Advertise on podcast: Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast

Are you spending more time talking about your screenplay than actually writing it? In this episode of Indie Film Hustle, writer-director John Paxton Jr. shares why creative focus, character development, and the discipline to finish your work are essential to becoming a better filmmaker. Known for Rebecca's Window, Mary's Laughter, 800-Pound Gorilla, and the web series Atlantic City Chronicles, John takes us inside his screenwriting process, from carrying notebooks everywhere and observing real people to using music to unlock character emotions and overcome writer's block. He explains why social media can drain a writer's creative energy, why most movie ideas need far more development before becoming screenplays, and how understanding a character's psychology can transform an ordinary script into a compelling story. John also reveals how he developed Atlantic City Chronicles from an original feature-film concept into a multi-season independent web series that attracted millions of views. Drawing on his childhood in Atlantic City, he discusses building authentic characters from personal experience, exploring the lives of returning military veterans, and creating stories that entertain while addressing difficult social issues. We also explore the realities of independent film production, choosing the right actors, building an audience through your own website, navigating online distribution, and protecting creative ownership in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Whether you're struggling to finish your first screenplay, developing a web series, or looking for ways to grow as an independent filmmaker, this conversation offers practical lessons on storytelling, persistence, and building a creative career on your own terms. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 projects, why he continues to hand-draw his films, and how maintaining creative control became one of the most important decisions of his career. Bill takes us behind the scenes of Revengeance, his collaboration with animator and writer Jim Lujan, and the crowdfunding campaigns that helped keep his independent films alive. He discusses investing $50,000–$100,000 of his own money, the unexpected costs of hand-drawn animation, building Kickstarter campaigns with creative rewards, and how a dedicated fanbase can become a filmmaker's greatest financial resource. We also explore his experiences working with The Simpsons creator Matt Groening, restoring classic animation, distributing films directly to audiences, and finding alternative ways to make independent filmmaking financially sustainable. Whether you're an animator, filmmaker, artist, or storyteller looking for a way to create without asking Hollywood for permission, Bill's journey offers a powerful lesson in persistence, independence, and the value of protecting your creative voice. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 the dark humor of Total Recall, this conversation explores what makes a screenplay truly work. Matt also takes us behind the scenes of his extraordinary collaboration with O'Bannon, including watching The Return of the Living Dead with its director, studying classic films together, and helping complete O'Bannon's screenwriting book after his passing. We explore Hollywood's obsession with established intellectual property, why horror remains attractive to independent filmmakers, how to write dialogue actors can actually deliver, and why great storytelling should never be limited by genre. Whether you're writing your first screenplay, rewriting a struggling script, or trying to understand what makes a movie connect with audiences, this conversation offers practical lessons from one of cinema's most original storytellers. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 practical advice for writers trying to break into Hollywood. He discusses when screenwriting formulas can be useful, why emerging writers should build a portfolio before becoming overly experimental, how gatekeepers evaluate scripts, and why writers need to trust their own unique experiences rather than becoming dependent on consultants. Most importantly, Ron argues that professional writing requires discipline: read every day, write every day, accept bad pages, rewrite relentlessly, and approach the work with the consistency of a nine-to-five job. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 assistant, including why screenwriters need to lose their ego, accept notes, and understand that rewriting is part of the job. She recounts one of her wildest producing disasters—having to locate a pregnant horse about to give birth in the middle of a New York winter—and explains why independent filmmakers often need side businesses and multiple income streams while pursuing passion projects. From screenwriting and development to crowdfunding and directing, this conversation offers a practical look at what building a sustainable filmmaking career actually requires. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 understanding the technical jobs around them. Jason also breaks down his screenwriting process, from outlining and character development to writing a rough first draft and rewriting with fresh eyes. He explains how Seahorses evolved through collaboration with its actors, why production design and cinematography should reinforce a movie's central theme, and how he personally financed the film as a passion project before taking it through the festival circuit. Perhaps most importantly for independent filmmakers, Jason discusses why getting a movie onto digital platforms doesn't automatically create an audience. Distribution may make your film available, but getting people to actually watch it remains the filmmaker's challenge. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 Science Theater 3000. Jackey also discusses bringing the franchise back with Manos Returns, including crowdfunding the production, assembling an experienced low-budget filmmaking team, bringing surviving members of the original production back, and working toward making the best movie possible with limited resources. She explains why they didn't want to imitate the accidental qualities that made the original Manos infamous and instead wanted to create a genuine continuation made specifically for its fans. It's a fascinating look at how an independent film can fail, disappear, become a cult phenomenon decades later, and ultimately create opportunities its original filmmakers could never have predicted. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 regardless of what they're writing. The conversation also gets into deadlines, developing your own screenplays, transitioning from writing to production, and Andrew's experience preparing to shoot a musical short film. He discusses casting actors, recording musical tracks before production, scouting locations, planning shots, and the excitement that comes when something that existed only on the page begins becoming a real film. For aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers, Andrew's experience reinforces a practical lesson: preparation matters, but eventually you have to move beyond thinking about making a film and actually start producing it. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 Heat, revealing how its elaborate real-life prank was constructed and why unpredictable reactions created filmmaking challenges unlike those of a traditional feature. Beyond the insanity of Windy City Heat, this conversation offers practical lessons for filmmakers and creators trying to build careers outside the traditional Hollywood system. Don discusses the importance of creating your own opportunities, developing long-term industry relationships, using podcasts and digital platforms to build an audience, and turning that audience into leverage for larger creative projects. From Jimmy Kimmel championing the movie to Quentin Tarantino, Eli Roth, and Jack Black discovering the film, Don’s journey demonstrates how unconventional work can develop a life far beyond its original release—and why filmmakers shouldn't depend entirely on gatekeepers to determine whether their projects get made. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 Second Films built an online audience large enough to help crowdfund a feature after traditional producers passed, how an independent financier came aboard after seeing their momentum, his screenwriting and outlining process, why terrible first drafts are necessary, and the realities of self-distributing an independent movie. He also tells the incredible story behind his connection to The Room and Tommy Wiseau. This conversation is packed with practical lessons for screenwriters, directors, producers, and indie filmmakers trying to turn ideas into finished movies. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 also dives into developing movies for buyers, creating ambitious films on limited budgets, why The Asylum rarely accepts outside scripts, the accidental success of Sharknado, casting challenges, digital distribution, television production, and the importance of relationships in the entertainment business. David’s experience offers filmmakers a rare look at independent cinema from the perspective of someone who doesn’t just make movies—he has helped build an entire system designed to keep making the next one. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 writers should approach rewrites, what separates amateur scripts from professional ones, and why confidence—not perfection—is the key to finishing your first screenplay. Whether you're an aspiring writer, filmmaker, or storyteller, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from someone who's spent decades helping scripts become movies. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 with actors, horror filmmaking, investor relationships, film criticism, remakes, networking, and developing stories that stand apart from Hollywood formulas. Harrison also discusses why strong scripts remain the foundation of every successful film, why writers should focus on telling original stories instead of chasing trends, and how honesty, persistence, and reputation become the most valuable assets any filmmaker can build throughout their career. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 chasing shortcuts, crowdfunding versus private investors, low-budget filmmaking strategies, and how online education has completely changed the way aspiring filmmakers learn their craft. Whether you're writing your first screenplay or polishing your tenth, this episode is filled with practical advice that can save years of frustration and dramatically improve your storytelling. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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, covering fundraising, crowdfunding, writing screenplays, directing actors, story development, working with experienced crews, casting recognizable talent, film distribution, and the changing economics of independent cinema. Greg also shares why writing multiple scripts is essential, how to receive honest feedback, why relationships matter more than shortcuts, and why every setback becomes another lesson that prepares filmmakers for the next opportunity. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.