Bulletproof Screenwriting™ Podcast

Bulletproof Screenwriting
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Oct 13, 2023 • 1h 28min

BPS 336: From Indie Filmmaker to $1 Billion Sale to Disney with Michael Gallagher

Today's guest is a filmmaker and Filmtrepreneur Michael Gallagher. Michael is one of the co-founders of Makers Studio. Makers Studios was the largest independent YouTube network in history. YouTube channels under Maker Studios have also collectively earned over 90 million subscribers and accumulated over 1.1 billion views monthly. On March 24, 2014, Maker Studios, Inc. agreed to sell itself to The Walt Disney Company for $500 million, rising to $950 million if financial milestones were met.Michael has leveraged his success as a YouTube filmmaker to become a full-blown feature film director. His latest film is Funny Story, a dramedy about a well-intentioned father who inadvertently wreaks havoc on the life of his estranged daughter when she invites him to her woodland wedding. Michael went on to direct smash hit films on Youtube like The Thinning Series and InstaFamous. He talks about the big mistakes he made distributing his first feature film Smiley, self-marketing his films, and lessons learned from building an audience on YouTube.Enjoy my conversation with Michael Gallagher.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.
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Oct 6, 2023 • 2h 8min

BPS 335: From $7K Film Red 11 to Making SPY KIDS: ARMAGEDDON for Netflix with Racer Max & Rebel Rodriguez

In this episode, we have Racer Max and Rebel Rodriguez. The sons of the legendary filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and film producer Elizabeth Avellán. Racer, Rebel, and I had an amazing conversation about what it was like being raised by two master filmmakers, what it was like to be on set, but also what they've learned along the way, what they are doing differently than their predecessors have, and the amazing work that they're doing on big projects like Hypnotic, We Are Heroes, and the latest in the Spy Kids franchise, Spy Kids: Armageddon.Spy Kids: Armageddon: The children of the world's greatest secret agents unwittingly help a powerful game developer unleash a computer virus that gives him control of all technology, leading them to become spies themselves to save their parents and the world.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.
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Sep 29, 2023 • 1h 20min

BPS 334: Directing ACTION in the World of John Wick for Television with Albert Hughes

In today's show we have a returning champion Albert Hughes. Albert is a well-known American filmmaker. He is one half of the Hughes Brothers, a filmmaking duo consisting of Albert and his twin brother, Allen Hughes. The Hughes Brothers are known for their work in the film industry and have directed and produced a variety of films, often with a focus on gritty, urban themes.Some of their notable films include "Menace II Society" (1993), "Dead Presidents" (1995), "From Hell" (2001) , "The Book of Eli" (2010), "Broken City" (2013). Albert Hughes, along with his brother Allen, has made significant contributions to the world of cinema, and their work often explores complex and socially relevant themes.Albert's new film The Continental: From the World of John Wick - Set in 1970s New York City, The Continental explores the origin of the iconic hotel-for-assassins centerpiece of the John Wick universe seen through the eyes and action of a young Winston Scott.Please enjoy my conversation with Albert Hughes.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.
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7 snips
Sep 22, 2023 • 1h 22min

BPS 333: Screenwriting for Netflix and Television with Neil Landau

Screenwriter and author Neil Landau discusses his journey into screenwriting, the importance of rewriting and embracing uncertainty, and the process of creating unforgettable scenes and endings. He also delves into the challenges of developing fully packaged projects for platforms like Netflix and discusses the lack of originality in superhero movies and the importance of innovation for engaging audiences.
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Sep 15, 2023 • 1h 32min

BPS 332: Screenwriting Secrets from Hollywood with Corey Mandell

Corey Mandell is a screenwriter and screenwriting instructor known for his work in the entertainment industry. He has worked as a screenwriter, script consultant, and writing coach. While he may not be as widely recognized as some Hollywood screenwriters, he has gained a reputation for his expertise in helping aspiring screenwriters develop their skills and craft.Corey Mandell has offered various screenwriting courses and workshops, and he has coached many writers in their pursuit of creating compelling screenplays. His teachings often focus on character development, storytelling techniques, and the practical aspects of screenwriting.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.
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Sep 8, 2023 • 1h 16min

