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The ISA Podcast

International Screenwriters' Association

Welcome to the Curious about Screenwriting Podcast where you'll enjoy listening to fascinating film industry guests who share their insights on how you can take your screenwriting career to the next level.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 39 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • August 11 · 58 min

    "Amberica," Table Read My Screenplay Grand Prize-Winning Script | Mokotsi Rukundo & Amber Nelson

    Amber's life is in free-fall. Her Muslim mother is dying, she's broke, her relationships are a mess, and the one thing that might save her is an inheritance... But with knotted strings attached. Are you ready for the Table Read My Screenplay experience? Submit your script at https://tablereadmyscreenplay.com/ Written by Amber Nelson & Mokotsi Rukundo Randall Winston - Director Dan Samiljan - Producer Molly Kasch - Producer & Narrator Layla Mohammadi - AMBER WILSON Pantea Ommi - FIZZEH SHIRAZEE Peter Schiavelli - BRODY, FRANKENSTEIN Siena Goines - NADIA, GIRL 2 , TRACK MATE 2, PSYCHIC, SUSAN Thora Birch - LAURA, WOMEN'S COACH, MIRIAM Jamie Rezanour - NASREEN, CAROL Patrick Finerty - CHARLIE, IMAM, DAD Maria Paris - FATIMA, KEBAB-CASHIER, CASTING DIRECTOR, ATTRACTIVE WOMAN Johnny Alonso - LAWRENCE WILSON, DIRECTOR Peder Lindell - EVAN, DANNY, BOY, KARAOKE M.C. Nick Holmes - CASTING ASSISTANT, FRAT BOY, SECURITY GUARD, BARTENDERMecca Morgan White - SUNSHINE, GIRL 1, TRACK MATE 3 Scott Markus - Videographer, Editor Chris Ekstein - Cinematographer

  • July 9 · 31 min

    Creating a Show & Career from Passion: Chatting with Evan from LA in a Minute

    What if your greatest career opportunity came from simply following what fascinates you? In this interview, Scott Markus sits down with Evan Lovett, creator of the wildly popular "LA in a Minute" series to explore how a passion project evolved into a career. Evan shares the unexpected origin of 'LA in a Minute," how curiosity became his greatest creative asset, and why authenticity, consistency, and genuine enthusiasm are more important than chasing algorithms or trends. Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, content creator, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical advice for turning an idea into a career. In this conversation, we discuss: • How "LA in a Minute" began as a project for his son • Why consistency matters more than perfection • Finding your audience in today's creator economy • Handling criticism, comments, and social media pressure • Preserving the history and culture of Los Angeles • Why authentic storytelling always wins Evan also shares his thoughts on filming in Los Angeles, celebrates the neighborhoods that make the city unique, and explains why there's never a shortage of stories waiting to be told. If you've ever dreamed of building something around what you love, this conversation is for you. Check out "LA in a Minute" here: https://www.youtube.com/@lainaminute "LA in a Minute" videos mentioned in this conversation: The Day the Trolleys Stopped in Los Angeles: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2moorZXTb1A Boyle Heights Fire: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/luVZ_bkJcsE Murals on Banks: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7RtEwTb2rsU

  • July 8 · 55 min

    How "Mattress Mack" Got Made w/ filmmaker Shane Andries | Billy Magnussen, Dianna Agron, Rob Corddry

    Every independent filmmaker dreams of making that first feature, but what does it actually take? In this episode of How Movies Get Made, Scott Markus sits down with writer-director Shane Andries to discuss the making of his debut feature, "Mattress Mack," based on the true story of Houston businessman Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale. Shane shares the entire journey, from discovering the emotional heart of the story to years of fundraising, assembling producing partners, shooting a period film on an independent budget, and overcoming the unexpected challenges that nearly shut production down before cameras even rolled. If you're an aspiring filmmaker or screenwriter, this conversation is packed with practical advice about financing, directing, rewriting, collaboration, and simply refusing to quit.

