Curious About Screenwriting Network

Fantastic Story Society - Ep 10 - Jon Ronson & Being Tailed by a Secret Society

Jon Ronson has lived a life more exciting than one you'd think a writer could live. He's gotten up close and personal with the likes of self-appointed superheroes, countless psychopaths (both in prison and in the boardroom) Extremists & Secret Societies.

BPS 064: Crash, Boom, Bang! How to Write Action Movies w/ Michael Lucker

Today on the show we have screenwriter, Michael Lucker. Michael is a writer, director, and producer with twenty years of experience creating film, television, animation and digital media. He began his career writing and directing television commercials while earning his undergraduate degree in broadcasting and film at Boston University’s College of Communication. Soon after he landed in Los Angeles working in production on series and specials for ABC, NBC, CBS and HBO before taking a job ...

Interview with Writer/Director, Darren Coyle, Production and Festival Tips

Interview with Writer, Alan Trezza, and His Horror Comedy

SYS Episode 330 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with screenwriter Alan Trezza. He talks about his latest credit, the Horror Comedy We Summon The Darkness (2019). The cast includes Alexandra Daddario and Maddie Hasson. Alan also goes into detail about casting Alexandra Daddario and working with her on his prior movie Burying The Ex (2014).

Interview with Actor/Director, Jamie Bernadette

SYS Episode 329 This Week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Actor/Producer Jamie Bernadette. They talk about her latest movie Dead By Dawn (2020). As a Producer, Jamie tells us what gets her involved with certain scripts and what writers should avoid doing with their screenplays

Interview with Neasa Hardiman, Director of Netflix's Jessica Jones

SYS Episode 328 This week Ashley Scott Meyers interviews filmmaker Neasa Hardiman. Topics include how she started in other areas of the film industry, and Sea Fever (2019), a Sci-Fi Horror movie of which she is the Writer-Director. Neasa Hardiman's other credits include Directing the hit Netflix series Jessica Jones.

Interview with Writer, Director, Actor, David Wall, Festivals & Business

Interview with Filmmaker, Scott Teems, Chance Encounters

Interview with Director, Lorcan Finnegan, from Commercials to Features

Interview with Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Benjamin Kasulke

SYS Episode 324 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Director/Writer/Cinematographer Benjamin Kasulke. His credits include being the Director of Banana Split (2018). Benjamin goes into detail about landing that job and also talks about working as a Cinematographer on acclaimed indie films such as Safety Not Guaranteed (2012). Safety Not Guaranteed was produced by Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass, with a cast including Aubrey Plaza and Jake Johnson.

What is ISA Connect, with ISA Founder Craig James

Ever wonder what you get from the ISA's Connect membership? Take 10 minutes and join Craig James in all of the details and unique benefits that come from the ISA's inexpensive, $10/month upgraded membership - benefits that Basic members do not receive. Here's your chance to get to know all about what you may not know yet.

Interview with Writer/Producer, Jon Adler, His True-Story Horror Feature

SYS Episode 323 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Jon Adler.  Jon Adler co-wrote and produced the Thriller Dead Sound (2018) which is based on a horrific true story he and his friends endured.  He goes into detail about the real events and how they made that vision into a movie.

Interview with Writer/Director, Philip Harder, Adapting His Latest Drama

SYS Episode 322 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Philip Harder. The focus is his latest credit, being the Writer/Director of the Drama Tuscaloosa (2019). The cast of this movie includes Natalia Dyer (Stranger Things - Netflix TV Series), Tate Donovan and Devon Bostick. Philip Harder also talks about adapting Tuscaloosa from the novel written by Glasgow Phillips.

Interview w Filmmaker Brando Benetton, Getting Your Production Value

SYS Episode 321 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Filmmaker Brando Benetton. Brando's credits include writing and directing the short Nightfire (2020). They talk about this action/thriller and how Brando was able to make a lot of production value on a budget.

Interview w Actor-Director Eric Etebari, Creating a Performance Environment

SYS Episode 320 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Actor/Director Eric Etebari about his latest Action / Adventure movie Emerald Run (2020). Topics include how taking an acting class changed his life and how Directors can create a "Performance Environment" on set.

IFH 384: From Adult Films to Directing Men in Black with Barry Sonnenfeld

I can’t tell you how excited I am for today’s episode. I had the pleasure to speak to the legendary director Barry Sonnenfeld. We discuss his idiosyncratic upbringing in New York City, his breaking into film as a cinematographer with the Coen brothers, and his unexpected career as the director behind such huge film franchises as The Addams Family and Men in Black, and beloved work like Get Shorty, Pushing Daises, and A Series of Unfortunate Events. We also chat about the time he shot nine po...

