This Is One Writing Lesson I Learned 20 Years Too Late - Tom O'Brien

Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS is currently 10% off! - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd Watch the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBeQrRARRtU SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join Andrew Zinnes is Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Portsmouth, UK. He has worked in development at Paramount Pictures and at USA Networks. He left to become a script analyst, and worked for Morgan Creek Productions, Artisan and several script analyst companies. Using his documentary filmmaking experience, Andrew was the perfect co-author for The Documentary Film Makers Handbook. He has taught documentary at the NY Film Academy and has lectured on filmmaking at schools and colleges around the US. He is a founding partner of the film company Crazee Pictures. BUY THE BOOK - SCREENWRITERS ADVICE: From Popular and Award Winning Film, TV, and Streaming Shows (The Guerilla Filmmaker’s Handbooks) - https://amzn.to/3Yzen1x BUY THE BOOK - THE DOCUMENTARY FILM MAKERS HANDBOOK: A Guerilla Guide https://amzn.to/40x9BEz BUY THE BOOK - THE GUERILLA FILM MAKERS POCKETBOOK: The Ultimate Guide to Digital Film Making (The Guerilla Filmmaker’s Handbooks) - https://amzn.to/40zOJfI CONNECT WITH ANDREW ZINNES https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1088109 / andrew-zinnes-aa07356 MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS 99% Of Screenwriters Make This Mistake When They Begin - https://youtu.be/8-_5tw7hoh4 Learning Screenplay Story Structure - https://youtu.be/iywvNIWKbPI 21 Ways To Structure A Screenplay [WRITING MASTERCLASS] - https://youtu.be/OPxxJ2wBNTA Free Story Structure Training - https://youtu.be/gDXp6_2AVYc Solve Your Story Structure Problems In 11 Steps - https://youtu.be/RPGTIqHBmUE SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage LISTEN TO THE FILM COURAGE PODCAST https://soundcloud.com/filmcourage-com (Affiliates) ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 Stuff we use: LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq AUDIO Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv *Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/4_9JCyWR39c?si=koo-r9gyfqH8MQ0R Tom O'Brien is a Los Angeles based writer/director. He teaches acting and writing at Scenestudyla.com. Tom’s first feature film, Fairhaven, Starred Chris Messina and Sarah Paulson and was a critics pick in the New York Times. Tom's second feature, Manhattan Romance, starring Katherine Waterston and Gaby Hoffmann was distributed by Netflix worldwide. Tom’s online series, OM City, that he created with his wife, Jessie Barr, was a New York Times Critic’s TV Pick. Tom is also a produced and published playwright and a former college hockey player. CONNECT WITH TOM O'BRIEN https://scenestudyla.com / scenestudyla / scenestudyla https://www.threads.net/@scenestudyla CLASSES WITH TOM O'BRIEN https://scenestudyla.com/classes TOM O'BRIEN'S FILMS https://scenestudyla.com/tomsfilms VIEWERS ALSO WATCHED This Is One Screenwriting Lesson I Learned 20 Years Too Late - • This Is One Screenwriting Lesson I Learned... This Is How To Get Work In The Film Industry - • This Is How To Get Work In The Film Indust... The Truth About Finding Work In The Film Industry - • The Truth About Finding Work In The Film I... Big Reason Why Many People Quit The Movie Business - • Big Reason Why Many People Quit The Movie ... How 15 Minutes Of Work Can Change An Artist's Life - • How 15 Minutes Of Work Can Change An Artis... How The Movie Business ACTUALLY Works - • How The Movie Business ACTUALLY Works - Ke... CONNECT WITH FILM COURAGE http://www.FilmCourage.com http://twitter.com/#!/FilmCourage / filmcourage / filmcourage / filmcourage / filmcourage SUBSCRIBE TO THE FILM COURAGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://bit.ly/18DPN37 SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER / @filmcourage SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON / filmcourage LISTEN TO THE FILM COURAGE PODCAST / filmcourage-com (Affiliates) ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 Stuff we use: LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq AUDIO Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv *These are affiliate links, by using them you can help support this channel.

