Hollywood Confessional: Recent Episodes
Ninth Way Media
This is the show where entertainment industry professionals confess their deepest, darkest, most insane, behind the scenes secrets... 100% anonymously. Whether you're new to the industry or an old pro, we can all learn from each others' stories!
Hello Hollywood Faithful! Welcome back to another episode of the Hollywood Confessional, the podcast where industry professionals share their deepest, darkest, most insane Hollywood stories.
This week we have a story about an editor getting their first union job, and the boss that made them question whether or not they wanted to spend their time making someone else's dreams come true.
Balancing a demanding career with a personal life is tough in any industry, but Hollywood presents its own unique challenges. We explore the burnout from long hours and the frustration that comes from witnessing problematic behavior glamorized. Don't miss this candid and inspiring discussion that sheds light on the flexibility and self-discovery inherent in the gig-based nature of editing.
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- Website
Check out some of our favorite shows:
- Screenwriters' Rant Room
- Screaming into the Hollywood Abyss
- It Happened in Hollywood
- The Secret History of Hollywood
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
How far would you go to make a movie? This week's confessor had to face that question within minutes of taking a gig co-producing an indie film... and personally, we're still recovering š©š©š©
Sweet-talking property managers, hustling for food donations, and petting cockroaches (š±) is just the beginning. When our confessor learns they need an extra $10K for post-production, they set out on a high-stakes mission to find investors in, shall we say, unexpected places.
"I started thinking. Who do I know who has cash on hand and might be willing to take on this kind of risk? I thought of these two guys I know. Two brothers. They were business owners, gamblers. Maybe they were the type of guys I was looking for."
An "only-in-Hollywood" moment ensues as our confessor tries to get that bag and realizes they've gone a little farther than they intended to. But will it all be worth it in the end? Check out the episode to find out and let us know @fessuphollywood how far you've gone to make your filmmaking dreams come true!
filmmaking #indiefilm #fessuphollywood
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
āThe only thing that works to take down abusers is Mo Ryan writes something about them."
If we werenāt already on fire to talk with the author of Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood, this quote from a confessor would have set us aflame. This week we get our chance, as entertainment journalist Maureen āMoā Ryan steps into the confessional booth.
Mo is a Contributing Editor at Vanity Fair, and has written for Entertainment Weekly, the New York Times, EW, Salon, GQ, and Vulture. She has spent much of the last decade writing in-depth pieces on matters of inclusion, misconduct and abuse in Hollywood -- and on efforts to make the industry better.
Join us for an eye-opening conversation as Mo unpacks the complex web of power dynamics in Hollywood, the need for a safe and empowering space for marginalized voices to be heard, and what makes her hopeful for the future of the entertainment industry.
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- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
"I love writers. But if there's one thing my mom taught me, it's if you love something make it suffer."
With that tweet, the parody account that slayed with truth and laughs during the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes was born. And so was the question, "Who is Fake Carol?"
This week, the writer behind @itsmecarolamptp joins us in the booth to give us an answer. From their initial inspiration to the account going "Hollywood viral," they share how their satirical portrayal of the studios' lead negotiator caught fire, and even managed to fool a few journalists during the strike.
Our guest also opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of being "Fake Carol" while struggling in their real life. Through their personal journey, they highlight the profound importance of community and hope in sustaining a creative career. Join us in the booth for laughs and inspiration as we relive this cultural moment through the words of the real-life person who made it happen.
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- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Welcome back Hollywood Faithful! This week we've got an infuriating story of a scam artist posing as a writing instructor, using her student's work and passing it off as her own.
After the episode, Meagan and J.R. have a discussion on how to avoid scams in this industry and what you can do in the event that you are caught in a scam.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Welcome back Hollywood Faithful! This week we've got a story about an actor who had to make a tough decision about the direction of his career: to be or not to be... naked. Join us for a discussion about establishing boundaries in this industry, and the different ways in which we make artistic and professional choices.
Special shout out to our actor Cody Vaughn for chatting with us after the episode!
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- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Hello Hollywood Faithful! Today we've got an on the record interview with Liz Hsiao Lan Alper and Alex Rubin of Pay Up Hollywood.
