Persistence of Vision

About Persistence of Vision

Personal stories from creative professionals about their career experiences and the lessons they learned along the way. clinttill.substack.com (https://clinttill.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Clint Till

Category

business · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Jan 2025

Latest episode

30 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

21 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Spaceships and Long Cold Nights

   Episode Overview In this episode of the Persistence of Vision podcast, host Clint Till sits down with Mississippi-based filmmaker, fine artist, and improv performer Glenn Payne. Clint and Glenn discuss the multi-faceted life of an independent regional creative. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the Persistence of Vision podcast and guest Glenn Payne. 01:08 – Reminiscing on first meeting at the Tupelo Film Festival and Film Prize competitions. 02:05 – Who is Glenn Payne? Balancing filmmaking, fine arts, and improv comedy. 03:19 – Accidental beginnings: Making a dialog-free short film as a college final exam. 04:26 – Discovering improv art forms and training with Second City at the Chicago Improv Festival. 05:54 – How improv mechanics mirror the real-time writing, directing, and editing of screenplays. 07:33 – Learning the craft: DVD audio commentaries, studying film edits, and trial-by-error repetition. 10:28 – The value of early creative mistakes and acknowledging your growth as a director. 12:33 – Giving back to the next generation through youth film workshops and unexpected technical lessons. 14:58 – Making the leap from short films to feature films and adjusting to 90-page narrative pacing. 17:48 – Building a full spaceship interior inside a rented warehouse for the sci-fi feature Earthrise. 19:31 – The harsh reality of distribution curves and last-minute buyer rejections. 21:38 – Balancing creative freedom with marketability and keeping production budgets low. 23:49 – Turning town relationships into investors, crew, and extras for the upcoming indie feature Alien Eyes. 28:37 – Navigating creative burnout, taking intentional breaks, and changing artistic mediums to recharge. 31:07 – Pivoting to short documentaries: Investigating ghosts at the Lyric Theater in Tupelo. 32:59 – Surviving 10-degree shoot nights inside a single vehicle for the thriller Driven. 35:40 – Logistical illusions: Mapping streetlights and storyboarding every shot for a single-car location. 37:54 – Working with Supernatural star Richard Speight Jr. on an indie budget. 39:36 – Where to find Glenn Payne’s latest feature film releases and project updates. 41:22 – Episode wrap-up, subscription details, and Substack support. Featured Resources and Links Follow Glenn Payne: Connect across social media platforms via his handle @cinematicglenn. Watch the Documentary: Stream Glenn's paranormal investigation documentary, The Most Haunted Theater in America, on Amazon. Explore Feature Projects: Look out for Glenn's upcoming suspense thriller Safe and Sound and his sci-fi festival comedy Alien Eyes. Calls to Action Subscribe to the Podcast: Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform so you never miss a monthly conversation with creative professionals. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show to help other filmmakers and artists discover the podcast. Connect with Clint: Visit clinttill.net (http://clinttill.net) to reach out, share your story, or apply to be a guest on an upcoming episode. Support on Substack: Upgrade to a paid subscription at clinttill.substack.com/subscribe (https://clinttill.substack.com/subscribe) to gain access to exclusive perks and directly support independent creative content. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe (https://clinttill.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

2. 

