Shoot From the Heart with Diane Bell: Filmmaking, Screenwriting, & Inspiration
121 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsA rich archive of tips, techniques and inspiration to help screenwriters, filmmakers and other creative souls achieve their dreams.
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Episodes
Ep #66 - Money and Movies
September 11, 2021 14:46 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBTo make a movie, you need cash and it's easy to feel like THE thing stopping you from achieving success as a filmmaker is a lack of finance. In this episode, I invite you to think about what money is and how it relates to making movies. Join me for a free masterclass on this topic, starting September 15: www.dianebell.com/money
Ep #65: On Being a Female Artist
August 06, 2021 21:18 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBIn this episode, I share a little about my own personal journey as a woman and an artist, and a few things that I've learned a long the way. To register for the free masterclass FEMALE ARTIST RISING --> www.dianebell.com/rising
Ep #64: The Rise of the Female Artist
August 05, 2021 15:13 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBWomen are still dramatically under-represented in the film world. It's easy to look outside of us at the systemic injustices (which are real) but in this episode I invite the women amongst us to look inside. When we understand our deep coding - not just from our lives being born into a patriarchy, but our genetic heritage as women who are daughters of generations of suppressed voices - we can start to create a healing and transformation that will change the world.To sign up for the free mas...
Ep #63: The Standout Screenplay
July 11, 2021 14:30 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBMost screenplays will never sell or get made into movies. So how do you write one that really has a shot at standing out? In this episode, I dive into the idea of writing from your heart and why it matters so much. To sign up for the masterclass Screenwriting From the Heart: www.dianebell.com/heart
Ep #62: What if it's not meant to be easy?
June 14, 2021 23:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBWe often think if something is hard, then we should give up. We should leave it to the people who are naturally talented, who make it look easy. Today I want to offer you another perspective on this. If you've ever felt like your path is just too hard, please listen to this episode! It will be a game-changer. To join the Shoot From the Heart Society: https://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960 To sign up for the EMPOWERED free masterclass: www.dianebell.com/empoweredTo learn more ab...
Ep #61: How to Protect Your Work
May 31, 2021 20:08 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBIt's every screenwriter's worst nightmare - that their idea will be stolen. But how common is it really? In this episode, you'll learn how to protect your work in the practical sense, but also how to shift your understanding so that you can release the fear of theft. To join the Shoot From the Heart Society: https://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960
Ep #60: Overcoming Fear
April 11, 2021 22:43 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBIf you know that it's fear that's stopping you, you're halfway to winning the battle. In this episode, I talk about why fear is the #1 enemy of all artists and how to handle it. If you'd like to join my FREE masterclass this month, MAGNETIC, sign up here: www.dianbell.com/magnetic
Ep # 59: Creating Unforgettable Characters
April 05, 2021 19:57 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBThe key to writing a stand out script is creating unforgettable characters. In this episode, we'll explore why that is - and crucially how to do it. Say goodbye to 2 dimensional stereotypes and instead start writing the kind of characters that great actors will kill to play! If you've written a screenplay (or more than one) and you'd like to be part of a supportive group (including monthly zoom calls with me, I'd like to invite you to join The Screenwriter's Pro Mastermind: www.dianebell...
Ep # 59 - Creating Unforgettable Characters
April 05, 2021 19:57 - 30 minutes - 57.7 MBThe key to writing a stand out script is creating unforgettable characters. In this episode, we'll explore why that is - and crucially how to do it. Say goodbye to 2 dimensional stereotypes and instead start writing the kind of characters that great actors will kill to play! If you've written a screenplay (or more than one) and you'd like to be part of a supportive group (including monthly zoom calls with me, I'd like to invite you to join The Screenwriter's Pro Mastermind: www.dianebell...
