The State of Spec Scripts, ‘The Substance’ & Panama Filmmaking

The No Film School Podcast

Selling a script can feel like a distant dream, but the process is very much alive. From using platforms like The Black List to writing query letters and building personal connections, breaking into the industry is challenging but not impossible.

Plus, we explore the rise of the Panamanian film industry, how it has evolved, and what it takes to make a mark in a smaller but growing market.

Delfina Vidal is a Panamanian filmmaker known for her documentaries. She has contributed significantly to the growing Panamanian film industry, focusing on telling stories that resonate with local and international audiences.

Arianne Benedetti is a producer and key figure in the Panamanian film scene. She is instrumental in the development of Panama’s cinematic landscape, working on projects that showcase the country’s cultural and artistic diversity.

Maria Isabel Burnes is involved in promoting the Panamanian film industry, playing an essential role in nurturing emerging filmmakers and helping develop a vibrant film culture in Panama.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with Jason Hellerman and filmmakers from Panama Delfina Vidal, Arianne Benedetti and Maria Isabel Burnes to discuss:

• How to break into the industry by selling or optioning scripts
• The importance of getting your work out into the world and building a community around it
• The Substance, the film starring Demi Moore, Dennis Quaid and Margaret Qualley, written and directed by Coralie Fargeat
• What emerging filmmakers in Panama are doing to grow their film industry
• Strategies to create universal stories that can travel beyond local markets
• Why female filmmakers are thriving in Panama’s expanding film scene

Memorable Quotes:

• "You have to get your story out into the world. You have to be willing to hear the sometimes harsh feedback that these websites deliver.” [05:25]
• "Don't stop writing, because maybe the main thing here is: one script can open a couple doors, two scripts can open more, three, you know, onward and upward, but you're gonna need scripts." [16:34]
• “It's not just about how great your script is, but how marketable it is. Who sees that they can make money from it? Is this some material that I can get something in return for?” [20:15]
• “It’s more common to be on an NFL roster than it is to be a working screenwriter in Hollywood.” [26:21”
• “When you're going to work with kids, make sure you have a lot of time before set so they can relate to you and feel very comfortable with you.” [59:02]
• “Always, always prepare for the worst. Prepare your coworkers for the worst. Prepare your actors for the worst. Prepare the location that you're working in for the worst.” [1:03:07]

Mentioned:

Jason Hellerman on IMDb

Jason’s library of content on No Film School

Jason on Instagram

Jason on X

Delfina Vidal on IMDb

Arianne Benedetti on IMDb

Maria Isabel Burnes on IMDb

The Black List

Stage 32

Roadmap Writers

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