Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast

Life, they say, is a story we tell ourselves—a script of experience, moments, and emotions woven into a narrative only we can claim as our own. On today’s episode, we welcome Gordy Hoffman, a screenwriter, director, and the mind behind the BlueCat Screenwriting Competition. His journey through the labyrinth of storytelling has been marked by profound lessons in creativity, resilience, and the delicate art of telling tales that move the human heart.As he shares his insights, one thing becomes evident: the best stories are not formulas but living, breathing entities. Too often, writers are shackled by the idea that a script must be a well-oiled machine of plot points and three-act structures.But according to Gordy Hoffman, true storytelling is about emotional investment. “The only rule of storytelling is getting an audience to care,” he explains. Without that, no amount of structure or technique can save a lifeless script. Whether it’s an Oscar-winning screenplay or a child recounting their day at school, the heart of a story lies in its ability to make someone feel something real.The conversation drifts into the art of critique—how some script consultants and teachers wield feedback like a sledgehammer rather than a guiding hand. Gordy Hoffman believes in nurturing creativity with kindness, rather than crushing it under the weight of harsh criticism. He’s seen firsthand how a poorly delivered note can stifle a writer, and he champions an approach where constructive guidance fosters growth rather than fear. After all, a writer’s vulnerability is embedded in their work, and the moment they detach from that, their stories lose their humanity.But what about the battle every writer faces—the looming doubt that creeps in halfway through a script, whispering that it’s all meaningless, that every page is a failure?Gordy Hoffman reassures us that this despair is not a dead end but a marker of progress. “Every screenplay you work on, you’re going to hit that wall where you think, ‘This is awful, I’m bored, and I want to start over.’ That’s when you know you’re halfway there.” The magic, he insists, lies in persistence—pushing through the malaise, trusting the process, and understanding that the creative spirit is not meant to be shackled by self-doubt.The conversation inevitably turns to Hollywood, that glittering beast that both nurtures and devours dreams. The industry’s appetite for franchise films and established intellectual property has made it harder than ever for original screenplays to find their place. But for those who believe in their stories, avenues still exist—film festivals like Sundance, independent productions, and even the evolving landscape of television. The key is not just writing a screenplay but crafting one so undeniable that it demands to be seen.And what of inspiration?For Gordy Hoffman, it can come from anywhere—a fleeting moment, a stray observation, or even an index card scribbled with a single thought. Love Liza, one of his most well-known works, was born from a brief encounter at a gas station. “I saw someone near a pump, and I thought, ‘Are they sniffing gasoline?’ That small moment turned into a story about grief and addiction.” Such is the power of storytelling—it transforms the mundane into the extraordinary, giving meaning to even the smallest of moments.The beauty of storytelling is that it is never truly finished. It grows, shifts, and takes on a life of its own, sometimes in ways we never intended. As Gordy Hoffman reminds us, the path of the writer is one of perseverance, of believing in the story even when the world seems indifferent. In the end, storytelling is less about perfecting structure and more about opening the heart—to others, to ourselves, and to the infinite possibility of what can be created.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

On today’s episode, we welcome Michael G. Kehoe, a filmmaker who turned a whisper of an idea into the resounding voice of a feature film. From Brooklyn to Hollywood, from an eight-year-old boy watching his mother direct community theater to a director commanding his own set, Michael’s journey is one of persistence, heartbreak, and sheer creative will.In this profound conversation, Michael G. Kehoe shares the winding road of his career, one marked by passion and loss. A pact among friends, the bright lights of New York, and the uncertainty of Los Angeles formed the backdrop to his early years. But it was a personal tragedy—the untimely passing of two close friends—that set the stage for his first short film, Second Dance. With no roadmap but a fierce determination, he crafted a story that not only resonated but landed him in the heart of Sundance, proving that even the smallest project can open the biggest doors.The journey didn’t stop there. Years later, inspired by his twin boys’ innocent