Low-Budget Rebels: An Indie Filmmaking Podcast

Josh Stifter
  • 4.9 (23)
  • FILM INTERVIEWS
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Independent Filmmaker Josh Stifter of Flush Studios and the Robert Rodriguez's series "Rebel with a Crew," sits down and speaks with indie filmmakers about life in independent filmmaking, the creative process, and making it in the crazy film business of low-budget film. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network (www.ifhpodcastnetwork.com)

  1. 1D AGO

    FINDING THE PERFORMANCE – Directing First-Timers and Non-Actors

    Welcome back, Rebels! In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re digging into one of the most intimidating — and most rewarding — parts of indie filmmaking: working with actors. When you’re making movies with tiny budgets, tight schedules, and often first-time performers, directing performances becomes less about “perfection” and more about trust, communication, and creating an environment where people feel safe to try things. This week’s guests share how they’ve learned to guide performances, build confidence, and get honest, compelling work from actors under low-budget conditions. We kick things off with Dan Lotz, director of Chlorine, The Long Con, and Sheep Theater. Dan reflects on making movies with his friends as a kid and how those early experiments taught him what kinds of performances you can realistically get from people. He opens up about the fear of stepping in front of the camera himself and carrying a film as a performer, and how learning to act gave him empathy for what actors go through. Dan also talks about the unique challenges of directing performances within an improvisational style, where structure and freedom have to exist at the same time. Next up, Nick Psinakis, co-director of Cheat and Valley View Motel, breaks down how studying acting changed the way he directs. Nick shares how learning performance from the inside helped him communicate more clearly with actors, listen more closely, and build real relationships with his cast. We talk about techniques for getting organic, natural performances on set, and how often actors will surprise you when you give them the space and trust to bring their own instincts into a scene. Then Joe Sherlock, the mind behind Trailer Park Double Wide Trilogy of Terror, The Haunting of Heather Black, and the Weird House films, talks about his approach to finding and working with actors. Joe dives into the importance of being upfront about the kinds of movies you’re making and the tone you’re going for, so the people who show up are aligned with the vision. He shares how openness and communication lead to better buy-in from the cast, and how being honest about the limitations of a low-budget production helps actors give you their best work instead of feeling misled or frustrated. Finally, Sean Ashley (R.S. Trashley), director of the Homicide McLeod films and producer of Get That Dick, talks about finding talent through festivals and community. Sean reflects on meeting incredible actors through the Atlanta film scene, including collaborations that came directly from simply showing up and engaging with people. We dig into the anxiety of bringing new talent onto a project, not knowing what they’ll bring to the table, and the techniques he uses to steer performances without crushing what makes an actor unique. This episode is all about trust, communication, and empathy — learning how to meet actors where they are, especially when you’re working with first-timers or friends who are learning alongside you. It’s a reminder that great performances don’t come from control. They come from collaboration.Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels. Your support keeps these conversations ad free and helps us keep bringing real, honest filmmaking discussions to the table. If you’re not already a member, you can join us at patreon.com/flushstudios. And don’t forget to follow and support this episode’s incredible guests: Dan Lotz – Chlorine, The Long Con, Sheep Theater Nick Psinakis – Cheat, Valley View Motel Joe Sherlock – Trailer Park Double Wide Trilogy of Terror, The Haunting of Heather Black, Weird House films R.S. Trashley (Sean Ashley) – Homicide McLeod films, Get That Dick More fearless filmmaking conversations are on the way. Stay scrappy, keep learning, and stay rebellious. Cheers, Josh

