Welcome back, Rebels! We’re kicking off Season 6 with a deep conversation about finding your genre, defining your storytelling process, and building creative momentum even when things get tough. I’m joined by four incredible filmmakers — each with a unique approach to writing, directing, and creating personal, impactful films on a budget.

First up is Alex Kahuam, director of Forgiveness and the one-take thriller Failure, starring Ted Raimi. Alex and I talk about choosing a subject that resonates deeply, especially when you know you’ll be living with it through the entire filmmaking process. Then I’m joined by Spooky Madison, an actress, writer, and director whose upcoming film Fiber Burn and writing on What’s Wrong Wendy reflect her collaborative, music-driven approach. We discuss how writing in a freeform way can open the door to on-set discoveries, creative rewrites, and trusting the interpretations of your cast and crew.

Next is Dillon Brown, the filmmaker behind the Tahoe Joe series and The Summer We Died. He shares how he outlines found footage films, sticks to personal genre instincts, and navigates the pressures of creating in an age of instant online reactions and reviews. We also talk about staying true to your voice while making something entertaining and marketable. Finally, I wrap the episode with Michael Pierro, director of Self Driver, a low-budget sci-fi thriller that recently won awards at Fantasia Fest. Michael and I dig into how life experience and personal ideals shape story structure, how to follow a creative framework while breaking rules when necessary, and how to balance audience appeal with originality.

Some of the big themes that came up throughout this episode include choosing a genre that speaks to you, writing with flexibility and openness to collaboration, rehearsal techniques and directing performance, planning complex shots and long takes, and making films that are both personal and marketable.

Thank you so much for supporting Low-Budget Rebels here on Patreon. Your support helps keep the show going and gives you access to these episodes completely ad-free. If you’re not already a member, head to patreon.com/flushstudios to join.And be sure to follow and support this episode’s amazing guests:

• Alex Kahuam – kahuamfilms.com | @alexkahuam
• Spooky Madison – @finalghoulfilms | Final Ghoul on YouTube
• Dillon Brown – @horrornerproductions | Films on Tubi and Amazon
• Michael Pierro – @m_pierro

More conversations with bold, independent filmmakers coming your way this season — stay tuned, and stay rebellious.

Cheers,
Josh