Turn Your S**t Into Ice Cream' Lindsay Stidham Making $50K Features, Teaching & AFI Film School #29
# From Script to Screen: Insights from Filmmaker Lindsay Stidham
Lindsay Stidham is a force to be reckoned with in the indie film world. As a screenwriter, director, and educator, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her early success and continued evolution in the industry. In our recent interview, Lindsay shared valuable insights about her journey, creative process, and the state of modern filmmaking.
## Breaking into the Industry Young
At just 21, Lindsay became one of the youngest fellows ever accepted into the prestigious American Film Institute (AFI). Armed with a journalism background, she quickly proved herself by producing and writing three feature films while still in school, collaborating with her then-partner Drake Doremus. Their first venture, "Moon Pie," was completed on a modest $50,000 budget, demonstrating Lindsay's ability to create compelling content with limited resources.
## Success in Independent Film
Lindsay's path to success includes several notable achievements. She has shepherded two screenplays from conception to theatrical release as a writer/producer: "Spooner," starring Matthew Lillard (which premiered at Slamdance), and "Douchebag" (which debuted at Sundance). Her latest project, "With Love, Your Sweetly Salted," was recently sold, and she's currently working on multiple exciting ventures:
- Adapting Michael Lowenthal's book "Sex with Strangers" for producer Nadia Leonelli
- Developing an innovative interactive sci-fi romantic comedy with producer Sandeep Parikh and director Sammi Cohen
- Creating "Bits and Pieces," a feature film evolved from her short film about two women who discover a dismembered penis in a cooler
## Teaching the Next Generation
Lindsay's impact extends beyond her own filmmaking. She currently teaches screenwriting at several prestigious institutions:
- USC's School of Cinematic Arts
- Cal State Long Beach
- DePaul Los Angeles
Her teaching philosophy emphasizes asking questions rather than giving directive notes, believing that the best learning occurs through guided discovery. She's also developed unique screenwriting courses for USC, Sundance Collab, and Disney Animation's creative executive staff.
## The Evolution of Filmmaking
As someone who has embraced new technology in filmmaking, Lindsay discusses how the industry continues to evolve. She recently directed shorts using iPhone technology, showing how accessible filmmaking has become. Her background in improv comedy influences her creative process, allowing for organic development in both writing and directing.
## Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
Lindsay offers practical wisdom for those considering film school:
1. Carefully weigh the costs and benefits of film education
2. Treat film school like a professional job
3. Consider public education as a pathway to graduate film programs
4. Take advantage of every opportunity and attend all classes
5. Maintain both personal passion projects and commercial scripts
## Looking Forward
Currently, Lindsay continues to push boundaries in both traditional and new media. Her ability to balance teaching with active industry work keeps her connected to both emerging trends and timeless storytelling principles.
For aspiring filmmakers, Lindsay's journey demonstrates the importance of versatility, continuous learning, and maintaining both artistic integrity and commercial awareness in today's evolving film landscape.
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*Want to learn more about Lindsay's work? Follow her on Instagram [@lindsaynellstidham](https://instagram.com/lindsaynellstidham) or check out her profile on [Sundance Collab](https://collab.sundance.org/people/Lindsay-Stidham-1614664741).*
