indie spunk: UNFILTERED

Izzy Stevens and Beck Bennion
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Hosted by award-winning filmmakers & creative partners Beck Bennion & Izzy Stevens. Tune in for unfiltered, sometimes unhinged, always entertaining advice on navigating your film career, communicating with your creative collaborators, stepping into leadership roles, getting your films funded, and building success—all while not letting your personal life totally fall apart.

  1. on Firing Your Best Friend, Investor Opinions, & is Your Film Marketable?

    1D AGO

    on Firing Your Best Friend, Investor Opinions, & is Your Film Marketable?

    Welcome back to Indie Spunk: Unfiltered. This week, Izzy and Beck playing a full round of "Am I the A*****e?" — filmmaker edition. From recasting your best friend three weeks before rehearsal to an investor who wants to make your protagonist "more likable", this episode is the honest conversation the industry pretends it doesn't need to have. In this episode: [00:08:30] You cast your best friend. She bombed the table read. Now what? The hard truth about theatre vs. on-screen performance, why table reads can still be part of the audition, and how to have the conversation that might save your film...and maybe your friendship.[00:14:30] Your editor wants to cut 80% of a supporting character who relocated for your film. Do you protect the actor or the movie? Plus the one thing you can do that will soften the blow.[00:18:30] Your financier covers 40% of your budget and wants to rewrite your ending. How to get on the same page without losing your soul, what Promising Young Woman taught us about studio compromise, and why "no" might be the most powerful word in your arsenal.[00:25:30] You've been telling investors a big name is "interested." Their agent read the logline. Is that a lie? The exact language to use when you're building buzz before you have the receipts.[00:28:30] Your film is bold, messy, and "not commercial." Is it irresponsible to make it just for festival cred? Yikes...limiting belief alert!![00:31:30] Recs of the week! 🎙️ Get Anonymous Advice On The Podcast: https://forms.gle/sMWovGuD8JC9Crxu7  🎬 Apply for Filmmaker Breakthrough Mentorship: https://indiespunk.thrivecart.com/filmmaker-breakthrough-2026/  🎥 Join our Filmmaker Database: https://indiespunk.myflodesk.com/filmmaker-database  📩 DM us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiespunk & https://www.instagram.com/beckbennion

    35 min
  2. on Dictator Directors, Paid vs. Unpaid Jobs, and Do We Watch Enough Films?? ⏐ S5E7

    FEB 24

    on Dictator Directors, Paid vs. Unpaid Jobs, and Do We Watch Enough Films?? ⏐ S5E7

    "Is it unethical to ask people to work for free on your film if you have $0 budget? What's the line between collaboration and exploitation??"This week, we’re answering your questions about unpaid labor in indie filmmaking, when saying "no budget" is honest or it's actually just lazy, how to avoid being a dictator director while still prioritizing efficiency, and whether or not you're less of a filmmaker if you don't watch as many films as your peers.Our motto: If you want to build a career in this industry, how you treat people on your first $0 project will follow you into your first $1M one.In this episode we get into:– Camera tests for our feature film.– Taking financing meetings at SXSW– Our thoughts on the Independent Spirit AwardsWe also talk about why we desperately need technology that lets us erase our memory so that we can watch "The Matrix" again for the first time.... :DIf you’re trying to make something with nothing — listen before you hit “send” on that crew text.Get Anonymous Advice On The Podcast: ⁠https://forms.gle/sMWovGuD8JC9Crxu7⁠Apply for Filmmaker Breakthrough Mentorship: https://indiespunk.thrivecart.com/filmmaker-breakthrough-2026/Join our Filmmaker Database to be considered for our films: https://indiespunk.myflodesk.com/filmmaker-databaseSend us a DM on instagram:https://www.instagram.com/indiespunk ⁠& ⁠https://www.instagram.com/beckbennion

    42 min
  3. on Our Feature Film, Funding, & the A-List Actor Who Hated Our Script ⏐ S5E6

