Hey friends,
It’s been a minute since I did one of these. I’ve been debating whether or not I even want to be a routine SubStacker, but apparently I’ve succumbed to the peer pressure.
First: the past few months have been weird. Everyone thought 2025 would be the bounce-back year. The "okay, now we rebuild" year. And yet, here we are - so many friends still out of work or having to pivot to other industries just to survive. There’s no eloquent way to put it. It just sucks.
But I don’t want this to be a spiral post. Because there are some bright spots!
First: TikTok.
If you’ve been following me there, then you know I’ve been talking about screenwriting, storytelling, and surviving this industry, and somehow… that has turned into over 100,000 followers. You all message me every single day telling me that one of my videos helped you get unblocked, or made you feel seen, or inspired you to pick up a script again after months away. And that means the world.
Also—SXSW!!
I got to go to my first-ever big film festival last month to cover some amazing movies on TikTok. I still can’t believe it. It was wild and overwhelming and beautiful. I met some of you IRL, saw incredible films, and felt more inspired than I have in years. And now I fear SXSW must be a yearly trip for the rest of my life.
And finally…
THE HOLLYWOOD HANG is live!!
My friend Tepper and I started a podcast. It’s called The Hollywood Hang!
The show is all about the highs, lows, and hell nos of working in entertainment. And we’ve already recorded half a dozen amazing episodes with guests we love and admire. Whether you’re in the industry, trying to break in, or just watching from the sidelines, I think you’ll dig it.
Please listen! It’s streaming now on Spotify, Apple, and everywhere else where podcasts exist.
Thanks for sticking around, for reading this and for cheering me on.
Talk soon, Nic