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What happens when you stop chasing trends and create something only you can offer? Steve Bridges, the comedic genius behind viral TikTok characters like gamer kid, Junior, and Dirty Dan, has built an audience of over 2 million followers by tapping into authentic experiences from his life.

In this revealing conversation, Steve shares how his challenging childhood—complete with family struggles that led to time in foster care—became the foundation for his comedy. Making his siblings laugh during difficult times wasn't just entertainment; it was emotional survival. This connection between comedy and resilience would shape his entire creative journey.

The road to success wasn't quick or glamorous. For over a decade, Steve worked as a hospital housekeeper, facing "the worst, grossest, nastiest stuff" imaginable. Yet every day, he'd race home to use whatever sunlight remained to film content. "I always knew one day it was going to happen," he reflects. "I might blow up after I die... but it's worth it." That persistence finally paid off when he stopped following TikTok trends and started creating original character-based videos that no one else could replicate.

Steve's authenticity and growing audience caught the attention of filmmaker Eric Mathis, leading to his first movie role in the comedy-horror film "INfernal." The collaborative nature of filmmaking proved revelatory for Steve, who found acting with others far more enjoyable than stand-up comedy. Now writing his own screenplay, he's expanding his creative horizons while maintaining the authenticity that built his following.

The conversation explores the shifting landscape of entertainment, the delicate balance between social media and traditional media, and the value of creating constantly rather than seeking perfection. Steve's journey demonstrates that in today's creator economy, building your own audience might be more valuable than waiting for Hollywood's permission.

Ready to be inspired by someone who created their own path to success? Listen now, and discover why sometimes the most unconventional route leads to the most authentic destination.

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In a conversation that's as much about creative resilience as it is about filmmaking, director Michael Ryan takes us deep into the 15-year journey of bringing The Dresden Sun to life. This ambitious cyberpunk thriller wasn't just directed by Ryan – he served as writer, producer, DP, editor, visual effects artist, and post-production supervisor, literally embodying every facet of the creative process.

The Dresden Sun throws viewers into a dystopian future where mercenaries are hired by powerful corporations to conduct espionage against their rivals. When a brilliant mercenary teams up with an insider to steal a mysterious technology called the Sphere, they trigger a chain reaction that pulls together disparate characters from across this fractured society. The film tackles big ideas about consciousness, corporate control, and interdimensional reality while delivering pulse-pounding action and stunning visuals.

What makes this conversation particularly compelling is Ryan's candid discussion of the challenges faced during production. From shooting during COVID with limited resources to personally creating hundreds of visual effects shots, his story reveals the extraordinary dedication required to complete an independent film with studio-level ambitions. "I averaged somewhere between 70 and 100 hours a week for a long time," Ryan shares. "I don't even know what a holiday is."

Perhaps most inspiring is Ryan's philosophy on creative persistence. Despite multiple failed deals and moments of almost pulling the plug, he never gave up on his vision. When asked if Hollywood is dead, Ryan offers a nuanced perspective: "What's dead is the over-reliance on strip mining nostalgia... it's time to take some risks, time to do something new." For anyone who's ever dreamed of making their own film or pursuing a creative vision against all odds, this conversation serves as both blueprint and battle cry.

Follow The Dresden Sun on Instagram and visit archetypepictures.com to learn when and where you can experience this groundbreaking independent film.

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Jason Sperling's fingerprints are all over modern television's visual language. With three Primetime Emmy nominations and two VES Award nominations, he's shaped shows like American Horror Story, The Walking Dead, and Bridgerton through his visual effects expertise. Yet his most profound creative achievement might be his wildly successful directorial debut – a short film that took nearly a decade to complete.

"Crash Site," starring Steven Yeun and Sam Richardson, has exploded to over 560,000 views on YouTube in just three weeks. But this "overnight success" began in 2013 when Sperling and writer Miles Brandman launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised $13,000 to shoot their sci-fi story. What followed was a winding journey through post-production challenges, life interruptions, and eventually a pandemic delay before the finished film reached audiences.

