samandjimgotohollywood.libsyn.com

The comedy and tragedy of writing in Hollywood


What's it all about?

We're two writers trying to find our next break. Our show is about writing, Hollywood and our experiences on the way to...we wish we knew what.

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Sam & Jim

Our Scripts

Our West Wing script, the first TV drama we ever wrote (and it almost got us a Diney Fellowship). It dates from the start of Season Two. Enjoy.

The West Wing: I'm Just a Bill

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How to subscribe

The easiest way? Go to apple.com and download iTunes software if you don't have it (don't worry, it's free). Click on this highlighted link to iTunes to subscribe, and you're all set.

Sam and Jim Recommend

Our long-promised text blog of books & whatever else we think our listeners will enjoy. Click to visit

Sam and Jim Recommend

Archives

2021
February

2014
March

2011
June

2008
October
June
May
April
February
January

2007
December
November
October
September
March
January

2006
December
October
August
June
May
April
March
February
January

2005
November
September
August
July
June
May
April


Favorite Podcasts

The Hollywood Podcast

KCRW's The Business

Behind the Scenes

Verge of the Fringe

the Screenwriter's Podcast

Favorite Websites

Alameda Writers Group

the Artful Writer

Screenwriter? WORDPLAY!

Useful Links

Podcast directory

L.A. Podcasters.com

Podmining.com

Syndication

The Big Thank Yous

Andre Fratto & Dustin Cook composed our theme music

Rob from My Silver Mount Zion shared site-building tricks that kept Jim from killing himself.


Our journey enters a new phase...

...or so we hope.  This is a big (and much-delayed) update on developments in our career -- and our personal battles with our own hearts and minds.
Direct download: SamandJimShow30.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:49pm PDT

Do you need one?

Of course.  But when?  And why?  Just what DO they do?


Direct download: SamandJimShow29.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:29pm PDT

His book sold a million copies...

but can we sell one TV show based on it?  Months of hard work are put to the test as we start making the rounds to the networks.
Direct download: SamandJimShow28.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:24pm PDT

Moving your story to the next level...

it ain't easy, but it has to be done.  We've got a few thougths for you that might help, and, as always, a career update.
Direct download: SamandJimShow27.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:05pm PDT

Perseverance is the key...

...to getting through the door in Hollywood, despite the rejections.  But getting in isn't the end:  you still have to find inner strength to push ahead.  We talk about some books and experiences with this struggle, and share our own tips.
Direct download: SamandJimShow26.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:01pm PDT

Talk is cheap...

but getting people to listen means investing in your idea. You need to take your time, groom your message and learn to spend your words wisely.  For TV, film or even a podcast, the pitch is crucial.


Direct download: SamandJimShow25.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:07pm PDT

Yes, it's "A Very Special Episode."

No, Sam hasn't gone suicidal on us.  But instead of talking Hollywood, we're asking for your help.  We're plotting a new podcast with skits and song -- hell, it might even be funny.
Direct download: SamandJimShow24.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:07pm PDT

...and Jim is Half Full

We wish we were talking about a glass, not our uncertain job prospects.  It's staffing season in Hollywood, and there's lots of jobs out there -- or not many at all.  It all depends on how you look at it (and just what's in that glass you're drinking).
Direct download: SamandJimShow23.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:33pm PDT

Friday April 7th

From a big studio meeting to our first gig on a panel of experts, it was one helluva ride...
Direct download: SamandJimShow22.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:24pm PDT

Is the whole idea a contradiction?

Can you trust anyone out here, or is jaded cynicism all there is?
Direct download: SamandJimShow21.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:07pm PDT

It's showtime

After all these years, we've finally got the whole package for the first time. We've written our scripts. We have our team in place. Staffing season is coming...
Direct download: SamandJimShow20.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:47pm PDT

Or are you just deluded?

How can you tell? We risked it all to come to Hollywood -- but was that really a smart move? Is facing an American Idol style train wreck the only way to find out?
Direct download: SamandJimShow19.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:36pm PDT

Reality TV messed up our career

...but became a full-time gig for our friend Dan. So what's it like writing shows that "don't have writers?" And just how fascinating are those celebrities, anyway? Listen up, he'll tell you.
Direct download: SamandJimshow18.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:01pm PDT

The verdict is in...

...But what is it? And what have we been sentenced to?
Direct download: SamandJimShow17.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:49pm PDT

Is our pilot dead?

Or will the ABC grant clemency? What do we write next? Where does our next paycheck come from? How will we clothe our children? What's for lunch? So many questions hang unresolved...
Direct download: SamandJimShow16.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00pm PDT

...TV people and TV plots, that is...

A little news on the pilot front, then we address the class struggle on your TV set -- the one that isn't happening. Rich people are BORING! How about more TV characters people can actually relate to? Besides the Cylons?
Direct download: SamandJimShow15.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:18pm PDT

You'll never write alone

At least, not once your script is sold. No script is too good to need notes. Lots and lots of notes...

Direct download: SamandJimShow14.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:17pm PDT

Thanks for listening!