What happens when an actor decides to take control of their own narrative? Join us as we sit down with the actor, producer, and writer JJ Hawkins.

On this episode we discuss facing the challenges of limited trans roles in Hollywood and realizing the power of creating their own content. We explore the importance of self-advocacy and how stepping into the roles of producer and writer can help indie filmmakers break through industry limitations and define success on their own terms.

This episode is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the unwavering belief in turning dreams into reality, all while learning and growing through the collaborative journey of independent film.

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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."

Join us as we chat with writer, producer, and TV actor JJ Hawkins, as we learn how to navigate a career in television, overcome career obstacles, and share our adventures creating the web series "Stupid Cupid" in the bustling streets of New York City.

We spotlight JJ's journey as a trans actor moving from humble theater beginnings to breaking barriers with a role in CBS's "The Red Line." Hear firsthand about the challenges and breakthroughs that come with staying true to one's identity in an industry that’s not always kind to authenticity. JJ’s story is more than just a career narrative; it’s a powerful reminder of how embracing who you are can lead to opportunities that are as groundbreaking as they are rewarding.

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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."

For our final episode with novelist and screenwriter Julia Batavia, we shed light on the gritty realities of a screenwriter in the modern world.

Together, we unpack the myth that simply having an agent or manager paves the way to success, emphasizing the necessity of being your own driving force in the creative world. We’ll hear about personal experiences that highlight the significance of maintaining motivation through the inevitable ebbs and flows of the industry, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. We explore the importance of self-advocacy, knowing when to step back from projects that aren't working, and the power of falling in love with new ones to keep the creative spark alive.

With cautious optimism, we finally discuss the potential for exciting future developments, underscoring how passion and perseverance remain at the heart of creative success.

____

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."

For our first screenwriting craft episode, we sit down with novelist and screenwriter Julia Batavia to talk about the often overlooked hurdles to telling a good story.

We unlock the secrets of compelling character development and thematic evolution in screenplays, discovering how themes can emerge naturally during the writing process rather than being forced from the onset.

While Yaroslav shares his unique approach to screenplay structure by tweaking the "Save the Cat" method, opting for four acts over the traditional three, Julia champions flexibility and adaptability in script formatting, inspired by insights from various screenwriting professors, with an emphasis on readability and narrative flow rather than rigid adherence to conventional structures.

Gain valuable techniques for enriching your screenplays with subtext and tension as we illustrate how to trim dialogue without losing the essence and transform direct lines into rich subtext. Drawing inspiration from techniques such as Phoebe Waller-Bridge's layered tension, this episode reveals how to weave multiple story layers for dynamic and engaging narratives.

____

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 our second episode with the versatile writer Julia Batavia, we go beyond writing to how directing, novels, and narrative podcasts can help you evolve your craft.

Julia candidly shares her experiences working on her short film "Neptune," inspired by an interview with Robert Pattinson, and the vital lessons she learned while directing in confined spaces. Julia's reflections on trying various roles highlight the indispensable value of experimentation and finding one's true passion in filmmaking.

Julia also invites us into the world of storytelling across multiple mediums, exploring the structural nuances between screenwriting and novel writing. We discuss how understanding the technical intricacies of storytelling can lead to greater creative freedom, similar to a jazz musician mastering their craft. Through these explorations, Julia inspires listeners to broaden their creative horizons, embrace new challenges, and find moments of self-care.

____

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."

Julia Batavia, a screenwriter, novelist, and self-proclaimed one-time director invites us into her creative universe where she shares her experience from her first ever draft to getting repped and hired to write on her first assignment.

A testament to the power of passion and perseverance, we’ll hear about Julia’s humble beginnings as an editorial assistant at Penguin Random House to crafting her own path in the film industry. Julia also shares the ups and downs of navigating a career driven by self-motivation and determination, offering aspiring writers a possible roadmap to success in a competitive landscape.

Join us for our first ever writing only series, where we tackle the intricacies of the entertainment industry from the perspective of a writer.

____

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."

Ever wondered where Emmy-winning multi-hyphenate Gene Gallarano keeps his prestigious accolade? Prepare for a chuckle as Gene reveals his award's unconventional home, sparking a broader conversation on the personal significance and often humorous dynamics of award recognition. We explore insights from John Batiste on how awards, while not defining art, are undeniably coveted. Through our discussion, you'll grasp the motivational power of accolades and how they symbolize the collaborative efforts behind any success.

In this final episode, Gene shares how learns from all the creatives he works with, spotlighting the artistry and challenges of juggling multiple creative roles in filmmaking. He shares his unique experience as a documentary filmmaker as well as insights into the collaborative dance between filmmakers and their crew, the skills needed to capture authentic moments, and the artistry of sustaining continuity throughout a filming day.

Join us in this final episode as we celebrate the art of filmmaking and the power of community in storytelling.

____

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."

Gene Gallerano, an award-winning producer, actor, director, and writer, shares his fascinating journey from an actor braving auditions to a director and producer making casting decisions.

We uncover his intriguing technique to capturing the attention of casting directors during auditions and his insightful reflections on how technology has reshaped the casting process.
This episode pulls back the curtain on the often-hidden dynamics of casting and filmmaking, showcasing the importance of auditions as performances and the distinct demands of theater versus film.

Gene provides a candid look at the overwhelming content landscape and the pressure to deliver recognizable names, echoing the era when celebrities could single-handedly sell films. This conversation offers a thoughtful exploration of the industry's unpredictable nature and the strategic necessity of juggling multiple projects. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the craft of filmmaking.

____

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, Emmy-award winning producer Gene Gallerano recounts how he transformed setbacks into opportunities by reimagining his feature documentary about mentor Austin Pendleton into a short film, ultimately landing a spot at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. Gene dives deep into the emotional and creative challenges of documentary filmmaking, drawing inspiration from the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, and offers insights on the resilience needed to succeed, the importance of instinct, and the art of finding the right platform for your work.

In a candid discussion about personal growth, Gene reflects on his transition from acting to producing and directing, as well as the profound lessons he’s learned from industry mentors. He explores the blend of narrative and documentary elements in his work, offering listeners a glimpse into his unique artistic vision. The episode closes with an examination of the balance between artistic freedom and business acumen, as well as the role of social media in uncovering hidden talent, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone navigating the indie film scene.

____

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 if you could turn a New York City apartment into a film set, defy industry norms, and create a horror feature with your best friend? In this episode of IndieWood, we welcome the incredibly talented Gene Gallerano, an actor, writer, director and Emmy-award winning producer who has done just that.

Gene shares his captivating journey from the stages of NYC to the indie film scene in LA, offering candid insights into the creative and often unconventional avenues he's explored. From passion projects and collaborating on short films to co-producing the COVID-19 documentary “The First Wave”, Gene experiences highlight the relentless perseverance required to thrive within independent film.

Join us for a raw, emotional journey through the multifaceted world of indie filmmaking and journalism.

____

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."