Film Hustlers

Roberts Media LLC
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Filmmaker Mark Roberts (Meet Me Next Christmas, Strangers with Candy) and aspiring filmmaker  Rod "Tuddy” Rinks discuss in detail how to navigate the treacherous world of filmmaking from pitching, financing, casting, securing rights, post-production, distribution etc. We cover it all! 

  1. 4 Aug

    Hustlers talk about making a movie W/ Tony Danza & Mario Lopez! (Plus: AI Budgeting Hacks)

    Send us Fan Mail We’re BACK in the studio to break down what really goes on behind the scenes of an indie movie set. From hanging out late-night with the legendary Tony Danza and Mario Lopez to navigating the chaos of production, flight layovers, and getting "on a sick one" (you'll see what we mean 🍻), we’re sharing all the real, unfiltered stories from location. Plus, we dive into: 🎥 Why Buffalo, NY is a goldmine for indie filmmakers (and how to snag that 40% tax credit!).🤖 How to use AI right now for quick script breakdowns, draft budgets, and scene prep.📲 The massive shift toward YouTube & short-form storytelling (and details on our upcoming free series, Pruno Perez!).🍷 Shoutouts to the unbelievable crew who made Christmas at the Starlight happen.Grab a drink, light up a cigar, and hang out with us! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Late Start & Getting Back in the Studio01:12 - We Made a Movie! Buffalo, NY Wrap Recap04:08 - Late Night Hanging with Tony Danza & Mario Lopez06:22 - Why Indie Filmmakers NEED to Shoot in Buffalo07:15 - Crew Shoutouts & Making Movies with Friends17:00 - Real Production Talk: Putting Out Fires as a Producer19:15 - How to Use AI for Script Breakdowns & Drafting Budgets24:42 - YouTube Empires & Our Upcoming Series Pruno Perez30:25 - What's Hot in the L.A. Comedy Scene Right NowSpecial Thanks to Our Partners: 📍 The Library Cigar Lounge 🎵 Extreme Music – The best music library for filmmakers & creators: extrememusic.com 🔔 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and hit the Notification Bell to stay tuned for our next episode! Drop a comment below: Have you ever used AI to help produce your videos or films? #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #TonyDanza #MarioLopez #FilmProducer #AIFilmmaking #Podcast

    Hustlers talk about making a movie W/ Tony Danza & Mario Lopez! (Plus: AI Budgeting Hacks)

  2. 22 Jul

    Garrett Patten talks working with Matt Damon and his latest film with Adrian Grenier SELF CUSTODY

    Send us Fan Mail THE Film Hustlers, sit down with actor, entrepreneur, and filmmaker Garrett Patton (TBK Productions) to talk about the reality of independent filmmaking. From a 15-year career in private equity to navigating union negotiations, tax credits, and the chaotic world of indie budgets, Garrett shares what it really takes to push the boulder up the hill. We dive into his upcoming projects, with Matt Damon on Start Without Me, producing alongside top talent like Lucy Hale and Josh Duhamel, and his latest venture with Adrian Grenier (Self Custody and the new docuseries Beyond the Break). Plus, we break down the changing landscape of global distribution, why Christmas movies remain bulletproof, the rise of vertical storytelling, and how filmmakers can adapt to survive in a rapidly evolving media ecosystem. Key Takeaways & Discussion Points: From Private Equity to Film: How business acumen translates to the chaotic world of entertainment startups and high-stakes negotiations.The Matt Damon Collaboration: Behind-the-scenes look at producing Start Without Me and navigating a four-year post-production and distribution journey.Mastering Tax Incentives: Why shooting in places like Buffalo, New Mexico, and international hubs like Spain can make or break a lower-budget indie film.The Evolution of Content: The shift toward vertical platforms, global streaming numbers, and why creator authenticity is winning over audiences.Adrian Grenier’s Next Chapter: Exploring Bitcoin, nature rehabilitation, and turning life changes into compelling new media.

    Garrett Patten talks working with Matt Damon and his latest film with Adrian Grenier SELF CUSTODY

  3. 10 Jun

    "No Tax Incentives, No Movie." 🎬 (The Hard Truth About Modern Film Budgets) and MUCH more!

