A longtime entertainment industry professional with over three decades of experience is seeking executive producers to help bring three distinct film projects to completion, despite facing serious health challenges that have added urgency to his mission.
Joel Greenberg, who began his entertainment career as a mobile DJ and radio personality before transitioning to film production, has developed a slate of three projects ranging from a gritty drama about underground youth fighting to a holiday comedy and a unique Bigfoot story. His journey reflects the broader challenges facing independent filmmakers in 2025, where production costs have risen significantly while traditional funding sources remain limited.
The producer’s background includes organizing celebrity charity events that raised over $100,000 for cancer research and other causes, creating opportunities for middle school students to meet young stars and WWE performers. These events demonstrated his commitment to helping young people reach their potential, a theme that has carried into his film work where he has brought many young participants into his productions.
Greenberg’s current health situation has intensified his determination to see his projects completed. Recently diagnosed with congestive heart failure, neuropathy, and stage 5 kidney disease requiring dialysis, he describes his film projects as the driving force keeping him motivated through his treatment. This personal urgency mirrors broader industry challenges where independent producers face increasing pressure to secure funding in a competitive marketplace.
His lead project, “The Earth is Hollow,” represents a 12-year development process focusing on a corrupt sheriff who forces children into underground fighting for profit and entertainment. The story has evolved to include coming-of-age elements and a love story between main characters, one of whom serves as the sheriff’s primary fighter at age 13. The subject matter reflects current social concerns about youth exploitation and corruption of authority figures. One of Greenberg’s good friends and talented writer,, Steven Mantsourani, has helped him considerably to develop this story into a well written novel of the same title, which they plan to release shortly.
The second project, “The Holiday Light Fight,” offers a contrasting comedic approach set in suburban America. The story follows feuding neighbors competing to create the most elaborate holiday displays, culminating in one neighbor’s greed leading to property destruction and ultimately teaching lessons about community cooperation and achieving peace.
His third collaboration involves working with Los Angeles-based company Rokitpig on “The Last Bigfoot.” Developed with Rokitpig CEO Jerry Angelo, who adapted the screenplay from Greenberg’s original concept, this project aims to differentiate itself from existing Bigfoot-themed entertainment through its unique storytelling approach. The production team is exploring opportunities for corporate sponsorship and product placement to support the larger budget requirements.
Independent filmmakers face significant financial hurdles in the current market environment. Film Independent awards over $845,000 annually in cash and production services, but demand far exceeds available grant funding. Many producers rely on private investors, crowdfunding, or self-financing, creating financial strain and increased risk for projects. And now, with the addition of his health issues, it’s a race against the clock for Greenberg to see his stories come to fruition.
Greenberg’s approach of seeking executive producer partnerships offers potential donors an opportunity to support storytelling, while receiving screen credits and IMDb recognition. This model allows donors to contribute $5,000 or more toward productions while gaining industry credentials.