Best SMOKIN BEATS Podcasts (2024)

1
IFH 776: Crafting Comedy Without Limits: The Indie Spirit Behind Chasing Molly with Shelley Pack & Josh Sutherland 58:14

1h ago58:14

58:14

In today’s episode, we welcome the brilliant comedic minds behind Chasing Molly: Shelley Pack and Josh Sutherland. Together, they share the odyssey of making an independent film from scratch, driven by pure creativity and an unwavering dedication to laughter and storytelling. Their journey is not just one of filmmaking but of persistence, grit, and…

1
IFH 775 - Breaking Into Hollywood: The Power of Authentic Connections and Creative Vision with Jameson Parker 49:27

1h ago49:27

49:27

On today's episode, we welcome Jameson Parker, a seasoned producer with roots in theater, who’s climbed the ranks in the world of film and television. As a Development Director at Bright Light Pictures, Jameson has developed a keen eye for projects that align with his passion and resonate with audiences. Starting as an actor, he transitioned to pro…

1
IFH 774: Breaking Barriers in Filmmaking: The Resilient Journey of Sean Buckley 52:58

15d ago52:58

52:58

On today's episode, we welcome Sean Buckley, founder and CEO of Buck Productions. From humble beginnings to becoming a force in content creation, Sean’s journey is a testament to persistence, passion, and adaptability. Through his story, he paints a vivid picture of the challenges of building a media production company from scratch, especially in a…

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IFH 773: How to Master Screenwriting in Hollywood with Mick Hurbis-Cherrier 1:05:43

8d ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Today on the show we have author, filmmaker and screenwriter Mick Hurbis-Cherrier.Mick is an independent filmmaker and screenwriter. His works have been broadcast and shown around the country and have garnered prizes at many festivals including the Black Maria Film & Video Festival, Ann Arbor Film Festival, Athens Film & Video Festival and the Cin(…

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IFH 772: Screenwriting the 80’ Classic Cocoon with Tom Benedek 48:18

29d ago48:18

48:18

Tom Benedek is a screenwriter known for his work in the film industry. He was born on March 16, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, USA. Benedek has written several screenplays for movies across various genres. One of his notable works includes co-writing the screenplay for the 1984 science fiction film "Cocoon," directed by Ron Howard. "Cocoon" was …

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IFH 771: Beat by Beat to a Better Screenplay with Jim Mercurio 1:27:23

22d ago1:27:23

1:27:23

Today on the show we have Jim Mercurio. Jim is a filmmaker, writer, and author whose screenwriting instruction has inspired tens of thousands of writers around the world. Creative Screenwriting ranked him as one of the country’s top story analysts: “The best example of how an analyst can give concrete help without veering off the track of your stor…

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IFH 770: Screenwriting Unchained – Master Story Structure with Emmanuel Oberg 1:06:44

29d ago1:06:44

1:06:44

Today on the show we have Emmanuel Oberg. Emmanuel is a screenwriter, author and script consultant with more than twenty years of experience in the Film and TV industry. After selling his first project to Warner Bros as a co-writer, he went on to be commissioned by StudioCanal and Gold Circle before writing solo for Working Title / Universal and Fi…

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IFH 769: Lessons Learned: Being a First-Time Writer/Director with Sarah Elizabeth Mintz 57:52

1M ago57:52

57:52

Sarah Elizabeth Mintz received her BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she completed her thesis film Transit, starring Dakota Johnson. After graduating she mentored with filmmakers Cary Fukunaga on True Detective, Joachim Trier on Louder Than Bombs, and worked with Alejandro Inarritu on The Revenant.Sarah was a Sundance F…

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IFH 768: Writing & Directing an Independent Streaming Series with Aram Rappaport 1:22:23

2M ago1:22:23

1:22:23

Aram Rappaport is filmmaker based in New York. Originally from Los Angeles, he began writing, directing and producing in his late teens including the one-take experimental film HELIX starring Alexa Vega. He later adapted, produced and directed Max Berry's acclaimed novel into the film SYRUP starring Amber Heard, Shiloh Fernandez and Kellan Lutz and…

