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Bulletproof Screenwriting™ Podcast — Film Interviews
Bulletproof Screenwriting™ Podcast

The Bulletproof Screenwriting Podcast shows you how to make your screenplays bulletproof. Weekly interviews with Oscar® and Emmy® award winning screenwriters, story specialists, best-selling authors, Hollywood agents and managers, and industry insiders. We cover every aspect of the screenwriting process. This is the screenwriting podcast for the rest of us. No fluff. No BS. Just straight talk that will help you on your screenwriting journey.

Some of the past guests include 3X Oscar® Winning Writer/Director Oliver Stone, Eric Roth (Dune, Forest Gump), Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead), Richard Linklater (Boyhood, Slacker) James V. Hart (Dracula, Hook), John August (Big Fish, Aladdin), Jim Uhls ( Fight Club), Peter Rader (Waterworld), Diane Drake (What Women Want), Daniel Knauf (Carnival, Blacklist), Derek Kolstad (John Wick) and Pen Densham (Robin Hood, Backdraft) to name a few.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast–2881148/support.

Copyright: © IFH Industries, Inc.

Latest Episodes:

BPS 462: Finding Your Way into Film Without Film School with David Powers Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

David Powers shares his unconventional path into filmmaking, one driven by curiosity rather than credentials. From discovering cinema through genre films and festivals to learning production hands-on through wrestling shoots and indie sets, David explains how real-world experience shaped his understanding of storytelling, collaboration, and problem-solving. His journey highlights how festivals like the New York Asian Film Festival can serve as both inspiration and long-term creative homes.
The conversation also explores burnout, boundaries, and the importance of choosing sustainable paths in film. David discusses learning when to say no, recognizing red flags on set, and finding fulfillment outside nonstop production work. By returning to directing through festival programming and digital content, he demonstrates how filmmakers can step back without giving up—and rediscover why they fell in love with movies in the first place.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

BPS 461: What a Real Film Producer Actually Does with Marc Bienstock Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Marc Bienstock shares an honest look at what producing really means, drawing from decades of experience on both independent and studio films. From his early days at NYU and directing features to becoming a trusted producer on projects like The Visit and Split, Marc explains how preparation, communication, and team building form the foundation of every successful production. His philosophy centers on supporting the director’s vision while navigating budgets, schedules, and inevitable on-set challenges.
The conversation also explores the business realities of modern filmmaking, including tax incentives, financing strategies, and why producers must be problem-solvers above all else. Marc discusses working with M. Night Shyamalan, teaching future filmmakers, and the lessons he’s learned about leadership and collaboration. His journey offers a practical, no-nonsense blueprint for anyone who wants to understand how films actually get made — and how to survive doing it.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

BPS 460: Making Independent Films Without Hollywood or a Huge Budget with David Ash Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode, we meet David Ash, a filmmaker who perfectly embodies the spirit of the weekend warrior — balancing a demanding corporate career, a family of four, and a thriving passion for filmmaking. Living in the Twin Cities, Ash proves that a creative life doesn’t have to mean abandoning stability. With a degree in business administration and a full-time job as a treasury director, he still finds time to write, shoot, and direct independent films fueled by sheer willpower and resourcefulness.
His journey began after a screenwriting contest brought him to Los Angeles, where he realized Hollywood wasn’t going to make his stories — so he decided to make them himself. From there, he dove into every filmmaking class he could find, learned the craft from the ground up, and began creating short films that would eventually lead to his first feature.
His early projects, including the $800 mockumentary Love: A Documentary, showcased his ability to stretch every dollar while maintaining a sharp creative vision. As his filmmaking matured, Ash produced Twin Cities, a powerful drama exploring identity, duality, and personal transformation. Balancing his corporate life and creative drive, he continues to inspire other aspiring filmmakers to stop waiting for permission and simply start creating. His message is simple but profound: you don’t need Hollywood money or endless free time to make films — you just need passion, persistence, and the courage to begin.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

BPS 459: How Filmmakers Can Win in the Digital Marketing Age with David Feinman Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

David Feinman shares how cinematic storytelling can be used to build successful businesses and viral experiences. From creating Zombie Run—a nationwide immersive event inspired by zombie films—to founding Viral Idea Marketing, David explains how understanding narrative, pacing, and emotion allows content to cut through digital noise. His approach treats marketing like filmmaking, where suspense, structure, and audience engagement matter more than traditional advertising tactics.
The conversation also explores what “going viral” really means, emphasizing shareability over view counts. David discusses the importance of professionalism, attention to detail, and designing content specifically for social platforms. His journey offers filmmakers and creatives a practical blueprint for turning storytelling skills into sustainable careers by blending creativity with strategy in the modern media landscape.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

