Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast

Today on the show we have writer, director, author, actor, and all-around indie film pioneer Mark Polish. His new film Headlock (aka Against the Clock, more on that later in the interview)  is out in theaters and VOD.Also, do yourself a favor and read his amazing filmmaking book The Declaration of Independent Filmmaking which is easily one of my favorite filmmaking books of all time. Mark and I discuss his career, the challenges of maintaining your creative vision and working within and out of the Hollywood system. We also discuss how Sundance has radically changed over the years and some of his horror stories when shooting and distributing his films.Enjoy my epic conversation with Mark Polish.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

You must be saying,Wait? What? You want to give me $30,000 to make a web series?Yup, that is exactly what I want to do. I've partnered with Filmaka.com to launch an amazing Web Series Filmmaking Competition.We are launching cross-platform Web Series filmmaking competition, sourcing diverse ideas & pitches. Filmaka & Indie Film Hustle will select and award the Web Series competition winner with a production budget for completion of the winning series.HOW IT WORKS:Filmaka members have three weeks to submit written Pitches only for the 3-5 minute pilot of an original web series they want to create based on the prompt: THE HUSTLE.After the Pitch competition closes, up to four (4) winners will be given $5000 each to shoot their Short/Pilot which is their pilot for an original web series. The winners will have eight weeks to submit their Short along with nine (9) written Scripts, that together make up a ten-episode web series. Of the up to four (4) submissions, one winner will be awarded $25,000 to produce their original web series.THE PITCH:The Pitch and/or the Scripts should be as detailed as possible so that Filmaka executives have a clear vision of the web series the Member wants to create. Character lists, an overall summary of the web series, storyboards and scene sketches may be included as part of the Member's submission. While there is no limit to the number of pages for the Pitch or Scripts, it is important to remember that the produced version of the Pitch or Script will only be three (3) to five (5) minutes in length.Who is Filmaka?Filmaka is a digital platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talents, compete for opportunities, and build their careers globally. Filmaka currently partners with MarVista Entertainment in a pact to source new and diverse talent through an ongoing pitch forum aiming to aggregate original & unique story ideas. Filmaka’s partnerships also include Riverstone Pictures, with whom they hold a feature film funding pact for the winner of Filmaka’s Final Competition.Through the platforms numerous competitions and production budget prizes, Filmaka creates opportunities for filmmakers without traditional access into Hollywood. Films that are submitted to Filmaka are seen, judged, and selected by a jury of top tier professionals in the entertainment industry and by fellow Filmaka members. At Filmaka, aspiring filmmakers from across the world can connect, collaborate, and compete for a wide range of professional opportunities.I can't tell you how excited I am to bring this opportunity to the IFH Tribe.To submit just go to Filmaka.comIt has been a dream of mine to be able to give this kind of access to the tribe. I can't wait to see what you guys submit. Also the winner's pilots and series will be available to view on Indie Film Hustle TV.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