Check out Film Courage's two books... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd Erik Bork is a screenwriter best known for his work on the HBO miniseries BAND OF BROTHERS and FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON, for which he wrote multiple episodes, and won two Emmy and two Golden Globe Awards as part of the producing team. Erik has also sold series pitches (and written pilots) at NBC and FOX, worked on the writing staff for two primetime dramas, and written feature screenplays on assignment for companies like Universal, HBO, TNT, and Playtone. In 2025 he released his feature film directing debut with The Elephant in the Room, a “red-blue romcom” he also wrote. WATCH 'THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM' https://tubitv.com/movies/100046069/the-elephant-in-the-room MORE VIDEOS WITH ERIK BORK https://goo.gl/iEJi25 CONNECT WITH ERIK BORK https://www.flyingwrestler.com https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0096897 https://www.facebook.com/ScreenwriterErikBork https://twitter.com/flyingwrestler MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS What Should A Screenwriter Know Before Writing A Screenplay? - https://youtu.be/Jeejz5M7yb8 How To Know If You Have A Great Movie Idea - https://youtu.be/KveGHBFFVcw How A Writer Can Turn An Ordinary Idea Into A Great One - https://youtu.be/G8Kl1tGBJT0 10 Ways To Come Up With Movie Ideas - https://youtu.be/A2BhItk6Fo0 Why Most People Will Never Pitch A Movie Idea To Netflix - https://youtu.be/MghvHXRBxSg SUBSCRIBE TO THE FILM COURAGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://bit.ly/18DPN37 PERSONALLY SPONSOR FILM COURAGE https://ko-fi.com/filmcourage SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage (Affiliates) ►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND: STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf SAVE THE CAT! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need https://amzn.to/3dNg2HQ THE ANATOMY OF STORY: 22 Steps To Becoming A Master Storyteller http://amzn.to/2h6W3va THE ART OF DRAMATIC WRITING - Lajos Egri https://amzn.to/3jh3b5f ►FILMMAKER STARTER KIT BLACKMAGIC Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K - https://amzn.to/4gDU0s9 ZOOM H4essential 4-Track Handy Recorder - https://amzn.to/3TIon6X SENNHEISER Professional Shotgun Microphone - https://amzn.to/3TEnLiE NEEWER CB300B 320W LED Video Light - https://amzn.to/3XEMK6F NEEWER 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable Ultra High Power - https://amzn.to/3XX57VK ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 ►Stuff we use: LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq AUDIO Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv *Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS is currently 10% off! - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6W8fHBavM8 Jake Jalbert began his journey into producing and cinematography 14 years ago, shooting his first feature film, House Guest Massacre (2013), starring Alex Vincent from the Child's Play franchise (as Andy Barclay). Over the years, he's worked his way up by contributing to numerous films and TV shows, collaborating with actors such as Burt Reynolds, Amy Smart, Sean Astin, Michael Shannon, Alexander Ludwig, and Charles Melton. From 2020 to 2024, Jake served as Director of Photography on several films, beginning with Mind Games*, starring A-list talents Robert LaSardo, Jim Fitzpatrick, and Michael Paré, as well as *Soulmates*. Jake was later hired to shoot two studio films, *Megaboa and Shark Waters*, both of which had small theatrical releases through The Asylum, the studio behind the *Sharknado franchise. In addition, Jake was the cinematographer for the Tubi original film *DC Down*, directed by Geoff Meed and starring Eric Roberts and Sean Young. In 2023, Jake produced and shot his most ambitious project to date, Off Rip (Sports/Drama), directed by and starring Jadon Cal, which is currently in post-production. CONNECT WITH JAKE JALBERT: / jake_jalbert https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5221732/ / @beastmodecreative PERSONALLY SPONSOR FILM COURAGE https://ko-fi.com/filmcourage SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage Affiliates: ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 Stuff we use: LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq AUDIO Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv *Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS is currently 10% off! - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKkd3BV1O7A Ramon "Swift" Sloan is the founder of Swift Motion Pictures; a movie director, producer and writer. The Milwaukee native started his career in entertainment as a book author and publisher. he released his first novel Motivation- Mastering the Game in 2010 His breakout novel is now depicted in the film series Circumstances - which was executive produced by the author himself under Swift Motion Pictures, a venture that derived from a passion for the arts through his schooling of Television & Video Production at Milwaukee Area Technical College. His work in television includes that of cameraman and floor director for Milwaukee Public Television (MPTV) programs : Black Nouveau and Cooking Raw. His entrepreneurial work both as an author and movie producer have been featured in The Source Magazine, Sheen Magazine, Hip Hop Weekly, Cali Post, Don Diva Magazine, and more. He's also appeared on Tv One's talk show Sister Circle TV, This Is 50, Fox 6 news , and has been interviewed by countless journalist including the likes of Raro Lae, Margo Spann's CoCoa Hollywood Live, Kierra M of Dash Radio, and more. Sloan is working on several film projects in various production phases. WATCH RAMON 'SWIFT' SLOAN'S MOVIES https://linktr.ee/swiftsloan MORE VIDEOS WITH RAMON 'SWIFT' SLOAN https://bit.ly/44t7mBN CONNECT WITH RAMON 'SWIFT' SLOAN https://swiftmotionpictures.com https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8355768 https://linktr.ee/swiftsloan / swiftsloan / swiftmotionpictures / swiftmotionpics PERSONALLY SPONSOR FILM COURAGE https://ko-fi.com/filmcourage SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage Affiliates: ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 Stuff we use: LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq AUDIO Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv *Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd Watch the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuwLVimYIyk 0:00 - You Can Turn Your Life Around 13:56 - Artists Who Are 50 And Older... Make It Happen Now 25:13 - Why I Don't Put Expectations On My Film Career 43:15 - This Advice From David Lynch Helped Me Write My First Screenplay Christopher Matthew Spencer is a dynamic filmmaker with a diverse background, bringing a wealth of experience to the world of cinema. A U.S. Navy veteran and accomplished businessman, Spencer turned his focus to the entertainment industry, quickly making a mark as an actor, writer, and director. Trained at the prestigious Brian Cutler Actors Studio, he has secured roles in notable television series and commercials, while also contributing to voiceover and industrial projects. His film directorial debut, "The Red Market", showcases his ability to weave compelling narratives, further establishing his place in the industry. Spencer's work in the horror genre, particularly his role in Anthony DiBlasi's "Malum", has been recognized by The New York Times, highlighting his versatility and dedication to his craft. CONNECT WITH CHRISTOPHER MATTHEW SPENCER https://linktr.ee/borntodeal SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage (Affiliates) ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 (Affiliates) ►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND: THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq AUDIO Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv *Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

Watch the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1-hI4btEVs Our new book... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 0:00 - It's Not Impossible To Sell A Screenplay, Here's How It Happens 11:45 - 3 Things Most People Don't Realize About Frankenstein 22:40 - Why Cliché Is A Great Story Tool For Writers 35:05 - I Have Limited Time To Write So Here's How I Get It Done 48:06 - 3 Tips For Developing A Story World 57:16 - Advice To Directors On Getting Their First Movie Made 1:10:06 - People Get Mad About Remakes But Here's What They Don't Know 1:20:57 - Easiest Way To Get Represented By An Agent Or Manager 1:35:16 - Beginners Guide To Joining A Book Club Bomani J. Story was born in Riverside, California and raised in Redlands, California. Growing up, Bomani always had a love of reading literature and watching films. He even spent time writing his own short stories as a child. Upon graduation of high school, Bomani cut his teeth on filmmaking when he started making short films with his fellow collaborators. After two years at San Bernardino Valley College, Bomani was accepted into the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts to study film production. Since his graduation from USC in 2010, he has been honing his skills as a writer and director. Bomani makes his directorial debut with a reimagining of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, "The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster", a classic literary horror story filmed through a modern lens (which world premiered at 2023 SXSW). WATCH 'THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER' http://theangryblackgirlandhermonster... WATCH 'THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER' TRAILER • The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster Trail... CONNECT WITH BOMANI J. STORY https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3438923 / story.is.king SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage (Affiliates) ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 (Affiliates) ►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND: THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq AUDIO Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv *Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

Watch the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxCQfyWK0Ds Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join 0:00 - Meditate And Create 13:19 - How AI Might Affect Writers 21:59 - First 3 Steps To Writing A Screenplay 32:47 - How Story Structure Can Limit Creativity 43:34 - I've Been Teaching Screenwriting For 25 Years... Here Are The Most Common Mistakes 58:36 - There Is No Such Thing As An Antagonist 1:13:57 - I've Spent Years Writing A Screenplay... And Now No One Wants To Read It BUY THE BOOK - THE THREE WELLS OF SCREENWRITING: Discover Your Deep Sources Of Inspiration - https://amzn.to/34kbPaP Matthew Kalil is a writer, director, script editor, author and speaker. He has written and co-written over 40 produced episodes of TV and has received various grants, development funding and awards. Matthew’s productions have been screened and broadcast in Canada, Denmark, Morocco, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, the United States and the United Kingdom. Since receiving his MA in Screenwriting, he has been teaching, writing and mentoring students for over 20 years. Matthew has developed a unique system of screenwriting theory that helps beginners as well as established screenwriters get in touch with their creative core. His book, The Three Wells of Screenwriting, published by Michael Wiese productions with a foreword by Christopher Vogler, has been describes as a “breakthrough in the writing craft.” His workshops have touched and inspired thousands of participants and his gentle and insightful script editing guidance has helped many writers realize the stories they were always trying to tell. A charismatic speaker, Matthew has enjoyed presenting many times at the London Screenwriting Festival, the Cape Town International Animation Festival and the University Film and Video Association. Matthew is currently an Assistant Professor at the David Lynch MFA in screenwriting in the USA. MORE VIDEOS WITH MATTHEW KALIL https://bit.ly/2kMqz05 CONNECT WITH MATTHEW KALIL http://matthewkalil.com CONNECT WITH THE THREE WELLS OF SCREENWRITING http://thethreewells.com / the_three_wells / the3wells / thethreewells (Affiliates) ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 (Affiliates) ►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND: THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq AUDIO Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv *Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

