🎬 Welcome back, Rebels!

In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re digging into one of the toughest challenges indie filmmakers face: keeping the spark alive. Finishing a movie is a huge accomplishment — but what happens next? How do you refill the creative tank, carry momentum into the next project, and keep building a body of work without burning out? This week’s guests share the honest, practical, and personal ways they turn one film into the next.

We kick things off with Traci and Jon Russell Cring, creators of Little Bi Peep, The Night We Met, and Sky Valley. They dive into how ideas evolve, where inspiration comes from, and how allowing yourself time, grace, and space between projects can lead you to the story you’re meant to tell next. They talk about reconnecting with what speaks to you — and letting that guide your next move.

Next, Max Remmler, director of 4 Clones Alone, opens up about what it means to live with a film after you’ve wrapped. He talks about how audience reactions shape his understanding of what he actually made, and how riding that wave of energy helps him stay enthusiastic as he transitions into the next creative chapter.

Then we’re joined by Ricky Glore, writer/director of Sweet Meats (available on TromaNOW! this Thanksgiving) and Casually Cool! Ricky breaks down how he chooses his next project by focusing on stories that truly resonate — ones that are both creatively exciting and realistically achievable. We discuss budgeting, pivoting when needed, and how staying grounded in what’s possible can keep the momentum rolling.

Finally, Mitch McLeod, director of Silhouette and Marrow, talks about how enthusiasm is one of the most powerful tools a filmmaker has. He shares why planning ahead and knowing your upcoming ideas can create a natural workflow, giving you the motivation and clarity to keep moving from film to film without losing steam.

This episode is all about energy, inspiration, and sustainability — a look at how independent creators keep going, keep growing, and keep making films even when the process gets tough.

Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels! Your support keeps this show going 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:
Traci and Jon Russell Cring – Little Bi Peep, The Night We Met, Sky Valley
Max Remmler – 4 Clones Alone
Ricky Glore – Sweet Meats, Casually Cool!
Mitch McLeod – Silhouette, Marrow

More bold, independent filmmaking conversations are on the way — stay tuned, keep creating, and stay rebellious.

Cheers,
Josh

🎬 Welcome back, Rebels!

In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re diving into one of the most essential — and often overlooked — parts of indie filmmaking: finding the shot. Whether you’re working with a full crew or flying solo, every decision behind the camera shapes the story you’re telling. This week’s guests share how planning, collaboration, and spontaneity all come together to create the visual language of a film.

We start with Max Remmler, director of 4 Clones Alone, who breaks down the challenges of filming himself and working with an incredibly small crew. He talks about how storyboards changed his approach to production, and how being deliberate about shot planning can still leave room for discovery on set.

Then, Traci and Jon Russell Cring, the team behind Little Bi Peep, The Night We Met, and Sky Valley, talk about the delicate balance between capturing the perfect shot and getting the right performance. They share why doing a thorough breakdown before filming is key to staying organized and creative when it’s time to roll.

Next up, Ricky Glore, writer and director of Sweet Meats and Casually Cool!, opens up about working with trusted collaborators — friends who know how to communicate and understand his creative instincts. That trust, he says, is what ensures he always gets the shots he needs without second-guessing the process.

Finally, Mitch McLeod, director of Silhouette and Marrow, dives into how a detailed shotlist keeps his productions efficient and focused. He talks about identifying where coverage is crucial, planning the “fun” shots, and the energy that comes alive on set when everything comes together to nail the perfect frame.

This episode is all about collaboration, intuition, and the craft of building your movie one shot at a time — a reminder that even the smallest setups can lead to the biggest cinematic moments.

Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels! Your support keeps this show going 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:
Traci and Jon Russell Cring – Little Bi Peep, The Night We Met, Sky Valley
Max Remmler – 4 Clones Alone
Ricky Glore – Sweet Meats, Casually Cool!
Mitch McLeod – Silhouette, Marrow

More bold, independent filmmaking conversations are on the way — stay tuned, keep creating, and stay rebellious.

Cheers,
Josh

🎬 New Low-Budget Rebels Episode: The Art of Marketing Your Indie FilmHey Rebels!

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by some amazing filmmakers to dig deep into one of the hardest parts of indie filmmaking — getting people to actually watch your movie.

• Traci and Jon Russell Cring talk about how filmmakers can get creative with marketing, involve their audiences in promotion, and use their unique voice as a selling point to build real connections and get people out to screenings.

• Max Remmler dives into the power of titles and posters — how small changes can make your film more accessible, memorable, and easier for audiences to find.

• Ricky Glore shares the success and failures of attempting to take his movie on tour with Troma, booking screenings across indie theaters, and finding the right balance between appealing to a specific genre while still telling your own story.

• Mitch McLeod and I wrap things up by discussing festival strategy, how to engage people to leave reviews, and experimenting on social media in ways that actually get attention.

