The Strange Disappearance of Screenwriter Ian Mackintosh

Rewind Episode -- British screenwriter Ian Mackintosh’s plane went missing on July 7, 1979, nineteen days before his thirty-ninth birthday, over the Gulf of Alaska. What happened remains a mystery. Join us as we tell the story of Lieutenant Commander Hamish Ian Mackintosh, a British Royal Navy officer, a writer of thriller novels, and a screenwriter for British television. Ian’s series, THE SANDBAGGERS, was groundbreaking.  The New York Times said, "the best spy series in television history."   Ian MacKintosh was among the first writers to present espionage realistically and as a sordid series of political struggles, double-crosses, and personality clashes.If you would like to read more about Ian Mackintosh I highly recommend The Life and Mysterious Death of Ian Mackintosh by Robert G. FolsomThe PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan StollerEmail: [email protected]

Rewind Episode: Join Sandy and Terry for a fun chat about how a short story from a dime store magazine turned into one of Hollywood's most talked-about films and the fifth-highest-grossing movie of 1954. The film REAR WINDOW, featuring stars like Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly, Raymond Burr, and Thelma Ritter, was written by John Michael Hayes and directed by Alfred Hitchcock.   The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

We have a fantastic episode for you. My guest is screenwriter, producer, and standup comedian Patricia Resnick, best known as the writer of the iconic film “9 to 5” and the author of the book for “9 to 5: the Musical.” Patricia Resnick was also involved in writing and producing on TV’s “Mad Men” and “Better Things,” among many other projects. Writers and friends, I promise you'll want to listen to this episode multiple times. Patricia shares her journey of becoming a successful, working screenwriter and explains how she, as a single mom, navigated a writing career during a time when women at work were often called "the girl."The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Carolyn Omine and Kai Omine hang out with Sandy to discuss their Disney+ episode of The Simpsons called "Yellow Mirror." This mother and son writing team (Carolyn Omine is an Emmy-winning producer who joined the Simpsons’ writing staff in Season ten and became the show's first female Executive Producer when she was credited as an Executive Producer in Season 17) pull back the curtain to share how they ended up writing together, their writing process, and spill the beans to give The Writers’ Hangout two super cool exclusives!The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Eight spec scripts have sold so far in August 2025. That's a fantastic achievement that should energize every writer out there. It looks like audiences are eager for movies that keep them guessing, which means fresh, original stories that can still surprise and delight. Sandy reports on this genuine optimism for screenwriters in an industry that has recently been taken over by existing IP.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Today’s guest is Aaron Foster, a standup comic who brings humor to topics like mental health in his stand-up shows. Aaron is touring now with his show “Mostly Jokes,” where he shares honest stories about being clinically depressed, his experience hosting an HGTV show, growing up with a bipolar father, and having a schizophrenic brother. At fifty, Aaron decided to follow his passion for stand-up comedy. I’m genuinely excited to introduce Aaron to you all, writers. Remember, it’s never too late to chase your dreams, and I believe Aaron’s story will inspire you to do just that.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

In today’s episode, Sandy shares the latest updates on the ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, highlighting three recent actions taken by each side.The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Executive Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Let's rewind and join Sandy and Terry as they chat about how writer, actor, and director Mike White (The White Lotus) came up with the hit movie, “The School of Rock,” which has been loved by audiences and critics alike. "School of Rock" played a role in boosting Black’s profile and stardom, highlighting his comedic and musical talents to a broader audience. The PAGE International Screenwriting Awards sponsors the WRITERS' HANGOUT.Executive Producer Kristin OvernCreator/Producer Sandy AdomaitisProducer Terry SampsonMusic by Ethan Stoller

Sandy offers a behind-the-scenes look at a major TV show that recently made a surprising mistake—killing off a character twice. How did this happen, and who was responsible? We’ll explore these questions with a focus on "And Just Like That." Even if you haven’t watched the series, you’ll find valuable insights here. Additionally, Sandy discusses how continuity is usually managed in TV production, highlighting Gregg Nations, the talented script coordinator from "LOST," as covered in a New York Times profile.  Executive Producer Kristin Overn, Executive Producer/Creator Sandy Adomaitis, Producer Terry Sampson, with music by Ethan Stoller.

Let's revisit Episode 15, where Sandy and Terry delve into the fascinating differences between the movie and the true story of the 1979 film "The Amityville Horror,” featuring Josh Brolin, Margot Kidder, and Rod Steiger. This haunting tale follows a family haunted by supernatural forces after moving into a house on Long Island, New York, believed to be haunted. Executive Producer Kristin Overn, Executive Producer/Creator Sandy Adomaitis, Producer Terry Sampson, with music by Ethan Stoller.