In this episode of The Persistence of Vision podcast, host Clint Till sits down with writer-director Marti King Young. Tracking her diverse 20-year creative path, Marti pulls back the curtain on discovering her calling as a visual storyteller. From auditing university screenwriting classes to prepping her upcoming 2027 feature film, Marti shares masterclass-level wisdom on handling brutal script notes, transforming transactional networking into real friendships, and completely shattering the limiting beliefs of ageism in the entertainment industry.
Timestamps are approximate
00:00 – Episode introduction and Marti’s work with the DeSoto Arts Institute.
02:15 – The sudden midnight epiphany: Transitioning from an entirely different career to that of a screenwriter.
05:40 – Auditing Vanderbilt University film classes and connecting with mentor William Akers.
09:12 – The Olympian mindset: Treating the pain of harsh script revisions like physical training.
14:30 – Subjective vs. Objective notes: Knowing which critiques to execute and which to throw away.
19:15 – Flipping the script on networking: Ditching the transactions to make actual friends.
25:40 – Mid-show break: Elevating independent film aesthetics with Dehancer Film Emulation Plugin.
28:50 – Overcoming imposter syndrome and building a resilient, long-term production career.
34:15 – Breaking down the invisible barriers of ageism and owning your creative timeline at 50+.
41:10 – Exclusive Scoop: Pre-production details for Marti’s upcoming 2027 feature film debut.
46:25 – Protecting your mental space: Knowing when to say no and establishing professional boundaries.
50:12 – Closing reflections: Why you must refuse to let anyone else's words become your cage.
Resources and Links Mentioned
Featured Post-Production Tool: Dehancer Film Emulation Plugin (Get 10% off with promo code VISION).
Recommended Reading: Your Screenplay Sucks: 100 Ways to Make It Great by William Akers.
Educational Programs: Media and Screenwriting Departments at Vanderbilt University.
Community & Non-Profit Work: Independent filmmaking initiatives at the DeSoto Arts Institute.
Show Substack & Articles: Read weekly filmmaker profiles and behind-the-scenes essays at clinttill.substack.com.
Connect Online: View Clint's complete directing portfolio and corporate video services at linktr.ee/clinttill.
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