Hi Reader,

I just got back from Los Angeles, where my feature film Contamination had its world premiere at the Southern California International Film Festival - and wow, what a trip.

I was joined by three incredible collaborators:

• David Heacock, my co-director
• Preston Ewasiuk, our producer
• Tyler Sabourin, one of our lead actors

Together, we spent three whirlwind nights soaking up every bit of movie magic that LA had to offer.

Our screening took place in Glendale, CA, and it was surreal seeing Contamination play to a packed audience. There’s something special about watching your own film with people who don’t know you - hearing their reactions, their laughter, their gasps.

After the credits rolled, we had a Q&A session that went deep. The audience asked about everything - from our budget and filming challenges to performances, character choices, and our unique shooting locations. It turned into a real conversation about creativity and resourcefulness - two things every indie filmmaker knows well.

Between screenings and panels, we met an amazing mix of filmmakers, producers, actors, and fans. We even had a few meetings with industry folks in some truly wild settings - think private clubs in Beverly Hills and chats overlooking the Santa Monica Pier.

We also got a private tour of Paramount Studios, which was incredible for anyone who grew up loving movies. And because no LA trip is complete without playing tourist, we made sure to see Hollywood Boulevard, Griffith Observatory, and Warner Bros Studios.

Every day felt like a highlight reel - new faces, new conversations, new possibilities.

If you’re a filmmaker or storyteller, attend festivals whenever you can. Seriously.

• You get to experience your work with an unbiased audience, which is the ultimate test of your story.
• You meet people who speak your creative language, and sometimes one conversation can change your career.

We came home with more than memories - we came home with new partnerships already in motion. Hearing someone say, “We have to work together” after watching your film? That’s one of the best feelings in the world.

​

Film is a collaborative art. Whether you’re on set, in the edit suite, or in a festival lobby swapping stories - you’re reminded that we’re all in this to create something that connects.

Helping other writers and filmmakers bring their stories to life is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

That’s why I created my Rewrite to Greenlight Method - a 90-day, one-on-one program where I work closely with writers to take a script from “maybe” to “marketable”.

It’s not just notes. It’s a full collaboration - deep dives into story, structure, theme, character, and emotional impact. We work side by side until your screenplay is ready for the industry.

If you’ve got a finished script that you believe in, but it hasn’t quite found its spark, this might be the right next step.

Here’s to connection, collaboration, and the stories that move us forward. Stay creative!

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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