Happier in Hollywood

Want to know how to deal with a toxic work environment? Curious about the best way to give feedback to a Gen Z staffer? Wondering if you should change jobs? This is the episode for you! Today Liz and Sarah talk to Kim Lessing and Kate Arend, the Co-Heads of Film and TV at Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions, about their funny, insightful podcast — Million Dollar Advice. This week’s Hollywood Hack...

Liz and Sarah recently met with a development executive who pointed out that no matter how chaotic Hollywood gets, the work we do is the same. They discuss how this notion helps them stay calm this time of anxiety. In a Take Two about Upward Spirals, Sarah reveals what she’s doing to get back into Upward Spiral mode. Then, in The Craft (& Fain), they talk about skinny vs. fat IP. Which do they pre...

Liz and Sarah use several criteria when choosing which TV projects they want to pursue — a world they love, interesting characters, stories with legs. Now they’re adding a new one… is the material consequential? And what does that mean to them? In Take A Hike, Sarah shares how her new Wellness Journal is helping on her health quest. In Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give a Hit to the Olympics. And th...

In honor of All Work August, Liz and Sarah started the month with an intense two days of work at Sarah’s house in Ojai. They realized all over again how productive they are when they’re in the same room, and they’re determined to make it happen more often in the months to come. In Take Two, they revisit the topic of to dream crush or not to dream crush when giving advice about making it in Hollywo...

Liz and Sarah had a delightful No Work July, but it’s time to put their noses to the grindstone — thus, it’s All Work August. They’re writing an outline, developing two pitches, continuing on their novel, and more. In Take A Hike, Liz talks about what gear she took on her recent hiking trip to England. Her new prized possession? A Tilly sun hat. Next, in Amplify, Liz and Sarah discuss Sorry/Not So...

For years Liz and Sarah have fantasized about taking the month of July off work. This year they’re actually having No Work July, and it’s amazing! In Hits & Bombs, Sarah gives herself a Bomb for not doing car maintenance in almost a decade, and she gives a Hit to the people at Valvoline in Virginia, Minnesota. Liz gives herself a Bomb for her perpetually messy home office, and a Hit for being half...

Liz and Sarah debate whether they should be cheerleaders or naysayers when offering advice and insight to people thinking about starting a career in Hollywood. To dream crush or not to dream crush? Inspired by her recent family reunion, Sarah suggests “planting activity seeds” in Take A Hike. Some seed suggestions — setting out a puzzle, a chat pack, or a board game. This week’s Hollywood Hack is...

Right now, Hollywood is all about intellection property. Liz and Sarah discuss what they look for in a book (or any other kind of material) when they’re considering whether or not to adapt it for TV. Is there a specific world? Are the characters complex? Does the story have legs? In Take A Hike, Liz reveals that she’s experiencing disconnect anxiety as she prepares for her upcoming trip to England...

Liz and Sarah talk to the fabulous podcast hosts, Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg, about the new season of How To Be Fine, which dives into the loneliness epidemic and the sometimes fraught nature of friendship. What advice to they have for making friends as an adult? Do they ascribe to the idea of having a friend for “a reason, a season, or a lifetime?” In The Mailroom, Liz and Sarah answer...

Liz and Sarah discuss the current phase of their work cycle — consuming. With an eye toward developing IP, they’re reading, listening, and watching everything that comes their way. And they love it! In Take A Hike, Liz talks about how her recent Saturday afternoon outing to see stylist Allison Bornstein at the Theory Store in Brentwood inspired advice to “go solo.” Then Sarah gets a Hit for writin...

Liz and Sarah discuss the incredible power of encouragement — especially right now. Times are tough in Hollywood (and many places), but hearing that you’re on the right path can make all the difference. In The Mailroom, they answer a question about how to maintain a good attitude at work when you’ve been screwed over. This week’s Hollywood Hack will make your feet happy: Foot Petals Blisstick Blis...

Today Liz and Sarah answer more listener questions! Do they weigh in set design? Do writing teams really split a paycheck? Have they ever thought about breaking up? Does Sarah have resources to share for other potential single moms by choice? Is she doing Pilates regularly? And has Liz been going to Orange Theory? They answer all of these questions, and so many more! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sf...

Liz and Sarah are celebrating! They can’t reveal details yet, but they sold a pitch that they’ve been working on since before the WGA strike. With Hollywood in a state of upheaval, the sale brings many emotions — including relief. Then Liz and Sarah interview comedy writer and producer, Christy Stratton, about everything from why she decided to take part in the MAX docuseries, Quiet On Set: The Da...

It’s the Spring 2024 Listener Questions Episode! Where do Liz and Sarah think the TV industry is headed? How do they feel about actors turned directors? If they were stranded on a desert island what’s the one thing each would bring? Spoiler alert: both items require solar chargers. And so much more! Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Get in touch on Threads: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our...

Liz and Sarah talk to comedy feature editor extraordinaire turned director, Debra Neil-Fisher, about all things editing. What makes something funny? How does music impact editing? What advantage does an editor have when directing? Then Sarah gives herself a Hit for writing in the morning, and a Bomb for not using her Pilates reformer enough. Liz gives herself a Hit for not obsessively checking Jac...

Working in Hollywood is often stressful, now more than ever. Liz and Sarah discuss Chantal Donnelly’s stress framework — are you an Imploder, an Exploder, a Fixer, a Number, or a Denier? In Take A Hike, Type One diabetic Liz reveals how taking the weight loss drug Mounjaro has created an upward spiral in her life. She’s exercising, eating well, and her A1C is the best it’s been in years. Then Sara...

Liz and Sarah are asked all the time about what it’s like to be part of a team. Today they discuss the power of partnership and why it’s even more crucial to have each other during the tough times. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about why she’s glad she took Liz’s advice and showed up to a friend’s wedding. Then, in Amplify, Liz suggests listening to the MeSsy podcast, co-hosted by Christina Applegat...

Liz and Sarah talk about the benefits of joining a professional group. They get so much wisdom and support from other female showrunners who deal with the same issues that they do. In Take A Hike, Sarah reveals why she’s decided to make self-care her latest hobby. Then they offer a Pitch Hack Round up — elevate your iPad, do a run through for lighting, reframe anxiety as excitement, and more! Fina...

Liz and Sarah talk to The Good Doctor’s Co-Showrunner, Liz Friedman, about how she approached the end of the beloved series. In Take A Hike, they discuss the nature of friendship. What is the “one essential quality” that Liz and Sarah each value in the other? This week’s Hollywood Hack makes cleaning easy: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Finally, Sarah recommends a special episode of Bluey on Disney +. Ge...

Liz and Sarah talk about a Hollywood phenomenon that can be seen as positive or negative — everything changes all the time. Depending on their state of mind they call this “the futility of attachment” or “freedom from fretting.” In Take Two, Liz and Sarah share listener thoughts on True Fun, and answer a question about whether working on their novel is true fun for them. This week’s Hollywood Hack...

Liz and Sarah often talk about the importance of drawing boundaries. Today they pat themselves on the back for drawing a boundary at work — but can they maintain it in the future? In Take A Hike, inspired by Liz finally trying an Orange Theory Fitness class, they discuss the benefits of doing something you’ve been putting off. Then Liz and Sarah answer a Mailroom Question about how they stay (at l...

In this special episode, Liz and Sarah talk about a TV writer/producer’s role on set. Why are you there? (To help execute the Showrunner’s vision.) What should you do to prepare? (Go to lots of meetings!) What should you do during shooting? (Communicate with the director.) They also have several set Hollywood Hacks — wear layers, bring rain pants, avoid Craft Services, get a brightly colored bag,...

Liz and Sarah talk about bake offs — what are they, and why do TV writers hate them? So many reasons! In Take A Hike, they talk about the art of taking compliment. Just say “thank you.” Then they give a Hit to IATSE and the Teamsters, who are in the middle of contract negotiations with the AMPTP. And Sarah gives a Bomb to electric car infrastructure. We need more chargers! This week’s Hollywood Ha...

Liz and Sarah are writing the second draft of their novel, and it’s getting so much better. But now that they feel the book has the potential to be great, the pressure is on! They just have to remember that writing is rewriting. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about True Fun as defined by Catherine Price’s book The Power of Fun. This week’s Hollywood Hack will improve the look of any room — add some u...

Liz and Sarah are back from their trip to Seattle, where they were researching a new pilot project. They discuss the many benefits of immersing themselves in research, including having ideas they never would have had at home in their offices. Plus, they both slept GREAT. In Take A Hike, they reflect on No Spend February. Sarah’s main takeaway? She needs to “store it at the store.” In Hits & Bombs,...