IFH 545: The Godfather of Ninja and Cannon Films with Sam Firstenberg

IFH 545: The Godfather of Ninja and Cannon Films with Sam Firstenberg

You are in for a treat today. We have legendary 80's action director Sam Firstenberg.

At a young age Sam began to "create" movies to entertain his friends. Horrifying his mother, he would cut up books, stringing together the pictures and rolling them up. He would then put the roll into a box with a cut out window, shine a flashlight from behind, and manually pull the roll, revealing the pictures through the window in sequence.

Sometimes he would plan a special show in which his sister narrated the "film" based on a script Sam would concoct, and his father would accompany on the violin. As he grew up he found a hobby in photography and by high school had turned his bedroom into a darkroom where he would earn pocket money by developing pictures for his friends.

After serving three years in the Israeli army, Sam came to the US in 1971, began to study and work in films, and culminated his studies with “One More Chance," the graduate film thesis which turned into a feature-length film.

"After Golan bailed us out, our film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1981, then went on to become the official US entry at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, and won a Silver Plaque at the 17th Annual Chicago Film Festival. This film became my calling card, and launched my career." recalls Sam.

By then Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus had acquired Cannon Films. They hired Sam to direct “Revenge of the Ninja." Sam knew nothing about martial arts, but learned quickly and the film, which starred Sho Kosugi, was shot in Salt Lake City, Utah. Distributed by MGM to a great box-office bonanza, it set the stage for Sam's next directing assignment, “Ninja III - The Domination," also starring Kosugi. The film was shot in Phoenix, Arizona and was also tremendously successful.

Both Ninja films directed by Sam were sequels to the highly successful “Enter the Ninja” directed by Golan. "Then came a pleasant opportunity," Sam smiles. "Golan wanted me to direct ' Breakin 2 - Electric Boogaloo," another sequel, which then made me the king of sequels, but also gave me a break from directing Ninja action films."

In fact, each of the sequels directed by Firstenberg resulted in better reviews and box office draws than the originals. “Breakin 2 - Electric Boogaloo " was a musical that featured major dance production numbers, filmed in Los Angeles. Distributed by TRI-STAR it was critically acclaimed; and a box office success, one of the reviews hailed it as "The most exuberant musical of the decade."

Soon after the release of " Breakin 2 - Electric Boogaloo " Sam was on his way to the Philippines to direct "American Ninja" a major action picture starring Michael Dudikoff and Steve James, who would team up with Sam for two additional motion pictures, "Avenging Force," shot in New Orleans and the swamps of Louisiana, and "American Ninja II"

’Avenging Force’ was one of the most physically grueling productions I ever worked on,"

comments Sam.

"We spent days and nights in water, mud up to our waists, with snakes crawling between our legs."

The film opened to rave reviews. The LA Times called Firstenberg

"... a rockin' young action director who's pulled off a series of rave up pictures for Cannon including ' American Ninja ' and ' Electric Boogaloo,' and now in ' Avenging Force ' shows off his savvy style, which combines a keen sense of pacing with brawny punch...it marks the emergence of a truly gifted movie talent."

The next picture for Sam was “Riverbend”, a controversial drama with Steve James and Margaret Avery from "The Color Purple." The picture explored race relations in 1966 Georgia, and was an opportunity for Firstenberg to work with strong dramatic material. In sharp contrast, Sam's next picture was an all-out comedy, “The Day We Met,” which proved to him that his directorial talents were easily extended.

"Delta Force III” came next, a military action picture with Nick Cassavettes, Eric Douglas, Mike Norris, and Matthew Penn, and was followed with a breakthrough approach to martial arts in “American Samurai” introducing hot young martial artists David Bradley and Marc Dacascos. Firstenberg then got his first taste of TV work with a nighttime crime show for CBS, directing six episodes of “Sweating Bullets"

With the creation of Nu Image, principles Avi Lerner and Danny Dimbort recruited Firstenberg to direct their first production, "Cyborg Cop," and then the sequel, "Cyborg Soldier," both sci-fi action flicks with David Bradley. In addition, Firstenberg completed with Bradley and Frank Zagarino the action picture "Blood Warrior." Next came “Operation Delta Force” a military style action / adventure with Ernie Hudson, Jeff Fahey, Joe Lara, Frank Zagarino, and Hall Halbrok.

