Bulletproof Screenwriting™ Podcast
The Bulletproof Screenwriting Podcast offers weekly interviews with Oscar and Emmy award-winning screenwriters, story specialists, bestselling authors, Hollywood agents, and industry insiders. It covers every aspect of the screenwriting process, providing practical advice and insights. Past guests include Oliver Stone, Eric Roth, Edgar Wright, and Richard Linklater. The podcast aims to help screenwriters improve their craft with no fluff or BS.
Episodes
BPS 485: The Screenwriting Blueprint Every First-Time Writer Needs with David Hohl
Writing 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 w
BPS 484: How One Tweet Can Change Your Screenwriting Career with Jeanne Veillette Bowerman
Breaking 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 t
BPS 483: The Filmmaker Who Turned Failure Into a Feature Film with Mark Phillips
What 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
BPS 482: How a Hollywood Creature Creator Made His First Feature Film with Hiroshi Katagiri
What 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 L
BPS 481: The Brutal Truth About Getting Your First Film Made with Greg Francis
On 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
BPS 480: Hollywood’s Book Whisperer Reveals Why Most Scripts Never Sell with Lane Shefter Bishop
What 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, La
BPS 479: How to Make an Indie Film When You Have NO Money with Bob Woolsey and Darren Borrowman
What 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
BPS 478: The Untold Story of ECW’s Rise & Fall with John Philapavage
What 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
BPS 477: What James Gunn Taught Me About Success with Will Keenan
What 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
BPS 476: The Cinematographer’s Secret to Making Actors Trust You with Jared Hess
What 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
BPS 475: The Art of Networking in Hollywood – Real Strategies That Work with Erman Baradi & Brandon Waites
Erman Baradi and Brandon Waites share practical, real-world advice on how to network effectively in Hollywood without coming across as desperate or transactional. Drawing from their own journeys — from military service and film school to building strong online presences — they explain why relationships, not scripts, are the true currency of the film industry. Their discussion highlights the import
BPS 474: The Legal Mistake That Can Destroy Your Film Career with Nellie Akalp
What if the biggest threat to your film isn’t your budget… your script… or even your distribution—but something legal you never even thought about?In this episode, Nellie Akalp, CEO of CorpNet, breaks down the essential legal foundations every filmmaker must understand before stepping onto set. From LLCs to liability protection, she reveals why treating your film like a real business isn’t optiona
BPS 473: Why Moving to L.A Might Ruin Your Film Career with Will Ball
In this episode, Will Ball—talent agent and founder of a new agency—breaks down the harsh realities of the film and acting industry that most aspiring filmmakers never hear. From the oversaturated market in Los Angeles to the misconception that talent alone leads to success, Will explains why many creatives struggle after chasing the Hollywood dream. He shares firsthand experiences from working in
BPS 472: Why Most Indie Films Fail Before Production Even Starts with Jenna Edwards
What really stops independent filmmakers from succeeding?According to producer and actress Jenna Edwards, it’s not talent, money, or even connections—it’s the complete lack of a real plan. In this powerful conversation, Jenna shares the hard truths she learned moving from acting on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Malcolm in the Middle into producing independent films. From networking mista
BPS 471: Why Most Creators Never Finish Their Film (Hard Truth) with James Altucher
James Altucher breaks down the real foundation of creativity and why most writers and filmmakers struggle—not because they lack talent, but because they don’t consistently generate ideas. He explains how developing an “idea muscle” through daily practice can completely transform your ability to create stories, solve problems, and build projects. Instead of waiting for inspiration, he reframes crea
BPS 470: Why 99% of Indie Films NEVER Get Distribution with Bill Ostroff
What if the biggest obstacle to your film career… isn’t talent—but misunderstanding how the industry actually works?In this eye-opening conversation, Bill Ostroff—founder of one of the longest-running indie film festivals—pulls back the curtain on the hidden realities of film festivals, distribution, and why most indie films never reach an audience. From the explosion of fake festivals to the hars