BPS 382: Screenwriting Side Hustles to Survive the Pandemic

Note: This is an Indie Film Hustle Podcast episode I wanted to share with you. Be safe out there. Too many screenwriter’s thinking is based on two months ago. They believe that the world will go back to exactly how it was before on this pandemic blows over. That might be true and I truly hope it does but hope alone will not pay the rent. Our industry is going through an unprecedented shift. If I may quote the Ghostbusters, Dr. Peter Venkman: This city is headed for a disaster of biblical ...

Interview with UK Filmmaker, Francis Annan & His Daniel Radcliff Starrer

Episode 319 This week's guest is UK filmmaker Francis Annan.  His latest credit is Escape From Pretoria (2020) starring Daniel Radcliffe. Francis talks about what led to this film getting made and how they were able to cast a star actor such as Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter Franchise).  During the intro your host Ashley Scott Meyers talks about how he pushed his successful kickstarter over the goal for his feature The Rideshare Killer. 

Interview with Filmmaker, Brandon Rhiness & One-Location Movies

Episode 318 This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Brandon Rhiness. Topics include how Brandon gets movies made thanks to coming up with stories that only need a few locations. The most recent example of this is the Comedy called Hot Box which he wrote and directed.

Interview with Actor & Filmmaker, Steven Chase

Episode 317 Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Actor and Filmmaker Steven Chase.  Topics include how Steven Chase wrote a script with his intention to star in it, and how he started making movies in Florida. His credits include Stan The Man (2020) and Shut Up And Kiss Me! (2004). 

Interview with Returning Guest, Martin Gooch & His Latest Sci-Fi Feature

SYS Episode 316 Filmmaker Martin Gooch is back on Selling Your Screenplay Podcast for a third time! In this episode he talks about his latest Sci-Fi action movie Atomic Apocalypse. Other topics include, making movies in the United Kingdom and the struggles of getting financing for indie film. 

Founder of the Rocaberti Writers Retreat, Claire Elizabeth Terry

Today I spoke with Claire Elizabeth Terry, who founded the Rocaberti Writers Retreat, which operates a sort of educational getaway in exotic locations: Medieval castles across Europe!  Writers meet daily with the mentor of their choice, who include Academy award-winning writers, directors and major movie producers - in small groups of just 4 writers, to workshop their project. This is a chance to receive undivided attention and ask questions about anything related to their writing—from their...

The ISA Is Here For You - A Reminder from Craig James

In these strange and difficult times, it's important to be reminded that you are not alone. The ISA is a community of writers and creatives who are all focused on one thing - to create. In spite of how the world is changed in such a short time, creation won't stop - it can't stop. And it is your responsibility as a creative creator to continue working, inspiring, entertaining and, again, creating. The ISA Founder, Craig James, takes ten minutes with you to remind of the above, but also to ...

Jason Kolinsky of Save The Cat: The Challenge Screenplay Contest

In this episode of “Just Click Submit,” we sit down with Jason Kolinsky from Save the Cat: The Challenge. You know the famed screenwriting book? Well, they’re also on the second year of a respected screenwriting contest as well. Learn more about this great contest, then just click submit!

Live Read, Grand Prize Winning Short - TRMS Sundance 2020

We are proud to present the Table Read My Screenplay Park City Grand Prize winning short: The Nebraska Incident by J Elizabeth Martin Inspired by true events Logline: When a mysterious craft crash lands in a rural Nebraska farm, a young girl named Ruth, crippled by polio, discovers that her psychic abilities not only have the power to avert a war, but also give her the confidence to move forward after her debilitating illness.  Our esteemed actors performing the reading for:  Dori...

Interview w/ Jameson Parker on Budgeting, Marketing, Making a Netflix Show

Episode 314 In this Episode, Producer Jameson Parker talks about many details of the job. Topics include: Making Pitch Decks (Look Books), working towards a budget and Making a Netflix TV Series. Jameson Parker's credits include the Horror Movie "Summer Of 84", "Prodigals" and the TV streaming series, "Julie and the Phantoms".

Interview with Alec Shackleton About His Guy Pierce-Starring Action Feature

SYS Episode 313 Director York Alec Shackleton talks about the latest movie he directed Disturbing The Peace (2020). This is an Action-Crime film which stars Guy Pearce. York talks about casting Guy Pearce and how he has continued to build a career as an indie filmmaker.