1997 brought Firstenberg to explore new directorial areas; “McCinsey’s Island” is a comedy for children, a treasure hunt movie with Hulk Hogan, Robert Vaughn, and Grace Jones, and “Motel Blue” with Sean Young, Soleil Moon Frye, and Seymour Cassel, is a psychological thriller with two women in the lead.

Sam and I had an amazing conversation about all things Cannon Films, Ninjas, Break Dancing and 80's action films. Enjoy!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Jaksot(969)

IFH 049: How to Pitch Your Film Like a Pro with Stephanie Palmer

IFH 049: How to Pitch Your Film Like a Pro with Stephanie Palmer

Stephanie Palmer - How to Pitch Your Film Like a ProEver wanted to learn the dark craft of being able to pitch your story idea successfully? Stephanie Palmer has made it her life's mission to help people do just that. Stephanie Palmer is a former MGM Pictures executive and best-selling author of the book "Good in a Room: How To Sell Yourself (And Your Ideas) And Win Over Any Audience"She has heard thousands of pitches. She know how to and how not to pitch your screenplay or story idea. She worked on films like Legally Blonde, Armageddon, Con Air and was even on an intern on Titanic, there's a very inserting story there.Learn how to pitch your screenplay like a pro with Stephanie Palmer.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

11 Helmi 201647min

IFH 048: What to do when people DON'T BELIEVE IN YOU!

IFH 048: What to do when people DON'T BELIEVE IN YOU!

I know that everyone reading this has had a moment in time where someone did not believe in them for one reason of another. It is a part of life and a REAL BIG PART of the film industry. So many times in my career I was told that:"You nuts! That'll never work."or"That's never been done before."Well I love hearing that. I has taken time for me to enjoy when people say "it can't be done." I truly use it as fuel. You must first believe in yourself before anyone will believe in you.Now you also have to be smart about this. You can't blindly believe in yourself without having a plan, educating yourself and understanding the playing field you'll be walking on to.In this episode I go over exactly that, how to deal with nonbelievers and how to build a plan to make your goal come true. Please share this episode with anyone who needs to hear it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

9 Helmi 201619min

IFH 047: Yancey Arias - How to Make It as a Working Actor

IFH 047: Yancey Arias - How to Make It as a Working Actor

Want to learn how to make it as a working actor? Well studying actor, producer and director Yancey Arias would not be a bad start. I met Yancey Arias years ago and since have worked on several projects together. I've always admired how Yancey was able to always keep working.To date Yancey Arias has over 70 acting credits in film, television and Broadway. His credit list is kind of nuts:CastleNCSI: New OrleansThe SopranosBonesHawaii 5.0ElementaryBlue BloodsCSI: NYNCIS: Los AngelesBurn NoticeThe ShieldI just got tired of typing, his credit list is impressive to say the least. He's also worked on huge studio tentpoles live Live Free or Die Hard, Time Machine and the Hands of Stone starring Robert DeNiro.I sat down with Yancey while he was in between setups on the hit show Marvel's Agents of Shield. He'll be popping up on the show in 2016. I really wanted to get a seasoned actor's perspective on what it takes to make it in Hollywood.We also discuss his work on indie films, his new life as a director and producer with his production company NYC Films and much more. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

4 Helmi 20161h 10min

IFH 046: Film Festival Hacks: Secrets on How to Get Your Film Accepted

IFH 046: Film Festival Hacks: Secrets on How to Get Your Film Accepted

Getting into film festival is getting tougher and tougher everyday. Indie filmmakers can end up spending thousands and thousands of dollars submitting to every film festival around, and there are a ton. At last count there was over 3000 film festivals around the world. That’s a lot of submission fees.When I was doing my rounds with my films I learned a few things. A few tricks that I put into a FREE eBook: “Six Tips to Get into Film Festivals for cheap or FREE.”This eBook was such a success that the Indie Film Hustle Tribe kept reaching out to me to create some sort of “master class” on film festivals. Well I heard the call and teamed up with arguably one of the leading voices in film festivals Chris Holland from FilmFestivalsSecrets.com.We got together and create a one of a kind resource for any filmmaker even thinking of submitting to a film festival. We call it Film Festival Hacks!In this episode I give you a SNEAK PEEK at Film Festival Hacks and let you listen to a FREE lecture from the course. So get ready to take notes and have a taste of Film Festival Hacks.Oh, before I forget Chris Holland is also giving you another FREE sample of the course on his podcast so when you are done listening to this head over there for more FREE content. Click here: FilmFestivalSecrets – PodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

