“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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Bari Weiss, CBS, and Israel | Robert Wright & Nikita Petrov (Robert Wright & Nikita Petrov)