samandjimgotohollywood's Podcast

Our 5 Year Mission

Sat, 01 Mar 2014 17:01:39 +0000

Someday we really will do another round of these podcasts.  The technology has become so much simpler and easier than it was back when we started. 

For now, a quick update on our status.  We are, oddly, in the midst of a round of development on another Stephen King project for ABC Studios.  Never saw that coming back in the dqay.  Haven, our Syfy show, just got a double-sized order for Season 5, which will air over two years and seems likely to end the series (though you never know...).  And we've just come off a year working on the show Crisis for NBC, our first network gig.

So it seems that we really have made a career out here after all.  Who would have guessed, back when when we were recording these? 

Wonder what happens next...

Where has the time gone?

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:39:56 +0000

Let's call this time lapse "the lost years" and leave it at that.

What happened?  We're the proverbial dogs who caught the car -- we sold our TV series.  So...sorry, we've been kinda busy.  Instead of doing podcasts for the world at large, we try to squeeze in time to do creator commentaries on the episodes of our show.

"Haven" airs on Syfy in the US, on Showcase in Canada, and all around the world on various Universal Television Global owned networks.

We're in the midst of writing and producing our second season, which airs begining July 15th 2011 here in the US.  We invite you to take a look.

...and, someday, maybe, we'll feel safe to give you the inside scoop of what it's like actually producing a series.  We could tell stories...but it's wiser not to.  ;-)

Someday, we'll record a new one of these.  Until then, good luck.

Show #44: The New TV World Order

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:30:00 +0000

Where the #@$% have we been?! 

...Scouting out the new landscapes of business in Hollywood, among other things.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimshow44.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #43: Discrimination

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:12:00 +0000

Ageism?  Sexism?  Racism?

That's the big listener mail topic this time.  There's more mail, of course, and the inevitable career update (hint:  we're being flown to Seattle!  Woo-hoo!)

 

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimshow43.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #42: Between Scenes

Thu, 15 May 2008 23:04:00 +0000

That's a good time for things to happen in a screenplay.

In real life, though, it's a good time to do a podcast.  While we're waiting for, well, anything to happen, we do a quick career check-in and answer MORE listener mail. 

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimshow42.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #41: In The Mix

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:36:00 +0000

That's what they call it when you're up for a staff job...

...but they haven't called your name yet.  A little career update and lots of listener Q&A, including our thoughts on videogame writing.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimshow41.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #40: Three Years Old

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:26:00 +0000

Three years of podcasting, forty shows in the can...

and finally, we listen to our audience.  This episode:  listener mail, and some overview on what we've learned so far.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimshow40.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #39: Ding, Dong, the Strike is Dead

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:02:00 +0000

At long last, the WGA strike is over. 

What does it mean for the future of Hollywood?  More importantly, what does it mean for us?

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimshow39.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #38: Showrunners in Training?

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:29:00 +0000

TV is in BIG trouble.

We applied for a WGA program to train future showrunners -- and damned if they didn't accept us...

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimshow38.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #37: Writing, the Future, and You

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:36:00 +0000

The WGA strike is all about the Internet... 

Why?  Because it's the future -- for all of us.  An inside take on what's going on and our thoughts about where Hollywood is heading.  Get ready:  everything you know is about to change.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimshow37.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #36: Striking Out

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 01:26:00 +0000

Still walking and waiting...

An update from the picket lines, some thoughts on the latest contract offer, Sam's mom is finally impressed, and a shout out for help on our new projects.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimshow36.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #35: WGA On Strike!

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:11:00 +0000

The second installment of our strike series.

The deadline passed.  Now we're on the picket lines.  The latest updates, and why you shouldn't even think about scab work.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow35.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #34: Strike!

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:16:00 +0000

The Stephen King pilot is turned in...

...just in time for a strike.  What it all looks like through the smoke as California burns...

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow34.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #33: Careful What You Wish For

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:40:00 +0000

...You might get another podcast

Or, in our case, find yourself pondering more career options than you ever expected.  Each with complications you never anticipated, too.

PS:  in big bold letters, let us say here and now, WE'RE SORRY it took so freakin' long to get this episode made.  As we'll explain, we've been, well, kinda busy.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow33.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #32: The Room

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 02:34:00 +0000

A nice place to visit...

...which is good, cause we sorta live there.  Further reflections on this whole "being on staff" experience as we write our first episode of The Dead Zone and prepare to send it into production.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow32.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #31: We're On Staff

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 21:21:00 +0000

Finally!

Reflections on finally getting to the place we set out to reach so long ago:  the writers' room.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow31.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #30: the Tipping Point

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 20:49:00 +0000

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.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow30.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #29: Agents

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 21:29:00 +0000

Do you need one?

