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

As you may know, I have just moved to Spain! This dream has been years in the making, and in this episode, I share 5 massive lessons I've learned from making this happen.  These lessons will help you achieve your big dream no matter what it is! I also answer the questions so many of my listeners have been asking, "why Spain?!  Will you still write screenplays or make movies?" Grab y...

It's a cliche to say it but your dreams really do exist on the other side of your comfort zone.  What does that really mean though?  And how do we look after ourselves when we're in the zone of discomfort? In this episode I share the serious discomfort that I've been feeling lately as I go after some of my dreams and the lessons I've learned from it. You'll learn why disco...

"Don't aim too high and you'll never be disappointed."  Sound familiar?  Many of us are taught to be sensible and only aim for things we are certain to achieve...but what if it's our big crazy dreams that will really make us live our biggest, best lives? In this episode, I explore why big dreams are like treasure maps and the #1 thing you shouldn't do if you want your...

The midpoint in a script or a film is a crucial moment.  Typically, it's not a moment of big action, but more about the internal life of the protagonist.  It's the moment that they truly decide and there's no turning back; a moment where they look in the mirror and see who they are, what they have to let go of, and who they have to become to achieve their goals. If a year is like a...

An artistic journey encompasses a series of levels.  Mastery of one level never assures us entry to the next.  Often we feel stuck at the level where we are (for instance: writing scripts but not getting paid for them). In this episode, drawn from the archives of my teachings, you'll learn what really needs to happen in order for you to move to the next level. No matter where you are on your...

It seems like there are lots of new people in my world just now, and I wanted to take a moment to share a little of my own story, of where I'm from and how I got here.  Grab a coffee, and let me introduce myself.  I appreciate you listening so much. If you'd like to join the Shoot From the Heart Society --> https://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960 To sign up for the free master...

Have you heard of the calling card film?  It's the idea that you make a micro budget film that acts as a calling card to the powers that be, so that you can climb the ladder of filmmaking success.   But what if you make a good film...and no one pays attention? In this episode, I dissect the idea of the calling card film and explore what we should really be aiming for when we commit to making...

I'm back for Season 2!<p><p> In this session, you're going to learn why we fall off the horse and how to get back on.  I share some personal stories about making movies and falling off the horse of filmmaking, and much more.  If you have lost faith, this episode is a must listen.  So happy to be back!!!<p><p> If you'd like to join my community to access free...

To make a movie, you need cash and it's easy to feel like THE thing stopping you from achieving success as a filmmaker is a lack of finance. In this episode, I invite you to think about what money is and how it relates to making movies. Join me for a free masterclass on this topic, starting September 15: www.dianebell.com/money

In this episode, I share a little about my own personal journey as a woman and an artist, and a few things that I've learned a long the way. To register for the free masterclass FEMALE ARTIST RISING --> www.dianebell.com/rising

Women are still dramatically under-represented in the film world. It's easy to look outside of us at the systemic injustices (which are real) but in this episode I invite the women amongst us to look inside. When we understand our deep coding - not just from our lives being born into a patriarchy, but our genetic heritage as women who are daughters of generations of suppressed voices - we can...

Most screenplays will never sell or get made into movies. So how do you write one that really has a shot at standing out? In this episode, I dive into the idea of writing from your heart and why it matters so much. To sign up for the masterclass Screenwriting From the Heart: www.dianebell.com/heart

We often think if something is hard, then we should give up. We should leave it to the people who are naturally talented, who make it look easy. Today I want to offer you another perspective on this. If you've ever felt like your path is just too hard, please listen to this episode! It will be a game-changer. To join the Shoot From the Heart Society: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2399463769...

It's every screenwriter's worst nightmare - that their idea will be stolen. But how common is it really? In this episode, you'll learn how to protect your work in the practical sense, but also how to shift your understanding so that you can release the fear of theft. To join the Shoot From the Heart Society: https://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960

If you know that it's fear that's stopping you, you're halfway to winning the battle. In this episode, I talk about why fear is the #1 enemy of all artists and how to handle it. If you'd like to join my FREE masterclass this month, MAGNETIC, sign up here: www.dianbell.com/magnetic

The key to writing a stand out script is creating unforgettable characters. In this episode, we'll explore why that is - and crucially how to do it. Say goodbye to 2 dimensional stereotypes and instead start writing the kind of characters that great actors will kill to play! If you've written a screenplay (or more than one) and you'd like to be part of a supportive group (including...

Do you want to tell a story that isn't yours? Is that okay to do - or are you appropriating someone's story in a way that is inappropriate? How do you make sure that in telling someone else's story you are not committing an offense? How do you navigate getting the rights to tell someone's story? All these questions (and more) are part of today's episode. To join The Shoot...

Do you believe that in order for you to sell a script it has to be EXCEPTIONAL? If so, you'll fallen victim to a power-sucking myth. In this episode you'll learn what your script really has to be, and why you get to decide what is worthy of selling (and trust me, once you really get this, it will make selling your script so much easier!). To join the Shoot From the Heart Society, for fre...

Many people feel they have Imposter's Syndrome - but do they really? If you're new to something, it might be Beginner's Syndrome, the very uncomfortable feeling of doing something that just doesn't feel natural. But what is real Imposter's Syndrome? Why are its effects so powerfully devastating? And what can we do to heal it - and avoid it altogether? All this and more are...

We all do it: look at how others are doing to judge how we are doing. But does it serve us? Is there a way to approach judgement, comparison and envy that can? In this session, I dive into this subject and share the lessons I've learned from the yoga mat that have helped me in my filmmaking and screenwriting career. To join the Shoot From the Heart Society private FB group, go here: https://w...

If you dream of writing and selling scripts and making movies, you are dreaming of reaching the Island of Filmmaking Success. In this episode, I share an excerpt from the fifth class of Operation Greenlight, in which I share the truth about this journey - and why it matters so much. You'll probably want to save this one and come back to it whenever the journey gets tough. And if you want to s...

Last week, I shared a series of 5 free live masterclasses: Operation Greenlight. The aim of these was to provide information and inspiration for you to sell your screenplay or raise money to make it yourself. Today on the podcast, I want to share an excerpt from day 1 in which you'll learn why aiming to get your movie made is like going on a journey to an island and what kind of vessel you sh...

Should you write your script with someone else? In this episode, I share my two very different experiences collaborating with others and my thoughts on when you should enter a writing partnership - and when it should be avoided. If you want to sell a script or make a movie this year, don't miss OPERATION GREENLIGHT, a series of 5 free masterclasses I'm sharing, kicking off on January 14....

This week I share an excerpt from a live session I had with members of my End of Year Screenwriting Challenge group on Sunday January 3. It was a message that I felt worthy of sharing wider - so here it is. You matter. Your work matters. Please listen to this and carry this message through 2021. Happy new year! If you want to join my series of FREE live masterclasses, OPERATION GREENLIGHT, on sell...

What a year! Join me as I unpack 5 lessons that I learned from it, because despite the challenges it was an incredible year for me personally, a year in which I grew and learnt so much. I'd love to hear from you - what were your biggest lessons this year? Join the Shoot From the Heart Society on Facebook and connect: https://www.facebook.com/groups/239946376921960 Also to join my FREE five da...