You hear “indie movie about drug addicts”, you might think “oh, here we go again”, but 'Body Brokers' is not your typical indie with drug addicts in it. Thuc Nguyen speaks with writer-director John Swab about his new film based on his real-life experiences as a recovering drug addict who was “brokered” and who “did some brokering”.

In this monthly column, Jenna Avery will be answering your questions, anonymously, about navigating the ups and downs of writing, being a writer, and living a writer’s life, specific to your unique circumstances.

Andrew Bloomenthal interviews 'Silk Road' writer/director Tiller Russell about the real-life rise and fall of cyber drug honcho Ross Ulbricht.

The considerations that fall under the health and safety banner aren’t the most glamorous, nor the most creative or even seam the most efficient financially, but they are essential to the successful completion of a project with the barest minimum risk of life, limb and dollars in the long run. Especially in times like these, considerations of keeping a film environment as healthy and safe as possible is paramount. And how do you as the writer fit in? It depends...

'Palmer' is one of those films you watch and watch again, not because of the glitz and glamour - it's far from it. It's because of the connection to the characters and slice of life story. We have screenwriter Cheryl Guerriero to thank for that. Through her ten-year journey to getting this movie made, she proves that perseverance, endurance, and talent are key components to making your passion project.

The great paradox is this: Constraints cultivate creativity.