Hilliard Guess' Screenwriters Rant Room

In this new season premiere episode, Hilliard and guest co-host (actor/filmmaker) Shawn Carter Peterson sat down with JOHNNY RAY GILL - a critically acclaimed actor, filmmaker, rapper, poet and activist. He just finished filming seasons one and two of "CROSS" created by Ben Watkins, Amazon Prime's new psychological thriller based on the best-selling book series Alex Cross by James Patterson. Gill stars opposite Aldis Hodge and Ryan Eggold as Bobby Trey, a deadly, cunning ex-DC police officer from Shreveport who’s motived by money and the reclaiming of his family’s land, stolen by a racist predatory US government. Up next, Johnny Ray will be seen in cat form, in Oscar winner Gore Verbinski’s highly anticipated new animated feature "Cattywumpus." It’s purrrhaps Gill’s most hysterical transformation yet. This dynamic, versatile, potent performer might be best known for his soul-stirring performance as Kerwin, opposite Aden Young in the Ray Mckinnon, Mark Johnson, Melissa Bernstein Sundance series "Rectify." A da

In the final episode of the season, Hilliard and guest co-host, veteran actor/writer TONY WINTERS sat down for a 2 hour conversation with award-winning writer/director of the new hit film - Searchlight Pictures THE SUPREMES AT EARL’S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT - TINA MABRY (also Mississippi Damned, “Queen of the South”, “Pose”, "Queen Sugar", "Women of the Movement", "Insecure") to list a few!A native of Tupelo, Mississippi, Tina Mabry graduated from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts with an MFA in Film Production. A true hyphenate, Mabry is an award-winning writer, director, and producer for television and film. She was a co-producer, writer, and director for USA’s hit drama "Queen of the South". Mabry was also a producer, writer, and director on OWN’s "Queen Sugar" created by Ava DuVernay.Mabry’s vast episodic directing credits include “Insecure” (HBO), “Dear White People” (Netflix), “Pose” (FX), “Grand Army” (Netflix), “Women of the Movement” (ABC), “Power” (STARZ), the “Beast Mode” pil

In this episode Hilliard and guest co-host (actor/writer) DALILA ALI RAJAH were joined by lil sis, Emmy-winning writer, producer, performer LENA WAITHE! Lena created the hit series THE CHI which set a new record with Season 6 as the most-streamed season the series has ever seen! Lena Waithe, and led by CEO, Rishi Rajani. Since its inception, Hillman Grad has grown to include five divisions across TV/Film, Books, Podcasts, Branded Content and Mentorship–quickly rising to become one of the most prominent companies in entertainment.    Through Lena’s Hillman Grad Productions, the company’s film and television arm, is home to the producers behind Showtime’s most streamed drama series, "The Chi", BET’s "Twenties", Universal’s "Queen & Slim", Sundance award-winner "The Forty-Year-Old Version", and more. Current producorial projects include the Emmy-nominated documentary film "Being Mary Tyler Moore", which held its world premiere at this year’s SXSW Festival an

In this episode, Hilliard & guest co-host Zimran Jacob sit down to chop it up with writer/producer NIKHIL S. JAYARAM in a two hour, nothing-but-game episode for all of you writers dying to get staffed on a TV series!We talk about Nikhil's new book THE TV WRITERS HIDDEN PATH:TVWRITERSHIDDENPATH.COMNikhil is a screenwriter for television and film. Rising from Staff Writer to Producer, he’s written on hit TV series including the Emmy-nominated STAR TREK: PRODIGY for Paramount+/Nickelodeon, NBC’s SHADES OF BLUE and THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA, and shows in various stages of developmentfor Netflix and other outlets. He has sold projects to and written for major studios, such as Sony Pictures Television, WarnerBrothers Television, Universal Television, Activision/BlizzardStudios, and ViacomCBS. He’s currently scribing a romanticcomedy feature for Hallmark.His writing has earned him entryinto the CBS Writers Mentoring Program, NBC’s Writers on theVerge, the CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) New

In this episode Hilliard and guest co-host (writer & teamster) Ric Davis sat down in a laugh-out-loud episode with actor/writer/comedian WILLIE MACC!Willie Macc has over 100 million views of his standup and comedy videos across all social media platforms. He is one of the stars from the hit BET show College Hill: Virgin Island. Willie Macc is sold his pilot “My Flipping Familys” on HGTV where he and his brother buy and flip homes around St. Louis. Willie Macc has become one of the few Reality TV stars to transition and make it as working actor and comedian in Hollywood. He has been in over 50 national commercials such as Kia, Verizon, Credit Karma, Progressive, Snapple, and many more. Willie has app teared in tv shows such as CSI, Casual on Hulu, ABCs The Goldbergs, Meet the Spartans with Kevin Sorbo, Carmen Electra and Tiffany Haddish. Willie Macc has recently been featured in Deadline for the Black Boy Writes Program started by showrunner Mike Guayo writer on HBO’s Insecure and Netflix’s Ginny and Georg

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-hosts Dijorn & Trinea Moss sit down for a super entertaining conversation with. Literary Manager Zack Zucker from Bellevue Productions. It is a kickass, two hour podcast where we peppered Zack with writer/filmmaker questions and he dropped nothing but industry game! About Zack:Prior to joining Bellevue, Zack worked at Google, United Talent Agency, and Twentieth Century Fox. He also produced independently.On the feature side, his clients have placed #1 on the 2020 and 2021 Black Lists and had films premiere at Sundance, SXSW, TIFF, and Tribeca. On the TV side, his clients have sold to the likes of Fox, Hulu, Netflix, Sony, eOne, and Village Roadshow, and have written on such series as Fight Night, FBI: International, Frasier, Manifest, Flatbush Misdemeanors, and AJ & the Queen.As a producer, his feature, THE NOVICE, premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, where it won multiple awards including Best US Narrative. The film went on to sell to IFC Films and was n

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host actor, writer producer (Angie's Cure) sit down for a hilarious conversation about being a multihypenate filmmaker in today's climate in Hollywood.Since 1999, Marcus has appeared in over 90 TV shows, films and commercials including notable roles on Frasier, The Big Bang Theory, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Black-ish. As a writer, Marcus’ first romantic comedy feature "The List" was broadcast as an ABC Family original movie in 2007. StarringWayne Brady, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Jane Lynch and Malcolm Jamal Warner, The List was subsequently nominated in for three NAACP Image Awards, including one for Best TV Movie! "Alley Way", a web series that Marcus both created and stars in won BEST COMEDY at the 2020 SeriesFest Television Festival and in 2022, Marcus co-wrote and co-directed "The Fallen", a music driven feature starring gospel music sensation DeitrickHaddon that is currently streaming on AMC owned ALL BLK. Most recently, Marcus co-wro

In this episode Hilliard and guest co-host (writer on Amazon’s upcoming CROSS) MEAGAN DAINE sit down with Executive Producer AIYANA WHITE (CROSS, THE GREATEST, LUCIFER, LA BREA, TINY PRETTY THINGS to list a few) for a super fun, educational episode that drops nothing but GAME!We talk about Aiyana’s amazing journey from staff writer to EP, selling pilots, working and growing confidence in the writers room, having your “why”, having a family and sustaining a career, producing your episode, “Yes, And”, take the leap and so much more! Our Motto: "We keep it GAME all day!" NEW WEBSITE:www.screenwritersrantroom.comFor information, merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! Subscribe, like, follow, share & 5-star review!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom Guests: @AiyanaEWhite @Meagandaine WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver

In this episode, Hilliard & guest co-host, dramedy writer Rich Redlo sat down with Executive Producer TAWNYA BENAVIDES BHATTACHARYA (A MILLION LITTLE THINGS, GINNY & GEORGIA, BEL AIR, MY LIFE WITH THE WALTER BOYS AND FOUNDER SCRIPT ANATOMY. This is another super fun episode with tons of great behind-the-curtain information and lessons for emerging and working writers! Discount: WRITERSRANT24 code for $50.00 off any August 2024 feature or TV writing class! Our Motto: "We keep it GAME all day!" NEW WEBSITE:screenwritersrantroom.comFor information (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! Subscribe, follow, like, share & 5-star review!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom Guest: @Tbhattacharya @ScriptAnatomy WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your suppo