Ep #58: Someone Else's Story
March 30, 2021 01:55 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBDo you want to tell a story that isn't yours? Is that okay to do - or are you appropriating someone's story in a way that is inappropriate? How do you make sure that in telling someone else's story you are not committing an offense? How do you navigate getting the rights to tell someone's story? All these questions (and more) are part of today's episode. To join The Shoot From the Heart Society for monthly free masterclasses, go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960
Ep #57: The Exceptional Myth
March 06, 2021 16:46 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBDo you believe that in order for you to sell a script it has to be EXCEPTIONAL? If so, you'll fallen victim to a power-sucking myth. In this episode you'll learn what your script really has to be, and why you get to decide what is worthy of selling (and trust me, once you really get this, it will make selling your script so much easier!). To join the Shoot From the Heart Society, for free monthly masterclasses, go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960
Ep #56: Imposter Syndrome
February 10, 2021 03:55 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBMany people feel they have Imposter's Syndrome - but do they really? If you're new to something, it might be Beginner's Syndrome, the very uncomfortable feeling of doing something that just doesn't feel natural. But what is real Imposter's Syndrome? Why are its effects so powerfully devastating? And what can we do to heal it - and avoid it altogether? All this and more are the topics of today's episode. To sign up for the free masterclass, THE NEXT LEVEL, kicking off on Feb 19, head to ...
Ep #55: Comparing Yourself to Others
February 02, 2021 23:38 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MBWe all do it: look at how others are doing to judge how we are doing. But does it serve us? Is there a way to approach judgement, comparison and envy that can? In this session, I dive into this subject and share the lessons I've learned from the yoga mat that have helped me in my filmmaking and screenwriting career. To join the Shoot From the Heart Society private FB group, go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960
Ep #54: The Island of Filmmaking Success
January 25, 2021 23:11 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBIf you dream of writing and selling scripts and making movies, you are dreaming of reaching the Island of Filmmaking Success. In this episode, I share an excerpt from the fifth class of Operation Greenlight, in which I share the truth about this journey - and why it matters so much. You'll probably want to save this one and come back to it whenever the journey gets tough. And if you want to see the whole class - stay tuned. Operation Greenlight will soon be available to purchase for lifet...
Ep #53: Operation Greenlight
January 24, 2021 00:30 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBLast week, I shared a series of 5 free live masterclasses: Operation Greenlight. The aim of these was to provide information and inspiration for you to sell your screenplay or raise money to make it yourself. Today on the podcast, I want to share an excerpt from day 1 in which you'll learn why aiming to get your movie made is like going on a journey to an island and what kind of vessel you should choose to get there.
Ep #52: On Writing Partners
January 13, 2021 04:09 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBShould you write your script with someone else? In this episode, I share my two very different experiences collaborating with others and my thoughts on when you should enter a writing partnership - and when it should be avoided. If you want to sell a script or make a movie this year, don't miss OPERATION GREENLIGHT, a series of 5 free masterclasses I'm sharing, kicking off on January 14. For more details and to sign up, go to www.dianebell.com/greenlight
Ep #51: You Matter
January 04, 2021 21:07 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBThis week I share an excerpt from a live session I had with members of my End of Year Screenwriting Challenge group on Sunday January 3. It was a message that I felt worthy of sharing wider - so here it is. You matter. Your work matters. Please listen to this and carry this message through 2021. Happy new year! If you want to join my series of FREE live masterclasses, OPERATION GREENLIGHT, on selling your script or making your movie this year, you can register at: www.dianebell.com/gree...