    1h 12m

  2. FEB 9

    STORIES FROM SET - Disasters and Survival Making Indie Movies

    🎬 Welcome back, Rebels! On this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re swapping theory for survival stories. This week is all about war stories from production — the moments where everything goes sideways, emotions run high, plans fall apart, and somehow the movie still gets made. These are the stories you don’t hear in film school, but the ones that actually teach you how to endure this craft. Every filmmaker has them. The days where the problem isn’t the shot list or the budget, but life, weather, people, or pure chaos. This episode is about how you respond when the plan breaks — and how resilience, adaptability, and stubbornness become your most valuable tools. We kick things off with Dan Lotz, director of Chlorine, The Long Con, and Sheep Theater. Dan opens up about losing his father during production and how that loss deeply affected the work. He talks honestly about grief colliding with responsibility, and the emotional weight of trying to keep a project moving forward while processing something that life-altering. Dan also dives into the unseen toll of visual effects-heavy projects, breaking down how ambitious VFX work can quietly multiply the workload in ways most people never realize until they’re buried in it. Next, Nick Psinakis, co-director of Cheat and Valley View Motel, shares how something as uncontrollable as snow completely reshaped his production. Locations had to change. Plans had to be thrown out. Expectations had to shift. What started as an obstacle turned into a defining element of the film’s atmosphere. Nick talks about staying mentally prepared for the fact that anything can go wrong at any moment — and how that mindset allows you to pivot instead of panic. Then we hear from Joe Sherlock, known for the Trailer Park Double Wide Trilogy of Terror, The Haunting of Heather Black, and the Weird House films, who brings the wildest stories of the episode. Joe recounts how filming in public spaces with an ape mask led to a hilariously chaotic misadventure, including the very real possibility of law enforcement involvement. He talks about having the cops called on productions, the importance of adaptability, and how filming multiple projects around the same locations can turn a stressful situation into an opportunity if you’re willing to think fast and shoot smarter. Finally, R.S. Trashley, director of the Homicide McLeod films and producer of Get That Dick, breaks down the slow burn of production chaos. Not one big disaster, but a constant stream of small things going wrong. He talks about learning to move forward through frustration, recognizing when to stop fighting circumstances, and making peace with the idea that finishing the project matters more than perfection. For him, persistence isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. This episode is about endurance. About finishing when it hurts. About adapting when nothing goes according to plan. And about understanding that the scars you earn on set are often the ones that shape you into a better filmmaker. Huge thanks to everyone supporting Flush Studios on Patreon. Because of you, Low-Budget Rebels stays ad-free and honest, with room for real conversations about the hard parts of making movies. If you’re not already part of the community, you can join us at patreon.com/flushstudios. More hard-earned lessons are coming. Cheers, Josh

    1h 14m

  3. FEB 1

    FIND YOUR STRENGTHS - Building Films Around What You Do Best

    🎬 Welcome back, Rebels! In this week’s episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we dig into something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough: knowing your strengths as a filmmaker and building your process around them. Not every director works the same way, and that’s the point. The key isn’t forcing yourself into someone else’s workflow, but recognizing what you’re good at and leaning into it hard. This episode is all about self-awareness, trust, and momentum. How do you make movies in a way that actually works for you? And how do you turn your instincts, habits, and even your chaos into creative advantages? We start with Dan Lotz, director of Chlorine, The Long Con, and Sheep Theater. Dan talks about embracing an improvisational mindset as a director. Figuring things out on the fly, experimenting, staying loose, and allowing raw filmmaking instincts to guide the work. Instead of locking himself into rigid plans, Dan finds strength in adaptability and discovery, letting the movie reveal itself during production. Next up is Nick Psinakis, co-director of Cheat and Valley View Motel, who brings a counterbalance to that approach. Nick dives into the power of planning ahead and the importance of working with a creative partner who has your back. He talks about building projects through collaboration, trust, and preparation, and how balancing ideas with a teammate can turn limitations into structure instead of stress. Then we’re joined by Joe Sherlock, known for the Trailer Park Double Wide Trilogy of Terror, The Haunting of Heather Black, and the Weird House films. Joe breaks down one of his greatest strengths: finishing things. He talks about harnessing his night-owl energy, working late when the world is quiet, and using drawing as part of his creative process to stay focused and aligned. For Joe, motivation mixed with a refusal to leave projects unfinished is what keeps his films moving forward. Finally, Sean Ashley (R.S. Trashley), director of the Homicide McLeod films and producer of Get That Dick, talks about trusting himself. Trusting his gut. Trusting his vision. And learning how to trust the visions of others as well. Sean embraces the madness of collaboration, the chaos of team-based filmmaking, and the beauty that comes from letting that energy become a strength instead of something to control or fear. This episode is a reminder that there is no single “correct” way to make a movie. Your strengths are personal. Your process should be too. When you understand how you work best, you stop fighting yourself and start finishing stronger films.A huge thank you to everyone supporting Flush Studios on Patreon. Because of you, Low-Budget Rebels stays completely ad-free here, with space for longer, more honest conversations about what it really takes to make movies independently. If you’re not already a member, head to patreon.com/flushstudios to join and support the show.More real, messy, and meaningful filmmaking conversations are on the way. Cheers, Josh

