Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast

Stories are the connective tissue of humanity. They reveal our commonality, our struggles, and our triumphs. And in the vibrant chaos of the world, some individuals rise with a unique ability to live, breathe, and tell these stories—through performance, words, and relentless passion. Today, we welcome Jenny Paul, an actress and producer who has graced both the stage and the screen with her ever-determined spirit. From the thrill of audition buses to the glow of marquee lights, her story is one of discovery, reinvention, and creative bravery.In her early days, Jenny Paul didn’t always envision a life under the spotlight. A college journey steeped in the sciences and pre-med seemed like the logical path. After all, the family line carried the torch of medicine. But as life often does, the whisper of the theater grew louder in her soul.She described it as the moment where pre-med stress led her to a beautiful refuge—acting. "I realized I didn’t have to help people as a doctor when I could tell stories that connect them to their own humanity." It’s a revelation that many artists encounter—the power of creation to heal, uplift, and illuminate.The road to success, however, was neither instant nor smooth. She spoke fondly (and hilariously) of her early audition adventures in New York. Picture this: college weekends spent traveling on the infamous Chinatown bus, a transportation experience where even survival felt uncertain. But grit fuels passion. Jenny’s first big break came with the musical Funny Girl in New York, where she played a role usually reserved for women decades her senior. It was a peculiar but prophetic start, teaching her to embrace any opportunity with both hands and a courageous heart.Her journey transitioned into film and television, a space where nuance thrives. Acting on stage had taught her to amplify, to project; film taught her the power of subtlety. That lesson came full circle when she landed her role in Jessica Jones. It was a playful audition—Jenny embraced her character’s full fan-girl persona with comic charm. She recalled, "Sometimes you just have to throw yourself into it without overthinking. Be bold, be genuine, and have fun." Such simplicity in approach often holds the secret to great art.Beyond acting, Jenny has stepped behind the scenes as a producer. Like many artists, she found herself in a place where waiting for roles felt too passive. Producing, she explained, is about creating opportunities—for herself, for others, and for stories that need to be told.It’s a lesson in creative autonomy and the entrepreneurial spirit that every modern artist must embrace.Discussed was her upcoming work, the Hulu series The Looming Tower, Jenny's tone shifted to reverence. Based on true events, the show dramatizes the tension between the FBI and CIA leading up to 9/11, offering a sobering look at miscommunication and its grave consequences. Jenny plays one of the “lemmings,” a young CIA analyst working under questionable leadership. Though her role may offer comic relief, the gravity of the story left its mark. "It’s rare to work on something that feels like it truly matters, that tells a truth the world needs to hear."The beauty of Jenny Paul’s story is its relatability. It’s about perseverance in an industry where nothing is guaranteed, about finding fulfillment in both the work and the struggle. She reminds us that life’s bus rides may be bumpy, the rejections many, and the roles unexpected, but the joy is in the doing. In showing up again and again.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 impact of great stories.Phillip reminisced about his early days navigating the entertainment industry, sharing candid insights about how unconventional networking—like a chance encounter on a basketball court—landed him his first job in production. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, he said, "You don't always know which door will open, but that's why you keep knocking on as many as possible." This philosophy underscores the importance of persistence, even when the odds seem insurmountable.In the heart of Hollywood, Phillip discovered the transformative power of storytelling. He spoke passionately about the evolution of stories—from ancient oral traditions to modern-day cinematic spectacles. Despite technological advancements, Phillip believes the core of storytelling remains unchanged: creating narratives that resonate deeply with people. He emphasized, “It doesn’t matter how advanced the technology is—if the story doesn’t connect, the audience won’t care.”Phillip's journey wasn’t without its challenges. From grappling with personal setbacks to navigating the unpredictable nature of film sets, he revealed how these experiences shaped his outlook. He humorously recounted a lesson from the legendary director Wes Craven, who once said, "Who told you things were ever supposed to go as planned?" This nugget of wisdom became a mantra for Phillip, helping him approach obstacles with creativity and a solutions-oriented mindset.A recurring theme in the conversation was leadership—on set and in life. Phillip shared a story about a showrunner who inspired him by personally crawling under a table to fix a light. This simple act of humility and teamwork left a lasting impression, reinforcing Phillip’s belief that effective leaders must lead by example. He noted, “When people see that you’re willing to do the work too, they’ll want to go the extra mile with you.”Phillip also touched on the current "golden age of content," highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it presents. With an explosion of platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu, the barrier to entry has never been lower. However, this democratization of content also means creators face more competition than ever. For Phillip, the solution is simple: focus on the power of the story. “If you don’t have a compelling reason for your audience to care, your content will get lost in the noise,” he warned.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

