🎬 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