IFH 871: The Screenwriting Advice Hollywood Writers Actually Use with Andrew Bloomenthal

Entertainment writer, screenwriter, and independent filmmaker Andrew Bloomenthal joins the show to discuss what years of interviewing working screenwriters and directors taught him about storytelling, preparation, and the filmmaking business. Andrew explains how his background in financial journalism unexpectedly opened the door to entertainment writing, eventually giving him opportunities to interview filmmakers including Oliver Stone and Michael Moore and contribute to publications such as Creative Screenwriting and Script Magazine. He also shares why every assignment should be treated as a calling card, how detailed research produces better conversations with filmmakers, and why writers need to develop an economy of words regardless of what they're writing.The conversation also gets into deadlines, developing your own screenplays, transitioning from writing to production, and Andrew's experience preparing to shoot a musical short film. He discusses casting actors, recording musical tracks before production, scouting locations, planning shots, and the excitement that comes when something that existed only on the page begins becoming a real film. For aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers, Andrew's experience reinforces a practical lesson: preparation matters, but eventually you have to move beyond thinking about making a film and actually start producing it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

What happens when Hollywood never comes knocking?Comedian, filmmaker, podcaster, and longtime Jimmy Kimmel collaborator Don Barris shares the unconventional journey that eventually led to the cult comedy Windy City Heat. After leaving Michigan for California, Don struggled through stand-up, lived in his car for extended periods, and spent years developing his own comedy projects rather than waiting for Hollywood to discover him. That persistence eventually connected him with Jimmy Kimmel and helped transform an unusual Comedy Store concept into one of the strangest cult comedies ever produced. Don also takes us behind the scenes of Windy City Heat, revealing how its elaborate real-life prank was constructed and why unpredictable reactions created filmmaking challenges unlike those of a traditional feature.Beyond the insanity of Windy City Heat, this conversation offers practical lessons for filmmakers and creators trying to build careers outside the traditional Hollywood system. Don discusses the importance of creating your own opportunities, developing long-term industry relationships, using podcasts and digital platforms to build an audience, and turning that audience into leverage for larger creative projects. From Jimmy Kimmel championing the movie to Quentin Tarantino, Eli Roth, and Jack Black discovering the film, Don’s journey demonstrates how unconventional work can develop a life far beyond its original release—and why filmmakers shouldn't depend entirely on gatekeepers to determine whether their projects get made.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

What happens when Hollywood keeps saying no, but you refuse to stop making movies?Filmmaker and screenwriter Michael Rousselet shares the unconventional path that took him from USC film school to creating more than 1,500 Five Second Films and eventually co-writing and directing the cult comedy Dude Bro Party Massacre III. Michael breaks down what film school actually taught him, why failure is essential to becoming a better filmmaker, how constant production sharpened his craft, and why filmmakers need to stop waiting for permission and start creating with whatever resources they have.Michael also reveals how Five Second Films built an online audience large enough to help crowdfund a feature after traditional producers passed, how an independent financier came aboard after seeing their momentum, his screenwriting and outlining process, why terrible first drafts are necessary, and the realities of self-distributing an independent movie. He also tells the incredible story behind his connection to The Room and Tommy Wiseau. This conversation is packed with practical lessons for screenwriters, directors, producers, and indie filmmakers trying to turn ideas into finished movies.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

How do you build an independent film studio that produces movies constantly without betting the entire company on every release?In this episode, David M. Latt, co-founder of The Asylum, breaks down the unconventional business model behind one of the most prolific independent production companies in Hollywood. From working out of an apartment to releasing dozens of films, creating Sharknado, and expanding into television with Z Nation, David explains how pre-sales, strict budgeting, vertical integration, and relentless production allowed The Asylum to survive while much of the traditional independent film market changed around them.The conversation also dives into developing movies for buyers, creating ambitious films on limited budgets, why The Asylum rarely accepts outside scripts, the accidental success of Sharknado, casting challenges, digital distribution, television production, and the importance of relationships in the entertainment business. David’s experience offers filmmakers a rare look at independent cinema from the perspective of someone who doesn’t just make movies—he has helped build an entire system designed to keep making the next one.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