Wine Wednesday - Ep 79 - Valentine's - Our Favorite Romantic Movie Moments

That time of year when love reigns supreme and we're reminded that our loved ones are all that matters...other than great movie and TV moments, of course! Max and Felicity dive in to their favorite romantic movie moments, ranking their top faves (and surely leaving out some excellent moments by mistake because there are so many). This is a fun review of special on-screen moments to get us into that loving feeling. Remember, Felicity Wren and Max Timm always have open Q&A during every Faceb...

Wine Wednesday - Ep 78 - Resources for Screenwriters w/ ISA's Scott Markus

There is a wealth of information out there for burgeoning screenwriters, but how do you filter through it all? What actually is at your fingertips for you to utilize, not only for educational purposes, but informational resources to help move your career forward? Max and Felicity bring on the ISA's resource manager, Scott Markus, to discuss what the ISA site offers its members, but to also discuss strategy for writers interested in propelling their careers forward in any way possible. Listen...

Wine Wednesday - Ep 77 - Planning Your Writing Year and Sticking To It

The title of this episode of Wine Wednesday says it all. It's one thing to make a plan, but what good is it if you don't stick to that plan? And we've found that most writers tend to have a plan of "Sell my screenplay this year". But what does that mean, really? Do we really understand what goes into that process, and do we actually have control over selling our screenplay? This episode is all about focusing on what you can control, and sticking to that focus - your craft, education, and pro...

Interview with Kristin Alexandre - Writing and Producing on Both Coasts

This week on the podcast Ashley talks with Kristin Alexandre. She has made a career by flying back and forth from Los Angeles and making movies in Boston, Massachusetts.  Her credits include Grey Lady and being the Writer-Producer of Altar Rock. It is interesting to hear how Kristin Alexandre makes this work form coast to coast.

Founder and Director of the New Media Film Festival, Susan Johnston

Just Click Submit - Episode 4 In this episode of “Just Click Submit,” we speak with Susan Johnston, who is the founder and director of the New Media Film Festival.  The New Media Film Festival celebrates  "Stories Worth Telling that are created by people of All Ages-All Cultures-All Media." It showcases 3D and animated shorts, web series, mobile media, apps, music videos, novels, feature films and television pilots, awarding over $45,000 in prizes and offering distribution to non-tradition...

SYS Interview with Arizona Filmmaker, Robert Conway

SYS Episode 311 In this Episode host Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Robert Conway about making movies in Arizona. Robert Conway's recent credit is as Writer Director of Eminence Hill (2019). This Western stars Barry Corbin (No Country For Old Men), Dominique Swain (Face/Off, Lolita) Lance Henriksen (Aliens, Scream 3).

SYS Special: Diving Into Ashley Scott Meyers' Production, Rideshare Killer

Episode 310 In this very special episode, host Ashley Scott Meyers goes into detail on the development and production of The Rideshare Killer, a movie he wrote and directed. The Rideshare Killer is a Horror/Thriller with a cast that includes Eric Roberts (Runaway Train, Hustlers), Tuesday Knight (A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: The Dream Master) Victoria De Mare (Killjoy 3).

SYS Interview with Sci-Fi Producer/Director, John Suits

SYS Episode 309 In this episode Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Producer/Director John Suits. The main focus was the Sci-Fi movie 3022, which John Suits Directed and stars Miranda Cosgrove, Omar Epps and Kate Walsh. John Suits has many credits to his name, including Producing Cheap Thrills (2013) and The Crash (2017) and Directing Pandemic (2016). 

SYS Interview with Horror Filmmaker, Lisa Van Dam-Bates

SYS Episode 308 Lisa Van Dam-Bates talks with us about being the Writer/Director/Actor on the Body Horror movie Marla (AKA Marla Mae).

Interview with Thriller Director, Adam Egypt Mortimer

SYS episode 307 Filmmaker Adam Egypt Mortimer returns to the Selling Your Screenplay Podcast for a second time to talk about his new Thriller Daniel Isn’t Real (2019). The movie’s cast includes Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sasha Lane and Miles Robbins. Adam Egypt Mortimer’s other credits include the Horror movie Some Kind Of Hate (2015), which he talked about on Ep. 92 of the podcast.

Live Read, Grand Prize Winning Short - TRMS Austin 2019

Enjoy your fellow writers' material and take note of what a grand prize-winning short script reads like! Take a listen to The Table Read My Screenplay 2019 Austin Grand Prize winning short script, THE PROBLEM WITH TIME TRAVEL By Mike Kearby. Logline: A young housewife in 2301 is visited by two time-travelers who each have a different agenda regarding her well-being The role of Billy Jean Walterbob will be played by Amy Sullivan - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6653655/ Mitchell Chivesky ...

