Bulletproof Screenwriting™ Podcast

I'm here to finally put to rest one of the greatest cinematic arguments of all time, is Die Hard a Christmas movie? I thought I'd tackle this epic question with my good friend Stephen Follows. In this Special Christmas Edition of the Indie Film Hustle Podcast Stephen and I use data to finally put this debate to rest.I believe without a shadow of a doubt that Die Hard is the greatest Christmas movie of all time. Stephen is not so sure so we go to the data to find out. Stephen wrote an EPIC article about this a while ago where he does what only Stephen does. Below are some of the graphs he created for his dissection of this issue.From google trends to actual frames from the film that we see actual Christmas references. We leave no stone unturned in this debate. I promise you after this episode you will be armed to debate and film nerd at the next Christmas party. I wanted to create a fun episode for all the film geeks out there.Enjoy my ridiculous and entertaining conversation with Stephen Follows. And don't forget to have a Yippee ki-yay mutha f**king Merry Christmas!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

Today's guest is screenwriter and Hollywood script doctor Peter Douglas Russell. I wanted to go deep into the back alleys of what Hollywood script doctors actually do in the business. Peter's conversation was eye-opening, to say the least.Peter Russell sold two television pilots in 2017. He enjoys working on projects both as a ghostwriter and as a consultant.  And he can both write and teach what he knows. So many successful screenwriters and producers have no idea how to teach what they do, and so many teachers can’t actually sell stories. But Peter does both.Peter was UCLA’s Teacher of the Year in 2009. He invented (along with his then partner Cecilia Najar) a process called The Storymaker which you can use to quickly develop an original, complex, vivid story from a single idea — and the Storymaker is helping scores of his students shape wonderful stories.Peter started as a story analyst in the 1990s and has read over 6,000+ screenplays for major film and television giants including Imagine Entertainment, Participant Productions, HBO, CBS, Walden Entertainment and dozens of others.As he read these scripts, he started seeing deep, hidden patterns in the best stories. He wrote these down and started getting jobs FIXING writer’s stories. He got good at it — really good.Peter was invited to teach at UCLA in 2004, and it became a passion, too.  He has now been invited to teach television pilot and film story creation at Pepperdine University’s Seaver College Screenwriting MFA program, at Story Expo in LA and New York, and many others. Meanwhile, Peter has turned The Storymaker into the most powerful tool for helping storytellers create original vivid stories. Simply and quickly.Enjoy my conversation with Peter Douglas Russell.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

The day is finally here. My new book Rise of the Filmtrepreneur®: How to Turn Your Indie Film into a Moneymaking Business is finally out. I'm so excited to share this with you, the IFH Tribe. I've been working for months to make this happen. I wanted to give you a sneak peek at the book so in this episode, I'll be releasing the first two chapters of the audiobook for your listening pleasure. These two chapters set the tone for the book. In the episode, I even show you a way to download the entire book for free.Here's a bit of what Rise of the Filmtrepreneur has to offerIt’s harder today than ever before for independent filmmakers to make money with their films. From predatory film distributors ripping them off to huckster film aggregators who prey upon them, the odds are stacked against the indie filmmaker. The old distribution model for making money with indie film is broken and there needs to be a change. The future of independent filmmaking is the entrepreneurial filmmaker or the Filmtrepreneur®. In Rise of the Filmtrepreneur® author and filmmaker Alex Ferrari breaks down how to actually make money with independent film projects and shows filmmakers how to turn their indie films into profitable businesses. This is not all theory, Alex uses multiple real-world case studies to illustrate each part of his method. This book shows you the step by step way to turn your filmmaking passion into a profitable career. If you are making a feature film, series or any kind of video content, The Filmtrepreneur® Method will set you up for success.I really hope you enjoy Rise of the Filmtrepreneur. I truly believe that the only way indie filmmakers will be able to survive the new film economy is by becoming Filmtrepreneurs. My goal for this book is to show filmmakers and creatives that they have to think differently. The old film economy is DEAD. Traditional film distribution is not set up to benefit the indie filmmaker. The cards are stacked against the creative and things need to change.Filmmakers need to take back control of their films and how they generate revenue from them. The day of handing over your film to a predatory film distributor because you believe there is no other choice is over! There is another way and the Filmtrepreneur Method is that way. Let me know what you think of the book. Enjoy and VIVA LA REVOLUTION!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

