Persistence of Vision
Personal stories from creative professionals about their career experiences and the lessons they learned along the way. clinttill.substack.com
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Why your short film script isn't working
<p>I really enjoy writing and directing short films.</p><p>* I've also read many short film scripts</p><p>* I’ve seen dozens of shorts at various festivals and online</p><p>* I've judged short film screenplay competitions</p><p>The 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>I think that if...
Spaceships and Long Cold Nights
<p>Episode Overview</p><p>In 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. </p><p></p><p>Timestamps</p><p>00:00 – Introduction to the Persistence of Vision podcast and guest Glenn Payne.</p><p> </p><p>01:08 – Reminiscing on first meeting at the Tupelo Film Festival and Film Prize competitions.</p><p> </p><p>02:05 – Who is Glenn Payne? Balancing filmmaking, fine arts, and improv comedy.</p><p> </p><p>03:19 – Accidental beginnings: Making a dialog-free short film a...
It might be time to take a break
<p>Overview</p><p>This 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>In this episode, we step away from the usual glossy success stories to dissect the heavy physical and psychological real...
Don't let words become your cage
<p>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.</p><p>Timestamps are approximate</p><p>00:00 – Episode introduction and Marti’s work with the DeSoto Arts Institute.</p><p>02:15 – The sudden midnight epipha...
Why Producers Shouldn't Be Happy
<p>Shownotes</p><p>Timestamps are approximate</p><p>00:00 – Introduction and reconnecting after 30 years.</p><p>02:08 – VHS filmmaking roots and the evergreen power of practical, in-camera creative solutions.</p><p>05:32 – Moving to Los Angeles without a career plan and navigating the union art department.</p><p>06:53 – How a micro-budget of $6,000 birthed the independent horror feature Entrance.</p><p>09:40 – The danger of waiting for the stars to align versus building a daily creative writing habit.</p><p>15:15 – Are film festivals still worth it? Navigating FilmFreeway and setting submission budgets.</p><p>18:45 – Faking it until you make it: First days on set driving box tr...
Don't Die
<p>Persistence of Vision Podcast: Jeremy Burgess</p><p>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.</p><p>Sponsor</p><p>Add authentic film emulation to your footage with Dehancer. Use my promo code VISION on any Dehancer product and get 10% off your purchase.</p><p>Ti...
Mother Nature Has Something In Store For You
<p>Episode Summary</p><p>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.</p><p>Timestamps & Topics (Time is approximate)</p><p>00:00:02 – Introduction & Guest Overview</p><p>00:01:04 – Heidi’s Journey & Page Craft</p><p>00:04:00 – Italy Retreats & Creative Inspiration</p><p>00:05:57 – Lessons Learned & Writing Mi...
Empowering future filmmakers
<p></p><p>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.</p><p>For me, that organization is Desoto Arts Institute (DAI).</p><p>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.</p><p></p><p></p><p>In thi...
Behind the Seams
<p>Summary</p><p>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.</p><p>Whether you’re a direct...
I Do It Because I Love It
<p>🎙 Episode Title</p><p>“I Do It Because I Love It”</p><p>🧵 Episode Summary</p><p>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.</p><p...
