How Catalina Got Made with Writer-Director, Martin Russell Johnson
Release Date: 06/13/2026
"Amberica," Table Read My Screenplay Grand Prize-Winning Script | Amber Nelson & Mokotsi Rukundo
The ISA Podcast
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 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,...
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Creating a Show & Career from Passion: Chatting with Evan from LA in a Minute
The ISA Podcast
What if your greatest career opportunity came from simply following what fascinates you? In this interview, Scott Markus sits down with Evan Lovett, creator of the wildly popular "LA in a Minute" series to explore how a passion project evolved into a career. Evan shares the unexpected origin of 'LA in a Minute," how curiosity became his greatest creative asset, and why authenticity, consistency, and genuine enthusiasm are more important than chasing algorithms or trends. Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, content creator, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical...
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How "Mattress Mack" Got Made w/ filmmaker Shane Andries | Billy Magnussen, Dianna Agron, Rob Corddry
The ISA Podcast
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...
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From Isolation to Slamdance Winner: How to Turn Pain Into Powerful Screenwriting w/ Renn Tan
The ISA Podcast
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...
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How Catalina Got Made with Writer-Director, Martin Russell Johnson
The ISA Podcast
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...
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Why Writers Should Celebrate Small Wins (They Lead to Big Success)
The ISA Podcast
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...
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Independent Film Is Coming Back, Your voice is needed NOW
The ISA Podcast
In this episode of Take 10 with Craig, International Screenwriters’ Association founder Craig James addresses the question many writers are asking: What is the state of the film industry right now and should I still be writing? After the strikes and industry slowdowns, it’s easy to feel discouraged. But Craig believes this may actually be the best time to focus on your craft. He breaks down: - Why industry “peaks and valleys” are normal - How the 90s independent film surge may be returning - Why studios are reconsidering the $200M blockbuster model - How...
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How Filmmaker Daniel Meyers Made "Bulls," his first screenplay (from 20 years ago), in his Hometown
The ISA Podcast
What does it really take to write, direct, and finish an independent feature film? A real look at the filmmaking process. In this episode of How Movies Get Made, presented by the International Screenwriters’ Association, writer/director Daniel Meyer breaks down the journey of bringing his feature film “Bulls” from script to screen. Daniel discusses the creative origins of the story, writing with production realities in mind, stepping into the dual role of writer-director, and navigating the challenges of indie filmmaking, from development and production to post, distribution, and...
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Clarissa Jacobson on How Making a Short Film Can Transform a Screenwriting Career
The ISA Podcast
What happens when a screenwriter stops waiting for permission and makes the film herself? In this in-depth conversation, writer, filmmaker, and actress Clarissa Jacobson shares her remarkable journey from acting to screenwriting, and how creating her short film Lunch Ladies changed everything. From self-funding her first short to navigating festivals, building confidence, and finding her creative voice, Clarissa offers hard-earned wisdom for writers at every stage. Clarissa talks candidly about: Choosing screenwriting over acting and letting go of sunk costs Why making a short film can...
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How Filmmaker Maiara Walsh Made "Bight"
The ISA Podcast
What does it really take to direct your first feature film? A real look at the filmmaking process for "Bight" In this episode of How Movies Get Made, presented by the International Screenwriters’ Association, filmmaker Maiara Walsh breaks down the six-year journey of writing, directing, producing, and starring in her debut feature film, “Bight.” Maiara shares the realities of true microbudget filmmaking—from writing a script during lockdown, finding financing, pulling favors, and surviving post-production, to navigating festivals, distributors, and release strategy. This conversation...
info_outlineWhy 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.