In this episode Hilliard and guest co-host (writer/professor) MICHELLE AMOR sit down with super talented writer/filmmaker PERES OWINO, Nominated this year for a Creative Arts Emmy, she co-wrote Netflix’s “African Queens – Njinga,” which was nominated for more Daytime/Creative Arts Emmys than any other program. It was also nominated for a Buzzie Award from the World Congress of Science & Factual Producers. Owino also co-wrote the subsequent Netflix global hit, “Queen Cleopatra” nominated for the 2023 National Film Awards. We talk about being a writer who writes strong, historical characters (with a bit of dramedy) from the African Diaspora, the trials and tribulations of working in Hollywood, finding a lane for yourself, picking a side, the agent will find you, an act of courage, trailer moments, everything has its own timeline, and so much more! Our Motto: "We keep it GAME all day!" NEW WEBSITE:www.screenwritersrantroom.com For information, merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! Fol

Have you ever thought about Animation and how it works for screenwriters? In this episode, Hilliard chopped it up with Head Writer’s BEAU DEMAYO (MARVEL’S X-MEN 97) and BRANDON EASTON (TRANSFORMERS: WFC-SIEGE), going in deep about working in Animation, the ups-and-downs, staffing a writers’ rooms, writing for historic comic book characters, working with your line producer and execs, dealing with notes (good and bad), being a POC in a leading position in Hollywood and soooooo much more! Our Motto: "We keep it GAME all day!"NEW WEBSITE:www.screenwritersrantroom.com For information, merch (T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room! Follow, subscribe, like, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social media IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom Guests: @Beaudemayo @BrandonEaston WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your supp

Are you considering giving up on your Hollywood Dream? In this episode, we talk with TV Writer's Zimran Jacob and Naiem Bouier about their journeys to Hollywood and the crazy things that make a writer want to pack up and move back home or the things you've learned that make you realize how much more creative and affective you could be if you said "F-Hollywood, I'm gonna be my own boss!" A super fun conversation for all of you to dig into! Our Motto:"We keep it GAME all day!" NEW WEBSITE: www.screenwritersrantroom.com For information, merch (t-shirts & hoodies), and all things Rant Room! Follow, subscribe, like, share & 5-star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Hilliard Guess on all social mediaIG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom Guests: @NaiemBouier@therealzimshady WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! SCREENWRIT

In this episode, Hilliard does a super fun, high energy podcast with Writer’s on the Verge - DIJORN & TRINEA MOSS (Paramount Writers Mentoring Program) and MYLES WARDEN (Act Your Age) that we just know all of your writers will enjoy. If you have any burning questions about how to break into TV, how to fill out your application for writing programs, preparing for staffing and so much more! Be sure to check out the grid that Myles and writer Jackie Penn created for emerging writers with Spec Scripts: #Specsforthegrid FOLLOW:@djornm @thedtmossteam @reallymighty On all social media: @HilliardGuess⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom OUR MOTTO:"Keep it GAME all day!"SPONSORSHIPS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Screenwriters' Rant Room WEBSITE at www.screenwritersrantroom.com COMING 7-15-24 - for information, merch (t-shirts/hoodies), and everything else you need! We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support! SCREENWRITER N

In this episode, Hilliard and TV Writer Saeed Crumpler spend over 2 solid hours answering Emerging Screenwriter Questions that came in from Twitter and Social Media! These two drop nothing but industry game, giving clear examples from their own personal experiences whether writing, developing or producing TV or Film.Do not miss this episode y'all! FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, AND 5-STAR REVIEWS!⁠OUR MOTTO:"We keep it GAME all day!" FOLLOW ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA: @HilliardGuess⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom Saeed Crumpler on X & IG:IG @balance510, X @balance510 WE ARE OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WEBSITE at www.screenwritersrantroom.com COMING IN JULY - for information, merch (t-shirts/hoodies), and everything SRR. We invest countless hours per week to deliver the content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your continued support! FAV SCREENWRITER NETWORKS:OBSwriter.comBTFC.org Send in a voice message:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters

In this episode, Hilliard and guest co-host writer/casting dir Scotty Mullen sat down for a super fun interview with 'lil sis, creator/executive producer Diarra Kilpatrick & executive producer Miles Orion Feldsott of the new BET+ hit series "DIARRA FROM DETROIT!" This is one of those don't-miss episodes y'all. We get real crafty in this one and learn of their amazing journey from idea to selling the show, casting, hiring and staffing the writers' room, dealing with notes and so much more! Follow:@Diarraoni@Milesorion1 Our Motto:"We keep it GAME all day!" Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hilliard Guess on all Social Media:@HilliardGuess⁠⁠⁠⁠IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom @Scottymullen WE ARE OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WEBSITE at www.screenwritersrantroom.com COMING SOON - for information, merch (t-shirts/hoodies), and everything SRR. We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your

In this promo clip, Hilliard gets us ready for the new season as we celebrate “10 YEARS OF GAME", what’s coming up on the podcast and some of the new, fun and exciting things we can look forward to!   Our Motto:   "We keep it GAME all day!"   Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hilliard Guess on X and all social media:   @HilliardGuess⁠⁠⁠⁠ IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom   WE ARE OPEN TO SPONSORSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS WITH RIGHT MINDED INDIVIDUALS AND BRANDS. Contact – Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NEW WEBSITE www.screenwritersrantroom.com DROPS 6-24-24 For information, merch (t-shirts/hoodies), and other goodies about the podcast! We invest countless hours per week to deliver the actionable content that goes into this podcast. We appreciate your support!   BLACK FILMMAKER NETWORKS:   OBSwriter.com   BTFC.com   Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters

The Screenwriters Rant Room is taking a 6 week break while Hilliard is away working on a big project. Expect us back in mid-May or early June. If you NEED your Rant Room fix, check out the archives - there's almost 500 episodes to enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/screenwriters-rant-room/support

In this episode, Hilliard and Tristan J. Shuler from Road Map Writers sat down in a hilarious and engaging episode that is packed full of game. Our guest this week is little bro, Scotty Mullen, an award-winning writer known for his work with Syfy, Lionsgate, Lifetime, and Tubi. He is also an accomplished casting director and writing mentor. After getting his feet wet writing on the pop-culture juggernaut "Sharknado" franchise, Scotty's storytelling skills have evolved into writing everything from prestige horror scripts to true-life dramas. He believes in living life by following "The Other F Word" - if it's not fun, don't do it...As of this date, Scotty has written 35 produced screenplays which have been filmed in 7 different countries. Scotty is known for being an enthusiastic collaborator with producers; almost all of his scripts have been written on assignment. Scotty is often hired for his script doctor skills and ability to save a production from the proverbial "deve

In this episode, Hilliard and Rene Rodriguez-Lopez (Development Exec at BET+), sat down for a fun, inspiring conversation with Literary Manager ZADOC ANGELL who began his career as a TV Literary Agent at Paradigm, where he worked for seven years. Transitioning to Literary Management 2010, Zadoc joined forces with manager Dave Brown and grew a team of literary managers which they brought with them to Echo Lake in 2013. Angell's journey to Hollywood is not a conventional one. Growing up on a 400-acre dairy farm in rural upstate New York, Zadoc and his sister Amy were integral to his parents' family-run business. The son of a minister and a local politician, Angell pursued his academic and creative endeavors to Harvard University, where he graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor's Degree in Visual & Environmental Studies: Film. In addition to being a full-time manager, Angell has taught classes in pilot writing at UCLA. He lives in Redondo Beach with his husband Sean, a high school English teacher, and

In this episode, Hilliard and actor/filmmaker Dalila Ali Rajah sit down and have an amazing conversation with ROSALIND Y. JACKSON - DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCER EDMONDS ENTERTAINMENT". We talk about her journey into Hollywood, working her way up through film school, becoming an assistant at Edmonds Ent and working her way up to DOD/Producer, being a hands on producer in reality TV and scripted, structuring your screenplay, do's and don'ts when submitting to production companies and so much more!Follow:@WordygirlEnt@Dalilaalirajah Our Motto:"We keep it GAME all day!"Follow us on Socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hilliard Guess on X and all Social Media @HilliardGuess⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow our guests on Instagram @Blackmouf @Jade.alexandriiaSPONSORSHIPS:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WooHoo Apparel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use 10 % off code: WOOHOOsrrScreenwriters Rant Room WEBSITE at www.screenwritersrantroom.com COMING SOON - for information, merch (t-shirts/hoodies), or our Patreon! We invest countless hours pe