Persistence of Vision

Clint Till
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Personal stories from creative professionals about their career experiences and the lessons they learned along the way. clinttill.substack.com

  1. JAN 28

    I Do It Because I Love It

    🎙 Episode Title “I Do It Because I Love It” 🧵 Episode Summary Actor, writer, producer, and mom of four Lauren Cox joins me for a conversation about navigating creative ambition, motherhood, and faith. From her early days in theater to on-set experiences while working on House of Cards, Lauren shares how she’s learned to balance her passion for storytelling with the realities of family life and the unpredictability of the entertainment industry. Whether you’re an aspiring actor or a creative juggling multiple roles, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and some awkward audition stories. ⏱ Timestamps are approximate 00:00 – 05:00 — Life as an NFL player’s wife 05:00 – 15:00 — Getting started in theater and transitioning to film 15:00 – 25:00 — Auditions, representation, and finding her voice 25:00 – 35:00 — Producing short films and learning on the fly 35:00 – 45:00 — Balancing motherhood and creative ambition 45:00 – 55:00 — Regret, resilience, and redefining success 55:00 – End — Writing for joy, staying humble, and trusting the process 🔑 Key Takeaways “Just do it because you love it.” Lauren’s mantra for staying grounded in a competitive industry. Faith and conviction play a central role in how she selects roles and writes stories. Motherhood reshaped her priorities, but not her passion. Audition nightmares can teach humility, resilience, and the power of preparation. 🔗 Resources & Mentions Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbellcox Watch Lauren in my short film The Milky Way – https://clinttill.net/themilkywayfilm Connect with me at https://linktree.com/clinttill MTC (Formerly Actors, Models & Talent for Christ; Now Shine Talent Success) https://www.shine.us/ Traveling Soldier (short film by Lauren Cox) https://youtu.be/-HquPPjfkKc?feature=shared Bryan Cranston’s A Life in Parts (book) 📣 Calls to Action 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the podcast⭐️ Leave a review if you enjoyed the episode💬 Share this episode📩 Join the newsletter for behind-the-scenes extras and upcoming guests (https://clinttill.substack.com) 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

    59 min

  2. 12/26/2025

    This is your permission slip.

    Episode Overview In this special year-end episode, Clint reflects on the journey of the podcast, shares announcements about new subscription options, and offers encouragement and inspiration for creatives heading into 2026. Clint also reads from recent writing, discusses video content strategy, and highlights sources of inspiration from film, television, and podcasting. Major Segments & Timestamps 00:00:02 – 00:00:32: Introduction & Year-End ReflectionsClint welcomes listeners, reflects on the podcast’s first year, and sets the stage for a different format this month. 00:00:32 – 00:03:35: Announcements & Subscription PlansDetails about Substack subscriptions, benefits for free and paid members, bonus content, and patron perks. 00:03:35 – 00:04:06: Looking Ahead: Season Two & Listener ParticipationPreview of upcoming interviews and an invitation for listeners to share their stories. 00:04:09 – 00:09:25: Creative Encouragement & Personal StoryClint shares a personal story about making a short film over the holidays, emphasizing the importance of spontaneous creativity and using available resources. 00:09:26 – 00:14:58: Video Content Strategy for CreatorsAdvice on organizing video content into buckets: evergreen content, topical features, testimonials, timely “happening now” videos, human interest stories, pre-roll/post-roll ads, and infographic explainers. 00:14:58 – 00:16:13: Film Stack Community & Daily Inspiration ChallengeShoutout to the Film Stack community on Substack and reflections on participating in the Daily Inspiration Challenge. 00:16:13 – 00:18:03: Childhood Heroes & InspirationClint discusses the impact of childhood heroes, especially Benjamin Franklin, and the value of being a well-rounded creative. 00:18:03 – 00:23:10: Recent Sources of InspirationRecommendations for the film “Memories of Murder,” the YouTube channel “Every Frame a Painting,” the TV show “Your Honor,” and the podcast “Heavyweight.” Reflections on taking an acting class and following creative self-starters like Luke Barnett. 00:23:10 – End: Closing Thoughts & InvitationClint encourages listeners to persist in their creative pursuits, shares the mission of Persistence of Vision, and invites support and engagement for the coming year. Key Takeaways Creativity is for everyone: Don’t wait for permission—use what you have and make something, even if it’s just for yourself. Organize your video content: Use buckets like evergreen, topical, testimonials, timely, human interest, ads, and explainers to reach different audiences. Draw inspiration from everywhere: Films, TV, podcasts, and personal experiences all offer lessons and motivation. Community matters: Connect with other creatives, share your stories, and find encouragement in shared vulnerability. Persistence pays off: Mistakes and setbacks are part of the journey—keep going and keep creating. Resources & Links Mentioned Substack Subscription: https://clinttill.substack.com/ Film Stack Community: Substack group for film writers and creators - https://filmstackdailydigest.substack.com/ Exodus Road: https://clinttill.net/exodusroad ‘Memories of Murder’ Ensemble Staging: https://youtu.be/v4seDVfgwOg?si=eiR_SdJ655S9l6ia Every Frame a Painting: https://www.youtube.com/c/everyframeapainting Your Honor: TV show recommendation (streaming on Netflix) Heavyweight: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/heavyweight Luke Barnett: Actor and filmmaker on X (Twitter) - https://x.com/LukeBarnett Contact Clint: https://clinttill.net/contact Calls to Action Subscribe to the podcast and newsletter for more creative insights. Become a paid subscriber for bonus content, extended episodes, and direct access – https://clinttill.substack.com/subscribe Share your story: Reach out if you want to be featured on the podcast – https://clinttill.net/contact Support Persistence of Vision: Financial support helps keep the podcast and writing going. Reflect and create: Use the new year as motivation to start or finish your creative projects.   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

