Ep #144: From Harvard to Hollywood: Acclaimed Director Valerie Weiss on trusting your instincts and loving the process

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn an unconventional path into a thriving creative career, you’re going to love this session. In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Valerie Weiss, a true powerhouse of TV and film directing, for a candid and inspiring behind-the-scenes conversation.We talk about everything from Valerie’s fascinating leap from scientist (yep, Harvard Medical School PhD!) to filmmaker, to her latest shows gracing your favorite streaming platforms. Valerie opens up about her beginnings—foregoing film school, building skills diy-style, and learning to trust her instincts while finding her way through a rapidly evolving industry. We reminisce about our early days, the connections and creative energy that kept us going, and how sometimes, the most unconventional detour ends up being your superpower.But more than Valerie’s (many) impressive credits, this episode is full of gold on what it really takes to break into Hollywood—and actually keep going when the road gets tough. Valerie shares the realities of rejection, tenacity, and why the creative journey never really gets “easy,” even after 40+ TV credits. If you’ve been feeling daunted by a changing industry or stalled by self-doubt, her advice on loving the process, staying grounded, and building your skills no matter who’s watching—or who isn’t—is worth its weight in gold.We get practical, too: Valerie breaks down the real differences between film and TV directing and the importance of networking, authenticity, and serving the vision of the work (and the team) you’re part of. She also reveals the magic of pivoting, following your authentic voice, and why new opportunities often arrive from the most unexpected places—like landing Star Trek with no previous fandom, but all the right preparation.Pull up a chair and dive in.  MORE RESOURCESFollow Valerie Weiss on Instagram --> CLICK HERETo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo learn more about THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

If you’ve been feeling the energy shift as we close out the year, you are not alone - and the good news is we are on the cusp of a new cycle of life.In this session, I dive into the magic of honoring endings and beginnings - not just the end of 2024 and the start of 2025, but the completion of a nine-year cycle (thank you, numerology!) and the launch of an entirely new era. It’s the kind of turning point that calls for something more than New Year’s resolutions.  This is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and harvest the real, earned lessons from the past chapter.I open up about my own rollercoaster nine years, beginning as a newly minted mother of two, uprooting my life from LA to Denver, journeying across oceans for Spain, and even hitting those hard moments that made me question everything - from my finances to my habits, my creative identity to the meaning of “home.” (Plot twist: it turns out you really ARE always walking back toward yourself.)If you’ve felt yourself drifting from your creative spark, feeling blocked around money, or just wondering what season of life you’re living in, I share how I moved through all those transitions. Sometimes it looked like buying “the dream house” only to realize it wasn’t the dream after all. Sometimes it meant leaving behind my first love - filmmaking - only to circle back with even more heart and clarity.But more than anything, this episode is a gentle invitation for you to join me in reflection. We explore how true abundance isn’t just about chasing “more,” and why our happiness has much less to do with what we have and much more to do with how we tune into the present moment. I talk about why making bold mistakes (sometimes on a whole other continent!) is not just okay, but necessary- and how letting go of old beliefs opens the door to new possibilities, as long as you remember to keep one foot on your solid ground.I also share details of my free live workshop “A New Era,” designed for anyone who craves depth in their reflections and wants to consciously build not just a new year, but a new nine-year journey. Whether you’re navigating transformation, searching for creative revival, or simply ready to close out a chapter with gratitude, I welcome you to come along.This episode is for those of us dreaming bigger than just “goal-setting.” It’s about soul evolution - the kind that changes your art, your business, your relationships, and your experience in the world. I’d love to hear what resonates, what lessons you’re harvesting, and invite you to share your own story with me, so after you listen, please screenshot this episode & share it on Instagram with your biggest takeaways.Here’s to walking each other home, to new cycles shaped by presence and vision, and to the heart-opening magic of beginning again, together.If you want to sign up for a free live experience A NEW ERA Click here: www.dianebell.com/neweraMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo learn more about THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

The end of every year is the opportunity to close a chapter and start a new one - but this year, it's even bigger.We’re not just stepping into a new year, but closing out a powerful nine-year cycle and starting a new one. If you’ve ever heard me talk about pre-planning before, you know how much I believe in intentionally shaping your path - not waiting for January 1st to decide who you want to be, but using this transition as a springboard for true transformation and the fulfillment of your big dreams.In this episode, we explore what it means to look back - not with regret, but with gratitude and clarity. I share how my own past nine year era was marked by motherhood, business-building, new homes, and some wild pivots in creative passion. There were years where I lost my spark for filmmaking, only to reunite with it in the most unexpected ways. (Including a return to directing documentaries and hammering out new scripts with a kind of creative fire I hadn’t felt in ages!)But most of all, this session is designed to remind you that you’re not alone in feeling big shifts. So many of us are moving through huge changes, both personally and collectively, and I truly believe there’s magic in coming together to mark these moments. In this session, we touch on numerology, seasons of life, and why harnessing the lessons of the past sets you up to create a vision for the future that’s expansive, intentional, and uniquely yours.This about so much more than bullet journaling your goals at the beginning of a new year. It’s about evolution. It’s about creating the life, the art, the business, and the impact that only you can bring into the world. I also share details of my upcoming (totally free!) three-day live event, especially designed to walk you through closing out your own nine-year chapter and consciously launching the next one.I invite you to listen in, reflect, and join me - whether you’re ready for a new beginning or just curious about what the next nine years could look like if you claimed them intentionally.Here’s to a new era: one created from the heart, shaped by vision, and shared in community. To sign up for the FREE LIVE 3 DAY EVENT:  CLICK HEREMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo learn more about THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

