Inside Indies

Securing film permits in Los Angeles can feel like an uphill battle. But a grassroots movement is working to change that, one policy win at a time.

Bishop Porter sits down with Cale Thomas, an Emmy Award-winning makeup artist and co-lead for legislative and policy efforts at Stay in LA. They discuss why productions keep leaving Hollywood and what it will take to bring them back. Cale shares the realities film crews face and explains what his organization is doing to address long-standing issues, including understaffed film offices and inequitable permitting fees.

Key insights from this episode:

• Why LA's permits process is driving productions to other cities
• How grassroots advocacy can influence city council policy and legislation
• How inequitable fees are hurting small independent productions the most

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Cale Thomas

(02:50) How Stay In LA got its first policy wins

(06:27) Why productions choose to shoot outside LA

(11:34) The fixes needed to win productions back

(15:35) Permit inequity that hinders independent films 

(18:03) How to find and attend the public hearings that actually move policy

(19:20) Culver City is the blueprint for a production-friendly city policy

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The next opportunity for indie filmmakers might not be on a big screen. It might be vertical.

In this episode of Inside Indies, Anthony López sits down with Nancy Pop, Senior Producer at In Case You Missed It Productions, and James Barker, Founder and CEO of Edits Etc. They discuss the booming world of microdramas and how this new format is revolutionizing the way stories are told and consumed. Nancy and James share their experiences producing microdramas, detailing the creative challenges, rapid production timelines, and the editing style needed to create engaging content in a vertical format. They explore how microdramas are providing new opportunities for indie filmmakers and creators who are eager to break into the fast-paced world of mobile-first content.

Key insights from this episode:

• What vertical microdramas are and why they're booming
• How producing and editing verticals differ from traditional film and TV
• What skills filmmakers need to succeed in this fast-growing space

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Nancy Pop and James Barker
(04:07) What is a vertical microdrama?
(05:49) Producing verticals vs. traditional film
(13:07) Microdrama budgets and ROI
(17:25) Opportunities for actors, editors, producers
(27:23) Microdrama myths and future trends
(30:09) Advice for producers & filmmakers

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Every great series starts with an idea, but it takes a team to bring it to life.

In this episode of Inside Indies, Bishop Porter sits down with Emmy-winning broadcaster and producer Al Roker and bestselling novelist and author Dete Meserve. They discuss the creation of “Weather Hunters”, an animated series that blends storytelling, science, and education for kids.

Al and Dete share the collaboration that happens behind the scenes and how each contributor plays a role in shaping the final product. They offer insights into the challenges of animation and the patience it takes to see a project through from concept to completion.

Key insights from this episode:

• How to manage large, distributed creative teams
• How to design stories that encourage curiosity, not fear
• How “Weather Hunters” expanded the series with shorts, apps, and live events

Chapters:
(00:00) Meet Al Roker and Dete Meserve
(01:06) Why weather became the perfect kids' show concept

(07:46) Making the show accessible across platforms

(12:44) Managing creative teams across multiple locations

(18:59) Advice for first-time creators
 
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Filmmakers and producers are driven by a vision—a compelling story, bold idea, and belief that their project will resonate. But when it comes to financing, banks and investors are focused on something else entirely: the numbers. 

In this episode of Inside Indies, John Cooke sits down with Melanie Krinsky, Senior Managing Director & Head of the Entertainment Media Group at Western Alliance Bank, to discuss what it takes to secure funding for an independent film. 

With over three decades of experience in entertainment finance, Melanie shares insights on how banks evaluate projects, why pre-sales and tax incentives are more important than a great script, and what producers need in place before approaching a lender.  

Key insights from this episode: 

• How to make your film more appealing to lenders and investors 
• The role of tax incentives and pre-sales in financing your film 
• How a federal tax incentive could reshape the U.S. film industry 

Chapters: 
(00:00) Meet Melanie Krinsky 

(04:06) How film financing has evolved 

(09:19) Starting the media group at Western Alliance 

(15:07) The power of production financing 

(16:54) Avoid these mistakes with tax credits 

(25:50) The case for a federal tax incentive 

(29:42) What lenders look for when approving loans 

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Indie filmmaking isn’t for the faint of heart. 

Janek Ambros, producer, director, and founder of Assembly Line Entertainment, shares his journey from finance to filmmaking and the evolution of his company. Known for his socially driven narratives, Janek has had films showcased at Sundance and other global festivals.

In this episode of Inside Indies, John Cooke and Bishop Porter sit down with Janek to discuss his approach to indie film financing and how he blends creativity with business. Janek offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at life as a multihyphenate in the world of independent film.

Key insights from this episode:

• How Janek's background in finance helped shape his approach to filmmaking
• The process of indie film financing, from securing investors to pre-selling films
• Why the creative process is more important than the outcome in filmmaking

Chapters:
(00:00) Meet Janek Ambros
(04:00) How long does it take to produce a film?
(06:20) Building Assembly Line Entertainment from the ground up
(07:58) The art of securing investors
(10:36) Focus on process over outcome
(12:13) The future of indie filmmaking
(13:56) Francis Ford Coppola’s advice and the value of persistence

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The secret to staying under budget isn’t just cutting costs. It’s mastering the right tools and strategies.  

In this episode of Inside Indies, seasoned line producer Steve Gruskin shares his proven methods for managing production budgets efficiently. With experience at major production companies like ABC News Studios and Embassy Row, he offers invaluable insights into budgeting, forecasting, and planning for indie films. 

Alongside host Steve Bizenov, he discusses how he uses Showbiz Budgeting to manage shifting schedules, compare cost scenarios, and answer tough financial questions without manually updating every line item. Whether you're dealing with complex financials or just trying to streamline your process, Steve’s tips will help you stay in control and avoid costly mistakes. 

Key insights from this episode: 

• How Showbiz Budgeting simplifies planning and forecasting 
• Why phases and subgroups save time when shoot plans change 
• What real-time actuals do to keep budgets accurate and responsive 

Chapters: 

(00:00) Meet Steve Gruskin 

(02:36) How Showbiz Budgeting helped Steve in his early years 

(06:54) Using Showbiz Budgeting for what-if scenarios  

(08:42) Managing tax incentives with Showbiz Budgeting 

(10:36) Importing payroll actuals to save time and improve accuracy 

(13:41) The benefits of using Showbiz Budgeting for episodic productions

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How do you produce a Grand Jury Prize-winning indie film? Daniel Tantalean joins John Cooke and Anthony López to walk us through the creative, chaotic, and deeply personal journey behind the making of “In the Summers.” 

From cold emails and festival mixers to navigating production without a post supervisor, Daniel shares how he found his voice as a producer and why trusting your instincts (and your community) can take a project further than you'd imagine. You'll hear about the four-year path to Sundance, how “In the Summers” survived budget gaps, and what it’s like to support first-time writer-directors through their boldest work. 

Key insights from this episode: 

• Building trust with first-time directors 
• Creative ways to stretch a limited budget 
• Why your early jobs on set still matter later 

Chapters: 

(00:00) Meet Daniel Tantalean 

(01:26) How early crew jobs guided his approach to producing 

(04:07) A turning point after personal loss 

(07:50) Cold email that led to “Ale Libre” 

(11:52) What made “In the Summers” script stand out 

(17:06) Stretching a microbudget for a complex shoot 

(26:39) Story behind “Rebel Without a Pause” 

(34:35) Real advice for aspiring indie producers 

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If your workflow feels like a bigger production than your film, Florian Reimann has a fix you’ll want to hear. 

In this episode of Inside Indies, Florian joins hosts John Cooke and Steve Bizenov to share how his experience producing films, commercials, and documentaries led him to co-found Yamdu, a production management platform that streamlines everything from script breakdowns to budget exports. He explains how indie creators can use Yamdu alongside tools like Showbiz Budgeting and shares how his work with MovieLabs and the Media Carbon Calculator is helping build more sustainable workflows across the industry. 

Whether you’re scheduling a weekend short or budgeting your next feature, this conversation is filled with practical insights for building efficient, future-ready production pipelines. 

Key insights from this episode: 

• How Yamdu connects your workflow from script to budget 
• What indie filmmakers can automate and what they shouldn’t 
• Why better workflows mean more room for creativity 

Chapters: 

(00:00) Meet Florian Reimann  

(02:30) What Florian’s early jobs taught him about workflows 

(03:33) How Yamdu helps organize your entire production 

(09:12) The value of Yamdu’s partnership with Cast & Crew 

(12:07) Breaking down the Showbiz Budgeting integration 

(15:42) Simplifying onboarding and connecting to payroll tools 

(17:45) What global sustainability means for indie filmmakers 

(23:01) Upcoming features and innovations in Yamdu 

 
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Every movie has its stars, but few know about the accountants who keep them on screen. While audiences see the action, production accountants like Brad Field keep the budgets balanced, the crews paid, and the incentives in check.

In this episode of Inside Indies, Bishop Porter sits down with Brad, a military veteran turned production accountant, with credits on “Bird Box,” “Knives Out,” and “The Book of Boba Fett.” He discusses the realities of working on studio blockbusters and indie films, the lessons he’s learned on set, and the advice he gives to anyone trying to break into the business. 

Whether you’re curious about the business side of filmmaking or looking for guidance on starting your own career, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at life as a production accountant. 

Key insights from this episode: 

• Why indie films are a proving ground for production accountants 
• What to know before taking your first keying job 
• How to survive (and succeed) when your crew is small and your budget’s smaller 

Chapters: 

(00:00) Meet Brad Field  

(01:11) Military logistics and film production have more in common than you think 

(04:37) From Batman to Suicide Squad: Brad’s first roles on set 

(07:59) Landing jobs by being prepared, not just lucky 

(10:09) First time keying an indie 

(13:13) What flipping a nonunion production looks like 

(16:48) Working with your partner on set (and off) 

(18:15) Advice for breaking into film if you’re starting out 

 
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What does it take to make your first film? Robert Larriviere shares the journey from conceptualizing to having an award-winning debut. 

John Cooke and Bishop Porter sit down with Robert to unpack the making of This is Jan, discussing topics such as crowdfunding, casting, securing a SAG-AFTRA contract, and creating space for queer stories rooted in history. With warmth, candor, and behind-the-scenes wisdom, Robert shares how he turned a deeply personal experience into a festival-winning short. 

Key insights from this episode: 

• What first-time directors need to know before stepping behind the camera 
• How Robert turned screenwriting accolades into momentum for fundraising 
• Why choosing the right lead actor changes things 

Chapters: 

(00:00) Meet Robert Larriviere 

(01:59) Inspiration behind This is Jan 

(04:48) Winning awards before filming began 

(06:59) Planning every shot, then embracing the moment 

(09:36) How the location affected the entire story 

(14:25) Crowdfunding strategy that actually worked 

(18:13) Working with SAG-AFTRA on a short film 

(22:05) Advice for first-time indie filmmakers 

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