BPS 458: Finding a New Creative Path in Indie Film with Charmane Star Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Charmane Star shares her unexpected journey from a small role in Black Dynamite to discovering a deep passion for independent filmmaking. What began as a routine booking evolved into a Sundance Film Festival premiere and a Sony Pictures acquisition, introducing her to the collaborative and global nature of indie cinema. Through international screenings, she gained firsthand insight into how cultural context shapes audience reactions and why universal storytelling matters.
The conversation also explores her work in indie horror and thriller films like Face of Evil and Catch 22, where she embraced physically and emotionally demanding roles. From zombie makeup and night shoots to intense character preparation, Charmane reflects on growth, reinvention, and balancing career with personal life. Her story is a reminder that creative paths don’t have to be linear—and that staying open to change can lead to powerful new chapters.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

BPS 457: The Untold Stories of Women in Action Cinema with Melanie Wise Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Melanie Wise, a former model and actress, discusses her transition to producing due to height-related challenges in acting. She produced the horror action film "Hannah's Gift," which she also starred in, and faced issues with lost masters and ineffective editors.
Wise co-founded the Artemis Film Festival to showcase women in action roles, highlighting historical female contributions and contemporary achievements. The festival, fan-backed and media-partnered, aims to prove the marketability of women in action films. Wise also discusses the potential of VR technology and its impact on storytelling.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

BPS 456: The New Rules of Indie Filmmaking No One Is Teaching with the Jalbert Brothers Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

The Jalbert Brothers share how they built their filmmaking careers by embracing low budgets, consistent output, and hands-on learning. Rather than waiting for funding or studio approval, they focused on making films with minimal resources, sometimes for as little as $1,000. Each project became a practical lesson in storytelling, directing, editing, and problem-solving, allowing them to sharpen their skills faster than traditional development paths.
The conversation highlights the importance of momentum, repetition, and audience awareness in today’s film industry. By treating filmmaking as both a creative and strategic endeavor, the Jalbert Brothers have learned to use social media and digital platforms as powerful tools for distribution and growth. Their journey proves that success in modern filmmaking comes from action, adaptability, and the courage to keep creating — no matter the budget.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

BPS 455: How to Turn a Script Into a Movie Without Hollywood’s Help with Chris Jay Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

Chris Jay, once a touring musician with the rock band Army of Freshmen, found a new creative path when the music industry shifted and opportunities dried up. Instead of giving up, he and his bandmate Aaron Goldberg turned to filmmaking, writing and producing their first feature, The Bet. Without studio backing or formal film education, the duo learned everything from scratch — from writing the screenplay to formatting scripts manually and raising money independently. Their story became a lesson in perseverance, proving that filmmaking success often starts with resourcefulness and a willingness to learn by doing.
Despite budget limitations and countless challenges during production, The Bet made it to completion and secured distribution on major platforms like iTunes, Amazon, and cable VOD. Featuring wrestling legend Roddy Piper in one of his final roles, the film stands as a testament to the power of determination and creative problem-solving. For Chris, the project wasn’t just about making a movie — it was about proving that great stories can come to life outside of Hollywood when passion, teamwork, and persistence lead the way.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

BPS 454: What Really Happens After You Write the Script with Michael K. Snyder Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Michael K. Snyder shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a sustainable screenwriting career. From film school and early networking with Lloyd Kaufman to moving to Los Angeles with a plan, Michael’s journey highlights the importance of preparation, persistence, and relationship-building. Rather than chasing quick wins, he focused on writing constantly, producing short films, and using scripts as calling cards to open doors and start meaningful conversations.
The episode also explores the realities of development—outlines, treatments, rewrites, and long stretches of uncertainty. Michael explains how writers are evaluated not just on originality, but on their ability to collaborate, adapt existing material, and understand character-driven storytelling. His experience proves that success in Hollywood isn’t about overnight breakthroughs, but about loving the process and staying in the game long enough for opportunity to find you.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

BPS 453: How to Build a Screenwriting Career That Actually Lasts with Bob Saenz Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

Bob Saenz shares a rare, honest look at what it means to build a long-term career as both an actor and screenwriter. From his early days in theater and television to writing studio films and Hallmark movies, Bob’s journey emphasizes craft over shortcuts. He explains how his time acting on Nash Bridges became a hands-on education in filmmaking, shaping his approach to writing realistic dialogue, authentic scenes, and story-driven scripts.
The conversation also explores the dangers of ego, the myths of overnight success, and why breaking screenwriting “rules” can sometimes be the smartest move. Bob discusses how networking is about relationships—not transactions—and why patience is the most underrated skill in Hollywood. His story is a grounded, experience-driven roadmap for writers who want careers that last, not just scripts that sell once.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support.

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