    1h 16m

  4. 12/22/2025

    LIGHTING, BLOCKING, AND FRAMING - How To Make A Movie Look Like YOUR Movie

    🎬 Welcome back, Rebels! In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re digging into one of the most defining — and often most misunderstood — aspects of filmmaking: how your movie looks like your movie. From lighting choices to blocking to camera framing, every decision shapes the emotional language of your story. And when you’re working on a small budget, those decisions matter even more. This week’s guests break down how they craft their visual style in ways that are practical, personal, and deeply connected to the filmmaking process. We open with Alejandro Montoya Marin, director of Monday, Millennium Bugs, and The Unexpecteds. Alejandro talks about not locking himself into a rigid “signature style,” but instead embracing the moment. He breaks down how he listens to the environment, the actors, and the energy of the scene — and how he lets ideas from his team marinate and evolve rather than forcing his own. For Alejandro, style emerges from collaboration, instinct, and trusting the creative flow on set. Next up, Taylor Morden, known for The Last Blockbuster, Getting Lost, and Bampire, shares how he builds consistency into his visual approach. Taylor digs into the lighting setups, framing preferences, and camera rules he uses to give each film a cohesive look — even when resources are limited. He emphasizes how limitations aren’t obstacles but the sparks that ignite creative direction, helping him make bold, memorable choices that give each project its own identity. Then we turn to Christopher Fox, director of Rub and My Father’s Echo, who explains how his visual style really begins in preproduction. Christopher talks about testing gear, experimenting with setups, and even conducting practice shoots to discover what the film wants to be before the first official shot rolls. He breaks down how carving out time to play — to fail, adjust, and experiment — leads to breakthroughs that carry into production and define the look and tone of the final film. Finally, Aaron Carlson, creator of The Outrider and The Horrorverse Fan Film Series, brings us home with a focus on motion. Aaron discusses how thoughtful camera movement breathes life into scenes, elevates blocking, and creates a dynamic rhythm even in the simplest locations. Through movement, he shapes mood, tension, and energy — proving that the camera itself can be the most expressive character in a low-budget film. This episode is all about intentionality and adaptability — how indie filmmakers use lighting, framing, blocking, and movement not to mimic Hollywood productions, but to define who they are. Whether you rely on available light, tight spaces, improvisational instincts, or meticulously planned storyboards, your visual voice can shine through in every frame. If you're sick of the ads or want to help support Flush Studios, head over to patreon.com/flushstudios and subscribe today! Not only do you get the episodes of this podcast early, you also get tons of behind-the-scenes, comics, and other fun filmmaking antics to enjoy!  More creative insights are coming your way — stay tuned, keep experimenting, and stay rebellious. Cheers, Josh

    1h 10m

  5. 12/14/2025

    CRAFTING CHARACTERS ON A BUDGET – Building People Who Feel Real

    🎬 Welcome back, Rebels! Today’s episode of Low-Budget Rebels explores one of the most essential, and deceptively challenging, parts of filmmaking: crafting characters who feel real, grounded, and unforgettable… all without the luxury of big budgets. When you don’t have massive sets, expensive wardrobe, or endless rehearsal time, your characters need to come alive through intention, collaboration, and creativity. And for indie filmmakers, that constraint can actually become a superpower. Our guests this week show how character-building isn’t about money; it’s about clarity, connection, and confidence in the people who bring your story to life. We kick things off with Aaron Carlson, creator of The Outrider and The Horrorverse Fan Film Series. Aaron dives into how he gives actors strong emotional motivation using clear, personal examples that anchor them instantly into who the character is. He talks about ignoring budget anxiety during the creative phase and instead focusing on what matters most: loving the characters so deeply you don’t want to leave them behind. That passion becomes the foundation that makes low-budget performances resonate with audiences. Next up, Alejandro Montoya Marin, director of Monday, Millennium Bugs, and The Unexpecteds, digs into the heart of character development. Creating people the audience genuinely cares about. Alejandro breaks down how he finds personal connections to his cast of characters and invites his actors to explore, play, and discover new layers on set. By allowing room for interpretation and collaboration, he turns limitations into opportunities for deeper, more honest performances. Then we turn to Taylor Morden, director of The Last Blockbuster, Getting Lost, and Bampire. Taylor shares the unique perspective he gained from documentaries and how that informs his narrative directing. He explains how staying attentive to an actor’s emotional state and helping them stay anchored in the story can elevate low-budget scenes dramatically. Instead of pushing a predetermined performance or style, Taylor focuses on pulling out an actor’s authentic instincts and the details that make a character feel lived-in instead of manufactured. Finally, Christopher Fox, director of Rub and My Father’s Echo, expands the conversation by talking about worldbuilding even on the smallest scale. Christopher explains how giving actors props, textures, spaces, and story details helps them fully inhabit their characters. He also dives into how locations themselves can become characters, shaping behavior, mood, and tone in ways far more powerful than expensive sets. For low-budget filmmakers, embracing the environment rather than fighting it can unlock an entirely new layer of character depth. This episode is all about the craft of building people, not just plot points — characters who feel emotionally grounded, visually expressive, and fully dimensional, no matter the size of your budget. It’s a deep dive into the art of trusting your actors, embracing your limitations, and shaping performances that stick with the audience long after the credits roll. Thank you again everyone for joining me on the filmmaking journey on Patreon! If you'd like to subscribe and hear the show ad-free, head over to patreon.com/flushstudios. Your support keeps this show going and fuels the next wave of rebellious indie filmmaking.More bold filmmaking conversations are on the way. Stay tuned, keep creating, and stay rebellious. Cheers, Josh

