In this episode I talk with Anna Birkedahl, a seasoned content producer with a rich background in local news and public broadcasting.

Anna shares her journey from studying opera and working as a classical radio music announcer to becoming a prominent figure in television production.

She discusses the challenges and rewards of working in public broadcasting, the transition to commercial television, and the importance of maintaining authenticity in news reporting.

Anna also reflects on the evolving landscape of journalism, emphasizing the need for dedication to storytelling and the impact of social media on the industry.

Listen to this month’s episode and be sure to leave a rating on Apple Podcasts to help other find the show.

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If you have a story to share and want to be a future guest on the podcast, let me know my leaving a comment.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com

In the latest episode of Persistence of Vision, I sat down with Allyson Morgan, a multifaceted creative professional with a strong background in theater. Allyson and I first met at the Magnolia Film Festival, where we bonded over our shared experiences in the film industry. During our conversation, Allyson shared her journey from acting to writing and filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of networking and making genuine connections at film festivals and industry events.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction by Clint Till

00:00:32 - Introduction of Allyson Morgan

00:01:21 - Allyson's background and meeting Clint at the Magnolia Film Festival

00:02:02 - Allyson's professional introduction and career journey

00:05:13 - Networking and making connections at film festivals

00:07:08 - Allyson's experience at the Tallgrass Film Festival

00:08:12 - Allyson's early career and transition from acting to writing and filmmaking

00:12:02 - Moving to New York and starting a theater company

00:15:02 - Working in TV casting and volunteering in film-related organizations

00:19:05 - Mentorship and advice from industry friends

00:23:29 - Significant career moments and booking roles on Law and Order SVU

00:31:18 - Overcoming challenges and staying motivated in the industry

00:35:06 - Auditioning for a play directed by Woody Harrelson

00:43:31 - Developing the short film "First Date" into the feature "Jagged Mind"

00:50:17 - Writing and receiving notes on "Jagged Mind"

00:54:40 - Directing the short film "The Ghost" and future aspirations

00:57:21 - On-set challenges and lessons learned

00:58:10 - Final thoughts and upcoming projects

Key Takeaways:

Networking and Connections: Allyson emphasizes the importance of networking and making genuine connections at film festivals and industry events. She shares how these connections have led to collaborations and opportunities in her career.

Career Transition: Allyson discusses her journey from acting to writing and filmmaking, highlighting the importance of creating your own work and being adaptable in the industry.

Challenges and Resilience: Throughout the conversation, Allyson shares various challenges she has faced, including auditions, rejections, and the difficulties of working in a competitive industry. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and tenacity.

Directing and Filmmaking: Allyson talks about her experience directing her first short film, "The Ghost," and the lessons she learned from the process. She also discusses her aspirations to continue directing and creating her own work.

Links:

Allyson's website - allysonm.com

Jagged Mind on Hulu - https://www.hulu.com/movie/27e89f53-355d-4459-9155-32e725ba85dd

Find everything I'm doing online at linktree.com/clinttill

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com

(Timestamps are approximate)

 Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Kate's background as a writer, producer, and actor with Chestnut Tree Films and Enchanted Valley Productions.

00:01:12 - Kate discusses her journey from middle school theater to becoming a producer of Christmas movies.

00:02:01 - The importance of pre-production and planning in filmmaking.

00:03:06 - Kate shares her experiences directing and producing films, and the lessons learned from acting.

00:04:02 - The significance of background actors and their impact on a scene.

00:09:05 - Kate's first Christmas movie, "Colorado Christmas," and working with notable actors.

00:12:12 - The importance of pre-production for feature films and understanding deliverables for distribution.

00:14:06 - Budget constraints and creative solutions in independent filmmaking.

00:16:16 - Lessons learned about hair, makeup, and wardrobe on set.

00:18:03 - Filming "A Merry Little Christmas" in seven days and the challenges faced.

00:20:00 - The importance of trust and collaboration on set.

00:22:17 - Kate's love for Christmas movies and the inspiration behind making them.

00:24:41 - The business side of filmmaking and deciding which films to greenlight.

00:26:12 - The importance of film incentives and finding investors.

00:31:00 - Future projects and where to find Kate's work online.

Key Takeaways:

Kate emphasizes the importance of pre-production and planning in filmmaking.

She shares valuable lessons learned from acting, directing, and producing.

Kate offers insights into the challenges of independent filmmaking, including budget constraints and creative solutions.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com

Show Notes

Host: Clint Till

Guest: Jared Callan

Timestamps (starting after the intro; timestamps are approximate):

00:00:01: Introduction and Jared Callan's background

00:01:06: Meeting and collaboration on "That's My House"

00:02:25: Importance of patience and collaboration on set

00:03:33: Continuous learning and building relationships in filmmaking

00:05:08: Relationship between DP and gaffer

00:07:54: Jared's journey from aspiring rock star to filmmaker

00:10:42: Attending Full Sail University

00:13:13: Importance of practical experience and continuous learning

00:17:19: Balancing freelance work with personal life

00:20:40: Challenges and rewards of filmmaking

00:25:00: Building relationships on set

00:32:13: Lessons learned from early freelancing experiences

00:39:05: Importance of contracts and professionalism

00:42:43: Jared's podcast and social media links

Key Takeaways:

Patience and Collaboration: Jared emphasizes the importance of patience and collaboration on set, noting that the process often speeds up as the shoot progresses.

