PODCAST · tv
The ISA Podcast
by 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.
Episodes
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ISA Presents: Finding Stories in the Unknown with Mothman Prophecies Screenwriter Richard Hatem
Screenwriter and producer Richard Hatem has built a career turning the unexplained into unforgettable television and film, from The Mothman Prophecies to Supernatural, Grimm, and The Dead Zone. He's also the host of Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf.
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ISA Presents: Inside the Deal That Turned a Vertical Series Into a Fox Studio Franchise
Christina Richardson didn't wait around for a greenlight. She wrote, directed, and independently produced two seasons of a scripted vertical series. Then Fox Creator Studios came to her.
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"Amberica," Table Read My Screenplay Grand Prize-Winning Script | Mokotsi Rukundo & Amber Nelson
Amber's life is in free-fall. Her Muslim mother is dying, she's broke, her relationships are a mess, and the one thing that might save her is an inheritance... But with knotted strings attached. Are you ready for the Table Read My Screenplay experience? Submit your script at...
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Creating a Show & Career from Passion: Chatting with Evan from LA in a Minute
What if your greatest career opportunity came from simply following what fascinates you? In this interview, Scott Markus sits down with Evan Lovett, creator of the wildly popular "LA in a Minute" series to explore how a passion project evolved into a career. Evan shares the unexpected origin of…
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How "Mattress Mack" Got Made w/ filmmaker Shane Andries | Billy Magnussen, Dianna Agron, Rob Corddry
Every independent filmmaker dreams of making that first feature, but what does it actually take? In this episode of How Movies Get Made, Scott Markus sits down with writer-director Shane Andries to discuss the making of his debut feature, "Mattress Mack," based on the true story of Houston...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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From Page to AFM: How Sari Earl's Screenplay Won Big at Table Read My Screenplay - Hollywood
Award-winning screenwriter Sari Earl joins us to discuss her Grand Prize win at Table Read My Screenplay Hollywood with her deeply personal and heartfelt screenplay The Do Over. In this conversation, Sari shares the 10+ year journey of developing The Do Over, a comedy-drama inspired by her...
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"The Do Over," Award-Winning Screenplay by Sari Earl
Recorded at the American Film Market (AFM) in November 2025 An estranged father and daughter embark on a road trip — each hiding secret motives — but as unexpected detours and the dad's quirky caretaker draw them closer, they rediscover what it means to be a family. Sari Earl - Writer Born and...
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Using Your 4 Free Screenwriting Contest Entires, Take 10 with Craig
In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James breaks down how to use screenwriting contests the smart way, not just as entries, but as tools for growth, feedback, and industry awareness. Craig explains how ISA Connect's free contest waivers...
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From Contest Quarterfinalist to Industry Meetings: A Screenwriter's Real Path Forward, Jack Cusick
What does it mean to "level up" as a screenwriter? Grounded sci-fi writer Jack Cusick breaks down the realities of building a screenwriting career, from mastering craft, to finding community, to finally stepping into real industry conversations. Jack shares how he fell in love with storytelling,...
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ISA Presents: How to Hook Agents & Producers, a roundtable with ISA Leadership
Join the ISA for an honest conversation about what agents & producers want & what you need to do to become the writer they're searching for. They're not just looking for potential. They're looking for proof. In this roundtable, we'll cover: What makes agents say yes (& what makes them pass...
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Keeping the Fun in Filmmaking: Molly Ratermann's Creative Mindset | Emerging Screenwriter Interview
Writer–director–actor Molly Ratermann shares the wild, deeply personal, and inspiring story behind her debut feature film, "Making a Bridesmaid."
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Take 10 with Craig - General Meetings: Stop Trying to Sell. Start Building Relationships.
A general meeting isn't about pitching your project. It's about building relationships, establishing trust, and showing executives, producers, and collaborators who you are as a person and storyteller.
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"How to be a Screenwriter" with Phil Stark (South Park, That '70s Show, Dude, Where's My Car?)
Screenwriter and therapist Phil Stark joins the ISA for an honest, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about creativity, impostor syndrome, and breaking into the industry.
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From Dream to Debut: Alex Sarrigeorgiou's First Feature Film Story, making "In Transit"
Writer, actor, and poet Alex Sarrigeorgiou talks about her creative journey and her debut feature film, "In Transit," a tender, intimate queer drama about connection, identity, and the courage to change direction in life.