BPS 469: Why Most Filmmakers NEVER Finish Their Movies with Rob Dimension
What if the only thing standing between you and your film career… is you?In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Rob Dimension pulls back the curtain on the real struggles of indie filmmaking—from failed crowdfunding campaigns to the harsh truth about why most people never finish what they start. Drawing from years of experience creating films, building audiences, and navigating the chaos of inde
BPS 468: The Indie Filmmaker’s Survival Guide (No Hollywood Required) with Ethan Marten
Ethan Marten shares his journey from growing up around Hollywood through his father’s connections to forging his own path as an actor, producer, and filmmaker outside the traditional system. From landing early acting roles to learning the realities of auditions, collaboration, and directing, he offers a grounded perspective on what it actually takes to sustain a career in the film industry. His ex
BPS 467: Why Breaking Into TV Is HARDER Than You Think with Sandra Leviton
In this episode, Sandra Leviton pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a career in television and film. From her early days working in reality TV to her time at FX during the rise of hit shows like Sons of Anarchy and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, she shares a firsthand look at how the industry has evolved—and why breaking in today is more competitive than ever. She explains
BPS 466: The Screenwriting Software Changing How Writers Work with Guy Goldstein
Guy Goldstein discusses how his background as both a programmer and screenwriter led to the creation of WriterDuet, one of the most innovative screenwriting tools available today. Recognizing that screenwriting is often a collaborative process, he built software that allows writers to work together in real time rather than sending drafts back and forth.The result is a platform designed to streamli
BPS 465: How to Turn a YouTube Idea Into a Feature Film with Patrick Epino
Patrick Epino shares how a simple YouTube video about Hollywood tropes evolved into the crowdfunded feature film Awesome Asian Bad Guys. After building an audience through the National Film Society, Patrick and his team leveraged their online community to raise over $50,000 on Kickstarter. He explains why crowdfunding requires relentless outreach, consistent content creation, and a pre-existing au
BPS 464: How to Turn a Short Film Into a Film Career with Jennifer & Kevin Sluder
Jennifer and Kevin Sluder share their journey from North Carolina to Los Angeles and how they built Sunshine Boy Productions into a growing independent film company. Kevin’s early recognition as a screenwriter opened doors, but instead of waiting for projects to materialize, the couple chose to produce their own short films. Their first project ignited a passion for hands-on filmmaking and laid th
BPS 463: The Rodriguez List: How to Make Movies with What You Already Have with Aaron Kaufman & Brian Levin
Aaron Kaufman and Brian Levin share an unfiltered look at how independent filmmakers can build real momentum by creating instead of waiting. Drawing from experiences ranging from YouTube comedy to studio features, they explain the power of the “Rodriguez List”—writing scripts based on the assets you already have. Their approach emphasizes volume, consistency, and learning through execution rather
BPS 462: Finding Your Way into Film Without Film School with David Powers
David Powers shares his unconventional path into filmmaking, one driven by curiosity rather than credentials. From discovering cinema through genre films and festivals to learning production hands-on through wrestling shoots and indie sets, David explains how real-world experience shaped his understanding of storytelling, collaboration, and problem-solving. His journey highlights how festivals lik
BPS 461: What a Real Film Producer Actually Does with Marc Bienstock
Marc Bienstock shares an honest look at what producing really means, drawing from decades of experience on both independent and studio films. From his early days at NYU and directing features to becoming a trusted producer on projects like The Visit and Split, Marc explains how preparation, communication, and team building form the foundation of every successful production. His philosophy centers
BPS 460: Making Independent Films Without Hollywood or a Huge Budget with David Ash
On today’s episode, we meet David Ash, a filmmaker who perfectly embodies the spirit of the weekend warrior — balancing a demanding corporate career, a family of four, and a thriving passion for filmmaking. Living in the Twin Cities, Ash proves that a creative life doesn’t have to mean abandoning stability. With a degree in business administration and a full-time job as a treasury director, he sti