Today's guest is screenwriter Paul Gulino. Paul is the author of Screenwriting: The Sequence Approach and The Science of Screenwriting: The Neuroscience Behind Storytelling Strategies.Paul believes in Hitchcock's adage that "films are made on paper." Although students may obsess about a film's look, all of the visual elements, he says, function to enhance the story. And that, ultimately, comes from the mind of the screenwriter.In spite of the fact that there seems to be a screenwriter behind every corner (in California, at least), screenwriting is something of a lost art, Gulino maintains, having seen hundreds of flat screenplays as a story analyst for Showtime Entertainment.Honing his own skills through writing for the theater and practicing the craft as taught by Frank Daniel and Milos Forman, Gulino secured an agent with William Morris on the basis of his thesis script. With that "real world" confirmation in hand, Gulino went on to write and see produced features, plays and comedy sketches.Screenwriting, he says, isn't a craft you can learn from a book. "The best way is to learn from someone who knows the craft, so you can see how theories can be applied to your own work." There must be something to that. Or at least it's worked for screenwriter Paul Gulino.Enjoy my conversation with Paul Gulino.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

Today's guest is screenwriter Geoffrey D. Calhoun. Geoffery is the author of the #1 best-selling screenwriting book The Guide For Every Screenwriter: From Synopsis to Subplots: The Secrets of Screenwriting Revealed.Screenwriting made simple. The Guide for Every Screenwriter is one of the most efficient instruction manuals on the craft. This book cuts past the verbose film school expository, and gets straight to work, delivering sample-driven outlines and templates that anyone can follow. It is quick to apply to your work and serves as a side-by-side checklist for the writing process. This is the book for anyone looking to write a screenplay and for any professional needing a refresher. Whether you are learning how to write a screenplay or are a veteran screenwriter, this is the perfect tool for you. This book reveals the mysteries of screenwriting from concept development, subplots, to format and beyond by using easy to follow templates and examples.Geoffrey D. Calhoun (Heroes from Heaven - S.O.S. - Lily) is the founder of WeFixYourScript.com where he and his team mentor indie filmmakers and support them with all aspects of screenwriting from concept to development, polishing a script, one on one consultation, and even write for hire. Geoffrey is a multi-award-winning screenwriter and is sought out as a script consultant and a re-writer for various stages of development and production. He is the director of the Script Summit Screenplay Contest which is listed as one of the biggest Screenplay Competitions by The Script Lab.He is known for his fast-paced thrillers but has also won awards for comedies and dramas. He has received honors in several film festivals and contests including the Louis Mitchell Award for Excellence in Writing. In 2017 Geoffrey was listed as a Top 100 Indie Writer in the World. He believes everyone is a writer at heart and has dedicated himself to help others learn the craft. His seminars are designed to break down the mysteries of screenwriting by using easy to follow templates, outlines, and modern popular films as examples.Enjoy my inspirational conversation with Allen Johnson.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

Today's guest is screenwriter Allen Johnson. Allen has taken a unique path to become​ a working screenwriter. He has been able not only to sell ten screenplays but has been able to do it without an agent and living outside of Hollywood. Allen lives in South Carolina, not exactly a mecca for screenwriting. In this episode,​​ we dive into how he was able to make a living​​ writing screenplays​ys and discuss his tips and tricks to get screenwriting​ gigs. Enjoy my inspirational conversation with Allen Johnson.​Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

Every other week I'll be posting new Motivation episodes to help the #IFHTribe along their screenwriting path. We all need some help, guidance, motivation or inspiration on our long journey in this crazy business so I hope these videos help in a small way.If you like this please share it with your friends and inner circle. Keep on hustling and never give up on that dream!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

