Why Producers Shouldn't Be Happy

Why Producers Shouldn't Be Happy

Shownotes Timestamps are approximate 00:00 – Introduction and reconnecting after 30 years. 02:08 – VHS filmmaking roots and the evergreen power of practical, in-camera creative solutions. 05:32 – Moving to Los Angeles without a career plan and navigating the union art department. 06:53 – How a micro-budget of $6,000 birthed the independent horror feature Entrance. 09:40 – The danger of waiting for the stars to align versus building a daily creative writing habit. 15:15 – Are film festivals still worth it? Navigating FilmFreeway and setting submission budgets. 18:45 – Faking it until you make it: First days on set driving box trucks and working on Punk'd. 22:45 – Redefining "making it" in your 40s and managing creative anxieties. 26:03 – Mid-show break: Elevating your digital footage with Dehancer Film Emulation Plugin [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.dehancer.com]. 31:20 – The heartbreak of studio deals falling apart and major lessons learned directing The Pact II. 35:30 – Why a "perfectly happy" production can be a red flag for independent film directors. 41:55 – Handling the crushing uncertainty of the commercial video production and movie industry. 43:58 – Exclusive Scoop: Dallas announces his new horror movie Interaction and a distribution deal with Antenna Releasing. 47:08 – Quick hits: Reading Ross MacDonald’s Lew Archer detective novels and finding inspiration. 48:41 – Where to watch Entrance, The Pact II, and anthology horror film Southbound. Resources and Links Mentioned Featured Filmmaking Gear & Tools: Dehancer Film Emulation Plugin [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.dehancer.com] (Use promo code VISION for 10% off). Film Distribution Platforms: Film Hub [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.filmhub.com], FilmFreeway [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.filmfreeway.com]. Distributor: Antenna Releasing [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.antennareleasing.com]. Books Mentioned: Lew Archer Detective Series by Ross MacDonald. Where to Watch Dallas Hallam's Work: The Pact II on Shudder [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.shudder.com] Entrance on Apple TV [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.apple.com] / Amazon [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.amazon.com] Southbound Anthology Feature Subscribe: Never miss an episode of creative deep dives by subscribing on your favorite podcast app. Leave a Review: Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to rate the show and leave a review—it helps other filmmakers find us! Join the Newsletter: Subscribe to Clint's weekly articles and behind-the-scenes insights at clinttill.substack.com [http://clinttill.substack.com]. Connect Online: Explore all of Clint's video production work and social media channels at linktr.ee/clinttill [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://linktr.ee/clinttill]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe [https://clinttill.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Don't Die

Persistence of Vision Podcast: Jeremy Burgess Episode SummaryScreenwriter, copywriter, and film critic Jeremy Burgess joins Clint to talk about building a creative career through persistence, collaboration, and learning not to be precious with your ideas. Jeremy shares how a Shakespeare parody unexpectedly launched his advertising career, how copywriting shaped his screenwriting discipline, and what it took to write and produce his first feature film, Don’t Die. Sponsor Add authentic film emulation to your footage with Dehancer [https://www.dehancer.com/]. Use my promo code VISION on any Dehancer product and get 10% off your purchase. Timestamps & Topics 00:00 – Introduction & Jeremy’s background 02:49 – Sidewalk Film Festival & screenplay competition 06:11 – From Shakespeare parody to copywriting career 10:11 – Making your own opportunities as a writer 13:01 – Surviving tough notes and client feedback 16:30 – How copywriting improved Jeremy’s screenwriting 18:44 – Finding your voice and moving past imitation 25:38 – Outlining, note cards, and story structure 33:17 – Collaboration, conflict, and creative compromise 37:21 – Writing and producing the feature film Don’t Die 39:16 – Lessons from shooting a feature in 12 days 45:03 – Advice for first-time feature filmmakers 46:44 – Dust on the VCR and writing about classic films 49:26 – Where to watch Don’t Die & closing thoughts About the Film: Don’t DieA crime thriller about a desperate man seeking life‑saving medication who becomes trapped inside a dangerous black‑market pharmacy operation. Available on Amazon, Apple, Fandango, and Tubi (free with ads). DVD available via Amazon. Guest Links Don’t Die – Feature film Dust on the VCR [https://dustonthevcr.substack.com] – Jeremy Burgess’s Substack newsletter Enjoy the episode?Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a writer or filmmaker who needs encouragement. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe [https://clinttill.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Mother Nature Has Something In Store For You