2 Helmi 201620min

IFH 045: From Film Geek to Online Media Empire with Todd Brown

IFH 045: From Film Geek to Online Media Empire with Todd Brown

How does a film geek turn his love for movies into a media empire? Ask Todd Brown from Twitch Film. I met Todd Brown over ten years ago when I was promoting my short film "BROKEN." He did a killer review of the film and we became fast friends.His movie review site Twitch Film.com was just starting out then but it has grown into a leading voice in global cinema. Twitch Film focuses on more obscure, independent and international films; something that was missing from the movie review site blogosphere.Twitch Film's focus on those kind of films made it stand out and over the years has grown into a mega movie website. My advice, always be nice to people you never know when you paths will cross again.Todd leveraged his knowledge and access to great international and independent films and joined forces with XYZ Films.XYZ Films is an integrated content company whose mission is to empower visionary storytellers from every corner of the planet. As an independent production company and worldwide sales agency, the company is uniquely suited to identify talented filmmakers and bring their stories to life.You might of heard of some of their breakout hits "The Raid " and "The Raid 2."Todd and I sat down to discuss all things film geek, the state on independent film and the new landscape of film distribution. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

28 Tammi 20161h 8min

IFH 044: How to Create Multiple Revenue Streams for Your Indie Film

IFH 044: How to Create Multiple Revenue Streams for Your Indie Film

The one thing more difficult than actually making an indie film is marketing and selling that film. I get asked all the time the same question:"How can I make CASH, MONEY, DINERO with my film?"So I decided to put together this very dense podcast with suggestions on multiple revenue streams for independent films. This podcast is probably one of the most info packed episodes I've ever done.So get your iPad ready to take some detail notes cause this episode is worth MUCHO DINERO for the filmmaker who wants to put in the work.LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEIFH 023: How to Crowdfund Your Film Like a Pro w/ Emily BestIFH: 025: How t Get a Theatrical Release for Your Indie FilmIFH 017: Guide to Selling Your Film to VODIFH: Filmmaking HacksTwitter Hacks: 10,000 True Fans in 10 WeeksUSC Film School's ONLY On-line Course: Directing the ActorFreeFilmBook.com (Your FREE Audio Book)Six Secrets to get into Film Festivals for FREE!Kung FuryTurbo KidVimeo ProVHX.tvSeed and SparkTuggIndie RightsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

26 Tammi 201624min

IFH 043: Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution & Marketing with Jon Reiss

IFH 043: Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution & Marketing with Jon Reiss

Want to hear a crazy story on how one filmmaker used a hybrid distribution and marketing strategy to sell his film Bomb It. May I introduce Jon Reiss.  After hearing his story I had to have him on the show so he can tell his story to the IFH Tribe.Jon Reiss was named one of “10 Digital Directors to Watch” by Daily Variety, Jon Reiss is a critically acclaimed filmmaker whose experience releasing his documentary feature, Bomb It with a hybrid distribution and marketing strategy.This strategy inspired him writing Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution and Marketing for the Digital Era, the first step-by-step guide for filmmakers to distribute and market their films. Two years ago he co-wrote Selling Your Film Without Selling Your Soul and last year co-wrote Selling Your Film Outside the U.S.: Digital Distribution in Europe.Jon Reiss teaches in the Film Directing Program at California Institute of the Arts. He created the course "Real World Survival Skills: Everything I Wish I Had Been Taught in Film School" which covers the practical/business aspects of filmmaking from fundraising through distribution.Jon is a very interesting filmmaker. When I spoke to him he brought the heat and shared a ton of film marketing and distribution knowledge.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

21 Tammi 201655min

IFH 042: Social Media - 11 Ways to Use It to Sell Your Indie Film

IFH 042: Social Media - 11 Ways to Use It to Sell Your Indie Film

Social media is a mystery to most filmmakers. It's really easy to get lost in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr, Youtube, Snap Chat, Periscope, Meerkat, or any of the hundreds of other social media platforms available online.With so many choices and platforms to learn many of us just don't even bother but for those that take the time to educate themselves on social media and it's power the rewards can be HUGE.Marketing an indie film today without including social media is crazy. To watch how Star Wars: The Force Awakens leveraged social media in their marketing campaign was like watching Bobby Fisher play chess...masterful.In this episode I give you a few tips on how to use social media to build your brand, sell your product or promote your film.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

19 Tammi 201614min

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