BPS 446: The Screenwriting Secrets Every Indie Writer Needs to Know with Dan Benamor

BPS 446: 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, shaping his perspective on what makes a screenplay stand out: confidence, strong character work, and purposeful storytelling. While he has tried directing, Dan discovered that his true passion lies in writing. He believes the hardest part of the process is in the planning and development stage, where theme, character arcs, and structure are carefully mapped out. Once the blueprint is clear, writing becomes the rewarding part — a process he mastered through developing dozens of scripts and watching them come to life on screen.

That skill set came full circle with Initiation, the indie horror-thriller he co-wrote with his cousin Oren, who directed the film. The story follows strangers forced into a deadly cult ritual, blending genre thrills with deeper meaning about inner strength and survival. Despite being a low-budget production, the film secured distribution through Gravitas Ventures and earned strong reviews, showing that ingenuity and disciplined storytelling can overcome resource limitations. Dan’s journey is proof that with persistence, craft, and a confident voice, independent filmmakers can create work that resonates with both audiences and industry professionals.


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Episoder(563)

BPS 465: How to Turn a YouTube Idea Into a Feature Film with Patrick Epino

BPS 465: How to Turn a YouTube Idea Into a Feature Film with Patrick Epino

Patrick Epino shares how a simple YouTube video about Hollywood tropes evolved into the crowdfunded feature film Awesome Asian Bad Guys. After building an audience through the National Film Society, P...

2 Apr 50min

BPS 464: How to Turn a Short Film Into a Film Career with Jennifer & Kevin Sluder

BPS 464: How to Turn a Short Film Into a Film Career with Jennifer & Kevin Sluder

Jennifer and Kevin Sluder share their journey from North Carolina to Los Angeles and how they built Sunshine Boy Productions into a growing independent film company. Kevin’s early recognition as a scr...

26 Mar 55min

BPS 463: The Rodriguez List: How to Make Movies with What You Already Have with Aaron Kaufman & Brian Levin

BPS 463: The Rodriguez List: How to Make Movies with What You Already Have with Aaron Kaufman & Brian Levin

Aaron Kaufman and Brian Levin share an unfiltered look at how independent filmmakers can build real momentum by creating instead of waiting. Drawing from experiences ranging from YouTube comedy to stu...

19 Mar 53min

BPS 462: Finding Your Way into Film Without Film School with David Powers

BPS 462: Finding Your Way into Film Without Film School with David Powers

David Powers shares his unconventional path into filmmaking, one driven by curiosity rather than credentials. From discovering cinema through genre films and festivals to learning production hands-on ...

12 Mar 2h 7min

BPS 461: What a Real Film Producer Actually Does with Marc Bienstock

BPS 461: What a Real Film Producer Actually Does with Marc Bienstock

Marc Bienstock shares an honest look at what producing really means, drawing from decades of experience on both independent and studio films. From his early days at NYU and directing features to becom...

5 Mar 45min

BPS 460: Making Independent Films Without Hollywood or a Huge Budget with David Ash

BPS 460: Making Independent Films Without Hollywood or a Huge Budget with David Ash

On today’s episode, we meet David Ash, a filmmaker who perfectly embodies the spirit of the weekend warrior — balancing a demanding corporate career, a family of four, and a thriving passion for filmm...

26 Feb 51min

BPS 459: How Filmmakers Can Win in the Digital Marketing Age with David Feinman

BPS 459: How Filmmakers Can Win in the Digital Marketing Age with David Feinman

David Feinman shares how cinematic storytelling can be used to build successful businesses and viral experiences. From creating Zombie Run—a nationwide immersive event inspired by zombie films—to foun...

19 Feb 55min

BPS 458: Finding a New Creative Path in Indie Film with Charmane Star

BPS 458: Finding a New Creative Path in Indie Film with Charmane Star

Charmane Star shares her unexpected journey from a small role in Black Dynamite to discovering a deep passion for independent filmmaking. What began as a routine booking evolved into a Sundance Film F...

12 Feb 51min

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