Episodes

  • From Gaffer to Director: Ken Whiting on Making Rich Interior Lives | BLTD 59

    From Gaffer to Director: Ken Whiting on Making Rich Interior Lives | BLTD 59
    Jul 24 2026
    What does it really take to go from cinematographer to directing your first feature film? In this episode of **Barely Living the Dream**, filmmaker **Ken Whiting** shares the incredible journey behind his directorial debut, RICH INTERIOR LIVES. From working as a still photographer and gaffer to becoming a sought-after cinematographer on many projects (including MYSTERY SPOT), Ken explains how years behind the camera prepared him to finally step into the director's chair. We dive deep into: * 🎬 Transitioning from Director of Photography to Director * 🎥 The making of *Rich Interior Lives* * 💰 Producing a feature film on a micro-budget * 🎭 Rehearsing actors for over 250 hours before production * 🎞️ Lessons learned from the indie film festival circuit * 🎬 Building a trusted creative team * 🎭 Directing actors vs. directing the camera * 💡 Advice for aspiring filmmakers and first-time directors Ken also discusses the creative philosophy behind *Rich Interior Lives*, why character-driven storytelling matters, and how limitations can become your greatest creative strength. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, cinematographer, director, or simply love independent cinema, this conversation is packed with practical advice and honest insights from someone who's lived every step of the journey. Check out RICH INTERIOR LIVES here: https://tubitv.com/movies/100055629/rich-interior-lives If you enjoy conversations about filmmaking, independent movies, cinematography, directing, and the creative process, be sure to **Like**, **Subscribe**, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway! #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #Director #Cinematography #IndependentFilm #FilmPodcast #RichInteriorLives #KenWhiting #FilmDirector #BehindTheScenes #Screenwriting #FilmFestival #BarelyLivingTheDream
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • We Pitched Jackie Chan... and It Actually Worked! | BLTD 58 with Lee Anthony Smith & Gregory Bradley

    We Pitched Jackie Chan... and It Actually Worked! | BLTD 58 with Lee Anthony Smith & Gregory Bradley
    Jul 10 2026
    What does it really take to break into Hollywood? In this episode of **Barely Living the Dream**, filmmakers and screenwriters **Lee Anthony Smith** and **Gregory J. Bradley** share the incredible true story of how two aspiring writers from Chicago went from film school and late-night writing sessions to landing major Hollywood deals. They reveal the behind-the-scenes journey that led to the action film **War**, starring **Jet Li** and **Jason Statham**, including the unexpected twists, heartbreaking setbacks, and hard-earned lessons that shaped their careers. In this episode, you'll discover: * 🎬 How they broke into Hollywood with no industry connections * 🥋 The unbelievable story of pitching Jackie Chan * ✍️ How *War* came together with Jet Li and Jason Statham * 🎥 What really happens after you sell a screenplay * 💰 Hollywood negotiations, studio politics, and creative battles * 🎭 Why great scripts often change before reaching the screen * 🎬 The highs and lows of building a career as a professional screenwriter * 🚀 Advice for aspiring filmmakers, writers, and storytellers Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, screenwriter, or simply love hearing incredible behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to survive—and succeed—in the film industry. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share it with someone chasing their creative dream. Noir The Film on Youtube: @noirthefilm830 Greg's YouTube channel: @gregorybradley5630 #Hollywood #Screenwriting #JetLi #JasonStatham #WarMovie #Filmmaking #MoviePodcast #FilmIndustry #Writers #Screenwriter #ActionMovies #BarelyLivingTheDream #IndependentFilm #HollywoodStories
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • He Lost His Father to Suicide—Then Ran 250 Miles Heal | BLTD 57 with Daniel Herzog

