Hi Reader,

What a year it’s been.

Looking back on 2025, I’m honestly filled with gratitude - not just for the things I got to create, but for the people who’ve supported me along the way. That means YOU. Whether you've watched my videos, joined my courses, booked a coaching session, or just sent a kind message - you’ve helped make this year one of the most meaningful of my creative life.

So before we head into 2026, I wanted to take a minute to reflect, share some personal highlights, and let you in on a few creative resolutions I’ve set for the year ahead (and maybe some you’ll want to borrow, too).

🎬 2025 Highlights

📽️ My feature film Contamination hit the screen​
This one was big. From script to set to the final cut, Contamination was a story that challenged and pushed me as both a writer and director. It took months of writing, research (especially into military life and mindset), preproduction, filming, and post, before it was ready to screen. And the amazing response - from both audiences and actual military personnel - has meant the world to me. Thank you for supporting this film.

🎥 Screenings & Festivals​
We had multiple showings throughout the year - some of which were completely sold out - and even more coming in January 2026. It’s been surreal seeing something that started as a rough idea on the page come to life in theaters and festivals in such a wonderful way.

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🧠 Coaching with writers around the world​
From page one rewrites to career strategy sessions, I’ve had the honor of helping writers of all skill and experience levels this year through my story coaching and Rewrite to Greenlight method. If we’ve worked together in 2025 - thank you. You’ve inspired me more than you know.

🎓 My Zero to Hero Screenwriting Course​
This course launched with a great response - and I’ve already had people ask when the next round is happening. (Spoiler: very soon. Stay tuned.) I’m so excited to keep building this into something bigger in 2026.

🎙 Reels, YouTube videos, and more​
From short-form tips to long-form deep dives, my mandate is to pay it forward with everything I've learned. I’ve kept creating resources to help you feel more confident in your writing process - and I’ve got even more coming next year.

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✍️ Resolutions for 2026 (For Me… and Maybe for You Too)

• Write for joy, not just deadlines
• Finish a story that scares me a little
• Say no to projects that don’t align with my values
• Help even more writers unlock their own stories
• Watch more movies - without multitasking
• Take time to travel and refill the creative tank
• Be fully present with family, especially when I’m not “on”
• Stay grateful. Stay curious. Stay weird.

If you’re setting creative goals for yourself this year, I hope they include things like:

• Writing what feels real to you - even if it doesn’t follow the rules
• Being kinder to yourself during the messy middle
• Giving your stories the time and attention they deserve
• And knowing that you don’t have to do this alone

🎁 One Last Creative Gift for the Year

If you’re looking to start 2026 with clarity, energy, and momentum, I’m offering $50 off my one-hour coaching call until midnight Dec 31 with the code SANTA50.

We can talk story, scripts, career, motivation - whatever you need most right now.
Come as you are. I’ll meet you there.

📌 Use code SANTA50 at checkout.
🎄 Book Your Session + Use Code SANTA50​

Book Your Coaching Call Here!

🎉 One Final Note for the Year

From my creative heart to yours: Thank you.

Thank you for reading, for writing, for watching, and for believing in stories.

Here’s to a 2026 full of ideas, breakthroughs, messy drafts, unexpected characters, surprising plot twists - and the strength to keep going, even when it’s hard.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Let’s make something unforgettable!

Neil

P.S. Check out my feature film, Spin the Wheel - out now on Tubi!

Click here to watch for FREE: https://tubitv.com/movies/100030151/spin-the-wheel​

Learn more about storytelling, screenwriting, and filmmaking:​ www.neilchasefilm.com.

Looking for in-depth help with your script, story or film? Check out my one-on-one coaching services here.

Check out my Gothic horror-western novel, Iron Dogs, available in eBook, print, and audiobook.

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