Best Indie Film Hustle Podcasts (2025)

1
IFH 832: The Filmmaker Who Refused to Tap Out: The Making of Heel Kick! with Danny Mac 1:02:36

7d ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Danny Mac, a self-taught filmmaker from Edmonton, turned his dream into a career through persistence, creativity, and sheer determination. After producing his first feature, Love/Hate, on weekends while working a day job, he managed to sell it to a Canadian broadcaster—an extraordinary feat for a debut filmmaker. The experience became his hands-on …

1
Finding the Frame - Gothic Lighting Secrets & Film Emulation (feat. Steve Yedlin, ASC) 1:27:34

11h ago1:27:34

1:27:34

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Filmmakers Academy Podcast! Ready to take your filmmaking to the next level? As a member, you'll get access to monthly virtual group coaching, exclusive networking events, and fresh content released every week. Join today and take advantage of our Holiday Promotional Offer—the lowest price on Annual …

1
S4E175 | A Filmmaker's Journey: Triumphs and Setbacks 52:57

7d ago52:57

52:57

In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss their latest challenges in the filmmaking industry, focusing on Christine's recent experience of having her laptop stolen from her car. They talk about the importance of community support and resilience in the face of setbacks. The episode also touches on …

1
IFH 831: Making Independent Films Without Hollywood or a Huge Budget with David Ash 52:24

14d ago52:24

52:24

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 …

1
IFH 830: How Two Filmmakers Captured the Ultimate Rocky Fan Story with Jim Toscano & Danny Gianino 38:15

21d ago38:15

38:15

Jim Toscano and Danny Gianino, two filmmakers from Detroit, found an unexpected calling in telling the story of Mike Kunda, the world’s number one Rocky fan. Their documentary, The Pretender, follows Kunda’s lifelong devotion to Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character — a passion that goes far beyond simple fandom. From dressing like Rocky to giving …

1
S4E174 | Behind the Scenes of a Pervert Musical 58:03

21d ago58:03

58:03

In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen engage with filmmaker Josh Munds to discuss their unique and humorous film 'Peeping Todd.' The conversation dives into the logistics and challenges of creating a musical about a peeping tom, featuring behind-the-scenes anecdotes involving the cast and crew, quirky…

1
BONUS EPISODE: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Money for Your Movie with Franco Sama 1:15:23

24d ago1:15:23

1:15:23

Franco Sama, a veteran executive producer, reveals the hard truths and practical steps behind raising real money for independent films. He explains that while many filmmakers obsess over finding investors, the real challenge is making their projects financially viable. To attract funding, he emphasizes the importance of having a solid business plan…

1
IFH 829: The Secret to Marketing Your Movie Like a Pro with Brad Wilke 1:27:24

28d ago1:27:24

1:27:24

On today’s episode, we welcome Brad Wilke, a filmmaker, screenwriter, and marketing strategist whose career bridges the worlds of storytelling and audience building. A graduate of West Point turned filmmaker, Brad’s path to Hollywood wasn’t typical—he went from military service to film programming, then into writing creature features for Roger Corm…

1
S4E173 | Meeting Sir Roger Deakins and the Magic of Cinegear 36:26

28d ago36:26

36:26

In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen share their experiences at the Cinegear Expo, a camera-heavy event showcasing the latest in film technology from brands like Canon, Sony, and ARI. The hosts delve into eclectic new technologies like Canon's C 400 camera, which creates proxies simultaneously while …

1
IFH 828: The Ultimate Life of Action: Martial Arts, Movies, and Wisdom with Leo Fong 1:15:14

1M ago1:15:14

1:15:14

Leo Fong was a true Renaissance man — a martial arts Grand Master, filmmaker, and Methodist minister who turned life’s challenges into fuel for creativity. Born in 1930s Arkansas, Leo faced racial discrimination early, leading him to boxing and later martial arts as a way to build confidence and strength. His journey took him from judo dojos and ku…

1
S4E172 | From LA to Austin: Filmmaking, Community & the Indie Hustle 1:08:25

1M ago1:08:25

1:08:25

In episode 172 of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen, both filmmakers, are joined by illustrators Kellie Penna and Jason. They discuss the origins and creation of their book 'Get Reelisms,' which started on the set of 'Terror Birds' in 2016. The conversation covers the differences in film culture between Austin and L…