The teasing is over. Here it is, I've written a book and not just any book but a book about the craziest and darkest time in my life. Read below to get the skinny on what I'm talking about.A bipolar gangster, a naive, young film director, and Batman. What could go wrong? Alex Ferrari is a first-time film director who just got hired to direct a $20 million feature film, the only problem is the film is about Jimmy, an egomaniacal gangster who wants the film to be about his life in the mob. From the backwater towns of Louisiana to the Hollywood Hills, Alex is taken on a crazy misadventure through the world of the mafia and Hollywood. Huge movie stars, billion-dollar producers, studio heads and, of course, a few gangsters, populate this unbelievable journey down the rabbit hole of chasing your dream. Would you sell your soul to the devil to make your dream come true? By the way, did we mention that this story is based on true events? no, seriously it is.Writing this book is easily one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do. Some days I would cry as I was typing. Who wants to go back to the darkest time in their lives and relive that hell. Well, that’s exactly what I did. It took me 18 years to build up the courage to sit down and tell my story. I take you behind the scenes of the real Hollywood. and also see how gangsters and Hollywood go together like peanut butter and jelly. This book is RAW and UNFILTERED. I said to myself,"If I'm going to write this I have to tell the entire story, warts and all."The goal of this book is to help, not only filmmakers and people interested in having a career in Hollyweird but anyone stuck in a bad situation they feel they can’t get out of. The story illustrates how someone can lose themselves while chasing that golden carrot that is their dream, not to compromise their morals and stand up for themselves. As cheesy as it sounds if I can help one person avoid even 1% of the pain and suffering I went through then it will be worth it. Now this story is not all doom and gloom, it’s hilarious, ridiculous and one hell of an adventure. I hope you really enjoy the story and have fun, laugh, cry and maybe even learn a little something about yourself. The book will be released on Jan 31st, 2019 on Amazon and we will roll it out around the country soon after that. I plan to do a signing book tour with talks and possibly workshops around the US and then hopefully overseas as well.If you want to sign up for the Shooting for the Mob LAUNCH TEAM email at ifhsubmissions@gmail.com. As part of the launch team, you'll get access to me, we'll have a private Facebook Group and you can see how I market and release this book, which is similar to how you would release an indie film. For more info on the book go to:Shooting for the Mob - (Sign Up for Exclusive Videos and Content)I also want to give a big shoutout to my brotha-in-arms Dan Cregan for designing such an amazing cover. Thank you so much for your support. More to come!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Have you ever had writer's block? We all have at one point or another and it sucks! Today's guest, Matthew Kalil, has the cure. He has written a new book called The [easyazon_link identifier="1615932860" locale="US" tag="whatisbroke-20"]Three Wells of Screenwriting[/easyazon_link]. Working from a writer’s perspective, the book explores these Three Wells and helps you consciously draw from them to develop new scripts, or strengthen old ones. It includes 29 exercises and techniques that help you to write stories that contain fresh ideas, intriguing characters, original scenes, inventive dialogue, unique locations, and important themes.I had such a ball with Matthew that I had to make it a crossover episode with the Bulletproof Screenplay Podcast. Enjoy my conversation with Matthew Kalil.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Welcome to 2019 IFH Tribe! Last year was one hell of a ride for IFH. I shot a feature, On the Corner of Ego and Desire, which is coming out in the next few months. I launched the world's first streaming service dedicated to filmmakers and screenwriters Indie Film Hustle TV and I also wrote a book called Shooting for the Mob, more on that on the next episode. Needless to say, 2018 was a crazy year for me and the IFH Tribe.On today's episode, I discuss ideas and tactics to help you reach your goals in 2019. I also go over how goals without a plan are just wishes and how you can change that. I want 2019 to be that best year of your life. I hope this episode can help you start this year's journey off on the right foot. Ask yourself the questions,"How bad do you want it? What are you willing to do to make your dream come true?"Once you answer those questions for yourself then you can get down to the business of making your dream come true. Get ready for an inspirational kick in the butt. Happy New Year, now let's get to work!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone in the IFH Tribe and beyond. I wanted to do an episode on this subject for a long time."You are the average of the five people you spend most of your time with." - Jim RohnI wish I had someone to tell me this early on my filmmaking journey. In this episode, I go over what happened to me when I was starting out, how my friends affected me and my ability to move forward in my career and what happened to me when I moved to Los Angeles over a decade ago. I discuss how the people around you affect you on a personal, professional and even spiritual level.I really hope you find some value in this episode. Happy Holidays and keep on hustlin'.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

