Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast

What happens when Hollywood refuses to finance your movies—but you refuse to stop making them? In this episode of Indie Film Hustle, legendary independent animator and two-time Academy Award nominee Bill Plympton reveals how he built an extraordinary career by following his artistic vision instead of the traditional Hollywood system. From his early days as a New York illustrator to his breakthrough animated short Your Face, his work on The Simpsons, and his independently produced feature films, Bill shares the realities of creating original animation without relying on major studios. He also explains why Hollywood repeatedly passed on his pr...

What made Alien, Total Recall, and The Return of the Living Dead unforgettable? In this episode of Indie Film Hustle, award-winning screenwriter and author Matt R. Lohr shares the screenwriting lessons he learned while working directly with legendary filmmaker Dan O'Bannon, the creative mind behind some of science fiction and horror cinema's most influential stories. As co-author of The Dan O'Bannon Guide to Screenplay Structure, Matt reveals how O'Bannon approached storytelling, why structure matters more than blindly following formulas, and how the greatest genre films create unforgettable characters, escalating tension, and emotional investment. From the genre-changing midpoint of Alien to...

Screenwriter, story analyst, and editor Ron Peters takes us inside the craft of professional screenwriting through his experiences working on projects including Defiance, The Wolf of Wall Street, Fury, and Twin Peaks. Ron breaks down how he approaches a screenplay—first experiencing it as an audience member, then analyzing structure and character—and explains why compelling characters can matter even more than perfect structure. He also explores the importance of understanding your antagonist, internal conflict, and why The Wolf of Wall Street could use Jordan Belfort's own greed and self-obsession as powerful sources of antagonism.

Ron also shares prac...

Writer, producer, and director Miranda Sajdak takes us inside the realities of building a filmmaking career from the ground up. After studying film at Columbia, Miranda worked on graduate student productions before landing PA opportunities on major movies including The Bourne Ultimatum and Cloverfield. She explains what film school actually gave her, why it isn't necessary for everyone, how networking opens doors in Hollywood, and what filmmakers can learn by moving between massive union productions and scrappy independent sets where everyone has to become more resourceful.

Miranda also shares lessons from working as a writers’ and showrunner’s assi...

Filmmaker Jason Kartalian grew up around movie sets through his father, character actor Buck Kartalian, whose credits included Planet of the Apes, Cool Hand Luke, and The Outlaw Josey Wales. That early exposure eventually led Jason behind the camera, where he developed his own approach to writing, directing, cinematography, and independent production. In this conversation, Jason explains why the most valuable filmmaking lessons often happen outside the classroom, how directors can preserve an actor's energy by avoiding unnecessary coverage, why he likes getting an entire scene in a master before chasing additional shots, and why indie directors benefit enormously from...

Actress, artist, and producer Jackey Neyman takes us behind the scenes of one of the strangest cult movies in filmmaking history: Manos: The Hands of Fate. Jackey was only six years old when her father joined the production and brought far more than his performance to the movie—he also provided sets, props, costumes, furniture, a car, a Doberman, and his daughter for the cast. Jackey remembers what it was actually like making the ultra-low-budget production, watching the disastrous original premiere, and seeing a movie everyone involved tried to forget suddenly find an enormous new audience decades later through Mystery Sc...

Entertainment writer, screenwriter, and independent filmmaker Andrew Bloomenthal joins the show to discuss what years of interviewing working screenwriters and directors taught him about storytelling, preparation, and the filmmaking business. Andrew explains how his background in financial journalism unexpectedly opened the door to entertainment writing, eventually giving him opportunities to interview filmmakers including Oliver Stone and Michael Moore and contribute to publications such as Creative Screenwriting and Script Magazine. He also shares why every assignment should be treated as a calling card, how detailed research produces better conversations with filmmakers, and why writers need to develop an economy of words...

What happens when Hollywood never comes knocking?

Comedian, filmmaker, podcaster, and longtime Jimmy Kimmel collaborator Don Barris shares the unconventional journey that eventually led to the cult comedy Windy City Heat. After leaving Michigan for California, Don struggled through stand-up, lived in his car for extended periods, and spent years developing his own comedy projects rather than waiting for Hollywood to discover him. That persistence eventually connected him with Jimmy Kimmel and helped transform an unusual Comedy Store concept into one of the strangest cult comedies ever produced. Don also takes us behind the scenes of Windy City...