Ep #50: 5 Lessons from 2020
December 28, 2020 21:56 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBWhat a year! Join me as I unpack 5 lessons that I learned from it, because despite the challenges it was an incredible year for me personally, a year in which I grew and learnt so much. I'd love to hear from you - what were your biggest lessons this year? Join the Shoot From the Heart Society on Facebook and connect: https://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960 Also to join my FREE five day masterclass series OPERATION GREENLIGHT, sign up at www.dianebell.com/greenlight
Ep #49: Reset Revolution (Part 2)
December 20, 2020 21:18 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBIn the second excerpt from my recent masterclass series RESET REVOLUTION, we explore the role luck plays in achieving your goals and how to make yourself lucky. You'll also learn why (when setting goals) you must dare to follow your true heart's desires. To join the exclusive FB group, The Shoot From the Heart Society and watch the rest of this training (for FREE), click here --> https://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960
Ep #48: Reset Revolution (Part 1)
December 16, 2020 23:50 - 33 minutes - 23 MBWhew, what a year it's been! If you're ready to hit the reset button and prepare for the best year of your life in 2021, this is the episode you need. In it, I share why our usual method of goal setting doesn't work - and how to set goals we actually achieve. If you'd like to watch the rest of this training (it's free and available into January), please join the Shoot From the Heart Society Facebook group. You'll find them there as well as more free trainings --> https://www.facebook.co...
Ep #47: The Effective Query Letter
November 26, 2020 16:43 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBA good query letter could change your career overnight (and your life!). A bad one wastes your time and the time of the person you send it to. What makes a good one? How do you make sure that each time you hit SEND you are maximizing your chance of success? Listen in to find out (clue: connection is EVERYTHING!). For more info, go to www.dianebell.com. To join the Shoot From the Heart Society on Facebook for free masterclasses: https://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960 See you ...
Ep #46 How to Focus When the World is Crazy
November 20, 2020 15:28 - 27 minutes - 37.2 MBAre you finding it hard to focus on your creative work right now? If you are, you're not alone. Between the election madness, Brexit, and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, it can be hard to show up for your work. In this episode, I share some ideas on how to focus in the middle of all the craziness. For more info, go to www.dianebell.com.
Ep #46: How to Focus When the World is Crazy
November 20, 2020 15:28 - 27 minutes - 19 MBAre you finding it hard to focus on your creative work right now? If you are, you're not alone. Between the election madness, Brexit, and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, it can be hard to show up for your work. In this episode, I share some ideas on how to focus in the middle of all the craziness. For more info, go to www.dianebell.com.
Ep #45: Do I Need to Move to LA?
November 17, 2020 21:35 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBThis question comes up for every aspiring screenwriter and filmmaker: do I have to move to LA or NYC? Here's my take on the answer (and it's not a simple YES or NO). For more info, go to www.dianebell.com
Ep #44: Being Kind
November 06, 2020 02:57 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBSometimes things don't go to plan. You don't write the pages you said you would, you hesitate about calling possible investors. It's easy to beat yourself up about it, to feel shame and guilt. But in this episode I explore why being kind to yourself is one of THE keys to a long and happy career (and life). What does being kind to yourself really mine? Dive in and find out. For more info: www.dianebell.com Instagram: @dianebell
Ep #43: The #1 Thing That Will Stop YOU
October 21, 2020 01:11 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBI'm planning to write a new screenplay by the end of the year, and I wrote a list of the 5 things that I think might stop me. In this episode, I share what they are, and identify the #1 thing that can stop any of us (you included!). If you want to write a screenplay by the end of the year, please join me for the End of Year Screenwriting Challenge www.dianebell.com/challenge Let's do this!
Ep #43- The #1 Thing That Will Stop YOU
October 21, 2020 01:11 - 26 minutes - 36.4 MBI'm planning to write a new screenplay by the end of the year, and I wrote a list of the 5 things that I think might stop me. In this episode, I share what they are, and identify the #1 thing that can stop any of us (you included!). If you want to write a screenplay by the end of the year, please join me for the End of Year Screenwriting Challenge www.dianebell.com/challenge Let's do this!
Ep #42: Is my idea good enough?