BPS 459: How Filmmakers Can Win in the Digital Marketing Age with David Feinman
David Feinman shares how cinematic storytelling can be used to build successful businesses and viral experiences. From creating Zombie Run—a nationwide immersive event inspired by zombie films—to founding Viral Idea Marketing, David explains how understanding narrative, pacing, and emotion allows content to cut through digital noise. His approach treats marketing like filmmaking, where suspense, s
BPS 458: Finding a New Creative Path in Indie Film with Charmane Star
Charmane Star shares her unexpected journey from a small role in Black Dynamite to discovering a deep passion for independent filmmaking. What began as a routine booking evolved into a Sundance Film Festival premiere and a Sony Pictures acquisition, introducing her to the collaborative and global nature of indie cinema. Through international screenings, she gained firsthand insight into how cultur
BPS 457: The Untold Stories of Women in Action Cinema with Melanie Wise
Melanie Wise, a former model and actress, discusses her transition to producing due to height-related challenges in acting. She produced the horror action film "Hannah's Gift," which she also starred in, and faced issues with lost masters and ineffective editors.Wise co-founded the Artemis Film Festival to showcase women in action roles, highlighting historical female contributions and contemporar
BPS 456: The New Rules of Indie Filmmaking No One Is Teaching with the Jalbert Brothers
The Jalbert Brothers share how they built their filmmaking careers by embracing low budgets, consistent output, and hands-on learning. Rather than waiting for funding or studio approval, they focused on making films with minimal resources, sometimes for as little as $1,000. Each project became a practical lesson in storytelling, directing, editing, and problem-solving, allowing them to sharpen the
BPS 455: How to Turn a Script Into a Movie Without Hollywood’s Help with Chris Jay
Chris Jay, once a touring musician with the rock band Army of Freshmen, found a new creative path when the music industry shifted and opportunities dried up. Instead of giving up, he and his bandmate Aaron Goldberg turned to filmmaking, writing and producing their first feature, The Bet. Without studio backing or formal film education, the duo learned everything from scratch — from writing the scr
BPS 454: What Really Happens After You Write the Script with Michael K. Snyder
Michael K. Snyder shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a sustainable screenwriting career. From film school and early networking with Lloyd Kaufman to moving to Los Angeles with a plan, Michael’s journey highlights the importance of preparation, persistence, and relationship-building. Rather than chasing quick wins, he focused on writing constantly, producing short film
BPS 453: How to Build a Screenwriting Career That Actually Lasts with Bob Saenz
Bob Saenz shares a rare, honest look at what it means to build a long-term career as both an actor and screenwriter. From his early days in theater and television to writing studio films and Hallmark movies, Bob’s journey emphasizes craft over shortcuts. He explains how his time acting on Nash Bridges became a hands-on education in filmmaking, shaping his approach to writing realistic dialogue, au
BPS 452: The Filmmaker Who Refused to Tap Out: The Making of Heel Kick! with Danny Mac
On this episode, we sit down with Danny Mac, a Canadian filmmaker, actor, and producer whose story is a masterclass in indie filmmaking grit. Best known for his mockumentary Heel Kick!, Danny proves that passion and persistence can turn any dream—no matter how outlandish—into cinematic reality. Without the luxury of film school or industry connections, Danny started his filmmaking journey in Edmon
BPS 451: Making Movies Without Sight: Inside the Creative Mind of Gough
Every once in a while, a filmmaker comes along whose story redefines what’s possible. On today’s episode, we meet Gough, the world’s first legally blind filmmaker to write, produce, edit, direct, and star in a feature film. Based in Australia, Gough’s journey isn’t just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about rewriting the rules of what it means to create. Through his production company, Beer Nuts P
BPS 450: From Video Games to the Big Screen: The Filmmaking Journey of Nicole Jones-Dion
Nicole Jones-Dion, a screenwriter, director, and producer, shared her unconventional path into filmmaking, beginning in the world of video games and comics before moving into film. Known for her work on projects like Tekken 2, Dracula: The Dark Prince, and the SyFy thriller They Found Hell, she has built a career in genre storytelling that blends sci-fi, horror, and action. Her persistence paid of
BPS 449: From Setbacks to Festival Wins: The Filmmaking Path of Dawn Fields