Continuous Learning: Jared reflects on his journey from aspiring rock star to filmmaker, highlighting the value of continuous learning and building strong relationships on set.

Balancing Work and Passion Projects: Jared discusses the challenges of balancing corporate work with passion projects and the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of filmmaking.

Professionalism and Contracts: Jared shares lessons learned from early freelancing experiences, emphasizing the importance of contracts and professionalism in the industry.

Resources and Links:

Jared Callan's podcast: The Movie Crew Podcast (@moviecrewpod on X)

Jared Callan on Instagram: @checkthegate

Calls to Action:

Subscribe to the podcast for more insightful interviews.

Leave a review and let us know what you think.

Find me at linktree.com/clinttill 

If you have a story to share and want to be on a future episode of the podcast, email me at [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com

Shownotes (Timestamps are approximate) 

00:00:00 - Introduction and Monica's approach to filmmaking. Clint and Monica discuss their long-standing collaboration and Monica's background in the Memphis film scene

00:01:55 - Monica talks about the importance of collaboration and the tight-knit nature of film crews

00:03:36 - Discussion on shared experiences and the sense of family among film crew members

00:06:21 - Monica shares her on-set nightmare stories, including a project with no script or shot list

00:10:15 - Monica discusses the challenges she faced while working as the 1st AD on a feature film whose director had no script or shot list. She talks about the issues this caused in maintaining the shooting schedule and the low morale among the crew

00:15:30 - Insights into the challenges of independent filmmaking, including problem-solving and dealing with negativity and a lack of respect.

00:20:45 – Monica talks about what she enjoys about her role as 1st AD, how she got into it, and how her own personal perseverance and dedication to networking helped her get into the industry.

00:25:00 - The importance of collaboration in the film industry and how diverse teams lead to innovative projects

00:30:10 - Monica's work with Radio Memphis and her excitement about being part of the Radio Memphis in the Morning show

Key Takeaways:

Monica emphasizes the importance of being open to others' ideas while maintaining a clear vision for her projects

She shares some of her challenging experiences on set, providing valuable insights into the realities of filmmaking

The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration and adaptability in the film industry

Monica offers valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers, stressing the importance of perseverance and passion

Links

Listen to Monica's radio morning show at Radio Memphis (radio-memphis.com)

Subscribe to my newsletter (clinttill.substack.com)

Find everything I'm up to on Linktree (linktree.com/clinttill)

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com

In this episode, host Clint Till sits down with Robb Rokk, a multifaceted creative professional who has made significant strides in video production, music, and nonprofit work. The conversation delves into Robb's journey from a stills photographer and web designer to a filmmaker and sound engineer. Robb shares anecdotes from his career, including his experiences on film sets, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way. He also discusses his passion for teaching young filmmakers through the Desoto Arts Institute, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and creative expression. This episode offers valuable insights into the world of filmmaking and the collaborative nature of the industry, making it a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers and creative professionals.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:33: Introduction and background of the guest, Robb Rokk.

00:33 - 01:28: How Clint Till and Robb Rokk met and started collaborating on films.

01:28 - 02:22: Robb's journey from stills photography and web design to filmmaking.

02:22 - 03:11: Robb's first experience on a music video set in Nashville.

03:11 - 04:11: Learning filmmaking and overcoming imposter syndrome.

04:11 - 05:54: Robb's experiences and challenges on film sets.

05:54 - 07:18: Transition from audio recording to shooting films.

07:18 - 08:13: Creating and improving his first short film.

08:13 - 10:05: Working on "Mr. Responsibility" during the pandemic.

10:05 - 12:03: The spontaneity and collaboration in filmmaking.

12:03 - 14:08: Robb's approach to directing and working with talent.

14:08 - 16:11: Dealing with challenges and conflicts on set.

16:11 - 18:19: Learning from experiences and respecting the team.

18:19 - 21:31: The importance of collaboration and respect in filmmaking.

21:31 - 24:14: Handling client relationships and contracts.

24:14 - 26:37: Communication challenges with clients.

26:37 - 29:11: The importance of clear communication and contracts.

29:11 - 32:08: Founding the Desoto Arts Institute and mentoring young filmmakers.

32:08 - 33:02: Conclusion and appreciation.

Key Takeaways:

Robb Rokk transitioned from stills photography and web design to filmmaking, driven by his passion for storytelling and creativity.

Robb emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration in filmmaking, sharing valuable lessons from his experiences on set.

Clear communication and well-defined contracts are crucial when working with clients and collaborators to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

Robb's dedication to teaching and mentoring young filmmakers through the Desoto Arts Institute highlights the significance of investing in the next generation of creatives.

