The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast Ep 299 - How to Survive Indie Filmmaking Without Burning Out
Dec 1, 2025
17:19
In this episode, filmmaker Jesse McAnally joins Geoffrey to break down the real process of making an indie feature from scratch. Jesse shares how he developed The Daughters of the Domino, ran a successful Kickstarter, storyboarded every shot in Cine Tracer, and navigated the unexpected challenges that hit indie sets. From on-the-fly rewrites to managing clashing personalities, Jesse opens up about the realities most filmmakers never talk about.
If you’re building your own film or planning to, this one is loaded with practical insight and encouragement.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
00:20 Jesse explains the origin of The Daughters of the Domino
02:50 How he structured a stress-free Kickstarter with digital perks
05:40 Storyboarding every shot using Cine Tracer
07:00 The first-day disaster and managing crew expectations
10:26 On-set rewrites after discovering new opportunities in performance
About the Guest
Jesse McAnally is a filmmaker whose latest feature, The Daughters of the Domino, blends mystery, character-driven storytelling, and sharp visual planning. His work has screened at festivals across the country and continues to draw attention for its craft and originality.
About the Host
With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Instagram: @jessemcanally
Website: https://www.jessemcanally.com
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
Instagram: @screenwriterpod
YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
#screenwriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #podcast #thesuccessfulscreenwriter #kickstarterfilm #storydevelopment
🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!
If you’re building your own film or planning to, this one is loaded with practical insight and encouragement.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- How to develop a feature from a childhood concept
- Smarter ways to run a Kickstarter without drowning in giveaways
- Why pre-visualization can save your production
- How to adjust performances and scenes in real time
- The truth about set conflicts and managing morale
- Why your film is your calling card
- The power of collaboration and treating people well
00:20 Jesse explains the origin of The Daughters of the Domino
02:50 How he structured a stress-free Kickstarter with digital perks
05:40 Storyboarding every shot using Cine Tracer
07:00 The first-day disaster and managing crew expectations
10:26 On-set rewrites after discovering new opportunities in performance
About the Guest
Jesse McAnally is a filmmaker whose latest feature, The Daughters of the Domino, blends mystery, character-driven storytelling, and sharp visual planning. His work has screened at festivals across the country and continues to draw attention for its craft and originality.
About the Host
With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- The Daughters of the Domino film info and festival updates
- Cine Tracer (previz/storyboarding tool)
Instagram: @jessemcanally
Website: https://www.jessemcanally.com
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun
Website: thesuccessfulscreenwriter.com
Instagram: @screenwriterpod
YouTube: @thesuccessfulscreenwriter
#screenwriting #filmmaking #indiefilm #podcast #thesuccessfulscreenwriter #kickstarterfilm #storydevelopment
🎬 Get Free Script Leads — be the first to know which producers are requesting scripts and accepting submissions.
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!