The ISA Podcast

What does it mean to "level up" as a screenwriter? Grounded sci-fi writer Jack Cusick breaks down the realities of building a screenwriting career, from mastering craft, to finding community, to finally stepping into real industry conversations. Jack shares how he fell in love with storytelling, why the structure of screenwriting sharpened his writing, and how he thinks about grounded sci-fi as character-first storytelling rather than spectacle. He also opens up about "quarterfinalist syndrome," rewriting without losing your sanity, and why progress in this business often feels like a video game with invisible levels. We also talk about: The three stages of a screenwriter's career Why writing is always a little uncomfortable (and why that's a good sign) Using contests and fellowships to practice industry meetings How building real relationships matters more than pitching in your first meeting Why success is either a win… or a learning opportunity Finding your "lightning in a bottle" and staying ready when it strikes Whether you're early in your screenwriting journey or navigating the gap between craft and career, Jack's perspective is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest.

Join the ISA for an honest conversation about what agents & producers want & what you need to do to become the writer they're searching for. They're not just looking for potential. They're looking for proof. In this roundtable, we'll cover: What makes agents say yes (& what makes them pass immediately) The truth about what your script needs to be ready & how to get it there How to build the professional foundation that gets you noticed Strategic paths to industry visibility  The ISA resources that help you Get Great → Get Noticed → Get Repped Featuring: Craig James (CEO & Founder), Molly Kasch (COO), Felicity Wren (VP of Dev), Shayna Weber (Creative Exec), Jeffrey Morales (Story Exec), Scott Markus (Dir of Content), Thada Catalon (Digital Marketing Dir) & Ilana Grollman (Submissions Asst) This isn't about shortcuts. It's about the real work & how ISA helps you do it.

Writer–director–actor Molly Ratermann shares the wild, deeply personal, and inspiring story behind her debut feature film, "Making a Bridesmaid."

A general meeting isn't about pitching your project. It's about building relationships, establishing trust, and showing executives, producers, and collaborators who you are as a person and storyteller.

Screenwriter and therapist Phil Stark joins the ISA for an honest, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about creativity, impostor syndrome, and breaking into the industry.