Shownotes

Timestamps are approximate

00:00 – 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 Mentioned

Featured 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 Shudder

Entrance on Apple TV / Amazon

Southbound Anthology Feature

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Persistence of Vision Podcast: Jeremy Burgess

Episode 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.

Sponsor

Add authentic film emulation to your footage with Dehancer. Use my promo code VISION on any Dehancer product and get 10% off your purchase.

Timestamps & Topics

00:00 – Introduction & Jeremy’s background

02:49 – Sidewalk Film Festival & screenplay competition

06:11 – From Shakespeare parody to copywriting career

10:11 – Making your own opportunities as a writer

13:01 – Surviving tough notes and client feedback

16:30 – How copywriting improved Jeremy’s screenwriting

18:44 – Finding your voice and moving past imitation

25:38 – Outlining, note cards, and story structure

33:17 – Collaboration, conflict, and creative compromise

37:21 – Writing and producing the feature film Don’t Die

39:16 – Lessons from shooting a feature in 12 days

45:03 – Advice for first-time feature filmmakers

46:44 – Dust on the VCR and writing about classic films

49:26 – Where to watch Don’t Die & closing thoughts

About 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 Links

Don’t Die – Feature film

Dust on the VCR – Jeremy Burgess’s Substack newsletter

Enjoy the episode?Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a writer or filmmaker who needs encouragement.

Episode Summary

Screenwriter, 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 Overview

00:01:04 – Heidi’s Journey & Page Craft

00:04:00 – Italy Retreats & Creative Inspiration

00:05:57 – Lessons Learned & Writing Mistakes

00:08:41 – The Rewrite Process

00:10:32 – Breaking into Filmmaking

00:13:35 – Saying Yes & Learning on the Job

00:16:38 – Mentorship & Community

00:20:44 – Directing & Producing

00:24:00 – Production Mishaps & Problem Solving (“Washed Away”)

00:29:22 – Agreements, Credits & Professional Boundaries

00:35:04 – Navigating Low Points & Self-Doubt

00:45:12 – Community, Success & Validation

00:52:32 – Plugs & Contact Info

Key Takeaways

Mistakes 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 & Links

Page Craft Writing: https://pagecraftwriting.com

Slamdance Script Clinic

“Washed Away” (short film) - https://youtu.be/OMi51zjil5c?si=E1aqpu2tVPreiVtd

East Side Writers Meetup (Los Angeles)

WGA West: https://www.wga.org/contracts/contracts/mba

Heidi’s interview with Canvas Rebel - https://canvasrebel.com/meet-heidi-hornbacher/

Clint’s Newsletter: https://clinttill.substack.com/

Clint’s Linktree: https://linktree.com/clinttill

Connect with Heidi Hornbacher

X (Twitter), Blue Sky, Instagram, LinkedIn: @HeidiHornbacher

Website: https://heidihornbacher.com

Calls to Action

Subscribe 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.