Why Choose an Artistic Life? Filmmaking, Retro Horror & Creativity

In this episode of Beyond the Walled Garden, I speak with indie filmmaker Ashton Livingston about the rewards and challenges of pursuing a creative life through filmmaking. Ashton shares insights from making his 80s-inspired horror comedy “Rat Problem” and discusses how independent films are filling the void left by struggling studio productions.

Learn about crowdfunding strategies, artistic fulfillment, and why the joy of creation outweighs the financial uncertainties.

In this conversation about the artistic life, we also explore how the film industry is evolving, why indie film is making a comeback, and the fulfillment that comes from creative expression even amid challenges.

🐀 Ashton’s stuff mentioned in this episode:
– Rat Problem Trailer: https://youtu.be/ESyShZKq_GU
– Rat Problem Crowdfunding: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-rat-problems-postproduction-journey?attribution_id=sl:94b9a102-1303-46b8-9060-c5b4b2eb8bd1&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
– Rat Problem Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rat_problem_film/
– Internalized: https://www.instagram.com/internalizedfilm/
– What We Create: https://www.instagram.com/whatwecreatefilm/

🧛 My stuff mentioned in this episode:
– Sara and the Animals: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10843588/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_sara%2520and%2520the%2520animals
– 15 to Sunrise: https://www.instagram.com/15tosunrise
– California tax rebate article: https://film.ca.gov/marking-the-largest-round-in-state-history-51-films-selected-for-film-television-tax-credit-program/

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🎭 Joel Austin is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and podcaster living in Los Angeles, CA. He teaches at UCLA Ext. and produces Beyond the Walled Garden with Joel Austin. He releases multiple videos and shorts every week. Find more about him below. 🎭

⭐ More about Joel Austin:
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0:00 Intro

5:26 What is Rat Problem?
9:14 Why are we obsessed with retro film?
13:47 When did retro horror become cool?
16:25 The truth about short film crowdfunding
22:05 Crowdfunding: what actually works?
25:11 Crowdfunding: what to post on social media
26:16 Three films in one
31:04 What art-making adds to life
35:15 Is indie filmmaking taking over?
44:29 Genius indie horror marketing
47:18 How streaming may support indie film
49:22 Detaching from idea of making money
51:51 How weirdos can get into film
57:47 Making stuff makes life better
58:36 How to support Rat Problem