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

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, why the structure of screenwriting sharpened his writing, and how he thinks about grounded sci-fi as character-first storytelling rather than spectacle. He also opens up about “quarterfinalist syndrome,” rewriting without losing your sanity, and why progress in this business often feels like a video game with invisible levels. We also talk about:

• The three stages of a screenwriter’s career
• Why writing is always a little uncomfortable (and why that’s a good sign)
• Using contests and fellowships to practice industry meetings
• How building real relationships matters more than pitching in your first meeting
• Why success is either a win… or a learning opportunity
• Finding your “lightning in a bottle” and staying ready when it strikes

Whether you’re early in your screenwriting journey or navigating the gap between craft and career, Jack’s perspective is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest.

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.

Kristy Strouse of Film Inquiry interviews screenwriter Andrea Berting, who has been an ISA Fast Track Fellow and is now on their Development Slate.

Each year the ISA lists 25 talented writers. Our first interview is with multi-talented screenwriter & novel writer Kim Hornsby. I spoke with Kim about her journey, projects, and recommendations for other screenwriters! Check out more at FilmInquiry.com

Cassie Carpenter regularly leads tours of Haunted Los Angeles and Hollywood. After attending a haunted University in Southern California to major in theatre, it's only fitting! In this episode, we discuss a number of her favorite haunted LA locations.

Shayna and Max spend the bulk of the episode discussing audience response to films, both in terms of box office hits and misses and why critics and audiences often have drastically different viewpoints of films. They take a deep dive into Damien Chazelle's Babylon.

Jasmine Leyva embraces life to the fullest, which then influences her writing. She's not afraid to take the plunge, whether that's fostering a child or becoming a mermaid, all of which has lead to a unique, celebrated writing voice.

Max & Shayna love the new controversial (fictionalized) bio pic "Blonde," and discuss why it's so debated, while going over how to identify the production budget of your script. They also geek out over the new Hocus Pocus sequel and Rings of Power.

ISA founder Craig James talks about the importance of self-training and how to best use the ISA site to your advantage.

Craig answers a common question: How do I get on the ISA Top 25 Writers to Watch list?

It's always important to get outside opinions on your work. ISA founder Craig James touches on the topic of getting quality script notes.

There are many ways to get connected with an agent or manager. ISA founder Craig James discusses one way you can get a reps attention on the ISA site.

ISA founder Craig James answers some questions about writing gigs that are listed on the International Screenwriters' Association website.

It might makes sense in a practical way to see what movies are succeeding and to try to come up with something that mirrors that. However, that's not a path to actual success.

Finding your voice as a screenwriter is what makes your story YOURS.

Stand-Up comic Dobie Maxwell has lived through it all in his comedy career, from meaningful chats w/ Rodney Dangerfield & George Carlin to driving the getaway car after a bank heist (without knowing it), but he's still looking for his first UFO encounter.

We speak with Jen Grisanti, top screenwriting consultant, about her new offering, Story Therapy.

Episode 404

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Matt Patterson, a Writer/Director/Producer. Topics include how he found the script of Apartment 413 through the Inktip website, then produced and directed that movie.

That indie Thriller stars Brea Grant (Dexter, Heroes - TV Series), a former guest of the Selling Your Screenplay Podcast.

Episode 403

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Writer/Content Creator Logan Burdick.

They talk about the new Rom-Com he wrote, It Takes Three (2021).  That movie stars Mikey Madison and Jared Gilman.

Logan Burdick also talks about how he became a digital content creator for Maker Studios which was bought by Disney.

Episode 402

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Writer and Producer Joel Soisson.

Our guest Joel Soisson has produced well known movies such as Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, Dracula 2000, Feast (2005) and Piranha 3DD (2012).

Topics include the new movie he wrote, My Best Worst Adventure (2021) and if a writer should always get paid for writing.

Episode 401

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Filmmaker Janek Ambros. They talk about the long journey it took for him to write and direct Mondo Hollywoodland (2019).

Janek is also the Writer/Director of Money, Fascism and Some Sort of Acid. He talks about how he used stock footage from famous historical figures such as Edward R. Murrow and Joseph Stalin for that project.

Episode 400

In this, very special 400th episode of The Selling Your Screenplay Podcast Ashley Scott Meyers and Richard Finney analyze storytelling techniques.

Some of the popular movies and television shows they study as examples include Back To The Future, The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, Dexter and Breaking Bad.

A main connection they talk about with these great works is the spin in the story.

Episode 399

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with Iranian Filmmaker Ramin Niami.

He is the Writer/Director of the Horror/Thriller Eye Without A Face (2021).

They talk about that movie and what it is like starting as a filmmaker in a country like Iran.

Episode 398

This week Ashley Scott Meyers talks with filmmaker Brendan Steere.

He is the Writer/Director of The VelociPastor (2018), a wild Action Comedy which started out as a short film that went viral.

Brendan Steere also talks about making Animosity (2013) and why he's looking forward to re-releasing this movie.