You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: the industry is more competitive than ever. Streaming giants are gobbling up content by the second. But what’s often lost in the shuffle? The voices that really need to be heard—the voices of the filmmakers who are out there, fighting to get noticed, fighting for that shot. So, who’s listening?

Well... we are.

Welcome to The Rising Filmmaker: The Voices That Hollywood Needs to Hear. I’m your host, Ralph Calle-Schulz, co-founder and CEO of RISE FLIX—an independent distribution and streaming platform designed to give emerging filmmakers the opportunity to get their work discovered by industry professionals. But this podcast? It’s so much more than that.

This is the place where the next generation of filmmakers come to share their stories, their struggles, and their victories. It’s where top-tier industry professionals—agents, producers, managers, financiers—come to talk about why they’re excited about the future of film and what emerging voices are really driving change in the industry.

Because here’s the thing: the industry's focus has shifted to what sells—what gets streamed the most. But at the heart of cinema lies something deeper: the creative force that comes from fresh, untapped talent. That’s what this show is about. It’s about connecting independent filmmakers directly to the people who matter—those who can open doors, give opportunities, and take risks on the future of cinema.

Each week, we’ll dive into candid conversations with industry pros, Oscar-nominated producers, Sundance-winning producers, and people involved in major franchises like X-Men, The Dark Knight, and Transformers—they’ll share what they’re really looking for in emerging talent. And we’ll also sit down with the filmmakers you need to know—the students, the creators, the people who are making bold, original films that Hollywood’s not talking about yet.

Whether you’re a filmmaker hungry for your big break, an industry insider looking for the next star, or someone who just wants to understand the inner workings of film and streaming... this podcast is your guide to what’s next in cinema.

So, hit that subscribe button, follow along, and get ready to hear the voices that Hollywood needs to hear. The first full episode drops soon—and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

This is The Rising Filmmaker. Let’s rise together.