivista WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ : Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com

In this episode, Hilliard and Queer guest co-hosts writer/producer Deonte Staats, actor/filmmaker Dalila Ali Rajah and writer/content creator Skylar Ezell sit down in a super fun, engaging, 2-hour episode chopped full of game. Some topics: Highlighting people in our culture, anti-fem insults, "it’s just a phase," acceptance of being Out, a Platinum Gay, Shout Out to Patrick-Ian Polk and the new Noah’s Arc Film, centering Queer characters in your work, where to find inspiration for characters, who we are as writers, queer tropes, straight men insecurities and soooooooo much more! Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! Our Motto: “Keep it GAME all day!” WWW.SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM.COM For information, Merch (NEW T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products EMAIL: ScreenwritersRantRoom@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom Guests: @Checkmystaats @Dalilaalirajah @skylardawriter

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host writer/producer Deonte Staats sit down for a two hour, nothing but game conversation with Showrunner/Co-Creator of the new MAX hit series DUSTER! Highlights: LaToya’s time in the Warner Bros Writers Workshop, the Overall Deal and how it works, the John Wells system, creating the show Duster, casting, staffing the room, the importance of what’s on the page and we later open it up for a super fun Q&A with a group of Emerging Writers who were in the building! About LaToya: Born and raised in Los Angeles, writer-producer LaToya Morgan is known for her work on Shameless, Parenthood, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Into the Badlands and The Walking Dead. Recently, she joined forces with J.J. Abrams to co-create, showrun and executive produce the HBO MAX series Duster under her shingle TinkerToy Productions alongside Bad Robot for Warner Brothers Television which had its international premiere at Canne series, the Cannes International Series Festival in France in the Spring of 2025. The show premiered May 15th, 2025 is currently airing on the streamer weekly on Thursday nights through July. On the feature side, Morgan has projects at Universal, Paramount, and was tapped by Amazon/MGM and horror grandmaster George Romero’s family to write a new sequel to the iconic film Night of the Living Dead. Morgan is an advisor and mentor for the Sundance Institute, Film Independent, and Outfest Episodic Labs and the WGA’s Inclusion and Equity committee. She wrote, produced and directed the award winning short film Team Marilyn which was distributed on STARZ and is expanding into a feature film. In addition to writing for DC Comics, Morgan’s best-selling genre-bending sci-fi comic book series Dark Blood was recently published by BOOM! Studios. She was enlisted by the company once again – this time along with Creed star Michael B. Jordan and his company Outlier Society – to write Creed: The Next Round, the first ever comic book tie-in for the franchise. Morgan holds an MFA in Screenwriting from the American Film Institute Conservatory, is a two-time NAACP Image Award nominee, and a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! Our Motto: “Keep it GAME all day!" WWW.SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM.COM For information, Merch (NEW T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products EMAIL: ScreenwritersRantRoom@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom Guests: @Morganicink @Checkmystaats WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ : Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com

In this Season Finale episode, Hilliard and guest co-host, comedy writer Myles Warden sat down for a super fun, 2-hour episode with CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER STACEY EVANS MORGAN! We talk about Stacey’s amazing journey from assistant to co-ep, challenges as a writer, investing in yourself, opening doors for yourself, saying yes to opportunities, producing outside of scripted TV, speaking gigs, being the sexy writer in Hollywood, traditional staffing season, having an entrepraneurial spirit, working and developing series' with her brother showrunner Kyle Evans Morgan, the If Come Deal and how it works, the importance of writing Spec Scripts and so much more! In case you don't know, entertainment industry veteran, Stacey Evans Morgan is a television writer and producer with credits on the Disney Channel/Disney Plus show “Saturdays” and she has also written and produced on scripted series such as, “The Parkers”, “Love That Girl”, “Family Time”, “In the Cut and Partners in Rhyme starring MC Lyte and written for shows “One on One”, “Jamie Foxx Show”, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and the DreamWorks Animation series “Madagascar: A Little Wild.” In addition to scripted series, Stacey has written for live television productions such as the NAACP Image awards and The Gracies. Stacey wrote and directed the short film “21 Days of April” and she is a published poet, essayist and author of her first novel which was adapted from an original screenplay already and later optioned for a film in 2023. A firm believer in “Paying it forward by giving back” Stacey has taught master classes in TV Writing at Delaware State University, Howard University and she has served as an Adjunct Lecturer at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Television as well as her own online workshop series. Stacey has an original TV project currently in development under an “If-Come” deal and continues to live by her mantra: Write the Vision! This is a don’t miss episode y’all! Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! EMAIL: ScreenwritersRantRoom@gmail.com WWW.SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM.COM For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom Guests: @staceyevansmorgan @reallymighty WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! Our Motto: “Keep it GAME all day!"