Pay Up Hollywood began as grassroots movement in 2019, in an attempt to bring attention to the pay inequities, abuses and struggles of many Hollywood assistants. In subsequent years, PayUpHollywood has campaigned for Hollywood studios and companies to pay support staffers a living wage, in an effort to both tear down the paywall that keeps historically underprivileged voices out of the industry and to ensure current support staff can afford to work in their current position. PayUpHollywood aims to provide resources and aid to current entertainment support staffers as well as ongoing data and information about entertainment support staffers to other groups and companies who want to be part of the solution.
You can find more information on their website payuphollywood.com or on their socials, @payuphollywood for X (fka Twitter) and @payup.hollywood on Instagram.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Imagine you're working your ass off for a thankless 60+ hours a week job on a TV show, and you discover everyone else in your position is making more than you.
PS, they're all men. And you're the only woman.
In this week's episode of the Hollywood Confessional, we hear a confession from an office production assistant who found herself in this very dilemma.
"When I was handed all of the pay cards with everybody's rates on them for
that week, it happened that the card on top was another production assistant.
And when I looked at his card ā- not trying to look, but in receiving something, one
must look at it -- I realized he was getting paid $50 more a week than me."
Awareness leads to action in this inspiring story from a PA who found the courage to confront her boss and demand fair pay... despite the very real fear that doing so could end her career.
"I was really scared. I feel scared even just describing this story to you. Because think about what this guy could do to me, you know? He could make it so I could never work in this town again."
We get into the dangers of taking a stand when you feel like you have no power, and the calculated risks that come with following your beliefs. Finally, we discuss what entertainment industry workers can do to protect themselves in similar pay gap situations.
Spoiler... sometimes these stories have a happy ending.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
We are back! Welcome to season three of Hollywood Confessional. The season opener sets the stage with a gripping narrative from a support staffer, who unveils the emotional rollercoaster of managing a monster boss.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Welcome back to the Confessional! We're back for Season 3, and this year we've got more confessions, more interviews, and more producers! It's bigger, badder, and better in every way.
Join us on March 28th for our season premiere.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
We dedicate this episode to @Time Person of the Year Nominee the Hollywood Strikers!
Getting real for a sec, though -- the Hollywood Strikes of 2023 are officially over, and TBH we're feeling a little uncertain.
A lot of hope and solidarity were born this Hot Labor Summer. Yet despite all the wins and losses, joy and tears, no one really knows what the future holds.
Part of our mission at the Hollywood Confessional is to share untold stories from people working in entertainment so that other folks in the industry know they're not alone. Enter our Season Two Finale, "The Best Worst Strike Story Ever."
In this episode, we hear from a confessor about how their crazy career path led to a crisis during the WGA Strike of 2007-2008. The years of struggle. The short wins and endless losses. The moment when their dream finally comes true... followed by the moment when they realize it's about to be waylaid by forces beyond their control.
Through the ups and downs, we hear how despite all the changes in Hollywood, much remains the same... even the occasional happily ever after.
Join us in the booth for this funny, heartwarming confession that will have you nodding along and feeling that spark we all need to keep our love of this industry alive. If you like the episode, please share and connect with us on socials @fessuphollywood. We'd love to hear your thoughts on how you want to make Hollywood a happier place in 2024 and beyond!
Hollywood #WGAStrong #SAGAFTRAStrong #Strikes #fessuphollywood
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Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Nolwen Cifuentes and Dyan Jong had an idea. An independent digital platform celebrating the cinematic achievements of actors, screenwriters, and filmmakers with a focus on diverse voices and perspectives. But as they saw the very people they aimed to uplift locked in a grueling labor struggle, they dedicated their first two issues to highlighting the stories, challenges, and concerns of SAG-AFTRA and WGA union members during the current strikes.
Join us in the booth as we talk with Nolwen and Dyan about their inspiration for creating JULY Magazine and how they've pivoted to show support for the artists they aim to celebrate. From inception to publication, we follow their creative journey and hear how they hope to make Hollywood a happier place!
WGAStrong #SAGAFTRAStrong #UnionStrong
@july_mag
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Strike news drops. In Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, TheWrap. Hundreds of thousands of people jump on the story, the future subject of their talks, hopes, fears, and social media stands. But where did it come fromā¦ and why?
In this weekās episode of the Hollywood Confessional, an entertainment journalist gives the inside scoop on what goes on behind the scenes at a trade publication.
From the insane hours and grueling work to the genuine love of story that drives them ā even when the system gets them down ā our confessor gets real about how news gets made in Hollywood, and sheds light on how they feel trades should be reevaluated and transformed.
Join us in the booth as we learn about this little-discussed side of the industry and catch up on whatās inspiring us during strike times! #WGAStrong #SAGAFTRAStrong
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Welcome back Hollywood Faithful! This week we have another interview with someone making Hollywood a happier place. Jess Morse is the Pizza Angel of the Picket lines! Jess is the reason you see pizzas at almost all the picket locations in Los Angeles.Ā
So far, Jess has delivered an astounding $20,000 worth of pizza. It all kicked off with a tweet, and what followed was a cascade of generosity and heartwarming stories.Ā
If you'd like to volunteer to deliver pizzas or donate to the pizza cause, you can get in contact with Jess on Twitter @chessmorse.Ā
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it! We're coming to you on an off week to give you a quick confession given to us from a STUDIO EXECUTIVE. This person confesses about the culture of the studios that they believe led to the strike.Ā
This confession dives into the corporate chaos created by the pandemic and subsequent streaming boom, and the toxic culture that chasing streaming growth has created. You don't want to miss this!Ā
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Hello Hollywood Faithful! This week we've got a very special episode where we interview Joelle Garfinkel, creator of Green Envelope Grocery Aid. Joelle is actively working to make Hollywood a happier place by organizing a mutual aid fund for those in need.
If you'd like to donate to the fund, you can venmo Joelle: http://venmo.com/joelle-garfinkel
You can also send money via PayPal: https://paypal.me/greenenvelopeaid?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US
If you'd like to apply for funds, you can find the application here: https://forms.gle/YrunTwueUZD5uvos8
Additional information can be found at Joelle's twitter: @msjoellegarf
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Hello Hollywood Faithful! This week we have a crazy story of the lengths one man went as he transitioned from the military to the film industry. And wait until you hear about his boss.Ā
We also have a very special guest: Andrea Van Landingham. She wrote Hollywood Horrors: Murders, Scandals and Cover-Ups from Tinseltown, an anthology of short stories about Hollywood during the studio era. She talks with us about the history of Hollywood and labor in general!
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
We pick up right where we left off last episode: the first AD just pulled a real gun. This raises a storm of questions about safety measures, responsibility, and ethics. We unpack this incident, empathizing with the line producer's reaction, and explore the gray areas of accountability when guns make their way onto a film set. In this whirlwind of conflict, controversy, and collective action, we witness the ripple effects shaking Hollywood's foundation.Ā
We also discuss the significance of the recent development of this summer's labor movement and how the industry's landscape is being reshaped. Join us as we examine these complexities, highlight the power of labor solidarity, and ponder the lasting legacy of these incidents on Hollywood's work culture.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Hello Hollywood Faithrful! This week, we have part one of a two part story about a first AD who pulled a gun on set. So, grab your headphones and get ready for a rollercoaster ride into the inner workings of Hollywood.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in the world of commercial production? Tune in to this episode of The Hollywood Confessional as we hear stories about the immense pressure of juggling time, budget, and creativity while producing commercials.Ā
We have three stories this week: a worldwide search for a model, a client who didn't understand that English and Spanish are different languages, and a scrappy producer just trying to get his job done.Ā
We also talk about the WGA strike as it goes into it's ninth week. So sit back, relax, and hang out with us in the confessional booth.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
INT. MAJOR AGENCY - TV LIT DESK - DAY (2007)
A dedicated ASSISTANT discovers a plan detailing exactly when all support staffers will be let go to save the agency money during the 2007 Writers Strike.
Join us in the confessional booth as we hear this support stafferās tale of seeing exactly how much their agency valued support staffā¦ and their clients. In a parallel to some actions taking place during the WGA strike today, their agency seeks positive PR on the picket lines but turns cutthroat behind closed doors.
