The Writers Hangout

Did Taylor Sheridan Steal the Idea for Yellowstone?

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/

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Rewind: How to Spend $600 Million Dollars: The Story of Screenwriter Steve Bing

Let us introduce you to the fascinating and luxurious world of Stephen Leo Bing, an American businessman, philanthropist, film producer, and screenwriter. Sadly, Steve Bing passed away from multiple blunt-force trauma after jumping from the 27th floor of a luxury apartment building in Century City, Los Angeles, on June 22, 2020. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner officially confirmed his death as a suicide. He was just 55 years old. Enjoy the show. Contact us: thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn and Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller PAGE International Screenwriting Awards Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent.

The Wild Story Behind 1993's Super Mario Bros. Movie

Rewind. Did you know there was another SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE besides the animated blockbuster starring Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, and Fred Armisen? The first SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE hit theaters in 1993 and was the first feature-length live-action film based on a video game. Directed by the husband-and-wife team Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel, it follows brothers Mario Mario (Bob Hoskins) and Luigi Mario (John Leguizamo) as they quest to rescue Princess Daisy (Samantha Mathis) from a dystopian parallel universe ruled by the ruthless King Koopa (Dennis Hopper). Unfortunately, it was a box office failure and was widely panned by critics. The credits list three writers, Parker Bennett, Terry Runté, and Ed Solomon. Why did one MARIO movie succeed when the other MARIO movie didn’t? That’s the big question Sandy and Terry tackle in this episode. 👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to make a comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com PAGE International Screenwriting Awards Hollywood’s favorite screenwriting contest -- one of the industry's top sources for new talent.

Growing Up Orkin: Comedy, Creativity, and the Legacy of Dick Orkin’s CHICKENMAN with Lisa and Haris Orkin

Hang out with us for a fun conversation with Lisa Orkin and Harris Orkin — daughter and son of legendary radio writer, actor, and producer Dick Orkin. Dick Orkin, the mind behind the iconic radio serial “Chickenman” and the creative powerhouse The Famous Radio Ranch, was hailed by Newsweek as the pioneer of “The Advertising Theater of the Absurd.” He revolutionized audio advertising with his use of deadpan comedy, memorable characters, and situational humor, setting a new standard for creative storytelling in audio. Meet Our Guests: Lisa Orkin is a comedian, actor, writer, and audio director renowned for her unique blend of comedy, storytelling, and marketing across radio, film, and digital audio platforms. She’s also known for her podcast production work, distinctive voice acting, and creative leadership at The Radio Ranch. Harris Orkin is a multi-medium storyteller — author, playwright, screenwriter, video game narrative designer, and voice director. He’s best known for his BAFTA and WGA-nominated scripts for the Resident Evil video games and for his James Flynn Escapades spy comedy novels. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Executive Producer/CreatorSandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller

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How Writers Find Their Agents And Managers

Thanks for hanging out with us! In this REWIND episode, Sandy and Terry dive into a fascinating Twitter thread that shares some really valuable insights into how signed writers found their representation. A big thank you to Tyler Clair Smith, the talented writer on X who inspired this episode. Be sure to follow Tyler Clair Smith at @tclairsmith—we certainly did! In this episode, we discuss helpful internet programs for screenwriters. The Writers’ Hangout Podcast did not receive payment for our opinion. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Creator/Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller

Hollywood Insider Becky D’Anna Discusses Terminator, Comic-Con, Ingmar Bergman, and More!

What makes Terminator 2: Judgment Day one of the greatest films ever made? We're excited to have Becky D'Anna join us! Becky is a podcaster, a movie historian, and a lifelong cinephile with a 26-year career in movie marketing. We'll dive into an engaging chat about The Terminator, Comic-Con, the works of Ingmar Bergman, and much more! Becky shares how watching Terminator 2 on opening day in 1991 inspired her Hollywood career and ultimately led to a 26-year career in movie marketing, working on blockbuster franchises including X-Men, Spider-Man, and Terminator Salvation. The conversation also explores Quentin Tarantino's revival of historic movie theaters. In This Episode Why Terminator 2 remains one of the greatest action and science fiction films ever made. How James Cameron blended spectacular action with an emotional story about hope and humanity. The evolution of the Terminator franchise and Becky's ranking of every film. The magic of seeing classic movies with an audience on the big screen. Quentin Tarantino's preservation of the New Beverly Cinema and the Vista Theatre. Becky's lifelong love of Comic-Con and what first-time attendees should expect. What it's like to work in movie marketing and how studios promote blockbuster films. How movie tie-ins with brands and restaurants help launch major releases. Why Ingmar Bergman's films continue to inspire generations of filmmakers. Connect with Becky D'Anna Hanging with Becky https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hanging-with-becky/id1896866617 Director’s Take: A Sony Pictures Podcast https://directorstakepodcast.com T2 episode just dropped from Film 89 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-154-terminator-2-judgment-day-1991/id1332493155?i=1000777367810

