Low-Budget Rebels: An Indie Filmmaking Podcast

Welcome back, Rebels!

In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re digging into one of the most transformative stages of filmmaking: editing. When you finally sit down with your footage, the real story emerges — tone, pace, and emotion all come together in the cut. Today’s guests share how they approach the edit as both a creative playground and a problem-solving tool, shaping their films into their strongest possible versions.

First up, I talk with Jason Zink, filmmaker behind Looky-Loo, about the meticulous planning required for found footage films and how to make sure the edit feels...

Welcome back, Rebels!

In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re diving into one of the most crucial parts of indie filmmaking: working fast and smart on set. When time and money are tight, preparation, communication, and creativity become the tools that keep your project alive. Today’s guests share how they maximize efficiency, adapt when things go wrong, and keep their sets moving without losing the heart of their films.

First up, I talk with Dennis Cahlo, director of The Trouble with Tessa, about the importance of communicating clearly with your crew and collaborators, knowing wher...

Welcome back, Rebels!

In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re tackling one of the most important skills in indie filmmaking: building a film around what you have.From choosing the right location to balancing ambition with practicality, today’s guests share how they shape their movies by leaning into their resources — not fighting against them. We talk about making the most of time and space on set, finding creative solutions when money is tight, and how passion fuels projects when budgets can’t.

First up, I talk with Trenton Judson, director of Bad B*tch, about th...

Welcome back, Rebels! In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re focusing on one of the most visually exciting — and challenging — parts of filmmaking: finding the best shots. From building a shot list to collaborating with your DP, blocking scenes, and adapting on the fly, today’s guests share how they craft compelling visuals while navigating the constraints of indie filmmaking.

First up, I talk with Alex Kahuam about his approach to planning and executing shots for his single-take thriller Failure. We dig into the preparation needed to make every frame count, how to coordinate with your DP under pr...

Welcome back, Rebels! In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re digging into the heart of filmmaking — directing actors and finding authentic performances. From casting the right people to running rehearsals, to supporting your cast through the challenges of shoot days, today’s guests share how they create the conditions for great performances, even on limited budgets.

First up, I talk with Alex Kahuam about his approach to working with actors on his single-take thriller Failure. We get into the unique challenges of one-take filmmaking, how to keep performances consistent over long stretches, and how to give actors the co...

Welcome back, Rebels! In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re diving into a part of filmmaking that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential — sound design. From capturing clean dialogue on set to mixing score and building tension through sound, this week’s guests share how they approach audio on tight schedules and tighter budgets.

First up, I talk with Spooky Madison about building strong communication with your sound team and being aware of audio issues before they become problems. We also discuss what it’s like to mix and master your own projects early on, and how that DIY m...

Welcome back, Rebels! We’re kicking off Season 6 with a deep conversation about finding your genre, defining your storytelling process, and building creative momentum even when things get tough. I’m joined by four incredible filmmakers — each with a unique approach to writing, directing, and creating personal, impactful films on a budget.

First up is Alex Kahuam, director of Forgiveness and the one-take thriller Failure, starring Ted Raimi. Alex and I talk about choosing a subject that resonates deeply, especially when you know you’ll be living with it through the entire filmmaking process. Then I’m joined by Spooky...

On a bonus episode of Low-Budget Rebels podcast, I sat down with Alex Kuhuam to discuss his new impressive, one-take movie FAILURE! starring Ted Raimi.

In this episode we discuss finding a genre and story that speaks to you, making a single-take movie, writing for your cast, blocking and planning for the best shot possible, directing a crew during production, finding the best performances and utilizing the rehearsal process, tricks to getting the best sound design on set, and more.Check out Alex's film FAILURE! now available on all Apple+, Fandago at Home, and other platforms.

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🎙️ This Week on Low-Budget Rebels

My good pal and co-conspirator, Sean Ashley, aka R. S. Trashley, joined me to talk about his latest films, Old Man Slaughter and El Ron.

We also talked about what's happened since our first conversation way back in July of 2019, how to get your movie in a theater, the challenges of pulling together a community, and the process of working collaboratively with your peers on a set.

Check out Sean's Homicide McLeod at https://www.homicidemcleod.com/ and follow Sean at @rstrashley on Instagram!

From the bottom of my h...

🎙️ This Week on Low-Budget Rebels

I was joined by filmmaker and editor Allan Piper to talk about his new movie EVIL SUBLET.

We discuss mixing horror with comedy and the art of surprising the audience, the benefits of working with film, and the challenges that can arise on a film set. We also talked about the gaps between projects, self-funding, ways to adapt and utilize what you have at your disposal, and the joys of screening your movie with people who don't generally watch the types of movies we've made.

