What does it really take to build a sustainable filmmaking career?

In this episode, Rain sits down with Erika Arlee and Kristi Ray, the powerhouse duo behind Honey Head Films, to explore how they’ve grown a production company that balances passion, purpose, and profit.

They share the story of their debut feature A Song for Imogene, and how they expanded it from a short film into a fully realized, distributed feature while staying true to their vision.

Erika and Kristi break down how they built their brand around authentic Southern stories, women filmmakers, and a collaborative, values-driven approach. You’ll learn how they crowdfunded, built community buy-in, and turned obstacles into creative opportunities.

If you’re dreaming of turning your passion for film into a business that lasts, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom and inspiration.

In this episode, you will learn to:

• Build an authentic film brand that aligns with your values and attracts the right collaborators.
• Create momentum around your project by involving your community early and often.
• Balance client work with creative projects so your passion stays alive while paying the bills.
• Approach collaboration strategically to find the partners who can help you grow.
• Treat your indie film like a startup by thinking about your audience and exit strategy from the start.

Follow Honey Head Films on:

• Instagram
• Facebook

Or visit their website HERE!

*** A Song for Imogene is now on Amazon Prime!

For more storytelling tips and tricks,

Visit my website rainbennett.com, or

Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller

Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett

Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett

Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you run a business and still find time to create content?

In this episode, Rain sits down with Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ and founder of Cali BBQ Media, to explore how storytelling and content creation aren’t distractions—they’re growth engines. Shawn shares how he went from struggling restaurateur to building a thriving media company on top of his barbecue brand, and why every business today needs to think like a media company.

They break down how to overcome the fear of looking foolish, why quantity and speed matter more than perfection, and how to turn your phone into your most valuable tool.

Shawn also gives practical tips on stacking content, building a team, and staying consistent without burning out. If you’ve ever wondered how to juggle business and content—or whether it’s worth the effort—this episode will change your mindset.

In this episode, you will learn to:

• See content as a growth tool, not a chore and shift your mindset around its value.
• Overcome the fear of looking foolish online so you can finally start creating.
• Focus on quantity and consistency first because that’s what leads to real quality.
• Use simple tools like your phone to build a media presence without expensive gear.
• Stack and schedule your content so that your “show” runs even when you’re busy.

Follow Shawn on:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Or visit his website HERE!

For more storytelling tips and tricks,

Visit my website rainbennett.com, or

Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller

Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett

Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett

Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever hear the term "story beat" and wonder what it really means?

In this episode, Rain breaks down the mysterious middle ground between scenes and acts—the story beat. And he uses Blake Snyder’s popular (and sometimes polarizing) Save the Cat beat sheet to do it.

You’ll get a clear explanation of what a beat is, how the 15-beat structure works, and why it's helped thousands of storytellers—from screenwriters to brand strategists—craft more compelling narratives.

Rain walks you through the full beat sheet, explains how it maps to The Lion King, and shares tips on how to use this structure for your own business, brand, or film storytelling. If you’ve been overwhelmed by big frameworks, this episode will give you a clear, practical tool to work with.

In this episode, you will learn to:

• Define what a story beat is and understand how it fits between scenes and acts.
• Use Blake Snyder’s 15-beat sheet to outline or revise your story with more clarity.
• Apply structural thinking without becoming rigid or formulaic.
• Break down familiar films like The Lion King to see how classic stories follow this shape.
• Build emotional momentum in your stories by anchoring each beat to character decisions.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.