Hi everyone!
Shayna here from the Emerging Screenwriters Interview Series.
In this episode, I interviewed writing partners Todd Foley and Dan Healey.

They met up on Twitter during the pandemic, swapping scripts to read which led to them writing a horror feature together even though they live in different states.  These guys have a fun partnership, they are very thoughtful about their work and we see big things happening for them. That’s why they have just been invited to the ISA Development Slate.

About the writers:

Todd Foley - https://www.networkisa.org/profile/todd-foley
Ever wondered what a Lifetime thriller would look like if it was remixed by A24? Say hello to Todd Foley. Todd writes cathartic thrillers that go down easy and linger after the credits roll. He believes true horror comes when we look at ourselves in the mirror, and he makes it a fun ride. Todd currently has two feature screenplays under option (one with his writing partner Dan Healey) and a third is attached to a producer with letters of interest from multiple actors. He is thrilled to be invited into the ISA Development Slate. Agent: Doreen Holmes at Integral Artists.

Dan Healey - https://www.networkisa.org/profile/dan-healey
Forged in the mountains of Colorado and polished on the crowded beaches of Long Island, Dan studied film at Hofstra University. His writing journey has taken him through a diverse jungle of features - from musical comedies to psychological horror to tech-based thrillers, he's drawn to ordinary people thrust into extraordinary situations so they can find the best of humanity within themselves. He's had scripts across multiple genres place in the Nashville Film Festival, Scriptapalooza, and the Beverly Hills Film Festival. He hopes to one day make his "Best Screenwriter Ever" mug come true.

Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:45 - Meet Todd and Dan
0:58 - What are you watching?
2:30 - Becoming writing partners
2:41 - Meeting online
3:59 - Being a good match with each other
5:27 - Writing together
6:05 - Communicating openly
6:45 - Going back and forth
7:16 - Best part of having a writing partner
7:51 - Getting feedback from writing partner
9:45 - Favorite stories to write
10:04 - Dan’s voice
11:00 - Todd’s voice
12:07 - Getting involved with the ISA
12:16 - Learning about writing with to the ISA
13:43 - Opportunities offered by the ISA
14:48 - Enthusiasm for storytelling
16:07 - Setting Goals
16:44 - Dan’s goals
17:31 - Todd’s goal
19:12 - Handling negative feedback
19:35 - Getting used to the word “No”
20:50 - Getting notes from the “No”
23:20 - Advice for new screenwriters
23:54 - Learning to be compassionate with yourself
24:18 - Chase the fun
24:47 - Be patient
25:00 - Make sure to finish
27:26 - Favorite movies