What happens when Hollywood keeps saying no, but you refuse to stop making movies?

Filmmaker and screenwriter Michael Rousselet shares the unconventional path that took him from USC film school to creating more than 1,500 Five Second Films and eventually co-writing and directing the cult comedy Dude Bro Party Massacre III. Michael breaks down what film school actually taught him, why failure is essential to becoming a better filmmaker, how constant production sharpened his craft, and why filmmakers need to stop waiting for permission and start creating with whatever resources they have.

Michael also reveals how Five...

How do you build an independent film studio that produces movies constantly without betting the entire company on every release?

In this episode, David M. Latt, co-founder of The Asylum, breaks down the unconventional business model behind one of the most prolific independent production companies in Hollywood. From working out of an apartment to releasing dozens of films, creating Sharknado, and expanding into television with Z Nation, David explains how pre-sales, strict budgeting, vertical integration, and relentless production allowed The Asylum to survive while much of the traditional independent film market changed around them.

The conversation...

What does it really take to become a professional screenwriter?

In this fascinating conversation, Glenn Benest—screenwriter of two Wes Craven films, producer, novelist, and longtime Hollywood mentor—shares the lessons that transformed his career. From adapting A Stranger in Our House to collaborating with Wes Craven on Deadly Blessing, Glenn reveals why most aspiring writers focus on the wrong things, why film school isn't always the answer, and why the screenplay itself is the only calling card that truly matters.

The discussion also dives into the development of Scream, the importance of finding world-class mentors, how...

Success in filmmaking rarely comes from waiting for permission.

In this episode, horror filmmaker Harrison Smith shares the lessons he learned from building a career through writing, producing, and directing independent films like The Fields, Six Degrees of Hell, Camp Dread, and Zombie Killers: Elephant's Graveyard. From working at Universal Studios to producing feature films on modest budgets, Harrison explains why experience on real film sets teaches lessons no classroom can replicate and why every filmmaker eventually has to stop studying movies and start making them. 

The conversation covers independent film production, screenwriting, directing, financing, working w...

Writing a screenplay is easy. Writing one that Hollywood actually wants to read is something entirely different. In this episode, veteran screenplay consultant David Hohl shares decades of experience helping writers transform rough ideas into professional screenplays. From outlining and story structure to networking, screenplay contests, and script consultants, David explains why most first-time writers fail—not because they lack talent, but because they skip the preparation that professional writers never ignore.

The conversation also explores why horror remains one of the smartest genres for filmmakers looking to break into the industry, the importance of building relationships instead of...

On today's episode, filmmaker Greg Francis shares the incredible journey behind making his first feature film, Poker Night, after spending more than a decade fighting to bring it to the screen. From growing up in Taiwan as the son of missionaries to discovering filmmaking through public access television and documentary work, Greg explains how persistence—not overnight success—became the defining theme of his career. He discusses raising financing, navigating Hollywood, losing major actors, rebuilding projects from scratch, and why surviving the filmmaking business often matters more than immediate success.

The conversation is packed with practical filmmaking wisdom, cove...

Breaking into Hollywood has never followed a single formula, and Jeanne Veillette Bowerman proves that some of the most successful careers begin far outside Los Angeles. After owning a motel and restaurant for fifteen years, Jeanne reinvented herself as a screenwriter, eventually becoming the editor of Script Magazine, co-founder of the influential #ScriptChat community, and a respected voice in the screenwriting world. She shares how social media transformed her career, why networking online opened doors traditional methods never could, and how writers today can build meaningful relationships that lead to real opportunities instead of simply chasing representation.

The...

What starts as a spontaneous idea during a cold morning outside a locked office eventually becomes a life-changing adventure stretching across an entire continent.

In this episode, filmmaker Mark Phillips shares the incredible story behind The Walking Fool, a documentary chronicling his attempt to walk from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. What began as a personal challenge quickly evolved into a decade-long journey involving failure, perseverance, self-discovery, and ultimately a second attempt that forced him to confront unfinished business. Along the way, Mark reveals the realities of filming a documentary while living on the road, balancing...

