IFH 788: The Unscripted Journey of Steven Bernstein: From Cinematographer to Storyteller

Bob Saenz shares a rare, honest look at what it means to build a long-term career as both an actor and screenwriter. From his early days in theater and television to writing studio films and Hallmark movies, Bob’s journey emphasizes craft over shortcuts. He explains how his time acting on Nash Bridges became a hands-on education in filmmaking, shaping his approach to writing realistic dialogue, authentic scenes, and story-driven scripts.The conversation also explores the dangers of ego, the myths of overnight success, and why breaking screenwriting “rules” can sometimes be the smartest move. Bob discusses how networking is about relationships—not transactions—and why patience is the most underrated skill in Hollywood. His story is a grounded, experience-driven roadmap for writers who want careers that last, not just scripts that sell once.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

23 Dec 1h 10min

Gough, the world’s first legally blind filmmaker to write, produce, edit, direct, and star in a feature film, has built a groundbreaking career through his production company, Beer Nuts Productions. After years of rejection due to his disability, he took control of his creative destiny, launching his career with I Will Not Go Quietly, a documentary exploring disability and mental health. Gough proved that passion, skill, and determination—not vision—define a filmmaker.Over the years, he has produced 14 films, multiple books, and audio projects, all infused with his sharp comedic voice. Combining DIY filmmaking with strategic marketing, Gough has mastered both storytelling and self-promotion. His success reminds creators everywhere that limitations are simply challenges to be redefined. Through humor, heart, and sheer willpower, he continues to prove that creativity has no barriers.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

16 Dec 59min

Danny Mac, a self-taught filmmaker from Edmonton, turned his dream into a career through persistence, creativity, and sheer determination. After producing his first feature, Love/Hate, on weekends while working a day job, he managed to sell it to a Canadian broadcaster—an extraordinary feat for a debut filmmaker. The experience became his hands-on film school, teaching him the importance of preparation, delegation, and resilience.With Heel Kick!, Danny took those lessons to the next level, writing, directing, and starring in a mockumentary about two backyard wrestlers chasing their dreams. To make the film authentic, he and his co-star trained as real wrestlers for six months. By combining a transparent crowdfunding campaign with grassroots promotion and YouTube influencer support from Greg Miller, Danny brought his vision to life. His story stands as a testament to the power of hustle, honesty, and heart in independent filmmaking.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

9 Dec 1h 2min

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 filmmaking. Living in the Twin Cities, Ash proves that a creative life doesn’t have to mean abandoning stability. With a degree in business administration and a full-time job as a treasury director, he still finds time to write, shoot, and direct independent films fueled by sheer willpower and resourcefulness.His journey began after a screenwriting contest brought him to Los Angeles, where he realized Hollywood wasn’t going to make his stories — so he decided to make them himself. From there, he dove into every filmmaking class he could find, learned the craft from the ground up, and began creating short films that would eventually lead to his first feature.His early projects, including the $800 mockumentary Love: A Documentary, showcased his ability to stretch every dollar while maintaining a sharp creative vision. As his filmmaking matured, Ash produced Twin Cities, a powerful drama exploring identity, duality, and personal transformation. Balancing his corporate life and creative drive, he continues to inspire other aspiring filmmakers to stop waiting for permission and simply start creating. His message is simple but profound: you don’t need Hollywood money or endless free time to make films — you just need passion, persistence, and the courage to begin.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

2 Dec 52min

Jim Toscano and Danny Gianino, two filmmakers from Detroit, found an unexpected calling in telling the story of Mike Kunda, the world’s number one Rocky fan. Their documentary, The Pretender, follows Kunda’s lifelong devotion to Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character — a passion that goes far beyond simple fandom. From dressing like Rocky to giving motivational tours in Philadelphia, Mike lives his life through the lens of his cinematic hero. Toscano and Gianino were drawn to the human story beneath the surface — exploring how one man’s obsession with an underdog fighter became a reflection of his own struggles, identity, and dreams.The making of The Pretender was a true indie journey, filled with the unpredictability of documentary filmmaking. The directors captured Mike’s life as it unfolded, balancing humor, sincerity, and raw emotion while ensuring nothing felt staged. For Toscano and Gianino, the project was more than a film — it was a creative rebirth that reminded them of the power of authentic storytelling. Ultimately, The Pretender is not just about a man imitating his hero; it’s about the universal desire to find purpose and strength in the stories that move us.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

25 Nov 38min

Franco Sama, a veteran executive producer, reveals the hard truths and practical steps behind raising real money for independent films. He explains that while many filmmakers obsess over finding investors, the real challenge is making their projects financially viable. To attract funding, he emphasizes the importance of having a solid business plan—complete with budgets, schedules, and realistic revenue projections. Franco also insists that filmmakers contribute at least 30% of their own budget to show commitment and reduce investor risk.Throughout the conversation, Franco dismantles the myth of overnight success and reminds filmmakers that patience and professionalism are the real keys to longevity. From structuring LLCs and DBAs to working with distributors and understanding digital markets, he breaks down every aspect of the modern financing process. His insights transform the often confusing world of film investment into a clear, actionable roadmap for filmmakers ready to take their projects seriously.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

22 Nov 1h 15min

On today’s episode, we welcome Brad Wilke, a filmmaker, screenwriter, and marketing strategist whose career bridges the worlds of storytelling and audience building. A graduate of West Point turned filmmaker, Brad’s path to Hollywood wasn’t typical—he went from military service to film programming, then into writing creature features for Roger Corman and building his own marketing agency, Smart House Creative. His story isn’t just about making films; it’s about mastering the art of connecting with audiences, something every filmmaker must learn to survive in today’s crowded digital landscape.In this insightful conversation, Brad shares how his early work with genre films like Camel Spiders and Piranhaconda taught him to write effectively within tight budgets—what he calls “creative boot camp.” But beyond writing, Brad’s passion lies in empowering filmmakers to take control of their marketing and distribution. Through Smart House Creative, he helps filmmakers bridge the gap between creation and audience engagement, teaching them that film promotion isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the storytelling process. From mastering hashtags to building authentic social media presence, Brad emphasizes that success in the indie film world comes from persistence, preparation, and genuine connection, not shortcuts or vanity metrics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

18 Nov 1h 27min

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

11 Nov 1h 15min