Miles Marti is a a filmmaker in Los Angeles, and a student at Loyola-Marymount University’s School of Film & Television. We talk with Miles about filmmaking from a Gen Z perspective, whether students are still watching movies, what influences them, and their future outlook.

GET REAL INDIE FILMMAKERS is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Article from The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/college-students-movies-attention-span/685812/
2. Miles' website: https://milesmarti.com/

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

MICHELLE DANNER has worked with Hollywood stars including Penélope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Henry Cavill, Gerard Butler, Seth MacFarlane, Chris Rock, Michael Peña, Zooey Deschanel, and many others.

GET REAL INDIE FILMMAKERS is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Michelle's website: https://www.michelledanner.com/

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

Michael Tove: A story-teller at heart, Michael entered the film industry in 1989 in the feature film “The Handmaid’s Tale.” That led to four years of acting in film, television, commercials and industrials before economic realities of the industry forced a career shift.

Fifteen years later, he befriended Thom Mount, past president of Universal Pictures. With Thom’s encouragement, he trained in screenwriting and production. He was a 2013 quarterfinalist in the PAGE International Screenwriting competition and a 2014 quarterfinalist in the Creative Writing Awards competition. In 2015, he was invited to attend the Nicholl Fellowship Awards presentation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

His film: Yard Saleing, a short-form thriller that drew on the unpredictable narrative twists of O. Henry and Alfred Hitchcock. After an exhibit of the Dubai Crown Gems are stolen and never recovered, suburbanites Jim and Sally Marsh stumble onto clues to their whereabouts. Despite Jim's initial resistance, they embark on a quest to recover the diamonds and collect the One Million Dollar reward. However, as soon as they do, things go from bad to worse, resulting in consequences that are completely unexpected.

GET REAL INDIE FILMMAKERS is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Michael's website: https://www.emeraldoakproductions.com/

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

Rob Hollocks is a British-born filmmaker, writer, director and producer, based in Los Angeles for over two decades and working across live-action features, animation, and international film marketing at the highest levels of the industry. He is also a partner in Beyond Casual media in Georgia, and a co-founder of Pickering Animation Studios in the UK. 

His film: The Observance (his third film as writer-director and fourth as producer) enjoyed a highly successful festival run, garnering over 10 awards in the USA, Europe and Japan, (including a 'best director' win at the Hollywood Independent film festival) and was released theatrically at AMC cinemas across the United States.

GET REAL INDIE FILMMAKERS is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Rob's website: https://robhollocks.com/
2. Movie website: https://theobservancemovie.com/
3. In-world fictional website: https://theobservance.com/

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

Keith Gerchak is the great-grandson of Russian vaudevillians with 50 theater credits, from Motel opposite Paul Sorvino in Fiddler on the Roof, Disney's Finding Nemo the Musical. He also did TV, film and commercials, including The Derby Stallion, starring Zac Efron.

Marisa Guterman is an actress/singer/songwriter and writer/producer best known for her role as the “Girl with Braces” in a memorable flashback in The 40 Year Old Virgin.

Their film: Lost and Found in Cleveland: (drama/comedy) is a slice of life depiction over a 24-hour period that follows the personal odysseys of five very different people, whose lives intertwine when Antiques Road Show comes to Cleveland.

GET REAL INDIE FILMMAKERS is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Distribution to nationwide markets
2. Where the idea came from
3. Marketing campaign strategy
4. Raising funds
5. The directing duo
6. A 50-piece orchestra
7. Their website: https://www.lostandfoundincleveland.com/

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

William Dickerson is a filmmaker, author, and adjunct professor at Hofstra University. He directed the films "Detour" and "No Alternative" and wrote the books Detour: Hollywood and the Tao of Twin Peaks.

GET REAL INDIE FILMMAKERS is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Seeing Lynch direct
2. Lynch's style
3. Weird casting process
4. Twin Peaks
5. The new Twin Peaks
6. William's new book
7. Lynch's typewriter
8. William's webiste: https://williamdickersonfilmmaker.com/

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

Kyle Henry is a filmmaker and associate professor from Northwestern University, Chicago, where he teaches editing, producing, writing, and directing. His latest documentary, Time Passages, is about Kyle's struggle to care for his mother during her final months with late-stage dementia.

GET REAL INDIE FILMMAKERS is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. The power of self-distribution
2. The film festival lottery
3. His database of theater contacts
4. Theaters aren't dead
5. Splits, 4-Walling, and Multi-nights
6. Preparation time
7. His film: https://www.timepassagesfilm.com/

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

Marc Weinberg and Victoria Fraser are screenwriting partners who have sold scripts to Paramount, USA, and Dick Clark Productions. They've also written for the Discovery Channel and A&E. Before they teamed up, Victoria worked as Director of Development for the Disney Channel. Marc has taught screenwriting at Boston University, Emerson College, and Brandeis University. He also developed a story structure course for Pixar animators.

Film: Outrage: (political thriller) A podcaster is held hostage for saying something offensive.