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Christopher Nolan's Writing Advice: 5 Quotes Every Screenwriter Should Know

What can screenwriters learn from one of the greatest filmmakers of our time? In this episode, we explore five inspiring quotes from Academy Award-winning writer and director Christopher Nolan and break down the storytelling principles behind his remarkable career. From Memento and The Dark Knight trilogy to Inception, Interstellar, and Oppenheimer, Nolan has built a reputation for creating emotionally powerful, intellectually challenging films that captivate audiences worldwide. Before diving into his writing philosophy, we also discuss Nolan's upcoming epic The Odyssey, the first major studio feature filmed entirely with IMAX cameras, and what makes the project so ambitious. In this episode, you'll learn: Why embracing your limitations can make you a more creative storyteller. How creating your own storytelling rules is more powerful than simply breaking existing ones. Why point of view is one of the most important decisions a writer can make. Christopher Nolan's "inside-out" approach to writing believable characters. Why stepping away from a script can often be the key to solving story problems. How high-concept ideas only work when they're grounded in universal human emotions. We also discuss: Christopher Nolan's remarkable filmmaking career. His long collaboration with his brother Jonathan Nolan and producer Emma Thomas. The groundbreaking production of The Odyssey and its all-IMAX format. The film's star-studded cast, including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, and Mia Goth. How Nolan spent years developing Inception before discovering its emotional core. Whether you're writing your first screenplay, revising a novel, or simply looking for creative inspiration, these five lessons from Christopher Nolan offer timeless advice on crafting stories that are both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.

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Oh My God! They Killed Kenney! The Too Short and Fascinating Life of Screenwriter Doug Kenney

REWIND This episode explores the remarkable life and tragic death of Doug Kenney, the comedic genius behind Animal House and Caddyshack, and a co-founder of National Lampoon. Friends and collaborators described Kenney as a brilliant creative force whose influence helped redefine American comedy. At just 33 years old, his life came to a sudden and mysterious end after falling from a cliff in Hawaii, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape comedy and filmmaking today. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Executive Producer/CreatorSandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller

Vicky Hart on Her Father, Stan Hart, a Legendary Comedy Writer for The Carol Burnett Show

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Victoria “Vicky” Hart, daughter of acclaimed television writer Stan Hart, whose remarkable career helped shape some of the most beloved comedy programs in television history. Stan Hart, alongside writing partner Larry Siegel, was a key writer for The Carol Burnett Show, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his work. His extensive career also included writing credits for films such as Move and Eat and Run (1986), as well as television favorites such as Love, American Style (1971) and Oh, Nurse! (1972), The Hal Linden Special (1979), The Wonderful World of Disney, and many other productions. During our conversation, Vicky shares stories about her father’s life, legacy, and impact on comedy writing. Dr. Victoria Hart is an accomplished performer and educator in her own right. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Vocal Performance from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has built an impressive career as an operatic soprano and teacher. She has performed leading roles with opera companies across the United States, including Knoxville Opera, Sacramento Opera, Fresno Opera, Greensboro Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, Eugene Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Long Beach Opera, and Rimrock Opera. Join us for a fascinating conversation about television history, comedy, music, family legacy, and the artistic journeys that connect generations.

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Filmmaker Billy Luther Talks ‘Frybread Face & Me.’

