Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast IFH 832: The Filmmaker Who Refused to Tap Out: The Making of Heel Kick! with Danny Mac
Dec 9, 2025
01:02:36
Danny Mac, a self-taught filmmaker from Edmonton, turned his dream into a career through persistence, creativity, and sheer determination. After producing his first feature, Love/Hate, on weekends while working a day job, he managed to sell it to a Canadian broadcaster—an extraordinary feat for a debut filmmaker. The experience became his hands-on film school, teaching him the importance of preparation, delegation, and resilience.
With Heel Kick!, Danny took those lessons to the next level, writing, directing, and starring in a mockumentary about two backyard wrestlers chasing their dreams. To make the film authentic, he and his co-star trained as real wrestlers for six months. By combining a transparent crowdfunding campaign with grassroots promotion and YouTube influencer support from Greg Miller, Danny brought his vision to life. His story stands as a testament to the power of hustle, honesty, and heart in independent filmmaking.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
With Heel Kick!, Danny took those lessons to the next level, writing, directing, and starring in a mockumentary about two backyard wrestlers chasing their dreams. To make the film authentic, he and his co-star trained as real wrestlers for six months. By combining a transparent crowdfunding campaign with grassroots promotion and YouTube influencer support from Greg Miller, Danny brought his vision to life. His story stands as a testament to the power of hustle, honesty, and heart in independent filmmaking.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.