    1h 17m

  6. 12/08/2025

    FESTIVALS AND SELF-DISTRIBUTION – Choosing the Right Path for Your Film

    🎬 Welcome back, Rebels! Today’s episode of Low-Budget Rebels tackles one of the biggest, most confusing, and most career-defining decisions indie filmmakers face: What the hell do you do with your movie once it’s finished? Do you take the festival route and hope the right people notice? Or do you skip the gatekeepers entirely and push your film straight to the audience that actually wants it? There isn’t a universal “correct” answer — but there are smart ways to evaluate your options. And today’s guests bring a wealth of real-world experience to help you figure out which path is truly right for your film. We kick things off with Taylor Morden, director of The Last Blockbuster, Getting Lost, and Bampire. Taylor lays out something that not enough filmmakers talk about: not every movie is meant for every release strategy. Different types of films thrive in different environments, and knowing your film’s identity early can save you pain and money later. Taylor digs into how he starts thinking about distribution before he even commits to a project — how the tone, subject matter, and intended audience can shape whether a film belongs on the festival circuit, in niche streaming spaces, or in the hands of fans as soon as possible. Next up, Alejandro Montoya Marin, the mind behind Monday, Millennium Bugs, and The Unexpecteds, shares how community, relationships, and momentum play into distribution decisions. Alejandro talks about the emotional side of releasing a film, the importance of building a loyal fanbase, and how festivals can be part of a larger ecosystem — not the only metric of success. Then Christopher Fox, director of Rub and My Father’s Echo, brings in a vital perspective on the business side: distribution red flags. We break down the bad deals, the traps hidden in contracts, and the promises distributors love to make but rarely deliver. Christopher offers invaluable insight into protecting your film, your rights, and your long-term career by recognizing when a deal simply isn’t worth it. Finally, Aaron Carlson, creator of The Outrider and The Horrorverse Fan Film Series, talks about choosing a completely different path — skipping festivals altogether. Aaron dives into how YouTube, Filmhub, social media, and a direct connection to viewers can create more impact than a traditional festival run. He shares how building your own audience, controlling your release, and understanding modern viewing habits can turn a low-budget film into a real career stepping stone. For filmmakers who feel shut out of festivals or simply uninterested in that route, Aaron offers a roadmap that’s refreshingly honest and achievable. This episode is all about clarity and empowerment. Whether you’re chasing laurels or bypassing them entirely, the goal is the same: find the path that aligns with your film, your resources, and your long-term creative goals. And a huge thank you to everyone supporting Flush Studios on Patreon. Thanks to you, these episodes stay completely ad-free over there, allowing for deeper, uninterrupted conversations about the realities of indie filmmaking. If you’re not already part of the community, you can join at patreon.com/flushstudios for early access, bonus content, and a direct line into the rebellion. More fearless filmmaking conversations are on the way — stay tuned, keep creating, and stay rebellious. Cheers, Josh