    24 min
  3. I Call Myself 'The Crusher of Dreams'

    11/19/2025

    I Call Myself 'The Crusher of Dreams'

    Karen Kizzire joins me for a conversation that starts with college theater memories and ends with real talk about the chaos and creativity of life as an ad agency producer. We talk about what it’s like to lead production at an ad agency, how theater shaped our careers, and why overcommunication is a survival skill. Karen shares stories from set, lessons from mentors, and what it means to be both the “Crusher of Dreams” and the calm in the storm. Timestamps: 00:00 – Cold opens, Bond girls, and college theater 05:00 – Falling into advertising and falling in love with production 15:00 – Mentorship, first big shoots, and learning to lead 25:00 – Mistakes, over communication, and the producer’s mindset 35:00 – Creative tension, collaboration, and bullhorns on set 45:00 – Budget shifts, iPhone myths, and the house of cards 55:00 – Pottery, parenting, and what inspires Karen today Key Takeaways: - “You can never overcommunicate.” Karen learned this the hard way—and now lives by it. - Theater teaches you how to pivot, collaborate, and think on your feet—skills that still serve her today. - Being a producer means balancing grace and grit, and sometimes crushing dreams with a smile. - The job isn’t glamorous, but it’s deeply rewarding when you love the people and the process. Resources & Mentions: - Luckie & Company: https://www.luckie.com Calls to Action: 🎧 Listen and subscribe to the podcast ⭐️ Leave a review if you enjoyed the episode 💬 Share this episode with someone who’s navigating the creative grind 📩 Join the newsletter at https://clinttill.substack.com If you have a story to share and want to be featured on a future episode, reach out at clinttill.net/contact and tell me about it. 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