To celebrate the 350th episode of the Indie Film Hustle Podcast I'm launching the first-ever MAKE YOUR MOVIE BOOTCAMP. The Bootcamp is a LIVE two-day intensive designed to show you how to make, market and sell a feature film. I've been working on this for months and I finally get to release it to the world.I wanted to create a workshop that could jump-start people on their filmmaking career but with my flavor of course. Below is a fraction of what I'll be diving into at the Bootcamp.Ideas: Learn how to flesh out your ideas into a marketable film project.Screenwriting Process: We go over the basics of screenwriting and discuss alternative methods of writing like scriptments and improv.Finding Money: Alternate ways to raise money for your film.Crowdfunding: Discuss the dos and don'ts of what makes a successful campaign.Directing Your Film: I breakdown methods and techniques that will jump-start your directing journey.Post Production Workflows: Where many indie films die. This won't happen to you. I'll teach you the proper way to set up your workflow and get you and your film to the finish line.Marketing and Building an Audience: Once you have your film done you need to get it out into the world. I will go over proven techniques that will help you build and target an audience.Submitting to Film Festivals: Tricks and techniques on what to do and definitely what not to do when taking your film on the festival circuit. This one section that will save you thousands of dollars and years of your life.Self Distribution Models: I'll teach you how to run a successful self-distribution campaign by using multiple case studies on how it is done correctly.Avoid Predatory Film Distributors: It is shark-infested waters out there. We go over what to look out for when dealing with traditional and predatory film distributors.Revenue Streams: I do a deep dive into how to create multiple revenue streams from your indie film.Breaking Through Your Fear: I show you techniques to break through your own creative fears and finally make the feature film you have always wanted to.PLUS: Two Surprise film industry heavy hitters will come into Guest Speak and answer questions.Why Do You Need This Bootcamp?Jump Start Your Feature FilmIt takes a lot of time and energy to get a feature film off the ground, but it doesn't have too. I shot my first film in 8 days and completed the entire process, from idea to final product, within 3 months. The film went on to be sold internationally and was licensed by Hulu. I will teach you the techniques I used to make this happen.Marketing and Audience BuildingIn today's world if you do not understand how to get your indie film in front of the right customers you are dead in the water. I've built a large platform with millions of eyeballs. I will teach you my secret sauce for audience building.Avoid Distribution PitfallsThere are a lot of predatory film distributors in the industry today that are all too happy to take advantage of you. If you are not careful you could end up making a non-tax deductible donation to one of these sharks and loss your film for 15 years. I will show you how to avoid these snakes and how to find a good distributor to partner with.Actually, Make Money with Your FilmI will discuss the Filmtrepreneur® Method of filmmaking. Thinking more like an entrepreneurial filmmaker is imperative moving forward in the business. Creating multiple revenue and passive income streams from your film projects is the key to a sustainable career.The MAKE YOUR MOVIE BOOTCAMP will be taking place Oct 26 &27 in Burbank, CA at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Burbank. If you want to get 20% off the ticket price CLICK HERE.This will be EPIC. When you finish this Bootcamp you will be ready to make, market and sell your feature film. I go over the details in this episode so take a listen and I hope to meet you in person at the MAKE YOUR MOVIE BOOTCAMP.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

Today's guest is screenwriter Brian Herskowitz. He wrote the book called Process to Process to Product: From Concept to Script: A Practical Guide for the Screenwriter.Like millions before him, Brian Herskowitz moved out to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.  He soon learned that there was a dearth of roles for shorter leading men and began searching for other outlets for his creative passions.  In 1980 he wrote his first screenplay, an action thriller about a young man who moves to Tokyo to train for the Olympics in Judo and gets caught up in an intrigue with the Yakuza.   Through that script, based on his true-life experience as an international judo competitor, he uncovered a knack and passion for writing.  As a writer, Brian has completed well over a dozen feature films.  His first produced feature was a low budget slasher titled DARKROOM.  He currently has several projects in active development including, THE ABDUCTION, THE EMPRESS OF ELSEWHERE (co-written with Theresa Nelson based on her best selling novel), TAKE A RIDE, and FAIRIES (co-written with Pam Dawber and Andy Tobey).His TV credits include a staff writing position on the NBC sit-com BLOSSOM, multiple episodes of the syndicated series HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS, and ACAPULCO HEAT, the HBO hit comedy DREAM ON, CBS’s RENEGADE, THE EXILE, MURDER, SHE WROTE, the FOX Network’s YOUNG HERCULES, and CBS’s critically acclaimed was series TOUR OF DUTY (associate producer). Brian co-wrote the FOX pilot MANTIC with Jason Alexander.   In addition, he worked as a punch-up writer on BOB PATTERSON, and LISTEN UP.Brian currently holds the title of lead faculty in screenwriting for the prestigious  BOSTON UNIVERSITY IN LOS ANGELES - WRITER IN HOLLYWOOD PROGRAM.  Brian has taught online for UCLA EXTENSTIONS and has had students from every corner of the earth. Enjoy my conversation with Brian Herskowitz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

Today on the show we have author Jennifer Dornbush who has written the book Forensic Speak: How to Write Realistic Crime Dramas. We sit down and discuss all thing forensics. We even discuss the im[pact of the OJ Simpson case on the world of forensics. Here's a bit about her amazing book.Crime stories have always intrigued viewers and storytellers. Today, crime shows rule the airwaves and there is truly a procedural drama out there for every personality — and every writer. Born out of the author’s real-life experiences growing up around death investigation, Forensic Speak unlocks the secrets of forensic science for writers and fans alike. With a filmography of 100 film and TV examples and 80 additional resources, the book provides writers direct access to hundreds of ways to make their crime writing more authentic.Enjoy my conversation with Jennifer Dornbush.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.