The conventional wisdom that creative careers and steady jobs are mutually exclusive gets thoroughly debunked in this illuminating conversation with Julia Steyer, a multi-hyphenate talent making waves in independent film. As an actor, producer, playwright, screenwriter, and head of development at Cold Iron Pictures (the production company behind indie darlings like "Swiss Army Man"), Julia shares how finding stability transformed her creative journey.

Whether you're just beginning your creative journey or rethinking your approach to sustainability in the arts, this conversation provides a refreshing perspective on thriving in independent film.

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A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

What happens when the words on the page become both prison and playground? Julia Stier, an actor, writer, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Hollywood and Entertainment, takes us deep into the creative tension between acting and writing, revealing how each craft fundamentally transforms the other.

For creators facing similar struggles, this discussion offers practical wisdom about writing for opportunities versus passion projects, setting external deadlines, and the liberating power of recycling creative material across different formats.

Listen now to discover why sometimes the best way forward is to put down your laptop, pick up a typewriter, and remember that creation should, above all, be playful.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

What does it really take to forge a successful path in independent filmmaking when there's no ladder to climb? In this captivating conversation with Julia Steyer – actor, producer, screenwriter, playwright, and recent Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree – we discover how creative persistence can evolve into industry recognition.

Whether you're just starting your filmmaking journey or looking to diversify your creative approach, Julia's experiences offer both practical wisdom and inspiring encouragement.

Subscribe now to join us for a four-episode chat with Julia, where we'll dive deeper into how her experiences can help you create a sustainable career in independent film.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

Film School Pros and Cons: An Inside Look From Student and Professor

Is film school worth thousands of dollars and two years of your life? Screenwriter, director, and UCLA professor George Huang doesn't have a simple answer – but he does have some hard-earned wisdom worth hearing.

Drawing from his experiences as both a graduate of USC's prestigious Peter Stark Program and a seven-year veteran teaching at UCLA's film school, Huang offers a refreshingly honest assessment of what film school can and cannot provide. Pod host Yaroslav Altunin also shares his experience as a grad student at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, giving insight to new students who may be thinking about what degree to pursue.

Join us for our last episode with writer/director George Huang as we explore the benefits of film education and if film school needs to be a part of that growth.

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

In this episode of the Indiewood podcast, host Yaroslav Altunin welcomes back writer/director George Huang for a conversation about unconventional creative storytelling techniques. From how physical objects can transform boring scenes into compelling story moments to using "scaffolding writing,” to build original stories by studying successful structures, we explore different ways to stand out as a writer.

Like, subscribe, and join us next week for our final episode with George where we'll explore film school from both the professor and student perspective!

0:11 Welcome to Indiewood podcast
0:28 Introducing George Huang
0:47 Podcast recording streak
1:17 Discussing production experience
2:08 Focus on creative process
2:57 Introducing the screenwriting fund
3:52 Writing with props
5:06 Visual storytelling techniques
6:57 Props as storytelling devices
8:33 Examples from Pulp Fiction and westerns
11:28 Props revealing character backstory
13:33 Scaffolding writing technique
15:53 Nothing is original - Jim Jarmusch quote
18:18 Your unique take matters
20:22 Breaking free from 90s structure
22:40 Four-act structure approach
24:31 Vertical format filmmaking
27:17 Evolving media consumption
29:04 The enduring power of storytelling
32:36 Storytelling as an essential skill

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

Explore the fascinating evolution of independent filmmaking with veteran writer/director George Huang as he shares insider stories from his 30+ year career. From shooting his first film, Swimming With Sharks, to his most recent work, Weekend in Taipei, our conversation reveals how the business of making movies has undergone a dramatic transformation.

Learn how corporate takeovers have changed studio priorities, how creative "happy accidents" can transform your films (like Benicio Del Toro's unexpected performance choices in Swimming With Sharks), and the financial instruments filmmakers can use today. We'll also explore why Los Angeles craftspeople remain unmatched despite global production incentives, and why sometimes a movie seems to have a life of its own, transcending the director's original vision.