    1h 2m

  4. 10/29/2025

    Never Compromise

    🎙️ Persistence of Vision: Mitchell Cole on DIY Filmmaking, First Features & Finding Your Voice Episode Summary In this episode, I reconnect with filmmaker Mitchell Cole, whose feature debut Against the Spread made waves at the Magnolia Film Festival. We dive into his journey from blue-collar work to indie filmmaking, the lessons learned from building a feature on a shoestring budget, and the importance of authenticity, regional storytelling, and creative resilience. Mitchell shares how he adapted Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice into a Southern-fried comedy, the value of mentorship, and how a chance encounter at a film festival changed everything. Whether you're a filmmaker just starting out or someone who’s been grinding for years, Mitchell’s story is a reminder that grit, community, and a little bit of luck can go a long way. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Magnolia Film Festival recap 03:00 – Mitchell’s filmmaking origin story 08:30 – From acting to writing/directing 12:45 – Learning film without film school 17:00 – The “mom quote” and staying motivated 22:00 – Writing from regional experience 27:00 – Adapting Shakespeare for the Panhandle 31:00 – Meeting producer Tom Rondinella 37:00 – Lessons from producing Against the Spread 43:00 – Festival experiences and audience turnout 48:00 – Gear, grit, and DIY filmmaking 54:00 – Overcoming wardrobe and football scene challenges 01:01:00 – The next project: horror 01:04:00 – Final thoughts and where to follow Mitchell 🎯 Key Takeaways - Make what you know: Mitchell’s decision to set his film in the Florida Panhandle gave it authenticity and heart. - Don’t wait for permission: DIY filmmaking taught him to move fast, adapt, and create with what’s available. - Mentorship matters: Producer Tom Rondinella’s guidance helped Mitchell navigate his first feature with confidence. - Festivals are about connection: A chance meeting at a screening led to a life-changing collaboration. 🔗 Resources & Links 🎬 Watch Against the Spread: https://jackrabbitmedia.com or search on Amazon 📸 Follow Mitchell on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wakeupmistercole 🎥 Follow the film: https://instagram.com/againstthespreadfilm 📚 Learn more about public domain adaptations: https://www.gutenberg.org 📣 Calls to Action - Subscribe to Persistence of Vision on Apple Podcasts or Spotify - Leave a review to help others discover the show - Share this episode with a fellow filmmaker or creative - Find everything I'm doing online at https://linktree.com/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

    57 min

  5. 09/24/2025

    The $6K film that launched a career

    Filmmaker Joshua Caldwell explores the resourceful path he’s carved through Hollywood. From childhood VHS adventures to directing a Netflix hit, Joshua shares how he’s built a career by embracing limitations and turning them into creative fuel. We dive into his $6,000 feature Layover, the philosophy behind his 6K Filmmaker course, and the mindset shifts that helped him transition from micro-budget indies to larger productions. Joshua doesn’t just talk theory—he shares war stories, including a wild encounter with federal agents while filming a trailer. In this episode of Persistence of Vision, I sit down with filmmaker Joshua Caldwell to explore the gritty, resourceful path he’s carved through Hollywood. From childhood VHS adventures to directing a Netflix hit, Joshua shares how he’s built a career by embracing limitations and turning them into creative fuel. We dive into his $6,000 feature Layover, the philosophy behind his SixK Filmmaker course, and the mindset shifts that helped him transition from micro-budget indies to larger productions. Joshua doesn’t just talk theory—he shares war stories, including a wild encounter with federal agents while filming on what turned out to be an Air Force base. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical insights, candid reflections, and a whole lot of inspiration. Tune in to hear how Joshua proves that you don’t need permission—or a massive budget—to make something great. Timestamps: - 00:00:00: Introduction - 00:01:37: Joshua Caldwell's Background - 00:05:49: Early Filmmaking Experiences - 00:12:33: Starting a Production Company - 00:16:54: Making Layover - 00:26:08: SixK Filmmaker Course - 00:33:41: Marketing Your Film - 00:38:28: Unexpected Outcomes - 00:41:42: On-Set Nightmare Stories - 00:49:37: Final Thoughts and Plugs Key Takeaways: - Embrace limitations and turn them into creative fuel. - You don’t need permission—or a massive budget—to make something great. - Modular storytelling allows you to produce scenes regardless of budget. - Live environment filmmaking can make your film feel bigger and more dynamic. Resources and Links: - 6K Filmmaker Course - Joshua Caldwell's Substack - Clint Till's links - Clint Till's Substack Calls to Action: - Subscribe to Persistence of Vision on Apple Podcasts. - Leave a review and let me know what you think 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

    59 min

  6. 08/27/2025

    Winds From the Left

    In this episode I talk with Anna Birkedahl, a seasoned content producer with a rich background in local news and public broadcasting. Anna shares her journey from studying opera and working as a classical radio music announcer to becoming a prominent figure in television production. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working in public broadcasting, the transition to commercial television, and the importance of maintaining authenticity in news reporting. Anna also reflects on the evolving landscape of journalism, emphasizing the need for dedication to storytelling and the impact of social media on the industry. Listen to this month’s episode and be sure to leave a rating on Apple Podcasts to help other find the show. If you like my work here, why not consider helping me keep my Internet connection active? That way, I can continue to deliver good stuff straight to your inbox. If you have a story to share and want to be a future guest on the podcast, let me know my leaving a comment. 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

