How do you take an idea that has been "incubating" for half a decade and finally turn it into a finished screenplay?

Today, Cobain and Taylor discuss the writing process behind their upcoming short film, The Actress. This isn't just about writing; it's about taking control in an industry built on rejection. We discuss the psychological impact of accomplishing, why we rewrote our antagonist, and the "momentum magic" that helped us bridge the gap between a vague idea and a shooting script.

Topics Covered:

• From "Idea Lottery" to finished draft: The "Fog to Form" method.
• The plot of The Actress: A horror-thriller satire on Hollywood rejection.
• How we used accountability and rituals to break writer's block.
  

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Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: Taking control of our own story

00:56 – SEGMENT 1: Something That Sparked Something (Fog into Form)

02:55 – Logline: What is "The Actress"?

05:08 – The Spark: How Bob Fosse inspired us in 2019

08:03 – Separating identity from rejection

15:08 – Building Sophia: Creating a character you understand

20:51 – Brain Juice Coffee: Creating Ritual

22:21 – SEGMENT 2: Creative Insight (Momentum is Magic)

24:20 – The "Secret Weapon": Accountability partners

31:26 – Troubleshooting: Rewriting the ending & the villain

40:12 – SEGMENT 3: Creator Check-In (How do you know it's good?)

43:51 – What's Next: The Table Read & Casting Call

Taylor & Cobain discuss how creative pursuits lead to relationships- platonic & romantic. From VW Beetle renovations to dance partners, your creativity just may lead you to your mate.

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ABOUT THE LIFE WE CREATE:

In a world that glorifies perfection, The Life We Create dives into the messy realities of building art, brand, and identity. Hosted by Taylor Joy Stevens and Cobain Rivers, this is the creative culture podcast from Brain Juice Creative. Get ready for unfiltered, reflective, and inspiring conversations about the real creative process. This is the podcast every creative needs.

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Cobain & Taylor talk about their perfectionist hangups when it comes to creativity (& life) and ways in which they overcome perfectionism to let creativity flow.

Mentions & Recommendations:
The Artist Way: https://amzn.to/3TJRCFK
Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning (audible link): https://amzn.to/3xm4Voh

Check out our new coffee!

► Brain Juice Coffee: www.BrainJuiceCoffee.com

Watch & Subscribe on Youtube

ABOUT THE LIFE WE CREATE:

In a world that glorifies perfection, The Life We Create dives into the messy realities of building art, brand, and identity. Hosted by Taylor Joy Stevens and Cobain Rivers, this is the creative culture podcast from Brain Juice Creative. Get ready for unfiltered, reflective, and inspiring conversations about the real creative process. This is the podcast every creative needs.

► Follow Brain Juice Creative:

Instagram

TikTok

► Follow Taylor:

Instagram

TikTok

► Follow Cobain:

X

Instagram