“If you get your timeline pushed back, think of it as another year to make the story better.” — Erika Arlee
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:
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
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