    FEB 17

    on Our Feature Film, Funding, & the A-List Actor Who Hated Our Script ⏐ S5E6

    This week, we’re answering your questions about making our feature film, James on Rage. From where we are in the funding process, how industry connections actually unfold (it's def not how you think), and the story behind the A-list actor who read our script… and hated it (lol). We’re transparently pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a feature from the ground up as two female filmmakers who were not raised in the industry. It's the momentum, the rejection, and the moments that have tested our belief that we CAN and WILL make films. We get into: Where James on Rage currently stands in the funding processHow A-list connections can happen in ways you least expect themWhat it feels like when someone you really really respect doesn’t respond to your workHow we process feedback without losing confidence in the project & what we're trying to say We also talk about Izzy Stevens vs. Izzie Stevens, thoughts on Hamnet, our icks and recs for the week, & hilarious chit chat from ya gals. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to get a feature film off the ground, this episode is for you. Get Anonymous Advice On The Podcast: ⁠https://forms.gle/sMWovGuD8JC9Crxu7⁠ Apply for Filmmaker Breakthrough Mentorship: https://indiespunk.thrivecart.com/filmmaker-breakthrough-2026/ Join our Filmmaker Database to be considered for our films: https://indiespunk.myflodesk.com/filmmaker-database Send us a DM on instagram: @indiespunk  & @beckbennion

    51 min
  4. on Psychic Acting Jobs, Baldoni v. Lively, Leaving Mormonism, & The P*ssy Wagon Cake ⏐ S5E4

    FEB 10

    on Psychic Acting Jobs, Baldoni v. Lively, Leaving Mormonism, & The P*ssy Wagon Cake ⏐ S5E4

    We looooove a pop culture moment just as much as we loooooove asking each other questions about things we might not know about each other, and this episode has BOTH! So, buckle the f*ck up...this is a wild one.We’re covering the strangest acting gig Izzy's ever gotten (psychics and stalkers included), what's been going on in Hollywood legal drama, a dash of religious deconstruction, award show hot takes, and the most ICONIC birthday cake order of all time. Beck & Izzy spiral through:– What’s a random ‘side quest’ era of your life that sounds fake but is 100% real?– If you could relive one year of your life, what year would it be and why? – Would you rather go back and talk to your 16 year old self or go to the future and talk to your 80 year old self? and why?– If one person from your past wrote a book about you, who would it be and what would the title be?And of course… the origin story of The P*ssy Wagon Cake (you HAVE to tune in for this at least).Get Anonymous Advice On The PodcastApply for Filmmaker Breakthrough MentorshipJoin our Filmmaker Database to be considered for our films.Send us a DM on instagram: @indiespunk & @jumpsuitpictures

    1h 6m
  5. Getting unfiltered on film industry burnout, finding film mentors, & staying delulu | S5E4

    FEB 3

    Getting unfiltered on film industry burnout, finding film mentors, & staying delulu | S5E4

    Is the film industry dead or are you just talking to the wrong people??? This week we’re answering a question from a recent film school grad who’s looking around at working professionals and seeing… exhaustion, cynicism, and people quietly planning their exits. Cool cool cool. So how the hell are you supposed to stay inspired when the people seemingly *ahead of you* look defeated? Beck & Izzy get real about industry burnout, shaping the industry OUR WAY, and why it's okay to feel shaky for a moment...but that doesn’t mean you should give up on your dream. We talk about the filmmakers we wouldn't hire again, how the "it's so hard" thinking can block your progress, and why your attitude can matter wayyyyy more than your résumé.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re crazy for still wanting this life… this one’s for you. Get Anonymous Advice On The Podcast: ⁠https://forms.gle/sMWovGuD8JC9Crxu7⁠Apply for Filmmaker Breakthrough Mentorship: https://indiespunk.thrivecart.com/filmmaker-breakthrough-2026/ Join our Filmmaker Database to be considered for our films: https://indiespunk.myflodesk.com/filmmaker-database Send us a DM on instagram:https://www.instagram.com/indiespunk ⁠& ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jumpsuitpictures

