Curious About Screenwriting Network

IFH 408: How to Attach a Bankable Movie Star to Your Indie Film w/ Steven Luke

Interview w/ Writer-Director, Miska Kajanus, and Working Through The Ranks

Episode 355 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Miska Kajanus. Starting as an Actor in Finland, Miska Kajanus moved to Los Angeles and is the Writer/Director of the Finnish language feature, Insanity (2020). They talk about that movie and how working as an extra is a good way to get started in the film industry.

Interview with Writing/Directing Team, Ruckus and Lane Skye

SYS Episode 354 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with the Writing/Directing team Ruckus Skye and Lane Skye. They wrote the Horror movie Becky (2020). The directors of Becky were interviewed in episode 337 of the podcast. Ruckus Skye and Lane Skye also wrote and directed the Thriller The Devil To Pay (2019). Topics featured here are making The Devil To Pay and how their script Rattle The Cage (2015) was discovered and produced through a script listing service.

Interview with Sci-Fi VFX Director and Filmmaker, Seth Larney

SYS Episode 353 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Writer/Director Seth Larney. He started with Visual Effects and as a Digital Assets Technician for The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions (2003). Topics include how Seth Larney transitioned into filmmaking. They talk about his new Sci-Fi movie 2067 (2020) which stars Kodi Smit-McPhee.

Interview with Horror Director, Will Wernick

SYS Episode 352 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Filmmaker Will Wernick.  Will Wernick is the Writer/Director of the Horror movie No Escape (2020) which stars Holland Roden.  He also Directed Escape Room (2017). They talk about No Escape and his DIY approach to filmmaking which has served him well.

Interview with Jessie McCormack, Webseries Piss Off, I Love You

Episode 351 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Writer/Director/Actor Jessie McCormack. They talk about her new TV/Web Series Piss Off, I Love You.  Jessie McCormack is the Writer/Director/Actor of that Comedy series and is the Writer/Director of the feature Expecting (2013). Other topics discussed includes making movies or shorts with an I-Phone and how networking at film festivals helped launch her career.

BPS 85: From Legendary Flop to a Moneymaking Machine w/ Waterworld’s Peter Rader

I wanted to bring Peter on the show to discuss what it was like to be a part of one of the biggest budget films in Hollywood history at the time.

Interview with Horror Filmmaker, Darren Lynn Bousman

Episode 350 For the big Episode 350 we have a big guest! This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Horror Filmmaker Darren Lynn Bousman. They talk about his new feature Death Of Me (2020) starring Maggie Q and Luke Hemsworth. Darren Lynn Bousman has a long career as a Writer/Director, his credits include Saw II, Saw III and the upcoming Spiral (2021). Other topics they discuss includes the differences of producing a movie in Japan instead of the United States. This is a returning ...

Interview with Sam Macaroni, Writing and Directing For a Big Cast

Episode 349 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Sam Macaroni. They talk about his new Comedy Guest House (2020). This movie features Pauly Shore, Aimee Teegarden and Billy Zane. Sam Macaroni Directed Guest House and wrote it with Sean Bishop and Troy Duffy (The Boondock Saints - 1999). They also talk about how he worked with Robert De Niro on the movie Heat (1995) and pitching the script for Guest House and where this idea came from.

Interview with James Di Martino, Marketing Shorts and Features

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Australian filmmaker James Di Martino. They talk about how he went from a marketing background into making shorts and now a feature film. James Di Martino is the writer/director of the Horror movie The Faceless Man (2019). They talk about that movie, running a Kickstarter campaign and how he started his own production company.