In this episode, Hilliard & guest co-host Saeed Crumpler sat down with one of our favorite repeating guests AARON RAHSAAN THOMAS, acclaimed TV, Film writer/producer/ creator/co-showrunner of S.W.A.T., who began his career on Soul Food, Saturday Night Lights, Numbers, CSI NY, Southland, Sleepy Hollow and The Get-Down to list a few!! We talk about how Arron developed and pitched S.W.A.T., how writers can use certain techniques when pitching their projects to networks or PODS, pivoting while shooting during COVID and after the death of George Floyd, management and producing, serving the client, giving yourself room to improvise, why TV Spec scripts are important and so much more! This is a don’t miss episode y’all! Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! EMAIL: ScreenwritersRantRoom@gmail.com WWW.SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM.COM For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom Guests: @arthomastv @balance510 WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! Our Motto: “Keep it GAME all day!"

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host TV/Film writer Saeed Crumpler sat down with big bro Showrunner Glen Mazzara (Crash, Damien, Hawthorne HIGHLIGHTS: The new WGA's TV Writers Leadership Training Program, what Glen's been up to since our last episode #93 back in 2016, how to handle Development, Pitching & Notes, protecting yourself when times are slow, writing for tone, breaking down the first day/week in the writers' room and almost 2 hours worth of industry game! Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review on all your podcasts distributors! @glenmazzara @balance510 For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! www.Screenwritersrantroom.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com

In this episode, Hilliard and comedy writer Myles Warden sat down for a super fun conversation with Co-Executive Producer VINCENT BROWN. Vincent recently wrapped up as co-executive producer for the FOX animated series HOUSEBROKEN, starring Lisa Kudrow. Prior to that, he served as a Co-Executive Producer on Apple TV’s series LIFE BY ELLA, winner of the Humanitas Award, a WGA Award and the Emmy Award for writing. Vincent began as a teen theatre performer, moving behind the scenes after graduating from Yale and becoming Dramaturge at San Francisco’s Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, which mounted his first play: a stage adaptation of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye. He began in television on the Emmy-winning PBS children’s show, WISHBONE. After moving to Los Angeles, he joined MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE as Writer’s Guild Trainee, and his first network shows were COMMITTED (NBC-Universal) and GIRLFRIENDS. He has written for numerous family sitcoms, including Disney series such as A.N.T. FARM and K.C. UNDERCOVER, as well as adult sitcoms like the acclaimed Latino reboot of Norman Lear’s ONE DAY AT A TIME. His work on A.N.T. FARM won both a WGA Award and NAACP Image Award. He was nominated again for a WGA award for his work on LIFE BY ELLA (Apple TV+) and won the Emmy award for the same show. He has developed shows for Disney, Nickelodeon, and Kapital Entertainment in partnership with Cedric the Entertainer’s Bird and Bear. He’s currently working with producers trying to bring multiple projects based on IP to market because that’s where we are now. Our motto: "Keep it Game All Day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! www.Screenwritersrantroom.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom Guests: @VincentBrownLA @ReallyMighty WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-hosts (actor/filmmaker) Shawn Carter Peterson and (actor/filmmaker) Iona Morris Jackson sat down with STACIE GREENWELL who plays the role of Detective Shawna D Lackner, one of the stars on the Amazon Prime hit series CROSS! Stacie’s journey from the courtroom to the camera is a testament to following one's true passion. After several years practicing law in Washington, D.C., Stacie realized her heart belonged to the world of performance. She made a bold move to New York City, where she earned an M.F.A. in Acting at the Actors Studio Drama School. Years of stage experience in the Big Apple prepared her for her next chapter in Hollywood. Since arriving in Los Angeles, Stacie has appeared in numerous beloved and critically acclaimed television series such as Shameless (Showtime), Perry Mason (HBO), Big Little Lies (HBO), Last Man Standing (Fox), The Pitt (HBO), and Modern Family (ABC), as well as the Oscar-nominated film, Vice. Currently, Stacie plays the role of Detective Shawna De Lackner in Prime Video’s global crime thriller, Cross, which has been recognized with an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Drama! We talk about Stacie’s amazing journey, listening to her instincts, , auditioning in NY, the big move to LA, landing roles on TV and Film, her audition process for Cross, working with casting directors, what’s expected out of directors, feeling safe on set, what’s next and so much more! Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! www.Screenwritersrantroom.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom GUESTS: @staciegreenwell @shawnthemaestro @ionalotofgold WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com BTS @Jade.alexandriia