   26 Aug 2026

   It might be time to take a break

   Overview This month’s episode of the podcast features a remarkably candid and vulnerable conversation with writer, director, and cinematographer Michael Williams—a brilliant independent filmmaker whom I first met through our shared history with the Magnolia Film Festival. Michael has directed the indie features Oz Land and the supernatural horror film The Atoning, and he brings a beautifully raw perspective to what it actually takes to survive a lifelong career in the arts. In this episode, we step away from the usual glossy success stories to dissect the heavy physical and psychological realities of severe creative burnout. Michael opens up about the borderline traumatizing nature of grueling indie film sets, the exhausting friction of navigating moving studio targets, and his conscious decision to step away from writing and directing for a bit. Timestamps 00:00 – Episode introduction, meeting through the Magnolia Film Festival, and the reality of the indie film hustle. 01:36 – Reconnecting with the early Mississippi filmmaking roots that shaped his career trajectory. 02:40 – The power of a mentor: How Pat Raspberry and the Tupelo Film Festival opened the first vital doors of opportunity. 06:05 – Set connections over cutthroat metrics: Why sincere relationships matter more than raw talent in southern film markets. 07:45 – Thrust into the fire: Surviving a chaotic first job as a college kid pulling focus on 17+ hour days. 14:15 – Learning the delicate art of collaboration and expanding the creative boundaries of an initial script. 18:00 – Communicating intention: Why directors should discuss deep character emotions and prop motivations rather than arbitrary choices. 21:00 – Dynamic camera movement vs. stagnant staging: Finding narrative inspiration in Steven Spielberg's blocking styles. 25:12 – The grueling timeline of The Atoning: Navigating intense creative friction and a rapid six-month production cycle. 28:51 – Confronting the fight-or-flight nervous system response that triggers severe filmmaker burnout. 33:18 – Pruning the Creative Tree: Stepping completely away from film sets to discover therapeutic healing in the garden. 35:35 – Transitioning to novels: How living life over the past four years unlocked a deeper, more authentic writing voice. 39:04 – Redefining the title of "Filmmaker" and shattering the artificial glass ceilings imposed by industry gatekeepers. 42:22 – Clout vs. Cash Flow: The sobering financial reality of a Hollywood theatrical release for Oz Land. 45:10 – The Redbox Deal: How a powerful poster and trailer layout ultimately saved The Atoning's bottom line. 46:17 – Looking forward: Defining the strict boundaries, resource requirements, and humane hours for his next feature. 52:20 – Where to connect with Michael online and tracking down the self-distributed 10th Anniversary Oz Land Blu-ray. Key Takeaways The Dream is Free, but the Hustle is Sold Separately: Surviving on the ultra-low-budget indie level means wearing five different hats simultaneously, enduring extreme physical strains, and figuring out how to deliver a million-dollar look on a $10,000 budget. Wide-eyed optimism is necessary to start, but you must find your voice and learn to establish firm professional boundaries before the industry takes complete financial and physical advantage of you. Indie Film Sets Can Mimic Trauma: Running a set with consistent 17 to 24-hour workdays while forcing actors and crews to live in heavy, artificial emotional spaces locks the human body into a perpetual state of fight-or-flight. Filmmakers frequently fail to realize their nervous systems are entirely fried until long-term burnout completely stalls their ability to generate original work. Prune Yourself to Bloom Bigger Later: Stepping away from your primary creative outlet is not a sign of failure or giving up. Much like an athlete resting an injury or a gardener pruning a plant, stepping back to explore alternative visual mediums—like drawing, poetry, or artisanal gardening—awakens dormant parts of the brain. It allows your subconscious to heal so you can eventually return to screenwriting with authentic life experience rather than simple imitation. Reject Artificial Industry Milestones: Do not let gatekeepers or external glass ceilings define your creative legitimacy. If you write, you are a writer; if you make a film, you are a filmmaker. The arbitrary expectation that a director must compound their momentum by churning out a feature film every two to three years is an unsustainable and illogical lifestyle for independent artists. Resources and Links Mentioned Film Distribution Partners: Look up past feature releases distributed through Gravitas Ventures (https://gravitasventures.com/). Independent Feature Projects: Rent or purchase the post-apocalyptic feature Oz Land (2015) or the supernatural horror follow-up The Atoning (2017) on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/). Michael's Production Banner: Explore commercial work and past short films via Shendopen Films (https://www.shendopen.com/). The Botanical Showcase: Follow Michael's real-world documentary-style gardening ecosystem via The Great Gatsby Herb Cartel on social channels. Exclusive Physical Media: Grab a copy of the completely self-distributed 10th Anniversary Oz Land Special Feature Blu-ray, available directly through The Great Gatsby Herb Cartel storefront. Calls to Action Subscribe to the Podcast: Tap the follow button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite directory to get deep-dive interview sessions with creative professionals delivered straight to your feed every single month. Rate and Review the Show: If you value the raw, unfiltered truth about independent filmmaking shared in this episode, please leave a 5-star rating and a brief review—it directly helps other multimedia creators discover our community! Join the Substack Newsletter: Head over to clinttill.substack.com (http://clinttill.substack.com) to subscribe for weekly creative essays, filmmaking resources, and deep dives into production life. Connect with the Portfolio: Explore my complete commercial video production portfolio, directing reel, and active social channels anytime at linktr.ee/clinttill (https://linktr.ee/clinttill). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe (https://clinttill.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

3. 

   29 Jul 2026

   Don't let words become your cage

   In this episode of The Persistence of Vision podcast, host Clint Till sits down with Emmy-nominated Executive Producer and award-winning writer-director Marti King Young. Tracking her diverse 20-year creative path, Marti pulls back the curtain on transitioning from a high-stakes career as an EMT to 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 EMT to 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 (https://www.dehancer.com/). 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. Key Takeaways Braid Athletic Discipline into Creative Projects: Drawing from her history training for the Olympic gymnastics team, Marti emphasizes approaching script critiques like an athlete handles muscle soreness. Separate your identity from the pages, look past the sting of feedback, and welcome rigorous revisions as the necessary "pain" that builds an exceptional final project. Filter Notes Objectively, Throw Out the Subjective: Learn to filter incoming script notes into two distinct buckets. Objective notes fix mechanical plot holes and structural weaknesses; subjective notes simply reflect what the reader would do if it were their project. Protect your authorial voice by discarding subjective notes entirely. Trade Transactional Networking for Authentic Friendship: Approaching industry events with a checklist of contacts creates an awkward, artificial dynamic. Instead, lower the pressure by setting a simple goal to walk away with just two genuine, authentic friends. People naturally protect and hire the creative professional they actually know and care about. Shatter the Myths of Ageism: Age is a social construct that has no place in a creative career. Reject the limiting belief that it is "too late" to start, pivot, or scale up in video production. True creative empowerment comes from refusing to let industry timelines or gatekeepers dictate when you are allowed to tell your stories. Resources and Links Mentioned Featured Post-Production Tool: Dehancer Film Emulation Plugin (https://www.dehancer.com/) (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 (https://www.vanderbilt.edu/). Community & Non-Profit Work: Independent filmmaking initiatives at the DeSoto Arts Institute (https://desotoarts.com/). Show Substack & Articles: Read weekly filmmaker profiles and behind-the-scenes essays at clinttill.substack.com (http://clinttill.substack.com). Connect Online: View Clint's complete directing portfolio and corporate video services at linktr.ee/clinttill (https://linktr.ee/clinttill). Calls to Action Subscribe to the Show: Tap the follow button on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred player to get fresh, inspiring interview episodes delivered every month. Rate and Review: Love the insights from this conversation? Leave a 5-star rating and a brief review to help our indie film podcast climb the charts! Join the Paid Tier: Support independent media production by unlocking premium articles, bonus audio clips, and exclusive filmmaker resources on our Substack page. Share the Vision: Know a fellow director, writer, or editor wrestling with imposter syndrome? Send them a link to this episode to give them an extra boost of creative momentum today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clinttill.substack.com/subscribe (https://clinttill.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)

Who has been a guest on Persistence of Vision

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Karen Kizzire
• Mitchell Cole
• Joshua Caldwell
• Anna Birkedahl
• Allyson Morgan

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

1,182

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

10

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

0

Contact Persistence of Vision

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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