What does it really take to go from cinematographer to directing your first feature film? In this episode of **Barely Living the Dream**, filmmaker **Ken Whiting** shares the incredible journey behind his directorial debut, RICH INTERIOR LIVES. From working as a still photographer and gaffer to becoming a sought-after cinematographer on many projects (including MYSTERY SPOT), Ken explains how years behind the camera prepared him to finally step into the director's chair. We dive deep into: * 🎬 Transitioning from Director of Photography to Director * 🎥 The making of *Rich Interior Lives* * 💰 Producing a feature film on a micro-budget * 🎭 Rehearsing actors for over 250 hours before production * 🎞️ Lessons learned from the indie film festival circuit * 🎬 Building a trusted creative team * 🎭 Directing actors vs. directing the camera * 💡 Advice for aspiring filmmakers and first-time directors Ken also discusses the creative philosophy behind *Rich Interior Lives*, why character-driven storytelling matters, and how limitations can become your greatest creative strength. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, cinematographer, director, or simply love independent cinema, this conversation is packed with practical advice and honest insights from someone who's lived every step of the journey. Check out RICH INTERIOR LIVES here: https://tubitv.com/movies/100055629/rich-interior-lives If you enjoy conversations about filmmaking, independent movies, cinematography, directing, and the creative process, be sure to **Like**, **Subscribe**, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway! #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #Director #Cinematography #IndependentFilm #FilmPodcast #RichInteriorLives #KenWhiting #FilmDirector #BehindTheScenes #Screenwriting #FilmFestival #BarelyLivingTheDream

What does it really take to break into Hollywood? In this episode of **Barely Living the Dream**, filmmakers and screenwriters **Lee Anthony Smith** and **Gregory J. Bradley** share the incredible true story of how two aspiring writers from Chicago went from film school and late-night writing sessions to landing major Hollywood deals. They reveal the behind-the-scenes journey that led to the action film **War**, starring **Jet Li** and **Jason Statham**, including the unexpected twists, heartbreaking setbacks, and hard-earned lessons that shaped their careers. In this episode, you'll discover: * 🎬 How they broke into Hollywood with no industry connections * 🥋 The unbelievable story of pitching Jackie Chan * ✍️ How *War* came together with Jet Li and Jason Statham * 🎥 What really happens after you sell a screenplay * 💰 Hollywood negotiations, studio politics, and creative battles * 🎭 Why great scripts often change before reaching the screen * 🎬 The highs and lows of building a career as a professional screenwriter * 🚀 Advice for aspiring filmmakers, writers, and storytellers Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, screenwriter, or simply love hearing incredible behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to survive—and succeed—in the film industry. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share it with someone chasing their creative dream. Noir The Film on Youtube: @noirthefilm830 Greg's YouTube channel: @gregorybradley5630 #Hollywood #Screenwriting #JetLi #JasonStatham #WarMovie #Filmmaking #MoviePodcast #FilmIndustry #Writers #Screenwriter #ActionMovies #BarelyLivingTheDream #IndependentFilm #HollywoodStories

What happens when unimaginable loss becomes the catalyst for transformation? In this episode, filmmaker Daniel Herzog joins the show to discuss his powerful documentary Beautifully Broken, which follows ultramarathon runner Jared as he confronts the trauma of losing his father to suicide and channels that pain into purpose through endurance running and mental health advocacy. Daniel shares his filmmaking journey—from shooting skate videos and weddings to directing feature-length documentaries—and reveals the challenges of capturing a deeply personal story while documenting one of the most grueling ultramarathon races in the world. We discuss: * The making of Beautifully Broken * Mental health, grief, and resilience * The impact of suicide on families * Documentary filmmaking and storytelling * Ultramarathon culture and endurance sports * Finding purpose after tragedy * The power of vulnerability and personal growth This is an inspiring conversation about healing, perseverance, and the stories that connect us all. If you've experienced loss, struggled with mental health, or simply love great documentaries, this episode is one you won't want to miss. 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share to help spread awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. For more info, or to request a screening, visit: https://www.beautifullybrokendocumentary.com #BeautifullyBroken #DanielHerzog #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #DocumentaryFilm #Ultramarathon #Resilience #Healing #Filmmaking #Podcast

