Indiewood

Film School Pros and Cons: An Inside Look From Student and Professor

Is film school worth thousands of dollars and two years of your life? Screenwriter, director, and UCLA professor George Huang doesn't have a simple answer – but he does have some hard-earned wisdom worth hearing.

Drawing from his experiences as both a graduate of USC's prestigious Peter Stark Program and a seven-year veteran teaching at UCLA's film school, Huang offers a refreshingly honest assessment of what film school can and cannot provide. Pod host Yaroslav Altunin also shares his experience as a grad student at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, giving insight to new students who may be thinking about what degree to pursue.

Join us for our last episode with writer/director George Huang as we explore the benefits of film education and if film school needs to be a part of that growth.

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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 this episode of the Indiewood podcast, host Yaroslav Altunin welcomes back writer/director George Huang for a conversation about unconventional creative storytelling techniques. From how physical objects can transform boring scenes into compelling story moments to using "scaffolding writing,” to build original stories by studying successful structures, we explore different ways to stand out as a writer.

Like, subscribe, and join us next week for our final episode with George where we'll explore film school from both the professor and student perspective!

0:11 Welcome to Indiewood podcast
0:28 Introducing George Huang
0:47 Podcast recording streak
1:17 Discussing production experience
2:08 Focus on creative process
2:57 Introducing the screenwriting fund
3:52 Writing with props
5:06 Visual storytelling techniques
6:57 Props as storytelling devices
8:33 Examples from Pulp Fiction and westerns
11:28 Props revealing character backstory
13:33 Scaffolding writing technique
15:53 Nothing is original - Jim Jarmusch quote
18:18 Your unique take matters
20:22 Breaking free from 90s structure
22:40 Four-act structure approach
24:31 Vertical format filmmaking
27:17 Evolving media consumption
29:04 The enduring power of storytelling
32:36 Storytelling as an essential skill

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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."

Explore the fascinating evolution of independent filmmaking with veteran writer/director George Huang as he shares insider stories from his 30+ year career. From shooting his first film, Swimming With Sharks, to his most recent work, Weekend in Taipei, our conversation reveals how the business of making movies has undergone a dramatic transformation.

Learn how corporate takeovers have changed studio priorities, how creative "happy accidents" can transform your films (like Benicio Del Toro's unexpected performance choices in Swimming With Sharks), and the financial instruments filmmakers can use today. We'll also explore why Los Angeles craftspeople remain unmatched despite global production incentives, and why sometimes a movie seems to have a life of its own, transcending the director's original vision.

Don't miss this masterclass on the evolution of filmmaking from cocktail napkin pitches to modern independent financing!

0:00 Podcast Introduction
0:43 Casual Conversation Begins
1:25 Reality TV Wardrobe Secrets
1:57 Production Budget Story
3:06 Art and Commerce in Film
4:19 Corporate Influence on Studios
6:25 The "Happy Accidents" in Filmmaking
8:27 Benicio Del Toro's Performance Story
12:38 When a Movie Has Its Own Life
14:40 The Art of Giving Notes
17:42 Evolution of Independent Film Production
19:16 From Cocktail Napkin Pitches to Today
21:40 Technology Changes in Filmmaking
24:20 Financial Instruments for Film Funding
27:19 Finding Grants and Funding Sources
30:19 Los Angeles Craftspeople Excellence
33:16 Challenges of International Production
34:23 Wrapping Up

____

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."

Join us for an intimate conversation with writer, directer, and producer (and UCLA Professor) George Huang as he shares his remarkable journey from being a studio assistant to directing his own films and writing for some of the biggest producers in the industry. From a chance encounter with Star Wars at age nine that sparked a passion for filmmaking, to strategically navigating Hollywood's complex landscape, we explore the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from George Huang’s career.

This series is made for the creatives who seek an unconventional path in the entertainment industry and want valuable insights into the realities of independent filmmaking and perseverance in Hollywood.

Like, subscribe, and join us next week for week two of our conversation with George Huang!

0:00 Introduction to the podcast
1:03 Meeting at UCLA as professor and student
2:22 The 10-week script challenge
4:04 Early film inspirations
6:32 George's background and career journey
7:58 First movie experience: Star Wars
10:09 College years and economics major
11:32 Lucasfilm internship opportunity
14:41 USC film school and Paramount job
16:22 Knocking on doors at Paramount
18:11 Missing out on Wayne's World PA position
19:38 Working for Joel Silver Productions
21:24 Meeting Robert Rodriguez
23:19 Writing Swimming with Sharks
25:36 Financing the first film
27:14 Rocky start to production
30:20 Second film: Trojan War challenges
32:43 Ending up in "director's jail"

____

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."

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."