Filmmaker Billy Luther talks with Sandy about his coming-of-age film, ‘Frybread Face and Me,’ which was executive-produced by Taika Waititi and distributed by Ava DuVernay’s company, Array, on Netflix. Written and directed by Billy, ‘Frybread Face and Me’ was selected for SXSW 2023's Narrative Spotlight and TIFF 2023's Discovery and New Wave Selects. Billy’s feature documentary, Miss Navajo, premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and aired nationally on PBS’ Independent Lens that same year. Billy has also served as a writer and director on the hit AMC series Dark Winds, adapting Tony Hillerman's novels featuring Navajo tribal police investigations. You can watch ‘Frybread Face and Me,” ‘Miss Navajo,’ and all of Billy’s films for free on his website here: https://billyluther.com If you have Netflix, go watch ‘Frybread Face and Me’ right now! Pick up the remote, click the link. Do. 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

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Billy Wilder's 10 Tips To Write A Great Screenplay

Rewind. Sandy and Terry will discuss Billy Wilder's 10 tips for screenwriters. Few screenwriters are as pedigreed as Billy Wilder, who is renowned as one of the most creative filmmakers of American cinema's Golden Age. Wilder was nominated 21 times at the Academy Awards, 13 for screenwriting and 8 for direction. He won the Best Director award for his 1945 film "The Lost Weekend" and again 15 years later for "The Apartment." Thanks to the success of "The Apartment," Wilder became the first person to win an Academy Award as a producer, director, and screenwriter for the same movie. Cameron Crowe said, “There’s no better film school than listening to what Billy Wilder says.” The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Creator/Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller

Master One Rule Instantly Become A Better Writer

In today’s episode, we're diving into a key principle of screenwriting: SHOW DON’T TELL. This simple yet powerful rule can truly elevate your writing to new heights. These three words hold a lot of meaning—so what exactly does SHOW DON’T TELL mean? Join us as we explore this idea and share some great examples from well-known films and TV shows that beautifully illustrate this principle. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller 👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

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PAGE Awards Judges Reveal How They Evaluate Your Script: Part One

REWIND. Two PAGE Awards Judges, Victoria Lucas and Laurie Ashbourne, discuss how they evaluate your screenplays, whether you're just starting or have a script in the competition. You do not want to miss this inside talk. ⭐️ Laurie Ashbourne began her film career in Disney animation and has worked over the past 20 years as a story consultant, writer, and producer for Disney, Amazon, and many independent producers. She has more than 30 features and short films to her credit, including her new family feature, CHRISTMAS TIME, which is currently in post-production. As a PAGE judge, Laurie reviews scripts across several genre categories, including Family Films, Comedies, Dramas, and Shorts. ⭐️ Victoria Lucas is an independent producer who has developed scripts for projects starring Antonio Banderas, Scarlett Johansson, Wesley Snipes, and Hilary Swank. Among her favorite projects is the highly acclaimed coming-of-age film The Island on Bird Street, which won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Victoria is also a judge for the PAGE Awards, covering a variety of genres, including Drama and Historical Films.👍 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 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to make a comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

PAGE Awards Judges Reveal How They Evaluate Your Script: Part Two

REWIND of two more PAGE Awards Judges, Dwayne Smith and Mike Kuciak, continues the conversation about how they evaluate your screenplay. Mike Kuciak has two movies coming out in 2022; he's the writer-director of one and the writer-producer of the other. He's a producer on a third film scheduled to begin production in late 2022. He has served as a producer and executive producer on several independent films. He was the senior vice president of development for a literary management-production company and, after that, the founder/CEO of his own company before hanging that up to focus on writing/directing/producing. Dwayne Smith has been a professional screenwriter since 1999 and has written scripts for Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Intermedia, and Gold Circle. His urban thriller PAY THE LADY is in post-production, and his sci-fi feature IMPLANT is in pre-production. Representing the management firm Circle of Confusion at numerous screenwriting conferences and festivals, Dwayne has listened to hundreds of pitches and read countless screenplays in search of new writing talent. As a judge for the PAGE Awards, he reads Comedies, Thriller/Horror, Science Fiction, and Action/Adventure scripts. 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 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to make a comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