  • June 15 · 38 min

    From Isolation to Slamdance Winner: How to Turn Pain Into Powerful Screenwriting w/ Renn Tan

    What makes a screenplay truly powerful? In this interview, screenwriter Renn Tan (Slamdance winner for The Gift of Rain) shares how deeply personal experiences, identity, isolation, and "conditional love," shape unforgettable stories. From growing up navigating multiple cultures and identities to finding their voice in Hollywood, Renn breaks down how writers can transform pain into authentic, emotionally resonant scripts that connect with audiences. This conversation goes beyond inspiration, it's packed with practical insight on: - Turning lived experience into compelling characters - Handling feedback (even when it hurts) - Choosing the right screenwriting competitions - Networking without feeling fake - What the industry is really looking for right now If you've ever struggled with finding your voice or writing something honest, this is a must-watch. Topics Covered: Personal storytelling, screenwriting craft, writing from trauma, identity in storytelling, film festivals, Slamdance, feedback, networking, breaking into the film industry. Renn Tan (https://www.networkisa.org/profile/renn-tan) speaks six languages, but not their mother tongue. Growing up LGBTQ+ in a Muslim country means, of course, they write about conditional love. Across genres, their stories feature characters whose identities directly conflict with their environment. Renn is a graduate of USC's Screenwriting MFA program. Their work has won Best Feature Screenplay at Slamdance and the Dallas International Film Festival, and was one of the top three scripts selected for the ISA Diversity Initiative. They are excited to be one of ISA's Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2026.

  • June 13 · 1 hr 11 min

    How Catalina Got Made with Writer-Director, Martin Russell Johnson

    Why This Sci-Fi Film Hits So Hard Emotionally: What happens when sci-fi meets something deeply human? In this episode, Scott Markus sits down with filmmaker Martin Russell Johnson to talk about his powerful short film "Catalina," a grounded sci-fi story about AI, caregiving, and the emotional cost of holding on. Martin shares his journey from growing up in a challenging environment in San Diego to finding purpose through storytelling, and how creativity quite literally changed the trajectory of his life. We dive deep into: - How Catalina evolved from a sci-fi concept into a deeply personal caregiving story - Winning a $50,000 grant & why that was just the beginning - Building a passionate film team through relationships and trust - Shooting ambitious sci-fi on an indie budget - Why your biggest challenges on set become your proudest moments This conversation is packed with insight for filmmakers, writers, and anyone trying to bring meaningful stories to life. If you're interested in filmmaking, socially conscious storytelling, or how to turn limitations into strengths, this is one you don't want to miss.

  • June 12 · 9 min

    Why Writers Should Celebrate Small Wins (They Lead to Big Success)

    In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James shares an important message for writers at every stage of their journey: Celebrate your successes — even the small ones. Many writers hesitate to share their progress because of impostor syndrome or the belief that their accomplishments "aren't big enough." But Craig explains why every step forward matters, whether it's a table read with friends, a quarterfinalist placement in a contest, a general meeting with an executive, or even shooting a short film on an iPhone. Those small moments build momentum, confidence, and visibility in the industry. Craig discusses: - How celebrating small wins creates positive momentum - How sharing success stories can strengthen your writing career - Why industry professionals often look up writers before meetings - How small steps eventually lead to big opportunities - The importance of actively participating in your own career He also shares personal stories from early in his filmmaking journey, including the experience of screening one of his first films in a theater, a moment that helped shape the path that eventually led to founding the International Screenwriters' Association. If you're feeling hesitant to share your progress or wondering whether your achievements "count," this episode is a reminder that every step forward matters. Keep writing, keep creating, and don't be afraid to celebrate the journey.