Have you ever found yourself staring at your finished screenplay and wondering: how on earth would anyone actually make this? What would it really cost? And does that number make your script more - or less - likely to see the light of day?Acclaimed filmmaker Paul Dudbridge and I sat down to discuss this, because honestly: knowing this information is your superpower as a screenwriter.This conversation is GOLD. I thought about editing it down but there's so much that would be lost.  I invite you dive in and just listen to small chunks if you don't have time for the whole thing.  I assure you it's worth your time!This topic is so much more than numbers in a spreadsheet. It’s about empowering your creative choices, understanding the real-world landscape your story will step into, and giving yourself a much better shot at seeing your words come to life on screen.We opened up about those big, dreamy scripts—the ones with zombie hordes swarming fifty-foot walls, or epic battles fit for Ridley Scott (and his $300 million budget!). And then we brought it back to earth: what does it actually mean to write a film you can see happening, soon, with the people and resources in your own circle?Paul and I shared stories - some hilarious, some slightly painful - about those little line items in a script that turn into logistical mountains on set (can we talk about the pig pyramid?!). We explored essentials versus embellishments, how sometimes paring back your vision actually makes it stronger, and why collaboration with your team is the heartbeat of the process. We even tackled those classic questions about locations, children on set, special effects, car scenes, and those subtle details that quietly balloon your budget or eat your precious shooting days.But what I loved most about this session is that we didn’t frame any of it as a limitation. If anything, we saw it as creative liberation. Understanding what things cost, and why, lets you pick your battles, fight for what’s truly essential, and find magic (or movie magic!) in the most unexpected places. You don’t have to be the line producer or the accountant - but having a sense of where your project lives in the cinematic universe will help you find the right people, frame your expectations, and get your film made.So if you’ve ever wondered how to write that next script with both your heart and your head - this special episode is for you. It’s about aligning your creative dreams with the practical path to getting them on screen, and learning that sometimes the most beautiful art is born not just from inspiration, but from working smart, collaborating well, and trusting that what’s essential really is enough.Here’s to stories that make it off the page, and the wild, practical, joyful journey of bringing them home to the screen.CONNECT WITH PAUL DUDBRIDGE:  click HERE.To learn about getting your standout script on the page, sign up for a FREE class: www.dianebell.com/freeclassMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo learn more about THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

Have you ever reached the middle of the year, looked back at all those shiny goals you set in January, and thought, “Wait… what happened?” You started out so full of excitement and ambition—maybe THIS was going to be the year you wrote your script, made your movie, or finally kicked those old habits to the curb. But then, life happened. Maybe the world felt heavy, uncertainty crept in, or you hit a wall with rejections and setbacks. Suddenly, you find yourself feeling a little stuck, wondering if it’s even worth moving forward.Trust me, you are so not alone in this. I’ve been in that exact spot (honestly, more times than I can count!). That’s exactly why I recorded this episode: to talk about the power of the reset—right here, right now, in the middle of the year.In this session, I open up about my own season of big change and share why it’s totally normal to need a reset (spoiler: it’s part of the creative, ever-evolving human journey). I walk you through four practical, powerful steps for clearing out the heaviness, dreaming big (again!), making a plan, and truly stepping into the version of yourself who can make those dreams happen—now, not “once you get there.”We talk about why you don’t need to wait for January or some magical new beginning, how to let go of old disappointments with compassion, and the absolute magic of embodying who you want to be, even before your goals have “happened” on paper. I also share the details on my month-long Reset program, kicking off in August, for anyone who’s craving deeper guidance, support, and fresh inspiration to finish the year strong.If you’re feeling off track, weighed down, or just itching for a fresh start, this episode is your permission slip. No matter where you are in your journey, you can always begin anew—and sometimes, all it takes is pressing the reset button.Come reset with me, and let’s make the rest of this year magic. You’ve totally got this!To sign up for THE RESET --> CLICK HERETo learn about getting your standout script on the page, sign up for a FREE class: www.dianebell.com/writeyourscreenplayMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo learn more about THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

