Join us for our final episode with with actor, writer, and teacher Wayne T. Carr as he shares valuable lessons from his creative journey. Whether you're an aspiring performer or filmmaker, this episode offers practical advice on maintaining motivation, mastering your craft, and finding success in the entertainment industry.

Wayne discusses the importance of celebrating your achievements rather than dwelling on missed goals, the differences between theater and film directing approaches, and how to effectively communicate with actors. He shares insights from his experience teaching college actors, working on productions like "The Odyssey" at American Repertory Theater, and even his brief encounter with playing Green Lantern in Zack Snyder's Justice League.

0:39 Wayne T. Carr returns
1:31 Setting goals and motivation
2:28 Maintaining creative drive
3:04 The Green Lantern experience
4:22 Making goals grander
5:42 Focusing on successes not failures
7:58 Learning to be a dreamer
9:17 Teaching actors in college
10:25 Learning to relax as an actor
12:07 Directors' communication challenges
14:34 The worst acting note: "Faster"
16:37 Using business to ground performances
19:04 Theater vs. film directing approaches
21:20 Common actor struggles
24:41 Writers and creative structure
27:01 Learning fundamentals before experimenting
28:00 Closing thoughts and upcoming book

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

What happens when an established actor adds "writer" to their creative arsenal? Wayne T. Carr, whom you might recognize from his powerful performances on stage and screen, joins us to explore the exhilarating and sometimes intimidating journey of expanding one's artistic toolkit beyond acting.

Whether you're considering expanding your creative toolkit or need inspiration to release that project sitting on your hard drive, Wayne's journey reminds us that artistic growth often happens when we're brave enough to try something new.

Subscribe to the Indiewood Podcast now and join our community of independent creatives who are making their own paths in the entertainment landscape.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

In the continuation of our conversation with actor Wayne T. Carr, we explore what happens when artistic skills are applied beyond traditional creative spaces. Wayne shares how his theater training is helping professionals in the corporate world strengthen their communication, presence, and leadership.

He reflects on a pivotal experience in Europe that reshaped how he views the value of artists—and challenges the idea that creative careers aren’t “real jobs.” Through honest stories about self-validation, cultural perceptions, and the deep power of storytelling, this episode offers a fresh, grounded take on what it means to live a creative life.

If you’ve ever been told to “get a real job,” or questioned where your art fits in, this conversation is a reminder: your creativity matters—everywhere.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

On this episode of the Indiewood Podcast, we unpack the creative journey of actor Wayne T. Carr. From the college football field to Zack Snyder's driveway, we explore unexpected creative paths and find fulfillment in the unpredictable journey of an independent artist's life.

Through candid reflection on post-pandemic industry changes, discussions on how actors must adapt to an increasingly digital audition landscape, and how to discover opportunities that align with your authentic artistic voice, this episode is not one you should miss.

Subscribe to the IndieWood podcast for more exploration of the many hats worn by today's independent filmmakers.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

Every creative career has its ebb and flow, but what happens when your momentum is repeatedly interrupted by forces beyond your control? Actor, producer, and writer Sarah Randall Hunt, currently appearing in the hit series 1923, joins the Indiewood Podcast to share hard-won wisdom about maintaining creative resilience in an industry that's weathered a pandemic, multiple strikes, and devastating wildfires.

Drawing from her journey transitioning from New York theater to Los Angeles film and television, she reveals the mental frameworks that helped her survive career dry spells and setbacks to ultimately build sustainable momentum.

Join us for our final episode with Sarah, as we explore resilience, addressing your inner world before attempting to rebuild external momentum, and how to reconnect with your creative spirit during difficult times.

If you’re looking to craft a sustainable artistic life that weathers industry storms while preserving your creative spirit, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

In our series with TV actor, producer, and writer Sarah Randall Hunt (1923), we explore her wealth of experience on the delicate art of communication between directors and actors.

How can directors can give more effective notes that will enhance performances rather than confuse actors? Sarah reveals her most powerful direction, how to help actors connect to what truly matters to their character, and what drives authentic, compelling performances.

From practical advice for directors, to seasoned performers and newcomers alike, we explore the relationship between technical precision and creative freedom. Listen now to hear our practical techniques that will elevate your next production and create a more harmonious set environment where both technical excellence and artistic expression can thrive.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

Creative partnerships can make or break a project, but what happens when your creative partner is also your partner in life? Join us for our second episode with actor and producer Sarah Randall Hunt (1923, Chicago Fire) as we unpack the delicate dynamics of collaboration in filmmaking.

We'll explore how to create a foundation for successful creative partnerships, learn from Sarah's experiences on established sets, how to navigate the complex social dynamics of productions with long-standing teams, and how actors and crew members can contribute positively to any set, even when just passing through for a day.

We also explore how one can be supportive of artistic pursuits in a world that often dismisses creative work as "not real." Whether you're a filmmaker, actor, writer, or someone who loves an artist, there's something in this episode for everyone to learn.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

What does it truly mean to be a creative multi-hyphenate in today's entertainment landscape? Actor, producer, and writer Sarah Randall Hunt joins us to share her decade-plus journey from opera student to actor and producer, to now starring in Taylor Sheridan's hit series 1923.

In this episode we explore how to defy conventional career development, unpack the realities of producing independent work on limited budgets, and how to discover unexpected opportunities. We even discuss how Yaroslav and Sarah shot their web series "Stupid Cupid,” all across New York City in just six days.

A perfect series for emerging filmmakers, we share advice on how making a movie is like training for a marathon, how to make calculated risks and the inevitable mistakes, and how to tap into your creative confidence.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

In our final episode with actor, producer, and screenwriter JJ Hawkins, we explore how momentum can affect your creative journey and how to pick yourself back up again once you lose it. This episode explores the balance between passion and practicality in artistic careers where we reflect on redefining success and maintaining self-worth beyond external achievements.

If you’re struggling to reignite momentum in your career or creativity, or you’re just finding it for the first time, this advice will help you maintain resiliency that will carrying onto the next film.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

On this episode of the Indiewood Podcast, we return with JJ Hawkins, a multifaceted actor, producer, and writer, where we talk about all things screenwriting. From writing short films to feature-length movies, we unpack the intricacies of balancing narratives, writing with imperfection, the transformative power of deadlines, and the significance of embracing collaboration.

JJ and Yaro will also discuss the importance of understanding character motivations, the impact of unexpected performances, and the essential role of actors in bringing a script to life.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."