bedtime fears, he penned a horror story that would eventually become The Hatred. Rather than waiting for a green light from the industry, he carved his own path. He created Hush, a short film that distilled the very essence of fear—the anticipation of the unknown.The reaction was immediate. Audiences jumped, festivals awarded, and industry heavyweights, including the producers behind Halloween, took notice. The lesson? The industry rewards those who show, not just tell.But success in Hollywood is rarely a straight road. Shooting The Hatred on a tight budget and an even tighter schedule meant adapting, improvising, and making every shot count. “Poverty breeds creativity,” Michael says, a testament to the resilience needed in independent filmmaking. Working with a largely female cast, he crafted a horror film that stood apart from the blood-soaked clichés, focusing instead on atmosphere, character, and tension. The result? A film that paid homage to the horror classics of the past while carving its own identity in the present.Of course, filmmaking is a collaborative art. Michael speaks of the relationships that make the journey worthwhile—the actors who return to work with him time and again, the cinematographers who bring his visions to life, and the producers who take a chance on passion over pedigree. “Surround yourself with people smarter than you,” he advises. A lesson as true for life as it is for film.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

On today's episode, we welcome Curt Wiser, a writer and director whose journey proves that the path to making movies doesn’t require a New York or Los Angeles zip code. From the sunny shores of Florida, Curt has forged his own cinematic destiny, creating the suspenseful and thought-provoking film Cam Girl—a story of isolation, control, and survival. But as with any journey worth taking, his was not without its trials.Filmmaking is often romanticized as an artistic dreamland, yet reality demands perseverance. Curt Wiser spent years writing scripts, refining his vision, and navigating the labyrinth of independent film production. He understood a fundamental truth—great stories come from deep within the storyteller. The seed of Cam Girl was planted not in a boardroom or a Hollywood studio, but in the quiet hours of personal discipline, writing at night after long workdays, shaping ideas into something tangible. He described his creative process as a structured yet fluid endeavor, saying, “I outline thoroughly, but when I start writing, it just pours out. I wrote the first draft of Cam Girl in 14 days.” Passion fuels discipline, and discipline, in turn, fuels success.His film, Cam Girl, takes a simple yet gripping premise—a woman working as a webcam performer who finds herself taken hostage—and transforms it into an intense, psychological unraveling. With one primary location and a tight cast, it is proof that compelling storytelling doesn’t require a blockbuster budget. The industry often pressures filmmakers to define themselves within a niche, to follow trends rather than intuition. But Curt remains steadfast in his desire to explore diverse narratives, aware that Hollywood loves to box artists in, but true creators resist those constraints.Challenges are inevitable in both life and filmmaking, and Curt has encountered his fair share. Whether it was dealing with malfunctioning equipment, shifting schedules, or the ever-present financial constraints of independent cinema, he never allowed these obstacles to derail his vision. He understands that setbacks are not roadblocks, but rather, unexpected plot twists in the grand narrative of creation. “Filmmaking is like solving a puzzle while the pieces keep changing,” he mused. The lesson? You don’t control the waves, but you learn how to ride them.Independent filmmaking is a test of patience, resilience, and the ability to pivot when necessary. Distribution, marketing, and audience reception all present their own set of challenges, but Curt embraces the uncertainty, knowing that each project is a stepping stone to the next.Cam Girl has found its way to audiences through Amazon and other platforms, an accomplishment that many filmmakers never reach. His approach to networking, to putting work out into the world, proves a vital point: persistence, not perfection, is what leads to opportunity.Filmmakers, writers, and creatives alike can take inspiration from Curt’s journey. The industry is a maze, but the way through it is to keep moving. Too many aspiring artists get caught in the paralysis of waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect budget, the perfect conditions. But perfection is an illusion. Start where you are. Use what you have. Tell your story anyway.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