As the confessor and their cohorts try to figure out how to weather the storm of this major labor dispute, they reflect on how years of sacrifice can amount to nothing on their companyās bottom line. Ultimately, they realize the most important thing in Hollywood isnāt always saving your jobā¦ itās saving your self.
wgastrike
wgastrong
fessuphollywood
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Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: filmmaking podcast, film podcast, screenwriting podcast, entertainment podcast, Hollywood, filmmaking, writerslife, actorslife, setlife
Ever felt like you were just another horse being traded in the entertainment business?
Join us this week as our confessor shares their story of becoming a hot commodity as a writer... and then losing steam. Through the emotional rollercoaster of selling a pilot and several pitches but never getting anything made, they uncover some invaluable lessons about creativity, self-belief, and various ways to stay human in this highly transactional industry.
In this episode, we also explore the crucial role of having the right people in the room when it comes to nurturing the creative process, and how these connections can help propel us towards emotional and artistic growth. So, whether you're an aspiring TV or film writer or a seasoned pro, tune in for an inspiring discussion about navigating the highs and lows of the industry and finding that creative sweet spot with like-minded individuals.
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- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: How to Break into Hollywood, Entertainment Industry Jobs, Entertainment Industry Podcast, Screenwriting Podcast, Filmmaking Podcast
Hello Hollywood Faithful! This episode features a Rigger telling some tales from the road. Everything from rigging across mountain tops to almost killing someone with a tree. Join us in the confessional booth!
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- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: How to Break into Hollywood, Entertainment Industry Jobs, Entertainment Industry Podcast, Screenwriting Podcast, Filmmaking Podcast
Hello Hollywood Faithful! Thanks for tuning into another episode of the Hollywood Confessional. Today, our confessor talks about their experience with one of the biggest screenwriting competitions out there. Spoiler alert: things didn't go as planned.Ā
We also have a special intro, talking about the strike and what we as writers are fighting for.Ā
Thanks for tuning in!Ā
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: How to Break into Hollywood, Entertainment Industry Jobs, Entertainment Industry Podcast, Screenwriting Podcast, Filmmaking Podcast
TRIGGER WARNING: This week's story involves drug use. If this could be distressing to you, please skip this episode and join us next week.
āIām at a party. Somebody goes into their pocket and pulls out five or six pills. And I take all of them, and I eat them. About 15 minutes later, Iām not feeling good. I think Iām about to throw up. Iām by the sink. I look in the cupboard, and thereās a filter. So I grab a coffee filter. I lean over the sink, and I throw up into the coffee filter. And then I squeeze it, open the filter. And there are the pills. And I take the pills and take a beer, and I swallow them again. Thatās the kind of addict I was.āIn todayās episode, we hear from an actor whose brilliant career fell apart due to their addictions to drugs and alcohol. From booking several roles a month at 19 to becoming a final contender for a series lead, our confessorās meteoric rise coincided with an increasingly habit of usingā¦ which ultimately brought it all crashing down.
āI thought talent was everything. I thought, Iām not the first guy to have issues with drugs or alcohol. Letās figure it out. Iām worth it. But within a few years, I had nothing. I blew all the money. I didnāt have anything left.āRedemption didnāt come easily for our confessor. They continued to book roles because of their talent, but marijuana and cocaine eventually led to more ravaging addictionsā¦ and trouble with the law. They only survived, as our confessor puts it, because angels were looking out for themā¦ just long enough to bring our confessor to the point where they were ready to get the help they needed.
In this episode, we hear how addiction can completely take over the life of an artist, and at least one of the reasons why. We also hear a profoundly moving tale of redemption, as our confessor finally figures out what it takes to come clean.
"Coming Clean" is very important to us, and we hope this story will inspire our fellow entertainment industry professionals who are also struggling with addiction. Let us know what you think on Twitter or Instagram @fessuphollywood. And please leave us a review and rating here! Weāll be back in two weeks with another episode of Hollywood Confessional.
Other episodes we think you'll enjoy:āThe Comebackā - A fearless aspiring filmmaker scores a job directing a studio feature right out of college. But when it turns out not to be the big break they expect, they must find a way to stay in the game through 25 years of diminishing returns.