1
IFH 827: Turning a Script into a Movie: The Indie Filmmaking Story of Jamie Buckner 1:11:36

1M ago1:11:36

1:11:36

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 Depart…

1
S4E171 | Empowering Diversity in Entertainment - A Conversation with Panny Wei 50:29

1M ago50:29

50:29

Empowering Diversity in Entertainment: A Conversation with Panny Wei In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, host Christine Chen talks with Panny Wei, an entrepreneur, restaurateur, creative professional, and activist in the entertainment industry. The discussion highlights the importance of activism, community building, the challenges faced b…

1
IFH 826: How to Turn a Script Into a Movie Without Hollywood’s Help with Chris Jay 1:19:32

2M ago1:19:32

1:19:32

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 lear…

1
S4E170 | Finding Simplicity in Filmmaking with Michael Goi 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

In episode 170 of the Get Reelisms Podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen invite filmmaker Michael Goi to discuss his journey in the industry. Goi shares insights from his career as a director and cinematographer, emphasizing his approach to keeping things simple and direct. He recounts his early inspiration from childhood experiences wi…

1
IFH 825: The Untold Stories of Women in Action Cinema with Melanie Wise 52:34

2M ago52:34

52:34

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, highlight…

1
S4E169 | How to Reach Creative Flow 34:55

2M ago34:55

34:55

Creative Spaces and Productivity Hacks for Filmmakers to reach Creative Flow In this episode of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss various productivity hacks for filmmakers. Christine shares her experiences with house sitting, taking scenic train trips, and finding ways to avoid distractions to enhance her wr…

1
IFH 824: The Screenwriting Secrets Every Indie Writer Needs to Know with Dan Benamor 40:34

2M ago40:34

40:34

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 dir…

1
S4E168 | Lighting Secrets on Hollywood’s Biggest Films with E.T. Gaffer, Jim Plannette 55:29

2M ago55:29

55:29

Lighting the Legends: A Conversation with Veteran Gaffer Jim Plannette In episode 168 of the Get Reelisms podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen welcome back veteran gaffer Jim Plannette for his second appearance. Jim shares his incredible journey through 50 years in the motion picture industry, working on iconic movies like Young Franke…

1
IFH 823: The Secret to Getting Noticed as a Screenwriter with James Moorer 1:10:36

2M ago1:10:36

1:10:36

By Indie Film Hustle

1
S4E167 | From ET to Anora - A Journey in Filmmaking 39:12

2M ago39:12

39:12

By Adam Chase Rani, Get Reelisms, Christine W Chen

1
IFH 822: From Video Games to the Big Screen: The Filmmaking Journey of Nicole Jones-Dion 37:15

3M ago37:15

37:15

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 s…

1
S4E166 | Navigating the Unsexy but Crucial Aspects of Film Production 49:22

3M ago49:22

49:22

In Episode 166 of the Get Reelisms Podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss overlooked yet essential elements of filmmaking like line producing, budgeting, and on-set coordination. They are joined by guest Sheila Victoria Anne, also known as Sheilava, who shares her journey from the music industry to film through a series of fortui…

1
Inner Circle Podcast - Directing with a 5-Year Plan (feat. Rob Spera) 1:57:43

3M ago1:57:43

1:57:43

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Filmmakers Academy Podcast! Interested in Rob's Film/TV Director's Field Manual? Get it now on Amazon! Take advantage of monthly virtual group coaching, networking events, as well as new content released weekly by becoming a member today. Join today and get $50 off your first year by using the promo …

1
IFH 821: Filmmaking Without Permission: The Independent Journey of Clarke Scott 1:01:07

3M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Clarke Scott, an Australian writer, director, and commercial photographer, shared his unconventional path into filmmaking after leaving behind academia and corporate work. A chance encounter in the Himalayas reignited his creative spark, leading him to dive into the DSLR revolution and embrace filmmaking as both an artistic outlet and a practical c…