In this episode, Hilliard and Writer on the Verge, Rich Scott, sit down for an impromptu conversation about writer showrunner and executive meetings -- over talking, mentorship, perception, nurturing relationships, being ready for an opportunity, working with producers and friends, having a Rep that works for you, not against you and so much more! Our Motto: Keep it GAME all day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES - BLACK, GREY & WHITE), all things Rant Room! www.Screenwritersrantroom.com https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom @FatboyFeels @Wearererichie WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com #SUPPORTBLACKBUSINESSES #SCREENWRITERSRANTROOM

In this episode, Hilliard does his very first Bottle Episode by himself covering TV STAFFING MEETINGS! He talks about how it all works, the General, the Staffing Breakdowns, mandates, themes, mimicking your script to the pilot, the zoom interview, showing personality, welcome to the show, curiosity, talking about yourself, tell them why you love their script, how writing partners can shine in a meeting and so much more! This is a don’t miss episode y’all! Our Motto: "Keep it GAME all day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! www.Screenwritersrantroom.com https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: MQL2, Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM: Richard Scott - Creative Producer Tyler Musikanth - Assoc Producer Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing

"CREATING CROSS" Hilliard and guest co-hosts actor/filmmaker Johnny Ray Glil and actor/filmmaker Denzel Whitaker chop it up in a dope, 2-part episode with showrunner BEN WATKINS, writer-creator of the NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series and Outstanding Drama Series for Amazon’s new hit series CROSS. Ben talks about how he created and wrote the series CROSS on Amazon Prime and we go deep into the ins-and-outs of running a successful series! This is a don’t miss episode y’all!" Our Motto: Keep it GAME all day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room --www.Screenwritersrantroom.com https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @Hilliard Guess on all social media@Hilliardguess.bsky.socialIG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: MQL2, Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM: Richard Scott - Creative Producer Tyler Musikanth - Assoc Producer Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing

On an all new ep, Hilliard and guest co-hosts actor/filmmaker Johnny Ray Glil and actor/filmmaker Denzel Whitaker chop it up in a dope, 2-part episode with showrunner BEN WATKINS, writer-creator of the NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series and Outstanding Drama Series for Amazon’s new hit series CROSS. We break down many of Ben's writing tips for screenwriters -- like his 3 phases of screenwriting, building leverage, pivoting, picking up tidbits, finding characters on the page, researching, actors input and sooooooo much more! This is a don’t miss episode y’all! "Keep it GAME all day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room -- www.Screenwritersrantroom.com https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: MQL2, Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM: Richard Scott - Creative Producer Tyler Musikanth - Assoc Producer Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing

In this episode, Hilliard and lil bro, actor-filmmaker Denzel Whitaker (Black Panther, The Great Debaters), sit down for a fun conversation about the do's and don'ts of submitting films to YOLONDA BRINKLEY creator of the long-running, and very popular DIVERSITY IN CANNES FILM FESTIVAL! Yolonda, the self-proclaimed global disruptor, is a full-service marketing communications practitioner specializing in event production and entertainment publicity. Fueled by passion, she is the creator of Diversity in Cannes, the independent global film movement promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival. Supported by Academy Award Winner Viola Davis' JuVee Productions, Yolonda's inclusion efforts include the annual presentation of Diversity Day in Cannes, consisting of two short film showcases, a film panel and an awards reception in France during the Festival de Cannes, where diversity is not a priority. Celebrating 15 years, Yolonda has hosted hundreds of filmmakers from five continents, received thousands of short film submissions representing at least 35 countries and has welcomed esteemed panelists. Earlier this year, she launched Black Women Cannes, which as the name describes, provides a platform to celebrate Black Women at the Cannes Film Festival as they've been grossly underrepresented. Yolonda is recognized for independently pioneering the inclusion efforts at the Cannes Film Festival, resulting in a European Diversity Award nomination. Follow her journey @diversencannes @blackwomencannes "Keep it GAME all day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! www.Screenwritersrantroom.com https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom @DenzelWhitaker WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: MQL2, Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM: Richard Scott - Creative Producer Tyler Musikanth - Assoc Producer Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing

In this super fun episode, Hilliard & guest co-host actor/writer/dir Denzel Whitaker sit down for an in-depth conversation with award-winning writer-dir-producer LISA FRANCE. If you ever had questions about how to become an Episodic Director, this might be the podcast for you! Lisa France is an entertainment vet with over 25+ years in the business as a writer, director and producer. She began her film and TV career from the ground up. PA, AD, set dec, camera operator, props, 2nd AD, driver, stand-in, extra, etc. She attributes her extensive entertainment job resume to her ability to think quickly in difficult production situations. Eventually she landed a stunt gig with Spike Lee in He Got Game and a stunt acting job on The Summer of Sam and did stunts on a variety of other TV shows and films, most notably, The Sopranos. France directed, co-wrote and produced her first feature film, "Anne B. Real" in 2003, which won more than 40 film festival awards and nominations around the world, including two Independent Spirit Award nominations. She then directed two more award-winning independent films in rapid succession, both were distributed on Netflix, Starz and AMC theaters. Her first documentary, "Roll with Me", also garnered numerous awards, debuted at The Woodstock Film Festival and was a 2018 Slamdance Official Selection later acquired and distributed by Ava DuVernay's ARRAY Releasing. France has directed numerous thrillers and Christmas movies for Lifetime, BounceTV, OWN Hulu and Tubi. During the height of the pandemic, France directed and produced on Season 5 and 6, the critically acclaimed, award winning series "Queen Sugar" by creator Ava DuVernay. France recently directed episodes of the hit FOX series "The Cleaning Lady" and "Naomi" which is currently streaming on HBO MAX. France produced "The Herricanes" which just debuted and won a Special Jury Prize and the Audience Award at SXSW and is actually playing in theaters this month. France is a proud member of AWD, the LGBTQ+ community, the DGA, WGA, and SAG-AFTRA. Our Motto: "Keep it GAME all day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! www.Screenwritersrantroom.com https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom @Lisafrance2067 @DenzelWhitaker WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: MQL2, Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM: Richard Scott - Creative Producer Tyler Musikanth - Assoc Producer Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host (writers assnt CROSS on Prime) J.R. Zamora-Thal, sat down for an in-depth conversation with writer/producer JOSHUA GILBER. He's a mid-level TV writer (Flash) -- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4214168 -- and prior to staffing, he did all the Writers' Office Assistant jobs: Writers' PA, Showrunner's Asst, Writers' Asst, and Script Coordinator (the gig I did the most). Josh says, "It occurred to me that if a YouTube video can teach someone to fix their sink, they can learn to SCRIPT COORDINATE the same way. So I created an 8-part video training module that gives step-by-step instructions for taking a script from first draft to shooting draft!" We talk about how other assistant jobs don't lend themselves to this kind of training video and learn his journey of giving back to those who are on the come-up! Check out Josh's YouTube page and get soak up game - completely FREE! "Veteran Script Coordinator" https://www.youtube.com/@VeteranScriptCoordinator Our Motto: "We keep it GAME all day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room Screenwritersrantroom.com Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom @jr_ontheline WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! SCREENWRITER NETWORKS: OBSwriter.com BTFC.org ScriptHop.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PODCASTS WE SUPPORT: 2 Writers Talkin Shit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-writers-talking-shit/id1671253747 Hollywood Confessional: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hollywood-confessional/id1628848064?i=1000630276175 The Qube & Queer News: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/queer-news/id1595777135 A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-conversation-with-host-floyd-marshall-jr/id1544499834 THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: MQL2, Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM: Richard Scott - Creative Producer Tyler Musikanth - Associate Producer Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing

In this episode, Hilliard & guest-host writer/actor Dalila Ali Rajah sat down in a super fun, laugh-out-loud conversation with FRANCHESCA RAMSEY, actor, writer, producer and the creator/star of the award-winning series MTV Decoded! A former writer/correspondent for Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, her first book, "Well That Escalated Quickly" was nominated for an NAACP award and named one of Amazon’s best books of 2018. In 2021 she served as writer/co-producer on the iCarly reboot for Paramount+ and guest starred on NBC’s Superstore. In the podcast space she serves as a co-producer and host of Wondery’s Black History for Real, Acast’s Lemme Fix it! and Audible’s We Were All Rooting For You. As a content creator Franchesca has amassed over a million followers across multiple platforms with her comedic social commentary and catchy viral songs. Before her life as a writer and producer Franchesca worked as a graphic designer for brands including Maybelline, Ann Taylor and the City of Miami Beach. In 2024 Franchesca’s debut feature was selected for the Sundance screenwriters fellowship program. This is another don't miss episode full of tips-and-tricks for all you artist dying to create their own series or build a career online! Our Motto: "We keep it GAME all day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! Screenwritersrantroom.com https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom @bonafideblack.bsky.social WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! SCREENWRITER NETWORKS: OBSwriter.com BTFC.org Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/message ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PODCASTS WE SUPPORT: 2 Writers Talkin Shit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-writers-talking-shit/id1671253747 Hollywood Confessional: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hollywood-confessional/id1628848064?i=1000630276175 The Qube & Queer News: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/queer-news/id1595777135 A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-conversation-with-host-floyd-marshall-jr/id1544499834 THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: MQL2, Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM: Richard Scott - Creative Producer Tyler Musikanth - Associate Producer Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing

In this episode, Hilliard & guest co-host Tracy Grant (Exec Producer on LACE on ALLBLK), sat down for an informative conversation about the ins-and-outs of finding opportunities for your screenwriting career with special guest JAMES MOORER (writer/producer/author/publisher behind the new company One Moorer Media and Management, that is dedicated to writers who specialize in turning their screenplays into IP or IP into screenplays! James is a sought-after speaker who inspires audiences with his innovative perspective and career journey. He delivers keynotes at industry conferences and events, including Exception Fest 2023. From 2021-2024, he served as Director of Outreach and Diversity Initiatives for Roadmap Writers and helped more than 400 writers gain representation. In June 2024, he began offering executive consulting services, publishing, and literary management via OneMoorerMedia andManagement. With over two decades of success across filmmaking, writing, and producing, James continues to share his passion for creating highly engaging stories that resonate with global audiences. Our Motto: "We keep it GAME all day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! Screenwritersrantroom.com Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom @JamesMoorer @TheReelTray WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! SCREENWRITER NETWORKS: OBSwriter.com BTFC.org Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PODCASTS WE SUPPORT: 2 Writers Talkin Shit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-writers-talking-shit/id1671253747 Hollywood Confessional: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hollywood-confessional/id1628848064?i=1000630276175 The Qube & Queer News: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/queer-news/id1595777135 A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-conversation-with-host-floyd-marshall-jr/id1544499834 THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM: Richard Scott - Creative Producer Tyler Musikanth - Associate Producer Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing Minquell - Additional Designs