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Overcoming Impostor Syndrome as a Writer | Trusting the Process of Storytelling
"The idea of impostor syndrome is something I think we all struggle with — and I'm no exception." In this heartfelt reflection, Craig James opens up about creative self-doubt, trusting your work, and learning to let go once you've done your part.
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Just Your Typical Award-winning Screenwriter-slash-Zookeeper | Alli Kiko Masloske's Inspiring Story
In this inspiring conversation, Alli Kiko Masloske shares her creative journey from working with animals to writing screenplays that connect deeply with audiences. From navigating chronic illness to finding her voice in a competitive industry, Alli opens up about how humor, honesty, and community...
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Dani Hanks on Writing with Authentic Voice & Building a TV Career, Emerging Screenwriter Interview
Writer, director, and creative powerhouse Dani Hanks joins Shaya Weber for an in-depth conversation about her journey from actor to award-winning writer, how chronic illness shaped their perspective, and their process for writing powerful, character-driven stories. Learn how Dani approaches...
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Finding Your True Writing Voice | Stop Writing for the Audience, Start Writing for YOURSELF
Every writer needs to find their true voice, that unique perspective that makes their work authentic and unforgettable. We dive into what "voice" really means and how to write from a place of honesty.
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Improve Your Writing by Reading, Take 10 with Craig
Take advantage of ISA's free screenplay library to improve your own craft.
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Devin Jane Febbroriello: To be a Filmmaker You Need to Understand Feedback & Collaboration
Devin Jane Febbroriello is a North American screenwriter/director + producer that specializes in the creation of thought-provoking stories centered on lovable dysfunctional families, surreal multi-genre plots, women, and dark humor. Evocative characters blaze bold paths through thematically rich...
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Conor Dowling on Breaking into Screenwriting & Filmmaking in Ireland (Emerging Screenwriter)
Conor spent most of his youth in Ireland gigging in rock bands, working in a video store and reading too many Stephen King novels. Eventually, he knew he had to course correct and follow his dreams. Conor is a writer, filmmaker and award winning podcaster from Dublin with a masters in film...
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Author/Showrunner DJ MacHale on Unlocking Stories & Taking Control of Your Writing Career
Join us for a captivating evening with D.J. MacHale, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pendragon series and creator of the cult-favorite TV show "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" From bestselling books to iconic screen moments, D.J. has spent his career crafting stories that resonate...
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Yazmin Monet Watkins: Poetry, Roller Skates & Speaking Truth
Yazmin Monet Watkins is a poet, comedian, screenwriter, actress, organizer, avid roller skater and adventurer. She can be seen on season two of Grand Crew on NBC, Comedy Central and has co-developed and written pilots for Netflix & Comedy Central.
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The Truth About Agents
How Writers Really Get Repped (The 90/10 Rule You Need to Know), Take 10 with ISA Founder Craig James
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Allegra Oxborough, Table Read My Screenplay Grand Prize Winner & Director Paul Lindsay
The most recent Table Read My Screenplay contest brought the grand prize winner to the South of France during the Cannes Film Festival. Hear from screenwriter Allegra Oxborough & director Paul Lindsay.
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Jen Butler, Emerging Screenwriter Interview Series
Jen Butler is a comedian and storyteller who specializes in writing feature-length, multi-layered dark comedy screenplays focusing on the complex nature of humans as they navigate spiritual and emotional awakenings. When not writing screenplays, Jen tells comedic real-talk stories to her 275,000...
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Screenwriter Update! AJ Bermudez, author & co-writer of "My Dead Friend Zoe"
A. J. BERMUDEZ is an award-winning author and filmmaker based in Los Angeles and New York. Her first book, Stories No One Hopes Are About Them, won the 2022 Iowa Short Fiction Award and was a 2023 Lambda Award Finalist. Her most recent feature film project, My Dead Friend Zoe (co-written with...
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Stephanie Bast, Emerging Screenwriter Interview
Stephanie Bast was abandoned in Korea, adopted by Italians and raised in a town so small and white, someone asked: "How are you gonna understand her when she starts speaking?" Fiercely loved and protected, she was taught to fear "the other" while knowing "the other" was herself. She started to...
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Short Film Table Read, "Suicide at Noon" by Merrit Chelsey Schmidt
Suicide at Noon Logline: A newly organized but suicidal woman must withstand the various objections of her friends and family and convince them to support her or be forced to cancel her perfectly scheduled upcoming suicide.