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

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow29.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #28: Pitching Stephen King

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 22:24:00 +0000

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.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow28.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #27: Good to Great

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 21:05:00 +0000

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.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow27.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #26: Breaking in and Cracking Up

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 21:01:00 +0000

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.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow26.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #25: The Pitch

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 20:07:00 +0000

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.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow25.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show 24: A Cry for Help

Sat, 27 May 2006 20:07:00 +0000

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.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow24.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show 23: Sam is Half Empty

Sat, 20 May 2006 01:33:00 +0000

...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).

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow23.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #22: One Fine Day

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 01:24:00 +0000

Friday April 7th

From a big studio meeting to our first gig on a panel of experts, it was one helluva ride...

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow22.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #21: Hollywood Friends

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 01:07:00 +0000

Is the whole idea a contradiction?

Can you trust anyone out here, or is jaded cynicism all there is?

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow21.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #20: The Moment of Truth

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 20:47:00 +0000

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...

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow20.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #19: Are you good enough?

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 03:36:00 +0000

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?

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow19.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #18: When Reality Attacks!

Tue, 07 Feb 2006 00:01:00 +0000

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.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimshow18.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #17: ABC speaks!

Wed, 01 Feb 2006 23:49:00 +0000

The verdict is in...

...But what is it? And what have we been sentenced to?

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow17.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #16: Living in Limbo

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 06:00:00 +0000

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...

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow16.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #15: Too Rich and Too Thin

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 04:18:00 +0000

...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?

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow15.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #14: Collaborating

Sat, 07 Jan 2006 00:17:00 +0000

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...

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow14.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #13: The Emotional Roller Coaster

Sat, 05 Nov 2005 01:22:00 +0000

Hollywood is quite a ride...

...and there's no shortcut to the front of the line. Well, not for us mortals...

Our apologies for the long delay with this one.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/Samand_JimShow13.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #12: SOLD!

Fri, 02 Sep 2005 23:44:00 +0000

Our TV pitch finds a buyer...

What more is there to say? A lot, actually...

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow12.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #11: Voices in our Heads

Tue, 02 Aug 2005 23:49:00 +0000

...and on the page

We've got some career updates first, and then we tackle a tricky question: what the hell is "voice" in a script?

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow11.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #10: The Good Fight

Fri, 22 Jul 2005 20:54:00 +0000

Bring on the body bags..

...'cause there's a war of ideas going on, and the casualties are piling up.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow10.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #9: Smiles and Bullshit and Fears, oh my!

Wed, 20 Jul 2005 20:13:00 +0000

You can count on 'em when you pitch

A good meeting is about more than picking the right mineral water.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow9.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #8: Scribble, scribble, scribble...

Fri, 24 Jun 2005 01:52:00 +0000

What makes a writer?

Writing, of course. And you'd better love the painful, frustrating act of creating for its own sake, 'cause that's what it's all about.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow8.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #7: It's the Character, Stupid

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 20:15:00 +0000

It's crunch time

The networks start buying TV ideas in a couple weeks and we're feverishly pumping out more pitches. Which begs the question: what makes a show really work?

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow7.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #6: Pain and Hope

Thu, 19 May 2005 22:53:00 +0000

There's always a ray of hope...

...but it's usually shining down through a sewer grate.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow6.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #5: The life and death of a great idea

Sat, 07 May 2005 02:05:00 +0000

So you think you've got a great idea for a movie?

So did we...

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow5.mp3?dest-id=34053

Show #4: Wanna buy a TV series?

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 01:28:00 +0000

Okay, we're all caught up on how we got here.

 

Now we're pitching our TV show idea to Showtime, FX, and HBO.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow4.mp3?dest-id=34053

Backstory volume 1: From Minnesota to L.A.

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 01:27:00 +0000

The first of 3 podcasts about giving up our old lives to become writers in Hollywood.

 

In this episode, we decide to try writing, even though we have it pretty good in Minnesota. Then we got a call...

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow1.mp3?dest-id=34053

Backstory volume 2: The wonderful world of Disney

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 01:26:00 +0000

The second of 3 podcasts about giving up our old lives to become writers in Hollywood.

 

We land in LA. And while having a job on the Disney studio lot is pretty cool, it ain't easy to starting all over again.

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimshow2.mp3?dest-id=34053

Backstory volume 3: What, we can get paid for this?

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 01:24:00 +0000

The last episode in our "how we got here" series.

 

We finally sell a script. Then another. And another...

Media Files:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/samandjimgotohollywood/SamandJimShow3.mp3?dest-id=34053

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