What does it really take to become a filmmaker? In this episode of Barely Living the Dream, filmmaker Jayson Johnson shares his incredible journey from growing up in Illinois to working for legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, making award-winning short films, and developing his first feature film, Roger and Me. Jayson discusses how a chance opportunity at Coppola’s winery changed the course of his life, the lessons he learned from crowdfunding, navigating film festivals, building a filmmaking career in the Bay Area, and why aspiring filmmakers should stop waiting for the perfect moment and just start creating. We also dive into: * Working with Francis Ford Coppola * Making short films on a shoestring budget * Film festival successes and failures * The realities of crowdfunding * Building a filmmaking network * Why Los Angeles wasn't the right fit * Creating films outside Hollywood * The inspiration behind his upcoming feature film Roger and Me * Advice for aspiring filmmakers in the age of AI Whether you're an indie filmmaker, screenwriter, content creator, or movie lover, this conversation offers an honest look at the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative career. 🎬 Guest: Jayson Johnson 🎬 Production Company: Strike Five Films If you enjoy conversations about filmmaking, independent cinema, storytelling, and creative careers, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the podcast. #filmmaking #indiefilm #FrancisFordCoppola #screenwriting #filmfestival #indiefilmmaker #moviemaking #director #cinematography #podcast #creativecareer #shortfilms #featurefilm #storytelling #filmindustry

This week on the podcast, we sit down with the filmmaking team behind The Undead End — the long-awaited spiritual sequel to the cult indie zombie western The Quick and the Undead. Director/writer Gerald Nott, actor/producer Clint Hummel, and cinematographer Jonathan Stromberg break down how they spent nearly 3 years creating an ambitious post-apocalyptic feature with a tiny crew, limited resources, and a whole lot of passion. We talk about: * Making a sequel nearly 20 years later * Shooting a feature with a 4-person core crew * DIY filmmaking and building massive sets on a budget * Shooting in the California desert * Practical effects, virtual backgrounds, and indie VFX * Creating an original language for the film * Indie filmmaking during the Hollywood strikes * Festival plans and the future of the franchise * And the classic story of a bull nearly charging through set If you love indie filmmaking, post-apocalyptic movies, zombie westerns, practical effects, and hearing how ambitious movies actually get made — this episode is for you. For more info on the film, visit https://undeadend.com! #IndieFilm #ZombieMovie #Filmmaking #TheUndeadEnd #Podcast #BehindTheScenes #IndependentFilm #HorrorMovies #PostApocalyptic #DIYFilmmaking #ZombieWestern #FilmPodcast

After a long break, Chris and Brittany return to catch everyone up on the wild last two years working in the film industry. From working on Taylor Sheridan shows like Lioness and Landman, to coordinating practical explosions, filming massive action sequences, and surviving 100-hour work weeks, this episode is a deep dive into the reality of modern filmmaking. Brittany shares stories from working with Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson on Unholy Trinity, creating large-scale practical effects for Netflix films, and transitioning fully into the world of special effects. Chris talks about bouncing between indie films and larger productions across Oklahoma and beyond, stepping behind the camera unexpectedly, and rediscovering the passion to direct his own projects again. This is a raw, funny, and honest conversation about:  Working on major productions Practical effects vs CGI * Indie filmmaking survival * Hollywood actors on set * Building a career in film * Burnout, creativity, and staying motivated If you love filmmaking, behind-the-scenes stories, practical effects, or indie cinema, this episode is packed with insight and real industry experiences. - Check out our film INBETWEENING (I wrote/directed, they produced), available on streaming right now!  #Filmmaking #BehindTheScenes #TaylorSheridan #Lioness #Landman #IndieFilm #MoviePodcast #PracticalEffects #Hollywood #SamuelLJackson #PierceBrosnan #NetflixMovies

In this episode of Barely Living the Dream, we sit down with Houston-based filmmaker and actress Sara Gaston to dive deep into her journey from stage actor to award-winning director. Sara shares how a deeply personal realization—sparked during the rise of the Me Too movement—led her to create a powerful short film that’s now resonating with audiences across the country. What started as a single story quickly became something much bigger: a reflection of experiences many people carry but rarely talk about. We cover: * Her origin story in acting and theater * The leap from actor to director * How her film I WAS GONE FOR AWHILE came together * Why “small moments” aren’t actually small * Real audience reactions that stopped her in her tracks * The challenges of indie filmmaking (grants, casting, production) * Behind-the-scenes stories from filming COYOTE * What it takes to tell meaningful, uncomfortable stories This conversation isn’t just about filmmaking—it’s about storytelling that sparks real conversations. 🎬 If you’re a filmmaker, actor, or storyteller, this episode is packed with insight on turning personal experiences into impactful art. 📍 Follow Sara for updates on screenings and new projects:Instagram: @sara_gaston_actor