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 Michael. They first crossed paths during their time at Chapman University, bonding over vulnerable and humorous writing assignments in a creative writing class. Their shared passion for storytelling sparked not only a friendship but also a creative partnership. This partnership culminated in the idea for Like Love, a project born out of their desire to challenge traditional romantic comedy tropes.“We wanted to tell a story that feels real and honest,” Lily shares, “about friendships and the complexities of human connection.”At its heart, Like Love is what they call an “anti-romantic comedy.” Drawing inspiration from classics like When Harry Met Sally, Lily and Michael aim to flip the script on the genre. Instead of perpetuating the myth that friendship between men and women inevitably leads to romance, their film explores the beauty of platonic relationships. As Michael explains, “It’s about two friends trying to fall in love and realizing they’re better off as friends. That’s the kind of story we don’t see enough.”Their filmmaking journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Crowdfunding has been a pivotal part of bringing Like Love to life. Lily and Michael describe the process as “a full-time job in itself,” requiring not only meticulous planning but also a willingness to be vulnerable and open about their creative vision. They’ve leaned heavily on their network for support, finding generosity in unexpected places.“The community in Boise has been incredible,” says Lily. “People here are so supportive, offering locations, resources, and even homemade meals for the crew.”Despite the logistical hurdles, their passion for storytelling shines through. Michael, the film’s director, admits that directing a micro-budget feature comes with unique pressures. “We’re all wearing multiple hats,” he notes, “but it’s an amazing experience to work so closely with a team that believes in the project.” Lily, who also stars as the film’s lead, balances her roles as actor, writer, and producer with grace, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in every aspect of the project.As they reflect on their experiences, one thing becomes clear: Like Love is more than just a film; it’s a testament to the power of community and perseverance. Lily and Michael hope their story inspires other aspiring filmmakers to take the leap. “Making a movie isn’t easy,” Lily acknowledges, “but if you’re passionate about your story, you’ll find a way to make it happen.”Please enjoy my conversation with Lily Yasuda and Michael Wolfe.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

On today's episode, we welcome Jim Wynorski, a filmmaker whose career is a kaleidoscope of genres, relentless creativity, and a staggering portfolio of over 160 films. Known for his ability to churn out projects with unmatched efficiency, Jim's journey through the cinematic landscape is nothing short of fascinating. From cult classics like Chopping Mall to unexpected forays into family-friendly territory, his career offers insights into filmmaking’s raw, unpolished edges.In this conversation, Jim Wynorski shares the story of how he transitioned from directing commercials in New York to working under the legendary Roger Corman in Hollywood. "I packed up my stuff in a car and drove across the country. I struggled for a few years doing anything I could, and eventually, my scripts got into the right hands," Jim says. It’s a tale of grit and determination, emblematic of the relentless pursuit of dreams that fuels so many creative spirits.Jim's approach to filmmaking is a study in versatility. Whether crafting low-budget horror or light-hearted family films, he has always been deeply attuned to audience preferences. He reflects on this ability, explaining how understanding the marketplace keeps him relevant. "You don't make a movie for yourself; you make it for the audience. If you don’t, it’s not going to sell," he advises, underscoring the pragmatism that has defined his work ethic.The discussion takes a humorous turn when Jim recounts some of the challenges of working with temperamental actors, including notorious on-set dramas. While he speaks fondly of most collaborators, a few experiences left lasting impressions. "Robert Culp, who I loved as a kid, was a prick and a half. He complained about everything—from the lenses to the meals. The entire crew booed him on his last day!" Jim laughs, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the human side of filmmaking.But Jim isn't only about business and conflict—his passion for storytelling shines when discussing his favorite films and the joy of working in diverse genres. From the fantastical to the comedic, his projects reflect a deep curiosity about the possibilities of cinema."Each film took me to new places, both literally and creatively," Jim recalls, noting how travel and novelty kept the work exciting even during grueling production schedules.He also touches on the changing dynamics of the film industry, particularly the impact of digital platforms and the decline of physical media. Ever adaptable, Jim explains how these shifts inspired him to pivot from horror to family films, seizing opportunities in a dwindling DVD market. "I walked into Walmart, saw family films selling well, and decided to make one about a dog and Christmas," he says. The resulting success is a testament to his knack for spotting trends and evolving with the times.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.