1
IFH 767: Why Most Screenplays Don't Sell with Brooks Elms 1:20:14

2M ago1:20:14

1:20:14

Brooks Elms is a screenwriter and independent filmmaker. His specialty is grounded personal characters and writing story tension so thick it knots up your stomach.He's written 25+ screenplays, a dozen of them on assignment, and sold several scripts, including one this year with Brad Peyton as Executive Producer. Brooks was recently hired to rewrite…

1
BONUS EPISODE: How to Write a Super Natural Hit Film with BeetleJuice Creator Larry Wilson 1:17:45

2M ago1:17:45

1:17:45

If you were a kid of the late 80s or early 90s then today's guest definitely had an impact on your life. Larry Wilson is the co-creator of the cult classic Beetlejuice (directed by Tim Burton), writer of Addams Family and worked on the legendary television show Tales from the Crypt. Larry wasn't always a screenwriter, he worked on the studio side o…

1
IFH 766: How to Tap Into Your Screenwriting Muse with Jocelyn Jones 1:23:36

2M ago1:23:36

1:23:36

Jocelyn Jones was raised in an artist's community on the Hudson River just 30 minutes north of Manhattan. This idyllic hamlet is home to some of the most influential artists of our time and it was here that her interest in art, artists and their process began.She is the daughter of Henry Jones, a character actor whose credits include some 40 films …

1
IFH 765: The Writer's Room Survival Guide with Niceole R. Levy 1:32:16

2M ago1:32:16

1:32:16

Niceole grew up under the bright stars of the Mojave Desert before swapping them for bright lights of Los Angeles. Studying acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts yielded the epiphany that she preferred writing. She worked as a police dispatcher to pay her way through undergraduate USC, and then completed the Master of Professional Writing…

1
BONUS EPISODE: LOSS MY MIND WRITING the INSANE DEADPOOL, LOGAN & The X-MEN with Oscar® Nominee Simon Kinberg 33:07

2M ago33:07

33:07

Today on the show we have Oscar® and two-time Emmy® Nominee Simon Kinberg. He has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most prolific filmmakers, having written and produced projects for some of the most successful franchises in the modern era. His films have earned more than seven billion dollars worldwide.  Kinberg graduated from Brown Univer…

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IFH 764: Where Writer's Go Wrong with ACTION Screenplays with Robert McKee 1:26:57

2M ago1:26:57

1:26:57

Robert McKee, A Fulbright Scholar, is the most sought after screenwriting lecturer around the globe. He has dedicated the last 30 years to educating and mentoring screenwriters, novelists, playwrights, poets, documentary makers, producers, and directors internationally. Those who have learned from McKee have called him "the Aristotle of our time" b…

1
IFH 763: How to Outline Your Screenplay Like a Pro with Naomi Beaty 1:02:09

3M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Naomi Beaty is a screenwriting teacher, screenplay consultant, and former development exec with 10+ years in the entertainment industry.Naomi is based in Los Angeles, CA. She has worked on American productions and on projects in Taiwan and Australia, including the feature film "Ghost Boy", based on the novel by award winning Australian author Felic…

1
IFH 762: Billion-Dollar Comedy Screenwriting with Herschel Weingrod 1:12:00

3M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

This successful American screenwriter of comedies, many of which are remakes or adaptations of novels (i.e., "Brewster's Millions" 1985, "Pure Luck" 1991), had worked in collaboration with Timothy Harris. The Wisconsin-born Herschel A. Weingrod and his British-born partner have generally met with commercial approval for their efforts like "Twins" (…

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IFH 761: Reality Check: What Really Happens After You Win an Oscar® for Screenwriting with Tom Schulman 1:07:07

3M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

Tom Schulman graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. in Philosophy. He studied at USC Graduate School of Cinema, with Jack Garfein at the Actors and Directors Lab, Los Angeles, and with director Joan Darling. He directed the Actors’ Studio first west coast production, Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker. Tom wrote Dead Poets Society for which he…

1
IFH 760: How to Write Dialog that Pops Off the Page with Linda Seger 1:06:12

4M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Today on the show we have returning champion the legendary Linda Seger. Linda and I discuss her new book You Talkin' to Me?: How to Write Great Dialogue. We do a deep dive into how to write great dialog. Here's a bit about the book.Unlike the chitchat of everyday life, dialogue in stories must express character, advance the story, suggest a theme, …

