The ISA Podcast

International Screenwriters' Association

Welcome to the Curious about Screenwriting Podcast where you'll enjoy listening to fascinating film industry guests who share their insights on how you can take your screenwriting career to the next level.

  1. 2d ago

    From Isolation to Slamdance Winner: How to Turn Pain Into Powerful Screenwriting w/ Renn Tan

    What makes a screenplay truly powerful? In this interview, screenwriter Renn Tan (Slamdance winner for The Gift of Rain) shares how deeply personal experiences, identity, isolation, and "conditional love," shape unforgettable stories. From growing up navigating multiple cultures and identities to finding their voice in Hollywood, Renn breaks down how writers can transform pain into authentic, emotionally resonant scripts that connect with audiences. This conversation goes beyond inspiration, it's packed with practical insight on:  - Turning lived experience into compelling characters  - Handling feedback (even when it hurts)  - Choosing the right screenwriting competitions  - Networking without feeling fake  - What the industry is really looking for right now If you've ever struggled with finding your voice or writing something honest, this is a must-watch. Topics Covered: Personal storytelling, screenwriting craft, writing from trauma, identity in storytelling, film festivals, Slamdance, feedback, networking, breaking into the film industry. Renn Tan (https://www.networkisa.org/profile/renn-tan) speaks six languages, but not their mother tongue. Growing up LGBTQ+ in a Muslim country means, of course, they write about conditional love. Across genres, their stories feature characters whose identities directly conflict with their environment. Renn is a graduate of USC's Screenwriting MFA program. Their work has won Best Feature Screenplay at Slamdance and the Dallas International Film Festival, and was one of the top three scripts selected for the ISA Diversity Initiative. They are excited to be one of ISA's Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2026.

    38 min

  2. 4d ago

    How Catalina Got Made with Writer-Director, Martin Russell Johnson

    Why This Sci-Fi Film Hits So Hard Emotionally: What happens when sci-fi meets something deeply human? In this episode, Scott Markus sits down with filmmaker Martin Russell Johnson to talk about his powerful short film "Catalina," a grounded sci-fi story about AI, caregiving, and the emotional cost of holding on. Martin shares his journey from growing up in a challenging environment in San Diego to finding purpose through storytelling, and how creativity quite literally changed the trajectory of his life. We dive deep into:  - How Catalina evolved from a sci-fi concept into a deeply personal caregiving story  - Winning a $50,000 grant & why that was just the beginning  - Building a passionate film team through relationships and trust  - Shooting ambitious sci-fi on an indie budget  - Why your biggest challenges on set become your proudest moments This conversation is packed with insight for filmmakers, writers, and anyone trying to bring meaningful stories to life. If you're interested in filmmaking, socially conscious storytelling, or how to turn limitations into strengths, this is one you don't want to miss.

    1h 12m

  3. 5d ago

    Why Writers Should Celebrate Small Wins (They Lead to Big Success)

    In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James shares an important message for writers at every stage of their journey: Celebrate your successes — even the small ones. Many writers hesitate to share their progress because of impostor syndrome or the belief that their accomplishments "aren't big enough." But Craig explains why every step forward matters, whether it's a table read with friends, a quarterfinalist placement in a contest, a general meeting with an executive, or even shooting a short film on an iPhone. Those small moments build momentum, confidence, and visibility in the industry. Craig discusses:  - How celebrating small wins creates positive momentum  - How sharing success stories can strengthen your writing career  - Why industry professionals often look up writers before meetings  - How small steps eventually lead to big opportunities  - The importance of actively participating in your own career He also shares personal stories from early in his filmmaking journey, including the experience of screening one of his first films in a theater, a moment that helped shape the path that eventually led to founding the International Screenwriters' Association. If you're feeling hesitant to share your progress or wondering whether your achievements "count," this episode is a reminder that every step forward matters. Keep writing, keep creating, and don't be afraid to celebrate the journey.

    10 min

  4. Mar 2

    Independent Film Is Coming Back, Your voice is needed NOW

    In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James addresses the question many writers are asking: What is the state of the film industry right now and should I still be writing? After the strikes and industry slowdowns, it's easy to feel discouraged. But Craig believes this may actually be the best time to focus on your craft. He breaks down:  - Why industry "peaks and valleys" are normal  - How the 90s independent film surge may be returning  - Why studios are reconsidering the $200M blockbuster model  - How streaming platforms create new opportunities for authentic voices  - How making one independent film can transform your writing career Most importantly, Craig emphasizes that your perspective is uniquely yours. No one has walked your path. No one can write your story the way you can. And in a shifting marketplace hungry for fresh voices, intimate and personal storytelling may matter more than ever. Instead of waiting for the industry to change, this is the time to:  - Write the story that means something to you  - Stop chasing trends you can't control  - Focus on your authentic voice  - Build your body of work Because even if the market fluctuates, storytelling isn't going away. Audiences still crave meaningful stories, whether in theaters,, or at home with a bucket of popcorn. And sometimes, writing the script that fulfills your own heart is the most important step forward.