October 14, 2020 03:45 - 30 minutes - 21 MBMany screenwriters ask this question as they contemplate writing a new script. Is this idea good enough? In this episode I dig into what we are really asking, and why it might be the wrong question. Along the way, expect thoughts on what makes a movie good, the key to a compelling script, when you should stick with an idea, and when you should jump ship. For more info, please go to: www.dianebell.com
Ep #41: Creating Miraculous Results
October 09, 2020 11:22 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBThe statistics are what they are: most scripts won't sell, most movies won't get made (and even of those that do, most won't ever get seen). You are not looking for conventional results in this industry - you are looking for miracles! But how to miracles happen? Do you have to be special to achieve them? In this episode I share the real secret to miraculous results. Get ready to start allowing them to happen to you. For more info, please go to www.dianebell.com
Ep #40: Raising Money For Your Indie Film
October 01, 2020 22:57 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBNot having money is the #1 reason most people give for not making their movie. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, I share with you how to find investors, why people invest in movies and how to get to YES for the cash. You'll also get practical knowledge of what you need to do before you approach investors and what you will offer them. Prepare for your mind to be blown as you realize - EVEN now, in the middle of a pandemic: YOU CAN RAISE MONEY FOR YOUR MOVIE. To j...
Ep #39: The True Currency of the Film Industry
September 23, 2020 03:42 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBOften people talk about how the movie industry is really all about money. I don't agree with that - indie films in particular are fueled by something else all together. In this heartfelt session, I share what I think is THE magic ingredient that is the reason some scripts sell (and most don't), why some movies get made, and why some movies stand out. You'll learn a new way to think of your own work and you'll get inspired to do your best work ever. Are you ready?! PS To join my free tr...
Ep #38: 3 Things You MUST Do if You Want to Make Your Movie
September 17, 2020 04:44 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBYou've got a script and you want to make a movie. But where to start? In this session, I'll share with you the first three things you MUST do to create a solid foundation for your film's success. You'll learn about the importance of a doable script (and what that really means), why your script shouldn't be over 100 pages, and who you need to hire first. Get ready for thirty minutes of film fuel magic! And if you're ready to watch my FREE train The 5 Keys to Filmmaking Success, go to www....
Ep #37: The Art of Directing
September 09, 2020 19:28 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBThis week I share 5 foundations of good directing - you'll pick up tons of tips on what this job really is and how to excel at it, from devising a compelling creative vision that will guide your every decision to what good leadership on set looks like. This episode will fire you up and give you tons of food for thought whether you've never directed before or a seasoned pro. For more info on the Shoot From the Heart Academy, go to www.dianebell.com
Ep# 36: The Path to Directing
September 03, 2020 11:10 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBSo you know you want to direct but how do you get hired as a director? Quite simply: you hire yourself. For nearly every director in the world, that's how they started their career. In this episode, I explore what that means and how to do it. I'm also asked by a listener what good directing is - the answer might help you be one! For more info, go to www.dianebell.com
Ep #35: Seeking Validation
August 26, 2020 03:46 - 23 minutes - 16 MBIt's natural to want to know if what we're working on is good, if we're doing it right, if we're wasting our time or if we're really onto something. But what's really going on when we seek validation for work that isn't even finished? In this episode, I dig into why seeking validation is often the last thing we should be doing - and the power in validating ourselves. For more info, go to www.dianebell.com
Ep #34: Dare to Direct
August 20, 2020 20:37 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBMany of us would like to direct...but we think we don't have enough technical knowledge. Or that we would have to film school or work on a ton of other sets first. In this episode, I debunk 4 common myths about directing and share what the job is REALLY about. For more info, go to: www.dianebell.com
Ep #33: Revising Your Script
August 12, 2020 15:24 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBEveryone knows that writing is rewriting...but how do you effectively rewrite a screenplay? In this episode, I guide you through the steps I take after writing THE END on a first draft, from working the structure to finessing the dialogue. You'll learn a ton of techniques and tips to take your screenplay from rough to perfectly polished and ready to sell. For more info, go to www.dianebell.com.
Ep#32: Dealing with Rejection
August 05, 2020 13:43 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBEveryone experiences it - but how do we overcome it? Rejection can cause us to lose hope, get depressed and give up. But here's the deal: you can't avoid it so the sooner you learn how to process it, the better your journey as a creative person. In the episode, I share practical tips and techniques to help you overcome rejection and thrive. To get your FREE roadmap to writing a successful screenplay, go to: https://www.dianebell.com/the-roadmap-to-writing-a-standout-screenplay/ For more ...
Ep #31: Agents, Managers, and How to Get One
July 29, 2020 14:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBMost screenwriters and filmmakers believe if they could just get the right representation, everything in their career would be golden. The truth is slightly different from that, and I share it here. Things we cover: what an agent or manager does and...
Ep #30: 5 Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Wrote My First Screenplay
July 22, 2020 19:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBWriting my first screenplay was HARD. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Never mind the challenge of doing something I'd never done before and figuring it out as I went along - I also had the challenge of overcoming some epic levels of self...
Ep #29: Risking Absurdity
July 14, 2020 20:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBWe want to create great work - but we also want to stay safe. It's like wanting to swim, but not being willing to take your feet off the bottom. You won't swim until you risk drowning.In this episode, I take a dive into what you must do if you want to...
Ep #28: Betting on Yourself
July 08, 2020 01:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBWe all dream that if we do the work, one day someone will recognize our brilliance and give us tons of money for it and everything will be awesome. But the truth is, no one is going to bet on you if you won't bet on yourself first.In this raw episode,...
Ep #27: John McTiernan, Lessons from a Legend
June 30, 2020 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBSome of you may know that just after I sold my first screenplay, I was hired by John McTiernan, the legendary director of movies like DIE HARD, PREDATOR, and THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER to rewrite a script with him. I spent many months on his remote ranch in Wyoming over the following year and it's hard to begin to explain what an impact this experience had on me as a screenwriter and director. In this episode, I share the story of how this extraordinary experience came about and most import...
Ep #27: John McTiernan, Lessons from a Legend
June 30, 2020 16:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBSome of you may know that just after I sold my first screenplay, I was hired by John McTiernan, the legendary director of movies like DIE HARD, PREDATOR, and THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER to rewrite a script with him.I spent many months on his remote ranch...
Ep #26: Choosing Your Beliefs
June 24, 2020 02:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB"I am certain this mindset strategy works, but HOW do I get myself to believe?" This is the question that I try to answer in this session, recorded live on Instagram. If you've ever felt that changing your beliefs could help you get more success, but...
Ep #25: Make More Money Part 2
June 17, 2020 03:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this episode, I share 5 ways to increase your income and allow more money into your life. These are unconventional, surprising techniques. They might blow your mind....but they work. Pick one to try or adopt them all, and you'll soon start seeing...
Ep #24: Make More Money Part 1
June 09, 2020 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBMost of us don't ever talk about money. Creative people are especially bad for this. We often think of artists who make money as "sell outs" and say things like "money isn't important to me, creativity is." We glorify the idea of the "starving...
Ep #23: The Power of Your Voice
June 03, 2020 03:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBSometimes as creators, we downplay the effects of our choices ("I'm just making a little movie that no one will see") - but the truth is everything we create has an energetic effect in the world. We must be conscious of our power and use it wisely to...
Ep #22: How to Change a Dangerous Habit
May 27, 2020 04:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBLast week I shared 5 dangerous habits that will block your success, and so many of you wrote to me to say, "yes, I have that habit...but how do I change it?" In this episode you're going to learn a simple and practical approach to do just that. You...
Ep #21: 5 Dangerous Habits That Will Stop You From Succeeding
May 20, 2020 15:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBWe often hear about the habits of successful people...but we rarely talk about the habits that so many of us engage in that will kill our chances of success. In this episode, I take a dive into five of them that you might not be aware of. If you're...