391 episodes
9 Big Differences Between Amateur and Professional Writers - Brandon Violette [FULL INTERVIEW]
2026/07/17 | 1h 37 mins.Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS is currently 10% off! - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9
and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd
0:00 - Intro
2:33 - 10 Years To The First Screenwriting Credit
37:14 - What Writers Should Know About A Story Engine
52:11 - Big Difference Between Amateur and Professional Writers
1:07:27 - Don't Think About Writing Cinematically Do This Instead
1:17:11 - What Master Storytellers Know That New Writers Never Learn
1:28:17 - Rule Breakers Guide To Finding Your Creative Voice
Brandon Violette was most recently the Head Writer for RoboGobo and Pupstruction at Disney Television Animation and the Co-Creator/Head Writer of CoComelon Lane (Moonbug/Netflix), one of Netflix's top-performing preschool series. His writing credits span hit shows including Dew Drop Diaries (DreamWorks), Pupstruction (Disney Junior), T.O.T.S. (Disney Junior), Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! (Mattel), and Stretch Armstrong & The Flex Fighters (Hasbro Studios).
In addition to his screenwriting work, Brandon is the host of The Story Series Podcast, where he interviews writers, showrunners, filmmakers, author and creators about story structure, character development, pitching and the creative mindset.
Before moving to Los Angeles, Brandon studied at the Beijing Film Academy and continues to return to China as a guest lecturer, sharing insights on storytelling, animation, and the global landscape of entertainment.
CONNECT WITH BRANDON VIOLETTE
https://brandonviolette.com
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3069554
/ @bviolette
/ storyseriespodcast
MORE VIDEOS WITH BRANDON VIOLETTE
https://tinyurl.com/bddhrd4r
SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join
SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON
https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage
►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND:
STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time
https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9
THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F
THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take
http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf
SAVE THE CAT! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
https://amzn.to/3dNg2HQ
THE ANATOMY OF STORY: 22 Steps To Becoming A Master Storyteller
http://amzn.to/2h6W3va
THE ART OF DRAMATIC WRITING - Lajos Egri
https://amzn.to/3jh3b5f
ON WRITING: A Memoir of the Craft
https://amzn.to/3XgPtCN
THE WAR OF ART: Break Through the Blocks
and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
http://amzn.to/1KeW9ob- Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS is currently 10% off! - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9
and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd
An AFI Directing alum, John Schimke is an accomplished writer/director whose work spans the realms of both film and television. As the lead editor and producer of the Emmy Award-winning TV series Red Table Talk, Schimke has demonstrated a keen ability to shape impactful, emotionally resonant stories for a global audience.
In the world of independent film, Schimke gained critical acclaim with Don't Tell Larry, which had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival and went on to win Best Picture and Audience Choice at the Pasadena International Film Festival.
John's inspiration to develop Where the Wind Blows into a feature film was deeply personal, sparked by a meaningful gift from his mother. She gave him the book and suggested it would make a great movie—a sentiment that continues to drive the project forward. Years later Ashley Elaine read the script and immediately green lit the film with her production company, AE Productions, INC.
WATCH 'DON'T TELL LARRY' TRAILER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xREP3uLf0Q
MORE VIDEOS WITH JOHN SCHIMKE
https://tinyurl.com/4nrk7yft
CONNECT WITH JOHN SCHIMKE
https://dtlthemovie.com
https://www.wherethewindblowsmovie.com
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2169459
/ jschimke
SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join
SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON
https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage
►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND:
STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time
https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9
THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F
THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take
http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf
SAVE THE CAT! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
https://amzn.to/3dNg2HQ
THE ANATOMY OF STORY: 22 Steps To Becoming A Master Storyteller
http://amzn.to/2h6W3va
THE ART OF DRAMATIC WRITING - Lajos Egri
https://amzn.to/3jh3b5f
ON WRITING: A Memoir of the Craft
https://amzn.to/3XgPtCN
THE WAR OF ART: Break Through the Blocks
and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
http://amzn.to/1KeW9ob - Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS is currently 10% off! - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9
and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd
0:00 - The Best Time For Filmmakers To Reach Out To A Producer's Rep
13:21 - Managing Filmmakers Expectations
22:59 - What 99% Of Filmmakers Don't Understand About Distribution
31:29 - If Only Filmmakers Knew This Before They Made Their Movie
40:32 - What Filmmakers Need To Know Before They Sell Their Movie
52:17 - Former Netflix Executive Breaks Down Movie Financing
1:03:01 - Why Most Filmmakers Today Want To Get Their Movie On Netflix
1:12:40 - Where Can Filmmakers Make The Most Money
1:27:45 - If You Want To Make A Profitable Movie Here's What You Should Know
1:44:48 - Why Filmmakers Should Go To Film Markets
Zac Reeder is an Emmy-nominated producer and seasoned media executive with leadership roles at Netflix, Hallmark, and MarVista. Now as a producer’s rep and distribution/financing consultant, he helps independent film and TV producers secure deals, maximize exposure, and navigate the evolving media landscape through his company, Lucky 27 Media. His website is Lucky27 (dot) com.
CONNECT WITH ZAC REEDER
https://lucky27.com
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0715800
SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join
SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON
https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage
►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND:
STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time
https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9
THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F
THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take
http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf
SAVE THE CAT! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
https://amzn.to/3dNg2HQ
THE ANATOMY OF STORY: 22 Steps To Becoming A Master Storyteller
http://amzn.to/2h6W3va
THE ART OF DRAMATIC WRITING - Lajos Egri
https://amzn.to/3jh3b5f
ON WRITING: A Memoir of the Craft
https://amzn.to/3XgPtCN
THE WAR OF ART: Break Through the Blocks
and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
http://amzn.to/1KeW9ob If A Producer Receives 500 Scripts A Year, How Many Will They Read? Shaked Berenson
2026/05/06 | 1h 32 mins.Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS is currently 10% off! - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9
and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd
Watch the video interview on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV-jlp5GOu0
Shaked Berenson has marketed, sold, and released over 1,000 films and television series. As a Board Member at the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA™) and a public speaker, Shaked has been a vocal advocate for independent filmmakers and for shortening the content distribution supply chain.