    1h 12m

  7. 12/02/2025

    BUILDING YOUR FILM FAMILY – Creating a Trusted Circle of Cast and Crew

    🎬 Welcome back, Rebels! In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re exploring one of the most essential — and most personal — parts of indie filmmaking: building your film family. Cameras, lights, gear… those things matter. But nothing shapes a movie more than the people you choose to make it with. Your cast. Your crew. Your collaborators. Your circle. This week, we’re breaking down what it really takes to create a trusted, long-term team and how to nurture those relationships so your film family grows stronger with every project. We kick things off with Alejandro Montoya Marin (Monday, Millennium Bugs, The Unexpecteds), who dives into the power of playfulness on set. For Alejandro, filmmaking isn’t just work. It’s a shared addiction to creativity. He talks about keeping the environment fun, collaborative, and alive, because the best film families grow out of joy, not stress. If people love being there, they’ll keep coming back. Next, Taylor Morden (The Last Blockbuster, Getting Lost, Bampire) discusses the value of building community from the ground up. Taylor’s all about finding the people in your town, your scene, your orbit who not only want to help you make films but want to help build the actual film community with you. It’s about creating a circle that lifts each other up, project after project. Then we talk with Christopher Fox (Rub, My Father’s Echo), who breaks down the importance of bringing in collaborators who aren’t above rolling up their sleeves on a low-budget project. Christopher shares how giving people creative freedom and treating them like true collaborators fosters loyalty and how that respect keeps them coming back film after film. Finally, Aaron Carlson (The Outrider, The Horrorverse Fan Film Series) shares his perspective on long-term creative relationships: water them. Treat people with respect, nurture those connections, and let them blossom naturally. Aaron talks about how kindness and professionalism build bonds stronger than any contract and how people who don't meld with the flow of your projects will naturally fall away. This episode digs into the heart of filmmaking: trust, consistency, communication, investment, and genuine connection. How do you choose who belongs in your circle? How do you build trust with new collaborators? How do you keep relationships alive between projects? And what happens when someone no longer fits the family? Your support makes these episodes possible — thank you for being part of this growing, rebellious community. If you’re not a member yet and want ad-free episodes plus bonus conversations, head to patreon.com/flushstudios to join.And don’t forget to follow and support this episode’s incredible guests: Alejandro Montoya Marin – Monday, Millennium Bugs, The Unexpecteds Taylor Morden – The Last Blockbuster, Getting Lost, Bampire Christopher Fox – Rub, My Father’s Echo Aaron Carlson – The Outrider, The Horrorverse Fan Film Series More bold, independent filmmaking conversations are on the way . Stay tuned, keep creating, and stay rebellious. Cheers, Josh

    1h 15m

  8. 11/24/2025

    FINDING MOVIE MAGIC - Improvisation on Set

    🎬 Welcome back, Rebels! In this episode of Low-Budget Rebels, we’re diving into one of the most unpredictable — and genuinely exhilarating — parts of indie filmmaking: improvisation on set. Scripts are the backbone of any movie, but once you’re on location with your cast, crew, props, chaos, and surprises… the real magic often comes from the unexpected. This week’s guests break down how they use improvisation as a tool — not to lose control of a scene, but to elevate it. We kick things off with Mitch McLeod, director of Silhouette and Marrow, who talks about how meticulous shotlisting gives him the freedom to be spontaneous. By knowing exactly what he must capture, Mitch creates space for creativity, experimentation, and on-the-spot problem solving. He shares how some of his favorite moments came from simply staying open to new ideas on the day. Next up, Traci and Jon Russell Cring — the duo behind Little Bi Peep, The Night We Met, and Sky Valley — dig into the importance of trust. Trusting your cast. Trusting your crew. Trusting the process enough to let people play while still maintaining structure. They talk about managing egos, avoiding messes, and giving every department room to shine so improvisation becomes an asset, not a distraction. Then we talk with Max Remmler, creator of 4 Clones Alone, who explores how smart casting opens the door to great improv. When actors naturally embody the energy of their roles, they’re able to try new things, explore, and find moments that feel alive and honest. Max shares how some of his most memorable beats were discovered through letting performers, including family members, bring their own instincts into the frame. Finally, Ricky Glore — writer/director of Sweet Meats and Casually Cool! — breaks down how embracing genre, tone, and environment can lead to powerful improvised moments. He talks about using what’s around you, reshaping scenes on the fly, and letting trial and error guide you toward something unique and unexpected. He also takes a phone call.This episode is all about flexibility, intuition, and trusting your team — a look at how improvisation can deepen performances, sharpen scenes, and unlock those cinematic moments you could never have planned on paper. Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels! Your support keeps this show going and gives you ad-free access to these conversations. If you’re not already a member, head to patreon.com/flushstudios to join. And don’t forget to follow and support this episode’s incredible guests: Traci and Jon Russell Cring – Little Bi Peep, The Night We Met, Sky Valley Max Remmler – 4 Clones Alone Ricky Glore – Sweet Meats, Casually Cool! Mitch McLeod – Silhouette, Marrow More bold, independent filmmaking conversations are on the way — stay tuned, keep creating, and stay rebellious. Cheers, Josh

    1h 18m
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About

Independent Filmmaker Josh Stifter of Flush Studios and the Robert Rodriguez's series "Rebel with a Crew," sits down and speaks with indie filmmakers about life in independent filmmaking, the creative process, and making it in the crazy film business of low-budget film. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network (www.ifhpodcastnetwork.com)

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