Bulletproof Screenwriting™ Podcast

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 screenwriter opened doors, but instead of waiting for projects to materialize, the couple chose to produce their own short films. Their first project ignited a passion for hands-on filmmaking and laid the foundation for their creative partnership.

As their experience grew, so did their ambitions. Jennifer stepped into marketing and branding while Kevin transitioned into directing with Heartless, a Poe-inspired horror short now touring festivals. Their story highlights the importance of networking, strategic growth, and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them—offering a practical blueprint for filmmakers ready to take control of their own careers.


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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 studio features, they explain the power of the “Rodriguez List”—writing scripts based on the assets you already have. Their approach emphasizes volume, consistency, and learning through execution rather than chasing perfect conditions or external validation.

The episode also explores the realities of producing indie films in a crowded marketplace, from the challenges first-time directors face to the importance of protecting a story’s emotional core. Through lessons learned on Flock of Dudes and beyond, Aaron and Brian make it clear that modern filmmaking success comes from action, adaptability, and the courage to put work into the world—long before anyone gives you permission.


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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 through wrestling shoots and indie sets, David explains how real-world experience shaped his understanding of storytelling, collaboration, and problem-solving. His journey highlights how festivals like the New York Asian Film Festival can serve as both inspiration and long-term creative homes.

The conversation also explores burnout, boundaries, and the importance of choosing sustainable paths in film. David discusses learning when to say no, recognizing red flags on set, and finding fulfillment outside nonstop production work. By returning to directing through festival programming and digital content, he demonstrates how filmmakers can step back without giving up—and rediscover why they fell in love with movies in the first place.


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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 becoming a trusted producer on projects like The Visit and Split, Marc explains how preparation, communication, and team building form the foundation of every successful production. His philosophy centers on supporting the director’s vision while navigating budgets, schedules, and inevitable on-set challenges.

The conversation also explores the business realities of modern filmmaking, including tax incentives, financing strategies, and why producers must be problem-solvers above all else. Marc discusses working with M. Night Shyamalan, teaching future filmmakers, and the lessons he’s learned about leadership and collaboration. His journey offers a practical, no-nonsense blueprint for anyone who wants to understand how films actually get made — and how to survive doing it.


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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.


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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 founding Viral Idea Marketing, David explains how understanding narrative, pacing, and emotion allows content to cut through digital noise. His approach treats marketing like filmmaking, where suspense, structure, and audience engagement matter more than traditional advertising tactics.

The conversation also explores what “going viral” really means, emphasizing shareability over view counts. David discusses the importance of professionalism, attention to detail, and designing content specifically for social platforms. His journey offers filmmakers and creatives a practical blueprint for turning storytelling skills into sustainable careers by blending creativity with strategy in the modern media landscape.


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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 Festival premiere and a Sony Pictures acquisition, introducing her to the collaborative and global nature of indie cinema. Through international screenings, she gained firsthand insight into how cultural context shapes audience reactions and why universal storytelling matters.

The conversation also explores her work in indie horror and thriller films like Face of Evil and Catch 22, where she embraced physically and emotionally demanding roles. From zombie makeup and night shoots to intense character preparation, Charmane reflects on growth, reinvention, and balancing career with personal life. Her story is a reminder that creative paths don’t have to be linear—and that staying open to change can lead to powerful new chapters.


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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 in, and faced issues with lost masters and ineffective editors.

Wise co-founded the Artemis Film Festival to showcase women in action roles, highlighting historical female contributions and contemporary achievements. The festival, fan-backed and media-partnered, aims to prove the marketability of women in action films. Wise also discusses the potential of VR technology and its impact on storytelling.


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The Jalbert Brothers share how they built their filmmaking careers by embracing low budgets, consistent output, and hands-on learning. Rather than waiting for funding or studio approval, they focused on making films with minimal resources, sometimes for as little as $1,000. Each project became a practical lesson in storytelling, directing, editing, and problem-solving, allowing them to sharpen their skills faster than traditional development paths.

The conversation highlights the importance of momentum, repetition, and audience awareness in today’s film industry. By treating filmmaking as both a creative and strategic endeavor, the Jalbert Brothers have learned to use social media and digital platforms as powerful tools for distribution and growth. Their journey proves that success in modern filmmaking comes from action, adaptability, and the courage to keep creating — no matter the budget.


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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 Aaron Goldberg turned to filmmaking, writing and producing their first feature, The Bet. Without studio backing or formal film education, the duo learned everything from scratch — from writing the screenplay to formatting scripts manually and raising money independently. Their story became a lesson in perseverance, proving that filmmaking success often starts with resourcefulness and a willingness to learn by doing.

Despite budget limitations and countless challenges during production, The Bet made it to completion and secured distribution on major platforms like iTunes, Amazon, and cable VOD. Featuring wrestling legend Roddy Piper in one of his final roles, the film stands as a testament to the power of determination and creative problem-solving. For Chris, the project wasn’t just about making a movie — it was about proving that great stories can come to life outside of Hollywood when passion, teamwork, and persistence lead the way.


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