    57 min

  6. JAN 27

    Getting unfiltered on film rejections, Sundance comparison spirals & following up after a NO | S5E3

    Ahhhh rejection. In all it's most glorious forms. This week we get alllll up in the FACE of rejection (incl. sharing Beck's literal rejection email received at 6am on the day of recording. Yup.) In this episode, Beck & Izzy break down real listener questions about being passed over, ghosted, and politely shut down by the people who were supposed to say yes. We’re talking film scripts that keep getting “we loved it, but it’s not right for us,” reps who block opportunities “for your own good,” investors who seem interested until suddenly they’re not, and the special kind of pain that comes from watching someone else land the thing you thought would have your name on it. We get into the real question underneath every rejection: do you pivot, persist, follow up — or let it go? Get Anonymous Advice On The Podcast: https://forms.gle/sMWovGuD8JC9Crxu7Apply for Filmmaker Breakthrough Mentorship: https://indiespunk.thrivecart.com/filmmaker-breakthrough-2026/ Join our Filmmaker Database to be considered for our films: https://indiespunk.myflodesk.com/filmmaker-database Send us a DM on instagram:   @indiespunk   &   @jumpsuitpictures

    1h 2m

  7. JAN 20

    Getting unfiltered on personal boundaries, professional breakups & film guilt + Golden Globes | S5E2

    We’re getting personal! Making tough relationship choices, thinking of breaking up with a close collaborator, pitching yourself to be a bridesmaid after ghosting the group chat for film dreams... If you're struggling to set boundaries and communicate to the people in your life, tune in to this episode and pay attention to Beck & Izzy's straight-up, no BS wisdom. They've navigated these exact situations and are not shy about telling you the cold hard truth that sometimes, you gotta reach for the door, because your dreams matter more. Plus an in-depth breakdown of the Golden Globes weirdness (and wins)! Let's go. Apply for Filmmaker Breakthrough: https://indiespunk.thrivecart.com/filmmaker-breakthrough-2026/ Join our Filmmaker Database: https://indiespunk.myflodesk.com/filmmaker-database

    1h 4m

  8. JAN 13

    SEASON 5! A Whole New Chapter: On Set Communication & Why We're Saying F*ck it in 2026

    We’re kicking off 2026 with a brand new era of Indie Spunk Unfiltered from Izzy and Beck—a new format, new energy, and a whoooooole lot of real life filmmaking talk.In this episode, we catch up on the wild momentum of the past year, share what’s shifting for us creatively and professionally, and introduce the new structure of the show: part life update, part filmmaker group chat, part no-b******t industry guidance.This week’s theme is communication on set and we don't mince words. We’re answering your anonymous questions about navigating power dynamics between directors, DPs, ADs, and producers, when (and how) to step in creatively, how to manage conflict without killing morale, and why clear communication is the single most important skill you can bring onto a film set.Along the way, we talk about setting goals after a chaotic year, manifesting through unexpected paths, building confidence in your voice as a leader, and why 2026’s official mantra is:F*ck the rules.⸻🧲 Join the CrewWe’re building out our filmmaker database for upcoming projects. If you’re actively looking for on-set jobs, making work, and want to collaborate with us, you’ll find the link here.2026 is the year of momentum. We’re so glad you’re here.

    56 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Hosted by award-winning filmmakers & creative partners Beck Bennion & Izzy Stevens. Tune in for unfiltered, sometimes unhinged, always entertaining advice on navigating your film career, communicating with your creative collaborators, stepping into leadership roles, getting your films funded, and building success—all while not letting your personal life totally fall apart.

Information

  • Creator
    Izzy Stevens and Beck Bennion
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Izzy Stevens and Beck Bennion
  • Show Website
    indie spunk: UNFILTERED