1
IFH 759: Top 10 Screenwriting Scams to Avoid 22:03

4M ago22:03

22:03

On today's show, I'm going to discuss screenwriting scams that ALL screenwriters should be aware of and avoid at all costs. It never surprises me how predatory people can be with screenwriters and filmmakers in this business.I did an episode exposing ways screenwriters can get screwed on writing assignments. I do a deep dive into each of the follow…

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IFH 758: The Philosophy of Screenwriting in Hollywood with Pen Densham 1:35:50

4M ago1:35:50

1:35:50

Today on the show we Pen Densham. Pen is a successful award-winning screenwriter, producer, and director, with an extensive track record in film and television. He is responsible for writing and producing some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Backdraft, Blown Awayalong with some of its longest-running tele…

1
BONUS EPISODE: Confessions of a Hollywood Writer & Actor with John Leguizamo 45:22

4M ago45:22

45:22

Fast-talking and feisty-looking John Leguizamo has continued to impress movie audiences with his versatility: he can play sensitive and naïve young men, such as Johnny in Hangin' with the Homeboys; cold-blooded killers like Benny Blanco in Carlito's Way; a heroic Army Green Beret, stopping aerial terrorists in Executive Decision; and drag queen Chi…

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IFH 757: What are the Essential Elements in ALL Successful Stories with Karl Iglesias 1:18:38

4M ago1:18:38

1:18:38

Today on the show we have returning champion Karl Iglesias. His last episode is one of the most popular shows ever in the history of the podcast. I wanted to bring him back to dig deeper into his thoughts on writing for emotional impact and breakdown the essential elements of every good story.Karl Iglesias has been a writer for over 20 years now wi…

1
BONUS EPISODE: Inside the Blumhouse Filmmaking Machine with Marcus Dunstan 1:03:29

5M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

Marcus Dunstan’s screenwriting with his partner, Patrick Melton, include such horror films as FEAST 1-3, SAW IV-V-VI& SAW 3D THE FINAL CHAPTER, PIRANHA , GOD OF WAR, FINAL DESTINATION 6, and SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. Marcus Dunstan’s directing credits include THE COLLECTOR, THE COLLECTION, THE NEIGHBOUR, BLUMHOUSE’S PILGRIM and this summer…

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IFH 756: Confessions of a Hollywood Script Doctor with Peter Douglas Russell 1:32:56

4M ago1:32:56

1:32:56

Today's guest is screenwriter and Hollywood script doctor Peter Douglas Russell. I wanted to go deep into the back alleys of what Hollywood script doctors actually do in the business. Peter's conversation was eye-opening, to say the least.Peter Russell sold two television pilots in 2017. He enjoys working on projects both as a ghostwriter and as a …

1
BONUS EPISODE: The Director's Six Senses with Simone Bartesaghi 54:59

5M ago54:59

54:59

Simone Bartesaghi is an Italian award-winning filmmaker who has been recognized by the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producer) as an artist with "Extraordinary Ability in Directing”. At the age of 24 Simone received his Master’s Degree in Economics at the University of Pisa, Italy. Three years…

1
IFH 755: How to Write for CSI Vegas, NCSI & Law & Order SVU with Jennifer Dornbush 1:08:19

4M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

Today on the show we have author Jennifer Dornbushwho has written the book Forensic Speak: How to Write Realistic Crime Dramas. We sit down and discuss all things forensics. We even discuss the impact of the OJ Simpson case on the world of forensics. Here's a bit about her amazing book.Crime stories have always intrigued viewers and storytellers. T…

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IFH 754: Screenwriting Secrets from Hollywood with Corey Mandell 1:32:53

5M ago1:32:53

1:32:53

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 s…

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IFH 753: Screenwriting for Netflix and Television with Neil Landau 1:22:08

5M ago1:22:08

1:22:08

Neil Landau is a screenwriter, author, and professor known for his work in the field of film and television. He has written screenplays for various film and television projects and has also authored several books related to screenwriting and storytelling.Some of his notable works include: "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" (1991) - Landau co-wr…