This remarkable timeline speaks to Sperling's central philosophy about creative work: "No one ever fails in Hollywood. They just give up." His persistence paid off spectacularly, revealing how independent filmmakers can thrive by focusing on story fundamentals rather than massive budgets. The film demonstrates Sperling's core belief that visual effects should serve narrative rather than dominate it – even as he navigates the industry's complex relationship with advancing technology.

Sperling provides fascinating insights into how he secured his high-profile cast (a friendship with Yeun from The Walking Dead led to Richardson joining before his breakout success), the challenges of indie production, and the future of filmmaking in an AI-influenced landscape. While acknowledging genuine concerns about technological disruption, he sees opportunity in democratized tools that allow creators to "zig when others zag."

For anyone pursuing creative work against seemingly impossible odds, Sperling's journey offers both practical wisdom and philosophical encouragement. As he puts it: "Human beings creating art are being the most human they can be." His story reminds us that Hollywood isn't dead – it's evolving – and determined storytellers still find ways to break through when they refuse to give up on their vision.

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What happens when you return to your hometown to make a movie about toxic masculinity set in a remote cabin? Filmmaker Max Kleiber reveals the fascinating journey behind his debut feature "Rattlin Bog" - a satirical horror-comedy born from a COVID-era short film experiment that evolved into something much bigger.

Growing up in Northern California with no artists in his family, Kleiber initially pursued medicine before finally admitting his secret passion for filmmaking. After studying Communication (not Film) at Biola University and working various production jobs in Los Angeles, he made the strategic decision to shoot his feature in his hometown. The stunning Northern California landscapes provided million-dollar backdrops essentially for free, while community connections offered everything from locations to accommodations that would have been impossible to secure in LA.

Kleiber's funding approach proves particularly illuminating for aspiring filmmakers. Using WeFunder, an equity crowdfunding platform, he enabled community members to become actual investors in his film for as little as $100 - transforming local doctors, lawyers, and everyday supporters into stakeholders with skin in the game. This democratized approach bypassed traditional gatekeepers while creating a passionate support network.

The film itself examines male competition and power dynamics through the story of three friends at a secluded cabin, with Lauren caught between two men vying for dominance. Kleiber describes his approach as "whistling in the dark" - making audiences laugh during deeply uncomfortable situations. His experiences at regional film festivals like Sundial and Film Fort challenge conventional wisdom about the importance of major festivals, suggesting smaller venues often provide more meaningful connections.

Between creative projects, Kleiber sustains himself by tagging films for ShotDeck - a visual reference database - allowing him flexible income while absorbing cinematic techniques that enhance his directorial vision. His perspective on Hollywood's evolution suggests we're witnessing not just an ending but a transformation, with filmmaking talent now flourishing across multiple platforms from YouTube to branded content.

Ready to reimagine your filmmaking approach? Subscribe now to hear more conversations with creators challenging traditional production models and finding success on their own terms.

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This episode highlights the upcoming Sundial Film Festival and the completion of Tyler’s film, The Dresden Sun. Tyler shares details on community engagement, the significance of affordable arts access, and his personal journey through setbacks and creative resurgence. 

• Overview of the Sundial Film Festival details and ticket pricing 
• Excitement around the film, The Dresden Sun, and its Berlin showcase 
• Insights into the star-studded cast of The Dresden Sun 
• Tyler’s theatrical experiences and engagement with Axiom Repertory Theater 
• Discussion about the community's resilience after recent setbacks 
• Final thoughts on creativity and upcoming projects 

Please check out our website for tickets to the Sundial Film Festival!

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Embark on a theatrical odyssey with me, Tyler Lockamy, as I recount the transformative experience of becoming Frederick Treves in "The Elephant Man". The raw emotion and authentic performance that emerged on stage was a journey in itself, challenging me to navigate the complex landscape of a character's psyche. The conversation then shifts gears to the lighter tones of "Baskerville," where I don the deerstalker of the infamous Sherlock Holmes. And it doesn't stop there; I also delve into stimulating discussions with my colleague Daniel Hill on the "Redding Sound" podcast and shed light on the "Leaders Playground" podcast with neuroscientist Dr. Irene Salter, an endeavor close to my heart that aims to fuel creativity and personal development.