1
S4E165 | Delving into Genre-Bending Films and the Oscars Controversies 46:42

3M ago46:42

46:42

Get Reelisms Podcast #165: Oscars Predictions and Filmmaking Stories with Christine Chen In this episode of the Get Reelisms Podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen dive into the complexities of the transgender and Mexican representations in media, share personal filmmaking experiences, and discuss the recent fires in LA. Christine also h…

1
IFH 820: Screenwriting, The BAM Method, And How To Write A Screenplay That Stands Out with Mike Bierman 1:59:41

3M ago1:59:41

1:59:41

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 t…

1
S4E164 | Building Careers in Film: Insights from Ashley Atwood | S4E164 50:01

3M ago50:01

50:01

Surviving and Thriving in the Film Industry with Ashley Atwood | Get Reelisms Podcast #164 In this episode of the Get Reelisms Podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen, both filmmakers, discuss their respective journeys in the film industry. They introduce special guest Ashley Atwood, an Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and director of th…

1
IFH 819: How Quentin Tarantino Changed Independent Film: A Conversation with Dale Sherman 30:32

3M ago30:32

30:32

In this episode, we welcome Dale Sherman, author of The Quentin Tarantino FAQ, who takes us deep into the life and career of one of cinema’s most unconventional directors. Known first for his books on rock legends like Kiss and Alice Cooper, Dale turned his focus to Tarantino, exploring how a high school dropout and video store clerk rose to redefi…

1
S4E163 | Navigating LA Fire Chaos and NY Adventures 37:02

3M ago37:02

37:02

Navigating LA Fire Chaos and Filmmaking Adventures | Get Reelisms Podcast Ep. 163 In episode 163 of the Get Reelisms Podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen discuss the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles. They share personal experiences about evacuating and the challenges faced by the community. Christine details her productive month…

1
IFH 818: From Setbacks to Festival Wins: The Filmmaking Path of Dawn Fields 1:30:06

3M ago1:30:06

1:30:06

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 dist…

1
IFH 817: Crafting Stories Frame by Frame with Jason Love 57:54

4M ago57:54

57:54

In this episode, we welcome Jason Love, a multi-talented creator whose filmmaking journey began with nothing more than flip books and a VHS camcorder. What started as playful experiments soon grew into a lifelong passion for animation, short films, and motion comics. Jason’s path is far from traditional—after leaving film school frustrated by outda…

1
Inner Circle Podcast - Member Questions on Emotional Storytelling (feat. Lydia & Shane Hurlbut, ASC) 1:21:14

4M ago1:21:14

1:21:14

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Filmmakers Academy Podcast! Take advantage of monthly virtual group coaching, networking events, as well as new content released weekly by becoming a member today. Join today and get $50 off your first year by using the promo code FAPOD50. And join the #1 resource for cinematographers, film crews, an…

1
S4E162 | From Boy Scouts to Big Decks: Filmmaker Rylan Tuohy Shares His Journey 46:46

4M ago46:46

46:46

From Boy Scouts to Big Decks: Filmmaker Rylan Tuohy Shares His Journey In episode 162 of the Get Reelisms Podcast, Christine Chen and Adam Chase Rani welcome special guest Rylan Tuohy. Rylan talks about his creative beginnings on YouTube, his experience in participating and winning Boy Scouts video competitions, and his journey into filmmaking. He …

1
IFH 816: From Extras to Director’s Chair: The Filmmaking Journey of Rocky Costanzo 52:05

4M ago52:05

52:05

The journey of Rocky Costanzo is a testament to the raw, unpolished path of independent filmmaking. Beginning as an actor and extra on shows like The Wonder Years, he quickly discovered his true passion behind the camera. Without formal film school, Rocky turned to public access television as his training ground, learning through experimentation, t…

1
IFH 815: Lessons in Filmmaking, Failure, and Persistence with Greg Travis 54:38

4M ago54:38

54:38

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.…

1
S4E161 | A Gaffer's Tale: Jim Plannette talks Steven Spielberg, Mel Gibson, and more. 38:44

4M ago38:44

38:44

Behind the Scenes with Iconic Gaffer Jim Planchett! Join Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen on the Get Reelisms Podcast as they chat with renowned gaffer Jim Plannette. Jim shares insights from his illustrious career, working on classics like E.T., Braveheart, Young Frankenstein, and many more. Discover the challenges and rewards of lighting some o…