If you ever wanted to learn how to get your local town, group or community behind your indie film this is the show for you. Today's guest did just that, writer/director Josh Doke got his entire town of Goodland, Kansas to support his film through crowdfunding, production resources and finally distribution.Goodland was filmed in his hometown of about 4,000 people in Western Kansas and he included as many locals as he could in order to help bring the project to life. We used all practical locations, had vehicles, tractors, props, and costumes donated. He was able to buy a 1990 Crown Vic for $1 from a local car dealership who wanted to help out, and then he repainted it to be a cop car - complete with a donated light bar from the local sheriff's office. The City of Goodland shut down streets, turned electricity on in abandoned buildings, and pretty much gave him free rein over the town while he was in production.Off-screen, people donated meals, lodged cast, and crew, and in return, everyone was welcome to come on set and watch the filmmaking process if they wanted to.Then, when it came time to screen the film, he screened in the local, one-screen theater for two weeks and became the best-attended feature of 2017. Because of that Goodland was held over for an additional week - doing more business locally in our third week than Thor Ragnarok did in its entire run.These are just a few examples of how this film was able to come to life and eventually get distribution, have a small theatrical run, be released on Amazon, Spectrum, Xfinity, etc., get a streaming deal with a premium cable network, and have the DVD released in Walmart.This is an extremely inspiring story. Enjoy my conversation with Josh Doke!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Today on the show I have iPhone filmmaking master and TEDTalk Speaker Jason Van Genderen. I've wanted to have Jason on the podcast for a long time. He is a true inspiration to anyone who wants to pick up a camera and tell a story. He has made an industry out of professional shooting with iPhones for corporate clients, on commercials, music videos, and short films. Here's some more info on our guest.No script, storyboard or crew. No exposure to focus controls. A resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and a total memory of just 160MB. That was Jason’s unexpected entry into the global filmmaking stage back in 2008.‘Mankind is No Island’ went on to win numerous prestigious accolades at film festivals around the globe and was one of the very first exemplary​ films to champion a whole new emerging medium of iPhone filmmaking.With screenings and awards from Tropfest NY, Aspen Shortsfest, Palm Springs, San Francisco Short Film Festival, Edinburgh International Film Festival right through to Sundance London, Jason’s made mobile stories that matter, becoming an unexpected voice for marginalized or emerging storytellers. It’s the very reason he proudly labels himself a Filmbreaker.An equally passionate educator, Jason’s talks have inspired audiences from TEDx Newy to the Aspen Ideas Festival; from countless televisions, how appearances to keynote addresses at film schools and festivals. His masterclass workshops continue to inspire both beginners and seasoned professionals alike. Jason Van Genderen has also consulted and collaborated with some of the world’s largest imaging brands, from Sony and Nokia to Nikon and currently Apple Australia. This year he also commenced an on-air role presenting guest segments on Channel 7’s ‘Get Arty’ children show, and has recently consulted to 7 West Media Group on broadcast applications for smartphone technology.When your introduction to puberty is selling pet rocks and wearing a back brace, you'd have to hope that the ability to think creatively comes naturally. For Jason, his life of creative problem solving was seeded by 20 years hard labor in the advertising & design industry... before turning his hand to short films. His reputation for quick thinking under challenging circumstances saw him carve an early niche, being a four-time winner in the 24-hour in-camera film festival The Shoot Out.Always a custodian of content over craft, in 2008 he experimented with filming on his mobile phone, making a short with no script, storyboard, actors, narration or budget. 'Mankind is no Island' went on to win Tropfest NY and numerous other accolades globally, by breaking every rule in the book. His unorthodox approach to filtering story with low-tech simplicity has seen him in demand internationally as a presenter on pocket filmmaking.There are NO MORE EXCUSES ANYMORE. You can tell your story with what's in your pocket.Enjoy my conversation with Jason Van Genderen!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Today's guests are Oscar® Nominated writer/director Paola di Florio & and producer Peter Rader. They worked on one of my favorite documentaries in recent years called AWAKE: The Life of Yogananda.The film is an unconventional biography about the Hindu Swami who brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s. Paramahansa Yogananda authored the spiritual classic “Autobiography of a Yogi” which has sold millions of copies worldwide and is a go-to book for seekers, philosophers, and yoga enthusiasts today. (Apparently, it was the only book that Steve Jobs had on his iPad.) By personalizing his own quest for enlightenment and sharing his struggles along the path, Yogananda made ancient Vedic teachings accessible to a modern audience, attracting many followers and inspiring the millions who practice yoga today.The story of how they self-distributed the film from booking theaters to SVOD is remarkable. They did it all on their own and the film has been viewed by millions. I wanted to bring them on the show to discuss their methods for audience building, social media marketing, release stradigy and much more. If you want to the IFH Video Podcast version of this interview goto: IFHTV Video Podcast - Building an Audience for Your Indie Film with Paola di Florio & Peter RaderEnjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

First off thank you for all the support that the IFH Tribe has given to IFHTV. It has been overwelling and that's why I'm so busy acquiring​ and producing amazing new content for you every month.I'll be doing these posts one a month to tell you all about the new releases I have in store for you on Indie Film Hustle TV. I've been a busy beaver and December will have over 20 hours of new content for your streaming pleasure. Also, I'd like to announce IFHTV is now available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon TV Apps. Just go to the platforms and do a search for "Indie Film Hustle TV" and our app will pop up.Let's get to it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.