Persistence of Vision

Karen Kizzire joins me for a conversation that starts with college theater memories and ends with real talk about the chaos and creativity of life as an ad agency producer. We talk about what it’s like to lead production at an ad agency, how theater shaped our careers, and why overcommunication is a survival skill. Karen shares stories from set, lessons from mentors, and what it means to be both the “Crusher of Dreams” and the calm in the storm.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Cold opens, Bond girls, and college theater

05:00 – Falling into advertising and falling in love with production

15:00 – Mentorship, first big shoots, and learning to lead

25:00 – Mistakes, over communication, and the producer’s mindset

35:00 – Creative tension, collaboration, and bullhorns on set

45:00 – Budget shifts, iPhone myths, and the house of cards

55:00 – Pottery, parenting, and what inspires Karen today

Key Takeaways:

- “You can never overcommunicate.” Karen learned this the hard way—and now lives by it.

- Theater teaches you how to pivot, collaborate, and think on your feet—skills that still serve her today.

- Being a producer means balancing grace and grit, and sometimes crushing dreams with a smile.

- The job isn’t glamorous, but it’s deeply rewarding when you love the people and the process.

Resources & Mentions:

- Luckie & Company: https://www.luckie.com

Calls to Action:

🎧 Listen and subscribe to the podcast

⭐️ Leave a review if you enjoyed the episode

💬 Share this episode with someone who’s navigating the creative grind

📩 Join the newsletter at https://clinttill.substack.com

If you have a story to share and want to be featured on a future episode, reach out at clinttill.net/contact and tell me about it.

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

🎙️ Persistence of Vision: Mitchell Cole on DIY Filmmaking, First Features & Finding Your Voice

Episode Summary

In this episode, I reconnect with filmmaker Mitchell Cole, whose feature debut Against the Spread made waves at the Magnolia Film Festival. We dive into his journey from blue-collar work to indie filmmaking, the lessons learned from building a feature on a shoestring budget, and the importance of authenticity, regional storytelling, and creative resilience. Mitchell shares how he adapted Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice into a Southern-fried comedy, the value of mentorship, and how a chance encounter at a film festival changed everything.

Whether you're a filmmaker just starting out or someone who’s been grinding for years, Mitchell’s story is a reminder that grit, community, and a little bit of luck can go a long way.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Magnolia Film Festival recap

03:00 – Mitchell’s filmmaking origin story

08:30 – From acting to writing/directing

12:45 – Learning film without film school

17:00 – The “mom quote” and staying motivated

22:00 – Writing from regional experience

27:00 – Adapting Shakespeare for the Panhandle

31:00 – Meeting producer Tom Rondinella

37:00 – Lessons from producing Against the Spread

43:00 – Festival experiences and audience turnout

48:00 – Gear, grit, and DIY filmmaking

54:00 – Overcoming wardrobe and football scene challenges

01:01:00 – The next project: horror

01:04:00 – Final thoughts and where to follow Mitchell

🎯 Key Takeaways

- Make what you know: Mitchell’s decision to set his film in the Florida Panhandle gave it authenticity and heart.

- Don’t wait for permission: DIY filmmaking taught him to move fast, adapt, and create with what’s available.

- Mentorship matters: Producer Tom Rondinella’s guidance helped Mitchell navigate his first feature with confidence.

- Festivals are about connection: A chance meeting at a screening led to a life-changing collaboration.

🔗 Resources & Links

🎬 Watch Against the Spread: https://jackrabbitmedia.com or search on Amazon

📸 Follow Mitchell on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wakeupmistercole

🎥 Follow the film: https://instagram.com/againstthespreadfilm

📚 Learn more about public domain adaptations: https://www.gutenberg.org

📣 Calls to Action

- Subscribe to Persistence of Vision on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

- Leave a review to help others discover the show

- Share this episode with a fellow filmmaker or creative

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

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

Filmmaker Joshua Caldwell explores the resourceful path he’s carved through Hollywood. From childhood VHS adventures to directing a Netflix hit, Joshua shares how he’s built a career by embracing limitations and turning them into creative fuel.

We dive into his $6,000 feature Layover, the philosophy behind his 6K Filmmaker course, and the mindset shifts that helped him transition from micro-budget indies to larger productions.

Joshua doesn’t just talk theory—he shares war stories, including a wild encounter with federal agents while filming a trailer.

In this episode of Persistence of Vision, I sit down with filmmaker Joshua Caldwell to explore the gritty, resourceful path he’s carved through Hollywood. From childhood VHS adventures to directing a Netflix hit, Joshua shares how he’s built a career by embracing limitations and turning them into creative fuel. We dive into his $6,000 feature Layover, the philosophy behind his SixK Filmmaker course, and the mindset shifts that helped him transition from micro-budget indies to larger productions. Joshua doesn’t just talk theory—he shares war stories, including a wild encounter with federal agents while filming on what turned out to be an Air Force base. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical insights, candid reflections, and a whole lot of inspiration. Tune in to hear how Joshua proves that you don’t need permission—or a massive budget—to make something great.

Timestamps:

- 00:00:00: Introduction

- 00:01:37: Joshua Caldwell's Background

- 00:05:49: Early Filmmaking Experiences

- 00:12:33: Starting a Production Company

- 00:16:54: Making Layover

- 00:26:08: SixK Filmmaker Course

- 00:33:41: Marketing Your Film

- 00:38:28: Unexpected Outcomes

- 00:41:42: On-Set Nightmare Stories

- 00:49:37: Final Thoughts and Plugs

Key Takeaways:

- Embrace limitations and turn them into creative fuel.

- You don’t need permission—or a massive budget—to make something great.

- Modular storytelling allows you to produce scenes regardless of budget.

- Live environment filmmaking can make your film feel bigger and more dynamic.

Resources and Links:

- 6K Filmmaker Course

- Joshua Caldwell's Substack

- Clint Till's links

- Clint Till's Substack

Calls to Action:

- Subscribe to Persistence of Vision on Apple Podcasts.

- Leave a review and let me know what you think

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

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.

If you like my work here, why not consider helping me keep my Internet connection active? That way, I can continue to deliver good stuff straight to your inbox.

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'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe

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'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe

(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'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe

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'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe

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'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe

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'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe

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'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe