Claim OwnershipShoot From the Heart with Diane Bell: Filmmaking, Screenwriting, & Inspiration
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© 2025 Shoot From the Heart with Diane Bell: Filmmaking, Screenwriting, & Inspiration
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A rich archive of tips, techniques and inspiration to help screenwriters, filmmakers and other creative souls achieve their dreams.
141 Episodes
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Have you ever reached the middle of the year, looked back at all those shiny goals you set in January, and thought, “Wait… what happened?” You started out so full of excitement and ambition—maybe THIS was going to be the year you wrote your script, made your movie, or finally kicked those old habits to the curb. But then, life happened. Maybe the world felt heavy, uncertainty crept in, or you hit a wall with rejections and setbacks. Suddenly, you find yourself feeling a little stuck, wonderin...
Do you ever sit down with the very best intentions to write - and suddenly find yourself deep-cleaning your kitchen, binge-watching Instagram reels, or tackling every odd job in your house except for actually writing? Trust me, you are so not alone. I’ve been there too - those days (or weeks… or months) where, despite your burning desire to create, you wind up doing everything but putting words on the page. In this episode, I get super honest about one of the biggest struggles we all face as ...
Have you ever felt totally anxious sharing your script with someone — like your stomach is in knots just hitting “send,” secretly hoping they’ll just say, “It’s amazing, you’re a genius”? Or maybe you’ve gotten feedback that just made you more confused or even made you wonder if you should keep writing at all? Trust me, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too. In this episode, I dive deep into something most screenwriters and filmmakers don’t talk about enough: the art of feedback. N...
Ever feel like making a standout indie film on a super small budget is…well, impossible? Like, how could your little movie ever compare to the big-budget films out there? Trust me, I get it. But in this episode, I share the real truth: you absolutely can create a film on a microbudget that truly punches above its weight. Not just something you’re proud of (though that’s important!), but a movie that can compete with the best and stand out in festivals—even against films with ten times y...
Welcome to today's session, where we dive into what it truly means to be a revolutionary filmmaker. This isn’t just about making films; it’s about tapping in to the power of your creative voice in challenging times. I'll be sharing insights into how you can take whatever gets you fired up—those things that make you angry, sad, or hopeful—and transform them into powerful cinematic works. You will learn how to channel your biggest feelings into projects that mean something to you an...
A whopping 67,000 screenplays are registered each year...so it's important to ask, what’s the real secret to making your script stand out in an over-saturated market and get your film made? In today’s episode, we’ll chat about what truly makes a screenplay or film stand out. I'm sharing the keys to unlocking your authentic voice and breaking free from the convention. We'll explore how your unique process and passions can lead to your standout script. I share personal stories, including ...
Write your script, make your movie change the world. World events can leave you feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious and full of rage. As an artist, you can take that energy and channel them into something truly impactful: storytelling. In this episode we explore how you, as an artist, can wield your superpower to make a difference. Whether you're writing about climate change, advocating for empathy, or tackling any cause close to your heart, your unique voice matters. You’ll a...
Can you imagine winning four Academy Awards in one night? Sounds impossible…but indie filmmaker Sean Baker did it for his film Anora, and in this episode we explore how his journey can inspire yours. You’ll learn about Sean's incredible persistence — 25 years of dedication to his craft, making films with whatever resources he could muster, and staying true to his vision without succumbing to the temptation of "selling out." Whether it was making movies with shoestring budgets or pouring...
Feeling overwhelmed as an artist in these intense times? Feeling like your passion and creativity might not make an impact in the face of everything going on in the world? You’re not alone. But let me remind you: this is exactly the time you were made for. In this episode, we dive into the vital role artists play in challenging times, how you can protect your energy, and why it’s more important than ever to let your voice and your work be part of the transformation. I share some d...
I recently discovered my old journals from 2008. At that time, I was feeling completely defeated after my script was rejected from the Sundance Screenwriters Lab. I wrote, "I keep praying for a miracle - but it never comes." But here's the incredible part - just 16 months after writing that journal entry, not only had I made my film, but it was accepted into the Sundance Film Festival where it went on to win two awards! In this episode, I dive into what created that "miracle": perseverance, ...