BPS 90: How to Write a Successful Horror Franchise w/ Final Destination’s Jeffrey Reddick

FSS 12 Halloween Special: Wendy Lynn Staats & Growing up Around Local Legends

"The Ride" Grand Prize Winning Short, Table Read My Screenplay

We are proud to present The Table Read My Screenplay 2020 Genre Grand Prize winning short script, The Ride by Kimberly Truong. The role of Catherine will be played by Amy Sullivan Jess is read by Karisa Tate With narration by Felicity Wren

IFH 407: The Million Dollar Self Distribution Experiment (Monsters of Man) with Mark Toia

Today’s guest is Australian filmmaker Mark Toia who created the indie sci-fi action film Monsters of Man. He self-distributed his film as an experiment to see if he could do it and also to prove to filmmakers that you can get a great ROI on your own.

BPS 084: The Movie Script Selling Game w/ Kathie Fong Yoneda

Today on the show we have studio veteran, story consultant, and best-selling author of The Script Selling Game- 2nd edition: A Hollywood Insider’s Look at Getting Your Script Sold and Produced Kathie Fong Yoneda.

IFH 404: How to Squeeze Money Out of Your Indie Film w/ Patrick Solomon

Interview with Jeff Barnaby, Pitching, Zombies, and Cannes

Topics include Blood Quantum (2019) a new Horror Movie Jeff Barnaby wrote and and directed. They also talk about pitching film projects at the Cannes Film Market. Blood Quantum is a high concept zombie movie with a cast that includes Devery Jacobs (American Gods) and Michael Greyeyes (True Detective).

IFH 402: Debunking Myths & the Future of Indie Film w/ Emily Best

We have a spirited conversation about the future and how the mindset of filmmakers needs to change to make it in the future. Emily Best is the founder and CEO of the crowdfunding platform Seed&Spark, which she started with a group of independent creators

BPS 80: Writing for TV/Streaming Platforms in Today’s World w/ Michael Jamin

We have writer and showrunner Michael Jamin. Michael has been writing for television since 1996. His many credits include Just Shoot Me, King of the Hill, Beavis & Butthead, Wilfred, Out of Practice, Rules of Engagement, Lopez and Tacoma FD.

Interview with Christian Sesma and His New Crime/Thriller

Episode 346 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Filmmaker Christian Sesma. They talk about his latest Crime/Thriller Paydirt (2020) which stars actors Val Kilmer, Murielle Telio and Luke Goss. Christian Sesma is the Writer/Director of other movies including The Night Crew (2015). Topics in this episode of the podcast include how Sesma was able to find producers for his movies.

IFH 401: How to Shoot a Feature Film in Two Days w/ Grant Pichla

Today on the show we have a director who shot a time travel feature film in two days, his name is Grant Pichla and his film is called Making Time. Making Time’s 110 pages were shot in just two crazy, fast-paced days, separated by seven months.

BPS 077: Wired for Story – How to Become a Story Genius with Lisa Cron

Lisa Cron is story coach and the best-selling author of Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence and Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel.

IFH 400: Creating a Film Riot During COVID w/ Ryan Connolly

We have filmmaker and founder of the legendary Film Riot Ryan Connelly. Ryan launched Film Riot on Youtube back in 2006 and has been helping indie filmmakers create killer VFX for their films ever since.

IFH 396: Confessions of an Ex-Distributor Turned Filmmaker w/ Jeff Deverett

I got Jeff Deverett to come on the show and spill the beans on: -How a bad distribution deal is structured -Why the entire film distribution business is designed to screw the filmmaker -How a distributor negotiates a deal from his point of view.

IFH 394: Using Filmmaking for Change in the World w/ Jon Fitzgerald

Powerful stories can create change, Jon Fitzgerald founded Cause Cinema, connecting social impact films to related causes. The company acts as a filter to the best of social impact cinema, giving audiences the tools to take action.

BPS 73: Screenwriters Guide to Video Game Writing w/ Robert Denton Bryant

I always wondered how someone would get into the video game writing business. Today’s guest is screenwriter/game development guru Robert Denton Bryant and he answers that question and so much more.