Houston filmmaker and actor Joe Grisaffi joins the podcast to talk about 30+ years of independent filmmaking, from shooting his first feature on 16mm film and maxing out credit cards, to making cult horror films for under $5,000, creating Atari video games based on his movies, and launching his newest feature, *Slugger*. We dive into: ⚾ The genesis of *SLUGGER* — a murderous baseball player horror film 🎬 How Joe made features like *LAUGHING BOY*, *DEAD OF KNIGHT*, *LARS THE EMO KID*, and *CONJOINED* on almost no budget 📼 DIY VHS and DVD distribution in the video store era 🕹 Turning indie horror films into Atari games 🎭 Acting, casting, and surviving in indie film for decades 💀 Why “bad” low-budget filmmaking sometimes becomes cult magic If you love indie horror, DIY filmmaking, cult cinema, and behind-the-scenes stories about making movies against all odds, this episode is for you. Support Joe’s *Slugger* campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joegrisaffi/slugger-a-baseball-themed-horror-feature-film Let us know in the comments: What’s your favorite no-budget cult film of all time? #IndieFilm #JoeGrisaffi #FilmmakingPodcast #CultHorror #DIYFilmmaking #Slugger #IndependentFilm #LowBudgetHorror #Atari2600 #HoustonFilm

After a long break, the podcast is back—and there’s a LOT to catch up on. In this episode, I dive into everything that’s happened since the premiere of *INBETWEENING*—from an incredible film festival debut and award win… to the harsh realities of indie distribution, missed opportunities, and a life-threatening health scare that stopped everything. This is the real story behind indie filmmaking: 🎬 The highs of a packed premiere and audience connection 🏆 Winning “Amazing Fantasy Feature” right out of the gate 📉 The brutal silence and rejection that followed 🎥 Self-distributing across platforms like Amazon Prime & Tubi ⚠️ And the unexpected health crisis that nearly took me out If you're a filmmaker, creative, or just someone chasing something big—this is a raw, unfiltered look at what it actually takes. 👉 *INBETWEENING* is now streaming: * Amazon Prime (US): https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F3TCB4H2/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r * Amazon Prime (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F3TCR8H3/?autoplay=0&t=0 * Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100036097/inbetweening * IndiePix: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F3TCB4H2/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r * Relay: https://pickrelay.com/app/t/dhfa-wxat * Fawesome: https://fawesome.tv/movies/10695161/inbetweening?utm_source=justwatch&utm_medium=feed * Coming soon to YouTube Movies (ad-supported) More episodes coming soon with guests, collaborators, and real stories from the indie film world. Check out my interview regarding FADE TO BLACK with Derrick on Worst Movies Ever Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/posts/worst-movies-25-148571196?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_fan&utm_content=web_share Stream my first movie FADE TO BLACK at Anhedenia Films Unlimited! https://vimeo.com/ondemand/fadetoblack3 While you're here, don't forget to like, comment, subscribe...you know the drill!

Making this grant presentation from last year public now (with some minor edits) in anticipation of our world premiere next month at Amazing Fantasy Fest! Details are here: https://www.amazingfantasyfest.com and new trailer is here: https://youtu.be/pRheZpXsBpQ For the video version of this podcast episode, go HERE: https://youtu.be/w3m6ZF-TOpM On 12.27.23 (my birthday) I did a livestream update on the film via Zoom (while I was still in the clutches of the 'Rona - 1/10 do not recommend). I showed a couple completed clips from the film, and even the first trailer! All this stuff will be exclusive and for your eyes only until probably Spring 2024 (at least), so you're definitely getting an advance look behind the curtain! EDITS: I trimmed off the beginning part of the stream where we were waiting for folks to join the Zoom, as well as the last 2/3 of the musical number so that it's still a surprise at the upcoming screenings! Left the first verse until the big guitars come in though. Also the clips aren't fully foley-ed or mixed, etc. and the score is all temp stuff. Basically...the movie is pretty much done now, this was when it was still a work in progress. INBETWEENING stars Brandon Cole, Tye Blue, Debbie Rochon, Chelsea McCurdy, Jill Brumer, Dillon DeWitt, Seán Patrick Judge, and Angelo Moore (the frontman/singer/saxophonist of Black Rock pioneers Fishbone). Eric Linson is a struggling multiracial filmmaker with a few credits to his name and absolutely nothing to show for it. Inbetweening follows his journey trying to remain afloat and healthy in the liminal space between projects...while the voices in his head steadily become louder. Some are helpful, but most aren't...especially the Zombie Guy. Fortunately, the lead singer of Eric's favorite band (Angelo Moore, from the legendary Fishbone, playing himself) is on Eric's side. Inbetweening melds live action, animation, puppets, and even a musical number to reveal Eric's increasingly fractured journey. This particular work is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.