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.

This week, Persistence of Vision is participating in Podcasthon—a global podcasting initiative where creators around the world dedicate one episode of their show to a nonprofit they care deeply about.

For me, that organization is Desoto Arts Institute (DAI).

DAI was founded by my friend and longtime collaborator Robb Rokk, and it exists to give young people something I wish I’d had at their age: a hands‑on, welcoming place to explore creativity. Filmmaking. Music. Writing. Acting. Storytelling. Real tools, real mentorship, and real responsibility.

In this episode, Robb and I talk about how DAI started, why it exists, and what happens when you challenge young people to take their creativity, and their future, seriously. It’s an honest conversation about mentorship, access, and the long game of investing in the next generation.

If this conversation resonates with you, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to learn more about Desoto Arts Institute. Whether that means donating, becoming a member, or simply sharing their work, every bit of support helps keep the doors open and the lights on for young creatives who need a place to start.

Summary

This month on Persistence of Vision, I sit down with Augusta Rivera Campbell—better known as Goose—a costume designer for film and TV whose creative journey is anything but ordinary. From her accidental start in the industry to working on major network shows and heartfelt indie films, Goose shares how storytelling through costume shapes every production, no matter the budget. We dive into the challenges and triumphs of working behind the scenes, the lessons learned from on-set mistakes, and the importance of collaboration and kindness in the film community.

Whether you’re a director, aspiring costume designer, or just curious about what really happens on set, this episode offers honest advice, memorable stories, and a fresh perspective on creative resilience. Join me as we explore Goose’s world—where every detail matters and every setback is a chance to grow. If you’ve ever wondered how costumes help tell the story, or how to thrive in a tough industry, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Timestamps

Timestamps are approximate

00:00:00 – 00:01:03: Introduction & Guest RevealClint introduces the podcast and Augusta (“Goose”), a costume designer with a unique perspective on storytelling through wardrobe.

00:01:03 – 00:04:08: The Art of Costume DesignGoose discusses the importance of costume design, attention to detail, and collaboration with directors.

00:04:08 – 00:06:08: Low-Budget CreativityAdvice for filmmakers working with limited resources and how constraints can fuel creativity.

00:06:08 – 00:08:02: Goose’s Origin StoryGoose shares how she fell in love with film and entered the industry, influenced by family and serendipity.

00:09:17 – 00:12:18: Lessons Learned on SetGoose recounts her first big lesson on “Bluff City Law” and the realities of working in TV production.

00:17:20 – 00:21:06: On-Set Mistakes & GrowthStories of mistakes made on “Women of the Movement” and how personal perspective helps overcome challenges.

00:21:28 – 00:23:25: Perseverance Through Industry LowsGoose reflects on the impact of the writers’ strike and the importance of resilience.

00:25:13 – 00:27:32: Mentorship & CommunityThe value of mentors and supporting peers in the film industry.

00:28:11 – 00:30:31: Advice for DirectorsGoose offers guidance for both seasoned and new directors working with costume designers.

00:33:07 – 00:35:00: Favorite Projects & Set CultureGoose shares her love for indie films and the importance of camaraderie on set.

00:35:00 – 00:35:47: Current Work & PlugsGoose highlights recent projects.

Key Takeaways

Costume Design is Storytelling: Goose emphasizes that costumes are a vital part of character development and narrative, often speaking before the actor does.

Collaboration is Crucial: Open communication between directors and costume designers leads to better results and smoother productions.

Creativity Thrives Under Constraints: Low-budget projects challenge filmmakers to think outside the box and can be just as rewarding as big-budget productions.

Resilience Matters: Perseverance through industry challenges, like strikes and setbacks, is essential for long-term success.

Community & Mentorship: Building relationships and supporting peers is key to career growth and satisfaction.

Resources & Links Mentioned

Bluff City Law: NBC series filmed in Memphis.

Women of the Movement: ABC series about Emmett Till.

Calls to Action

Subscribe to Persistence of Vision – https://clinttill.substack.com

Connect at https://linktree.com/clinttill

Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover the show.

Share this episode with friends in the film and creative industries.

🎙 Episode Title

“I Do It Because I Love It”

🧵 Episode Summary

Actor, writer, producer, and mom of four Lauren Cox joins me for a conversation about navigating creative ambition, motherhood, and faith. From her early days in theater to on-set experiences while working on House of Cards, Lauren shares how she’s learned to balance her passion for storytelling with the realities of family life and the unpredictability of the entertainment industry. Whether you’re an aspiring actor or a creative juggling multiple roles, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and some awkward audition stories.

⏱ Timestamps are approximate

00:00 – 05:00 — Life as an NFL player’s wife

05:00 – 15:00 — Getting started in theater and transitioning to film

15:00 – 25:00 — Auditions, representation, and finding her voice

25:00 – 35:00 — Producing short films and learning on the fly

35:00 – 45:00 — Balancing motherhood and creative ambition

45:00 – 55:00 — Regret, resilience, and redefining success

55:00 – End — Writing for joy, staying humble, and trusting the process

🔑 Key Takeaways

“Just do it because you love it.” Lauren’s mantra for staying grounded in a competitive industry.

Faith and conviction play a central role in how she selects roles and writes stories.

Motherhood reshaped her priorities, but not her passion.

Audition nightmares can teach humility, resilience, and the power of preparation.

🔗 Resources & Mentions

Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbellcox

Watch Lauren in my short film The Milky Way – https://clinttill.net/themilkywayfilm

Connect with me at https://linktree.com/clinttill

MTC (Formerly Actors, Models & Talent for Christ; Now Shine Talent Success) https://www.shine.us/

Traveling Soldier (short film by Lauren Cox) https://youtu.be/-HquPPjfkKc?feature=shared

Bryan Cranston’s A Life in Parts (book)

📣 Calls to Action

🎧 Listen and subscribe to the podcast⭐️ Leave a review if you enjoyed the episode💬 Share this episode📩 Join the newsletter for behind-the-scenes extras and upcoming guests (https://clinttill.substack.com)

Karen Kizzire joins me for a conversation that starts with college theater memories and ends with real talk about the chaos and creativity of life as an ad agency producer. We talk about what it’s like to lead production at an ad agency, how theater shaped our careers, and why overcommunication is a survival skill. Karen shares stories from set, lessons from mentors, and what it means to be both the “Crusher of Dreams” and the calm in the storm.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Cold opens, Bond girls, and college theater

05:00 – Falling into advertising and falling in love with production

15:00 – Mentorship, first big shoots, and learning to lead

25:00 – Mistakes, over communication, and the producer’s mindset

35:00 – Creative tension, collaboration, and bullhorns on set

45:00 – Budget shifts, iPhone myths, and the house of cards

55:00 – Pottery, parenting, and what inspires Karen today

Key Takeaways:

- “You can never overcommunicate.” Karen learned this the hard way—and now lives by it.

- Theater teaches you how to pivot, collaborate, and think on your feet—skills that still serve her today.

- Being a producer means balancing grace and grit, and sometimes crushing dreams with a smile.

- The job isn’t glamorous, but it’s deeply rewarding when you love the people and the process.

Resources & Mentions:

- Luckie & Company: https://www.luckie.com

Calls to Action:

🎧 Listen and subscribe to the podcast

⭐️ Leave a review if you enjoyed the episode

💬 Share this episode with someone who’s navigating the creative grind

📩 Join the newsletter at https://clinttill.substack.com

If you have a story to share and want to be featured on a future episode, reach out at clinttill.net/contact and tell me about it.