IFH 828: The Ultimate Life of Action: Martial Arts, Movies, and Wisdom with Leo Fong

IFH 828: The Ultimate Life of Action: Martial Arts, Movies, and Wisdom with Leo Fong

Leo Fong was a true Renaissance man — a martial arts Grand Master, filmmaker, and Methodist minister who turned life’s challenges into fuel for creativity. Born in 1930s Arkansas, Leo faced racial discrimination early, leading him to boxing and later martial arts as a way to build confidence and strength. His journey took him from judo dojos and kung fu studios in San Francisco to becoming a close friend and sparring partner of Bruce Lee. Their friendship shaped his lifelong philosophy that “the ultimate is inside of you,” inspiring Leo to develop his own fighting style that fused boxing precision with kung fu adaptability. His passion for martial arts soon crossed into cinema when a producer invited him to star in Murder in the Orient, launching a decades-long career in independent action filmmaking.

From Kill Point and Low Blow to Blood Street, Leo not only acted but also wrote and produced his films, often on shoestring budgets and with his own hands-on ingenuity. He directed scenes using hamburger meat-filled props, bought junkyard cars for $125, and learned filmmaking by doing — one movie at a time. His films, though low-budget, carried immense heart and authenticity, earning cult followings and international success. Beyond the punches and kicks, Leo’s story is about humility, integrity, and community — lessons he carried from the dojo to the film set. As he said near the end of his career, “We’re all family in the martial arts. Better to make friends than enemies — and always have fun while you’re at it.”

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IFH 826: How to Turn a Script Into a Movie Without Hollywood’s Help with Chris Jay

IFH 826: How to Turn a Script Into a Movie Without Hollywood’s Help with Chris Jay

Chris Jay, once a touring musician with the rock band Army of Freshmen, found a new creative path when the music industry shifted and opportunities dried up. Instead of giving up, he and his bandmate ...

28 Loka 20251h 19min

IFH 825: The Untold Stories of Women in Action Cinema with Melanie Wise

IFH 825: The Untold Stories of Women in Action Cinema with Melanie Wise

Melanie Wise, a former model and actress, discusses her transition to producing due to height-related challenges in acting. She produced the horror action film "Hannah's Gift," which she also starred ...

21 Loka 202552min

IFH 824: The Screenwriting Secrets Every Indie Writer Needs to Know with Dan Benamor

IFH 824: The Screenwriting Secrets Every Indie Writer Needs to Know with Dan Benamor

Dan Benamor began his film career as an intern, quickly working his way up to head of development at a small production company. That experience gave him a deep understanding of story and the industry...

14 Loka 202540min

IFH 823: The Secret to Getting Noticed as a Screenwriter with James Moorer

IFH 823: The Secret to Getting Noticed as a Screenwriter with James Moorer

James Moorer is a screenwriter whose path into Hollywood began with early experiments in short films and years of disciplined study. Starting out as a PA, he worked his way up while sharpening his cra...

7 Loka 20251h 10min

IFH 822: From Video Games to the Big Screen: The Filmmaking Journey of Nicole Jones-Dion

IFH 822: From Video Games to the Big Screen: The Filmmaking Journey of Nicole Jones-Dion

Nicole Jones-Dion, a screenwriter, director, and producer, shared her unconventional path into filmmaking, beginning in the world of video games and comics before moving into film. Known for her work ...

30 Syys 202537min

IFH 821: Filmmaking Without Permission: The Independent Journey of Clarke Scott

IFH 821: Filmmaking Without Permission: The Independent Journey of Clarke Scott

Clarke Scott, an Australian writer, director, and commercial photographer, shared his unconventional path into filmmaking after leaving behind academia and corporate work. A chance encounter in the Hi...

23 Syys 20251h 1min

IFH 820: Screenwriting, The BAM Method, And How To Write A Screenplay That Stands Out with Mike Bierman

IFH 820: Screenwriting, The BAM Method, And How To Write A Screenplay That Stands Out with Mike Bierman

Award-winning screenwriter Mike Bierman has carved an unconventional path into the world of storytelling, moving from reading his daughter’s audition scripts to building a reputation as both a prolifi...

16 Syys 20251h 59min

IFH 819: How Quentin Tarantino Changed Independent Film: A Conversation with Dale Sherman

IFH 819: How Quentin Tarantino Changed Independent Film: A Conversation with Dale Sherman

In this episode, we welcome Dale Sherman, author of The Quentin Tarantino FAQ, who takes us deep into the life and career of one of cinema’s most unconventional directors. Known first for his books on...

9 Syys 202530min

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