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IFH 752: How to Make People Laugh & Cry with Your Screenwriting with Eduardo Cisneros 1:02:19

5M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Today on the show we have screenwriter, Eduardo Cisneros. He began his screenwriting career in his home country of Mexico. Working on countless television series including Saturday Night Live: Mexico. His career took an upward trajectory when he began working with one of the biggest comedy actor/writer/producer and director in the Latinx world, Eug…

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IFH 751: How to Turn Your Movie Script into a Money-Maker with Mark Toia 1:40:42

6M ago1:40:42

1:40:42

So insane and talented Australian filmmaker Mark Toia is back to tell us how he made millions of dollars self-distributing his remarkable debut, Monsters of Man. After getting offered bad and predatory distribution deals, he wondered if there was another way. Enter my book Rise of the Filmtrepreneur: How to Turn Your Film into a Money-Making Busine…

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IFH 750: How To Write a Blockbuster Film Career with Chris Sparling 1:37:28

6M ago1:37:28

1:37:28

It’s always way fun to have a guest who is also a fan of the show. This week’s guest is definitely a member of the tribe. We chatted up pre-interview about some of his favorite IFH podcast episodes like Ed Burns and Joe Carnahan and I knew front hen on we were on for a treat. My guest today is award-winning writer, director, and producer, Chris Spa…

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IFH 749: Save the Cat! Writing for Netflix & Television with Jamie Nash 1:15:40

6M ago1:15:40

1:15:40

This week, I invited author, writer, and director, Jamie Nash on the show to discuss his ‘Save The Cats Writes for TV’ formula in his new book, Save the Cat!® Writes for TV: The Last Book on Creating Binge-Worthy Content You'll Ever Need.Jamie is a horror and children’s film screenwriter with fifteen years of experience writing projects for Nickelo…

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IFH 748: Screenwriter's Guide to Plotting Stories & Theme with K.M. Weiland 1:18:42

6M ago1:18:42

1:18:42

Today on the show we have returning champion author K.M. Weiland. I wanted to bring her back on the show to discuss her new book Writing Your Story's Theme: The Writer's Guide to Plotting Stories That Matter. Enjoy my conversation with K.M. Weiland. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-…

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IFH 747: The Art of Creating Memorable Characters with John Winston Rainey 1:07:28

6M ago1:07:28

1:07:28

Today on the show we have screenwriter and script doctor, John Winston Rainey. John is the co-author, along with legendary script consultant Linda Seger, of the book You Talkin’ to Me?: How to Write Great Dialogue. John has written 25 screenplays of which 3 have been produced and 10 have been optioned. He has been a script consultant since 1989 and…

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IFH 746: The Entrepreneurial Screenwriter with Jeff Willis 1:27:27

7M ago1:27:27

1:27:27

Today on the show we have screenwriter, consultant, and studio executive, Jeff Willis. Jeff has been in the film business for over 15 years as a writer and executive working on films like Avengers: End Game, Spider-Man: Far from Home, Captain Marvel, and Black Panther to name a few.Around 30 minutes into the show we begin to discuss the business of…

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IFH 745: Screenwriting & Hollywood in the Times of COVID with Greg Gertmenian 1:23:06

7M ago1:23:06

1:23:06

Today on the show, we have Greg Gertmenian, who is the Head of Script Analytics and Film Development at Slated. He is also the co-inventor of the Script Score, the only screenplay evaluation tool proven to accurately predict good films. Helped arrange to finance of films like SUPER TROOPERS 2, DEEP MURDER, CRUISE, AT FIRST LIGHT, GOD BLESS THE BROK…

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IFH 744: The Screenwriter's Guide to Video Game Writing with Robert Denton Bryant 1:44:18

7M ago1:44:18

1:44:18

I always wondered how someone would get into the video game writing business. Today's guest is screenwriter/game development guru Robert Denton Bryant and he answers that question and so much more.Robert Denton Bryant has worked in Hollywood in marketing and production, and in video games as a publisher and a developer. He has been Executive Produc…

