The ISA Podcast

Welcome to the Curious about Screenwriting Podcast where you'll enjoy listening to fascinating film industry guests who share their insights on how you can take your screenwriting career to the next level.

The ISA Podcast is a tv podcast hosted by International Screenwriters' Association, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

International Screenwriters' Association hosts The ISA Podcast, a tv show with 100 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  The ISA Podcast

  "Amberica," Table Read My Screenplay Grand Prize-Winning Script | Amber Nelson & Mokotsi Rukundo

  Aug 11, 202659 min

  Amber's life is in free-fall. Her Muslim mother is dying, she's broke, her relationships are a mess, and the one thing that might save her is an inheritance... But with knotted strings attached. Are you ready for the Table Read My Screenplay experience? Submit your script at https://tablereadmyscreenplay.com/ Written by Amber Nelson & Mokotsi Rukundo Randall Winston - Director Dan Samiljan - Producer Molly Kasch - Producer & Narrator Layla Mohammadi - AMBER WILSON Pantea Ommi - FIZZEH SHIRAZEE Peter Schiavelli - BRODY, FRANKENSTEIN Siena Goines - NADIA, GIRL 2 , TRACK MATE 2, PSYCHIC, SUSAN Thora Birch - LAURA, WOMEN'S COACH, MIRIAM Jamie Rezanour - NASREEN, CAROL Patrick Finerty - CHARLIE, IMAM, DAD Maria Paris - FATMIA, KEBAB-CASHIER, CASTING DIRECTOR, ATTRACTIVE WOMAN Johnny Alonso - LAWRENCE WILSON, DIRECTOR Peder Lindell - EVAN, DANNY, BOY, KARAOKE M.C. Nick Holmes - CASTING ASSISTANT, FRAT BOY, SECURITY GUARD, BARTENDER Mecca Morgan White - SUNSHINE, GIRL 1, TRACK MATE 3 Scott Markus - Videographer, Editor Chris Ekstein - Cinematographer

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  The ISA Podcast

  How "Mattress Mack" Got Made w/ filmmaker Shane Andries | Billy Magnussen, Dianna Agron, Rob Corddry

  Jul 8, 202655 min

  Every independent filmmaker dreams of making that first feature, but what does it actually take? In this episode of How Movies Get Made, Scott Markus sits down with writer-director Shane Andries to discuss the making of his debut feature, "Mattress Mack," based on the true story of Houston businessman Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale. Shane shares the entire journey, from discovering the emotional heart of the story to years of fundraising, assembling producing partners, shooting a period film on an independent budget, and overcoming the unexpected challenges that nearly shut production down before cameras even rolled. If you're an aspiring filmmaker or screenwriter, this conversation is packed with practical advice about financing, directing, rewriting, collaboration, and simply refusing to quit.

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  The ISA Podcast

  From Isolation to Slamdance Winner: How to Turn Pain Into Powerful Screenwriting w/ Renn Tan

  Jun 15, 202638 min

  What makes a screenplay truly powerful? In this interview, screenwriter Renn Tan (Slamdance winner for The Gift of Rain) shares how deeply personal experiences, identity, isolation, and "conditional love," shape unforgettable stories. From growing up navigating multiple cultures and identities to finding their voice in Hollywood, Renn breaks down how writers can transform pain into authentic, emotionally resonant scripts that connect with audiences. This conversation goes beyond inspiration, it's packed with practical insight on: - Turning lived experience into compelling characters - Handling feedback (even when it hurts) - Choosing the right screenwriting competitions - Networking without feeling fake - What the industry is really looking for right now If you've ever struggled with finding your voice or writing something honest, this is a must-watch. Topics Covered: Personal storytelling, screenwriting craft, writing from trauma, identity in storytelling, film festivals, Slamdance, feedback, networking, breaking into the film industry. Renn Tan (https://www.networkisa.org/profile/renn-tan) speaks six languages, but not their mother tongue. Growing up LGBTQ+ in a Muslim country means, of course, they write about conditional love. Across genres, their stories feature characters whose identities directly conflict with their environment. Renn is a graduate of USC's Screenwriting MFA program. Their work has won Best Feature Screenplay at Slamdance and the Dallas International Film Festival, and was one of the top three scripts selected for the ISA Diversity Initiative. They are excited to be one of ISA's Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2026.

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  The ISA Podcast

  How Catalina Got Made with Writer-Director, Martin Russell Johnson

  Jun 12, 20261h 12m

  Why This Sci-Fi Film Hits So Hard Emotionally: What happens when sci-fi meets something deeply human? In this episode, Scott Markus sits down with filmmaker Martin Russell Johnson to talk about his powerful short film "Catalina," a grounded sci-fi story about AI, caregiving, and the emotional cost of holding on. Martin shares his journey from growing up in a challenging environment in San Diego to finding purpose through storytelling, and how creativity quite literally changed the trajectory of his life. We dive deep into: - How Catalina evolved from a sci-fi concept into a deeply personal caregiving story - Winning a $50,000 grant & why that was just the beginning - Building a passionate film team through relationships and trust - Shooting ambitious sci-fi on an indie budget - Why your biggest challenges on set become your proudest moments This conversation is packed with insight for filmmakers, writers, and anyone trying to bring meaningful stories to life. If you're interested in filmmaking, socially conscious storytelling, or how to turn limitations into strengths, this is one you don't want to miss.

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  The ISA Podcast

  Why Writers Should Celebrate Small Wins (They Lead to Big Success)

  Jun 12, 202610 min

  In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters' Association founder Craig James shares an important message for writers at every stage of their journey: Celebrate your successes — even the small ones. Many writers hesitate to share their progress because of impostor syndrome or the belief that their accomplishments "aren't big enough." But Craig explains why every step forward matters, whether it's a table read with friends, a quarterfinalist placement in a contest, a general meeting with an executive, or even shooting a short film on an iPhone. Those small moments build momentum, confidence, and visibility in the industry. Craig discusses: - How celebrating small wins creates positive momentum - How sharing success stories can strengthen your writing career - Why industry professionals often look up writers before meetings - How small steps eventually lead to big opportunities - The importance of actively participating in your own career He also shares personal stories from early in his filmmaking journey, including the experience of screening one of his first films in a theater, a moment that helped shape the path that eventually led to founding the International Screenwriters' Association. If you're feeling hesitant to share your progress or wondering whether your achievements "count," this episode is a reminder that every step forward matters. Keep writing, keep creating, and don't be afraid to celebrate the journey.

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