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Persistence of Vision: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Clint Till
Personal stories from creative professionals about their career experiences and the lessons they learned along the way. clinttill.substack.com
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- 1 weeks ago1h 1m
He Rolled a Blunt With His Stimulus Check
In this episode of Persistence of Vision, Clint Till sits down with Baltimore-based cinematographer Jake Norris. The two catch up after meeting at Maine Media Workshops in Andy Day’s Creative Lighting for TV and Film course to discuss Jake’s rapid career trajectory since breaking into the industry in 2019. Jake shares how he transitioned from studying mathematics to becoming a full-time DP, lessons learned from starting out on Craigslist music videos, key technical insights on controlling set lighting, and the practical creative solutions used on his recent $30,000 feature film, Atlantic Avenue.SHOW NOTES00:00:00 – Introduction to guest Jake Norris and Maine Media Workshops memory.00:02:18 – Biggest takeaways from Andy Day’s lighting workshop: Light control vs. over-lighting.00:07:36 – Simulating natural light, maintaining consistency, and managing lighting limitations on set.00:11:03 – Pivoting from mathematics/AI to filmmaking in 2019.00:12:12 – The early hustle: Craigslist music videos and learning by doing.00:13:20 – Taking a leap into focus pulling on high-end sets.00:15:00 – Advice for emerging filmmakers: Getting on set, reading gear manuals, and building genuine relationships.00:20:00 – Why BTS photography can be a faster doorway into crew roles than production assisting.00:21:24 – Dealing with pre-shoot anxiety, imposter syndrome, and setting on-set expectations.00:24:33 – Mid-roll sponsor break.00:25:34 – Navigating difficult client feedback and using pre-production to avoid post-production misalignments.00:32:00 – Asking the right questions before a shoot: Deliverables and target audience.00:35:00 – Treating everything as a light source and learning to observe natural light in daily life.00:38:12 – Setting up interview lighting: Key-side shape vs. passive fill.00:43:30 – Pushing back on unrealistic production schedules and offering constructive solutions.00:47:19 – Knowing when to say no, avoiding burnout, and evaluating free or low-budget passion projects.00:52:17 – Music video horror story: Hotel rooms, leopard print speedos, and reconsidering career choices.00:53:20 – Deep dive into Atlantic Avenue: Lighting a micro-budget night scene under a boardwalk using battery LED tubes and structural slits.00:59:14 – Project status for Atlantic Avenue and where to find Jake’s work.01:00:55 – Wrap-up and podcast outro. RESOURCE LINKS & CONNECTJake Norris's Website: jakenorrisdp.comJake Norris on Instagram: @jakenorrisfilmsFollow Atlantic Avenue: @atlanticavenuemovie on InstagramPodcast Home & Articles: clinttill.netSupport the Podcast: Subscribe on Substack for bonus content and episode updates – https://clinttill.substack.com/subscribe 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
- 3 weeks ago5 min
Why your short film script isn't working
I really enjoy writing and directing short films.* I've also read many short film scripts* I’ve seen dozens of shorts at various festivals and online* I've judged short film screenplay competitionsThe more I see, the more I read, and the more I create, the more I start to see and understand what makes for a strong short film.In this video I talk about the few common denominators I've seen among those short films (including my own) that weaken the overall film.I think that if you avoid these while writing your next script, the finished film will be a lot stronger.In this video I mention a quote I really like from Christopher McQuarrie, writer and director of the Mission: Impossible movies Rogue Nation, Fallout, Dead Reckoning, and Final Reckoning. If you would like to listen to the full interview, you can listen to this episode of the Q&A podcast with Jeff Goldsmith. 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
- Sep 30, 202641 min
Spaceships and Long Cold Nights
Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Persistence of Vision podcast, host Clint Till sits down with Mississippi-based filmmaker, fine artist, and improv performer Glenn Payne. Clint and Glenn discuss the multi-faceted life of an independent regional creative. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to the Persistence of Vision podcast and guest Glenn Payne. 01:08 – Reminiscing on first meeting at the Tupelo Film Festival and Film Prize competitions. 02:05 – Who is Glenn Payne? Balancing filmmaking, fine arts, and improv comedy. 03:19 – Accidental beginnings: Making a dialog-free short film as a college final exam. 04:26 – Discovering improv art forms and training with Second City at the Chicago Improv Festival. 05:54 – How improv mechanics mirror the real-time writing, directing, and editing of screenplays. 07:33 – Learning the craft: DVD audio commentaries, studying film edits, and trial-by-error repetition. 10:28 – The value of early creative mistakes and acknowledging your growth as a director. 12:33 – Giving back to the next generation through youth film workshops and unexpected technical lessons. 14:58 – Making the leap from short films to feature films and adjusting to 90-page narrative pacing. 17:48 – Building a full spaceship interior inside a rented warehouse for the sci-fi feature Earthrise. 19:31 – The harsh reality of distribution curves and last-minute buyer rejections. 21:38 – Balancing creative freedom with marketability and keeping production budgets low. 23:49 – Turning town relationships into investors, crew, and extras for the upcoming indie feature Alien Eyes. 28:37 – Navigating creative burnout, taking intentional breaks, and changing artistic mediums to recharge. 31:07 – Pivoting to short documentaries: Investigating ghosts at the Lyric Theater in Tupelo. 32:59 – Surviving 10-degree shoot nights inside a single vehicle for the thriller Driven. 35:40 – Logistical illusions: Mapping streetlights and storyboarding every shot for a single-car location. 37:54 – Working with Supernatural star Richard Speight Jr. on an indie budget. 39:36 – Where to find Glenn Payne’s latest feature film releases and project updates. 41:22 – Episode wrap-up, subscription details, and Substack support. Featured Resources and LinksFollow Glenn Payne: Connect across social media platforms via his handle @cinematicglenn. Watch the Documentary: Stream Glenn's paranormal investigation documentary, The Most Haunted Theater in America, on Amazon. Explore Feature Projects: Look out for Glenn's upcoming suspense thriller Safe and Sound and his sci-fi festival comedy Alien Eyes. Calls to ActionSubscribe to the Podcast: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform so you never miss a monthly conversation with creative professionals. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show to help other filmmakers and artists discover the podcast. Connect with Clint: Visit clinttill.net to reach out, share your story, or apply to be a guest on an upcoming episode. Support on Substack: Upgrade to a paid subscription at clinttill.substack.com/subscribe to gain access to exclusive perks and directly support independent creative content. 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
- Aug 26, 202654 min
It might be time to take a break
OverviewThis month’s episode of the podcast features a remarkably candid and vulnerable conversation with writer, director, and cinematographer Michael Williams—a brilliant independent filmmaker whom I first met through our shared history with the Magnolia Film Festival.Michael has directed the indie features Oz Land and the supernatural horror film The Atoning, and he brings a beautifully raw perspective to what it actually takes to survive a lifelong career in the arts.In this episode, we step away from the usual glossy success stories to dissect the heavy physical and psychological realities of severe creative burnout. Michael opens up about the borderline traumatizing nature of grueling indie film sets, the exhausting friction of navigating moving studio targets, and his conscious decision to step away from writing and directing for a bit.Timestamps00:00 – Episode introduction, meeting through the Magnolia Film Festival, and the reality of the indie film hustle.01:36 – Reconnecting with the early Mississippi filmmaking roots that shaped his career trajectory.02:40 – The power of a mentor: How Pat Raspberry and the Tupelo Film Festival opened the first vital doors of opportunity.06:05 – Set connections