Welcome back, Rebels!

In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re tackling one of the most important skills in indie filmmaking: building a film around what you have.From choosing the right location to balancing ambition with practicality, today’s guests share how they shape their movies by leaning into their resources — not fighting against them. We talk about making the most of time and space on set, finding creative solutions when money is tight, and how passion fuels projects when budgets can’t.

First up, I talk with Trenton Judson, director of Bad Btch*, about the realities of using your environment as a character in itself and how limitations can fuel creativity.

Then Dennis Cahlo, director of The Trouble with Tessa, joins me to discuss building projects around accessibility, collaboration, and letting necessity inspire story choices.

Next, I sit down with Jason Zink, the filmmaker behind Looky-Loo, to dig into how he embraces small resources to tell big stories and why scaling to your means can actually improve your film.

Finally, Jason Buterin, writer and director of Kill Giggles, talks about tailoring your script to what you have in front of you, avoiding wasted time on set, and keeping the vision intact while staying realistic.

This episode is all about turning limitations into strengths and showing that with the right mindset, passion, and creativity, you can craft something unforgettable without waiting for a big budget.Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels. Your support keeps the show alive and gives you ad-free access to these conversations. If you’re not already a member, head to patreon.com/flushstudios to join.

And don’t forget to follow and support this episode’s incredible guests:

• Trenton Judson – Bad Btch*
• Dennis Cahlo – The Trouble with Tessa
• Jason Zink – Looky-Loo
• Jason Buterin – Kill Giggles

More conversations with bold, independent filmmakers are on the way — stay tuned, and stay rebellious.

Cheers,
Josh

Welcome back, Rebels! In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re focusing on one of the most visually exciting — and challenging — parts of filmmaking: finding the best shots. From building a shot list to collaborating with your DP, blocking scenes, and adapting on the fly, today’s guests share how they craft compelling visuals while navigating the constraints of indie filmmaking.

First up, I talk with Alex Kahuam about his approach to planning and executing shots for his single-take thriller Failure. We dig into the preparation needed to make every frame count, how to coordinate with your DP under pressure, and why flexibility is crucial when perfection isn’t possible.

Next, Spooky Madison joins me to discuss her process for blocking actors with the camera in mind, and how she works with her DP to bring energy and personality to every setup. We also talk about making creative decisions on the fly while keeping the film’s visual tone consistent.

Then I’m joined by Dillon Brown, who shares how he approaches shot planning for found footage horror. Dillon breaks down the delicate balance between “planned chaos” and true improvisation, and how letting the camera feel like part of the world heightens tension and realism.

Finally, I wrap the episode with Michael Pierro, director of Self Driver. Michael talks about the logistics of running and gunning in small spaces, the importance of efficiency when building a shot list, and finding creative solutions when the perfect shot isn’t possible.This episode is all about the visual side of storytelling — blocking, working with your DP, adapting under pressure, and making the most of your time on set to capture the shots that will make your story shine.

Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels. Your support helps keep the show going and gives you access to these episodes completely ad-free. If you’re not already a member, head to patreon.com/flushstudios to join.

And be sure to follow and support this episode’s amazing guests:
Alex Kahuam – kahuamfilms.com | @alexkahuam
Spooky Madison – @finalghoulfilms | Final Ghoul on YouTube
Dillon Brown – @horrornerdproductions | Films on Tubi and Amazon
Michael Pierro – @m_pierro

More conversations with bold, independent filmmakers are coming your way this season — stay tuned, and stay rebellious.

Cheers,
Josh

Welcome back, Rebels! In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re digging into the heart of filmmaking — directing actors and finding authentic performances. From casting the right people to running rehearsals, to supporting your cast through the challenges of shoot days, today’s guests share how they create the conditions for great performances, even on limited budgets.

First up, I talk with Alex Kahuam about his approach to working with actors on his single-take thriller Failure. We get into the unique challenges of one-take filmmaking, how to keep performances consistent over long stretches, and how to give actors the confidence to take risks.

Next, Spooky Madison joins me to discuss building trust with your cast, creating a comfortable environment, and allowing for collaboration while keeping the tone of the film intact. We also talk about how rehearsal can open the door for unexpected discoveries on set.

Then I’m joined by Dillon Brown, who shares how he approaches directing actors in found footage films, where improvisation and naturalistic performances are key. Dillon talks about creating believable tension without over-directing and letting his cast lean into their instincts.

Finally, I wrap the episode with Michael Pierro, director of Self Driver. Michael shares his process for casting actors who can bring authenticity to heightened sci-fi situations, as well as strategies for helping performers adapt quickly in tight shooting schedules and small locations.

This episode is all about the director–actor relationship — casting, rehearsals, on-set communication, and creating the space for great performances that serve the story. Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels. Your support helps keep the show going and gives you access to these episodes completely ad-free. If you’re not already a member, head to patreon.com/flushstudios to join.

And be sure to follow and support this episode’s amazing guests: Alex Kahuam –
kahuamfilms.com | @alexkahuam
Spooky Madison – @finalghoulfilms | Final Ghoul on YouTube
Dillon Brown – @horrornerdproductions | Films on Tubi and Amazon
Michael Pierro – @m_pierro

More conversations with bold, independent filmmakers are coming your way this season — stay tuned, and stay rebellious. Cheers,
Josh

Welcome back, Rebels! In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re diving into a part of filmmaking that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential — sound design. From capturing clean dialogue on set to mixing score and building tension through sound, this week’s guests share how they approach audio on tight schedules and tighter budgets.

First up, I talk with Spooky Madison about building strong communication with your sound team and being aware of audio issues before they become problems. We also discuss what it’s like to mix and master your own projects early on, and how that DIY mindset can give you more control and creative freedom.

Next, I’m joined by Alex Kahuam, who breaks down how he captured clean audio during the intense, one-take production of Failure. We also dig into the role of score in storytelling, and how music can shape the emotional rhythm of a film when used with intention.

Then I sit down with Dillon Brown to talk about sound design in found footage horror. Dillon shares how using directional audio and tonal shifts can heighten scares, build tension, and sell the realism of a scene — especially when you’re working with minimal visual effects or coverage.

Finally, I wrap the episode with Michael Pierro, director of Self Driver. We talk about the importance of planning ahead to capture usable sound in tight locations and fast shoots, as well as the creative side of post — including recording foley and maintaining consistency across a film’s soundscape.

This episode touches on everything from prepping for sound on set to mixing score, creating tone, and layering foley, showing how much audio influences the final product — and how indie filmmakers can use sound to elevate their work, even on a budget.

Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels.Your support helps keep the show going and gives you access to these episodes completely ad-free. If you’re not already a member, head to patreon.com/flushstudios to join. And be sure to follow and support this episode’s amazing guests:

• Alex Kahuam – kahuamfilms.com | @alexkahuam
• Spooky Madison – @finalghoulfilms | Final Ghoul on YouTube
• Dillon Brown – @horrornerdproductions | Films on Tubi and Amazon
• Michael Pierro – @m_pierro

More conversations with bold, independent filmmakers are coming your way this season — stay tuned, and stay rebellious.

Cheers,
Josh

Welcome back, Rebels! We’re kicking off Season 6 with a deep conversation about finding your genre, defining your storytelling process, and building creative momentum even when things get tough. I’m joined by four incredible filmmakers — each with a unique approach to writing, directing, and creating personal, impactful films on a budget.

First up is Alex Kahuam, director of Forgiveness and the one-take thriller Failure, starring Ted Raimi. Alex and I talk about choosing a subject that resonates deeply, especially when you know you’ll be living with it through the entire filmmaking process. Then I’m joined by Spooky Madison, an actress, writer, and director whose upcoming film Fiber Burn and writing on What’s Wrong Wendy reflect her collaborative, music-driven approach. We discuss how writing in a freeform way can open the door to on-set discoveries, creative rewrites, and trusting the interpretations of your cast and crew.

Next is Dillon Brown, the filmmaker behind the Tahoe Joe series and The Summer We Died. He shares how he outlines found footage films, sticks to personal genre instincts, and navigates the pressures of creating in an age of instant online reactions and reviews. We also talk about staying true to your voice while making something entertaining and marketable. Finally, I wrap the episode with Michael Pierro, director of Self Driver, a low-budget sci-fi thriller that recently won awards at Fantasia Fest. Michael and I dig into how life experience and personal ideals shape story structure, how to follow a creative framework while breaking rules when necessary, and how to balance audience appeal with originality.

Some of the big themes that came up throughout this episode include choosing a genre that speaks to you, writing with flexibility and openness to collaboration, rehearsal techniques and directing performance, planning complex shots and long takes, and making films that are both personal and marketable.

Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels here on Patreon. Your support helps keep the show going and gives you access to these episodes completely ad-free. If you’re not already a member, head to patreon.com/flushstudios to join.And be sure to follow and support this episode’s amazing guests:

• Alex Kahuam – kahuamfilms.com | @alexkahuam
• Spooky Madison – @finalghoulfilms | Final Ghoul on YouTube
• Dillon Brown – @horrornerproductions | Films on Tubi and Amazon
• Michael Pierro – @m_pierro

More conversations with bold, independent filmmakers coming your way this season — stay tuned, and stay rebellious.

Cheers,
Josh

On a bonus episode of Low-Budget Rebels podcast, I sat down with Alex Kuhuam to discuss his new impressive, one-take movie FAILURE! starring Ted Raimi.

In this episode we discuss finding a genre and story that speaks to you, making a single-take movie, writing for your cast, blocking and planning for the best shot possible, directing a crew during production, finding the best performances and utilizing the rehearsal process, tricks to getting the best sound design on set, and more.Check out Alex's film FAILURE! now available on all Apple+, Fandago at Home, and other platforms.

Find out more at alexkahuam.com  And join the conversation and be a part of the FLUSH community by heading over to our discord today! https://discord.gg/TzGYXdJw

Cheers!
Josh

🎙️ This Week on Low-Budget Rebels

My good pal and co-conspirator, Sean Ashley, aka R. S. Trashley, joined me to talk about his latest films, Old Man Slaughter and El Ron.

We also talked about what's happened since our first conversation way back in July of 2019, how to get your movie in a theater, the challenges of pulling together a community, and the process of working collaboratively with your peers on a set.

Check out Sean's Homicide McLeod at https://www.homicidemcleod.com/ and follow Sean at @rstrashley on Instagram!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported this show in season 5! Talking to so many filmmakers was incredible, and I learned so much from hearing about their experiences. I look forward to diving into Season 6 after a little break. If you have any specific topics you'd like me to discuss with the indie filmmaking community, let me know!

Cheers,
Josh

🎙️ This Week on Low-Budget Rebels

I was joined by filmmaker and editor Allan Piper to talk about his new movie EVIL SUBLET.

We discuss mixing horror with comedy and the art of surprising the audience, the benefits of working with film, and the challenges that can arise on a film set. We also talked about the gaps between projects, self-funding, ways to adapt and utilize what you have at your disposal, and the joys of screening your movie with people who don't generally watch the types of movies we've made.

Allan and I also discuss his experience on his first film STARVING ARTIST and follow-up documentary MARRIED AND COUNTING.

Check out EVIL SUBLET now on Amazon, Fandango, and Spectrum, and follow Allan at @apiper13!

Cheers,
Josh

🎙️ This Week on Low-Budget Rebels

I was joined by Ian Martin to discuss his film Cooke Concrete. This unique and methodical film stands out in the low-budget scene, showcasing a sincere commitment to its vision. Blending genres, Cooke Concrete consistently surprises with bold stylistic choices and innovative filmmaking techniques.

In our conversation, Ian and I explored ways to the right tone for your film, understanding your creative process, the early experiences that shape our storytelling, unique distribution opportunities through streaming, and the importance of personal storytelling.

We also chatted about the intriguing mystery behind Cooke Concrete, crafting a film with intentional pacing, and encouraging audiences to engage with a central question early on.

This and so much more!

Make sure to check out Cooke Concrete, available on Tubi, Amazon, and Hoopla:
https://tubitv.com/movies/682678/cooke-concrete?start=true


Follow Ian Martin at ianmartin.works or on Twitter @ianmartinhello.

Cheers,
Josh

On today's episode of Low-Budget Rebels, I chatted with director Garry Medeiros and producer Walter Rivero about their film Plaga Zombie: American Invasion, a comedy zombie movie filmed with hilarious camp, nasty jokes, and a relentlessly fun style.

We discuss the process of being able to make a sequel to a cult camp film and why this movie seemed like the right first for the team. We also talked about the styles and movies that influenced their passion for filmmaking, finding locations and people to help with visual effects, finding the motivation to keep going when things hit rock bottom, scheduling, and tricks we've learned over the years making projects on minimal budgets.

Make sure to follow Plaga Zombie: American Invasion on Instagram at @plagazombi.4 and check the movie out on TUBI. To learn more about their upcoming film Sins of the Devil follow @sinsofthedevil24 on Instagram!

Cheers,
Josh