Ep 254 - Pursuing Your Vision: Writing, Producing, and Raising Funds with William Mikita

On this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, host Geoffrey D. Calhoun connects with writer and producer William Mikita, the creative force behind Chasing 3000—a heartfelt baseball drama that tapped big-name talent like Ray Liotta. William opens up about his life-altering shift from attorney to filmmaker, sparked by a deeply personal story and a refusal to take “no” for an answer.He also teases Brewer’s Boys, the captivating true tale of a 1965 Los Angeles high school baseball team in the midst of the Watts riots—complete with future Major League stars and an inspiring coach. If you’re looking to move your script from the page to the big screen, William’s journey offers a roadmap to resilience, resourcefulness, and remarkable results.

Key Takeaways

1. Finding Your Unique Story
   • How real-life trials sparked William’s passion for writing
   • Transforming personal experiences into universal narratives
2. Overcoming “No” to Get to “Yes”
   • Outside-the-box approaches to film financing, even after multiple rejections
   • Recognizing “no” as a potential “not right now”
3. Becoming a Writer-Producer
   • Taking charge of your project and controlling its trajectory
   • Networking and pitching effectively to attract partners and investors
4. Crafting Scripts That Attract Talent
   • Why honing your screenplay is crucial to winning over A-list actors
   • How feedback and persistence led to Ray Liotta joining Chasing 3000
5. Inside Brewer’s Boys
   • An underdog team rising amid social turmoil in 1960s L.A.
   • How a committed coach and strong team camaraderie defied the odds

Memorable Quote“If people you meet don’t have your vision, just tell them to get out of your way and keep moving forward.” — William MikitaAbout the Guest: William MikitaWilliam Mikita is a writer, producer, and former attorney whose passion for both baseball and authentic storytelling birthed Chasing 3000 and, most recently, Brewer’s Boys. He thrives on developing meaningful narratives drawn from true-life experiences—stories that spark inspiration and resonate with wide audiences.

Connect with William Mikita

• Facebook: Bill Mikita
• LinkedIn: Bill Mikita
• X (Twitter): @BillMikita

About the Host:
Geoffrey D. Calhoun is the founder of The Successful Screenwriter and best-selling author of The Guide for Every Screenwriting, with films featured on network television and streaming. Through his podcast, blog, YouTube channel, and online community, Geoffrey shares practical, creative insights designed to empower screenwriters at every stage of their careers.

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun

• Website: TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com
• Instagram: @screenwriterpod
• TikTok: @screenwriterpod

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Listen Now:
Tune in to learn how William Mikita turned personal tragedy into a cinematic triumph, and why perseverance, strategic pitching, and unwavering faith in your script can open doors you never knew existed. This episode is a must-listen for anyone determined to see their stories come to life on screen.

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