#82 - Finding a Mentor in Hollywood: Who to Approach, What to Ask, and When | Sal Calleros Video
The Story Series Podcast with Brandon Violette (For Writers Who Break The Rules)Show Notes
Sal Calleros is a Los Angeles native who started out as a graffiti writer painting the streets through high school and college. His first true writing job was for the Domestic Violence Clinic in the San Fernando Courthouse, drafting restraining orders to prevent harassment, molestation and abuse. Sal has worked with many top showrunners throughout his career, including Shonda Rhimes, Marti Noxon, David Shore, Graham Yost, Dave Andron, Ryan Condal and Carlton Cuse. His credits include Silo, The Drop: A Snowfall Saga, The Good Doctor, Snowfall, Colony, Sneaky Pete, and Happy Face. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • What being a graffiti artist taught him about creativity. • How to find a mentor as an emerging screenwriter. • Why landing your second writing job can be harder than your first. • And how a great script can open doors without ever selling. RESOURCES: • Sal Calleros on IMDB
BECOME A BETTER STORYTELLER ✏️💥 Join my free weekly newsletter, The Rule Breaker's Dispatch, for writing insights from my conversations with screenwriters, showrunners and industry executives. 👉 Sign up at StorySeriesPodcast.com
More from The Story Series Podcast with Brandon Violette (For Writers Who Break The Rules)
Michael Olson is a writer, producer, and showrunner whose credits include Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, Doc McStuffins, Puppy Dog Pals, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, and the Minnie Mouse shorts. A former Disney Junior executive, he moved from the network side into writing and producing as story editor and executive producer on Puppy Dog Pals, and co-executive producer on Doc McStuffins, before creating and serving as showrunner and head writer of Young Jedi Adventures for Lucasfilm. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • Finding time to write with a full-time job. • Making a career pivot and overcoming imposter syndrome. • Why you don't need a theme to start writing. • And why you should never quit on a bad day. RESOURCES: • Michael Olson's IMDB
Joey Clift is a Los Angeles-based, Peabody and 2x Emmy Award-nominated comedian, writer, director, producer and enrolled member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. He is the author of the new book: "We've Been Here the Whole Time! A Not So Sacred Guide to All Things Native America". IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • The creative evolution that became "We've Been Here the Whole Time!". • Balancing humor with serious subjects. • Meaningful comedy vs absurd comedy (and why both work). • And the DIY reality of launching and promoting his first book. RESOURCES: • Joey Clift's Book BECOME A BETTER STORYTELLER ✏️💥 Join my free weekly newsletter, The Rule Breaker's Dispatch, for writing insights from my conversations with screenwriters, showrunners and industry executives. 👉 Sign up at StorySeriesPodcast.com
Bryan O'Connell is an experienced Creative Executive who has worked in animation production, development, and programming for television, streaming, theme parks, and feature films with a demonstrated history of working with high profile franchises for Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm, Marvel, and many more. He is currently Vice President of Children's Television at The Jim Henson Company. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • What belongs in your pitch bible (and what doesn't). • Why your personal connection to an original idea matters (a lot). • What writers often misunderstand about executives. • And carrying Jim Henson's legacy forward without simply repeating the past. RESOURCES: • Watch "Wowsabout!" • Watch "Monster Dance" • The Jim Henson Company BECOME A BETTER STORYTELLER ✏️💥 Join my free weekly newsletter, The Rule Breaker's Dispatch, for writing insights from my conversations with screenwriters, showrunners and industry executives. 👉 Sign up at StorySeriesPodcast.com
Michael Weiss is a WGA screenwriter with an extensive career writing for Hollywood studios. He has over a dozen produced films to his credit, including Journey to the Center of the Earth starring Brendan Fraser and sequels to franchises like The Scorpion King, Jarhead and The Butterfly Effect. He has taught writing at the UCLA Extension Writers' Program, where he received its Distinguished Instructor award, as well as at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film & Media Arts. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • Individual hero arcs versus relationship arcs. • The supporting character as a witness to the hero's transformation. • How unresolved relationships can help you get past page 60. • And why an interesting protagonist doesn't have to be sympathetic. RESOURCES: • Buy Michael's New Book • Michael Weiss' Website BECOME A BETTER STORYTELLER ✏️💥 Join my free weekly newsletter, The Rule Breaker's Dispatch, for writing insights from my conversations with screenwriters, showrunners and industry executives. 👉 Sign up at StorySeriesPodcast.com
Julian Malagon is an Emmy-winning entertainment executive and producer whose career spans television, animation, and digital media. He has held creative leadership roles at Sony Pictures Television and Netflix, developing content for global audiences. Today, through Tower Collective, he works with creators and studios to develop ambitious projects and build stronger connections between storytelling and audience. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: • Winning an Emmy and wanting something different. • Making an unexpected pivot into animation. • Building relationships without being transactional. • And how executives sell your project internally. RESOURCES: • Julian Malagon BECOME A BETTER STORYTELLER ✏️💥 Join my free weekly newsletter, The Rule Breaker's Dispatch, for writing insights from my conversations with screenwriters, showrunners and industry executives. 👉 Sign up at StorySeriesPodcast.com