1
Finding the Frame - Unraveling Hollywood’s Legal Web (feat. Dale Nelson) 1:21:06

4M ago1:21:06

1:21:06

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Filmmakers Academy Podcast! Take advantage of monthly virtual group coaching, networking events, as well as new content released weekly by becoming a member today. Join today and get $50 off your first year by using the promo code FAPOD50. And join the #1 resource for cinematographers, film crews, an…

1
IFH 814: Why Your Script Still Isn’t Getting Read; And What to Do About It with Whitney Davis 49:45

4M ago49:45

49:45

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 h…

1
IFH 813: Building Films from Scratch: Mastering Microbudget Movie-Making with Evan Kidd 1:02:36

5M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

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 reliab…

1
S4E160 | The Evolution of Film in a Vertical World 53:37

5M ago53:37

53:37

The Rise of Vertical Filmmaking: Adapting to New Trends in the Film Industry In this episode of the Get Reelisms Podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen dive deep into the emerging trend of vertical filmmaking, popularized by platforms like TikTok and new short form drama platforms. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of directi…

1
IFH 812: How Tremors turned into a Masterclass in Storytelling with S.S Wilson 38:07

5M ago38:07

38:07

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 Tre…

1
IFH 811: How Pixar’s Story Secrets Can Transform Your Filmmaking Process with Brit Cruise 52:47

5M ago52:47

52:47

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 c…

1
S4E159 | Navigating Directing Debuts | S4E159 45:17

5M ago45:17

45:17

Hosts: Adam Rani (@adamthechase) & Christine Chen (@cchenmtf) Guest: Hannah Mittermeier For more information about Christine Chen: christinewchen.com For more information go to getreelisms.com For more information on ERZULIE go to: erzuliefilm.com WEBISODE version of the Podcast getreelisms.com 00:00 Introduction to Onyx Films 00:37 Meet the Hosts:…

1
Finding the Frame - California's Film Crisis (feat. Colleen Bell) 1:08:15

5M ago1:08:15

1:08:15

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Filmmakers Academy Podcast! Take advantage of monthly virtual group coaching, networking events, as well as new content released weekly by becoming a member today. Join today and get $50 off your first year by using the promo code FAPOD50. And join the #1 resource for cinematographers, film crews, an…

1
IFH 810: The No-Excuses Filmmaking Philosophy of Len Kabasinski 53:24

5M ago53:24

53:24

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 …

1
IFH 809: No Budget, All Hustle: The Filmmaking Grind of Staci Layne Wilson 43:58

6M ago43:58

43:58

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…

1
S4E158: Cinematic Escapes: Writing Retreats and Oscar Buzz 38:10

6M ago38:10

38:10

Filmmaking Insights, Academy Screenings, and Creative Struggles | Get Reelisms Podcast Episode 158 In Episode 158 of the Get Reelisms Podcast, hosts Adam Chase Rani and Christine Chen, both filmmakers, share advice, stories, and behind-the-scenes insights into their creative processes. Christine discusses her recent excursions to Academy screenings…

1
IFH 808: Behind the Screams: How Shae Smolik Brought The Hatred to Life! 24:12

6M ago24:12

24:12

Shae Smolik, a talented young actress from Iowa, shared her journey from local modeling to leading a feature film in Los Angeles. Starting with commercials and gradually advancing to TV and web series, Shae embraced each step with enthusiasm and resilience. Her audition technique—spontaneous and emotionally driven—reflects an innate gift for perfor…

1
Inner Circle Podcast - Indie Filmmaking to Netflix (feat. Director Emily Ting) 1:39:26

6M ago1:39:26

1:39:26

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the Filmmakers Academy Podcast! Take advantage of monthly virtual group coaching, networking events, as well as new content released weekly by becoming a member today. Join today and get $50 off your first year by using the promo code FAPOD50. And join the #1 resource for cinematographers, film crews, an…

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Indie Film Hustle Podcasts

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