1
IFH 743: The Guide for Every Screenwriter with Geoffrey D. Calhoun 22:53

7M ago22:53

22:53

After many requests, I decided to finally tackle the dreaded query letter. I bring back to the show screenwriter, author, and IFH Academy instructor Geoffrey Calhoun. Below Query Letter Checklist and a few areas, we discuss in the episode. No Snail Mail Do Your Research Address the Letter to Individuals, not "To Whom It May Concern" It's about the …

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IFH 742: Writing a Screenplay from the Inside Out with Brian Herskowitz 1:14:30

8M ago1:14:30

1:14:30

Today's guest is screenwriter Brian Herskowitz. He wrote the book called Process to Product: From Concept to Script: A Practical Guide for the Screenwriter. Like millions before him, Brian Herskowitz moved out to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. He soon learned that there was a dearth of roles for shorter leading men and began searching for …

1
IFH 741: How to Break into Television Writing with Steven Vitolo 56:00

8M ago56:00

56:00

Have you ever wondered what it takes to break into a network television writer's room? Then this episode is for you. Today's guest is Steven Vitolo and he did just that. His latest written episode is on the hit ABC show Black-ish. Steven has over 10 years of experience working in writer's rooms, most recently as a script coordinator on the TV serie…

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IFH 740: Screenwriting Rules You Need to Learn Then Break with Julian Hoxter 1:19:24

8M ago1:19:24

1:19:24

You should all know this by now. I love bringing on different perspectives on the craft because you never know what might click for someone. At the end of the day, we are all trying to tell a and compelling story. I invited to the show this week Julian Hoxter to talk about his book, The Creative Screenwriter: 12 Rules to Follow and Break to Unlock …

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IFH 739: Horror Screenwriting - The Nature of Fear with Devin Watson 1:13:26

8M ago1:13:26

1:13:26

I was glad to take a deep dive into the deep end of horror screenwriting with writer and producer, Devin Watson, notably known for writing and producing The Cursed (2010) which was the first draft he wrote in only two days. He’s also written several books, the latest of which is Horror Screenwriting: The Nature of Fear. Horror has, among all of the…

1
IFH 738: Inside Warner Bros Writing Program with Rebecca Windsor 1:07:00

9M ago1:07:00

1:07:00

Today on the show is Rebecca Windsor, the Vice-President of the Warner Bros. Television Workshop, the premier writing and directing program for professionals looking to start and/or further their careers in television.As an extension of her role developing new talent, Rebecca was recruited to help launch Warner Bros. new digital content brand Stage…

1
Dubtronix 2:51:22

9M ago2:51:22

2:51:22

Deep dive into a fresh new sound of dub influenced modern electronicaBy Hugh Def

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IFH 737: How to Write for and Land a Movie Star for Your Indie Film with Shaye Ogbonna 55:07

9M ago55:07

55:07

We have on the show today writer Shaye Ogbonna.When not in pursuit of retro sneakers, Shaye Ogbonna can be found worshiping at the Temple of Story. His most recent feature project is the contemporary western feature GOD’S COUNTRY — starring the incomparable Thandiwe Newton. Based on a short story by acclaimed author James Lee Burke, God’s Country i…

1
IFH 736: How I Got My Screenplay on Disney Plus with Arash Amel 1:15:18

9M ago1:15:18

1:15:18

Acclaimed screenwriter and producer Arash Amel is known for writing the critically-lauded motion picture, A PRIVATE WAR (2018), directed by Matthew Heineman and starring Rosamund Pike as celebrated war correspondent, Marie Colvin. He recently served as Executive Producer on the Netflix sci-fi action movie, OUTSIDE THE WIRE (2021), starring Anthony …

1
IFH 735: Getting in the Door Screenwriting for Netflix with Alan Trezza 56:02

10M ago56:02

56:02

Alan Trezza wrote WE SUMMON THE DARKNESS, a horror-thriller set during the "Satanic Panic" craze of the 1980s. It was directed by Marc Meyers (MY FRIEND DAHMER) and starred Alexandra Daddario, Keean Johnson and Johnny Knoxville. The film made it’s US premiere at the 2019 Fantastic Fest film festival in Austin and was released on all digital outlets…

1
Sunday Space Exploration 3 2:38:20

9M ago2:38:20

2:38:20

3rd in my mix series focused on cosmic beats Photo by daniel kondrashin of pexels.By Hugh Def

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