    Send us Fan Mail If you think filmmaking is just about a good script and a camera, think again. Today, you literally cannot get a movie financed without mastering the tax credit game. On this episode, the Film Hustlers talk about state incentives.    We also tackle major shifts in the entertainment landscape: Why local stations axed Access Hollywood in favor of social media content, and how industry titan Barry Diller climbed out of the William Morris mailroom and invented the modern television movie. Subscribe now and never miss an episode of the ultimate indie filmmaking hustle!

  4. 26 May

    Indie Filmmakers get the truth from Clay Epstein - PART 2

    Send us Fan Mail Clay Epstein drops distributor secrets every young filmmaker must hear on Part 2 of The Film Hustlers Podcast — The budget sweet spot, making a commercial calling card. The added value you need for indie success, and the new Nancy Joan Epstein CSUN “New Voices” scholarship. Hit play if you dare. 🎬🔥 #FilmHustler #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #FilmDistribution #FilmSchool #FilmTips #NewVoices #FilmModeEnt

  5. 19 May

    The Truth About FILM Distribution with Film Mode Entertainment's Clay Epstein 🎬

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, Film Hustlers! 🌍 If you’ve ever wondered if it’s actually worth raising a million bucks to make an independent movie, this is the one episode you cannot afford to miss. Veteran film distributor Clay Epstein (Founder of Film Mode Entertainment)      pulls back the curtain on the harsh realities of the market, the myth of "gurus" telling you to believe in your dreams, and what it actually takes to sell your movie. Turn up the volume, hit that SUBSCRIBE button, and share this with your crew. Our numbers are climbing, and we’re just getting started! 📈 🔑 Key Takeaways From This Episode: The 1% Rule: Why only a fraction of indie films find true commercial success, and how to make sure you aren't making a mediocre movie.The Mixed-Genre Trap: Why mixing genres without an Academy Award-winning star can be absolute "distribution suicide" on streaming platforms.The Self-Distribution Reality Check: The real story behind massive self-distributed hits like Iron Lung and Bus Boys—and why you can't just replicate it without IP or a massive built-in audience.

  6. 12 May

    $42 Billion + plus still on the table for linear

    Send us Fan Mail Over $42 Billion is still on the table. Claim it? The business is shifting, but the money hasn't disappeared— On this episode of Film Hustlers, we’re breaking down the cable movie - 15 days, 10 locations, and 8 or so characters. High-concept hooks lift eyebrows. Let's talk about a strategy to stay relevant. Key Highlights: The Outline is King: Why you should stop writing scripts and start perfecting the 21-page outline.The Cable Shift: How to make a $500k movie look like $5M.

  7. 5 May

    Faith Meets the Film Hustle ft. Father Tom Gibbons 🎬✨

    Send us Fan Mail We’re sitting down with Father Tom Gibbons, President of Paulist Productions, to discuss the "secret sauce" that has them collaborating with A-listers like Martin Sheen and Chris Pratt. We talk about their acclaimed anthology series, INSIGHT, which ran from 1960 to 1985 and won multiple Emmy Awards. Let's pull back the curtain on the intersection of the sacred and the secular. 💥 Basebal Beyond belief on FS1 💥 Debating Statues and Saints coming to PBS.  💥 Combat Chaplains in the line of fire.  💥 The Martin Sheen "Secret Sauce."  💥 Indie distribution hacks for 2026.

  8. 28 Apr

    Industry Veteran Jen Aguillon stops by to discuss the power of a YES and Being Positive

    Send us Fan Mail Industry vet Jen Aguillon dropped by the Library Cigar Lounge to talk career longevity, the evolution of news, and why "hustling" is a core value. If you’re looking for a dose of positive energy and some real-talk advice on breaking into the biz, this is the episode for you. Watch the full episode on YouTube! 🎥 #FilmHustlers #Podcast #FilmIndustry #CareerAdvice #AccessHollywood #SeniorProducer #HustleHardER #StayPositive @FilmHustlers

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About

Filmmaker Mark Roberts (Meet Me Next Christmas, Strangers with Candy) and aspiring filmmaker  Rod "Tuddy” Rinks discuss in detail how to navigate the treacherous world of filmmaking from pitching, financing, casting, securing rights, post-production, distribution etc. We cover it all! 

Information

  • Creator
    Roberts Media LLC
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    199
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Film Hustlers
  • Show Website
    Film Hustlers