IFH 825: The Untold Stories of Women in Action Cinema with Melanie Wise

Danny Mac, a self-taught filmmaker from Edmonton, turned his dream into a career through persistence, creativity, and sheer determination. After producing his first feature, Love/Hate, on weekends while working a day job, he managed to sell it to a Canadian broadcaster—an extraordinary feat for a debut filmmaker. The experience became his hands-on film school, teaching him the importance of preparation, delegation, and resilience.With Heel Kick!, Danny took those lessons to the next level, writing, directing, and starring in a mockumentary about two backyard wrestlers chasing their dreams. To make the film authentic, he and his co-star trained as real wrestlers for six months. By combining a transparent crowdfunding campaign with grassroots promotion and YouTube influencer support from Greg Miller, Danny brought his vision to life. His story stands as a testament to the power of hustle, honesty, and heart in independent filmmaking.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

On today’s episode, we meet David Ash, a filmmaker who perfectly embodies the spirit of the weekend warrior — balancing a demanding corporate career, a family of four, and a thriving passion for filmmaking. Living in the Twin Cities, Ash proves that a creative life doesn’t have to mean abandoning stability. With a degree in business administration and a full-time job as a treasury director, he still finds time to write, shoot, and direct independent films fueled by sheer willpower and resourcefulness.His journey began after a screenwriting contest brought him to Los Angeles, where he realized Hollywood wasn’t going to make his stories — so he decided to make them himself. From there, he dove into every filmmaking class he could find, learned the craft from the ground up, and began creating short films that would eventually lead to his first feature.His early projects, including the $800 mockumentary Love: A Documentary, showcased his ability to stretch every dollar while maintaining a sharp creative vision. As his filmmaking matured, Ash produced Twin Cities, a powerful drama exploring identity, duality, and personal transformation. Balancing his corporate life and creative drive, he continues to inspire other aspiring filmmakers to stop waiting for permission and simply start creating. His message is simple but profound: you don’t need Hollywood money or endless free time to make films — you just need passion, persistence, and the courage to begin.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Jim Toscano and Danny Gianino, two filmmakers from Detroit, found an unexpected calling in telling the story of Mike Kunda, the world’s number one Rocky fan. Their documentary, The Pretender, follows Kunda’s lifelong devotion to Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character — a passion that goes far beyond simple fandom. From dressing like Rocky to giving motivational tours in Philadelphia, Mike lives his life through the lens of his cinematic hero. Toscano and Gianino were drawn to the human story beneath the surface — exploring how one man’s obsession with an underdog fighter became a reflection of his own struggles, identity, and dreams.The making of The Pretender was a true indie journey, filled with the unpredictability of documentary filmmaking. The directors captured Mike’s life as it unfolded, balancing humor, sincerity, and raw emotion while ensuring nothing felt staged. For Toscano and Gianino, the project was more than a film — it was a creative rebirth that reminded them of the power of authentic storytelling. Ultimately, The Pretender is not just about a man imitating his hero; it’s about the universal desire to find purpose and strength in the stories that move us.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Franco Sama, a veteran executive producer, reveals the hard truths and practical steps behind raising real money for independent films. He explains that while many filmmakers obsess over finding investors, the real challenge is making their projects financially viable. To attract funding, he emphasizes the importance of having a solid business plan—complete with budgets, schedules, and realistic revenue projections. Franco also insists that filmmakers contribute at least 30% of their own budget to show commitment and reduce investor risk.Throughout the conversation, Franco dismantles the myth of overnight success and reminds filmmakers that patience and professionalism are the real keys to longevity. From structuring LLCs and DBAs to working with distributors and understanding digital markets, he breaks down every aspect of the modern financing process. His insights transform the often confusing world of film investment into a clear, actionable roadmap for filmmakers ready to take their projects seriously.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