over cutthroat metrics: Why sincere relationships matter more than raw talent in southern film markets.07:45 – Thrust into the fire: Surviving a chaotic first job as a college kid pulling focus on 17+ hour days.14:15 – Learning the delicate art of collaboration and expanding the creative boundaries of an initial script.18:00 – Communicating intention: Why directors should discuss deep character emotions and prop motivations rather than arbitrary choices.21:00 – Dynamic camera movement vs. stagnant staging: Finding narrative inspiration in Steven Spielberg's blocking styles.25:12 – The grueling timeline of The Atoning: Navigating intense creative friction and a rapid six-month production cycle.28:51 – Confronting the fight-or-flight nervous system response that triggers severe filmmaker burnout.33:18 – Pruning the Creative Tree: Stepping completely away from film sets to discover therapeutic healing in the garden.35:35 – Transitioning to novels: How living life over the past four years unlocked a deeper, more authentic writing voice.39:04 – Redefining the title of "Filmmaker" and shattering the artificial glass ceilings imposed by industry gatekeepers.42:22 – Clout vs. Cash Flow: The sobering financial reality of a Hollywood theatrical release for Oz Land.45:10 – The Redbox Deal: How a powerful poster and trailer layout ultimately saved The Atoning's bottom line.46:17 – Looking forward: Defining the strict boundaries, resource requirements, and humane hours for his next feature.52:20 – Where to connect with Michael online and tracking down the self-distributed 10th Anniversary Oz Land Blu-ray.Key TakeawaysThe Dream is Free, but the Hustle is Sold Separately: Surviving on the ultra-low-budget indie level means wearing five different hats simultaneously, enduring extreme physical strains, and figuring out how to deliver a million-dollar look on a $10,000 budget. Wide-eyed optimism is necessary to start, but you must find your voice and learn to establish firm professional boundaries before the industry takes complete financial and physical advantage of you.Indie Film Sets Can Mimic Trauma: Running a set with consistent 17 to 24-hour workdays while forcing actors and crews to live in heavy, artificial emotional spaces locks the human body into a perpetual state of fight-or-flight. Filmmakers frequently fail to realize their nervous systems are entirely fried until long-term burnout completely stalls their ability to generate original work.Prune Yourself to Bloom Bigger Later: Stepping away from your primary creative outlet is not a sign of failure or giving up. Much like an athlete resting an injury or a gardener pruning a plant, stepping back to explore alternative visual mediums—like drawing, poetry, or artisanal gardening—awakens dormant parts of the brain. It allows your subconscious to heal so you can eventually return to screenwriting with authentic life experience rather than simple imitation.Reject Artificial Industry Milestones: Do not let gatekeepers or external glass ceilings define your creative legitimacy. If you write, you are a writer; if you make a film
- Jul 29, 202652 min
Don't let words become your cage
In this episode of The Persistence of Vision podcast, host Clint Till sits down with writer-director Marti King Young. Tracking her diverse 20-year creative path, Marti pulls back the curtain on discovering her calling as a visual storyteller. From auditing university screenwriting classes to prepping her upcoming 2027 feature film, Marti shares masterclass-level wisdom on handling brutal script notes, transforming transactional networking into real friendships, and completely shattering the limiting beliefs of ageism in the entertainment industry.Timestamps are approximate00:00 – Episode introduction and Marti’s work with the DeSoto Arts Institute.02:15 – The sudden midnight epiphany: Transitioning from an entirely different career to that of a screenwriter.05:40 – Auditing Vanderbilt University film classes and connecting with mentor William Akers.09:12 – The Olympian mindset: Treating the pain of harsh script revisions like physical training.14:30 – Subjective vs. Objective notes: Knowing which critiques to execute and which to throw away.19:15 – Flipping the script on networking: Ditching the transactions to make actual friends.25:40 – Mid-show break: Elevating