What does it take to spend more than two decades creating creatures, monsters, and makeup effects for Hollywood before finally stepping behind the camera to direct your own feature film?

In this episode, legendary special effects artist Hiroshi Katagiri shares his remarkable journey from moving to Los Angeles as a teenager from Japan to working on films like Pacific Rim, Cabin in the Woods, Green Lantern, The Time Machine, and countless other productions. Along the way, Hiroshi reveals how practical effects shaped his understanding of storytelling, why independent filmmakers should focus on what they can control, and how...

What if the reason your screenplay isn't getting attention has nothing to do with your writing ability?

In this eye-opening conversation, Lane Shefter Bishop—known throughout Hollywood as "The Book Whisperer"—breaks down the single most important tool every writer needs: the logline. Having built a career discovering books before publication and developing them into film and television projects, Lane reveals why most writers struggle to sell their work, how executives evaluate ideas in seconds, and why being unable to explain your story in one compelling sentence is often the first sign something is fundamentally wrong with the proj...

What does a career look like when it spans cult films, Bollywood productions, Hollywood boardrooms, and ultimately a complete reinvention of purpose?

In this episode, Will Keenan shares one of the most unconventional journeys in entertainment. From landing the lead role in Tromeo and Juliet alongside a young James Gunn to producing independent films, working in Bollywood, and eventually becoming an executive at Maker Studios, Endemol, and Streamup, Will offers a rare insider perspective on how the entertainment industry transformed from traditional filmmaking into the digital era.

But this conversation goes far beyond career milestones. Will...

What separates a good cinematographer from one that directors, producers, and talent repeatedly trust with high-pressure productions?

In this episode, cinematographer Jared Hess shares hard-earned lessons from over a decade shooting for ESPN, WWE, Bellator, and major fight promotions. From filming in dangerous neighborhoods and chaotic gyms to working directly with elite athletes and unpredictable environments, Jared explains why technical skill alone is never enough. The real job is managing people, emotions, pressure, and trust while still delivering cinematic images under impossible conditions.

But beneath the stories of cameras and production lies a deeper conversation about...

What happens when a lifelong wrestling fan decides to document one of the most chaotic and misunderstood subcultures in entertainment history?

In this episode, filmmaker John Philapavage breaks down the 13-year journey of creating Barbed Wire City, the unauthorized documentary about ECW and the culture surrounding extreme wrestling. From tracking down elusive wrestlers and dealing with conflicting stories to surviving crowdfunding, licensing nightmares, and volatile personalities like New Jack, John reveals the brutal realities of making an independent documentary without studio backing.

But beneath the stories of wrestling chaos lies something much deeper: a masterclass in...

What does it really take to make an independent film with almost no money, no studio backing, and no guarantees?

In this episode, filmmakers Bob Woolsey and Darren Borrowman break down the entire chaotic journey of making their indie feature film Do Something with Your Life—from crowdfunding disasters and broken cameras to film festivals, self-distribution, and the harsh realities of today’s indie film marketplace. Along the way, they share invaluable lessons about collaboration, creativity, and why waiting for permission is the fastest way to never make your movie.

The conversation dives deep into crowdfunding stra...

Christopher Downie’s filmmaking journey began the same way many indie filmmakers start—with VHS tapes, cheap cameras, and a deep obsession with movies. But after discovering Kevin Smith’s Clerks and the View Askewniverse films, filmmaking transformed from a hobby into an identity. In this episode, Christopher shares the unbelievable story behind Shooting Clerks, the ambitious biopic about the making of Clerks, and how years of fan films, persistence, and sheer determination eventually earned the support of Kevin Smith himself.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of independent filmmaking: actors not showing up, productions collapsing, hard drives...

What really stops independent filmmakers from succeeding?

According to producer and actress Jenna Edwards, it’s not talent, money, or even connections—it’s the complete lack of a real plan. In this powerful conversation, Jenna shares the hard truths she learned moving from acting on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Malcolm in the Middle into producing independent films. From networking mistakes to ego-driven productions, she explains why most projects collapse long before the camera ever rolls.