What if the greatest stories of our lives are the ones we never meant to write? On today’s episode, we welcome Steven Bernstein, a man whose journey through the world of cinema has been anything but predictable. A writer at heart, a cinematographer by accident, and a director by destiny, his career is a living testament to the art of surrendering to the unknown. From his early days at the BBC to the sets of Hollywood blockbusters, his story unfolds like an unplanned masterpiece—one that ultimately brought him full circle, back to the thing he always loved: writing.In this profound conversation, Steven Bernstein recounts his journey from philosophy student to award-winning cinematographer, where his love of storytelling found an unexpected home behind the lens. He speaks of the curious ways life moves us, sometimes against our best-laid plans. “You tend to go with those things that are providing you income,” he muses, reflecting on how a passion for writing gave way to cinematography, leading him to films like Monster, Like Water for Chocolate, and Scary Movie 2. Yet, even as he shaped light and shadow for some of cinema’s most striking images, the writer within him never faded.There is an undeniable poetry in the way Bernstein describes his work. He doesn’t just shoot a film; he composes it, layering meaning through framing, movement, and light. Every choice—a dolly push, a backlight, an asymmetrical composition—whispers something to the audience. It’s a language beyond words, one that he speaks fluently. “Everything to do with film is a language,” he explains. “And like any language, it’s made up of two parts: that which we present and that which we mean.”His journey back to writing was not an easy one. After years of crafting imagery for others, he took a leap into directing his own films, starting with Decoding Annie Parker.It was a lesson in risk and resilience. At one point, he spent five years in poverty, refusing to return to the safety of cinematography. “If you hold out for the dream, maybe you achieve it,” he says. It is a stark reminder that the artist’s path is often one of sacrifice, but those who persist find themselves richer in ways beyond money.Yet, Bernstein also understands the tension between art and commerce. Filmmaking is an expensive endeavor, and investors want guarantees. He describes the struggle of balancing creative vision with financial expectations, a dance between inspiration and limitation. And yet, some of the greatest filmmakers—Terry Malick, the Coen Brothers, Charlie Kaufman—have defied convention, proving that the most resonant stories often break the rules.The conversation moves to the nature of collaboration, the unspoken alchemy that happens on a film set when everyone is in sync. He recalls moments from Monster, where the crew, sensing the gravity of a scene, chose to remain completely silent, whispering only when necessary. It was an unspoken agreement, an offering to the art being created. “It was one of the most magical moments I remember in any film I’ve ever worked on,” he recalls. It is a glimpse into the rare, sacred spaces where true storytelling happens—not in the scripts, but in the spaces between them.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

On today's episode, we welcome Matthew T. Burns, an individual who embodies resilience, creativity, and reinvention. Known to wrestling fans as "Sick Nick Mondo," Matthew has transitioned from his legendary career in ultraviolent wrestling to become a filmmaker, storyteller, and advocate for the art of storytelling. His journey is nothing short of a profound odyssey, weaving together themes of passion, pain, and redemption.The conversation begins with an exploration of Matthew’s early days in professional wrestling. Growing up in Pennsylvania, he was drawn to the raw, unfiltered world of ECW wrestling—a stage of audacity and grit that mirrored his burgeoning desire to push boundaries. This rebellious spirit carried him into the extreme realm of deathmatch wrestling, where stunts with glass, barbed wire, and even weed whackers became his calling card. Yet, this wasn’t just about shock value; as Matthew shared, "In the chaos of the ring, I found a strange, unrelenting clarity."Matthew’s career in wrestling, however, wasn’t without consequence. A pivotal moment came during a deathmatch tournament where a dangerous stunt left him severely injured. Despite his physical and emotional scars, he chose to leave wrestling on his own terms, marking the beginning of a profound personal transformation. Wrestling may have been his proving ground, but storytelling became his sanctuary.This shift led Matthew to pursue filmmaking, where he channeled his experiences into his debut film, The Trade. A blend of documentary and scripted storytelling, the film delves into his wrestling career and the connection he shares with Rory, a younger wrestler who idolized him and even adopted his persona in the ring. Their shared journey—a mix of