  • March 2 · 9 min

    Independent Film Is Coming Back, Your voice is needed NOW

    In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James addresses the question many writers are asking: What is the state of the film industry right now and should I still be writing? After the strikes and industry slowdowns, it's easy to feel discouraged. But Craig believes this may actually be the best time to focus on your craft. He breaks down: - Why industry "peaks and valleys" are normal - How the 90s independent film surge may be returning - Why studios are reconsidering the $200M blockbuster model - How streaming platforms create new opportunities for authentic voices - How making one independent film can transform your writing career Most importantly, Craig emphasizes that your perspective is uniquely yours. No one has walked your path. No one can write your story the way you can. And in a shifting marketplace hungry for fresh voices, intimate and personal storytelling may matter more than ever. Instead of waiting for the industry to change, this is the time to: - Write the story that means something to you - Stop chasing trends you can't control - Focus on your authentic voice - Build your body of work Because even if the market fluctuates, storytelling isn't going away. Audiences still crave meaningful stories, whether in theaters,, or at home with a bucket of popcorn. And sometimes, writing the script that fulfills your own heart is the most important step forward.

  • February 23 · 34 min

    How Filmmaker Daniel Meyers Made "Bulls," his first screenplay (from 20 years ago), in his Hometown

    What does it really take to write, direct, and finish an independent feature film? A real look at the filmmaking process. In this episode of How Movies Get Made, presented by the International Screenwriters' Association, writer/director Daniel Meyer breaks down the journey of bringing his feature film "Bulls" from script to screen. Daniel discusses the creative origins of the story, writing with production realities in mind, stepping into the dual role of writer-director, and navigating the challenges of indie filmmaking, from development and production to post, distribution, and release. This is an honest, practical conversation about the decisions filmmakers must make when there is no studio safety net. Topics include: - Developing a script that's emotionally grounded and producible - Writing characters that actors can fully inhabit - Directing your own material without losing perspective - The realities of indie film production and post-production - Lessons learned from finishing and releasing a feature film - Advice for screenwriters who want to see their work actually get made "Bulls" is now available

  • February 17 · 30 min

    Clarissa Jacobson on How Making a Short Film Can Transform a Screenwriting Career

    What happens when a screenwriter stops waiting for permission and makes the film herself? In this in-depth conversation, writer, filmmaker, and actress Clarissa Jacobson shares her remarkable journey from acting to screenwriting, and how creating her short film Lunch Ladies changed everything. From self-funding her first short to navigating festivals, building confidence, and finding her creative voice, Clarissa offers hard-earned wisdom for writers at every stage. Clarissa talks candidly about: Choosing screenwriting over acting and letting go of sunk costs Why making a short film can transform a writing career The brutal (and rewarding) realities of self-funding your work Lessons learned from eight years of promoting "Lunch Ladies" Comedy horror, collaboration, and trusting your intuition Finding the right creative partners & why writing together works Why writers gain more respect when they make something real This episode is a must-watch for screenwriters, indie filmmakers, and storytellers who feel stuck waiting for a break and are ready to bet on themselves instead. 🎬 Lunch Ladies went on to screen at festivals worldwide, air on American Airlines, and open doors Clarissa never imagined all because she made the leap from page to screen. Clarissa Jacobson is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and co-founder of the team Rebel Minx. She is the creator of the acclaimed short film Lunch Ladies and the author of "I Made a Short Film, Now WTF Do I Do with it?," a practical guide to film festivals, promotion, and survival for filmmakers.

  • February 15 · 40 min

    How Filmmaker Maiara Walsh Made "Bight"

    What does it really take to direct your first feature film? A real look at the filmmaking process for "Bight" In this episode of How Movies Get Made, presented by the International Screenwriters' Association, filmmaker Maiara Walsh breaks down the six-year journey of writing, directing, producing, and starring in her debut feature film, "Bight." Maiara shares the realities of true microbudget filmmaking—from writing a script during lockdown, finding financing, pulling favors, and surviving post-production, to navigating festivals, distributors, and release strategy. This conversation is packed with practical advice for screenwriters and filmmakers who want to understand how movies actually get made outside the studio system. Topics include: - Writing with production limitations in mind - Collaborating with actors as a writer-director - Financing an indie feature with personal funds - Why post-production takes longer than you think - Finding distribution without major festival premieres - What first-time filmmakers wish they knew sooner "Bight" released February 10 on major streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime

  • February 8 · 7 min

    How to Write Authentic Dialogue Without Forcing It | Take 10 with Craig

    In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James explores how meditation, presence, and letting go of control can unlock deeper, more authentic storytelling. After spending decades pursuing spirituality alongside his creative work, Craig shares how quieting the mind has transformed the way he writes scenes, dialogue, and characters. Instead of forcing story beats or "perfect lines," he explains how surrendering to the moment allows characters to speak for themselves, often leading to the most memorable and emotionally honest writing. Drawing from a meditative screenwriting exercise he experienced at a writing retreat in Costa Rica, Craig breaks down how writers can access creative flow, reduce overthinking, and find their true voice on the page. He also discusses why forced writing often feels false, how mental noise blocks creativity, and why presence is the source of great storytelling across all art forms, from screenwriting to music. If you're struggling with writer's block, overwriting, or feeling disconnected from your characters, this episode offers a calming, practical perspective on how to reconnect with your creativity and let the story come to you.

  • February 1 · 29 min

    From Page to AFM: How Sari Earl's Screenplay Won Big at Table Read My Screenplay - Hollywood

    Award-winning screenwriter Sari Earl joins us to discuss her Grand Prize win at Table Read My Screenplay Hollywood with her deeply personal and heartfelt screenplay The Do Over. In this conversation, Sari shares the 10+ year journey of developing The Do Over, a comedy-drama inspired by her relationship with her father, who lived with ALS for over two decades. She opens up about adapting real-life experiences into compelling fiction, finding the right tonal balance between humor and heartbreak, and how a professional table read at AFM helped elevate the script to a new level. We also dive into: How The Do Over evolved across genres before landing as a comedy Why table reads are a crucial development tool for writers Collaborating with director Drew and an exceptional cast, including Rob Morrow What happened after winning the contest: meetings with investors, producers, agents, and studios Why writers must become the driving force behind their own projects Learning to trust your creative voice This is an inspiring, practical conversation for screenwriters, filmmakers, and storytellers looking to move their work from the page toward production.

  • January 28 · 1 hr 24 min

    "The Do Over," Award-Winning Screenplay by Sari Earl

    Recorded at the American Film Market (AFM) in November 2025 An estranged father and daughter embark on a road trip — each hiding secret motives — but as unexpected detours and the dad's quirky caretaker draw them closer, they rediscover what it means to be a family. Sari Earl - Writer Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Sari was a tax attorney who worked for Delta Air Lines before a passion for writing inspired her to shift careers. She is a published author of ten books, seven under the pen name Sari Robins and three under her own name. She also wrote and helped create a documentary short. Now Sari is focused on her most personal story yet, making a film inspired by her father who lived with ALS for over twenty years. The screenplay, Do Over, is a comedy that reflects her dad's indomitable spirit, his humor, and his love of family. Do Over is the Grand Prize Winner of the Table Read My Screenplay Competition Hollywood 2025 and won Best Comedy Screenplay at the Atlanta Women's Film Festival 2025, among others. Motivated by her father's ALS, Sari helped create and co-chairs the accessibility and inclusivity committee at her Temple where she also served as Vice President of Community, led the leadership program and served on the board. Sari also served as President of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, the largest Jewish film festival in the world, and is a founding board member. Sari served as Vice President of Film, and Vice President of Leadership at American Jewish Committee, Atlanta, where she continues to serve on the board and is part of the Black-Jewish Coalition and community engagement efforts. Sari served on the board of a mental health non-profit and on the advisory board for an interfaith disability organization. Check out www.sariearl.com Drew Ann Rosenberg - Director Drew began her career in the arts, working in off-Broadway theatre in New York City and as a classically trained singer. She was Assistant Director on 6 Academy Award-winning films and has worked alongside such acclaimed directors as Sidney Lumet, Arthur Penn, Woody Allen, Paul Newman, Jonathan Demme, Rob Reiner, and Abel Ferrara. She's also First ADed 7 movies for HBO and multiple TV series and limited series. Drew's directorial debut, SEX AND A GIRL, aired on Showtime and Lifetime Networks. FOLLOW THE PROPHET was released theatrically. She directed second unit on THE RETURNED, STARKID, and NOW AND THEN. Drew wrote and directed the short film DAYBREAK, which received an LA Emmy. Her short film, AMY'S GIFT, won 5 awards at festivals. DADDY'S EYES, her latest short, won Best in Fest and Best Narrative Short at The Lake Placid Film Festival and the Rome Film Festival. Drew co-produced the feature NINE BULLETS, for Writer/Director Gigi Gaston, starring Lena Headey, Sam Worthington, and Barbara Hershey. Recently, Drew stepped up to direct on the limited series, American Sports Story, Gladiator for FX networks. She's currently in development on two independent features, KINGS ROAD and OUR CLASS, as well as a series derived from her short, DADDY'S EYES. www.drewrosenberg.com Cast: Rob Morrow - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001555/ Tu Morrow - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2358754/ RJ Hatanaka - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4082552/ Siena Goines - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0324788/ Dean Cameron - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0131541/ Maiara Walsh - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2118666/ Oliver Blank - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14028470/ Eric Keitel - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3318078/ JK Anderson - Narrator

