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The Writers HangoutAuthor: Sandy Adomaitis
THE WRITERS HANGOUT, a podcast that celebrates the many stages of writing from inspiration to the first draft, revising, getting a project made and everything in-between. Well talk to the best and brightest in the entertainment industry and create a space where you can hang out, learn from the pros and have fun. Language: en-us Genres: Film History, Film Interviews, TV & Film Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Secret to a Great Screenplay? It's Not Just About the Hero, w/Michael Weiss, author of BEYOND THE HERO: Part 1
Episode 218
Sunday, 11 October, 2026
What if the secret to writing a great screenplay isn't your hero's journey, but the relationship that drives the story?This week on The Writers Hangout, Sandy welcomes screenwriter, author, and award-winning instructor Michael Weiss for a fascinating conversation that just might change the way you approach your next screenplay.Michael's screenwriting credits include Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Scorpion King 2, Jarhead 2, and The Butterfly Effect 3. He's also taught screenwriting at UCLA Extension, where he received the Distinguished Instructor Award, and at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.His book, Beyond the Hero: Relationship-Driven Screenwriting and the Secret to Hollywood's Greatest Scripts, challenges one of Hollywood's most familiar storytelling approaches: the hero's journey.Michael believes that behind many of Hollywood's greatest films is something even more powerful than a compelling protagonist: a core relationship between two characters whose lives become intertwined.And he's here to show us how understanding that relationship can help writers create stronger characters, build emotional stakes, and finally get past those dreaded middle pages of a screenplay.In this episode, Sandy and Michael explore:Beyond the Hero's Journey: Why the relationship between two characters may be the real secret behind Hollywood's greatest screenplays.Creating Unforgettable Characters: Does your protagonist need to be likable, or is being interesting enough?The Power of Messy Characters: Why flaws, bad decisions, and complicated relationships make characters worth watching.Life-or-Death Stakes: How to make even ordinary, everyday problems feel extraordinary on screen.Tools, Not Rules: Why Michael believes screenwriting techniques should encourage creativity rather than restrict it.The Seven Spices of Screenwriting: The essential ingredients every writer should consider before starting a screenplay.Getting Unstuck: Practical advice for writers who have a great idea but can't seem to get their screenplay finished.Learning from Great Movies: What films like The Devil Wears Prada, CODA, Oppenheimer, Goodfellas, and Inside Out can teach us about character relationships and storytelling.Michael also shares valuable advice about outlining, writing compelling dialogue, creating meaningful conflict, and making every scene count.Whether you're writing your first screenplay, rewriting your tenth, or simply love discovering what makes great movies work, this conversation is packed with practical advice and fresh perspectives on storytelling.And there's so much great information that we're making this a two-part episode!So grab your notebook, writers. You're going to want to remember this one.About Michael WeissMichael Weiss is a professional screenwriter, author, and educator whose work includes major studio films and sequels. Drawing on his experience as a screenwriter, development executive, and instructor, Michael developed his relationship-driven approach to storytelling to help writers create more compelling and emotionally engaging screenplays.His book, Beyond the Hero: Relationship-Driven Screenwriting and the Secret to Hollywood's Greatest Scripts, offers practical tools for screenwriters at every stage of their careers.Don't miss Part Two of this conversation on The Writers Hangout!GREAT OPPORTUNITY!!!!! Michael is giving a lecture on Saturday, Oct 17th, 10 am-12 pm PT via Zoom through UCLA Extension. It is free and open to the public, but it's filling up. https://www.uclaextension.edu/writing/screenwriting/course/beyond-hero-screenwriting-script-72626The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernExecutive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic 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
