Happier in Hollywood

Liz and Sarah share an email from a listener that outlines the differences between writing a mystery and a thriller. One key takeaway? Curiosity fuels a mystery. Anxiety drives a thriller. Then they go Behind The Scenes of Episodes 203 and 204 of Fantasy Island. How does the crew deal with wind? Do Fantasy Island writers get ideas from their therapy sessions? How did they come up with the surreal jungle game show? Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will improve your next getaway: pick a...

Liz and Sarah are finally celebrating their 20th anniversary of being a writing team with a Caribbean cruise on the Regal Princess. Yes, they’re working onboard but they’re having plenty of fun too — including snorkeling over a shipwreck in Grand Cayman. As they look back over twenty years, they reveal the top three things they’ve learned. Most important? The war of attrition never ends, so keep the faith. They also talk about some career highs (collaborating with Marcia Clark) and lows...

Liz and Sarah are setting their own deadlines on a current project - and that can be a challenge for these two Obligers. How will they manage to stay on track? In Take A Hike, Sarah reveals how the recent rains in Southern California made her realize it’s a good idea to practice for an emergency. Next, in The Craft (& Fain), they discuss the importance of doing your research before diving into a new genre. And this Hollywood Hack is changing Liz’s life: the Apple Magic Keyboard. LINKS: Apple...

Liz and Sarah discuss what makes them feel like they’re back to work after a long break. For Liz, it’s getting on her treadmill desk. For Sarah, it’s setting an alarm. Then they go Behind The Scenes of Episode 201 of Fantasy Island. The rain on screen was fake, the real rain was a real problem. This week’s Hollywood Hack is helping Liz listen to more books: the Libby app! It takes less than a minute to set up, and it’s so worth it. Finally, Sarah recommends Wednesday on Netflix for the whole...

Liz and Sarah pay tribute to the legendary Barbara Walters, whose career was an inspiration to both of them. Then they reveal their 2023 New Year’s resolutions. Liz is going to weigh herself every day. Sarah is making a 23 for 23 list focused entirely on herself. In Take Two, they revisit the idea of a clothing swap party. And finally this week’s Hollywood Hack will help if you have any final holiday presents to get: give a theme gift. Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft...

Liz and Sarah reveal (and explain) their Team Motto for 2023 — “Alt Ending Thelma & Louise!” They’re anticipating a difficult year but they’re in it together, just like ride or die pals Thelma and Louise. Then they revisit 2022 in a special Take Two. In The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah discuss how they use visuals when they pitch a new show. The process has changed — for the better — since before pandemic times. Finally this week’s Hollywood Hack got Sarah to finally read The Joy Luck Club...

Recently, Liz and Sarah talked about how they were “all dressed up with no place to go” when a pitch meeting was cancelled last minute. Well, they got dressed and they went! Did they sell their pitch in the Zoom Room? Listen to find out. In Take Two, they share stories from listeners in other careers who have also experienced very frustrating last minute cancellations. Then, in Take A Hike, Liz talks about “the joy of getting into it,” even if “it” is out of your comfort zone. Warning: the...

As Liz and Sarah wait for news of a Season Three pickup of Fantasy Island, they discuss how in Hollywood there’s ALWAYS a wait. In HIH WFH (Happier In Hollywood Work From Home) they talk about why it’s a good idea to stop treating the permanent like it’s temporary. Chances are you WILL be working at home at least part time forever. Then they Amplify a new memoir from child star Jennette McCurdy — I’m Glad My Mom Died. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will impress your Zoom co-workers:...

Liz and Sarah discuss how they were all psyched up for a pitch meeting — and then it didn’t happen. The only consolation? Liz hadn’t paid for a blow out. In Take A Hike, they talk about the opposite of schadenfreude — freudenfraude. Especially now, when Hollywood is so chaotic, it’s helpful to take pleasure in others’ good fortune. Then Sarah revisits the Bomb she gave Elon Musk in Take Two. Finally, this week Liz and Sarah have a holiday Hollywood Hack: When someone asks for a gift, get...

As Sarah and Liz hone a new pitch they realize that the note they often get is the same one that they always give — MORE EMOTION. In Take A Hike, Sarah talks about how doing jigsaw puzzles is keeping her calm (and might be key to figuring out story problems). Next, Liz and Sarah give a Bomb to Elon Musk. And Liz gives a Hit to “things going wrong.” Finally, Sarah discovered this week’s Hollywood Hack over her Thanksgiving break: find a refill store near you. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain...