You might have heard me talk about moving....and you might be shocked by the news! After all, I only moved to Spain two and half years ago, and it was a dream come true. In this episode, I share the real reasons behind this surprising decision. I also reflect on what I'm learning about the true nature of dreams and what makes a life well-lived. If you'd like to hear about why I'm planning to move again and to reflect on your own path in life, this episode is for you. For more inf...
Do you have a script that's good but you know it could be GREAT? In this episode, I share three essential focus areas that can transform your screenplay from solid to exceptional. We dive deep into how to make your script stand out among the 67,000 new scripts registered with the WGA each year (yes, you read that right!). As someone who both writes and reads countless screenplays, I share my insights on what truly makes the difference between a script that gets passed over and one that gets m...
As the Sundance Film Festival comes to an end for 2025, you might be dreaming about how to get your film there! In this episode, I dive into what it really takes to make a film that makes the cut. I share my journey to Sundance and give you actionable tips to make it happen for you. To sign up for The Path to Sundance: CLICK HERE To join The Network: CLICK HERE
In the second part of this series, recorded live on Instagram, we take a deep dive into EXACTLY what you need to do if you want to write your script this year. Expect actionable tips and techniques to get you on the fast track to success. To learn more about screenwriting programs with Diane: www.dianebell.com/screenwriting
If you are looking to breakthrough to a new level of screenwriting success in 2025, this episode is for you. To create a breakthrough, you need to do things differently. As they say, it's the definition of insanity to keep doing the same things and expect a different result. In this episode you'll learn 3 surprising things you can start doing differently now that will move the needle for you. To sign up for the free class, SCREENWRITING SUCCESS IN 2025: click HERE. To join THE NETWO...
If you want to write a screenplay in 2025, this is for you. It was recorded live on Instagram and includes ALL the info and inspiration to get you on the path to screenwriting success. In this session you will learn what could STOP you from writing your screenplay. Understanding these will give you the foundation for success. To sign up for WRITE YOUR SCREENPLAY IN 8 WEEKS: CLICK HERE
We are about to enter Q4 of 2024. It's possible that despite your best efforts this year hasn't yet delivered the big wins you had hoped for. Don't lose faith. Your results will be determined by what you choose to do NOW. Buckle in for this highly motivational and practical session ih which I outline what you need to focus on right now to make sure you create an ending to this year that is your dream. To get my support in Q4 with your screenwriting or filmmaking --> CLICK HE...
Are you dreaming of making millions but feel like no matter what you do or how you work, it's always out of reach? In this episode, partly taken from Day 1 of my recent masterclass MILLIONAIRE CREATRIX RISING, I take a deep dive into why we get stuck at certain income levels - and crucially what to focus on to shift it. You'll learn my 4 step Ascension Blueprint which underpins the Millionaire Creatrix method. If you're ready to step into your era of making millions while creating from you...
Female artists, creatives and entrepreneurs, this episode is especially for you. In it you're going to learn how to explode your income, impact and your JOY to the highest levels imaginable. This is a vulnerable share about my life, about what it took to change my money story - and what came next. If you're ready to go on rocketship to make millions through your creations, buckle in and let's fly. To join MILLIONAIRE CREATRIX RISING --> CLICK HERE
Do you feel stuck? Like no matter what you do you can't seem to break through to your next level? THE ANSWER IS NOT DOING MORE! In this episode you'll learn the 3 real keys to making your next big breakthrough happen. Get ready for a massive shift as you tune into this! TO GET A FREE CLASS ON SCREENWRITING --> click HERE. To get THE 7 ALIGNED STEPS TO EPIC SUCCESS --> click HERE. To sign up for WRITE YOUR SCREENPLAY IN 8 WEEKS --> click HERE.
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loved this Episode. 👍
Loved the notes-free Diane ❤️
EXCELLENT. Start before you're ready!!
❤️❤️❤️!