Episode Summary Screenwriter, producer, and Page Craft Writing co-founder Heidi Hornbacher joins Clint to share her journey from UCLA to Los Angeles, founding writing retreats in Italy, and helping writers avoid common pitfalls. Heidi opens up about creative mistakes, the importance of mentorship, and why getting agreements in writing matters. This episode is packed with honest advice, memorable stories, and practical wisdom for anyone pursuing a creative path. Timestamps & Topics (Time is approximate) 00:00:02 – Introduction & Guest Overview 00:01:04 – Heidi’s Journey & Page Craft 00:04:00 – Italy Retreats & Creative Inspiration 00:05:57 – Lessons Learned & Writing Mistakes 00:08:41 – The Rewrite Process 00:10:32 – Breaking into Filmmaking 00:13:35 – Saying Yes & Learning on the Job 00:16:38 – Mentorship & Community 00:20:44 – Directing & Producing 00:24:00 – Production Mishaps & Problem Solving (“Washed Away”) 00:29:22 – Agreements, Credits & Professional Boundaries 00:35:04 – Navigating Low Points & Self-Doubt 00:45:12 – Community, Success & Validation 00:52:32 – Plugs & Contact Info Key Takeaways Mistakes are learning opportunities—embrace them! Always get agreements in writing to protect your work and relationships. Mentorship and community are crucial for creative growth. Resilience and adaptability are essential in the unpredictable film industry. Redefine success: it’s about community, learning, and persistence. Resources & Links Page Craft Writing: https://pagecraftwriting.com [https://pagecraftwriting.com] Slamdance Script Clinic “Washed Away” (short film) - https://youtu.be/OMi51zjil5c?si=E1aqpu2tVPreiVtd [https://youtu.be/OMi51zjil5c?si=E1aqpu2tVPreiVtd] East Side Writers Meetup (Los Angeles) WGA West: https://www.wga.org/contracts/contracts/mba [https://www.wga.org/contracts/contracts/mba] Heidi’s interview with Canvas Rebel - https://canvasrebel.com/meet-heidi-hornbacher/ [https://canvasrebel.com/meet-heidi-hornbacher/] Clint’s Newsletter: https://clinttill.substack.com/ [https://clinttill.substack.com/] Clint’s Linktree: https://linktree.com/clinttill [https://linktree.com/clinttill] Connect with Heidi Hornbacher X (Twitter), Blue Sky, Instagram, LinkedIn: @HeidiHornbacher Website: https://heidihornbacher.com [https://heidihornbacher.com] Calls to Action Subscribe and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend in the creative industry. Join the East Side Writers Meetup if you’re in LA. Check out Page Craft’s Italy Retreat for immersive writing experiences.   This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe [https://clinttill.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Empowering future filmmakers

This week, Persistence of Vision is participating in Podcasthon [https://podcasthon.org]—a global podcasting initiative where creators around the world dedicate one episode of their show to a nonprofit they care deeply about. For me, that organization is Desoto Arts Institute (DAI) [https://desotoartsinstitute.com]. DAI was founded by my friend and longtime collaborator Robb Rokk, and it exists to give young people something I wish I’d had at their age: a hands‑on, welcoming place to explore creativity. Filmmaking. Music. Writing. Acting. Storytelling. Real tools, real mentorship, and real responsibility. In this episode, Robb and I talk about how DAI started, why it exists, and what happens when you challenge young people to take their creativity, and their future, seriously. It’s an honest conversation about mentorship, access, and the long game of investing in the next generation. If this conversation resonates with you, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to learn more about Desoto Arts Institute. Whether that means donating, becoming a member, or simply sharing their work, every bit of support helps keep the doors open and the lights on for young creatives who need a place to start. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe [https://clinttill.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Behind the Seams

Summary This month on Persistence of Vision, I sit down with Augusta Rivera Campbell—better known as Goose—a costume designer for film and TV whose creative journey is anything but ordinary. From her accidental start in the industry to working on major network shows and heartfelt indie films, Goose shares how storytelling through costume shapes every production, no matter the budget. We dive into the challenges and triumphs of working behind the scenes, the lessons learned from on-set mistakes, and the importance of collaboration and kindness in the film community. Whether you’re a director, aspiring costume designer, or just curious about what really happens on set, this episode offers honest advice, memorable stories, and a fresh perspective on creative resilience. Join me as we explore Goose’s world—where every detail matters and every setback is a chance to grow. If you’ve ever wondered how costumes help tell the story, or how to thrive in a tough industry, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Timestamps Timestamps are approximate 00:00:00 – 00:01:03: Introduction & Guest RevealClint introduces the podcast and Augusta (“Goose”), a costume designer with a unique perspective on storytelling through wardrobe. 00:01:03 – 00:04:08: The Art of Costume DesignGoose discusses the importance of costume design, attention to detail, and collaboration with directors. 00:04:08 – 00:06:08: Low-Budget CreativityAdvice for filmmakers working with limited resources and how constraints can fuel creativity. 00:06:08 – 00:08:02: Goose’s Origin StoryGoose shares how she fell in love with film and entered the industry, influenced by family and serendipity. 00:09:17 – 00:12:18: Lessons Learned on SetGoose recounts her first big lesson on “Bluff City Law” and the realities of working in TV production. 00:17:20 – 00:21:06: On-Set Mistakes & GrowthStories of mistakes made on “Women of the Movement” and how personal perspective helps overcome challenges. 00:21:28 – 00:23:25: Perseverance Through Industry LowsGoose reflects on the impact of the writers’ strike and the importance of resilience. 00:25:13 – 00:27:32: Mentorship & CommunityThe value of mentors and supporting peers in the film industry. 00:28:11 – 00:30:31: Advice for DirectorsGoose offers guidance for both seasoned and new directors working with costume designers. 00:33:07 – 00:35:00: Favorite Projects & Set CultureGoose shares her love for indie films and the importance of camaraderie on set. 00:35:00 – 00:35:47: Current Work & PlugsGoose highlights recent projects. Key Takeaways Costume Design is Storytelling: Goose emphasizes that costumes are a vital part of character development and narrative, often speaking before the actor does. Collaboration is Crucial: Open communication between directors and costume designers leads to better results and smoother productions. Creativity Thrives Under Constraints: Low-budget projects challenge filmmakers to think outside the box and can be just as rewarding as big-budget productions. Resilience Matters: Perseverance through industry challenges, like strikes and setbacks, is essential for long-term success. Community & Mentorship: Building relationships and supporting peers is key to career growth and satisfaction. Resources & Links Mentioned Bluff City Law: NBC series filmed in Memphis. Women of the Movement: ABC series about Emmett Till. Calls to Action Subscribe to Persistence of Vision – https://clinttill.substack.com Connect at https://linktree.com/clinttill Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show. Share this episode with friends in the film and creative industries. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe [https://clinttill.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]