Barely Living The Dream

In this episode of Barely Living the Dream, we sit down with Houston-based filmmaker and actress Sara Gaston to dive deep into her journey from stage actor to award-winning director. Sara shares how a deeply personal realization—sparked during the rise of the Me Too movement—led her to create a powerful short film that’s now resonating with audiences across the country. What started as a single story quickly became something much bigger: a reflection of experiences many people carry but rarely talk about. We cover: * Her origin story in acting and theater * The leap from actor to director * How her film I WAS GONE FOR AWHILE came together * Why “small moments” aren’t actually small * Real audience reactions that stopped her in her tracks * The challenges of indie filmmaking (grants, casting, production) * Behind-the-scenes stories from filming COYOTE * What it takes to tell meaningful, uncomfortable stories This conversation isn’t just about filmmaking—it’s about storytelling that sparks real conversations. 🎬 If you’re a filmmaker, actor, or storyteller, this episode is packed with insight on turning personal experiences into impactful art. 📍 Follow Sara for updates on screenings and new projects:Instagram: @sara_gaston_actor

After a long break, the podcast is back—and there’s a LOT to catch up on. In this episode, I dive into everything that’s happened since the premiere of *INBETWEENING*—from an incredible film festival debut and award win… to the harsh realities of indie distribution, missed opportunities, and a life-threatening health scare that stopped everything. This is the real story behind indie filmmaking: 🎬 The highs of a packed premiere and audience connection 🏆 Winning “Amazing Fantasy Feature” right out of the gate 📉 The brutal silence and rejection that followed 🎥 Self-distributing across platforms like Amazon Prime & Tubi ⚠️ And the unexpected health crisis that nearly took me out If you're a filmmaker, creative, or just someone chasing something big—this is a raw, unfiltered look at what it actually takes. 👉 *INBETWEENING* is now streaming: * Amazon Prime (US): https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F3TCB4H2/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r * Amazon Prime (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F3TCR8H3/?autoplay=0&t=0 * Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100036097/inbetweening * IndiePix: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0F3TCB4H2/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r * Relay: https://pickrelay.com/app/t/dhfa-wxat * Fawesome: https://fawesome.tv/movies/10695161/inbetweening?utm_source=justwatch&utm_medium=feed * Coming soon to YouTube Movies (ad-supported) More episodes coming soon with guests, collaborators, and real stories from the indie film world. Check out my interview regarding FADE TO BLACK with Derrick on Worst Movies Ever Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/posts/worst-movies-25-148571196?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_fan&utm_content=web_share Stream my first movie FADE TO BLACK at Anhedenia Films Unlimited! https://vimeo.com/ondemand/fadetoblack3 While you're here, don't forget to like, comment, subscribe...you know the drill!

This time, Chris and Brittany do an "on the road episode" while en route to Dallas to work on another production. Brittany gets to tell her side of the GROUNDS story, embellishing and filling in stuff mentioned on the previous episode. She and Chris discuss caring too much, justifying things on the fly, dealing with drama (the bad kind), watching Mel circle the drain, and even more cursed goings on! https://www.facebook.com/moviemonsterhouston/ @ChrisWarr54 http://www.upstartfilmworks.net @upstartfilm

Mel and Chris return to their roots and record another in-car installment which features: an invitation to those who didn't much care for our last podcast, a rundown of Death's latest attempt to claim Mel, a rundown of Death's latest attempt to claim not only Mel, but Chris, Brittany, AND Justin Powers (I guess Death didn't care for the last podcast either), and most importantly...a reflection on the film we all just finished working on in Vegas - THE GROUNDS. Some would say that film had a bit of a 'curse' on it. We joked about it often. But...maybe there's some truth to it. You be the judge.

Our final entry (for now) from "On The Road Filmmaking Diaries". Mel and Chris categorically go through most of the figurative ass-whippings they've taken in the name of cinema. Yes, Mel tells the Witchcraft 13 stories again, as well as those related to Fade To Black, Closet Space, Walking Distance/Psychic Experiment, etc. Chris talks about his trial by fire via Imago/In The Blood. Most of the gory details are shared, and there's a lot of "G.F.Y." to go around. Enjoy! Follow, share, subscribe! upstartfilmworks.net @upstartfilm @cwarr54