Shoot From the Heart with Diane Bell: Filmmaking, Screenwriting, & Inspiration
A rich archive of tips, techniques and inspiration to help screenwriters, filmmakers and other creative souls achieve their dreams.
Episodes
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 filmmaker...
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 st...
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...
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 ...
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 cl...
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....
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 w...
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...
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...
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 dif...
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.
T...
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 dr...
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 m...
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.<...
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 --> cl...
If you want to sell your screenplay, you MUST listen to this episode.
First you'll get some keys that can unlock the door to success...
But then I share with you the #1 Master Key. When you get this, you will be unstoppable.
It's 100% the reason that I was able to sell my first screenplay even though I lived in Barcelona, didn't know anyone in the US film industry, and didn't have any...
Female artists often struggle with feeling like they are not good enough, with feeling like it's not safe to let their voices be heard and with Imposter Syndrome.
In this episode, Diane goes live on her Instagram page to discuss the real roots of these problems.
If you are a female screenwriter or filmmaker, don't miss this eye-opening session.
Sign up for the FREE session, CREATRIX RISING -->...
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