Liz and Sarah discuss what they’re grateful for— Sarah’s Ojai life is looking up, Liz has taken charge of her health, and their Fantasy Island cast is… well, a fantasy. In Take a Hike, Sarah shares her decision NOT to set an alarm. Then Liz and Sarah answer a Mailroom question about Bad Sisters. Spoiler Alert: Liz still can’t make herself watch it. Finally, a listener from Berlin shares a Hollywood Hack: throw a clothes swap party with your friends! Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain &...

Liz and Sarah talk about how often they rush to meet a deadline — and then realize there was no rush at all. Then, in Take A Hike, they discuss how the realization that accepting can be easier than rejecting led to Sarah owning a hissing cockroach. Next, Liz and Sarah offer even MORE great holiday gift ideas in Take Two. Finally, Sarah is passionate about this week’s Hollywood Hack: the reMarkable 2 Tablet. Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website:...

This week Liz and Sarah share their favorite holiday gift ideas for 2022 — cute AirPod cases, the Fermob Balad Lamp, the Click and Grow Smart Garden, a personalized vinyl record, Corkcicle coolers, and SO MANY MORE!!! Get in touch on Twitter: @sarahmfain & @elizabethcraft Get in touch on Instagram: @Sfain & @LizCraft Visit our website: https://happierinhollywood.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/HappierinHollywood/ Happier in Hollywood is part of ‘The Onward Project,’ a...

Liz and Sarah mention “the war of attrition that is life in Los Angeles” every week in the Happier In Hollywood opener. This week they discuss why combating attrition feels harder than ever — and tactics for winning the battle. Then, in Take A Hike, they share lessons learned from the late character actor and Instagram star Leslie Jordan. In this week’s HIH WFH, Liz suggests reading for fun at lunch. Finally, Sarah has a climate-friendly Hollywood Hack: Worn Wear Patagonia. Get in touch on...

After a recent meeting, Liz and Sarah discuss the concept of transparency. How much is too much? And when do you know if it’s safe to be transparent at work? In Take A Hike, they examine the difference between “managing” expectations people and “creating” expectations people. Both types have advantages and disadvantages. Next, in Amplify, Liz and Sarah share a new two part documentary from actor Evan Rachel Wood — PHOENIX RISING. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will make your life more...

Liz and Sarah discuss their recent realization that they should reframe work “politics” as work “diplomacy.” In Take A Hike, they share insight from a member of the HIH Facebook group — sometimes you have to stand still and do nothing until it feels okay. Then, in Hits & Bombs, Liz responds to listeners concern that she always gives herself Bombs by giving herself two Hits — one for taking her health seriously and the other for being a good friend. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will...

Liz and Sarah discuss why sharing their expertise helped them hone in on their strengths and weaknesses as Showrunners. Then — do you love the Fantasy Island theme music as much as Liz and Sarah do? In Hollywood Jobs, they talk to Fantasy Island composer, Genevieve Vincent, about how she captures the magic of the island in her score every episode. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack is inspired by a fantastic gift Liz and Sarah received from FI assistant extraordinaire, Lauren Conoscenti:...

Liz and Sarah are back in work mode, and they went on an overnight retreat at the Emerald Iguana Inn in Ojai to brainstorm in person. The result? A hugely productive twenty-four hours and a new Team Talisman — the iguana. In Take A Hike, they discuss their decision to wear comfortable shoes at the first work party they’ve gone to in three years. Good thing too — they ended up walking three miles. Then Liz and Sarah share a a writing tip in The Craft (& Fain): Be a sponge. Finally, this...

Vacation is officially over. Sarah and Liz are clearing their white boards and diving into a new project (or maybe two) while they wait for Fantasy Island Season Three to get the green light. How are they getting into the right mindset? And do they feel ready to tackle something new? In Take A Hike, Sarah discusses the hypnotherapy she’s been doing to improve her mood. Then Sarah has a Hit for her step mother, and Liz gives herself a Bomb. Finally, this week’s Hollywood Hack will improve...

Liz and Sarah discuss what they should be doing during their downtime. Coming up with TV show ideas? Writing a novel? Working on a new podcast? Or maybe... nothing at all? Then they Amplify a new TV show starring Roselyn Sanchez — ‘Til Jail Do Us Part. In The Craft (& Fain), Liz and Sarah share a tip they learned from an essay on writing by Ann Patchett — don’t let yourself start a new novel until you’ve finished the one you’re writing. (This happens to apply to ALL creative projects.)...