Action Addicts - Talking action films and the Business of Show Business

Millions And Emotional Mayhem: Killing your network over bad contracts!

Can independent films compete with Hollywood blockbusters? (Also Maono wireless Lav test in a convertible....)  In this episode, filmmaker and producer Benjamin N. Redic II takes a deep dive into the surprise success of Obsession, the future of independent filmmaking, and one of the biggest debates in entertainment today: how cast and crew should share in a film’s success. Benjamin breaks down why audiences are proving they will support well-made independent films without massive studio budgets, explores the controversy surrounding profit participation, and shares his own philosophy on creating sustainable film business models that reward the people who help make projects possible. Topics include: Why Obsession is making waves in independent film The importance of backend points and profit participation How indie filmmakers can structure better contracts Building sustainable film production models Why cast and crew should share in success The future of independent genre filmmaking  Lessons from films like Iron Lung and other emerging indie successes Benjamin also discusses the realities of producing independent films, balancing business with creativity, and why transparency in contracts is essential for long-term success. Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, producer, investor, or movie fan, this conversation offers valuable insight into where the entertainment industry may be headed next. Hey fam! Subscribe, Comment and Share the content. Be our Patron and help us educate filmmakers on the business side of showbusiness and keeping our festival and market costs affordable - https://www.patreon.com/AustinAction Gear List: Microphone - Maono PD400X USB/XLR Mic - Maonocaster AM100 Interface/MAONO AU-MH601Studio Headphones Get %10 off ➡️Here: https://www.maono.com/?ref=vmwwa2qg Use code - AustinActionFest Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addicts Podcast © 2025 Action Addicts Podcast. All rights reserved. Connect with us: X [https://x.com/AustnActionFest] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austinactionfest/] | Email (mailto:Contact@AustinActionFest.com)

Samantha Inoue-Harte: U.S. Head Producer of Animated Content Studio Gonzo

What happens when you mix samurai bloodlines, Disney training, Hollywood credits, and one of the most influential anime studios in the world? You get Samantha Inoue Harte. In this episode of Austin Action Addicts, we sit down with the U.S. Head of Animated Content for GONZO K.K.—the powerhouse behind iconic titles like Afro Samurai and dozens of genre-defining anime projects. With over two decades in the game, Samantha breaks down what anime really costs, why most people have no idea how it’s made, and how Western studios are fumbling the bag when they try to jump in. We go deep on: * The truth about anime budgets (and why studios are getting lowballed) * Why Hollywood still doesn’t “get” anime production * The rise of anime in mainstream culture—and who’s trying to cash in * Voice acting, casting, and protecting talent in a global industry * AI in animation—tool or threat? * And how one random act of kindness turned into a 20+ year career This one’s raw, honest, and full of industry insight you don’t hear anywhere else. If you’re a filmmaker, animator, or just someone who loves anime—you’re about to see the business side in a whole new way. Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addicts Podcast © 2025 Action Addicts Podcast. All rights reserved. Connect with us: X [https://x.com/AustnActionFest] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austinactionfest/] | Email (mailto:Contact@AustinActionFest.com)

Maria Tran -The Rise Of The Indies (59)

What does it really take to make a feature film with almost no money… and actually turn a profit? In this episode, we sit down with Maria Tran—a powerhouse indie filmmaker who turned a $6,500 feature shot in 14 days into a profitable project across 12+ platforms. We break down how she: Built a feature film using community, non-actors, and pure grit Rejected traditional distributors to keep control and ownership Used FilmHub to land on platforms like Tubi, Amazon, and YouTube Movies Turned real data into smarter filmmaking decisions Scaled up to shooting TWO films back-to-back with a $30K budget each This isn’t theory—this is real, boots-on-the-ground filmmaking strategy. We also get into: Why most indie filmmakers get burned by bad distribution deals The truth about AFM (and why it’s not the golden ticket people think) How to fund films through local businesses and product placement Why action & horror are about to dominate the next 5 years The shift in power from Hollywood gatekeepers to independent creators If you’re serious about making films, making money, and not losing your rights in the process, this episode is required listening.  👉 Bottom line: You don’t need permission anymore. You need strategy, stamina, and the willingness to build your own lane. 0:00 Holy S**+ Intro 4:28 The Ghetto Part of Australia 10:56 Preproduction  14:29 Based on Real Life  19:40 All for the money?  25:00 "She ONLY does action" 30:00 I don't like your energy, keep your money 38:30 Be resilient, gatekeeping is over  39:19 Gatekeepers are losing power  50:20 Action star? What a stupid, silly idea  1:01:52 5,000, 10,000 and Marrese Crump 1:09:26 What are the numbers 1:14:45 Distribution  1:22:56 Should I stop making movies? Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addicts Podcast © 2025 Action Addicts Podcast. All rights reserved. Connect with us: X [https://x.com/AustnActionFest] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austinactionfest/] | Email (mailto:Contact@AustinActionFest.com)

“Pendragon Cycle: Rise of Merlin — Where Are the Knights… and Why Is Everyone So Serious?” Ep. 58

The Violence Conductor dives into The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of Merlin (Daily Wire’s new fantasy series) — and let’s just say… expectations were high if you promise Merlin, magic, and knights swinging swords. After watching the first three episodes, the verdict is mixed. The show looks great and the sets are solid, but if you're expecting constant action and epic battles, you might find yourself waiting… and waiting… and waiting. The acting is decent, some characters show promise, and there are moments of cool combat—but strange editing choices, awkward pacing, and confusing time jumps make the experience a bit uneven. Is this a hidden fantasy gem that just needs time to warm up, or a visually impressive show that takes itself a little too seriously? Watch the breakdown and decide for yourself. You can support our work of educating filmmakers on the business side of showbusiness and keeping our festival and market costs affordable. Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addicts Podcast © 2025 Action Addicts Podcast. All rights reserved. Connect with us: X [https://x.com/AustnActionFest] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austinactionfest/] | Email (mailto:Contact@AustinActionFest.com)

“Iron Lung Made $50M… With ONE Actor in a Submarine?! Indie Filmmakers Take Notes.” Ep. 57

The Violence Conductor breaks down Iron Lung, the indie horror film that absolutely exploded at the box office. Made for around $3 million and earning over $50 million worldwide, this project proves that independent filmmakers can still punch way above their weight. Shot largely in a single location submarine, the film relies heavily on tension, sound design, and one man carrying the entire performance. Markiplier delivers a surprisingly strong performance while the film builds suspense through ticking clocks, pressure leaks, and the constant threat of something going very wrong in the depths. This isn’t an action-heavy movie, but the atmosphere, clever filmmaking choices, and escalating body horror toward the end make it a fascinating case study in how indie filmmakers can succeed with constraints.Is Iron Lung a horror masterpiece or just a really smart indie experiment? Watch the review and decide. And remember: support indie film. Rent it, buy it, but Don’t Pirate It. Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addicts Podcast © 2025 Action Addicts Podcast. All rights reserved. Connect with us: X [https://x.com/AustnActionFest] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/austinactionfest/] | Email (mailto:Contact@AustinActionFest.com)