admiration, mentorship, and cautionary wisdom—forms the emotional core of the project. Reflecting on this, Matthew remarked, “I never wanted my story to become someone else’s pain.”As the conversation unfolds, Matthew reflects on his time in Japan, where he immersed himself in the film industry.He shares the highs and lows of navigating a foreign culture while honing his craft, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and perseverance. From acting roles to operating cameras, Matthew’s journey in Japan became a crucible for refining his artistic vision.Now back in the United States, Matthew’s focus is on bringing The Trade to broader audiences while exploring new creative ventures. He’s brimming with optimism and gratitude for the lessons learned along the way. “Every chapter,” he says, “teaches us something vital about the next.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

On today's episode, we welcome the multi-talented Kim Ray, a writer, producer, and director whose career spans reality TV, documentaries, and scripted projects. Best known for her work on the Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, Kim’s journey through the industry is an inspiring tale of creativity, resilience, and innovation.Our conversation begins with Kim’s fascinating experience co-writing West Bank Story, a parody of West Side Story that cleverly blended humor with themes of peace and cultural commonality. As Kim describes, “It was about showing that even in a world full of conflict, there’s so much that connects us.” The project, which gained significant recognition, was a testament to her ability to merge art with meaningful messages.Kim’s transition into reality television was both unexpected and transformative. While it wasn’t her original focus, she brought her narrative expertise to shows like The X Factor and Kendra on Top. “Reality TV,” Kim explains, “requires storytelling that’s just as nuanced as scripted work. You’re shaping real moments into something cohesive and engaging.” Her work on these projects highlights her adaptability and deep understanding of human emotion.One of the standout points in Kim’s career was producing Gaga: Five Foot Two. The project offered an intimate glimpse into Lady Gaga’s life, showcasing her vulnerabilities and strength. Kim recounts the challenges of crafting such an unfiltered narrative, saying, “The magic was in the authenticity. Gaga was raw and real, and we wanted viewers to feel like they were walking alongside her.” The minimal crew and close collaboration created an unparalleled connection between the subject and the audience.Beyond her professional achievements, Kim’s insights into the industry’s evolution are enlightening. She speaks candidly about the systemic challenges women face in Hollywood, sharing how she navigated a landscape often dominated by male voices. Her reflections on the #MeToo movement underscore the importance of platforms like social media for amplifying marginalized voices. “It’s a double-edged sword,” Kim notes, “but it’s also a powerful tool for change.”Kim’s current project, Violet’s New Life, delves into the futuristic concept of consciousness transfer. The short film and pilot explore what it means to live again in a synthetic body, blending technology and human emotion. As Kim puts it, “It’s not just about immortality—it’s about the psychology of starting over, carrying the weight of one life into another.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

There’s a certain magic in the way creativity stirs the soul, and on today’s episode, we welcome Kristin Overn, a seasoned producer and the visionary behind the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. With a career steeped in the art of storytelling, Kristin has spent years cultivating opportunities for writers to transform their ideas into scripts that resonate across the industry.Kristin’s journey began in the theater world, studying playwriting and directing at Northwestern University. Her love for stories soon led her westward, to the bustling hive of Hollywood. "I’ve always been fascinated by story," she reflects. "It’s the common thread that connects us all." In Los Angeles, she worked tirelessly—starting as an assistant and script reader, gradually earning her stripes in film production. But her heart’s true calling emerged as she realized a profound gap in the industry: connecting new writers with emerging producers.This insight birthed the PAGE Awards, a screenwriting competition designed not just to showcase talent but to bridge the divide between raw creativity and industry access. Kristin’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “Every great script deserves a champion, someone who sees its potential and helps it take flight.” Over the years, the competition has grown exponentially, now receiving over 6,000 entries annually. Its rigorous vetting process ensures that only the most compelling stories rise to the top—a beacon of hope for aspiring writers seeking their breakthrough.Kristin’s candid advice to screenwriters is a reminder of the industry’s complexity and the persistence it demands. “Find your voice,” she urges.