The ISA Podcast

In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James addresses the question many writers are asking:
What is the state of the film industry right now and should I still be writing?
After the strikes and industry slowdowns, it's easy to feel discouraged. But Craig believes this may actually be the best time to focus on your craft.
He breaks down:
 - Why industry "peaks and valleys" are normal
 - How the 90s independent film surge may be returning
 - Why studios are reconsidering the $200M blockbuster model
 - How streaming platforms create new opportunities for authentic voices
 - How making one independent film can transform your writing career
Most importantly, Craig emphasizes that your perspective is uniquely yours. No one has walked your path. No one can write your story the way you can. And in a shifting marketplace hungry for fresh voices, intimate and personal storytelling may matter more than ever.
Instead of waiting for the industry to change, this is the time to:
 - Write the story that means something to you
 - Stop chasing trends you can't control
 - Focus on your authentic voice
 - Build your body of work
Because even if the market fluctuates, storytelling isn't going away. Audiences still crave meaningful stories, whether in theaters,, or at home with a bucket of popcorn.
And sometimes, writing the script that fulfills your own heart is the most important step forward.

What does it really take to write, direct, and finish an independent feature film? A real look at the filmmaking process. In this episode of How Movies Get Made, presented by the International Screenwriters' Association, writer/director Daniel Meyer breaks down the journey of bringing his feature film "Bulls" from script to screen.
Daniel discusses the creative origins of the story, writing with production realities in mind, stepping into the dual role of writer-director, and navigating the challenges of indie filmmaking, from development and production to post, distribution, and release. This is an honest, practical conversation about the decisions filmmakers must make when there is no studio safety net.
Topics include:
 - Developing a script that's emotionally grounded and producible
 - Writing characters that actors can fully inhabit
 - Directing your own material without losing perspective
 - The realities of indie film production and post-production
 - Lessons learned from finishing and releasing a feature film
 - Advice for screenwriters who want to see their work actually get made
"Bulls" is now available

What happens when a screenwriter stops waiting for permission and makes the film herself?
In this in-depth conversation, writer, filmmaker, and actress Clarissa Jacobson shares her remarkable journey from acting to screenwriting, and how creating her short film Lunch Ladies changed everything. From self-funding her first short to navigating festivals, building confidence, and finding her creative voice, Clarissa offers hard-earned wisdom for writers at every stage.
Clarissa talks candidly about:
Choosing screenwriting over acting and letting go of sunk costs
Why making a short film can transform a writing career
The brutal (and rewarding) realities of self-funding your work
Lessons learned from eight years of promoting "Lunch Ladies"
Comedy horror, collaboration, and trusting your intuition
Finding the right creative partners & why writing together works
Why writers gain more respect when they make something real
This episode is a must-watch for screenwriters, indie filmmakers, and storytellers who feel stuck waiting for a break and are ready to bet on themselves instead.
🎬 Lunch Ladies went on to screen at festivals worldwide, air on American Airlines, and open doors Clarissa never imagined all because she made the leap from page to screen.
Clarissa Jacobson is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and co-founder of the team Rebel Minx. She is the creator of the acclaimed short film Lunch Ladies and the author of "I Made a Short Film, Now WTF Do I Do with it?," a practical guide to film festivals, promotion, and survival for filmmakers.

What does it really take to direct your first feature film? A real look at the filmmaking process for "Bight" In this episode of How Movies Get Made, presented by the International Screenwriters' Association, filmmaker Maiara Walsh breaks down the six-year journey of writing, directing, producing, and starring in her debut feature film, "Bight."
Maiara shares the realities of true microbudget filmmaking—from writing a script during lockdown, finding financing, pulling favors, and surviving post-production, to navigating festivals, distributors, and release strategy. This conversation is packed with practical advice for screenwriters and filmmakers who want to understand how movies actually get made outside the studio system.
Topics include:
 - Writing with production limitations in mind
 - Collaborating with actors as a writer-director
 - Financing an indie feature with personal funds
 - Why post-production takes longer than you think
 - Finding distribution without major festival premieres
 - What first-time filmmakers wish they knew sooner
"Bight" released February 10 on major streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime

In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James explores how meditation, presence, and letting go of control can unlock deeper, more authentic storytelling.
After spending decades pursuing spirituality alongside his creative work, Craig shares how quieting the mind has transformed the way he writes scenes, dialogue, and characters. Instead of forcing story beats or "perfect lines," he explains how surrendering to the moment allows characters to speak for themselves, often leading to the most memorable and emotionally honest writing.
Drawing from a meditative screenwriting exercise he experienced at a writing retreat in Costa Rica, Craig breaks down how writers can access creative flow, reduce overthinking, and find their true voice on the page. He also discusses why forced writing often feels false, how mental noise blocks creativity, and why presence is the source of great storytelling across all art forms, from screenwriting to music.
If you're struggling with writer's block, overwriting, or feeling disconnected from your characters, this episode offers a calming, practical perspective on how to reconnect with your creativity and let the story come to you.