āResting Smile Faceā & āThe Methodā - A PA learns that their friendly face might encourage a-holes to ask for favors. An aspiring actor deals with a shady coach who was really teaching people to bully.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: How to Break into Hollywood, Entertainment Industry Jobs, Entertainment Industry Podcast, Screenwriting Podcast, Filmmaking Podcast
Ever thought about making your own movie? Maybe considered the advice āIf you want to be a filmmaker, just shoot a film!ā It sounds simple. But take it from our confessor: Do-it-yourselfing can be a dangerous (and expensive) business!
In this weekās confession, we hear from a gung-ho aspiring director who gets tired of
waiting for something to happen in their career and decides to take action to achieve theirdream. Unlike some Hollywood hucksters, however, our confessor isnāt comfortable claiming to be something theyāre not. So they do it the hard wayā¦
āMy level of work ethic, first, and dignity, second, tells me I cannot wear a title if I
have not earned it. But I started to realize the things I wanted to do cost money.
Like, a LOT of money.ā
After years of frustration, they join a collective of artists who claim theyāre all going to
volunteer time to work on each otherās short filmsā¦ only to discover that no one in the group wants to produce. So our confessor realizes that if they want to direct, theyāre going to have to do the whole thing on their own.
āIf I donāt move the needle, nothing will move. Because whoās going to do it? Whoās
going to do anything for me if I donāt do it for myself?ā
Determination and self-reliance lead our confessor down a path riddled with crazy
setbacks and miraculous breakthroughs. Ultimately the film gets madeā¦ but will it make their career?
In this episode, we get into the following:
1. How to make your own short film
2. How to work with actors (when they donāt want to work with you)
3. How to deal with setbacks in your creative career
As content creators ourselves, this story really resonates with us. Weād love to hear what you think! Shoot us a note about when you tried to make your own film @fessuphollywood, or leave us a review here.
Other episodes we think you'll enjoy:
āThe Comebackā - A fearless aspiring filmmaker scores a job directing a studio feature right out of college. But when it turns out not to be the big break they expect, they must find a way to stay in the game through 25 years of diminishing returns.
"Clipboard Girl" - A tough aspiring filmmaker faces a disaster her first day on set but finds a way to turn it into a win for her career.
āResting Smile Faceā & āThe Methodā - A PA learns that their friendly face might encourage a-holes to ask for favors. An aspiring actor deals with a shady coach who was really teaching people to bully.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: How to Break into Hollywood, Entertainment Industry Jobs, Entertainment Industry Podcast, Screenwriting Podcast, Filmmaking Podcast
Money. Fame. That nagging feeling that you might have given up everything you believed in to get the one thing you wanted.
In this weekās confession, we hear from a feature film writer who experienced all this and more. Well, maybe not the fame part. Andā¦ not a ton of money, now that we think about it. But they definitely sold out for a glimpse of Hollywood glory.
āThe whole āartistā thing ā whatever I once felt like I needed to say ā that was completely gone. I was ready to make a deal. A thousand bucks for the option, and I was in.ā
The deal seemed like a great idea at first. They survived development hell, got to call themself a professional screenwriter. But once the film finally got the green light, they learned selling out has its own price.
āSo many things were happening. They were picking locations, hiring a DP, holding auditions ā and they cast [BLEEP BLEEP] as the lead! But I barely got to see any of this. I just heard it was happening through the grapevine. In essence, it was like my part was finished.ā
In this episode, we discuss:
-
How to manage FOMO when the movie you spent years working on is being made without you
-
Why screenplay options should really be more than a thousand bucks
-
How to make the most of your three days on set when the director is crying and the star has locked himself in his trailer
We wrap up this episode with a shoutout to some industry professionals who saved our butts more than once while we were working on location in Toronto ā the transportation crew! These folks donāt often get a lot of shine, but they should! They start work before anyone else, and their days donāt end until everyone gets home safely. Thanks to all the transpo pros out there for making Hollywood a happier place!
If you know someone who deserves a shoutout, or if you have a story youāre dying to get off your chest, let us know on Twitter or IG @fessuphollywood.
And please leave us a review and rating here! Weāll be back in two weeks with another episode of Hollywood Confessional.
Other episodes we think you'll enjoy:
āThe Comebackā - A fearless aspiring filmmaker scores a job directing a studio feature right out of college. But when it turns out not to be the big break they expect, they must find a way to stay in the game through 25 years of diminishing returns.
āThe Porn Carā - A veteran industry pro tells a zany tale from behind the scenes of a well-known TV show, navigating cocaine-fueled disasters and encounters with nude adult film stars while trying to keep the production running.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: How to Break into Hollywood, Entertainment Industry Jobs, Entertainment Industry Podcast, Screenwriting Podcast, Filmmaking Podcast
Hello Hollywood Faithful!
Our confessor this week is the definition of the word hustler. They will stop at nothing to achieve their dreams, but what will they do when the dream changes?
Join us in the confessional booth to find out!
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: How to Break into Hollywood, Entertainment Industry Jobs, Entertainment Industry Podcast, Screenwriting Podcast, Filmmaking Podcast
What if you got your first big break in Hollywood at age 24ā¦ and then didnāt get another for 25 years?
In this incredible first confession of our second season, we hear from a fearless aspiring filmmaker who scored a job directing a studio feature film when they were barely out of college. But as thrilling as it sounds, the experience wasnāt what they expectedā¦
"One day about halfway through, I woke up in my hotel room after 12 hours of sleep, and I couldnāt move. I laid in the bed. Looked at the ceiling, and I was like, itās only week three. I have four more weeks. Iām not going to make it.ā
After enduring the intense highs and lows of being a first-time director on a multi-million-dollar film, our confessor gets a major winā¦ but somehow it still feels like a loss. The decades-long struggle that follows highlights how hard it can be to maintain a career, even after your first big break, but it also leads the confessor to some powerful revelations.
āIt dawned on me that if one mode is no longer yielding the results you want, you have two choices. You can blame everybody else. Or you can change your approach.ā
In this episode, we get into the following:
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The difficulties of maintaining a career in the entertainment industry ā even after you break in
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The truth behind the saying, āItās a marathon, not a sprintā
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What it takes to keep pursuing your goals in your darkest moments
Finally, we top off the episode with a shoutout and a call to action ā to you, our listeners! Our goal is to make #fessuphollywood a movement. A community of creative people who all want to make Hollywood a happier place. Letās build that together! Connect with us on socials @fessuphollywood. Share this episode with a friend. Leave us a review and rating here. And join us in two weeks for another episode of the Hollywood Confessional!
Other episodes we think you'll enjoy:
"Clipboard Girl" - A tough aspiring filmmaker faces a disaster her first day on set but finds a way to turn it into a win for her career.
āThe Sound of Silenceā - An audio technician discovers working for one of the most famous people on earth is far more stressful than it sounds.
āStrandedā & āThe Listā - A PA desperate to find work gets abandoned by a producer in the wilderness, while an office worker in the urban jungle realizes their boss is keeping a list of every mistake they make.
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: How to Break into Hollywood, Entertainment Industry Jobs, Entertainment Industry Podcast, Screenwriting Podcast, Filmmaking Podcast
Hollywood Faithful! We are back and better than ever. Please join us in Season 2 for higher highs, lower lows, and crazier stories of everything that happens in Hollywood. We'll hear from writers, directors, crew members, people who have found fame, and those still chasing it.
It's going to be a wild ride!
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: How to Break into Hollywood, Entertainment Industry Jobs, Entertainment Industry Podcast, Screenwriting Podcast, Filmmaking Podcast
Connect with us:
- Website
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: How to Break into Hollywood, Entertainment Industry Jobs, Entertainment Industry Podcast, Screenwriting Podcast, Filmmaking Podcast
Hello Hollywood Faithful! We here at Hollywood Confessional are very thankful that you've stuck with us for the entirety of our first season. We are going to come back in January, but before we go, we are leaving you with one final confession.
