Conor Dowling on Breaking into Screenwriting & Filmmaking in Ireland (Emerging Screenwriter)
Release Date: 07/29/2025
From Contest Quarterfinalist to Industry Meetings: A Screenwriter’s Real Path Forward, Jack Cusick
The ISA Podcast
What does it mean to “level up” as a screenwriter? Grounded sci-fi writer Jack Cusick breaks down the realities of building a screenwriting career, from mastering craft, to finding community, to finally stepping into real industry conversations. Jack shares how he fell in love with storytelling, why the structure of screenwriting sharpened his writing, and how he thinks about grounded sci-fi as character-first storytelling rather than spectacle. He also opens up about “quarterfinalist syndrome,” rewriting without losing your sanity, and why progress in this business often feels like a...
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ISA Presents: How to Hook Agents & Producers, a roundtable with ISA Leadership
The ISA Podcast
Join the ISA for an honest conversation about what agents & producers want & what you need to do to become the writer they're searching for. They're not just looking for potential. They're looking for proof. In this roundtable, we'll cover: What makes agents say yes (& what makes them pass immediately) The truth about what your script needs to be ready & how to get it there How to build the professional foundation that gets you noticed Strategic paths to industry visibility The ISA resources that help you Get Great → Get Noticed → Get Repped Featuring: Craig James...
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Keeping the Fun in Filmmaking: Molly Ratermann’s Creative Mindset | Emerging Screenwriter Interview
The ISA Podcast
Writer–director–actor Molly Ratermann shares the wild, deeply personal, and inspiring story behind her debut feature film, "Making a Bridesmaid."
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Take 10 with Craig - General Meetings: Stop Trying to Sell. Start Building Relationships.
The ISA Podcast
A general meeting isn’t about pitching your project. It’s about building relationships, establishing trust, and showing executives, producers, and collaborators who you are as a person and storyteller.
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"How to be a Screenwriter" with Phil Stark (South Park, That '70s Show, Dude, Where's My Car?)
The ISA Podcast
Screenwriter and therapist Phil Stark joins the ISA for an honest, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about creativity, impostor syndrome, and breaking into the industry.
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From Dream to Debut: Alex Sarrigeorgiou’s First Feature Film Story, making "In Transit"
The ISA Podcast
Writer, actor, and poet Alex Sarrigeorgiou talks about her creative journey and her debut feature film, "In Transit," a tender, intimate queer drama about connection, identity, and the courage to change direction in life.
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Overcoming Impostor Syndrome as a Writer | Trusting the Process of Storytelling
The ISA Podcast
“The idea of impostor syndrome is something I think we all struggle with — and I’m no exception.” In this heartfelt reflection, Craig James opens up about creative self-doubt, trusting your work, and learning to let go once you’ve done your part.
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Just Your Typical Award-winning Screenwriter-slash-Zookeeper | Alli Kiko Masloske's Inspiring Story
The ISA Podcast
In this inspiring conversation, Alli Kiko Masloske shares her creative journey from working with animals to writing screenplays that connect deeply with audiences. From navigating chronic illness to finding her voice in a competitive industry, Alli opens up about how humor, honesty, and community have shaped her work and outlook on life.
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Dani Hanks on Writing with Authentic Voice & Building a TV Career, Emerging Screenwriter Interview
The ISA Podcast
Writer, director, and creative powerhouse Dani Hanks joins Shaya Weber for an in-depth conversation about her journey from actor to award-winning writer, how chronic illness shaped their perspective, and their process for writing powerful, character-driven stories. Learn how Dani approaches outlining, keeps momentum through rejection, and balances a thriving creative life with a demanding day job. Perfect for emerging screenwriters, showrunners-in-training, and anyone seeking inspiration and practical tips for breaking into TV writing. BiographyDani Hanks (they/she) is a disabled...
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Finding Your True Writing Voice | Stop Writing for the Audience, Start Writing for YOURSELF
The ISA Podcast
Every writer needs to find their true voice, that unique perspective that makes their work authentic and unforgettable. We dive into what “voice” really means and how to write from a place of honesty.
info_outlineConor spent most of his youth in Ireland gigging in rock bands, working in a video store and reading too many Stephen King novels. Eventually, he knew he had to course correct and follow his dreams.
Conor is a writer, filmmaker and award winning podcaster from Dublin with a masters in film production from Staffordshire University. Conor writes about misfits, monsters and broken hearts, and his writing is infused with folklore, horror and comedy.
After writing episodes of the popular animation series STORIES FROM BACKWOODS, Conor was hired to develop an adult animated series with Irish animation production company Ink and Light and recently optioned an original live action feature screenplay.
Conor's screenplay DARA MCCOOL received screenplay development funding from Screen Ireland in 2022 and received a bursary for Stowe Story Labs in Vermont. This animated script went on to be awarded second round development funding in 2024. Conor was a screenwriting mentee of BAFTA winning writer Will Collins (Wolfwalkers) for a yearlong mentorship in 2022.
Conor’s numerous independent short films and spec scripts have placed in competitions and festivals worldwide (Save The Cat, Big Break, Stage 32 Animation, Straight 8).
Author of two Irish Arts Council funded novel manuscripts MONUMENTAL and THE OUTER CIRCLE, the second of which was shortlisted in the Irish Writer's Centre Novel Fair 2020.
Conor has directed factual entertainment and documentary and kids TV for RTE & RTE Jnr and is a skilled camera operator, stills photographer and editor for film and TV and online video productions. His directorial feature film debut mockumentary THE LIGHT OF DAY screened at the Galway Film Fleadh and the IFI Horrorthon.
Creator and host of horror podcast The Hidden Station, and Fad Camp on the Headstuff Podcast Network which was nominated for Irish Podcast awards in 2022 & won best entertainment in 2023.
In his spare time you can find Conor traveling Europe & America, learning a new musical instrument, taking selfies with other people's dogs and cats, or tinkering with dusty old analogue cameras.