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.

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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."

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.

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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 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."

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.

____

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.

____

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."