independent film aesthetics with Dehancer Film Emulation Plugin.28:50 – Overcoming imposter syndrome and building a resilient, long-term production career.34:15 – Breaking down the invisible barriers of ageism and owning your creative timeline at 50+.41:10 – Exclusive Scoop: Pre-production details for Marti’s upcoming 2027 feature film debut.46:25 – Protecting your mental space: Knowing when to say no and establishing professional boundaries.50:12 – Closing reflections: Why you must refuse to let anyone else's words become your cage.Resources and Links MentionedFeatured Post-Production Tool: Dehancer Film Emulation Plugin (Get 10% off with promo code VISION).Recommended Reading: Your Screenplay Sucks: 100 Ways to Make It Great by William Akers.Educational Programs: Media and Screenwriting Departments at Vanderbilt University.Community & Non-Profit Work: Independent filmmaking initiatives at the DeSoto Arts Institute.Show Substack & Articles: Read weekly filmmaker profiles and behind-the-scenes essays at clinttill.substack.com.Connect Online: View Clint's complete directing portfolio and corporate video services at linktr.ee/clinttill.Calls to ActionSubscribe to the Show: Tap the follow button on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred player to get fresh, inspiring interview episodes delivered every month.Rate and Review: Love the insights from this conversation? Leave a 5-star rating and a brief review to help our indie film podcast climb the charts!Join the Paid Tier: Support independent media production by unlocking premium articles, bonus audio clips, and exclusive filmmaker resources on our Substack page.Share the Vision: Know a fellow director, writer, or editor wrestling with imposter syndrome? Send them a link to this episode to give them an extra boost of creative momentum today. 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
- Jun 24, 202651 min
Why Producers Shouldn't Be Happy
ShownotesTimestamps are approximate00:00 – Introduction and reconnecting after 30 years.02:08 – VHS filmmaking roots and the evergreen power of practical, in-camera creative solutions.05:32 – Moving to Los Angeles without a career plan and navigating the union art department.06:53 – How a micro-budget of $6,000 birthed the independent horror feature Entrance.09:40 – The danger of waiting for the stars to align versus building a daily creative writing habit.15:15 – Are film festivals still worth it? Navigating FilmFreeway and setting submission budgets.18:45 – Faking it until you make it: First days on set driving box trucks and working on Punk'd.22:45 – Redefining "making it" in your 40s and managing creative anxieties.26:03 – Mid-show break: Elevating your digital footage with Dehancer Film Emulation Plugin.31:20 – The heartbreak of studio deals falling apart and major lessons learned directing The Pact II.35:30 – Why a "perfectly happy" production can be a red flag for independent film directors.41:55 – Handling the crushing uncertainty of the commercial video production and movie industry.43:58 – Exclusive Scoop: Dallas announces his new horror movie Interaction and a distribution deal with Antenna Releasing.47:08 – Quick hits: Reading Ross MacDonald’s Lew Archer detective novels and finding inspiration.48:41 – Where to watch Entrance, The Pact II, and anthology horror film Southbound.Resources and Links MentionedFeatured Filmmaking Gear & Tools: Dehancer Film Emulation Plugin (Use promo code VISION for 10% off).Film Distribution Platforms: Film Hub, FilmFreeway.Distributor: Antenna Releasing.Books Mentioned: Lew Archer Detective Series by Ross MacDonald.Where to Watch Dallas Hallam's Work:The Pact II on ShudderEntrance on Apple TV / AmazonSouthbound Anthology FeatureSubscribe: Never miss an episode of creative deep dives by subscribing on your favorite podcast app.Leave a Review: Head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify to rate the show and leave a review—it helps other filmmakers find us!Join the Newsletter: Subscribe to Clint's weekly articles and behind-the-scenes insights at clinttill.substack.com.Connect Online: Explore all of Clint's video production work and social media channels at linktr.ee/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
- May 27, 202651 min
Don't Die
