Liz and Sarah have First Day of School Syndrome AND Zoom fatigue! They discuss the First Day of School challenges of adjusting to their Fantasy Island Zoom writers room—from new faces to new group dynamics to spending hours staring at a screen—and remind themselves that in a few weeks it will all feel totally normal. Then they share how they’re embracing an atmosphere of growth in a 2021 that still feels a LOT like 2020. SPOILER ALERT: Liz is committing to Dry January, and Sarah’s determined to get outside every day, no matter the weather. Having a huge new work project definitely gives 2021 an atmosphere of growth, too. Next, they revisit one of their all-time favorite mantras: volunteers, not recruits. As they staff up (not just writers, but all departments) it’s important to remember that working with people who really want to be there is always better than working with people who have to be convinced. This week’s Hollywood Hack: keep a lipstick/lip balm by your computer!
Podcast episodes
Episode 192: The Demystification Of Staffing (& Meet Kimberly!)
Liz and Sarah have just staffed their new show, the remake of the iconic series, Fantasy Island! They talk through the staffing process — from reading scripts to writer meetings to creating group chemistry. Their main message: If you don’t get the job, it’s not personal. In From The Outer Office, Liz and Sarah introduce their new assistant, Kimberly Chiang, who talks about what it’s like to work with people she’s never met in person. The short answer? It’s weird. This week’s Hollywood Hack has changed Liz and Sarah’s work life: the Nulaxy Laptop Stand.
Episode 191: Make Your Own Relationships At Work
As Liz and Sarah dive into their new project — a reboot of the iconic Fantasy Island — they discuss why it’s crucial to make your own relationships at work. Yes, it takes time and energy to get to know everyone, but relationships are often the key to success. In Take A Hike, they talk about the importance of committing to taking certain days off — and then following through. Pro tip? Relaxation leads to greater productivity. In Hits & Bombs, Liz and Sarah give a Hit to their former assistant, Mary Mehrkens, for offering to help their new assistant get acclimated to the job. They also give themselves a Bomb for not returning emails promptly. This week’s Hollywood Hack will help make your presentation more memorable: Go for the gimmick!
Episode 190: 2021: A Year Of Fantasy Island And Juicy Fruit
Happy New Year! On the eve of 2021, Liz and Sarah reveal exciting news. They’re doing a reboot of the iconic 70’s show, Fantasy Island! They discuss the long, winding road to their straight-to-series pick up. In Take A Hike, Liz and Sarah share their Team Theme for 2021: Juicy Fruit! Then, in The Craft (& Fain) they talk about the (seemingly obvious) need for plot In spec scripts. This week’s Hollywood Hack will keep your spirits up through the end of the pandemic: plan a future weekend away.
Episode 189: A Christmas Eve Hollywood Hack Episode!
In honor of Christmas Eve, Liz and Sarah give listeners the gift of an ALL Hollywood Hacks episode. Liz shares her favorite new solution to problem of a bad Zoom background — use a card table to create a desk wherever you want one. Sarah suggests buying a bird feeder to force yourself to experience peaceful moments throughout the day. Some of their favorite Hollywood Hacks from listeners? Put Zoom links in your calendar, buy cards for every occasion in advance, and be kind to your future self with “turn down service.”
Episode 188: The First Annual HIH Holiday Gift Guide For Work
Liz and Sarah tackle the problem of gifting in the workplace. Do you gift up or down or both? They think gifting down should involve cash or gift cards, and that gifting up isn’t necessary. But for all those who DO want to give their boss a holiday treat, Sarah and Liz suggest some affordable ideas. Their favorite? Personalized mugs or hats. In The Mailroom, they answer a listener question about moving to Hollywood from abroad. They also talk about why TV is taking over movies, and whether or not creating title sequences is an “actual job.” (It is!) This week’s Hollywood Hack will help you get through stressful moments: squeeze your toes.