Persistence of Vision Podcast: Jeremy Burgess

Episode SummaryScreenwriter, copywriter, and film critic Jeremy Burgess joins Clint to talk about building a creative career through persistence, collaboration, and learning not to be precious with your ideas. Jeremy shares how a Shakespeare parody unexpectedly launched his advertising career, how copywriting shaped his screenwriting discipline, and what it took to write and produce his first feature film, Don’t Die.

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Timestamps & Topics

00:00 – Introduction & Jeremy’s background

02:49 – Sidewalk Film Festival & screenplay competition

06:11 – From Shakespeare parody to copywriting career

10:11 – Making your own opportunities as a writer

13:01 – Surviving tough notes and client feedback

16:30 – How copywriting improved Jeremy’s screenwriting

18:44 – Finding your voice and moving past imitation

25:38 – Outlining, note cards, and story structure

33:17 – Collaboration, conflict, and creative compromise

37:21 – Writing and producing the feature film Don’t Die

39:16 – Lessons from shooting a feature in 12 days

45:03 – Advice for first-time feature filmmakers

46:44 – Dust on the VCR and writing about classic films

49:26 – Where to watch Don’t Die & closing thoughts

About the Film: Don’t DieA crime thriller about a desperate man seeking life‑saving medication who becomes trapped inside a dangerous black‑market pharmacy operation.

Available on Amazon, Apple, Fandango, and Tubi (free with ads). DVD available via Amazon.

Guest Links

Don’t Die – Feature film

Dust on the VCR – Jeremy Burgess’s Substack newsletter

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