What does it really take to become a professional screenwriter?In this fascinating conversation, Glenn Benest—screenwriter of two Wes Craven films, producer, novelist, and longtime Hollywood mentor—shares the lessons that transformed his career. From adapting A Stranger in Our House to collaborating with Wes Craven on Deadly Blessing, Glenn reveals why most aspiring writers focus on the wrong things, why film school isn't always the answer, and why the screenplay itself is the only calling card that truly matters.The discussion also dives into the development of Scream, the importance of finding world-class mentors, how writers should approach rewrites, what separates amateur scripts from professional ones, and why confidence—not perfection—is the key to finishing your first screenplay. Whether you're an aspiring writer, filmmaker, or storyteller, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from someone who's spent decades helping scripts become movies.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Success in filmmaking rarely comes from waiting for permission.In this episode, horror filmmaker Harrison Smith shares the lessons he learned from building a career through writing, producing, and directing independent films like The Fields, Six Degrees of Hell, Camp Dread, and Zombie Killers: Elephant's Graveyard. From working at Universal Studios to producing feature films on modest budgets, Harrison explains why experience on real film sets teaches lessons no classroom can replicate and why every filmmaker eventually has to stop studying movies and start making them. The conversation covers independent film production, screenwriting, directing, financing, working with actors, horror filmmaking, investor relationships, film criticism, remakes, networking, and developing stories that stand apart from Hollywood formulas. Harrison also discusses why strong scripts remain the foundation of every successful film, why writers should focus on telling original stories instead of chasing trends, and how honesty, persistence, and reputation become the most valuable assets any filmmaker can build throughout their career.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Writing a screenplay is easy. Writing one that Hollywood actually wants to read is something entirely different. In this episode, veteran screenplay consultant David Hohl shares decades of experience helping writers transform rough ideas into professional screenplays. From outlining and story structure to networking, screenplay contests, and script consultants, David explains why most first-time writers fail—not because they lack talent, but because they skip the preparation that professional writers never ignore.The conversation also explores why horror remains one of the smartest genres for filmmakers looking to break into the industry, the importance of building relationships instead of chasing shortcuts, crowdfunding versus private investors, low-budget filmmaking strategies, and how online education has completely changed the way aspiring filmmakers learn their craft. Whether you're writing your first screenplay or polishing your tenth, this episode is filled with practical advice that can save years of frustration and dramatically improve your storytelling.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

On today's episode, filmmaker Greg Francis shares the incredible journey behind making his first feature film, Poker Night, after spending more than a decade fighting to bring it to the screen. From growing up in Taiwan as the son of missionaries to discovering filmmaking through public access television and documentary work, Greg explains how persistence—not overnight success—became the defining theme of his career. He discusses raising financing, navigating Hollywood, losing major actors, rebuilding projects from scratch, and why surviving the filmmaking business often matters more than immediate success.The conversation is packed with practical filmmaking wisdom, covering fundraising, crowdfunding, writing screenplays, directing actors, story development, working with experienced crews, casting recognizable talent, film distribution, and the changing economics of independent cinema. Greg also shares why writing multiple scripts is essential, how to receive honest feedback, why relationships matter more than shortcuts, and why every setback becomes another lesson that prepares filmmakers for the next opportunity.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Breaking into Hollywood has never followed a single formula, and Jeanne Veillette Bowerman proves that some of the most successful careers begin far outside Los Angeles. After owning a motel and restaurant for fifteen years, Jeanne reinvented herself as a screenwriter, eventually becoming the editor of Script Magazine, co-founder of the influential #ScriptChat community, and a respected voice in the screenwriting world. She shares how social media transformed her career, why networking online opened doors traditional methods never could, and how writers today can build meaningful relationships that lead to real opportunities instead of simply chasing representation.The conversation dives deep into practical screenwriting advice, including outlining versus discovery writing, choosing marketable concepts, rewriting, screenplay contests, pitching, script coverage, building an online presence, and the mindset required to survive the entertainment industry. Jeanne also offers candid insights into balancing a full-time career with writing, why every screenwriter should have a website, how to use social media professionally, and why generosity often becomes the greatest networking strategy a filmmaker can develop.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

What starts as a spontaneous idea during a cold morning outside a locked office eventually becomes a life-changing adventure stretching across an entire continent.In this episode, filmmaker Mark Phillips shares the incredible story behind The Walking Fool, a documentary chronicling his attempt to walk from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. What began as a personal challenge quickly evolved into a decade-long journey involving failure, perseverance, self-discovery, and ultimately a second attempt that forced him to confront unfinished business. Along the way, Mark reveals the realities of filming a documentary while living on the road, balancing personal experience with storytelling, and documenting an adventure that was never originally intended to become a feature film.The conversation explores independent documentary filmmaking, audience building, crowdfunding, low-budget production, storytelling, and the unique challenges of turning years of footage into a compelling narrative. Mark discusses what he learned from quitting halfway through his first attempt, why he returned years later to finish what he started, and how modern filmmakers can use community engagement and social media to build audiences long before a project is complete. Equal parts travel adventure and filmmaking masterclass, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories emerge when a creator simply starts moving forward.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.