Interview with Writer/Director, Kyle Couch, and Setting Up The Tent

SYS Episode 345 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Writer/Director Kyle Couch. He is the filmmaker of the Drama/Thriller The Tent (2020). They talk about that movie, his writing process and how he was able to get The Tent set up. Kyle Couch also talks about making movies in Detroit.

IFH 381: How to Shoot in an Impossible Location w/ Peter Bishai

What if you were given permission to shoot most of your film in one of the busiest and iconic streets in the world, Times Square. Well, today’s guest did just that.

BPS 072: How To Write a Bad Ass Queery Letter w/ Geoffrey Calhoun

I decided to finally tackle the dreaded query letter. I bring back to the show screenwriter, author, and IFH Academy instructor Geoffery Calhoun. We go over the Query Letter Checklist in the episode.

IFH 380: How to Raise Money for Your Film w/ Franco Sama

We have on the show film finance expert, Franco Sama. His first episode is one of the most downloaded episodes in the history of the show. Franco and I joke that his last episode turned him into a celebrity at film markets and festivals around the world.

Interview with Supernatural World War II Filmmaker, Eric Bress

SYS Episode 344 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with the well known filmmaker, Eric Bress. They talk about his latest credit Ghosts Of War (2020). This is a World War II movie that also serves as a Supernatural Thriller Ghost Story. Eric Bress has written and directed many popular Horror movies including the smash hit The Butterfly Effect (2004) and Final Destination 2 (2003).  Other topics include how he was able to get a manager and the importance of staying focused if you ...

Interview with Filmmaker of Sci-Fi Feature Archive, Gavin Rothery

Episode 343 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Gavin Rothery. He is the writer/director of the Sci-Fi feature Archive (2020) starring Theo James, Rhona Mitra and Stacy Martin. Topics include how Gavin Rothery works two jobs and how he started by doing Visual Effects for Moon (2009) thanks to his friendship with filmmaker Duncan Jones.

Interview with Celebrity Crush Actor, Writer, Director, Oliver Robins

SYS Episode 342 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Actor/Writer/Director Oliver Robins. They talk about his latest movie, a Thriller called Celebrity Crush (2019) which he wrote and directed. Oliver Robins got his start as being a child actor in the hit movie Poltergeist (1982). He later directed movies such as Man Overboard (2008), which our host Ashley Scott Meyers was a writer on. Topics include how it never is easy to make it in the entertainment industry and how he sol...

BPS 071: Crafting Complex & Memorable Characters

On today’s show, I wanted to give you a sneak peek of Bulletproof Screenwriting’s first official audiobook Writing for Emotional Impact: Advanced Dramatic Techniques to Attract, Engage, and Fascinate the Reader from Beginning to End.

Interview with Prolific Fiction Novelist, Justin Sloan

SYS Episode 341 In this episode Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Fiction Novelist Justin Sloan. He gives details about how an indie author can take a book from idea to being sold on the marketplace. Justin Sloan is a prolific writer of many novels available for the Amazon Kindle and audiobook, some titles include Prime Evil and the Star Legacy book series.

Interview with Filmmaker, Ben Roud, Production During COVID

SYS Episode 340 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Filmmaker Ben Rood. He talks about starting out with short films and production during the Covid-19, Coronavirus Pandemic. Ben Rood is the Writer/Director of the Horror movie Don't Run (2019).

Interview with Crime/Thriller Director, Joshua Caldwell

SYS Episode 339 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Writer/Director Joshua Caldwell. They talk about his latest Crime Thriller Infamous (2020) which stars Bella Thorne (The Babysitter, Assassination Nation) and Jake Manley. Joshua Caldwell also talks about winning an MTV Film Award, the good and bad of Social Media and casting Bella Thorne.

