BONUS EP - PRODUCING MERMAID FEATURE FILM

BONUS EP - PRODUCING MERMAID FEATURE FILM

Author: Hilliard Guess March 9, 2026 Duration: 1:15:07

In this BONUS ep - Hilliard sat down with FIA PERERA writer-director-producer of the new coming-of-age feature film he produced with Ryan Lacen, Janice Bergere and Tyler Musikanth on Cape Cod called MERMAID!


We talked all about producing the film from script-to-screen: development, rewrites, shooting the POC short film first, financing the feature film outside the box, crewing up a diverse crew, casting, using your resources to gain production value, production, post and so much more!


Apple podcasts: https://bit.ly/4ulzqnh


There is so much game and tips for filmmakers dying to make their own feature film with a story that's burning deep inside!


@mermaidfeaturefilm written and directed by Fia Perera @pererapictures is heading to its WORLD PREMIERE at @cinequestorg CINEQUEST Film Festival 

🎉Starring @nat_faxon @arturoluizsoria @devyn.mcdowell @marybirdsongofficial @missipyle @tomkiesche @moffatpics @seaangeljenn 


THE WORLD NEEDS THIS POSITIVE STORY. NOW MORE THAN EVER! ✨🧜‍♀️ AND WE NEED YOU! 📣🤩

Right now, in this political climate, LGBTQIA rights, especially trans kids and their families are fighting to simply exist @theglobalactivista tells that story — 

📍 The iconic Hammer Theatre | Downtown San Jose

📅 Saturday, March 14th | 🕖 7:00 PM


💥SUBSCRIBE💥 if you’re serious about writing for TV/Film, leveling up your craft, and staying tapped into real game from working industry pros who KEEP IT GAME ALL DAY.


MERCH (NEW T-SHIRTS/HOODIES), and all things Rant Room!

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YouTube Shorts & Videos!

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@Hilliard Guess on all social media

IG: @ScreenwritersRantRoom


Guest:

@pererapictures


WE ARE NOW OPEN TO SPONSORSHIP AND BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: 

⁠⁠Screenwritersrantroom@gmail.com⁠⁠


Video: 

@JoshuaKazemi


Our Motto: “Keep it GAME all day!”


Step inside a space where the polished veneer of Hollywood gets stripped away, replaced by the raw, unfiltered conversations happening behind the scenes. Screenwriters' Rant Room is guided by Hilliard Guess, a working WGA writer, director, and producer whose own path includes a role as Director of Development and now executive producing an Amazon series. He brings that grounded, insider perspective to every episode. Rather than rehearsed interviews, you’ll hear the kind of frank talk that happens after a long day on set or in a writers’ room. Hilliard sits down with guests or engages with rotating co-hosts, and together they drop what he aptly calls "industry bombs"-those unvarnished truths, frustrating anecdotes, and hard-won insights about writing, producing, and surviving in TV and film. The tone is as hilarious as it is candid, making the complex machinery of entertainment feel human and relatable. This isn't a lecture on structure; it's a living, breathing, and often laughing chronicle of the creative grind. For anyone curious about the real stories behind the screen, this podcast offers a front-row seat to the rants, revelations, and camaraderie that define a life in storytelling.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Screenwriters' Rant Room
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