Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast

What happens when Hollywood keeps saying no, but you refuse to stop making movies?

Filmmaker and screenwriter Michael Rousselet shares the unconventional path that took him from USC film school to creating more than 1,500 Five Second Films and eventually co-writing and directing the cult comedy Dude Bro Party Massacre III. Michael breaks down what film school actually taught him, why failure is essential to becoming a better filmmaker, how constant production sharpened his craft, and why filmmakers need to stop waiting for permission and start creating with whatever resources they have.

Michael also reveals how Five Second Films built an online audience large enough to help crowdfund a feature after traditional producers passed, how an independent financier came aboard after seeing their momentum, his screenwriting and outlining process, why terrible first drafts are necessary, and the realities of self-distributing an independent movie. He also tells the incredible story behind his connection to The Room and Tommy Wiseau. This conversation is packed with practical lessons for screenwriters, directors, producers, and indie filmmakers trying to turn ideas into finished movies.

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How do you build an independent film studio that produces movies constantly without betting the entire company on every release?

In this episode, David M. Latt, co-founder of The Asylum, breaks down the unconventional business model behind one of the most prolific independent production companies in Hollywood. From working out of an apartment to releasing dozens of films, creating Sharknado, and expanding into television with Z Nation, David explains how pre-sales, strict budgeting, vertical integration, and relentless production allowed The Asylum to survive while much of the traditional independent film market changed around them.

The conversation also dives into developing movies for buyers, creating ambitious films on limited budgets, why The Asylum rarely accepts outside scripts, the accidental success of Sharknado, casting challenges, digital distribution, television production, and the importance of relationships in the entertainment business. David’s experience offers filmmakers a rare look at independent cinema from the perspective of someone who doesn’t just make movies—he has helped build an entire system designed to keep making the next one.

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What does it really take to become a professional screenwriter?

In this fascinating conversation, Glenn Benest—screenwriter of two Wes Craven films, producer, novelist, and longtime Hollywood mentor—shares the lessons that transformed his career. From adapting A Stranger in Our House to collaborating with Wes Craven on Deadly Blessing, Glenn reveals why most aspiring writers focus on the wrong things, why film school isn't always the answer, and why the screenplay itself is the only calling card that truly matters.

The discussion also dives into the development of Scream, the importance of finding world-class mentors, how writers should approach rewrites, what separates amateur scripts from professional ones, and why confidence—not perfection—is the key to finishing your first screenplay. Whether you're an aspiring writer, filmmaker, or storyteller, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from someone who's spent decades helping scripts become movies.

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Success in filmmaking rarely comes from waiting for permission.

In this episode, horror filmmaker Harrison Smith shares the lessons he learned from building a career through writing, producing, and directing independent films like The Fields, Six Degrees of Hell, Camp Dread, and Zombie Killers: Elephant's Graveyard. From working at Universal Studios to producing feature films on modest budgets, Harrison explains why experience on real film sets teaches lessons no classroom can replicate and why every filmmaker eventually has to stop studying movies and start making them. 

The conversation covers independent film production, screenwriting, directing, financing, working with actors, horror filmmaking, investor relationships, film criticism, remakes, networking, and developing stories that stand apart from Hollywood formulas. Harrison also discusses why strong scripts remain the foundation of every successful film, why writers should focus on telling original stories instead of chasing trends, and how honesty, persistence, and reputation become the most valuable assets any filmmaker can build throughout their career.

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Writing a screenplay is easy. Writing one that Hollywood actually wants to read is something entirely different. In this episode, veteran screenplay consultant David Hohl shares decades of experience helping writers transform rough ideas into professional screenplays. From outlining and story structure to networking, screenplay contests, and script consultants, David explains why most first-time writers fail—not because they lack talent, but because they skip the preparation that professional writers never ignore.

The conversation also explores why horror remains one of the smartest genres for filmmakers looking to break into the industry, the importance of building relationships instead of chasing shortcuts, crowdfunding versus private investors, low-budget filmmaking strategies, and how online education has completely changed the way aspiring filmmakers learn their craft. Whether you're writing your first screenplay or polishing your tenth, this episode is filled with practical advice that can save years of frustration and dramatically improve your storytelling.

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