Podcast
Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast
Hosted by Indie Film Hustle · EN
The Indie Film Hustle Podcast is your #1 source for how to hack the film business and indie film world! The show is here to help as many indie filmmakers as I could. We wanted to bring the best guests, industry leaders, creative legends, and film business friends to you, the IFH Tribe.
Some of the past guests include 3X Oscar® Winning Writer/Director Oliver Stone, Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black), Alex Proyas (The Crow, I, Robot), James V. Hart (writer Dracula, Hook), John August (Big Fish, Aladdin), Jim Uhls (writer of Fight Club), Oscar® Winner Russell Carpenter (DP of Avatar, Titanic) Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces, The Grey), and David F. Sandberg (Shazam!) to name a few.
We hope this podcast can help you along your journey as an artist, filmtrepreneur, filmmaker, screenwriter, and as a human being.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
Some of the past guests include 3X Oscar® Winning Writer/Director Oliver Stone, Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black), Alex Proyas (The Crow, I, Robot), James V. Hart (writer Dracula, Hook), John August (Big Fish, Aladdin), Jim Uhls (writer of Fight Club), Oscar® Winner Russell Carpenter (DP of Avatar, Titanic) Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces, The Grey), and David F. Sandberg (Shazam!) to name a few.
We hope this podcast can help you along your journey as an artist, filmtrepreneur, filmmaker, screenwriter, and as a human being.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
IFH 865: The Screenwriting Blueprint Every First-Time Writer Needs with David Hohl
6d ago00:45:44Tap to summarizeWriting 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.
Transcribe →IFH 864: The Brutal Truth About Getting Your First Film Made with Greg Francis
2w ago01:35:24Tap to summarizeOn 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.
Transcribe →IFH 863: How One Tweet Can Change Your Screenwriting Career with Jeanne Veillette Bowerman
3w ago01:07:33Tap to summarizeBreaking 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 conversation dives deep into practical screenwriting advice, including outlining versus discovery writing, choosing marketable concepts, rewriting, screenplay contests, pitching, script coverage, building an online presence, and the mindset required to survive the entertainment industry. Jeanne also offers candid insights into balancing a full-time career with writing, why every screenwriter should have a website, how to use social media professionally, and why generosity often becomes the greatest networking strategy a filmmaker can develop.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
Transcribe →IFH 862: The Filmmaker Who Turned Failure Into a Feature Film with Mark Phillips
4w ago00:55:44Tap to summarizeWhat 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 personal experience with storytelling, and documenting an adventure that was never originally intended to become a feature film.The conversation explores independent documentary filmmaking, audience building, crowdfunding, low-budget production, storytelling, and the unique challenges of turning years of footage into a compelling narrative. Mark discusses what he learned from quitting halfway through his first attempt, why he returned years later to finish what he started, and how modern filmmakers can use community engagement and social media to build audiences long before a project is complete. Equal parts travel adventure and filmmaking masterclass, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories emerge when a creator simply starts moving forward.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
Transcribe →IFH 861: How a Hollywood Creature Creator Made His First Feature Film with Hiroshi Katagiri
Jun 3000:34:03Tap to summarizeWhat 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 years of experience creating creatures prepared him for directing his first feature-length horror film.The conversation dives deep into low-budget filmmaking, visual storytelling, practical effects, storyboarding, horror filmmaking, crowdfunding, and the realities of building a career in Hollywood. Hiroshi explains why aspiring filmmakers should stop waiting for permission and start creating immediately, how he produced award-winning short films with almost no budget, and why his passion project Gehenna became an eight-year journey of writing, planning, and persistence. For filmmakers, horror fans, and creative entrepreneurs, this episode is a masterclass in turning expertise into opportunity and passion into action.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
Transcribe →IFH 860: Hollywood’s Book Whisperer Reveals Why Most Scripts Never Sell with Lane Shefter Bishop
Jun 2300:39:50Tap to summarizeWhat 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 project itself.Drawing from years of experience working with major studios, publishers, producers, and bestselling authors, Lane shares practical insights on storytelling, character goals, stakes, theme, structure, and pitching. From identifying weak protagonists to diagnosing story problems before a screenplay is even written, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for screenwriters, novelists, filmmakers, and content creators who want to create stories that not only work creatively but also stand a real chance of selling in today's competitive marketplace.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
Transcribe →IFH 859: What James Gunn Taught Me About Success with Will Keenan
Jun 1601:17:49Tap to summarizeWhat 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 delivers a brutally honest look at why most independent films fail, how online audiences have become the new gatekeepers of success, why creators should stop waiting for permission, and how YouTube has replaced many of Hollywood’s traditional discovery systems. The discussion culminates in his decision to leave Hollywood behind and create St. Babs, a nonprofit foundation honoring his mother’s legacy, proving that sometimes the most meaningful chapter of a creative life begins after professional success.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
Transcribe →IFH 858: The Cinematographer’s Secret to Making Actors Trust You with Jared Hess
Jun 900:37:45Tap to summarizeWhat 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 collaboration, leadership, and surviving the modern filmmaking industry. Jared breaks down how cinematographers can build trust with directors and talent, why ego destroys sets, the importance of preparation, working without enough time or money, and how maintaining calm energy can completely transform an interview or production day. For indie filmmakers and aspiring DPs, this episode becomes a practical masterclass on professionalism, communication, and visual storytelling under pressure.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
Transcribe →IFH 857: The Untold Story of ECW’s Rise & Fall with John Philapavage
Jun 201:58:09Tap to summarizeWhat 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 documentary filmmaking. John explains how trust, persistence, and storytelling discipline became more important than fandom itself. The conversation dives into interview psychology, handling unreliable subjects, crowdfunding mistakes, DIY filmmaking, licensing issues, and why documentaries are ultimately about people—not just the subject matter. Whether you're a filmmaker, wrestling fan, or creative entrepreneur, this episode offers a rare look into what it truly takes to finish a passion project against impossible odds.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
Transcribe →IFH 856: How to Make an Indie Film When You Have NO Money with Bob Woolsey & Darren Borrowman
May 2601:00:44Tap to summarizeWhat 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 strategy, low-budget filmmaking hacks, horror film distribution, DSLR filmmaking, building long-term creative teams, and the emotional rollercoaster of surviving post-production. Bob and Darren reveal why modern filmmakers must think beyond just making the movie and start planning distribution from day one. This is a masterclass in DIY filmmaking from two creators who learned everything the hard way—and kept going anyway.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
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