Dawn Fields is a Los Angeles-based producer, writer, and director whose journey through the film industry is marked by both struggle and triumph. Beginning her career as a production assistant in Atlanta, she quickly discovered her true passion was behind the camera. After relocating to Los Angeles with nothing but determination, she worked in distribution and acquisitions before founding Palm Str
BPS 448: Screenwriting, The BAM Method, And How To Write A Screenplay That Stands Out with Mike Bierman
Award-winning screenwriter Mike Bierman has carved an unconventional path into the world of storytelling, moving from reading his daughter’s audition scripts to building a reputation as both a prolific writer and founder of the Facebook group Screenwriters Who Can Actually Write. In this conversation, he shares his journey into screenwriting, his tough-love philosophy for aspiring writers, and the
BPS 447: Turning a Script into a Movie: The Indie Filmmaking Story of Jamie Buckner
Jamie Buckner’s filmmaking journey is one built on passion, persistence, and pure creative drive. After exploring careers in music, architecture, and art, he realized filmmaking combined everything he loved into one pursuit. Starting as a production assistant, Jamie worked his way through Hollywood’s ranks on major films like Seabiscuit, The Departed, and John Wick: Chapter Two. But while learning
BPS 446: The Screenwriting Secrets Every Indie Writer Needs to Know with Dan Benamor
Dan Benamor began his film career as an intern, quickly working his way up to head of development at a small production company. That experience gave him a deep understanding of story and the industry, shaping his perspective on what makes a screenplay stand out: confidence, strong character work, and purposeful storytelling. While he has tried directing, Dan discovered that his true passion lies
BPS 445: What Every Indie Filmmaker Can Learn from a $5K Zombie Movie with Bojan Dulabic
A spark of madness is often the first step toward creation. On today’s episode, we welcome Bojan Dulabic, a passionate Vancouver-based filmmaker who pulled off a small miracle—he made a full-length zombie movie for just $5,000. But this isn't just a story of budgeting brilliance; it's a tale of relentless passion, artistic vision, and the kind of self-taught wisdom you can't get in film school.Bor
BPS 444: Phil Proctor: A Journey Through Comedy, Resilience, and the Art of Reality
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 world
BPS 443: Breaking the Mold: Lily Yasuda and Michael Wolfe’s Journey to Crafting the Anti-Rom-Com
On today’s episode, we welcome the dynamic duo, Lily Yasuda and Michael Wolfe, two inspiring filmmakers who have decided to take the road less traveled by creating their own feature film, Like Love. Their journey is one of collaboration, determination, and creativity—filled with moments of laughter and the occasional unexpected hurdle.From the outset, you’ll sense the chemistry between Lily and Mi
BPS 442: The No-Excuses Filmmaking Philosophy of Len Kabasinski
Len Kabasinski shares his journey from childhood dreams of monsters and martial arts to becoming a prolific force in the world of independent B-movie filmmaking. He recounts the origins of his first feature Swamp Zombies, revealing how a passion for horror and action films, coupled with sheer determination and minimal resources, propelled him into the director’s chair. With stories of on-set chall
BPS 441: Comedy, Confidence, and the Art of Reinvention with Rhonda Shear
Some moments in life are stitched together like the seams of a well-loved garment, their fabric woven with laughter, reinvention, and a refusal to let the world dictate what is possible. On today's episode, we welcome Rhonda Shear, a woman who embodies this spirit of transformation with a playful wink and an unstoppable drive. Many remember her as the effervescent host of USA Up All Night, where s
BPS 440: Crafting Authentic Stories from Lady Gaga to Sci-Fi Futures with Kim Ray
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
BPS 439: From Wrestling Rings to Public Access Mayhem: The Wild Ride of Mad Man Pondo
The world is far more peculiar than most of us dare to admit. Somewhere between a demolition derby and a wrestling ring, between the crackle of VHS tapes and the shriek of late-night public access, lies a man who has turned mayhem into meaning. On today’s episode, we welcome the unparalleled and unfiltered Mad Man Pondo, a professional wrestler and author whose life has been a whirlwind of body sl
BPS 438: Why Your Script Still Isn’t Getting Read; And What to Do About It with Whitney Davis
