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