Shu and Sherm finish what they started! Part Two of the Screenwriter Commandments. Finally! Listen now! Website Instagram Facebook TwitterShukree Hassan Tilghman, Sherman Payne

Shu and Sherm are setting truth in stone. Part One of the Screenwriter Commandments. Thou shalt write, write, write every day! and more... Listen now! Website Instagram Facebook TwitterShukree Tilghman, Sherman Payne

A picture is worth a thousand words, but what is an idea worth? Shu and Sherm break down what makes an idea worth pursuing in your writing, they discuss the difference between high concept and low concept ideas, and they discuss a slap that somehow we all felt. You know the one. Listen now! Website Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhiresp…

In this week’s episode, Shu and Sherm talk all about adaptations. They give you pointers on how to write a screenplay from existing source material and share their views on film and TV adaptations. Listen now! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.comSherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman

This week, Shu and Sherm talk to a Development Executive. Anil Kurian, Head of Development for G-Unit Film & Television, joins The Diversity Hires to discuss the development process from the perspective of an executive and gives new writers tips for getting their work recognized. Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodc…

Shu and Sherm discuss the craft of screenwriting in this week’s episode about scenes. They give you practical advice on how to improve your writing and craft great scenes. They also weigh in on a Twitter debate about nepotism and whether or not Hollywood is a meritocracy. Listen! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodc…

This week, Shu and Sherm talk about genre. They define the term and share their thoughts on how the use of genre affects storytelling. They also address the demand for livable wages by writers’ assistants. Listen now! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.comSherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman

Tracey Scott Wilson, writer of the new Aretha Franklin Biopic, Respect, joins The Diversity Hires to discuss her career. From novels and plays to television and film, Tracey has conquered it all. She shares her journey and drops some knowledge for aspiring writers. Listen now! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast…

This week, Shu and Sherm are joined by two of the creators of the Hollywood Inclusion Rider: Fanshen Cox and Kalpana Kotagal. They discuss what The Inclusion Rider is, why it’s necessary, and how it can improve diversity across the entertainment industry. Listen now! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com…

We're back and better than ever! In this episode, Shu and Sherm reflect on a Wall Street Journal article criticizing the elite Master’s programs that leave its students with crippling debt-- including the film program at their alma mater, Columbia University. Plus, they answer some fan questions. Listen now! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitt…

Is this the last episode of The Diversity Hires?! Shu and Sherm talk about endings. What makes a good ending, why they are so hard to write, and why this will be the last episode of the podcast... at least for a little while. LISTEN NOW! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com…

Shu and Sherm are back with another craft episode! This week, it’s all about Antagonists: what they are, why they’re necessary, and how to make them interesting. Listen now! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.comShukree Hassan Tilghman, Sherman Payne

In this check-in episode, Shu and Sherm fill you in on what’s happening in their lives and careers as well as discuss the balance between work and home life. They answer some questions from listeners and give tips on how to manage your time. Listen now! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com Show Less…

Shu and Sherm delve into the craft of screenwriting in this episode all about crafting your First Act. They talk inciting incidents, character choice, and everything else you need to know to make your first act bussin'. Listen now! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com…

This week, Shu and Sherm break down when and why rewrites happen in addition to how they differ between television and movies. They share their experiences and dole out some advice on how to navigate both being rewritten and rewriting someone else's script. Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com…

In this week's episode, Shu and Sherm go through the ScreenCraft article “23 Reasons Why Your Script Was Rejected”. They give their opinion on this list and offer up some of their own advice about how to make your screenplay better. Listen now! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com…

Melinda Hsu Taylor (Nancy Drew, Lost) joins Shu and Sherm as they continue to reflect on the tragic violence against Asian Americans. Melinda shares what drew her to writing and discusses her experience as a showrunner. Listen now! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.com…

This week, Phil Buiser (Shameless, Bates Motel) joins The Diversity Hires to discuss his career as a screenwriter and producer. Phil, Shu, and Sherm reflect on the recent uptick in hate crimes against Asian Americans and talk about the experiences that led Phil to pursue a career in the industry. Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: d…