In this episode, Whitney Davis, a seasoned literary manager and script consultant, breaks down the real-deal process of getting noticed in Hollywood—from landing a manager to crafting query letters that don’t suck. Sharing her own unconventional path into the industry, Whitney offers raw, practical advice for screenwriters and indie filmmakers on how to pitch like a pro, avoid rookie mistakes, and
BPS 437: No Budget, All Hustle: The Filmmaking Grind of Staci Layne Wilson
In this colorful and deeply personal episode, Staci Layne Wilson shares her remarkable journey from a childhood surrounded by Hollywood legends and horseback riding to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and bestselling author. Born and raised in Los Angeles to a famed musician father (Don Wilson of The Ventures) and a glamorous pin-up model mother, Staci’s life has always been steeped in creativi
BPS 436: Lessons in Filmmaking, Failure, and Persistence with Greg Travis
In this episode, veteran actor and director Greg Travis dives into his decades-long filmmaking journey, culminating in the release of his once-abandoned 1984 feature Dark Seduction. Shot on 16mm black-and-white film, the noir-vampire hybrid languished in post-production limbo for over 30 years before digital technology made its completion possible. Greg shares candid stories about the ups and down
BPS 435: Building Films from Scratch_Mastering Microbudget Movie-Making with Evan Kidd
Evan Kidd is a passionate indie filmmaker who believes great stories don’t need big budgets—just big heart. In this episode, he shares how he created his feature film Son of Clowns using the resources he already had: friends, favors, and faith in the process. With a deep respect for collaboration, Evan emphasizes the importance of building a reliable team, staying grounded, and keeping ego out of
BPS 434: How Pixar’s Story Secrets Can Transform Your Filmmaking Process with Brit Cruise
Brit Cruise—educator, filmmaker, and producer of Pixar in a Box—takes us on a journey through the fusion of storytelling, science, and education. From his early days editing videos with dual VCRs to his innovative work at Khan Academy, Brit reveals how deep focus, analog creativity, and a love for explanation helped shape his approach to teaching complex subjects through immersive visuals. With st
BPS 433: No Film School, No Problem Gary King's Journey of Grit and Creativity
Gary King is a filmmaker who transitioned from a career in psychology and human resources to independent cinema, building a body of work that balances heart, hustle, and deeply human storytelling.In the spirit of Taoist unpredictability, Gary’s story unfolds not as a straight line, but as a rich weave of intuition, risk, and creative alignment. He didn’t attend film school—not out of rebellion, bu
BPS 432: Making Your Own Damn Movies: Inside Dave Campfield’s Troma-Fueled Filmmaking Path
When two Daves walk into a podcast, you don’t expect to stumble upon a meditation on art, failure, persistence, and horror-comedy. But that’s exactly what happened in this electric and delightfully unfiltered conversation with Dave Campfield, a filmmaker, actor, and host of the Troma Now Podcast, best known for his work in the cult Caesar and Otto comedy-horror film series.Dave Campfield is a fier
BPS 431: How Tremors turned into a Masterclass in Storytelling with S.S Wilson
In this episode, screenwriter and filmmaker S.S. Wilson shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating the cult classic Tremors, revealing how creative limitations, meticulous story structure, and a deep respect for character and sound design brought the film to life. From his writing process with partner Brent Maddock to the evolution of the Tremors franchise and his advice for aspiring filmmak
BPS 430: Shooting Sharks in Your Living Room: The Art of DIY Filmmaking with Ron Bonk
In this episode, we dive into the wild, wonderful world of Ron Bonk, an indie filmmaker and founder of SRS Cinema known for the cult horror-comedy House Shark. Ron shares his journey from studying accounting and criminal justice to becoming a self-taught director, driven by a passion for storytelling and a deep love for genre cinema. With no Hollywood backing, Ron used camcorders, community colleg
BPS 429: The Unfiltered History of Film Distribution with AFM Co-Founder with Michael Ryan
Michael Ryan started his career working in the TV industry for Sir Lew Grade’s UK company, ITC. In 1978 he formed J&M Entertainment with a colleague, a distribution sales agent for independent films. As J&M grew, it developed its business model to also take responsibility for financing new films & providing production finance.In 1980 Ryan and J&M were founder members of the America
BPS 428: The Art of Film Marketing: How to Make Your Movie Impossible to Ignore with Danielle Raiz