    He Lost His Father to Suicide—Then Ran 250 Miles Heal | BLTD 57 with Daniel Herzog
    Jun 26 2026
    What happens when unimaginable loss becomes the catalyst for transformation? In this episode, filmmaker Daniel Herzog joins the show to discuss his powerful documentary Beautifully Broken, which follows ultramarathon runner Jared as he confronts the trauma of losing his father to suicide and channels that pain into purpose through endurance running and mental health advocacy. Daniel shares his filmmaking journey—from shooting skate videos and weddings to directing feature-length documentaries—and reveals the challenges of capturing a deeply personal story while documenting one of the most grueling ultramarathon races in the world. We discuss: * The making of Beautifully Broken * Mental health, grief, and resilience * The impact of suicide on families * Documentary filmmaking and storytelling * Ultramarathon culture and endurance sports * Finding purpose after tragedy * The power of vulnerability and personal growth This is an inspiring conversation about healing, perseverance, and the stories that connect us all. If you've experienced loss, struggled with mental health, or simply love great documentaries, this episode is one you won't want to miss. 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share to help spread awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. For more info, or to request a screening, visit: https://www.beautifullybrokendocumentary.com #BeautifullyBroken #DanielHerzog #MentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #DocumentaryFilm #Ultramarathon #Resilience #Healing #Filmmaking #Podcast
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    57 mins
  • Francis Ford Coppola Was His Mentor—Now He’s Making His First Feature Film!

    Francis Ford Coppola Was His Mentor—Now He’s Making His First Feature Film!
    Jun 12 2026
    What does it really take to become a filmmaker? In this episode of Barely Living the Dream, filmmaker Jayson Johnson shares his incredible journey from growing up in Illinois to working for legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, making award-winning short films, and developing his first feature film, Roger and Me. Jayson discusses how a chance opportunity at Coppola’s winery changed the course of his life, the lessons he learned from crowdfunding, navigating film festivals, building a filmmaking career in the Bay Area, and why aspiring filmmakers should stop waiting for the perfect moment and just start creating. We also dive into: * Working with Francis Ford Coppola * Making short films on a shoestring budget * Film festival successes and failures * The realities of crowdfunding * Building a filmmaking network * Why Los Angeles wasn't the right fit * Creating films outside Hollywood * The inspiration behind his upcoming feature film Roger and Me * Advice for aspiring filmmakers in the age of AI Whether you're an indie filmmaker, screenwriter, content creator, or movie lover, this conversation offers an honest look at the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative career. 🎬 Guest: Jayson Johnson 🎬 Production Company: Strike Five Films If you enjoy conversations about filmmaking, independent cinema, storytelling, and creative careers, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the podcast. #filmmaking #indiefilm #FrancisFordCoppola #screenwriting #filmfestival #indiefilmmaker #moviemaking #director #cinematography #podcast #creativecareer #shortfilms #featurefilm #storytelling #filmindustry
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    52 mins
  • How They Made an EPIC Zombie Western Sequel on a Tiny Budget | BLTD 55 with The Undead End!

    How They Made an EPIC Zombie Western Sequel on a Tiny Budget | BLTD 55 with The Undead End!
    May 29 2026
    This week on the podcast, we sit down with the filmmaking team behind The Undead End — the long-awaited spiritual sequel to the cult indie zombie western The Quick and the Undead. Director/writer Gerald Nott, actor/producer Clint Hummel, and cinematographer Jonathan Stromberg break down how they spent nearly 3 years creating an ambitious post-apocalyptic feature with a tiny crew, limited resources, and a whole lot of passion. We talk about: * Making a sequel nearly 20 years later * Shooting a feature with a 4-person core crew * DIY filmmaking and building massive sets on a budget * Shooting in the California desert * Practical effects, virtual backgrounds, and indie VFX * Creating an original language for the film * Indie filmmaking during the Hollywood strikes * Festival plans and the future of the franchise * And the classic story of a bull nearly charging through set If you love indie filmmaking, post-apocalyptic movies, zombie westerns, practical effects, and hearing how ambitious movies actually get made — this episode is for you. For more info on the film, visit https://undeadend.com! #IndieFilm #ZombieMovie #Filmmaking #TheUndeadEnd #Podcast #BehindTheScenes #IndependentFilm #HorrorMovies #PostApocalyptic #DIYFilmmaking #ZombieWestern #FilmPodcast
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    1 hr
  • From $0 Indies to Prestige Series and Netflix Movies | BLTD 54 with Brittany Miles and Chris Warren