BPS 331: Can Martin Scorsese Save Cinema? with Margaret Bodde

Margaret Bodde is the executive director of The Film Foundation, the non-profit organization created by Martin Scorsese in 1990 dedicated to the preservation and protection of motion pictures. Working in partnership with the archives and studios, TFF has preserved and restored over 925 films, including 49 restorations from 28 countries as part of the World Cinema Project.TFF educates young people about the visual language of film through its cinema literacy program, The Story of Movies. In addition, Bodde is the award-winning producer of several of Scorsese’s documentaries."Our American artistic heritage has to be preserved and shared by all of us. Just as we’ve learned to take pride in our poets and writers, in jazz and the blues, we need to take pride in our cinema, our great American art form.” - Martin Scorsese, Founder and Chair The Film Foundation, the non-profit organization created by Martin Scorsese to preserve cinema, invites you to come together for a series of beautifully restored films in the Restoration Screening Room, our new virtual theater, available through any web browser.Presentations will take place within a 24-hour window on the second Monday of each month, along with Special Features about the films and their restoration process. Monthly programming will encompass a broad array of restorations, including classic and independent films, documentaries, and silent films from around the world.The next free screening is August 8th. They will be playing an amazing Film Noir double feature.Arthur Ripley's 1946 classic The Chase and Edgar G. Ulmer's 1945 masterpiece Detour. Margaret is also a producer, known for Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019), The 50 Year Argument (2014), Public Speaking (2010), George Harrison: Living in the Material World (2011), No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005), and the PBS 7-part series The Blues (2003).Please enjoy my conversation with Margaret Bodde.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.
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4 snips
Sep 1, 2023 • 1h 41min

BPS 330: Inside the PIXAR Story Brain Trust with Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards, writer of classic animated films, discusses the inner workings of the Pixar Story Brain Trust meetings and the importance of addressing the biggest problems in a story. He also explores themes of transition to manhood, finding the epiphany moment, applying improv principles in creativity, and the collaborative process of brainstorming and story development in animated films. He analyzes film remakes and Steven Spielberg's works, explores the significance of character development in writing a movie script, and emphasizes the power of clear and constructive feedback.
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Aug 30, 2023 • 1h 12min

BPS 329: How to Direct Nail-Biting Action Films with Con Air's Simon West

Simon West is a British film director and producer. His films include “CON AIR” starring Nicholas Cage, “THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER” starring John Travolta and “LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER” starring Angelina Jolie. West is the only live action director ever whose first three 3 films all grossed over $100m at the US box office. West also served as an executive producer on the Oscar nominated “BLACK HAWK DOWN”.His television company has produced 6 TV pilots for US TV including acclaimed series such as Fox’s “KEEN EDDIE”, the CBS series “CLOSE TO HOME”, Fox’s “HUMAN TARGET” and the NBC series “THE CAPE”. West directed the action packed remake of “THE MECHANIC” starring Jason Statham and Ben Foster and “THE EXPENDABLES 2” starring almost every action star in the movie world. This film grossed over $300m in worldwide box office. West’s film titled “SKYFIRE” was one of the largest films ever made in China and opened number one at the box office there in 2019. His latest film “LEGEND HUNTERS” will be released in May 2021.Recently, West served as a judge for the 2019 Beijing International Film Festival and was a guest speaker at the 22nd Shanghai International Film Festival to advise the Chinese film industry on standardization.West is currently in post-production on “Boundless – Sin Limites”, which marks the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano. The Amazon project was shot in Spain and The Dominican Republic.Please enjoy my conversation with Simon West.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.
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Aug 25, 2023 • 1h 37min

BPS 328: How to Make a Kick-Ass Low-Budget Zombie Film with Eric England

Eric England is an American film director, writer, and producer. He is best known for his work in the horror genre, particularly for his 2013 film "Contracted." The film follows a young woman who contracts a mysterious sexually transmitted disease that begins to ravage her body in horrifying ways.In addition to "Contracted," England has directed several other horror films, including "Madison County" and "Josie." He has also directed episodes of the television series "Surviving Jack" and "The Rookie." England's work often explores themes of isolation, psychological trauma, and bodily horror, and he is known for his stylish visual approach to genre filmmaking.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.
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Aug 23, 2023 • 1h 9min

BPS 327: Can Short Films Make Any Money? with Kim Adelman

Kim Adelman, producer and film instructor, discusses the importance of short films in fostering new filmmakers and shares common mistakes made when creating shorts. They explore the length differences between short and feature films, and discuss the learning aspect of creating short films. The speakers also delve into the potential revenue streams for short films and highlight the opportunities they can lead to. They emphasize the hustle mentality and the potential for success that short films possess.

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