A blank canvas. A single frame. The quiet hum before a film breathes life into a screen. But what happens after the final cut? How does a filmmaker's vision transcend the void and reach the hearts and minds of an audience? Today, we unravel this mystery with Danielle Raiz, a passionate advocate for creatives, whose work at Wix has been dedicated to empowering filmmakers and video creators.In this
BPS 427: From Pills to Pictures: Cynthia Hill’s Unlikely Path to Documentary Filmmaking
Cynthia Hill, a filmmaker from North Carolina, discussed her journey from pharmacy school to filmmaking, highlighting her documentaries "Tobacco Money," "Private Violence," and the upcoming eight-part series "Road to Race Day" on NASCAR. She emphasized the importance of storytelling and character development, sharing her experiences with funding through foundations and the challenges of balancing
BPS 426: Breaking the Rules: Crafting Powerful Films Without Hollywood Money with Shawn Whitney
Sometimes, the fire of creativity is struck not by lightning but by the slow, smoldering ache of dissatisfaction. And in today's soul-stirring conversation, we welcome Shawn Whitney, a filmmaker who found cinema not in the corridors of academia, but in the quiet rebellion of self-taught screenwriting and micro-budget filmmaking. Shawn Whitney is a screenwriter, director, and founder of Micro Budge
BPS 425: The Power of the Cut: Storytelling Secrets from Michael Trent
A film editor’s job is much like the work of a sculptor. You take a massive block of material—raw footage—and with a series of delicate, precise cuts, you shape it into something cohesive, something meaningful. In today’s episode, we welcome Michael Trent, a master of cinematic storytelling who has spent his career assembling some of Hollywood’s most unforgettable films. From the war-torn beaches
BPS 424: From Short to Feature The Filmmaker’s Journey with Michael G. Kehoe
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
BPS 423: From Instagram Mysteries to Indie Horror The Bold Experiments of Joe Kowalski
When the winds of curiosity rustle the mind and stir the soul, they often bring with them storytellers—those rare beings who don’t just recount events but breathe life into them. On today's episode, we welcome Joe Kowalski, a young filmmaker from Cleveland whose creative spirit dances between shadows and light, weaving stories through film, mystery, and innovation.Joe Kowalski is a filmmaker, game
BPS 422: The Unscripted Journey of Steven Bernstein From Cinematographer to Storyteller
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 t
BPS 421: Behind the Scenes of Sharknado Turning Sci-Fi Madness into Storytelling Gold with Andrew Shaffer
The mind is a curious trickster, delighting in dreams where logic pirouettes in absurdity. In today's extraordinary episode, we welcome Andrew Shaffer, a humorist and New York Times bestselling author whose wit slices through the storms of reality with a twinkle in his eye and a chainsaw in hand. From the earliest pages of his life, Andrew Shaffer was destined to dance with the ridiculous and subl
BPS 420: Out of Time and the Back to the Future DeLorean Documentary with Steve Concotelli
Today on the show we have documentary filmmaker Steve Concotelli, the director of OUTATIME: Saving the DeLorean Time Machine. Out of Time is the documentary about the restoration of the screen used Back to the Future DeLorean Time Machine.We discuss how the film came to be, his Kickstarter campaign, getting the rights from Universal, working with Back to the Future co-creator, producer and overall
BPS 419: Going Undercover and Directing for VICE with Natalia Leite
Today’s guest is writer/director Natalia Leite. This director is one of the bravest filmmakers I’ve ever met. Her work on the VICE documentary ‘Life as a Truck-Stop Stripper was breathtaking. Not only did she direct the piece but one of the subjects in the film as well. Take a look below at her amazing work.Everyone knows what charming places strip clubs can be, but perhaps there is no club so cha
BPS 418: Drugs, Sex and Higher Love with Slamdance Winner Hasan Oswald
Today on the show we have Slamdance Grand Jury winning filmmaker Hasan Oswald. Hasan's story is pretty inspiring. He did exactly what I preach all the time, he picked up a camera and began to tell his story. He made his first short film that was later tweeted by Stephen Fry, and the National Geographic came calling to work on their film Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS. He has
BPS 417: How I Got My Film Directing Off The Ground with Sean Mullin
Sean Mullin is an award-winning filmmaker. His critically-acclaimed feature film debut as a writer/director — Amira & Sam — won the top prize at numerous festivals and was distributed theatrically by Drafthouse Films. He’s the co-writer/co-producer of the film, Semper Fi – alongside Oscar-nominated director Henry-Alex Rubin (Murderball) and Oscar-nominated producer David Lancaster (Whiplash).
