Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast

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 films, and using scripts as calling cards to open doors and start meaningful conversations.The episode also explores the realities of development—outlines, treatments, rewrites, and long stretches of uncertainty. Michael explains how writers are evaluated not just on originality, but on their ability to collaborate, adapt existing material, and understand character-driven storytelling. His experience proves that success in Hollywood isn’t about overnight breakthroughs, but about loving the process and staying in the game long enough for opportunity to find you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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, authentic scenes, and story-driven scripts.The conversation also explores the dangers of ego, the myths of overnight success, and why breaking screenwriting “rules” can sometimes be the smartest move. Bob discusses how networking is about relationships—not transactions—and why patience is the most underrated skill in Hollywood. His story is a grounded, experience-driven roadmap for writers who want careers that last, not just scripts that sell once.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Gough, the world’s first legally blind filmmaker to write, produce, edit, direct, and star in a feature film, has built a groundbreaking career through his production company, Beer Nuts Productions. After years of rejection due to his disability, he took control of his creative destiny, launching his career with I Will Not Go Quietly, a documentary exploring disability and mental health. Gough proved that passion, skill, and determination—not vision—define a filmmaker.Over the years, he has produced 14 films, multiple books, and audio projects, all infused with his sharp comedic voice. Combining DIY filmmaking with strategic marketing, Gough has mastered both storytelling and self-promotion. His success reminds creators everywhere that limitations are simply challenges to be redefined. Through humor, heart, and sheer willpower, he continues to prove that creativity has no barriers.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 film school, teaching him the importance of preparation, delegation, and resilience.With Heel Kick!, Danny took those lessons to the next level, writing, directing, and starring in a mockumentary about two backyard wrestlers chasing their dreams. To make the film authentic, he and his co-star trained as real wrestlers for six months. By combining a transparent crowdfunding campaign with grassroots promotion and YouTube influencer support from Greg Miller, Danny brought his vision to life. His story stands as a testament to the power of hustle, honesty, and heart in independent filmmaking.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 still finds time to write, shoot, and direct independent films fueled by sheer willpower and resourcefulness.His journey began after a screenwriting contest brought him to Los Angeles, where he realized Hollywood wasn’t going to make his stories — so he decided to make them himself. From there, he dove into every filmmaking class he could find, learned the craft from the ground up, and began creating short films that would eventually lead to his first feature.His early projects, including the $800 mockumentary Love: A Documentary, showcased his ability to stretch every dollar while maintaining a sharp creative vision. As his filmmaking matured, Ash produced Twin Cities, a powerful drama exploring identity, duality, and personal transformation. Balancing his corporate life and creative drive, he continues to inspire other aspiring filmmakers to stop waiting for permission and simply start creating. His message is simple but profound: you don’t need Hollywood money or endless free time to make films — you just need passion, persistence, and the courage to begin.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.