    From $0 Indies to Prestige Series and Netflix Movies | BLTD 54 with Brittany Miles and Chris Warren
    May 15 2026
    After a long break, Chris and Brittany return to catch everyone up on the wild last two years working in the film industry. From working on Taylor Sheridan shows like Lioness and Landman, to coordinating practical explosions, filming massive action sequences, and surviving 100-hour work weeks, this episode is a deep dive into the reality of modern filmmaking. Brittany shares stories from working with Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson on Unholy Trinity, creating large-scale practical effects for Netflix films, and transitioning fully into the world of special effects. Chris talks about bouncing between indie films and larger productions across Oklahoma and beyond, stepping behind the camera unexpectedly, and rediscovering the passion to direct his own projects again. This is a raw, funny, and honest conversation about: Working on major productions Practical effects vs CGI * Indie filmmaking survival * Hollywood actors on set * Building a career in film * Burnout, creativity, and staying motivated If you love filmmaking, behind-the-scenes stories, practical effects, or indie cinema, this episode is packed with insight and real industry experiences. - Check out our film INBETWEENING (I wrote/directed, they produced), available on streaming right now! #Filmmaking #BehindTheScenes #TaylorSheridan #Lioness #Landman #IndieFilm #MoviePodcast #PracticalEffects #Hollywood #SamuelLJackson #PierceBrosnan #NetflixMovies
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Her Short Films Are Making Audiences Speak Out! - BLTD 53 with Sara Gaston

    Her Short Films Are Making Audiences Speak Out! - BLTD 53 with Sara Gaston
    Apr 30 2026
    In this episode of Barely Living the Dream, we sit down with Houston-based filmmaker and actress Sara Gaston to dive deep into her journey from stage actor to award-winning director. Sara shares how a deeply personal realization—sparked during the rise of the Me Too movement—led her to create a powerful short film that’s now resonating with audiences across the country. What started as a single story quickly became something much bigger: a reflection of experiences many people carry but rarely talk about. We cover: * Her origin story in acting and theater * The leap from actor to director * How her film I WAS GONE FOR AWHILE came together * Why “small moments” aren’t actually small * Real audience reactions that stopped her in her tracks * The challenges of indie filmmaking (grants, casting, production) * Behind-the-scenes stories from filming COYOTE * What it takes to tell meaningful, uncomfortable stories This conversation isn’t just about filmmaking—it’s about storytelling that sparks real conversations. 🎬 If you’re a filmmaker, actor, or storyteller, this episode is packed with insight on turning personal experiences into impactful art. 📍 Follow Sara for updates on screenings and new projects:Instagram: @sara_gaston_actor
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    55 mins
  • He Made Feature Films for $5,000… and They Became Cult Classics! - BLTD Episode 52

    He Made Feature Films for $5,000… and They Became Cult Classics! - BLTD Episode 52
    Apr 24 2026
    Houston filmmaker and actor Joe Grisaffi joins the podcast to talk about 30+ years of independent filmmaking, from shooting his first feature on 16mm film and maxing out credit cards, to making cult horror films for under $5,000, creating Atari video games based on his movies, and launching his newest feature, *Slugger*. We dive into: ⚾ The genesis of *SLUGGER* — a murderous baseball player horror film 🎬 How Joe made features like *LAUGHING BOY*, *DEAD OF KNIGHT*, *LARS THE EMO KID*, and *CONJOINED* on almost no budget 📼 DIY VHS and DVD distribution in the video store era 🕹 Turning indie horror films into Atari games 🎭 Acting, casting, and surviving in indie film for decades 💀 Why “bad” low-budget filmmaking sometimes becomes cult magic If you love indie horror, DIY filmmaking, cult cinema, and behind-the-scenes stories about making movies against all odds, this episode is for you. Support Joe’s *Slugger* campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joegrisaffi/slugger-a-baseball-themed-horror-feature-film Let us know in the comments: What’s your favorite no-budget cult film of all time? #IndieFilm #JoeGrisaffi #FilmmakingPodcast #CultHorror #DIYFilmmaking #Slugger #IndependentFilm #LowBudgetHorror #Atari2600 #HoustonFilm
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    1 hr and 2 mins