This week, our confessor did everything she could to get on set, only for something to go terribly wrong on her first day. But with determination and perseverance, she was able to gain a lot from this experience, despite her setback.Ā
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Hello faithful, my old friends. We've come to confess with you again!Ā
This week we've got one big confession. Our confessor worked with one of the most famous people on earth, and it was a disaster. The lesson here: if your boss sets you up for failure, sometimes, all you can do is learn from the experience.
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Welcome back to the confessional booth!
This week we've got two spooky confessions. The first confession is about a nightmare pitch that turns into a dream as our confessor watches his partner take down an old school creep. The second confession is about a Halloween party that ends up exposing the racist behavior of a powerful executive.
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Welcome back to the confessional booth!
This week we've got one big confession. Our confessor worked on a mega-hit TV show, and had to navigate a tricky situation involving two of their bosses and what went on behind closed doors.
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Welcome back to the confessional booth!
This week we've got two fascinating confessions for you! First up,Ā an actor learns the truth in the saying "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." After that, our second confessor peels back the curtain on film and television composing, revealing the machine behind the man.
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Welcome back to the confessional booth!
This week we've got two fascinating confessions for you! First up,Ā a PA learns that their friendly face might encourage assholes to ask for favors, and how to deal with that. After that, our next confessor deals with a horrible acting teacher who was really only teaching people how to bully.
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Welcome back to the confessional booth!
This week we've got two courageous confessions for you! First up,Ā a PA, desperate to find work, gets abandoned by a producer in the wilderness. After that, our next confessor deals with a CEO who would rather save money than treat his employees well.
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Welcome back to the confessional booth!
It's a single confession kind of week, but this confession comes with some shocking realizations! Our confessor talks to us about a job that they took at a time when they were willing to do anything to break in, and the creepy boss who operated out of two tiny rooms in a giant house.
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Welcome back to the confessional booth!
This week is our Kayla episode! Our amazing voice actor Kayla Ferkingstad is featured on both stories this week. The first is about an Eastern European Oligarch who mistakenly believes his power means that the women he employs owe him their careers and more. The second is about a horrible, salad throwing boss in Canada of all places.Ā
Staying on brand, our shoutout comes to us from Kayla, who shouts out her acting coach Lauren Patrice Nadler for creating a welcoming and safe environment in her classes.Ā
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Welcome back to the confessional booth!
This week we have just one confession, but it's a wild one! It comes to us from someone who has been around the block and has had time to process everything they've been through. Littered throughout this hilarious story are red flags all of us have seen and blown right past in the name of working in this industry.Ā
Our shoutout comes to us from Amy Baklini, who gives a shout out to indie film producer Matt Miller.
This episode is brought to you by THE RESTORER, a supernatural YA podcast in the Ninth Way Media family, available anywhere you get your podcasts!
The Restorer on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-restorer/id1621618762
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Welcome back to the confessional booth!
Our first story is about a guy who just lost his mother and an egotistical commercial director who though he was God's gift to animation.
In our second story, we have a woman who joined a writing class that would eventually take her to the center of an abuser's web. And though she thankfully didn't suffer any abuse herself, she gives a first hand account of how an abuser finds people to prey on.Ā
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
Keywords: Hollywood, Writing, Acting, Directing, Narrative, Interview, Screenwriting, Writer Life
Welcome to the first episode of Hollywood Confessional!Ā
This week, our first segment is The Can Lady. Our confessor deals with a condescending boss who treats them like a little child.Ā
In our second segment, This is a Man's World, our confessor deals with sexual harassment, wage theft, and general abuse, and finds the strength to get out of the situation.
Hollywood Confessional is a Ninth Way Media production, produced by Meagan Daine and J.R. Zamora-Thal.Ā
IG/Twitter: @fessuphollywood
Sound Effects and Music provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.
This is the podcast where entertainment industry workers anonymously confess their deepest, darkest, most bizarre behind-the-scenes Hollywood secrets.Ā
We take real stories, bleep out identifying details, and have amazing voice actors re-record the stories to create anonymous confessions. But if you've been around the block, you might recognize some details! And if you're new to the industry, these stories can help prepare you to identify red flags in the work place.Ā
Hosted by the producers of The Writers Room with Sam and Jim!
This podcast is a Ninth Way Media production.
Sound effects provided by Zapsplat and Pixabay.