On today’s episode, we welcome Brad Wilke, a filmmaker, screenwriter, and marketing strategist whose career bridges the worlds of storytelling and audience building. A graduate of West Point turned filmmaker, Brad’s path to Hollywood wasn’t typical—he went from military service to film programming, then into writing creature features for Roger Corman and building his own marketing agency, Smart House Creative. His story isn’t just about making films; it’s about mastering the art of connecting with audiences, something every filmmaker must learn to survive in today’s crowded digital landscape.In this insightful conversation, Brad shares how his early work with genre films like Camel Spiders and Piranhaconda taught him to write effectively within tight budgets—what he calls “creative boot camp.” But beyond writing, Brad’s passion lies in empowering filmmakers to take control of their marketing and distribution. Through Smart House Creative, he helps filmmakers bridge the gap between creation and audience engagement, teaching them that film promotion isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the storytelling process. From mastering hashtags to building authentic social media presence, Brad emphasizes that success in the indie film world comes from persistence, preparation, and genuine connection, not shortcuts or vanity metrics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Leo Fong was a true Renaissance man — a martial arts Grand Master, filmmaker, and Methodist minister who turned life’s challenges into fuel for creativity. Born in 1930s Arkansas, Leo faced racial discrimination early, leading him to boxing and later martial arts as a way to build confidence and strength. His journey took him from judo dojos and kung fu studios in San Francisco to becoming a close friend and sparring partner of Bruce Lee. Their friendship shaped his lifelong philosophy that “the ultimate is inside of you,” inspiring Leo to develop his own fighting style that fused boxing precision with kung fu adaptability. His passion for martial arts soon crossed into cinema when a producer invited him to star in Murder in the Orient, launching a decades-long career in independent action filmmaking.From Kill Point and Low Blow to Blood Street, Leo not only acted but also wrote and produced his films, often on shoestring budgets and with his own hands-on ingenuity. He directed scenes using hamburger meat-filled props, bought junkyard cars for $125, and learned filmmaking by doing — one movie at a time. His films, though low-budget, carried immense heart and authenticity, earning cult followings and international success. Beyond the punches and kicks, Leo’s story is about humility, integrity, and community — lessons he carried from the dojo to the film set. As he said near the end of his career, “We’re all family in the martial arts. Better to make friends than enemies — and always have fun while you’re at it.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Jamie Buckner’s filmmaking journey is one built on passion, persistence, and pure creative drive. After exploring careers in music, architecture, and art, he realized filmmaking combined everything he loved into one pursuit. Starting as a production assistant, Jamie worked his way through Hollywood’s ranks on major films like Seabiscuit, The Departed, and John Wick: Chapter Two. But while learning from industry giants, he continued writing his own scripts — most notably Split, a romantic comedy centered around bowling. Determined to bring his vision to life, Jamie self-financed the project, ran a successful Kickstarter campaign, and transformed a short proof-of-concept into a full feature film.His experience on Split became a masterclass in independent filmmaking — from balancing day jobs to managing budgets, post-production challenges, and distribution. The result was a feel-good movie that found audiences on multiple streaming platforms. Through his story, Jamie reminds aspiring filmmakers that creativity must be paired with discipline, resourcefulness, and an unshakable belief in your own ideas. His message is simple but powerful: if storytelling is in your blood, keep writing, keep filming, and never stop creating — because that’s what makes you a true filmmaker.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Chris Jay, once a touring musician with the rock band Army of Freshmen, found a new creative path when the music industry shifted and opportunities dried up. Instead of giving up, he and his bandmate Aaron Goldberg turned to filmmaking, writing and producing their first feature, The Bet. Without studio backing or formal film education, the duo learned everything from scratch — from writing the screenplay to formatting scripts manually and raising money independently. Their story became a lesson in perseverance, proving that filmmaking success often starts with resourcefulness and a willingness to learn by doing.Despite budget limitations and countless challenges during production, The Bet made it to completion and secured distribution on major platforms like iTunes, Amazon, and cable VOD. Featuring wrestling legend Roddy Piper in one of his final roles, the film stands as a testament to the power of determination and creative problem-solving. For Chris, the project wasn’t just about making a movie — it was about proving that great stories can come to life outside of Hollywood when passion, teamwork, and persistence lead the way.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Melanie Wise, a former model and actress, discusses her transition to producing due to height-related challenges in acting. She produced the horror action film "Hannah's Gift," which she also starred in, and faced issues with lost masters and ineffective editors.Wise co-founded the Artemis Film Festival to showcase women in action roles, highlighting historical female contributions and contemporary achievements. The festival, fan-backed and media-partnered, aims to prove the marketability of women in action films. Wise also discusses the potential of VR technology and its impact on storytelling.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Dan Benamor began his film career as an intern, quickly working his way up to head of development at a small production company. That experience gave him a deep understanding of story and the industry, shaping his perspective on what makes a screenplay stand out: confidence, strong character work, and purposeful storytelling. While he has tried directing, Dan discovered that his true passion lies in writing. He believes the hardest part of the process is in the planning and development stage, where theme, character arcs, and structure are carefully mapped out. Once the blueprint is clear, writing becomes the rewarding part — a process he mastered through developing dozens of scripts and watching them come to life on screen.That skill set came full circle with Initiation, the indie horror-thriller he co-wrote with his cousin Oren, who directed the film. The story follows strangers forced into a deadly cult ritual, blending genre thrills with deeper meaning about inner strength and survival. Despite being a low-budget production, the film secured distribution through Gravitas Ventures and earned strong reviews, showing that ingenuity and disciplined storytelling can overcome resource limitations. Dan’s journey is proof that with persistence, craft, and a confident voice, independent filmmakers can create work that resonates with both audiences and industry professionals.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.