In this episode, Shu and Sherm take a deep dive into the McKinsey report on Black representation in film and television. They discuss everything from the barriers to entry for Black talent to the actionable steps that Hollywood can take to remedy the problem. Listen now! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail…

Shu and Sherm vibe out with Vanessa Baden-Kelly (Animal Kingdom, Giants)! She talks about her transition from an actor to a screenwriter, her Nickelodeon days, her Emmy and so much more! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.comSherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman, Vanessa Baden-Kelly

In this episode, Shu and Sherm flip the writers' room inside out and show you how it works. From "blue-skying" to "breaking the script", all things writers' room will be made clear. Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.comShukree Hassan Tilghman, Sherman Payne, Tia Wren

In week two of our Best Of series, we take the choice cuts of your favorite interviews and stuff them all into one episode! This episode has Kay Oyegun, Zahir McGhee, Rodney Barnes and more! Jump into this jambalaya now! FEATURED GUESTS (in Alphabetical Order): Alan B. McElroy (Star Trek Discovery) - TDH 014 Gina Atwater (Westworld) - TDH 002 Jamun…

As the first part of our Best Of series, this episode is chock-full of cherrypicked advice from past chapters of TDH history on the basic craft of screenwriting. Learn how to write your first script (TDH 021), create compelling characters (TDH 015), craft dialogue (TDH 025) and revise your first draft (TDH 007) all in one episode! It's a one-stop-s…

Where do you find the time to write? How do you juggle writing projects with other responsibilities? How do you manage multiple projects at once? How do you meet writing deadlines in severe time crunches? The Diversity Hires have the answers to these questions and many more on this week's episode! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: …

Sherm and Shu break down the art of writing dialogue. What makes dialogue feel real? How do you utilize Black vernacular without being corny? And how do you write those big, memorable emotional speeches you find in shows like THIS IS US? Answers to all of these questions and many, many more. CLICK PLAY NOW! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitte…

This week The Diversity Hires do a deep dive into the world of Hollywood development. Learn how screenwriters navigate the perilous world of bake-offs, rewrites, producer relationships, studio notes, and much more. The fellas take you on a journey from idea to script to the GREEN LIGHT! Website Patreon Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhi…

Wutang: An American Saga, The Boondocks, Everybody Hates Chris, American Gods, My Wife and Kids, Tiger, the list goes on and on. From comedies to comic books, dramas, horrors and everything in between, Rodney Barnes has done it, and done it well. Listen now to hear the legend speak! Website Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@g…

What is a general meeting? How is that different from a pitch meeting or a production meeting? How should you conduct yourself in general meetings? The Diversity Hires have the answers in this week's episode! Website Instagram Facebook Twitter E-mail: diversityhirespodcast@gmail.comShukree Hassan Tilghman, Sherman Payne

In this episode, The Diversity Hires tell you what it takes to put pen to paper and get the damn thing done. RIP MF DOOM!Shukree Hassan Tilghman

We're back and better than ever! Deric A. Hughes (Warehouse 13, Arrow, The Flash) joins The Diversity Hires in the first episode of 2021. They talk about being a Blerd (Black nerd), breaking in, comic books, writing programs, the WGA and more!Sherman Payne, Deric A. Hughes, Deric Hughes, Shukree Hassan Tilghman

In the final episode of the year, Shu and Sherm shoot the sh*t with AKB about 2020. They talk about their favorite movies and TV shows, what screenwriting lessons they've learned, and what advice they have for newcomers wanting to write in 2021.August K. Burton, Shukree Hassan Tilghman, Sherman Payne

After discussing Mike Tyson, Shu and Sherm get into the nitty gritty of the roles of a TV writer from prep to production. Also, is Martin Lawrence the Black Lucille Ball?Sherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman

The Diversity Hires discuss their qualms with ownership in the TV industry. Do screenwriters get a big enough piece of the pie? Is Shu really the Rodney Dangerfield of screenwriting?Shukree Hassan Tilghman, Sherman Payne