Interview with Author and Screenwriter, Jamie Grefe

SYS Episode 306 Author and Screenwriter Jamie Grefe talks about how his Facebook contact, Indie Filmmaker Jim Wynorski led to his big break and first feature. Jamie Grefe’s movie credits include It, Hunger and The Wishing Forest. 

Interview with Crime Thriller Writers, Henry Jacobson and Avra Fox-Lerner

Episode 303 This week on the SYS Podcast I talk with screenwriters Henry Jacobson (also the director) and Avra Fox-Lerner about how their new crime thriller feature film, Bloodline. We also talk about how this film came together and how they were able to attach Seann William Scott to the project.

Interview with Writer/Director & Doc Filmmaker, Henry Alex Rubin

SYS Episode 302 This week on the SYS Podcast I talk with Writer/Director Henry Alex Rubin about his new feature film, Semper Fi, and how he got involved with that project. We also discuss his award winning documentary, Murderball, and how that launched his career as a director.

Interview with Horror Writer/Director/Producer, Bernie Rao

SYS Episode 301 In this episode of the podcast I talk with Bernie Rao about his new horror feature film, Killer Sofa, which he wrote, directed, and produced. We also talk through his career and how he's been able to make movies all while living well outside of Hollywood.

IFH - Making and Selling a Niche Indie Film with Rob Smat

IFH #348 Today on the show we have writer/director Rob Smat. His niche film is THE LAST WHISTLE. It is a Football Drama with a budget 125K, the crew was almost entirely film students, shot in 13 days in Texas, distributed worldwide by Vertical Ent. for 10 theater release this past June and originated as a pitch for Rebel Without a Crew TV show and was turned down so he made it myself Rob formed a cast from high-level B-list stars, fostered relationships with distributors before shooting,...

BPS - Forensic Speak: How to Write Realistic Crime Dramas with Jennifer Dornbush

BPS #53 Forensic Speak: How to Write Realistic Crime Dramas with Jennifer Dornbush Today on the show we have author Jennifer Dornbush who has written the book Forensic Speak: How to Write Realistic Crime Dramas. We sit down and discuss all thing forensics. We even discuss the im[pact of the OJ Simpson case on the world of forensics. Here’s a bit about her amazing book. Crime stories have always intrigued viewers and storytellers. Today, crime shows rule the airwaves and there is trul...

Interview with Nathan Ives & His Documentary, Somewhere In The Middle

Episode 300 (a huge congrats to Ashley Scott Meyers for delivering his three-hundredth episode!) Writer/Director (and often writing partner) Nathan Ives comes on the SYS Podcast to talk about his new documentary, Somewhere In The Middle, which is about artists who are make a living doing their art but aren't super famous. It's an insightful film that all aspiring artists should watch. 

Interview with Auteur, Anderson Cowan, From a 9 to 5, to Writer/Director

SYS Episode 299 This week on the podcast I talk with indie Writer/Director/Producer Anderson Cowan about his latest feature film, Groupers. We also talk about his background and how and why he made the transition from working a 9-5 job to writing and directing films.

The Fantastic Story Society - Amelia Cotter & Chicago's Serpent Mound

Are you afraid of snakes? We would venture to guess your answer is "yes". Amelia Cotter, however, wants to help you reorganize your beliefs about our serpent friends, and she does so in our seventh episode of The Fantastic Story Society. While there is plenty of fantastic ghost stories told in this episode (Amelia's telling of her one and only encounter with a ghost is excellent), we learned that there is a Native American snake mound right outside the second biggest city in the country - sw...

ISA Interview with the Napa Valley Film Festival's Whitney Haskin

Get to know one of the ISA's favorite film festivals by listening in on this informative (and fun) interview with the festival's Director of Programming Whitney Haskin, hosted by the ISA's Max Timm. Diving in to what makes the festival tick, you'll learn how festivals work, what goes on behind the scenes, and get to know the hard working people behind the food, wine, and film festival in Napa, CA. Taking place every year in November, we highly suggest making your way up to wine country to ...

ISA's Third Thursdays Live Event - Get Inspired by Veteran Producer, Pen Densham

Even if you don't know who Pen Densham is, you probably do know some of his films. A veteran producer and near-life-long entertainment professional, Pen joined the Los Angeles ISA Third Thursdays event in November as ISA's Director of Education, Max Timm, interviewed him in front of a live audience. To say the discussion was inspirational would be an understatement. From stories about making Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, to the acclaimed Moll Flanders, Pen's wisdom, advice, and pep talk to ...

Interview with Writer/Director, Jason Mbah - A Career Outside LA

Episode 298 This week on the SYS Podcast Writer/Director Joseph Mbah talks about his new action film, Expo, and how he was able to launch his career while living in Arizona.