In this episode, Hilliard and writer Saeed Crumpler sat down for an in-depth conversation on how to look at your writing career as a Plan vs a Goal in order to succeed and finish the thing you so desperately want to finish. We also spend time talking about a slew of other writer topics, like screenwriting vocabulary, flipping from TV to film writing and things to look out for, why screenwriters should write existing spec scripts before attaching a pilot, pitching yourself and sooooooo much more! For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! Screenwritersrantroom.com https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom @Balance510 WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! SCREENWRITER NETWORKS: OBSwriter.com BTFC.org Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PODCASTS WE SUPPORT: 2 Writers Talkin Shit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-writers-talking-shit/id1671253747 Hollywood Confessional: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hollywood-confessional/id1628848064?i=1000630276175 The Qube & Queer News: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/queer-news/id1595777135 A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-conversation-with-host-floyd-marshall-jr/id1544499834 THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM: Richard Scott - Creative Producer Tyler Musikanth - Associate Producer Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing Minquell - Additional Marketing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/support

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host comedy writer Myles Warden sat down with Co-Executive Producer EVAN WAITE in a super dope conversation. Evan is not only a writer/producer on long-running hit series The Family Guy, but he’s written for show like (Inside Job, Fairfax Sunnyside, unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), several shows as well as The New Yorker and The Onion, so you know he’s not only funny, but a terrific writer. His perfectly timed book, "Life Wants You Dead: A Calm, Rational, and Totally Legit Guide to Scaring Yourself Safe" which is a hilarious parody survival guide for our crazy times. Get the book y'all! For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! Screenwritersrantroom.com https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom @TheOhBits @MylesWarden WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! SCREENWRITER NETWORKS: OBSwriter.com BTFC.org Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PODCASTS WE SUPPORT: 2 Writers Talkin Shit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-writers-talking-shit/id1671253747 Hollywood Confessional: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hollywood-confessional/id1628848064?i=1000630276175 The Qube & Queer News: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/queer-news/id1595777135 A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-conversation-with-host-floyd-marshall-jr/id1544499834 THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM: Richard Scott - Creative Producer Tyler Musikanth - Associate Producer Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing Minquell - Additional Designs --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/support

In this episode Hilliard and guest co-hosts Scott Foster & Brian Austin (Script Hop/The Gauntlet), sat down with OG screenwriters - SHANE BLACK (Lethal Weapon, Iron Man 3, A Long Kiss Goodnight) and JIM HERZFELD (Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers, The Jungle Book, etc) in a super dope conversation covering ELEMENTS OF CRAFT for screenwriters. So much wisdom dropped, so many laughs, so much fun y’all! We also spend some time talking about Script Hop where Shane, Jim and myself are on the Advisory Board talking with Brian dnd Scott about the success of THE GAUNTLET - A revolutionary gateway into the industry — where no script is ever at the mercy of a single gatekeeper's opinion. We talk about how it works, and how the Gauntlet can help screenwriters move the next level of their careers! https://www.scripthop.com/Gauntlet This is a don’t miss episode y’all! Our Motto: "We keep it GAME all day!" For information, Merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! Screenwritersrantroom.com https://screenwriters-rant-room.printify.me/products Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media @Hilliardguess.bsky.social IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom @bonafideblack.bsky.social WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! SCREENWRITER NETWORKS: OBSwriter.com BTFC.org Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/support ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PODCASTS WE SUPPORT: 2 Writers Talkin Shit: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-writers-talking-shit/id1671253747 Hollywood Confessional: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hollywood-confessional/id1628848064?i=1000630276175 The Qube & Queer News: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/queer-news/id1595777135 A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-conversation-with-host-floyd-marshall-jr/id1544499834 THEME SONG: Jack Spade WEBSITE: Abigail Bloom & Laura Huie LOGOS: Rachel Musikanth RANT ROOM TEAM: Richard Scott - Creative Producer Tyler Musikanth - Associate Producer Brooke Baltimore - Marketing Togo - Marketing Minquell - Additional Graphics --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/support