Interview with with Polish Director Agnieszka Holland

SYS Episode 338 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with the Polish Director Agnieszka Holland. She talks about her latest feature, the War Time Drama Mr. Jones (2019). This movie stars Vanessa Kirby (The Crown - TV Series, Mission: Impossible - Fallout) and James Norton.  Other topics include, what keeps her motivated over the long career she has lived. Agnieszka Holland has many credits directing Film and Television, which includes House Of Cards (TV Series) and The Wire (TV Se...

Interview with Director Duo, Jonathan Milott & Cary Murnion

SYS Episode 337 Directors Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion. This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with film Directors Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion.  They talk about starting by making commercials for big brands such as Nike led to the transition into feature films.  Jonathan Milott and Cary Murnion have directed several features, most recently Becky (2020), the action packed Bushwick (2017) and the Horror Comedy Cooties (2014).  The cast of Becky includes Joel McHale, Kevin ...

Interview with Scoob! Scribe, Matt Lieberman

SYS Episode 336 Screenwriter Matt Lieberman. Topics include writing for animation, Matt Lieberman's writing credits include the hit animated movies Scoob! (2020) and The Addams Family (2019).  Scoob features the voice talent of a cast which includes, Will Forte, Mark Wahlberg, Jason Isaacs, Zac Efron and Amanda Seyfried.

Interview with Director/Producer, Kevin James Barry

SYS Episode 335 With Director/Producer Kevin James Barry They talk about the Thriller Among Them, which Kevin James Barry is the Director and Producer on.  Other topics include working with a sales agent and getting distribution for his movies.

Interview with Writer/Director, Vaughn Stein

SYS Episode 334 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Writer/Director Vaughn Stein. Topics include his latest movie Inheritance (2020), which Vaughn Stein Directed and how he started out as an Assistant Director. Vaughn Stein's other credits include being the Writer/Director of the visually stunning Sci-Fi Mystery Terminal (2018) which stars Margot Robbie, Simon Pegg and Mike Myers.

Interview with Actor/Director, Clark Duke

SYS Episode 333 In this episode Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Clark Duke. Most people will know Clark Duke as an actor in Kick-Ass (2010), or Comedies like Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) and The Office (TV-series). They talk about his feature debut as a Director/Co-Writer/Actor on the Crime/Drama Arkansas (2020). The movie also stars Vince Vaughn and Liam Hemsworth.

Interview with Writer/Director, Martha Stephens

SYS Episode 332 As an accomplished Writer/Director, Martha talks about her latest movie To The Stars (2019) and the experience of her work screening at Sundance and South By South West (SXSW) film festival.

IFH 377: Predatory Film Distributors – The Minimum Guarantee Scam

I reveal a scam on the show and discuss how you can protect yourself. Stay safe out there. Things are getting scary.

BPS 70: Secrets of Story w/ Matt Bird

So how can you write a story that audiences will embrace? The answer is simple: Remember what it feels like to be an unwilling audience. Tell the story that would win you over, even if you didn’t want to hear it.

IFH 376: Selling 10K DVDs and Building an Indie Filmmaking Empire w/ Mark Harris

Today on the show we have Filmtrepreneur Mark Harris. Mark is a self-taught filmmaker. His movies have been distributed by major distributors and he’s self-distributed many of his earlier films and sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide.

BPS 065: How NOT to Get Screwed on a Screenwriting Assignment

Today on the show I going to be discussing how NOT to get screwed on a screenwriting assignment. Assignment scripts are generally adaptations of an existing idea or property owned by the hiring company, but can also be original works based on a concept.

IFH 370: The Art of Directing Actors with Judy Weston

Today's guest is the legendary writer and educator Judith Weston. Her book Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film & Television and The Film Director’s Intuition: Script Analysis and Rehearsal Techniques is a must-read for any film director.

Fantastic Story Society Ep 11: Murder & Ghosts in Rockford w/ Kathi Kresol

Historian Kathi Kresol uses her platform as an author to speak for the victims. Seldom is it so obvious how a writer found her voice than when you hear about the murder-suicide that took place in Kathi's home & the ghosts that remain.