Resources and Links:

Desoto Arts Institute

Your Screenplay Sucks by Will Akers

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Calls to Action:

Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with new episodes.

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

Subscribe to the Persistence of Vision newsletter

Find everything I do at linktree.com/clinttill

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com

In this episode, host Clint Till interviews Kevin Pettit, a filmmaker and film critic who shares his journey from the BMX scene in South Jersey to becoming a filmmaker and critic based in Philadelphia. Kevin discusses how his early exposure to BMX premieres and the camaraderie among filmmakers inspired him to pursue a career in film. He recounts his experiences working on indie films, including a noir Western called "Monaco Blues," and emphasizes the importance of patience and collaboration on set. Kevin also talks about his transition to film criticism, writing reviews on Substack, and the lessons he's learned about persistence and creative fulfillment. This episode offers valuable insights into the world of filmmaking and film criticism, making it a must-listen for aspiring creatives.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:24: Introduction by Clint Till

00:24 - 01:13: Background on the Persistence of Vision podcast.

01:13 - 01:35: Introduction of guest Kevin Pettit.

01:35 - 02:03: Kevin's background and start in the BMX scene.

02:03 - 03:01: Transition from BMX filming to indie filmmaking.

03:01 - 04:32: Kevin's experiences and camaraderie in the BMX filmmaking community.

04:32 - 05:00: Lessons learned from the BMX community.

05:00 - 06:07: Kevin's move to Philadelphia and indie film projects.

06:07 - 07:06: Working on "Monaco Blues" and other indie films.

07:06 - 08:09: Patience and collaboration on film sets.

08:09 - 09:09: Kevin's first major film set experience.

09:09 - 10:18: Transition to film criticism and writing on Substack.

10:18 - 11:49: Persistence and lessons learned in film criticism.

11:49 - 12:36: Kevin's writing habits and workflow.

12:36 - 13:57: Creative fulfillment through writing and filmmaking.

13:57 - 15:12: Importance of surrounding yourself with talented people.

15:12 - 16:33: Support from Kevin's fiancée and overcoming writer's block.

16:33 - 18:29: Enjoying the creative process and setting realistic expectations.

18:29 - 19:10: Final thoughts and encouragement for creatives.

19:10 - 20:04: Kevin's plugs and where to find his work.

Key Takeaways:

Kevin Pettit transitioned from the BMX scene to indie filmmaking, driven by his passion for capturing moments and storytelling.

The importance of patience and collaboration on film sets, as well as the camaraderie among filmmakers, were key lessons from Kevin's experiences.

Kevin's journey into film criticism on Substack highlights the value of persistence and creative fulfillment in the competitive world of film and writing.

Surrounding oneself with talented individuals and having a supportive network are crucial for personal and professional growth.

Resources and Links:

Kevin's newsletter, "See You at the Movies"

Calls to Action:

Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with new episodes.

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

Subscribe to my newsletter at clinttill.substack.com.

Find everything I do at linktree.com/clinttill.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com

In this episode, host Clint Till introduces the Persistence of Vision podcast and shares his journey in video production. Clint discusses his initial hesitation about starting a podcast and how his experiences in video production and writing a weekly newsletter inspired him to create this platform. He reflects on his career, highlighting the valuable lessons learned from both successes and failures. Clint also talks about the therapeutic nature of writing personal stories and the importance of persistence in the creative field. This episode sets the stage for future conversations with other creatives, offering insights and lessons from Clint's own experiences.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:24: Introduction by Clint Till.

00:24 - 01:13: Background on the Persistence of Vision podcast.

01:13 - 01:35: Clint's initial hesitation about starting a podcast.

01:35 - 02:03: Inspiration from writing a weekly newsletter.

02:03 - 03:01: Clint's career in video production and lessons learned.

03:01 - 04:32: The therapeutic nature of writing personal stories.

04:32 - 05:00: The purpose of the Persistence of Vision podcast.

05:00 - 06:07: Clint's story "Down Goes Frazier" and its lessons.

06:07 - 07:06: Dealing with difficult clients and learning from experiences.

07:06 - 08:09: Importance of clear communication and contracts.

08:09 - 09:09: Thinking creatively and finding alternative solutions.

09:09 - 10:18: The impact of difficult clients on business growth.

10:18 - 11:49: The value of patience, understanding, and a positive attitude.

11:49 - 12:36: Conclusion and encouragement for listeners.

Key Takeaways:

Clint Till shares his journey in video production, highlighting valuable lessons learned from both successes and failures.

Writing personal stories has been therapeutic for Clint, helping him reflect on his career and share insights with others.

Dealing with difficult clients teaches important lessons about communication, contracts, and creative problem-solving.

The Persistence of Vision podcast aims to share lessons learned through persistence in the creative field.

Resources and Links:

Persistence of Vision Substack: https://clinttill.substack.com

Find me at https://linktree.com/clinttill

"Down Goes Frazier" story: https://clinttill.substack.com/p/down-goes-frazier?r=67hvl

Calls to Action:

Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with new episodes.

Leave a review and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com