The Diversity Hires answer your questions and also talk about what it means to be a dad in the industry!Sherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman

Passive characters? Don't do that sh*t. aRe YoU a ChArAcTeR wRiTeR oR a PlOt WrItEr?Shukree Hassan Tilghman, Sherman Payne

Film and television writer Alan B. McElroy (Spawn, Star Trek: Discovery) has had a career spanning five decades, but by the looks of it, he's just getting started.Sherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman, Alan B. McElroy

The Diversity Hires are joined by writer/director Mel Rodriguez, and together, they want to tell you that you belong.Sherman Payne, Mel Rodriguez, Shukree Hassan Tilghman

Is LA the only place to be for a screenwriting career? Can you make it in another state? If you do make the move to LA, when is the best time? The Diversity Hires discuss making the big move in this week's episode!Sherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman

Why getting representation might not mean what you think. What is the difference between a manager and an agent? What are the dynamics of having a writing partner? The Diversity Hires are joined by the dynamic writing duo Courtney and B, and together they have the answers!Courtney Perdue, Sherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman, Baindu Saidu

Looking to The Diversity Hires for advice? Look somewhere else. We don’t know sh*t… except the sh*t we know.Sherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman

Welcome to the first bonus episode of The Diversity Hires! This is an extension of our last episode with Zahir McGhee. We wanted to share the behind-the-scenes banter with you all in its unedited format. We hope you like it! Website Instagram TwitterSherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman, August K. Burton, Zahir McGhee

Welcome to Shondaland! Long-time, Shondaland Writer-Producer Zahir McGhee joins The Diversity Hires to drop mad screenwriting gems. And the GSWOAT discusses his brand new, critically acclaimed feature, Charm City Kings, available on HBO Max! Need we say more? Listen to this banger of an episode now!Sherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman, Zahir McGhee

Do Black characters have to be written by Black people? What does it take to be a successful writer? What is an "overall deal" and why is it important? The Diversity Hires are joined by Kay Oyegun— writer on Queen Sugar and This Is Us— and together, they have the answers.Kay Oyegun, Shukree Hassan Tilghman, Sherman Payne

Should music stars write and direct? What do you do when a mediocre rapper gives you script notes? What is a “vomit draft”? Is writing reaaalllyy rewriting? Find out this and more in this week’s episode!Sherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman

Sherm and Shu get into pitching part two! Can you write a story that is outside of your experience? What should you do if you feel uncomfortable in a writer’s room? Does pitching attire matter? Find out in this week’s episode!Sherman Payne, Shukree Hassan Tilghman

What is pitching? Why does pitching require so much work? Is spec writing overhyped? Are brads overhyped? The Diversity Hires have the answers to this and so much more in this week's episode!Sherman Payne, Shukree Tilghman

In this week's episode, Shu and Sherm talk to Jamund Washington about boycotts, atypical writer's rooms, how to finance your Indie film and more! Jamund is the producer of the HBO series, Random Acts of Flyness.Jamund Washington, Sherman Payne, Shukree Tilghman

Shu and Sherm discuss basketball amidst a pandemic and their favorite FOOD Network show. The two discuss the upcoming Emmy Awards and their views on the nominees of the season. They discuss the voting process for the Emmys and give their approach on how they will be voting this season. They share their excitement on the Lead Actress in a Limited Se…

Gina talks about her beginnings in the film industry and her film Crossing, which was a Semifinalist in the 38th Annual Student Academy Awards. She also shares how she graduated from Abrams' personal assistant to a sought-after writer who wrote on the critically acclaimed HBO show, Westworld. She and the Diversity Hires talk about their school days…

Welcome to the first episode of The Diversity Hires!!! In this episode, Shu and Sherm explain what a "diversity hire" is and offers insight into their experiences in the industry. The two explain why diversity hires exist and why they are necessary. They also discuss the future of parity within the film industry.…