The ISA Podcast

SYS Episode 258

Guest: Dean Fisher

This week on the podcast I talk with UK producer Dean Fisher about how he got his start in the business and how he was able to put together his latest feature, The Bromley Boys.

SYS Episode 257

Description:

This week on the podcast I talk with screenwriter and director Paulina Lagudi about her career producing numerous short films and how that eventually lead her to her latest family friendly feature film, Mail Order Monster.

Our first on-location broadcast of Wine Wednesday, and where better than Napa, CA? Felicity and Max made the trek up the coast and attended the ever-so fabulous Napa Valley Film Festival. If you haven't been, you need to go - it's one of our favorites, if not the favorite. Our sponsors for this episode were the Napa Valley Film Festival and Cru Wineries (best wine we tasted during our trip). On this episode, we discuss the Napa Valley Film Fest, but also dive in to how writers and filmmakers should plan and prepare for submitting to the festival circuit when their film is ready for submission. We discuss a whole bunch of other things (like wine), so tune in and enjoy.

Remember, Felicity Wren and Max Timm always have open Q&A during every Facebook Live broadcast, so you should tune in when they broadcast their next live chat. Even though most broadcasts focus on a particular subject, every writer is welcome to ask anything they like at any time. Felicity and Max will do their best to give you a straight and honest answer.

This is a podcast recording of the ISA's Facebook Live broadcast of Wine Wednesdays. Please note that some promotions offered during the live broadcast are no longer available. We can, however, assist you if you wish to find out more information regarding ISA events, contests, or consulting offers. Just reach out to [email protected] and we will be happy to help.

You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: [email protected] If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at [email protected]. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at [email protected]. She, too, can work with you one-on-one, so don't hesitate to inquire. We can't wait to support you.

Subjects and themes for the broadcasts change from week to week, so stay tuned on most Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm Los Angeles time. For a specific schedule and set of announcements, "Like" the ISA Facebook page and keep up to date.

On this spooky version of Wine Wednesday, we are honored to have our wine sponsor for this episode be the ever-so-tasty Steele Wines alongside Max Timm's consulting and coaching company, The Story Farm. Though you're listening to this episode, you might want to consider tuning in to the video version on the ISA's Facebook page because your hosts, Max and Felicity, got into the Halloween spirit and dressed up for the occasion! You can still enjoy the thrills and chills of this episode, of course, which covers some of our favorite scary movies, rules and tips on how to write the best thrillers, and what makes horror films tick.

Remember, Felicity Wren and Max Timm always have open Q&A during every Facebook Live broadcast, so you should tune in when they broadcast their next live chat. Even though most broadcasts focus on a particular subject, every writer is welcome to ask anything they like at any time. Felicity and Max will do their best to give you a straight and honest answer.

This is a podcast recording of the ISA's Facebook Live broadcast of Wine Wednesdays. Please note that some promotions offered during the live broadcast are no longer available. We can, however, assist you if you wish to find out more information regarding ISA events, contests, or consulting offers. Just reach out to [email protected] and we will be happy to help.

You can reach out to Max regarding any type of query: [email protected] If you have particular interest in working with him on a one-on-one coaching and development basis, email him at [email protected]. His Story Farm development and coaching service is quickly becoming the best in the business! Felicity can also be reached at [email protected]. She, too, can work with you one-on-one, so don't hesitate to inquire. We can't wait to support you.

Subjects and themes for the broadcasts change from week to week, so stay tuned on most Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm Los Angeles time. For a specific schedule and set of announcements, "Like" the ISA Facebook page and keep up to date.

As a part of the ISA's ongoing support of the Table Read My Screenplay contest, we are sharing a recorded reading of the grand prize winning short screenplay from the TRMS - Austin contest.

Down River was written by Kerry L M Russell. Casting was done by the ISA's Felicity Wren. Take a listen and enjoy a little story time with our Table Read friends.

Cast: 

Frances Martin as Sylvia - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10208208/

Bobby Reed as Frank - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0715327/

Jacob Dylan Makabi as Adam - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9764388/

Max Timm as Slim Jim - https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-timm-18bb85a

Felicity Wren - narration - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3147267/

To put it lightly, it was a pleasure having Liz Hannah on the ISA's Curious About Screenwriting podcast. Her story of success is nothing short of miraculous, but the podcast host, Max Timm, discussed with Liz the importance of setting oneself up for such a miracle and how there is no such thing as an overnight success. While Liz only briefly discusses the (nothing short of) amazing back and forth she had with industry executives and her reps that eventually landed her meetings with some of the business's elite (Spielberg, Hanks, Streep), but her attitude and strength of character throughout all of The Post's journey from development to release is inspiring. One of the industry's rising stars, Liz is working harder than ever to continue her career and moving it forward in spite of coming out of the gates at full speed with her Golden Globe nomination and WGA Selvin Honorary Award.

We look forward to following Liz's career for years to come, especially with the recent announcement of Liz working with MGM and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine on the film adaptation of the Gail Honeyman bestselling novel Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

“Mary Poppins Returns” delights in song, dance and nostalgia.

“Mary Poppins Returns” is a film full of childhood wonder, exquisite production values, and charming performances across the board, particularly Emily Blunt picking up where Julie Andrews left off as the title character. One does wonder however, if all of this sophisticated entertainment may well be a little lost on the kiddies. Not only is it a period piece, making lots of hay about the English caste system, but it’s a meticulous homage to the original “Mary Poppins” from 1964. Doubtful those under 10 will understand just how much of one it is with its old-school animation and songs in the style of the Sherman Brothers. Still, few Christmas movies this season are as great a gift as this toe-tapping, heart-warming musical.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is an eye-popping and meta animated adventure

Move over “Incredibles 2” and make way for another superb 2018 animated superhero movie -
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse.” This is the 7th Spidey movie since 2002 and it is both reverential to the franchise and able to lampoon it as well. Based on the comic book title that relaunched the web-slinging superhero as a mixed-race teen named Miles Morales, this adaptation is thrilling, moving, and funny as hell. The animation style on display here too is noteworthy, blending 2D and 3D styles for a visual feast that will appeal to ages 6 to 60. It’s already won a ton of critics’ awards and with all this screen story has to offer, it’s easy to see why.

Bringing on the great Michael Hauge on the Curious About Screenwriting podcast is always a treat. Michael Hauge has been a screenwriting and story consultant for nearly 40 years, having worked one-on-one with writers at every level, from novice to A-List (Will Smith swears by him). He's one of the best, and it never fails that any time we have Michael on, something new and seemingly priceless is learned.

In this interview, the ISA's Max Timm and Michael talk about the importance of desire within a character, the differences between plot goals and character goals, and how they all live and breathe together within a very specific structure. Michael is also offering up his 6-Stage Structure Chart through the link below for you all to be able to get a sense of how the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Acts work within a feature film.

So take a listen and soak in all of the knowledge!

Michael's 6-Stage Structure Chart: https://www.storymastery.com/isachart