About the Podcast
Introducing the revamped Screenwriters’ Rant Room Podcast, where each episode brings a fresh, innovative approach to the entertainment industry conversation. In one-on-one interviews, host, writer/producer Hilliard Guess, delves deep into the minds of industry giants as well as emerging and new-comers on-the-verge, uncovering exclusive insights and anecdotes on their journeys to ‘how they broke in.” On alternate episodes, a rotating ensemble of seasoned industry veterans join as co-hosts, injecting electrifying energy and dropping knowledge bombs like never before. This unfiltered, laugh-out-loud series guarantees nothing but REAL TALK straight from the trenches of Hollywood, delivered by none other than the authentic voices of REAL Hollywood writers! Strap in for an exhilarating ride through the highs, lows, and untold tales of showbiz, as Hilliard's podcast takes you behind the curtain like never before!
The show is NORE’s “Drink Champs” but 4 Screenwriters & Filmmakers!
Our motto: “Keep it GAME all day!”
Meet the Host
SOME FUN INTERVIEWS 4 Y’ALL:
VOYAGES BOLD JOURNEY SERIES:
https://boldjourney.com/meet-hilliard-guess
DEADLINE’S DEAR HOLLYWOOD LETTER:
https://deadline.com/2020/06/wga-west-committee-of-black-writers-co-chairs-call-on-hollywood-to-revolutionize-the-way-our-industry-hires-writers-1202958013/
THE DAILY TROJAN:
The next generation of writers and directors have the ability to improve LGBTQ+ representation:
https://dailytrojan.com/2021/03/16/the-next-generation-of-writers-and-directors-have-the-ability-to-improve-lgbtq-representation/
REEL 360 - THE REEL BLACKLIST:
https://reel360.com/article/the-reel-black-list-hilliard-guess-writerproducerdirectorpodcaster/
VOYAGE LA MAGAZINE:
https://voyagela.com/interview/meet-hilliard-guess-of-west-hollywood-ca/
HILLIARD GUESS
writer/producer/podcaster/director
Hilliard is a writer/producer who has written on shows such as The Russo Bros SYFY series DEADLY CLASS, was EP/Showrunner of the digital series TICKER (which won Best Series at the 2021 World International Film Festival) and is currently Executive Producer on Amazon’s upcoming Alex “CROSS” Bonus Series: CROSS-AFTER DARK.
Born in Detroit, moved to Brooklyn NY til age 7, then was raised in the ‘hood near San Francisco as the youngest of five in a family pegged “The Cosby Show in the Ghetto.” Hilliard has a knack for writing underdog/redemption stories in the bio, music, horror, or murder-death-kill world. His knowledge of the craft and instinct for unique, flawed characters have allowed him to keep the lights on as an “assignment writer” developing TV & Film projects for some top producers and talent in town.
Hilliard grew up in the Bay Area in East Palo Alto back in the 70s/80s when it was one of the most dangerous places to live in America. Surrounded by gangs, drugs and former members of The Black Panthers, Hilliard was an outsider from the get-go. A gay, black theater kid who became one of the original Bay Area Afro Punks known as Rudeboys -- basically, he was a cool nerd who stood out in a crowd like a sore thumb.
Since 2009, he’s produced over two dozen TV pilots, Films, Shorts, POCs, Digital Series, Music Documentaries and has built a strong career for himself that’s made him invaluable on a set — in numerous development rooms — producing projects from script-to-screen. Hilliard is the recent Director of Development (now Producer) at Showrunner Ben Watkins’ Blue Monday Productions. He is a powerful voice in the writing community, promoting diversity and inclusion and dedicates his time to the WGAW (Co-Chair - Committee of Black Writers and co-penned the viral letter DEAR HOLLYWOOD in 2020), Co-chair of The Education Committee and he’s also a member of the LGBTQ+, Latinx and Genre Committees.
Hilliard was featured in and on the cover of the iTunes book “The Top 100 Indie Writers in The World” and is the longtime host/moderator of the popular Screenwriters’ Rant Room, as well as the WGAW 3rd & Fairfax podcasts where he interviews A-list writers/producers/talent from our favorite films and TV shows.
Past Guests