    51 min

  7. 07/30/2025

    My Jagged Mind

    In the latest episode of Persistence of Vision, I sat down with Allyson Morgan, a multifaceted creative professional with a strong background in theater. Allyson and I first met at the Magnolia Film Festival, where we bonded over our shared experiences in the film industry. During our conversation, Allyson shared her journey from acting to writing and filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of networking and making genuine connections at film festivals and industry events. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction by Clint Till 00:00:32 - Introduction of Allyson Morgan 00:01:21 - Allyson's background and meeting Clint at the Magnolia Film Festival 00:02:02 - Allyson's professional introduction and career journey 00:05:13 - Networking and making connections at film festivals 00:07:08 - Allyson's experience at the Tallgrass Film Festival 00:08:12 - Allyson's early career and transition from acting to writing and filmmaking 00:12:02 - Moving to New York and starting a theater company 00:15:02 - Working in TV casting and volunteering in film-related organizations 00:19:05 - Mentorship and advice from industry friends 00:23:29 - Significant career moments and booking roles on Law and Order SVU 00:31:18 - Overcoming challenges and staying motivated in the industry 00:35:06 - Auditioning for a play directed by Woody Harrelson 00:43:31 - Developing the short film "First Date" into the feature "Jagged Mind" 00:50:17 - Writing and receiving notes on "Jagged Mind" 00:54:40 - Directing the short film "The Ghost" and future aspirations 00:57:21 - On-set challenges and lessons learned 00:58:10 - Final thoughts and upcoming projects Key Takeaways: Networking and Connections: Allyson emphasizes the importance of networking and making genuine connections at film festivals and industry events. She shares how these connections have led to collaborations and opportunities in her career. Career Transition: Allyson discusses her journey from acting to writing and filmmaking, highlighting the importance of creating your own work and being adaptable in the industry. Challenges and Resilience: Throughout the conversation, Allyson shares various challenges she has faced, including auditions, rejections, and the difficulties of working in a competitive industry. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and tenacity. Directing and Filmmaking: Allyson talks about her experience directing her first short film, "The Ghost," and the lessons she learned from the process. She also discusses her aspirations to continue directing and creating her own work. Links: Allyson's website - allysonm.com Jagged Mind on Hulu - https://www.hulu.com/movie/27e89f53-355d-4459-9155-32e725ba85dd Find everything I'm doing online at linktree.com/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

    1h 1m
  8. Sleighing It: Let's Make a Christmas Movie

    06/25/2025

    Sleighing It: Let's Make a Christmas Movie

    (Timestamps are approximate)  Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Kate's background as a writer, producer, and actor with Chestnut Tree Films and Enchanted Valley Productions. 00:01:12 - Kate discusses her journey from middle school theater to becoming a producer of Christmas movies. 00:02:01 - The importance of pre-production and planning in filmmaking. 00:03:06 - Kate shares her experiences directing and producing films, and the lessons learned from acting. 00:04:02 - The significance of background actors and their impact on a scene. 00:09:05 - Kate's first Christmas movie, "Colorado Christmas," and working with notable actors. 00:12:12 - The importance of pre-production for feature films and understanding deliverables for distribution. 00:14:06 - Budget constraints and creative solutions in independent filmmaking. 00:16:16 - Lessons learned about hair, makeup, and wardrobe on set. 00:18:03 - Filming "A Merry Little Christmas" in seven days and the challenges faced. 00:20:00 - The importance of trust and collaboration on set. 00:22:17 - Kate's love for Christmas movies and the inspiration behind making them. 00:24:41 - The business side of filmmaking and deciding which films to greenlight. 00:26:12 - The importance of film incentives and finding investors. 00:31:00 - Future projects and where to find Kate's work online. Key Takeaways: Kate emphasizes the importance of pre-production and planning in filmmaking. She shares valuable lessons learned from acting, directing, and producing. Kate offers insights into the challenges of independent filmmaking, including budget constraints and creative solutions. 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

    35 min
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About

Personal stories from creative professionals about their career experiences and the lessons they learned along the way. clinttill.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Clint Till
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Clint Till
  • Show Website
    Persistence of Vision