Allan and I also discu...

🎙️ This Week on Low-Budget Rebels

I was joined by Ian Martin to discuss his film Cooke Concrete. This unique and methodical film stands out in the low-budget scene, showcasing a sincere commitment to its vision. Blending genres, Cooke Concrete consistently surprises with bold stylistic choices and innovative filmmaking techniques.

In our conversation, Ian and I explored ways to the right tone for your film, understanding your creative process, the early experiences that shape our storytelling, unique distribution opportunities through streaming, and the importance of personal storytelling.

We also chatted about the intriguing mystery behind Cooke...

On today's episode of Low-Budget Rebels, I chatted with director Garry Medeiros and producer Walter Rivero about their film Plaga Zombie: American Invasion, a comedy zombie movie filmed with hilarious camp, nasty jokes, and a relentlessly fun style.

We discuss the process of being able to make a sequel to a cult camp film and why this movie seemed like the right first for the team. We also talked about the styles and movies that influenced their passion for filmmaking, finding locations and people to help with visual effects, finding the motivation to keep going when things hit...

On this week's episode of LOW-BUDGET REBELS, I sat down to chat with director and amazing human Dusty Austin. We discussed her new movie The Beast of Walton St. and how a love of visual effects led to experiments with film and made the process seem possible.

We also discussed finding the genre you prefer, self-discovery of the type of director you want to be,  the challenges of adapting on set when things go wrong, taking the "No's" you receive as possibilities, and trying to balance what you can do to help the independent film community while also c...

In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels Podcast, I had a cup of coffee and chatted with Facing East and This Must Be It director Tommy Baker.

We discussed working with his brother at Half Brothers Media, a production company that they started together, and how they balance contract work with creative ideas. We also talked about how making a film is similar to being in a band, the benefits of learning the craft doing behind-the-scenes projects, getting access to locations that you have available, knowing your role in a specific project, and using the knowledge you've gained throughout...

This week I sat down on two occasions (thanks Hurrican Helene) to chat with filmmaker and genuinely nice guy Tate Hoffmaster about filmmaking and his new movie Pizza Guy 8.

We also discuss working with VHS and other media to create art, Troma and its influence on low-budget filmmaking, assessing criticism of films, and things we've learned on set. We also talk about our scripting process and improvising ideas. This and so much more! Ch

eck out Tate's work at https://www.youtube.com/@GuyBacon13 and follow him on social media @xfilescabinet

Have a great...

I had the pleasure of hopping on a call with Micah Khan and discussing his new feature film The Zombie Wedding. Unrelated, but I also had my mic backward the whole time I recorded like an absolute moron. Technical difficulties aside, it was still a wonderful conversation and I hope you all can handle my very hollow-sounding microphone for a week. I hope to not have this issue again for at least a few episodes. Oh the joys of working in a new studio...

Micah and I discussed what it's like to work on projects that we didn't...

This weekend I had the pleasure of chatting with actor and filmmaker Jamie H Jung about all things independent filmmaking!

Jamie and I were both part of the the Rebel Without A Crew: The Series process but in very different capacities. Jamie was an actor in Alejandro Montoya Marin's movie Monday; and on this episode, we compared experiences of what it was like to be on reality TV. Jamie also discusses his adventure in producing his first film The Wedding Night which will be premiering at the Manhattan Film Festival on June 22.

We also discussed the...

This week I had the pleasure of chatting with writer and director Rob Mabry.If you look at our film's synopsis, you can instantly see that my film Greywood's Plot and his The Legend of El Chupacabra have some things in common. Watching the movies, it's interesting how unique both movies are as well!

Rob and I discussed his rise from early days of playing with cameras, to the break in his filmmaking process and coming back to it through 48 hour film fests and making a plethora of shorts, to eventually making his first feature film. We also...

Director Scott McElroy came on the show to discuss his feature film Fey, a twisting, independent psychological-thriller about a rock band that goes to a secluded studio to record their album and finds out they may be in for more than creating tunes and drinking booze.

We discuss a wide variety of independent filmmaking topics including how to direct when you don't have technical knowledge, building a friend and family group that you can call on for help when it's time to get out and make a movie, and tricks for taking advantage of sound design to build...

Even with the busy holiday weekend, I was able to chat with two indie filmmakers who've made some interesting movies and are looking to take them out to theaters and try a new model of low-budget film distribution.