GET REAL INDIE FILMMAKERS is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Producing the film "Outrage"
2. Making art in a politically charged time
3. Self-funding the film
4. Knowing your niche on a production
5. Writing together as a married couple
6. Never give up

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

Ashley Elaine is a producer and actor starring in 'Mayberry Man' and 'Mayberry Man: The Series,' as well as the soon to be released feature films, 'Empty Nets' and 'Disciples in the Moonlight.' After earning a marketing degree from the Fashion Institute of Design, Ashley launched her career as an event coordinator in Beverly Hills, California. Her exceptional work on weddings and events earned features in renowned publications such as People Magazine, Brides Magazine, The Knot, and InStyle Weddings.

John Schimke is an award-winning director, producer, writer, and editor with over 20 years in the entertainment industry. Has collaborated with leading companies like Disney, HBO, Meta, MTV, HISTORY, and Food Network. He served as lead editor and producer on Red Table Talk (Facebook Watch).

Film: Where the Wind Blows: (drama, western, period) select theaters and Apple TV and Prime. Adapted from Caroline Fyffe’s Prairie Hearts series.

GET REAL INDIE FILMMAKERS is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Optioning the script
2. Producer's neighbor makes the connection
3. Raising the money
4. Producing and acting simultaneously
5. Acting process for 1800s
6. Production foibles and horses
7. Motivating when things get bad
8. Watch the movie: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Wind-Blows-John-Schimke/dp/B0FKC2XVVB

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

Paul Chitlik has written for all the major networks and studios. He was story editor for MGM/UA’s The New Twilight Zone, staff writer for Showtime’s sitcom Brothers, wrote features for Rysher Entertainment, Nulmage, Promark, Mainline Releasing, and others. He directed episodes of Real Stories of the Highway Patrol and wrote and produced Alien Abduction: The McPherson Tape for UPN. Recently he wrote, produced, and directed The Wedding Dress for Amazon Prime.

Paul taught screenwriting at UCLA, TV and film writing at Loyola Marymount, and founded their study abroad program in Budapest, Hungary. He has written two screenwriting books: Rewrite, and Screenwriting Sensei.

GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Producing
2. Producer-director relationship
3. Development process is getting harder
4. Audience expectations are universal
5. Story structure in series vs. features
6. Paul's 7 points of story within the acts
7. Alternate structures
8. Rewriting and responding to feedback
9. What he's watching now
10. Paul's book: https://www.amazon.com/Screenwriting-Sensei-Complete-Writing-Script/dp/1615933638

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

Richard Currie is a Scottish filmmaker from Cambodia who was 1stAD on a feature film that went wrong. He has a degree in TV from Aberdeen College and has spent years on TV and indie film productions. A "horrific" and "cursed" film shoot in Scotland led him to write a book about his experiences called Lights, Camera, Anarchy.

GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Location issues
2. Conflict on set
3. The voice memos
4. Richard's book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1NDQM3D

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Pre-order Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio is a Colombian-American filmmaker from New York City. Her feature directorial debut, In the Summers was awarded the grand jury prize and the directing award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. She was the first Latina filmmaker to win this award. She is a member of Meerkat Media, a New York-based filmmaking collective and cooperative.

GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Assembling the team
2. Working with actors, including child actors
3. Conflict on set
4. Advantages of editing in-person
5. Sundance surprises

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Pre-order Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

William Rosenfeld is a producer based in Los Angeles. His film: It’s What’s Inside (2024, Netflix), premiered at Sundance. This horror/sci-fi film was directed by Greg Jardin and was filmed in 18 days in Portland with companies Such Content, Edith Productions, and Boldly Go Productions. Within two days of being at Sundance they had a Netflix deal -- $17 Million -- which beaks the record for the sale of an independent film. Variety called it “a bidding war that lasted about 36 hours.”

GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Negotiating the deal
2. What kind of stories he produces
3. Advice for directors contacting producers

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Email us: info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Pre-order Jeffrey's book Creatives Working Together: https://www.amazon.com/Creatives-Working-Together-Communication-Professionals/dp/1041091893

Peter D. Marshall worked more than 40 years as a film and TV director, TV producer, 1stAD. He directed 30 episodes of TV and was 1stAD on 12 movies including Dawn of the Dead, The Butterfly Effect, and Happy Gilmore. He worked with directors like John Woo, Zack Snyder, Phillip Noyce, Ed Zwich, and John Badham. He worked with actors: Peter O’Toole, Kevin Spacey, Morgan Freeman, John Travolta, Kathy Bates, Michelle Pfiefer, Mel Gibson, Ashton Kutcher, Goldie Hawn, Halle Berry, and Adam Sandler.

Peter was also a film instructor for Vancouver Film School 2008 – 2023 in both Vancouver and Shanghai.

GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Peter's website: https://actioncutprint.com/
2. Peter's book: https://www.amazon.com/MAKING-MAGIC-HAPPEN-Craft-Directing/dp/1615932658
3. Forris' audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/Suspense-Camera-Filmmakers-Hitchcocks-Techniques/dp/1615932739

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Tweet us @borgusfilm or email info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Suspense With a Camera: https://www.amazon.com/Suspense-Camera-Filmmakers-Hitchcocks-Techniques/dp/1615932739

Follow us on Twitter @borgusfilm

Dan Shaked is an actor in TV, film, and theater. He studied acting at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He played an Apple engineer in the movie Jobs with Ashton Kutcher, was in ABC’s Body of Proof, and NBC’s Mysteries Of Laura. Dan is also in the upcoming Lionsgate/Oliver Masucci series.

GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Dan's website: https://www.danshaked.com/
2. Forris' audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/Suspense-Camera-Filmmakers-Hitchcocks-Techniques/dp/1615932739

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Tweet us @borgusfilm or email info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Suspense With a Camera: https://www.amazon.com/Suspense-Camera-Filmmakers-Hitchcocks-Techniques/dp/1615932739

Follow us on Twitter @borgusfilm

Christine Chen is a film producer, director and 1st AD. She is one of the founders of GET REELISMS, a picture book made for filmmakers or film lovers to learn set lingo, walkie talkie etiquette, and a plethora of other crucial information for surviving a TV/movie/film set. Christine’s recent feature, "Erzulie" (Erzz-uh-lee) had a limited theatrical run in May 2022 and is now available on VOD through Kamikaze Dogfight Films and Gravitas Ventures.

GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

1. Christine's website: https://www.christinewchen.com/
2. Get REELisms book: https://www.getreelisms.com/

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Tweet us @borgusfilm or email info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Hitch20 Theme music by Radoslav Zdravkovic

Suspense With a Camera: https://www.amazon.com/Suspense-Camera-Filmmakers-Hitchcocks-Techniques/dp/1615932739

Follow us on Twitter @borgusfilm

Dan Attias has worked as a director in the film and television industry since 1984 and has been nominated for multiple Emmy awards for his comedy directing. He continues to work on some of the most celebrated and critically acclaimed American television shows, including Homeland, The Americans, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Previously he has directed The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Deadwood, True Blood, Entourage, The Killing, True Detective, The Walking Dead, Bloodline, Friday Night Lights, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Lost, and The Boys, among many others.

GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

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Tweet us @borgusfilm or email info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Hitch20 Theme music by Radoslav Zdravkovic

Suspense With a Camera: https://www.amazon.com/Suspense-Camera-Filmmakers-Hitchcocks-Techniques/dp/1615932739

Follow us on Twitter @borgusfilm

Alex Ferrari of Indie Film Hustle joins us for an epic discussion about the changing indie film industry, how to survive as an indie filmmaker in 2020, and how to use the power of the niche to compete with big studios.

GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

• Rise of the Filmtrepreneur: How to Turn Your Indie Film into a Moneymaking Business - http://www.filmbizbook.com
• Indie Film Hustle: http://www.indiefilmhustle.com
• Indie Film Hustle TV: http://www.indiefilmhustle.tv
• Filmtrepreneur: http://www.filmtrepreneur.com 
• Bulletproof Screenwriting: www.bulletproofscreenwriting.tv 
• On the Corner of Ego and Desire (Sundance Film): http://www.egoanddesirefilm.com
• Shooting for the Mob (Based on the Incredible True Filmmaking Story): http://www.shootingforthemob.com

Tweet us @borgusfilm or email info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Hitch20 Theme music by Radoslav Zdravkovic

Suspense With a Camera: https://www.amazon.com/Suspense-Camera-Filmmakers-Hitchcocks-Techniques/dp/1615932739

Follow us on Twitter @borgusfilm

Joshua A. Friedman and Voravong Nachampassak are making it easier to find crew in your local area with their new app, Crew Me Up. Josh has worked on such productions as 'Law and Order' 'Adjustment Bureau,' and wrote the quintessential guidebook for production assistants: 'Getting it Done.'

Not a paid endorsement.

GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

• Crew Me Up app: http://crewmeup.com/ and https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/crew-me-up/id1176591469?mt=8
• 'Getting it Done' production assistant book: http://mwp.com/product/getting-it-done-the-ultimate-production-assistant-guide/
• Audio books narrated by Forris Day: https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Forris+Day+Jr.

Tweet us @borgusfilm or email info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Hitch20 Theme music by Radoslav Zdravkovic

Suspense With a Camera: https://www.amazon.com/Suspense-Camera-Filmmakers-Hitchcocks-Techniques/dp/1615932739

Follow us on Twitter @borgusfilm

Steve Kaplan, Hollywood's most sought-after expert in comedy writing, joins us to talk about "cancel culture" and surviving as a comic in the age of political correctness. Steve wrote the quintessential book about comedy writing, 'The Hidden Tools of Comedy' and 'The Comic Hero's Journey.'

GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr.

Show Notes:

• Steve's website: http://www.kaplancomedy.com
• Audio books narrated by Forris Day: https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Forris+Day+Jr.

Tweet us @borgusfilm or email info@borgus.com

Hosts: Jeffrey Michael Bays & Forris Day, Jr.

Hitch20 Theme music by Radoslav Zdravkovic

Suspense With a Camera: https://www.amazon.com/Suspense-Camera-Filmmakers-Hitchcocks-Techniques/dp/1615932739

Follow us on Twitter @borgusfilm