What does it actually take to make an independent film without investors or studio backing?

Screenwriter and actor Marc Cubelli breaks down how he wrote, produced, and starred in his latest indie feature Shooting Sid — built entirely on creative control and guerrilla filmmaking.

We discuss:

• Self-financing and DIY production

• Writing yourself into the lead role

• 90s indie film influences

• Festival strategy and distribution

• Turning rejection into momentum

If you’re a filmmaker or actor tired of waiting for permission, this episode is for you.

What does it really take for an independent film to break through?

In this episode of Beyond the Take, Marc Chouen sits down with filmmaker, producer, and Executive Director of the SoHo International Film Festival, Sibyl Santiago, for a deep dive into how the indie film world actually works.

Sibyl shares her journey from child actor to producer to festival leader, the challenges she faced as an Asian American actress, and how she built a career by creating her own opportunities. She breaks down what festivals are really looking for, how filmmakers should approach submissions, and why community-driven festivals matter more than ever.

They also talk about:

• How filmmakers can stand out in a crowded festival landscape

• What programmers look for when watching thousands of submissions

• Why prestige doesn’t always equal opportunity

• How streaming is reshaping indie distribution

• Building sustainable careers outside the studio system

Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, producer, or just trying to break into the industry, this episode is packed with real-world insight you won’t hear in film school.

🎬 If you’re serious about independent film, festivals, and long-term career growth — this one’s for you.

What does it actually take to start acting and how do you know if you should keep going when things get hard?

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen flips the format and sits down with someone new to the acting world, asking the kinds of honest questions most people are too afraid to ask out loud.

Marc opens up about:

• Recently losing his agent and what that really means for an actor’s career

• How rejection works and how not to let it destroy your confidence

• Why voice acting and on-camera acting are harder than they look

• Making personal connections with material that doesn’t feel natural

• How auditions, self-tapes, and streaming have changed the industry

• What early actors misunderstand about opportunity and competition

• Treating acting like a business without losing your creativity

• The thin line between persistence and walking away and how to know the difference

Marc also shares personal experiences from his own career, including moments where he nearly quit acting entirely before landing pivotal roles, and why fearlessness, preparation, and the right support system matter more than talent alone.

This episode isn’t about selling a dream. It’s about clarity.

If you’re thinking about acting, just starting out, or questioning whether to keep going, this conversation will help you understand what you’re really stepping into.