But beneath the filmmaking advice is an even deeper story of resilience. After surviving a horrific tragedy that n...

What if the biggest threat to your film isn’t your budget… your script… or even your distribution—but something legal you never even thought about?

In this episode, Nellie Akalp, CEO of CorpNet, breaks down the essential legal foundations every filmmaker must understand before stepping onto set. From LLCs to liability protection, she reveals why treating your film like a real business isn’t optional—it’s survival.

As the conversation unfolds, the deeper truth emerges: filmmaking isn’t just art—it’s structure, protection, and strategy. Nellie explains why each film should be its own entity, how to a...

In this episode, Will Ball—talent agent and founder of a new agency—breaks down the harsh realities of the film and acting industry that most aspiring filmmakers never hear. From the oversaturated market in Los Angeles to the misconception that talent alone leads to success, Will explains why many creatives struggle after chasing the Hollywood dream. He shares firsthand experiences from working in both Philadelphia and LA, revealing how opportunity often depends on timing, positioning, and understanding the business—not just passion.

The conversation also dives into practical strategies for filmmakers and actors trying to build sustainable career...

What happens after you finish your film? For most filmmakers, that’s where the real struggle begins.

In this episode, Liz Manashil—filmmaker and manager at Sundance’s Creative Distribution Initiative—reveals the uncomfortable truth about modern film distribution. From predatory deals to films that never get marketed, she explains why simply getting a distributor is no longer the goal—and why many filmmakers end up losing control of their work in the process.

But there’s a shift happening. Liz breaks down how self-distribution, audience-building, and direct marketing are becoming powerful alternatives. She shares real strategies f...

James Altucher breaks down the real foundation of creativity and why most writers and filmmakers struggle—not because they lack talent, but because they don’t consistently generate ideas. He explains how developing an “idea muscle” through daily practice can completely transform your ability to create stories, solve problems, and build projects. Instead of waiting for inspiration, he reframes creativity as a discipline—something you train every day through repetition and experimentation.

The conversation also dives into filmmaking and screenwriting from a practical perspective, including how to start projects without overthinking, why persistence matters more than perfection, and how to use...

What if the biggest obstacle to your film career… isn’t talent—but misunderstanding how the industry actually works?

In this eye-opening conversation, Bill Ostroff—founder of one of the longest-running indie film festivals—pulls back the curtain on the hidden realities of film festivals, distribution, and why most indie films never reach an audience. From the explosion of fake festivals to the harsh economics behind entry fees, Bill exposes the truths filmmakers rarely hear before spending thousands chasing validation instead of strategy. This episode challenges the romantic idea of “just make a film and success will follow.” Instead, it re...

What if the only thing standing between you and your film career… is you?

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Rob Dimension pulls back the curtain on the real struggles of indie filmmaking—from failed crowdfunding campaigns to the harsh truth about why most people never finish what they start. Drawing from years of experience creating films, building audiences, and navigating the chaos of independent production, Rob breaks down what actually works—and what’s just noise. It’s not about gear, connections, or luck. It’s about execution.

This episode isn’t about inspiration—it’s about accountabi...

Ethan Marten shares his journey from growing up around Hollywood through his father’s connections to forging his own path as an actor, producer, and filmmaker outside the traditional system. From landing early acting roles to learning the realities of auditions, collaboration, and directing, he offers a grounded perspective on what it actually takes to sustain a career in the film industry. His experiences highlight the importance of preparation, adaptability, and understanding both the creative and business sides of filmmaking.

The conversation also dives deep into indie filmmaking realities—raising money, producing projects, navigating distribution, and building films from...

In this episode, Sandra Leviton pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a career in television and film. From her early days working in reality TV to her time at FX during the rise of hit shows like Sons of Anarchy and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, she shares a firsthand look at how the industry has evolved—and why breaking in today is more competitive than ever. She explains the difference between film and television pathways, revealing why TV still relies heavily on a traditional “gatekeeper” system, and why many aspiring creators misunderstand how projects...