  • January 27 · 11 min

    Using Your 4 Free Screenwriting Contest Entires, Take 10 with Craig

    In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James breaks down how to use screenwriting contests the smart way, not just as entries, but as tools for growth, feedback, and industry awareness. Craig explains how ISA Connect's free contest waivers work, why deadlines can actually help you finish stronger drafts, and how contest results reveal whether your script is truly connecting with its first audience: the industry. Quarterfinals, semifinals, notes, rewrites—every outcome tells you something valuable if you know how to read the signals. Drawing from his own experience submitting under a pen name for years, Craig shares why rewriting is the real work of screenwriting, how to evaluate feedback without losing your voice, and what it takes to push a script toward that elusive goal: becoming undeniable. If you're a writer trying to understand where your work stands—and how to move it forward—this episode offers practical guidance, encouragement, and an honest look at the long game of storytelling.

  • Dec 23, 2025 · 34 min

    From Contest Quarterfinalist to Industry Meetings: A Screenwriter's Real Path Forward, Jack Cusick

    What does it mean to "level up" as a screenwriter? Grounded sci-fi writer Jack Cusick breaks down the realities of building a screenwriting career, from mastering craft, to finding community, to finally stepping into real industry conversations. Jack shares how he fell in love with storytelling, why the structure of screenwriting sharpened his writing, and how he thinks about grounded sci-fi as character-first storytelling rather than spectacle. He also opens up about "quarterfinalist syndrome," rewriting without losing your sanity, and why progress in this business often feels like a video game with invisible levels. We also talk about: The three stages of a screenwriter's career Why writing is always a little uncomfortable (and why that's a good sign) Using contests and fellowships to practice industry meetings How building real relationships matters more than pitching in your first meeting Why success is either a win… or a learning opportunity Finding your "lightning in a bottle" and staying ready when it strikes Whether you're early in your screenwriting journey or navigating the gap between craft and career, Jack's perspective is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest.

  • Dec 21, 2025 · 1 hr 57 min

    ISA Presents: How to Hook Agents & Producers, a roundtable with ISA Leadership

    Join the ISA for an honest conversation about what agents & producers want & what you need to do to become the writer they're searching for. They're not just looking for potential. They're looking for proof. In this roundtable, we'll cover: What makes agents say yes (& what makes them pass immediately) The truth about what your script needs to be ready & how to get it there How to build the professional foundation that gets you noticed Strategic paths to industry visibility The ISA resources that help you Get Great → Get Noticed → Get Repped Featuring: Craig James (CEO & Founder), Molly Kasch (COO), Felicity Wren (VP of Dev), Shayna Weber (Creative Exec), Jeffrey Morales (Story Exec), Scott Markus (Dir of Content), Thada Catalon (Digital Marketing Dir) & Ilana Grollman (Submissions Asst) This isn't about shortcuts. It's about the real work & how ISA helps you do it.

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