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Script Consultant Pioneer Linda Seger discusses her latest book, "Unpacking"
There's a lot to unpack here as Linda Seger is full of interesting stories and lessons learned along the way. As a pioneering female entrepreneur, she was on the cutting edge of a new type of business - being a screenplay consultant. Her passion, drive, and wiliness to dive into every opportunity...
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Emerging Screenwriter Interview: Adam Karpel
A native New Yorker, Adam received a BFA from Ithaca College and completed one year of his MFA at UCLA before deciding to quit because those hard wooden classroom chairs were really chafing his ass. Writing began for him when his first play was produced at the West Coast Ensemble Theater in...
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"Offbeat," pilot episode, Table Read My Screenplay Grand Prize Winner
"Offbeat," pilot episode, 2020 Table Read My Screenplay Grand Prize Winner, written by Marshall "gripp" Gillson.
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"The Icebox," Award-Winning Short Screenplay Table Read
Please enjoy a performance of the Table Read My Screenplay Award-Winning short script, "The Icebox" by Brian P. Glass. Cast: Elijah Terrell Haney, Hye Bin Lee, Carson Grant, Damon Evans & narrated by Felicity Wren.
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Extended Interview with Michael Graf Screenwriter of "Green and Gold"
Green and Gold: A struggling family farmer wagers everything on a high-stakes Championship bet, while his granddaughter's musical ambitions could be their ticket to a new beginning. Starring Brandon Sklenar, Craig T. Nelson, M. Emmet Walsh
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ISA Pitch Panel Featuring Executives from Atomic Robot, Morning View Ent & Snarky Elephant Prods
Solid pitches sell screenplays. Join us to watch pitches delivered to Creative Executives at prominent companies and hear live feedback. Learn the DOs and DON'Ts of great pitching, so you'll be prepared when you're in the room! Caroline Dillingham is the Chief Executive Officer of Morning View...
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FSS: Halloween Special, "Famously Haunted: Hollywood" Tubi Documentary Reaction
One of our co-hosts, Scott, was recently featured on the Tube documentary, Famously Haunted Hollywood. We go over the stories featured in the documentary: The Black Dahlia, The Manson Murders, Comedy Store, Peg Entwhistle, The Cecil Hotel.
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Film Inquiry interview with Andrea Berting, an ISA Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch in 2024
Kristy Strouse of Film Inquiry interviews screenwriter Andrea Berting, who has been an ISA Fast Track Fellow and is now on their Development Slate.
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Film Inquiry Interviews Sandy King, Producer & Co-Founder of Storm King Comics!
Sandy King is a film producer & businesswoman who is known for In the Mouth of Madness, Village of the Damned, Vampires & Ghosts of Mars, all of which were directed by her husband John Carpenter. She co-created the comic book series Asylum.
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Film Inquiry, Interview with Zoe Hodge, an ISA Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch in 2024
Zoë Hodge is an award winning writer & director born in the Boogie-Down-Bronx. Her work often explores yearning & the deep solitude that comes from denying yourself. As a writer, Zoë grew up on Everybody Hates Chris and Jane Austen adaptations.
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FSS 49: Script & Story Consultant Jen Grisanti, on the State of writing for TV Today
This is the replay of a live event Max & Scott did along with the International Screenwriters' Association. They welcomed screenwriting aficionado Jen Grisanti, who has a long history of working with screenwriters as an executive and consultant.
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Film Inquiry's Interview with Thuc Doan Nguyen, an ISA Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch Interview
Screenwriter Thuc Doan Nguyen went from Vietnamese refugee to writing for The Lost City with Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum & Brad Pitt. Hear her story here.
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Film Inquiry's Interview with Adam Karlson, an ISA Top 25 Screenwriter to Watch in 2024
Adam Karlson signed a shopping agreement with CS Productions and is now managed by Gravity Squared Entertainment due to introductions made by the ISA.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
International Screenwriters' Association
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The ISA Podcast have?
The ISA Podcast currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The ISA Podcast 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.
How often does The ISA Podcast release new episodes?
The ISA Podcast has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The ISA Podcast?
You can listen to The ISA Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The ISA Podcast?
The ISA Podcast is created and hosted by International Screenwriters' Association.
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