PAGE Awards Judges Reveal How They Evaluate Your Script: Part Three

REWIND. PAGE Awards Judges David Portlock and John Evans continue our conversation about how they evaluate your screenplay. These two judges share a lot of helpful information in this interview. ✰ David Portlock has worked as a script reader for United Talent Agency and currently works for Bassett Vance Productions. Over the past 15 years, David has consulted and assisted dozens of writers in developing their films. Also a screenwriter, David wrote and directed a feature film picked up by HBO, Cinemax, and Starz; a short film that premiered at Sundance; and a horror script that topped the Bloodlist. As a PAGE judge, David evaluates screenplays in the Science Fiction, Thriller/Horror, Comedy, and Drama categories. ✰ John Evans received his MFA in Screenwriting from Boston University. Since moving to LA, he has worked in the development departments at ABC Studios, The Donners Company, Kopelson Entertainment, and AEI. John has also taught writing at the college level, authored six educational books, and worked as a copywriter and editor for several film distribution companies. John is the editor of our PAGE Awards ezine, and as a contest judge, he primarily reads Thriller/Horror scripts and TV Drama Pilots. 👍 If you enjoy the show please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to make a comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

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PAGE Awards Judges Reveal How They Evaluate Your Script: Part Four

REWIND. We continue our conversation about how PAGE Awards Judges evaluate your screenplay with Karen Craig and Scott Barkan. Next week, to wrap up this four-part series, we’ll be talking to Kristin Overn, the Founder and Executive Director of the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. Karen Craig is a professional screenwriter and script doctor whose credits include AMERICAN PSYCHO II, starring Mila Kunis and William Shatner, and FORBIDDEN SECRETS, starring Kristy Swanson. Karen has served as a judge for the PAGE Awards for the past 12 years, reviewing both Thriller/Horror scripts and Family Films. Scott Barkan is a professional screenwriter with several produced films and sold scripts to his name. He has worked with Blumhouse and Lionsgate and is represented by Mainstay Entertainment and CAA. Scott is also a university professor, teaching music and communications. As a PAGE judge, he primarily reads Action/Adventure, Thriller/Horror, and Science Fiction scripts. 👍 If you enjoy the show please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to make a comment please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

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CHINATOWN: Why A Famous Last Line Almost Never Happened

Rewind. Spend some time with Sandy and Terry as they explore one of the most iconic last lines in cinema, "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown," from the 1974 film CHINATOWN, written by Robert Towne, directed by Roman Polanski, and starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. In this episode, they reveal the fascinating story of how this memorable line nearly didn’t make it and why! Executive Producer Kristin Overn Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller 👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

8 Onomatopoeias To Make Your Writing Sizzle!

In today’s show, Sandy shares some fun insights about onomatopoeia, which can be a writer’s best friend when you want to avoid using the same dull words repeatedly—especially in action scenes. Onomatopoeia is when a word is formed to imitate a sound, like “Boom!”, “Pow!”, or “Splat!”. If you're a screenwriter, it’s a handy trick to keep in your toolkit, especially when crafting exciting action moments. Using onomatopoeia can really bring your writing to life and make it more engaging for your readers, actors, or development executives reading your screenplay. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller 👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

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10 Pet Peeves That Make A Script Reader Pause

Rewind. Did you know that our host and creator of The Writers’ Hangout, Sandy Adomaitis, has extensive experience in script development for both television and film? She has worked with some of the industry’s top showrunners, including Carlton Cuse, John Wirth, and Tom Spezialy. Now, for the first time, Sandy has compiled a list of ten warning signs that could dampen her enthusiasm for reading your script, available exclusively to our devoted listeners. Executive Producer Kristin Overn Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller 👍 If you enjoy the show, please remember to follow us and leave a review where you listen to podcasts. 📸 Check out our IG for photos @thewritershangoutpodcast 💙 If you have an idea for the podcast or would like to comment, please contact us @thewritershangoutpodcast@gmail.com

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Here's The Story with The Brady Bunch's Eve Plumb

HAPPINESS INCLUDED: It’s finally time for Jan, Jan, Jan! Sandy has a groovy chat with the legendary Eve Plumb, famously known as the misunderstood middle child, Jan from The Brady Bunch. Eve offers delightful insights into her new memoir, “HAPPINESS INCLUDED: Jan Brady and Beyond.” Since Eve and Sandy are longtime friends, their conversation feels like a cozy, personal catch-up—plus, they even talk about George Glass! Executive Producer Kristin Overn Creator/Executive Producer Sandy Adomaitis Producer Terry Sampson Music by Ethan Stoller Happiness Included: Jan Brady & Beyond (Book)https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/9780806545035/happiness-included/ Eve Plumb Official Website https://eveplumb.tv Follow Eve Plumb https://www.instagram.com/theeveplumb

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