Shaked started his career as a coder, paying for his UCLA education by designing database architecture and running several e-commerce sites. His rare background in both tech and the film business allowed him to bridge creativity and analytics and design a tool that truly leverages both.
MORE VIDEOS WITH SHAKED BERENSON
https://tinyurl.com/4d5kr2pf
CONNECT WITH SHAKED BERENSON
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2435550
/ shakedberenson
https://x.com/ShakedBerenson
CHECK OUT BLOODSTREAM TV
https://bloodstreamtv.com
SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A MEMBER
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8o1mdWAfefJkdBg632_tg/join
SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON
https://www.patreon.com/filmcourage
►BOOKS WE RECOMMEND:
STORY QUESTIONS: How To Unlock Your Story One Question At A Time
https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9
THE NUTSHELL TECHNIQUE: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting https://amzn.to/2X3Vx5F
THE STORY SOLUTION: 23 Actions All Great Heroes Must Take
http://amzn.to/2gYsuMf
SAVE THE CAT! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
https://amzn.to/3dNg2HQ
THE ANATOMY OF STORY: 22 Steps To Becoming A Master Storyteller
http://amzn.to/2h6W3va
THE ART OF DRAMATIC WRITING - Lajos Egri
https://amzn.to/3jh3b5f
ON WRITING: A Memoir of the Craft
https://amzn.to/3XgPtCN
THE WAR OF ART: Break Through the Blocks
and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
http://amzn.to/1KeW9ob9 Reasons Why Filmmakers Need To Think About Virtual Production - Keith Sutliff
2026/04/28 | 1h 11 mins.Our two new books... STORY QUESTIONS is currently 10% off! - https://payhip.com/b/ZTvq9
and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character - https://payhip.com/b/kCZGd
Watch the video version of this podcast here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbwuZGHSGM4
Film Director/Producer/Writer Keith Sutliff, originally from Florida, moved to Los Angeles in 2012. His award-winning work in film encompasses feature films, episodic narratives, short form content and commercial productions. Keith’s original screenplays are the foundation for his creative projects. His original screenplay The Refuge (2019), acquired by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is included in the Margaret Herrick Library (The Oscars Library) permanent Core Collection there. His feature films held premieres at Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood with theatrical releases to follow.
Keith’s creative vision has driven him to master the aspects of filmmaking, writing and now virtual production. He founded his production company, KS Pictures, in early 2016. He is now fully committed to virtual production, opening a film studio in the Arts District-Downtown area of Los Angeles called “Sutliff Studios: Virtual Productions.” The studio focuses on rental to companies for film, TV, commercial, and other related media content productions. The studio also focuses on in-house production of its own virtual productions. This is done using the latest cutting-edge software and equipment to bring productions together on a virtual stage. Gaming software such as Unreal Engine combined with a camera tracking solution to help bring real time rendering along with “parallax” on the LED volume wall to life. He is also heavily involved in the operation of the production and filming techniques used on a virtual stage and In-Camera VFX. Familiarity with 2D and 3D assets used on a LED volume and all the technical elements that goes into filming on these stages.
MORE VIDEOS WITH KEITH SUTLIFF
http://tinyurl.com/4v935nxp
CONNECT WITH SUTLIFF STUDIOS: VIRTUAL PRODUCTIONS
https://sutliffstudiosvp.com
CONNECT WITH KEITH SUTLIFF
https://sutliffstudiosvp.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5335962
/ keith-sutliff-402714233
/ sutliffstudiosvp
/ keithsutliff
(Affiliates)
►FILMMAKER STARTER KIT
BLACKMAGIC Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K - https://amzn.to/4gDU0s9
ZOOM H4essential 4-Track Handy Recorder - https://amzn.to/3TIon6X
SENNHEISER Professional Shotgun Microphone - https://amzn.to/3TEnLiE
NEEWER CB300B 320W LED Video Light - https://amzn.to/3XEMK6F
NEEWER 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable Ultra High Power - https://amzn.to/3XX57VK
►WE USE THIS CAMERA (B&H) – https://buff.ly/3rWqrra
►WE USE THIS SOUND RECORDER (AMAZON) – http://amzn.to/2tbFlM9
►Stuff we use:
LENS - Most people ask us what camera we use, no one ever asks about the lens which filmmakers always tell us is more important. This lens was a big investment for us and one we wish we could have made sooner. Started using this lens at the end of 2013 - http://amzn.to/2tbtmOq
AUDIO
Rode VideoMic Pro - The Rode mic helps us capture our backup audio. It also helps us sync up our audio in post https://amzn.to/425k5rG
Audio Recorder - If we had to do it all over again, this is probably the first item we would have bought - https://amzn.to/3WEuz0k
LIGHTS - Although we like to use as much natural light as we can, we often enhance the lighting with this small portable light. We have two of them and they have saved us a number of times - http://amzn.to/2u5UnHv
SUPPORT FILM COURAGE BY BECOMING A PATRON
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*Disclaimer: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!
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About Filmcourage
Est. in 2009 - YouTube channel on writing/film/acting
Check out our 2 new books! STORY QUESTIONS and 17 Steps To Writing A Great Main Character
https://payhip.com/StoryQuestions
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