BPS 416: The Brutal and Honest Reality of Self-Distributing a Film Today with Jeff MacIntyre
Today on the show we have 18 time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jeff MacIntyre. Jeff is the director of the new film The Great Cookie Comeback. Famous Wally Amos introduced us to his famous cookie in 1975. It was love at first bite! 🍪 Then...he lost it all to a big corporation. For 30 years, Wally’s been hustling to get it back. At 82, facing huge personal and financial challenges, can he make his
BPS 415: From Indies to Producing Oscar Winners with Cassian Elwes
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BPS 414: Billie Eilish and Truth to Filmmaking with RJ Cutler
Our guest today, RJ Cutler opened up 2021 with his raw, emotional, and remarkable new documentary Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry. He’s a phenomenal documentary and TV director and producer with nearly thirty years of experience in the business.The $2 million dollars documentary film which was directed, written, and produced by Cutler centered around singer-songwriter teen sensation and
BPS 413: The Problem with Abusive Film Sets with Greg Hemmings
Let me introduce to you all, filmmaker and award-winning film-preneur, Greg Hemmings – Chief storyteller and CEO of Hemmings House Pictures limited. I wanted to address the serious problem of verbal abuse interns and other crew persons face on film sets from directors, producers, or others in charge.Why would I invite a CEO to discuss this topic?Well, Gerg’s company, Hemmings House Pictures create
BPS 412: How to Create a Compelling Documentary with Julie Cohen & Betsy West
Today on the show we have Oscar® nominated documentarians Betsy West & Julie Cohen.Betsy West (Director/Producer) is an Academy Award®-nominated Emmy winning director/producer of RBG (Magnolia, Participant, CNN Films, 2018), along with Julie Cohen. Most recently, she and Cohen directed My Name is Pauli Murray (Participant/Amazon Studios), which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021.B
BPS 411: Beyond the Script: Gordy Hoffman’s Guide to Emotional Storytelling
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 deli
BPS 410: Why Most Independent Films NEVER Make Any Money
I've been thinking about doing this podcast for a long time. In the tradition of Why Filmmakers are Always So Damn Broke & What They Can Do to Change It this episode is going to be a cold bucket of water over your head if you are not ready for it. In the insane world, we are all living in today, filmmakers need to break out of the mindset that we are living in the golden age of indie cinema.Th
BPS 409: How to Make Indie Films That Make REAL Money with J. Horton
Today on the show we have filmmaker and Filmtrepreneur J. Horton. Jason has been in the film industry for as long as I have and has been making movies ever since. What sets him apart from other filmmakers is that he actually makes a living making his films.Jason figured out the formula that would allow him to make a living doing what he loves to do. He produces low-budget feature films and uploads
BPS 408: The Patronized Self-Distribution (PSD) Model with Zach Lona and Anthony Gibson
Our guests today are filmmakers and developers, Zach Lona and Anthony Gibson. Zach is the founder of Chicago-based film production company, Eleusinian Productions studio that invented the Patronized Self-Distribution (PSD) model. The Patronized self-distribution (PSD) uses NFTs essentially as an alternative film distribution model from traditional Hollywood distribution. It hoists and redefines th
BPS 407: Unforgettable Storytelling Phillip Andrew on Creativity, Leadership, and Resilience
On today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of creativity, resilience, and the art of storytelling with Phillip Andrew, a multi-talented producer, motivational speaker, and DJ from Los Angeles. From his humble beginnings in Michigan to his relentless pursuit of opportunities in Hollywood, Phillip's journey is a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and the enduring impa
BPS 406: Unveiling the Art of Screenwriting A Journey with Kristin Overn
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 jour
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