“Don’t try to be the next Quentin Tarantino or Diablo Cody. Be unapologetically you.” Her anecdotes, drawn from years of working with writers and producers, illustrate the transformative power of authentic storytelling—where characters leap off the page and evoke emotions that linger.The episode dives deep into the intricacies of screenwriting competitions, the challenges of script development, and the significance of receiving professional feedback. Kristin’s passion for mentorship shines as she describes the thrill of connecting PAGE winners with managers, agents, and producers who can bring their stories to life. “There’s nothing quite like seeing a writer’s hard work pay off,” she says, with a palpable sense of joy.As the conversation unfolds, Kristin’s wisdom offers not just technical insights but a deeper understanding of the human connection that underpins all great storytelling. Her belief in the power of perseverance and the beauty of imperfection reminds us that the road to success is often paved with lessons learned from failure.“At the end of the day,” Kristin concludes, “the stories that move us are the ones that come from the heart. They’re honest, raw, and unapologetically human.” It’s a sentiment that echoes long after the episode ends, leaving listeners inspired to pick up their pens and tell their own truths.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

On today’s episode, we are graced with Kristen Maldonado, a vibrant storyteller whose passion for pop culture and digital strategy has led her to roles like Social Media Manager at MTV's "Total Request Live." Kristen’s journey from theater major to social media powerhouse is nothing short of inspiring, filled with twists, determination, and a lot of heart.Kristen started her career as a theater enthusiast before pivoting into journalism, where she discovered her love for entertainment reporting. Reflecting on her college days, she shares how a late switch to journalism opened doors, ultimately landing her a life-changing internship at Viacom. Her trajectory underscores a powerful lesson: "You have to do the work yourself; no one is going to hand it to you." This mantra has guided her through internships and into the digital realm of social media management, where she now thrives.Her passion for storytelling shines as she recounts her experience managing social media for iconic brands like MTV. Kristen explains the delicate art of digital strategy, where authenticity reigns supreme. “It’s not just about putting content out there; it’s about creating something people can genuinely connect with,” she emphasizes.From cutting viral clips for shows like "Ridiculousness" to brainstorming strategies for new TV launches, her work exemplifies the intersection of creativity and precision.Kristen’s love for pop culture doesn't stop at her professional life; it spills over into her personal projects, including her YouTube channel. Here, she dives into reviews, interviews, and discussions about everything from movies to books. This channel, she says, started as a way to share her voice and explore her passions: “No one was going to put me on air, so I created my own platform.” Her journey as a content creator mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit she encourages in others.But even in a world of likes, retweets, and shares, challenges abound. Kristen talks about dealing with trolls and negativity, both on professional and personal platforms. Her response? Grace and kindness. “If someone doesn’t like what I post, it’s fine—they still watched it,” she quips. Her approach speaks volumes about maintaining balance and perspective in the sometimes chaotic digital landscape.Kristen also shares insights into the evolving social media landscape. She discusses the importance of natively posting content tailored to specific platforms, noting how even small details like video dimensions can influence engagement. The key, she says, is to stay authentic while paying close attention to what resonates with audiences.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