Persistence of Vision Podcast: Jeremy BurgessEpisode SummaryScreenwriter, copywriter, and film critic Jeremy Burgess joins Clint to talk about building a creative career through persistence, collaboration, and learning not to be precious with your ideas. Jeremy shares how a Shakespeare parody unexpectedly launched his advertising career, how copywriting shaped his screenwriting discipline, and what it took to write and produce his first feature film, Don’t Die.SponsorAdd authentic film emulation to your footage with Dehancer. Use my promo code VISION on any Dehancer product and get 10% off your purchase.Timestamps & Topics00:00 – Introduction & Jeremy’s background02:49 – Sidewalk Film Festival & screenplay competition06:11 – From Shakespeare parody to copywriting career10:11 – Making your own opportunities as a writer13:01 – Surviving tough notes and client feedback16:30 – How copywriting improved Jeremy’s screenwriting18:44 – Finding your voice and moving past imitation25:38 – Outlining, note cards, and story structure33:17 – Collaboration, conflict, and creative compromise37:21 – Writing and producing the feature film Don’t Die39:16 – Lessons from shooting a feature in 12 days45:03 – Advice for first-time feature filmmakers46:44 – Dust on the VCR and writing about classic films49:26 – Where to watch Don’t Die & closing thoughtsAbout the Film: Don’t DieA crime thriller about a desperate man seeking life‑saving medication who becomes trapped inside a dangerous black‑market pharmacy operation.Available on Amazon, Apple, Fandango, and Tubi (free with ads). DVD available via Amazon.Guest LinksDon’t Die – Feature filmDust on the VCR – Jeremy Burgess’s Substack newsletterEnjoy the episode?Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a writer or filmmaker who needs encouragement. 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
- Apr 29, 202654 min
Mother Nature Has Something In Store For You
Episode SummaryScreenwriter, producer, and Page Craft Writing co-founder Heidi Hornbacher joins Clint to share her journey from UCLA to Los Angeles, founding writing retreats in Italy, and helping writers avoid common pitfalls. Heidi opens up about creative mistakes, the importance of mentorship, and why getting agreements in writing matters. This episode is packed with honest advice, memorable stories, and practical wisdom for anyone pursuing a creative path.Timestamps & Topics (Time is approximate)00:00:02 – Introduction & Guest Overview00:01:04 – Heidi’s Journey & Page Craft00:04:00 – Italy Retreats & Creative Inspiration00:05:57 – Lessons Learned & Writing Mistakes00:08:41 – The Rewrite Process00:10:32 – Breaking into Filmmaking00:13:35 – Saying Yes & Learning on the Job00:16:38 – Mentorship & Community00:20:44 – Directing & Producing00:24:00 – Production Mishaps & Problem Solving (“Washed Away”)00:29:22 – Agreements, Credits & Professional Boundaries00:35:04 – Navigating Low Points & Self-Doubt00:45:12 – Community, Success & Validation00:52:32 – Plugs & Contact InfoKey TakeawaysMistakes are learning opportunities—embrace them!Always get agreements in writing to protect your work and relationships.Mentorship and community are crucial for creative growth.Resilience and adaptability are essential in the unpredictable film industry.Redefine success: it’s about community, learning, and persistence.Resources & LinksPage Craft Writing: https://pagecraftwriting.comSlamdance Script Clinic“Washed Away” (short film) - https://youtu.be/OMi51zjil5c?si=E1aqpu2tVPreiVtdEast Side Writers Meetup (Los Angeles)WGA West: https://www.wga.org/contracts/contracts/mbaHeidi’s interview with Canvas Rebel - https://canvasrebel.com/meet-heidi-hornbacher/Clint’s Newsletter: https://clinttill.substack.com/Clint’s Linktree: https://linktree.com/clinttillConnect with Heidi HornbacherX (Twitter), Blue Sky, Instagram, LinkedIn: @HeidiHornbacherWebsite: https://heidihornbacher.comCalls to ActionSubscribe and leave a review!Share this episode with a friend in the creative industry.Join the East Side Writers Meetup if you’re in LA.Check out Page Craft’s Italy Retreat for immersive writing experiences. 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
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Personal stories from creative professionals about their career experiences and the lessons they learned along the way. clinttill.substack.com
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