    9 min

  5. Feb 23

    How Filmmaker Daniel Meyers Made "Bulls," his first screenplay (from 20 years ago), in his Hometown

    What does it really take to write, direct, and finish an independent feature film? A real look at the filmmaking process. In this episode of How Movies Get Made, presented by the International Screenwriters' Association, writer/director Daniel Meyer breaks down the journey of bringing his feature film "Bulls" from script to screen. Daniel discusses the creative origins of the story, writing with production realities in mind, stepping into the dual role of writer-director, and navigating the challenges of indie filmmaking, from development and production to post, distribution, and release. This is an honest, practical conversation about the decisions filmmakers must make when there is no studio safety net. Topics include:  - Developing a script that's emotionally grounded and producible  - Writing characters that actors can fully inhabit  - Directing your own material without losing perspective  - The realities of indie film production and post-production  - Lessons learned from finishing and releasing a feature film  - Advice for screenwriters who want to see their work actually get made "Bulls" is now available

    35 min

  6. Feb 17

    Clarissa Jacobson on How Making a Short Film Can Transform a Screenwriting Career

    What happens when a screenwriter stops waiting for permission and makes the film herself? In this in-depth conversation, writer, filmmaker, and actress Clarissa Jacobson shares her remarkable journey from acting to screenwriting, and how creating her short film Lunch Ladies changed everything. From self-funding her first short to navigating festivals, building confidence, and finding her creative voice, Clarissa offers hard-earned wisdom for writers at every stage. Clarissa talks candidly about: Choosing screenwriting over acting and letting go of sunk costs Why making a short film can transform a writing career The brutal (and rewarding) realities of self-funding your work Lessons learned from eight years of promoting "Lunch Ladies" Comedy horror, collaboration, and trusting your intuition Finding the right creative partners & why writing together works Why writers gain more respect when they make something real This episode is a must-watch for screenwriters, indie filmmakers, and storytellers who feel stuck waiting for a break and are ready to bet on themselves instead. 🎬 Lunch Ladies went on to screen at festivals worldwide, air on American Airlines, and open doors Clarissa never imagined all because she made the leap from page to screen. Clarissa Jacobson is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and co-founder of the team Rebel Minx. She is the creator of the acclaimed short film Lunch Ladies and the author of "I Made a Short Film, Now WTF Do I Do with it?," a practical guide to film festivals, promotion, and survival for filmmakers.

    31 min

  7. Feb 15

    How Filmmaker Maiara Walsh Made "Bight"

    What does it really take to direct your first feature film? A real look at the filmmaking process for "Bight" In this episode of How Movies Get Made, presented by the International Screenwriters' Association, filmmaker Maiara Walsh breaks down the six-year journey of writing, directing, producing, and starring in her debut feature film, "Bight." Maiara shares the realities of true microbudget filmmaking—from writing a script during lockdown, finding financing, pulling favors, and surviving post-production, to navigating festivals, distributors, and release strategy. This conversation is packed with practical advice for screenwriters and filmmakers who want to understand how movies actually get made outside the studio system. Topics include:  - Writing with production limitations in mind  - Collaborating with actors as a writer-director  - Financing an indie feature with personal funds  - Why post-production takes longer than you think  - Finding distribution without major festival premieres  - What first-time filmmakers wish they knew sooner "Bight" released February 10 on major streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime

    40 min

  8. Feb 8

    How to Write Authentic Dialogue Without Forcing It | Take 10 with Craig

    In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James explores how meditation, presence, and letting go of control can unlock deeper, more authentic storytelling. After spending decades pursuing spirituality alongside his creative work, Craig shares how quieting the mind has transformed the way he writes scenes, dialogue, and characters. Instead of forcing story beats or "perfect lines," he explains how surrendering to the moment allows characters to speak for themselves, often leading to the most memorable and emotionally honest writing. Drawing from a meditative screenwriting exercise he experienced at a writing retreat in Costa Rica, Craig breaks down how writers can access creative flow, reduce overthinking, and find their true voice on the page. He also discusses why forced writing often feels false, how mental noise blocks creativity, and why presence is the source of great storytelling across all art forms, from screenwriting to music. If you're struggling with writer's block, overwriting, or feeling disconnected from your characters, this episode offers a calming, practical perspective on how to reconnect with your creativity and let the story come to you.

    8 min
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3.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Curious about Screenwriting Podcast where you'll enjoy listening to fascinating film industry guests who share their insights on how you can take your screenwriting career to the next level.

Information

  • Creator
    International Screenwriters' Association
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2015
  • Show Website
    The ISA Podcast

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