Do you ever sit down with the very best intentions to write - and suddenly find yourself deep-cleaning your kitchen, binge-watching Instagram reels, or tackling every odd job in your house except for actually writing? Trust me, you are so not alone. I’ve been there too - those days (or weeks… or months) where, despite your burning desire to create, you wind up doing everything but putting words on the page.In this episode, I get super honest about one of the biggest struggles we all face as writers and filmmakers: procrastination. We all go through it, and if you’ve ever wondered why you say you want to write but “life” keeps getting in the way, this one is for you. I share a bit of my own journey (spoiler: I spent years wanting to write and not writing a single thing), the surprisingly normal reasons behind why we procrastinate, and - most importantly - how to finally beat it.From unpacking our fears of failure and perfectionism, to giving you super practical strategies (hello, the Freedom app and the power of four pages a day!), I walk you through how to get out of your head and into a creative rhythm. I open up about my go-to tricks for eliminating distractions, the mindset shifts that changed my writing life, and why affirmations and setting tiny, achievable goals can move mountains.If you’re tired of that endless inner monologue (“I’ll start tomorrow… maybe next week… why can’t I just DO it?”) and you want to actually finish what you start, this is the episode to listen to. Plus, stick around - I share details on a totally free, live class I’m hosting to help you get your screenplay written this summer, along with all the encouragement you need to get (and stay) back in the saddle.Let’s tackle procrastination together, one page at a time. You’ve absolutely got this!To learn about getting your standout script on the page, sign up for a FREE class: www.dianebell.com/writeyourscreenplayMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo learn more about THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

Have you ever felt totally anxious sharing your script with someone — like your stomach is in knots just hitting “send,” secretly hoping they’ll just say, “It’s amazing, you’re a genius”? Or maybe you’ve gotten feedback that just made you more confused or even made you wonder if you should keep writing at all?Trust me, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too. In this episode, I dive deep into something most screenwriters and filmmakers don’t talk about enough: the art of feedback. Not just how to get it, but how to truly use it to grow as a writer (and as a human being). I'm honest about those early, nerve-wracking experiences of sharing my unfinished scripts, how I slowly learned to separate myself from my work, and why learning to both receive and give feedback is truly one of the most important skills you can master.If you’re tired of the feedback rollercoaster, or you just want to accelerate your growth and confidence as a screenwriter or filmmaker, this session is for you. Stick around until the end for details on my upcoming masterclass and some exciting news about the NETWORK community!It's time to master the art of feedback—and turn it into your secret creative superpower.To sign up for THE ART OF FEEBACK: CLICK HERETo learn about getting your standout script on the page, sign up for a FREE class: www.dianebell.com/writeyourscreenplayMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo learn more about THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

 Ever feel like making a standout indie film on a super small budget is…well, impossible? Like, how could your little movie ever compare to the big-budget films out there?Trust me, I get it. But in this episode, I share the real truth: you absolutely can create a film on a microbudget that truly punches above its weight. Not just something you’re proud of (though that’s important!), but a movie that can compete with the best and stand out in festivals—even against films with ten times your budget.We dig into the surprising strategies that helped me make Obselidia—a film that cost only $120,000, made it into the main competition at Sundance, and even won a cinematography award! (No, really—it happened.) I break down the five key approaches that made all the difference: from how to thoughtfully choose your locations (it’s not just about “one location, two characters”), to focusing on what’s in front of the camera rather than the fanciest equipment, to the importance of intentional planning, smart shot choices, and—maybe most important—who you surround yourself with on set.If you’ve heard that old advice “just make your movie,” but you want to know how to do it well—without wasting time, money, or energy—this is the deep dive you need. I also get real about a few mistakes (my own, and what I learned from others!) and show you step-by-step how to set yourself up for true success.If you’re dreaming of making your film but feeling overwhelmed by your budget, let me show you how to make every dollar count—and create something you’re deeply proud of.To learn about getting your standout script on the page, sign up for a FREE class: www.dianebell.com/writeyourscreenplayMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo learn more about THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

Welcome to today's session, where we dive into what it truly means to be a revolutionary filmmaker. This isn’t just about making films; it’s about tapping in to the power of your creative voice in challenging times. I'll be sharing insights into how you can take whatever gets you fired up—those things that make you angry, sad, or hopeful—and transform them into powerful cinematic works.  You will learn how to channel your biggest feelings into projects that mean something to you and the world.The journey of creating your film starts with the revolution inside you—claiming your power to change both yourself and the world around you.So, if you're ready to harness your unique voice and push beyond the traditional limits, you’re in the right place. Let's jump in and start this journey toward creating something impactful and resonant.Don’t hesitate! Sign up for more insights and inspiration with our masterclass, INDIE FILM REVOLUTION that's free for a short time only: www.dianebell.com/revolutionMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo learn more about THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

A whopping 67,000 screenplays are registered each year...so it's important to ask, what’s the real secret to making your script stand out in an over-saturated market and get your film made?In today’s episode, we’ll chat about what truly makes a screenplay or film stand out. I'm sharing the keys to unlocking your authentic voice and breaking free from the convention. We'll explore how your unique process and passions can lead to your standout script. I share personal stories, including how letting my own obsessions and love for certain themes guided me to create my breakthrough film, Obselidia. This isn’t about ticking boxes or following someone else’s playbook. It’s about diving deep into your genuine curiosities and trusting your heart to guide your writing path.So, if you're tired of trying to fit into the mold and ready to create something truly special and genuinely you, this episode is for you. Join me as we dive into the heart of creating work that doesn't just mimic what’s popular but carves out its own memorable space in the world. Let's uncover the authentic you behind the script.To learn about getting your standout script on the page, sign up for a FREE class: www.dianebell.com/revolutionMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo learn more about THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE