Shoot From the Heart with Diane Bell: Filmmaking, Screenwriting, & Inspiration

The Sundance Institute is currently accepting applications for support in script development.In this episode, I give you the lowdown on what the screenwriters lab is like, why it's worth applying and also what you should focus on if you're serious about getting accepted!I also share my 8 year journey from submitting my first script to finally being accepted AFTER I'd premiered a movie at the festival.If Sundance is on your vision board, you won't want to miss this episode.TO SIGN UP for my upcoming masterclass THE PATH TO SUNDANCE --> click HERE.If you're ready to take further action, sign up for a free class today:1.  To learn about getting your script on the screen: www.dianebell.com/screen2.  To learn about getting your standout script on the page: www.dianebell.com/keysMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo learn more about THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

Do you ever feel stuck at the level you're on with your screenwriting?  Do you feel like forces outside of you will determine whether you succeed or not?Are you waiting...hoping...that somehow you'll be discovered?If so, this episode is for you.  You'll discover the #1 shift that needs to occur if you are going to create success as a screenwriter.If you're ready to take action, sign up for a free class today:1.  To learn about getting your script on the screen: www.dianebell.com/screen2.  To learn about getting your standout script on the page: www.dianebell.comwriteyourscreenplayMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo join THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

Do you ever feel like you just need to meet the "right people" in order to have success as a screenwriter or filmmaker?  Do you imagine that you're going to get an agent and they'll do the work of selling your script?  Or you'll land a producer who'll do the work of raising the money?The truth is: to get to the point that people want to do these things for you, you're going to first have to do them yourself.  YOU are the "right people" you've been seeking.In this episode, you're going to learn why you have to create momentum first yourself and how to do it.  Stop being a dreamer with no plan, and step into your power!If you're ready to take action, sign up for a free class today:1.  To learn about creating success in your career as a screenwriter: www.dianebell.com/path2.  To learn about getting your standout script on the page: www.dianebell.comwriteyourscreenplayMORE RESOURCESTo connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo join THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

If you're ready for some real talk about what it REALLY takes to succeed as a screenwriter or filmmaker, you are in the right place!This week I take a deep dive into the truth about succeeding (clue: you can't train once a week and expect to win Olympic gold).I also share my 4D formula for the long game to win: Devotion, Determination, Discipline and Dedication.Grab yourself a coffee, pull up a chair, and let's dive in!RESOURCES:To connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HERETo access a free class on screenwriting --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo join THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

This week I dive into 4 of the most common mistakes that I see in screenplays. From repeat beats that drag the story down to scripts that make it too easy for characters, join me in exploring the nuances of escalating plotlines and the crucial element of style. In this episode, you'll learn how to elevate your storytelling game and avoid these common pitfalls that may be killing the impact of your script.RESOURCES:To connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HERETo access a free class on screenwriting --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo join THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

To kick off this new season of THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART podcast, I delve into the question many aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers ask themselves: "Should I quit?" This conversation touches on the nature of pursuing audacious dreams, facing obstacles, and the importance of reigniting the passion for one's craft.  You'll be encouraged to reflect on your desires, the importance of protecting your energy, and the potential for success through continuous learning and adaptation. Tune in to connect with a powerful perspective on navigating the long and challenging journey of pursuing creative endeavors.RESOURCES:To connect on Instagram for daily inspiration --> CLICK HEREJoin The Shoot From the Heart Society (free Facebook group with exclusive classes) --> CLICK HERETo access a free class on screenwriting --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo join THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

As the 40th Sundance Festival kicks off today, I want to share this podcast from the archives on my personal Sundance journey.From dreaming about getting in the screenwriter's lab to having my first film win two awards in the main competition, I share what Sundance has meant to me.So FREAKING grateful to Sundance and all the support they give to indie filmmakers.If your dream is to get to Sundance, KEEP FAITH!!!  Listen to this and know: you WILL get there!To join my free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY: CLICK HEREhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960To join THE NETWORK my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding: www.dianebell.com/network

I'm back!  In this unexpected episode, I share how a period of silence and introspection has led me to a surprising realization about my true purpose. It was definitely not what I expected...but I'm feeling called to reembrace my passion for screenwriting and filmmaking. If you've been feeling the call to an unexpected plot twist in your own life, this episode will give you the courage to follow it!To watch my FREE masterclass SCRIPT TO SCREEN IN 2024 --> CLICK HEREFor current course offerings --> CLICK HERETo join THE NETWORK --> CLICK HERE

Do you need mentorship and group programs in order to achieve success?If you've been debating whether to sign up for a coach or program, I analyze why to do it, what it can help with you - and also why you don't NEED it.For a fresh perspective on what it really takes to succeed, pour a coffee, pull up a chair, and listen in!To sign up for the FREE live masterclass, THE 4 SECRETS TO SELLING YOUR SCRIPT --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE

Often things don't go as planned (or how we hope) and it's outside our control.  What we make of these obstacles and setbacks matters a lot.In this episode, you're going to learn how to take control of the narrative of your life in a way that serves you and helps you reach your goals.To sign up for the FREE live masterclass, THE 4 SECRETS TO SELLING YOUR SCRIPT --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE

There are literally thousands of screenwriting competitions out there, and it can feel like they are an essential step in the journey to success as a screenwriter - but don't fool yourself into thinking that you need them!You don't.Here I dissect screenwriting competitions:  why you should enter them, why you shouldn't, which ones matter, what to expect if you win and more.For the free masterclass, THE 3 FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL SCREENWRITING --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE

It's inevitable that on the path to our dreams, we're going to have moments of real doubt.  Sometimes these can snowball into such extreme doubt that we give up - and that is a tragedy.To make sure doubt doesn't get the better of you, please listen to this episode and learn how to deal with it and let it go.For the free masterclass, THE 3 FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL SCREENWRITING --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE

On everyone's path to a dream creative career as a screenwriter or filmmaker, there comes a moment when we wonder if we should quit our day job.This week a screenwriter wrote to me with that dilemma and in this episode I dive into the realities of building a career in screenwriting.  Learn what myths exist around earning money as a screenwriter and how to position yourself to successfully go pro.For the free masterclass, THE 3 FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL SCREENWRITING --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE

This week, I answer a listener's question on what to do if lack of funds is holding you back.  You're going to learn a way of reframing this question and understanding this problem in a different way - so that it is never a problem for you again!If lack of money has ever felt like an obstacle for you on the path to screenwriting or filmmaking success, don't miss this one.For the free masterclass, THE 3 FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL SCREENWRITING --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE

To celebrate the 100th episode of the Shoot From the Heart Podcast, I share about my journey starting and continuing this show and all the changes that have happened in my life.You'll get a gentle reminder of why you should start what you're putting off now as well as a case for why celebrating matters a lot - even if we're still far from our ultimate dreams.Celebrate the big 100 with me!  So grateful that you are here!!!For the free masterclass, THE 3 FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL SCREENWRITING --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE

In today's session, I answer the question: "how can I keep believing when nothing is working?"You're going to learn there are practical steps you can take...but also that belief requires decision and your deliberate choice to believe no matter what.If you are finding yourself doubting, grab a coffee, pull up a chair and let's get your belief rock solid again.For the free masterclass, THE 3 FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL SCREENWRITING --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE

The Upper Limit Problem is an idea that comes from a book called THE BIG LEAP by Gaye Hendricks.  Essentially it's the idea that we all have an inner thermostat for how much good things we can have in our lives (ie how much abundance, how much success, how much love) and that when we go beyond that level, we sabotage to bring ourselves back to our original setting.In this episode I share some common signs to look out for that you are hitting your Upper Limit, what to do about it, and why you should celebrate it!To sign up for the FREE live class, YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE --> click HEREFor the free masterclass, THE 3 FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL SCREENWRITING --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE

As we go after big, audacious goals (like writing and selling scripts or making movies), we sometimes find that our loved ones don't support us.In this episode, I address what to do if our nearest and dearest don't share our excitement about our dreams or are actively sabotaging them.If you love this episode, please share it on your social media and tag me on Instagram @shootfromtheheart1To sign up for the FREE live class, YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE --> click HEREFor the free masterclass, THE 3 FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL SCREENWRITING --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE

It happens to ALL of us after we go after our goals: we're taking loads of action, we're doing all the things...And suddenly it feels like it's not working  - and we get stuck.In this episode I share three practical strategies to get you UN-stuck.You'll want to bookmark this one and listen to it whenever you feel like you're not moving towards your dreams!To sign up for the FREE live class, YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE --> click HEREFor the free masterclass, THE 3 FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL SCREENWRITING --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE

In today's episode, I answer some questions I received about the practical side of writing screenplays.  How many pages should you aim for?  How much description is too much - and how much is too little?  Will the director change a lot?The answers to these questions (and much more) are all revealed in this episode.  Don't miss it if you want some fresh perspectives on what makes a screenplay stand out!For the free masterclass, THE 3 FOUNDATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL SCREENWRITING --> click HERETo join the free Facebook group, THE SHOOT FROM THE HEART SOCIETY --> click HERETo sign up for THE NETWORK, my membership for screenwriters and filmmakers who are serious about succeeding --> click HERE