While they're called The Farx Brothers, you'll find out early in this episode that they are not actually brothers. Nick and Kyle are two Minnesota based filmmakers creating short form movies and proof of concept videos. We discuss their background, how they each bring different ideas and style to the projects they make, and new ideas about how they want...

I'm in my studio and recording new episodes of Low-Budget Rebels Podcast! For my first episode in the new studio, I have Romeo's Distress director Jeff Frumess on to talk about what he's been up to since the last time we chatted on the show.

Not only has he been running his patreon page and youtube channel, he's also directed a new film called Gouge Away, and created a gonzo style documentary using diaries and home videos called Kuyashii Gonzo: Blood Visions and Chaos Magic! We also discuss a wide range of topics from the process of finishing a...

On this episode of the podcast, Josh Stifter sits down for a conversation with returning guest Taylor Morden. They discuss what has happened since they recorded the last episode, The Last Blockbuster and it's run on Netflix, the challenges of getting projects off the ground, being hired to direct a movie about Build-a-Bear Workshops, and Taylor's newest adventure in crowdfunding with his horror/comedy Bampire! 

Make sure to go over to bampiremovie.com and help support this fun and unique take on indie monster movies. 

Follow the film on social media @bampiremovie

Ch...

On this episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Michael J Epstein. In his second appearance on the show, he discussed the movies he's directed since the pandemic. Experimenting with mocumentary mixed media projects that included short scenes from other filmmakers during the pandemic and mocumentaries, Michael and his partner Sophia Cacciola have made three incredibly experimental films including The Transformations of the Tranformations of The Drs. Jenkins, The Once and Future Smash, and End Zone 2. We discuss the making of these films, how the pandemic effected them, and the process of distibution for these truly...

This Is Your Song is a beautiful, sad, and completely unique film about relationships gained and lost.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with independent filmmaker Hassan Said to talk about the process of making such an ambitious film. Filmed as one long take, the movie tells a story that many of us can relate to - but also will impress the hell out of all you indie filmmakers.

We discussed the casting process, the massive endeavor that is filming large takes, things that can go wrong on a film like this, and why his...

On this weeks episode of Low-Budget Rebels, I had the pleasure of talking with first time feature filmmaker of the new sci-fi comedy Love Virtually L.E. Staiman and his co-writer Cheston Mizel.

We discussed how they got into making movies and why a comedy about the Metaverse seemed enticing. They tell me about the writing process and how it came together during the Covid quarantine, what the biggest challenges were, and how the process of editing this movie challenged them. They also discuss the benefits and shortcomings of relying on visual effects and animation and how Cheston...

I am so excited for you all to hear this weeks episode of Low-Budget Rebels!

My friend Anthony Cousins hopped on the show to talk about his new film FROGMAN and the shorts that helped him get to where he is. We discussed the movies and t.v. shows that introduced us to the world of filmmaking, his decision to pursue filmmaking, and the sacrifices that you have to make to do what you love. We also discuss the challenges of moving from short films to features and the inspiration behind the stories we tell, working with collaborators...

Happy Monday!

And we're rollin' into it with a brand new podcast episode. Liz Manashil is a wonderfully different type of director than the folks I usually get on the show. Her two features, Bread & Butter and Speed of Life, are fascinating character studies that are not only low-budget inspiring but a type of movie that makes me want to work outside of the box. She also was the kind of candid chatter that I LOVE to have on the show. She discussed growing up as a precocious and quiet child, the anxiety that comes with filmmaking, and...

I've decide to release this episode early for everyone so that we can help get the word out that the amazingly talents and interesting Izzy Lee is making a feature film and needs your support!

Izzy Lee is a visionary low-budget short film director who is embarking on the adventure of creating her first feature length horror film called House of Ashes. You can help donate to the campaign today by going to : https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/izzylee/house-of-ashes-a-horror-feature-film-by-izzy-lee

In this episode, Izzy and I talk about the social issues that had her go from...

Happy Monday!

On this weeks episode, I talked to RUB director and writer Christopher Fox about his style of filmmaking. We discussed his start in audio recording and engineering, along with playing in bands, and how it led him to making movies. We also chat about the writing process, wearing multiple hats on a movie set, the few positive things that can come creatively from utilizing AI, watching movies that inspired us as kids, finding ideas for films in your reality, hunting down sets that you know you have access to, the early work that motivated us to...

Hey, everybody. It's time for another Low-Budget Rebels conversation!

In this episode, Rob Hagans and I sat down to chat about his films and the process of making them. Rob is the talented DIY filmmaker behind indie films such as Barbara and Around the World. We discuss filmmaker gear and the ability to use what you have to bring your stories to life, how the low-budget film medium allows for you to make raw and unique films, the joys of American filmmaking and the ability it grants low-budget filmmakers to have so much at their disposal, and how...