The narrative of this episode is one of perpetual motion—how the momentum of creativity can carry us through the peaks and valleys of artistic endeavors. I draw parallels to the indie filmmaking landscape, where perseverance and the luxury of time often go hand in hand, and share my joy in exploring various avenues of expression, from drumming to the serenity of farm life. Coupled with personal milestones like a significant health transformation, this episode is an invigorating mix of introspection and celebration. As I look forward to sharing more on my upcoming ventures, including a play project update, I extend an invitation to you to join this vibrant community and share in the excitement of these narratives unfolding.

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Ever wondered about the thrilling world of live theater? Buckle up, because we're taking you on a wild ride through our current production, Cascade Christmas, and the unexpected challenges that accompany the staging of such a grand spectacle. And oh, do we have an opinion or two on Netflix's film "The Killer"! Spoiler alert: It left us wanting.

Lift the curtain with us on the nitty-gritty reality of being a background actor. From waiting in hot tents for hours, to the hustle for a SAG voucher, we're sharing our personal trials and tribulations from the set of Las Vegas. Plus, we're dishing the details on the new contract rights for performers in the film industry - hello, 7% increase in minimum compensation and wage hikes for background actors, stand-ins, and photo doubles!

But the real star of our discussion is the impact of artificial intelligence in film and TV production. Get ready for a spirited debate on the use of digital replicas, CGI, and the controversial role of AI in creating synthetic performers. And, in the spirit of keeping it real, we’ll also be sharing our struggles with perfectionism in content creation. Remember, all that glitters is not gold in the world of Hollywood and theater, and we're here to shine a light on it all.

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Ever experienced anxiety before a big performance? Join me on this journey as I share my own tales of handling nerves ahead of a play, explore my reflections on the movie 'It Follows', and unravel the self-created narratives of failure that may be holding us back.

What if you could collaborate with your admired directors? I share my aspirations of working with industry stalwarts like SpectreVision, Tyler Cornack, Ryan Kruger, and Jim Cummings. We'll also pull back the curtain on the intriguing process of casting, the overwhelming influx of submissions, and the thrill of selecting the perfect actor for each role. A discussion on my vision for future storytelling and roles I want to be part of leaves no stone unturned. 

Lastly, ponder with me on the importance of mentorship and self-initiative. Hear about the guiding influence of my mother, my business partner Michael Ryan, and SpectreVision’s Daniel Noah, and why I urge all aspiring actors and filmmakers to create their own projects. Let's explore the future of the film industry together, understand the courage required to make something truly inspiring, and how you can create your own Hollywood in your backyard with the right tools and know-how. Buckle up for an inspiring journey into the world of cinema!

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Ever sat around a campfire amazed by tales of dreams pursued and challenges conquered? That’s the journey we embark on this episode. Picture a young kid putting on Christmas plays with his brother, eyes sparkling with passion, morphing into an actor stepping onto the stage for the first time for Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. From then on, it's all about chasing the dream, traversing the road to LA with merely a suitcase of dreams and a head full of dedication. 

Unearth the magic hidden in scripts, the allure of roles, and the adrenaline rush of performing. Hear about the time I had the audience in stitches during the musical Spamalot, and how comedy in theater continues to be my favorite. There’s more than just reminiscing though - we delve into the nitty-gritty of acting and filmmaking, the highs, the lows, and the in-betweens. Get ready to hear about a recent film project that makes my heart swell with pride and my aspirations for the future.

Dive headfirst into the world of acting and filmmaking with us. Step into my shoes and walk down the memory lane, from my humble beginnings to the city of stars. Glimpse into the future, where new merch, projects, and more await. Don't forget to connect with me on Instagram and check out the Hollywood is Dead YouTube page for a video of this episode. Let's roll!

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Support the show

Please consider following the podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube!

HiD Artwork //

Mark Vega - Instagram

Theme Music //

Wave Saver "Night Stalker"

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Thank you for listening; it means the world to me!

LONG LIVE INDEPENDENT FILM!