Guy Goldstein discusses how his background as both a programmer and screenwriter led to the creation of WriterDuet, one of the most innovative screenwriting tools available today. Recognizing that screenwriting is often a collaborative process, he built software that allows writers to work together in real time rather than sending drafts back and forth.

The result is a platform designed to streamline the creative workflow while eliminating many of the technical frustrations writers face. The conversation explores how programming principles mirror storytelling structure, why better tools can improve a writer’s process, and how collaboration is shaping the fu...

Patrick Epino shares how a simple YouTube video about Hollywood tropes evolved into the crowdfunded feature film Awesome Asian Bad Guys. After building an audience through the National Film Society, Patrick and his team leveraged their online community to raise over $50,000 on Kickstarter. He explains why crowdfunding requires relentless outreach, consistent content creation, and a pre-existing audience rather than blind optimism.

The conversation also explores casting through community relationships, co-directing dynamics, production challenges, and the realities of low-budget filmmaking. Patrick’s journey highlights the power of niche storytelling, audience engagement, and refusing to wait for industry gatekeepers. It’s an...

Jennifer and Kevin Sluder share their journey from North Carolina to Los Angeles and how they built Sunshine Boy Productions into a growing independent film company. Kevin’s early recognition as a screenwriter opened doors, but instead of waiting for projects to materialize, the couple chose to produce their own short films. Their first project ignited a passion for hands-on filmmaking and laid the foundation for their creative partnership.

As their experience grew, so did their ambitions. Jennifer stepped into marketing and branding while Kevin transitioned into directing with Heartless, a Poe-inspired horror short now touring festivals. Their st...

Erman Baradi and Brandon Waites share practical, real-world advice on how to network effectively in Hollywood without coming across as desperate or transactional. Drawing from their own journeys — from military service and film school to building strong online presences — they explain why relationships, not scripts, are the true currency of the film industry. Their discussion highlights the importance of patience, professionalism, and respecting everyone from assistants to executives.

The episode also explores common networking mistakes, the power of mentorship, and why building connections before moving to Los Angeles can dramatically increase your odds of success. Through their platform, The...

Marc Bienstock shares an honest look at what producing really means, drawing from decades of experience on both independent and studio films. From his early days at NYU and directing features to becoming a trusted producer on projects like The Visit and Split, Marc explains how preparation, communication, and team building form the foundation of every successful production. His philosophy centers on supporting the director’s vision while navigating budgets, schedules, and inevitable on-set challenges.

The conversation also explores the business realities of modern filmmaking, including tax incentives, financing strategies, and why producers must be problem-solvers above all el...

David Powers shares his unconventional path into filmmaking, one driven by curiosity rather than credentials. From discovering cinema through genre films and festivals to learning production hands-on through wrestling shoots and indie sets, David explains how real-world experience shaped his understanding of storytelling, collaboration, and problem-solving. His journey highlights how festivals like the New York Asian Film Festival can serve as both inspiration and long-term creative homes.

The conversation also explores burnout, boundaries, and the importance of choosing sustainable paths in film. David discusses learning when to say no, recognizing red flags on set, and finding fulfillment outside...

Aaron Kaufman and Brian Levin share an unfiltered look at how independent filmmakers can build real momentum by creating instead of waiting. Drawing from experiences ranging from YouTube comedy to studio features, they explain the power of the “Rodriguez List”—writing scripts based on the assets you already have. Their approach emphasizes volume, consistency, and learning through execution rather than chasing perfect conditions or external validation.

The episode also explores the realities of producing indie films in a crowded marketplace, from the challenges first-time directors face to the importance of protecting a story’s emotional core. Through lessons learned...

Charmane Star shares her unexpected journey from a small role in Black Dynamite to discovering a deep passion for independent filmmaking. What began as a routine booking evolved into a Sundance Film Festival premiere and a Sony Pictures acquisition, introducing her to the collaborative and global nature of indie cinema. Through international screenings, she gained firsthand insight into how cultural context shapes audience reactions and why universal storytelling matters.

The conversation also explores her work in indie horror and thriller films like Face of Evil and Catch 22, where she embraced physically and emotionally demanding roles. From zombie makeup...