Happy Monday, everyone!

On this weeks LOW-BUDGET REBELS, I chatted with the wonderful producer of FAITH BA$ED - Luke Barnett. I've chatted with Luke a bit on social media and we've tried to put together an episode for awhile but it's finally come together into one of the most informative podcast episodes to date!Luke and I discussed the shift from focusing on acting to producing and what lead him to making his movie Faith Ba$ed the way that he and his team did.

He talks about his start at Funny Or Die and...

We're back with a brand new season of Low-Budget Rebels podcast!

In this episode, I sat down with the director of an interesting dark comedy called THE IMPROVISOR to talk about his film, the process of making it, and what he learned about filmmaking along the way. We discuss the early stages of finding inspiration and attempting to learn the craft of storytelling, the amount of time it can take to create a low-budget feature, ways to work with your cast and crew when you don't have a large budget, and tricks to pulling people together to get...

We've reached the end of Season 4!

On this episode, I was joined by the highly recommended Roman Jossart. He's directed multiple feature films and produced a plethora of content over his short but prolific career in indie horror. In this episode, Roman and I discuss those early days of having the realization that, 'It's time to just go make a movie!'

He tells the tale of how he gambled on himself and bought his first gear to make his first feature (without ever making a real short!) and how his friend who convinced him backed...

It's time once again for another Low-Budget Rebels podcast.

On this week's episode, I had a blast chatting with U.K.-based filmmaker Daniel Pacquette. Daniel has been a part of many productions (including one of my favorite films ever!) and has made low-budget features such as the romantic comedy Ghosted. In this episode, we talk about balancing creativity with practicality, the plight of the independent filmmaker to overcome falling into only seeing our faults but instead, learning to grow, and the building blocks that you can learn from on every project. We also talk about self-motivation and...

It's that time of the week!

A brand new Low-Budget Rebels podcast episode is here!

I sat down to chat with U.K. producer, actor, writer and filmmaker Hector Helsing. His company, Thulsa Doom Video, has produced over 40 short films and two features over the past few years. He talks about forming this business with two other filmmakers, how the pandemic pushed them to begin this artistic journey, and where it's led them to today. He also discusses his journey from studying with the prospect of being a doctor, to going to acting school, and the...

On this week's episode of Low-Budget Rebels, I was finally able to get BLUE MOON director Matthew Alson Thornbury on to talk about his process and all this independent film.

We talk about those early memories in our lives and how they shaped our filmmaking goals, getting ideas out of our heads, the cathartic need to put ideas out in whatever way possible, and the strange art of directing ourselves in features.

We also talk about the wonderful John Orr, the benefit of being able to call on friends to help on truly indie projects, and...

Every once in a while I do one of these shows and someone brings a completely unique perspective that surprises me.

This week's guest - Tony Gapastione - did exactly that. In my research for the episode, I looked into Tony's background and came to find out we had a similar upbringing. An upbringing that eventually led us both to making low-budget indie films. Tony has a wonderfully positive perspective, even through some trying and difficult situations. He talks about how using letdowns and trials to motivate him.

We talk about how going to film festivals...

On this week's episode of the Indie Film Hustle Network podcast LOW-BUDGET REBELS, I sat down with Director and Producer of many films including the up-and-coming CRAVE, Jason Horton, to discuss all this indie film.

We talk about how to make money as an independent filmmaker, the way documentaries can help fund passion projects, and the need to find a niche in the market when looking to find an audience. We also discuss his means of getting into the film industry, taking jobs that would help him learn the ins and outs of filmmaking, the specific types of...

There's nothing better than being inspired by one of my own podcasts -- and this was definitely one of those! Writer turned producer turned director Samuel W. Reed joined me to have a conversation about how he went from attempting to make a living writing in LA to eventually falling into producing. We discuss the perils of attempting to write spec scripts and how that's challenging in the modern market and what it means to be a "producer" on low-budget films (spoiler alert: you have to wear a lot of hats.)

Samuel also opens up about how the...

If you like creepy, messed up, visually stimulating found-footage movies - have I got a picture for you! Robbie Banfitch took time to join me to discuss his new film THE OUTWATERS. It's a trip of a flick made on a shoestring budget. It is the exact kind of inspirational, DIY experiment in filmmaking that I love to talk about and I had a wonderful conversation with Robbie.

We discuss the pressures of releasing a film, the process of creating a found footage movie and where the title "The Outwaters" came from, our love of reality t.v...