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

Dawn Fields is a Los Angeles-based producer, writer, and director whose journey through the film industry is marked by both struggle and triumph. Beginning her career as a production assistant in Atlanta, she quickly discovered her true passion was behind the camera. After relocating to Los Angeles with nothing but determination, she worked in distribution and acquisitions before founding Palm Street Films. From early crowdfunding attempts like Zombie Elves to the painful shutdown of Shattered Love, Dawn’s career has been shaped by hard-earned lessons in persistence, preparation, and the realities of independent filmmaking. Her breakthrough came when she stepped into the director’s chair, turning setbacks into opportunities with projects like 209, Found, and Fragile Storm starring Lance Henriksen. Along the way, she learned to navigate the challenges of crowdfunding, casting, and maintaining creative control while still building credibility and an audience. Today, she not only develops new projects but also shares her knowledge through seminars and script contests, guiding emerging filmmakers. Her story stands as a powerful example of resilience in filmmaking—showing that while the path may be filled with setbacks, passion and persistence can transform failures into lasting successes.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

2 Sep 1h 30min

In this episode, we welcome Jason Love, a multi-talented creator whose filmmaking journey began with nothing more than flip books and a VHS camcorder. What started as playful experiments soon grew into a lifelong passion for animation, short films, and motion comics. Jason’s path is far from traditional—after leaving film school frustrated by outdated equipment, he turned instead to digital tools, teaching himself and later teaching others how to create stories with whatever resources they had. From library workshops to YouTube uploads, his philosophy has always been rooted in accessibility, showing that filmmaking is not about expensive cameras but about imagination and persistence. Beyond his teaching and experiments, Jason’s filmmaking ventures have stretched into comics, hybrid projects, and even television appearances. His Kickstarter campaign for an online animation course revealed his belief in breaking down barriers for aspiring creators, offering entry points as low as one dollar to make animation available to everyone. Jason’s story is a reminder that filmmaking thrives on curiosity, courage, and the willingness to start small, whether through a three-second animation, a motion comic, or a daring performance on national TV.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

26 Aug 57min

The journey of Rocky Costanzo is a testament to the raw, unpolished path of independent filmmaking. Beginning as an actor and extra on shows like The Wonder Years, he quickly discovered his true passion behind the camera. Without formal film school, Rocky turned to public access television as his training ground, learning through experimentation, trial, and error. From lighting with hardware store lamps to filming with rollerblades for dolly shots, his early projects embodied the scrappy resilience of indie cinema. Each film became a classroom, teaching him the essentials of lighting, sound, storytelling, and directing actors with trust rather than control.As Rocky’s career evolved, so did his perspective on the changing landscape of filmmaking. He acknowledged how technology has lowered production barriers while making distribution more challenging, emphasizing that “story, story, story—that’s what lasts.” His recent project, Ditch Party, highlights this philosophy by focusing less on spectacle and more on the intimate, human drama of students trapped during a tragedy. For Rocky, filmmaking is not just about mastering craft—it is about persistence, passion, and the willingness to embrace limitations as opportunities for creativity.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

19 Aug 52min

In this episode, veteran actor and director Greg Travis dives into his decades-long filmmaking journey, culminating in the release of his once-abandoned 1984 feature Dark Seduction. Shot on 16mm black-and-white film, the noir-vampire hybrid languished in post-production limbo for over 30 years before digital technology made its completion possible. Greg shares candid stories about the ups and downs of making the film—from lost investors to dusty negatives—and explains how delays actually gave him the chance to polish the project into something stronger than it would have been decades ago. Greg also reflects on lessons learned from working with top-tier directors like David Lynch and Paul Verhoeven, emphasizing the importance of tone, improvisation, and a solid story structure. As both an actor and filmmaker, he offers practical advice for new directors, including taking acting classes, planning with a three-act outline, and remaining open to spontaneous creative choices on set. His story is not just about finishing a movie—it’s about staying committed to your vision through every challenge the industry throws your way.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

12 Aug 54min

In this episode, Whitney Davis, a seasoned literary manager and script consultant, breaks down the real-deal process of getting noticed in Hollywood—from landing a manager to crafting query letters that don’t suck. Sharing her own unconventional path into the industry, Whitney offers raw, practical advice for screenwriters and indie filmmakers on how to pitch like a pro, avoid rookie mistakes, and build lasting relationships that actually move careers forward. This is a no-fluff, insider’s guide to breaking in and leveling up in the film industry.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

5 Aug 49min

Evan Kidd is a passionate indie filmmaker who believes great stories don’t need big budgets—just big heart. In this episode, he shares how he created his feature film Son of Clowns using the resources he already had: friends, favors, and faith in the process. With a deep respect for collaboration, Evan emphasizes the importance of building a reliable team, staying grounded, and keeping ego out of the equation. His filmmaking philosophy leans heavily on authenticity, transparency, and making the most of real-world environments, often embracing the beautiful chaos that unfolds on set. Throughout the conversation, Evan offers wisdom for creatives struggling with fear and perfectionism. He encourages filmmakers to stop waiting for ideal circumstances and start where they are, even if that means running sound themselves or rewriting scenes to fit accessible locations. “Filmmaking is just a big game of improvisation,” he says, reminding us that adaptability and passion are more powerful than money. His journey is a heartfelt lesson in making art that matters—without asking permission.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

29 Juli 1h 2min

In this episode, screenwriter and filmmaker S.S. Wilson shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating the cult classic Tremors, revealing how creative limitations, meticulous story structure, and a deep respect for character and sound design brought the film to life. From his writing process with partner Brent Maddock to the evolution of the Tremors franchise and his advice for aspiring filmmakers, Wilson offers a masterclass in crafting compelling, low-budget cinema with heart and precision.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

22 Juli 38min

Brit Cruise—educator, filmmaker, and producer of Pixar in a Box—takes us on a journey through the fusion of storytelling, science, and education. From his early days editing videos with dual VCRs to his innovative work at Khan Academy, Brit reveals how deep focus, analog creativity, and a love for explanation helped shape his approach to teaching complex subjects through immersive visuals. With storytelling as the core, he shares how each lesson in Pixar in a Box connects school-taught concepts like math and physics to the movie magic of Pixar, showing students that what they learn can have real, creative application. Throughout the conversation, Brit explores his philosophy that creativity is “the ability to deal with unknowns,” emphasizing iteration, structure, and the power of simplicity. He also gives us a glimpse into the upcoming storytelling curriculum at Pixar in a Box, where students will storyboard their own shorts from scratch. For filmmakers, educators, and curious minds alike, this episode is a masterclass in how to bring clarity, authenticity, and joy into the learning and creative process.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

15 Juli 52min