Every one of these conversations is packed with honest, practical insight — the kind of stuff that helps filmmakers like us not just make movies, but get them seen.

Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels! Your support keeps this show going 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:
Traci and Jon Russell Cring – Little Bi Peep, The Night We Met, Sky Valley
Max Remmler – 4 Clones Alone
Ricky Glore – Sweet Meats, and go check out the IndieGoGo for Casually Cool!
Mitch McLeod – Silhouette, Marrow

More bold, independent filmmaking conversations are on the way — stay tuned, keep creating, and stay rebellious.

Cheers,
Josh

🎬 Welcome back, Rebels!

In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re digging into one of the most crucial — and often overlooked — parts of filmmaking: building your audience. Making a great film is only half the battle; finding the people who’ll connect with it, share it, and keep you creating is the real challenge. Today’s guests open up about how they discovered their audiences, how their expectations changed once the film was finished, and how that process shapes what they make next.

First up, I talk with Jason Zink, filmmaker behind Looky-Loo, about making the movie for yourself first — and then realizing your audience might be completely different than you imagined. We discuss learning to pivot, finding where your film truly belongs, and navigating both distribution companies and self-distribution paths.

Next, Trenton Judson, director of Bad B*tch, joins me to talk about trusting your gut. He dives into making the kind of films he personally loves and having faith that others out there share that same weird, passionate taste.

Then I sit down with Jaysen Buterin, writer/director of Kill Giggles, to explore how feedback from your audience — whether it’s festival screenings, reviews, or critiques — can evolve your film even after it’s finished. We also talk about why festivals are such an essential way to grow your audience and get the word-of-mouth rolling.

Finally, Dennis Cahlo, director of The Trouble with Tessa, discusses how knowing your distributor or target audience early on can shape how you build the film itself — from tone to genre to marketing. He also shares how trusted viewers giving notes can influence the artistic decisions you make in the final cut.This episode is all about connection — finding the people who get what you’re doing and using that energy to keep creating, growing, and getting your work seen.

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:

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

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

Cheers,
Josh

Welcome back, Rebels!

In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re digging into one of the most transformative stages of filmmaking: editing. When you finally sit down with your footage, the real story emerges — tone, pace, and emotion all come together in the cut. Today’s guests share how they approach the edit as both a creative playground and a problem-solving tool, shaping their films into their strongest possible versions.

First up, I talk with Jason Zink, filmmaker behind Looky-Loo, about the meticulous planning required for found footage films and how to make sure the edit feels authentically first-person while still telling a compelling story.

Next, Trenton Judson, director of Bad B*tch, joins me to discuss analyzing your footage with a critical eye — what to cut, what to keep, and how studying other films can guide your tone. We also dive into choosing takes for action sequences and effects shots, and the tough decisions that come with shaping a final cut.

Then I sit down with Jaysen Buterin, writer/director of Kill Giggles, to talk about layering your film in post — from score and color to sound design — and the importance of trusting your editor to understand and elevate your vision.

Finally, Dennis Cahlo, director of The Trouble with Tessa, shares why having a fresh set of eyes on your cut can be invaluable. We also discuss finding the right tone during production so that color, mood, and performance all translate seamlessly into the edit.

This episode is all about seeing your film anew in the editing room — finding its true shape, refining its tone, and discovering the story you’re really telling.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:

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

Stay tuned for more conversation about the craft of low-budget filmmaking, keep kicking ass, making art, and stay rebellious.

Cheers,
Josh

Welcome back, Rebels!

In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re diving into one of the most crucial parts of indie filmmaking: working fast and smart on set. When time and money are tight, preparation, communication, and creativity become the tools that keep your project alive. Today’s guests share how they maximize efficiency, adapt when things go wrong, and keep their sets moving without losing the heart of their films.

First up, I talk with Dennis Cahlo, director of The Trouble with Tessa, about the importance of communicating clearly with your crew and collaborators, knowing where you need help, and finding the right people who can elevate your vision.

Then I sit down with Jaysen Buterin, writer and director of Kill Giggles, to dig into the value of walkthroughs, prepping your blocking, and setting an atmosphere that keeps your cast and crew sharp, energized, and creative.

Next, Trenton Judson, director of Bad B*tch, joins me to talk about what to do when things go wrong on set, how to pivot quickly, and why casting people who understand the objective of the film can save precious time.

Finally, I chat with Jason Zink, the filmmaker behind Looky-Loo, about embracing the edit while shooting, discovering the good in the moment, and using subtle nuances to enhance the film in ways only low-budget filmmaking can offer.

This episode is all about efficiency, adaptability, and keeping your creative energy flowing no matter the challenges. With the right mindset and preparation, you can make every day on set count — and make your film shine.

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:

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

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 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 B*tch, 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, Jaysen 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 B*tch
• Dennis Cahlo – The Trouble with Tessa
• Jason Zink – Looky-Loo
• Jaysen 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