Don't miss this masterclass on the evolution of filmmaking from cocktail napkin pitches to modern independent financing!

0:00 Podcast Introduction
0:43 Casual Conversation Begins
1:25 Reality TV Wardrobe Secrets
1:57 Production Budget Story
3:06 Art and Commerce in Film
4:19 Corporate Influence on Studios
6:25 The "Happy Accidents" in Filmmaking
8:27 Benicio Del Toro's Performance Story
12:38 When a Movie Has Its Own Life
14:40 The Art of Giving Notes
17:42 Evolution of Independent Film Production
19:16 From Cocktail Napkin Pitches to Today
21:40 Technology Changes in Filmmaking
24:20 Financial Instruments for Film Funding
27:19 Finding Grants and Funding Sources
30:19 Los Angeles Craftspeople Excellence
33:16 Challenges of International Production
34:23 Wrapping Up

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

Join us for an intimate conversation with writer, directer, and producer (and UCLA Professor) George Huang as he shares his remarkable journey from being a studio assistant to directing his own films and writing for some of the biggest producers in the industry. From a chance encounter with Star Wars at age nine that sparked a passion for filmmaking, to strategically navigating Hollywood's complex landscape, we explore the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from George Huang’s career.

This series is made for the creatives who seek an unconventional path in the entertainment industry and want valuable insights into the realities of independent filmmaking and perseverance in Hollywood.

Like, subscribe, and join us next week for week two of our conversation with George Huang!

0:00 Introduction to the podcast
1:03 Meeting at UCLA as professor and student
2:22 The 10-week script challenge
4:04 Early film inspirations
6:32 George's background and career journey
7:58 First movie experience: Star Wars
10:09 College years and economics major
11:32 Lucasfilm internship opportunity
14:41 USC film school and Paramount job
16:22 Knocking on doors at Paramount
18:11 Missing out on Wayne's World PA position
19:38 Working for Joel Silver Productions
21:24 Meeting Robert Rodriguez
23:19 Writing Swimming with Sharks
25:36 Financing the first film
27:14 Rocky start to production
30:20 Second film: Trojan War challenges
32:43 Ending up in "director's jail"

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."

Join us for our final episode with with actor, writer, and teacher Wayne T. Carr as he shares valuable lessons from his creative journey. Whether you're an aspiring performer or filmmaker, this episode offers practical advice on maintaining motivation, mastering your craft, and finding success in the entertainment industry.

Wayne discusses the importance of celebrating your achievements rather than dwelling on missed goals, the differences between theater and film directing approaches, and how to effectively communicate with actors. He shares insights from his experience teaching college actors, working on productions like "The Odyssey" at American Repertory Theater, and even his brief encounter with playing Green Lantern in Zack Snyder's Justice League.

0:39 Wayne T. Carr returns
1:31 Setting goals and motivation
2:28 Maintaining creative drive
3:04 The Green Lantern experience
4:22 Making goals grander
5:42 Focusing on successes not failures
7:58 Learning to be a dreamer
9:17 Teaching actors in college
10:25 Learning to relax as an actor
12:07 Directors' communication challenges
14:34 The worst acting note: "Faster"
16:37 Using business to ground performances
19:04 Theater vs. film directing approaches
21:20 Common actor struggles
24:41 Writers and creative structure
27:01 Learning fundamentals before experimenting
28:00 Closing thoughts and upcoming book

____

A Podcast for Indie Filmmakers

More on:
IG: @indiewoodpod
YT: Cinematography for Actors

In the world of social media, and fast-paced journalism, knowledge is abound. But with all the noise, finding the right information is near impossible. Especially if you’re a creative working in independent film.

Produced by Cinematography For Actors, the Indiewood podcast aims to fix that. This is a podcast about indie filmmakers and the many hats we wear in order to solve problems before, during, and after production.

Every month, award-winning Writer/Director Yaroslav Altunin is joined by a different guest co-host to swap hats, learn about the different aspects of the film industry, and how to implement all you learn into your work.

"We learn from indie filmmakers so we can become better filmmakers. Because we all want to be Hollywood, but first we have to be Indiewood."