The landscape of existence can sometimes feel like a cosmic play—actors shifting between roles, creating stories that ripple through time. On today's episode, we welcome Phil Proctor, an artist whose life weaves a tapestry of creativity, resilience, and humor. Known for his work with the legendary Firesign Theatre and an illustrious voice acting career, Phil has left an indelible mark on the worlds of comedy, film, and beyond.Phil Proctor is not merely a performer; he’s a storyteller who transcends mediums. Reflecting on his career, Phil shared how the Firesign Theatre’s surreal humor was designed not only to entertain but to provoke thought. “We were asking, ‘What is reality?’” he explained. “It’s the question you should ask every day when you get out of bed.” These words capture the essence of his work—a blend of laughter and philosophy that challenges conventional perspectives.Phil described how technology has transformed his craft. From the days of live radio to recording film dialogue remotely, he marveled at the evolution of his industry. With characteristic wit, he recounted a time he dubbed a French comedy for Mel Brooks, only to find the humor lost on American audiences. “The test audience thought we were speaking French!” he laughed. Moments like these underscore Phil’s adaptability and humor in the face of creative challenges.Phil also opened up about the impact of his voice acting roles, such as his long-running portrayal of Howard DeVille in Rugrats. He reflected on the joy of connecting with audiences worldwide, even decades after the show’s heyday. From cartoons to video games like Assassin’s Creed, his performances have reached far and wide, bridging generational gaps.One of the most profound parts of our discussion was Phil’s recollection of surviving the Golden Dragon massacre in 1977. Amidst the chaos, he found solace in an unexpected synchronicity: learning that his wife was pregnant with their daughter. “Life has a way of balancing tragedy with joy,” he mused. This event, along with its psychic premonition, became the foundation of his memoir, Where’s My Fortune Cookie?Phil’s stories often ventured into the metaphysical. He shared how the Firesign Theatre’s comedy sought to “deprogram” audiences from societal conditioning, offering a fresh lens to perceive reality. This philosophy—wrapped in humor—resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced, media-saturated world. “We were making funny connections,” he said, “exercising the brain to see the world anew.”Beyond his creative endeavors, Phil’s zest for life shines through in his personal anecdotes. Whether reminiscing about working with Mel Brooks or delighting in his grandchildren’s fascination with technology, he embodies a boundless curiosity. His ability to balance the absurd with the profound makes his journey a testament to the power of humor and resilience.As the episode drew to a close, one thing became clear: Phil Proctor is more than a performer; he is a philosopher of humor, an explorer of reality, and a living reminder of life’s intricate, interconnected dance. His stories inspire us to embrace curiosity, resilience, and a healthy dose of laughter.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

When two brothers decide to turn their holiday traditions into a cinematic thrill, they step into a world where creativity is born from the mundane. On today's episode, we welcome Peter Paul and Tony Shaker, the innovative minds behind the indie horror film Killer Christmas. With the echoes of sleigh bells and the flicker of holiday lights, they invite us into their journey of making an 80-minute feature film against all odds.The Shaker brothers, hailing from New Jersey, embraced the modern age of filmmaking, proving that artistry no longer demands lavish sets or big studios. As Peter Paul aptly put it, “You can do this from anywhere, even in the middle of nowhere, if you're willing to put in the work.” From scriptwriting in their basement to editing with Adobe Premiere Pro, their story is an anthem for resourcefulness and determination.What began as a family tradition of Christmas tree cutting in western New Jersey blossomed into a creative spark. They envisioned an eerie story of a derelict retreat house and a masked Santa slashing through the cheer. This whimsical yet haunting idea became the bedrock of Killer Christmas. The brothers’ vision materialized with long hours of planning, meticulous scriptwriting, and a bold decision—Tony quit his day job to chase the dream of making their first feature film.Filming on a shoestring budget came with its own set of hurdles. The Adler Hotel in Sharon Springs, New York, served as the perfect abandoned setting, but its ominous atmosphere wasn’t just cinematic. The brothers encountered mysterious sounds, unexplained footprints, and eerie vibrations during their shoot. "It felt like the hotel was alive," Tony shared, reflecting on the uncanny experiences that added an authentic layer of unease to their film.From securing a location to overcoming sound challenges, the Shakers demonstrated that passion is the ultimate tool. They shot through snowstorms and frigid nights, relying on ingenuity and collaboration. Their DIY approach extended to props and effects—crafting realistic rubber weapons and digitally adding blood effects in post-production to adhere to safety and insurance standards.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.