Watch the video version of this podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRqJDu_wTTY Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd 0:00 - I Knew This Idea Could Be A Movie As Soon As I Heard It 17:26 - What The Last 5 Years Of Screenwriting Has Taught Me 31:30 - I Was Really Bad At Story Structure... Here's What Changed 41:04 - Why I Don't Fear Failure Anymore (And You Don’t Have To Either) 51:34 - Filmmaking In Your 20's Vs 30's 1:01:42 - I Wasn't Sure If I Could Write A Novel... Here's Why I Did It 1:17:23 - How I Self-Published My First Book On Amazon KDP 1:26:37 - Movies Will Never Go Away Armed with a diverse creative palette and a passion for character-centric storytelling, Writer/Director Adam Davis has created numerous short and feature film projects. Credit highlights include the feature Broken Ceiling (nominated for Best Feature at the 2016 Pasadena International Film Festival and available on streaming platforms) and No Touching—starring Zoë Bell (The Hateful Eight), Heidi Moneymaker (Captain America: Civil War), Jake Busey (From Dusk till Dawn: The Series) and Doug Jones (The Shape of Water). No Touching won the Silver Audience Award at the 2016 Fantasia Film Festival and has amassed over 1 million views on YouTube. Adam was also a finalist in the 2022 Screencraft Horror Competition. Adam’s most recent projects are Curse of the Sin Eater, a horror feature film he co-wrote and co-produced which was released this year and Orum, a horror short film he wrote, produced and directed starring horror icons Bill Moseley (The Devil’s Rejects), Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator) and Kristina Klebe (Halloween) which was nominated for Best Horror Short and Best Supporting Actor at the Nightmares Film Festival 2024. WATCH: CURSE OF THE SIN EATER https://tubitv.com/movies/100026521/curse-of-the-sin-eater CONNECT WITH ADAM DAVIS https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2515431 SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage (Affiliates) ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 (Affiliates) ►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND: THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf SAVE THE CAT! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need https://amzn.to/3dNg2HQ ►FILMMAKER STARTER KIT BLACKMAGIC Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K - https://amzn.to/4gDU0s9 ZOOM H4essential 4-Track Handy Recorder - https://amzn.to/3TIon6X ►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra ►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9 LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq AUDIO Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv *Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

Watch the video version of this podcast here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrrBWgI8cec Our new book... STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9 0:00 - Being Critical Of A Movie Too Soon 7:37 - Proven Strategies To Help Writers Generate Story Ideas 19:32 - Film School Professor Comments On Whether Students Should Use AI 28:44 - Truth About Writing A Great Scene 41:25 - What Does Conflict In Every Scene REALLY Mean? 55:59 - Why You're Never Too Young To Write A Movie 1:14:53 - 5 Tips For Making A Short Film Eric Conner has taught hundreds of aspiring storytellers at the New York Film Academy (LA), the Writer’s Store, the Animation Guild and Starcoach – China. At NYFA, he’s interviewed dozens of entertainment professionals including Django Unchained producer Reginald Hudlin and John Wick director Chad Stahelski and wrote/hosted the podcast The Backlot. He recently produced the feature length documentary Other Voices (Aswat Acherim), available on Amazon. His work has been featured on the Howard Stern Show, On Demand Cable, Entertainment Tonight and Ranker.com. Eric has been a Burbank Cultural Arts Commissioner since 2019. As a writer he's adapted projects based on Knott's Scary Farm and the NY Times bestseller Vampire Kisses. He’s worked with HollyShorts for years as a film judge and moderated multiple panels / Q&As at their annual festival. CONNECT WITH ERIC CONNER https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1289127 Founded in 1992 by Jerry Sherlock, the New York Film Academy (NYFA) provides an accessible, hands-on education in filmmaking, media, and the performing arts. With a mission to make the film industry more accessible to all, NYFA empowers students from diverse backgrounds to tell powerful stories through a project-based, immersive curriculum. Students work closely with industry professionals, gaining invaluable mentorship and real-world experience while building creative, technical, and collaborative skills. NYFA's global community includes students from over 160 countries, fostering a network of passionate storytellers. From day one, students dive into creating projects that refine their craft and prepare them for successful careers. With a focus on practical experience and individualized support, NYFA equips students with the tools and confidence to excel in the competitive world of filmmaking and the arts. CONNECT WITH NYFA https://www.nyfa.edu https://www.nyfa.edu/location/nyfa-los-angeles/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE FILM COURAGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://bit.ly/18DPN37 SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage