Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast

Well, it's that time of year again when filmmakers around the world get that dreaded rejection letter from the Sundance Film Festival. Below is my rejection email:RE:  On the Corner of Ego and DesireDear Alex,On behalf of the entire Programming team for the Sundance Film Festival, thank you for allowing us to consider your film for the 2019 edition of the Festival. Unfortunately, we were unable to include it in our program this year. Ultimately, we are forced to make many difficult decisions throughout our process, and we consider ourselves lucky to have the opportunity to view the latest work from the independent creative community.We received a record number of submissions this year (over 14,200), and the number of worthy projects submitted to us is far higher than the number of slots available in our Festival program. The level of quality displayed in the projects we receive is higher each and every year, so it is never an easy process. We wish you the best of luck with your film going forward and we are excited see more of your work in the future.Sincerely,John CooperDirector, Sundance Film FestivalDid you read that, 14,200 submissions? Getting into Sundance is a lottery ticket for sure but it isn't as important as it used to be. Here's what Mark Duplass wrote about it:Annual Sundance Film Festival rejection reminder: Sundance is awesome, but Sundance is not everything. So many incredible films don't make the cut. Don't let it get you down. If you believe in your film, keep pushing forward. There are so many new ways to get it there. Good luck! - Mark DuplassMy indie films have played in over 500 international film festival around the world and it has been a great experience and I've even been in a few big festivals like Raindance and Cinequest. I've also been rejected by EVERY major film festival in the world. SXSW, Berlin, Cannes, Toronto, AFI and the list goes on.Film festivals are great. I loved them so much my recent film, which got that Sundance rejection email,  On the Corner of Ego and Desire, was a love letter to film festivals, Sundance and Independent filmmakers everywhere.You have to understand that film festivals are not the only way to get your films out there anymore. Sure, getting into Sundance would be AMAZING but alas it wasn't meant to be and you know what...it's OK. This should stop you from moving forward on your filmmaking journey. Festivals are run by people with tastes and opinions. Those tastes might not be in line with your tastes and that's OK.Maybe you made an amazing film but there were three other films about the same subject so they had to flip a coin. I decided to make this episode as a therapy session for any filmmaker who has been rejected from Sundance or any film festivals.I hope it helps. KEEP ON HUSTLIN' NO MATTER WHAT! Keep that dream ALIVE.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Today's guest is returning champion writer/director Diane Bell. Diane and I go way back. I had the pleasure of working on her first feature film OBSELIDIA, which won two awards at Sundance. The film makes it's IFHTV Premiere this week. Here's a bit about Diane.Diane Bell is a screenwriter and director. Made for less than $150k, her first feature film, OBSELIDIA, premiered in Dramatic Competition at Sundance and won two awards. The film went on to win further awards at festivals around the world, and to be nominated for two prestigious Independent Spirit Awards. Her second film, BLEEDING HEART, a drama starring Jessica Biel and Zosia Mamet, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and is widely available. She is currently in post on her third feature, OF DUST AND BONES.She has written numerous commissioned and optioned scripts, including two with renowned director John McTiernan (the director of Die Hard and The Hunt for Red October). In addition to writing and directing films, Diane with her producing partner Chris Byrne is a founder of the Rebel Heart Film Workshop program, in which she teaches step by step how to make a standout indie film. She also teaches at Denver's Lighthouse Writer's Workshop. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and honest experiences of filmmaking so that up and coming filmmakers can make better movies and create sustainable careers.“The biggest advice I can give you for your shoot, if you want to make a standout film, is to be fully present in the moment when you are filming.” – Diane BellIn her quest to help filmmakers follow their dreams she has written a new book called Shooting From the Heart: Successful Filmmaking from a Sundance Rebel.If you dream of making a movie but don't know where to start or you're afraid that your film will end up being yet another unseen indie, this is the book for you. Based on the real-life experiences of Sundance award-winning screenwriter/director Diane Bell, SHOOT FROM THE HEART will guide you through the process of making an indie film successfully ― from writing a stand-out script to raising finance, from getting the most out of your shoot to planning a profitable release.Broken down into sixteen essential steps, this book provides you with a clear, actionable, real-world plan for turning your filmmaking dream into your reality. The method in this book is available to anyone, anywhere. You don't need a ton of money or industry connections, you just need to be willing to do the work of each step.In this book, you'll find ass-kicking inspiration and motivational tips for the long journey filmmaking is, as well as the practical knowledge and insider's information you need to make it happen. SHOOT FROM THE HEART will empower you to trust your creative instincts and leave you with no excuses for not making the best film you can. This guide is the only one you need if you seriously want to stop talking about making movies and actually make a great one. At the end of each chapter, Diane provides a thoughtful reminder to her readers:“Be grateful for the journey you are on.”We discuss her Sundance experience, her horrible Hollywood experience after Sundance and so much more. Enjoy my inspirational conversation with Diane Bell.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Today's guest is actor/writer/director James Morosini. His film Threesomething is a micro-budget film that he jumped off a cliff to make. With this being his first feature film as a director he definitely had some misadventures. In this interview,​ we go into the details of his journey making and distributing his film. We also discuss how he made a clip from the film go viral on YouTube. Zoe, Charlie, and Isaac spend a night flirting with the idea of a threesome... until it finally happens and all hell breaks loose. While two fall deeply in love, two test their sexual limits. They each discover fantasies they never thought they had and try things they never thought they would. This sexy comedy will make you squirm with its hilarious awkwardness and challenge your ideas of sex, love, and friendship.In the show notes James wrote an amazing article detailing his misadventures so when you are do listen to the interview the article is required reading.Enjoy my conversation with James Morosini.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Today's guest is returning champion Brad Olsen, director of the documentary Off the Tracks. This time we discuss his misadventure in distribution. After meeting over 40 traditional distributors Brad decided the best path for his film was self-distribution​. I've always said that self-distribution​ is not for everyone but with Off the Tracks it makes perfect sense. We discuss how he got the word out of his film, got in the press that was in his niche and how he engaged with the audience he was trying to reach. We talk numbers, success, ​and failures. It's a pretty eye-opening interview. So if you are thinking of self-distributing​g your indie film take a listen to this episode first. Enjoy my conversation with Brad Olsen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Black Friday week is finally here. I wanted to do something special for the IFH Tribe this week so I decided to create a special sale for you guys. Between Today and Cyber Monday, if you sign up for Indie Film Hustle TV receive another FREE MONTH to give to someone else at no additional charge.All you need to do is sign up for IFHTV and we'll email you a nice e-gift card you can give to your friend, colleague, family or anyone you like.Head over to Indie Film Hustle TV and sign up. We have a TON of new feature films, docs, courses, and interviews. I'll be releasing a December IFHTV Update soon with all the new content we have planned for you. Happy Black Friday week and Turkey Day! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Today's guest is Brad Olsen, director of the documentary Off the Tracks. If you don't know the story about the major debacle that was the release of Apple's Final Cut Pro X get ready to jump into the deep end of editing lore. In 2011 Apple ended Final Cut Pro as we knew it and started over with a brand new video editing application: Final Cut Pro X. The disruption from this change is still being felt by the film, television, and video industries to this day. With misinformation running amok, Off The Tracks aims to clear the air once and for all. Industry insiders discuss Apple's controversial decision to redesign the video editing application Final Cut Pro.This documentary explores why the release of Final Cut Pro X upset video editors and how the software is being used today. Off the Tracks features exclusive interviews with the creative professionals who use the software and the developers who created it. Why did Apple make Final Cut Pro X?I love this documentary about Final Cut Pro X so much I had to have it on Indie Film Hustle TV. Brad not only loved the idea but he also agreed to jump on the show to discuss why he decided to make a doc about a piece of editing software. He's laughing all the way to the bank.Enjoy my conversation with Brad Olsen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

So many members of the IFH Tribe always ask me on what my daily routine looks like. I decided to not only share my daily routine but also give you tips on how to create your own daily routine. I found that once I created this routine my life started to change. I wanted to share with you what I do every day to make Indie Film Hustle and IFHTV going and growing.4:30 am - Wake up and get ready for the day4:45 am - Drink my protein shake and drink water5:00 am - Hit the Gym for 1-2 hours of working out (most days just one hour)6:30 am - 8:00 am: Help my wife with the morning routine8:00 am - 6:00 pm: Start my IFH dayAnswer EmailsPrep for interviewsInterviewsWrite BlogsCreate IFHTV ContentSocial Media MarketingWithin the day I set aside 2 hours for meditation (extremely important)6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Family Time8:00 pm - 9:30 pm: TV and Wife Time9:40 pm - SleepTip: I drink over a gallon of water a day. This helps with so many things I can't even tell you.In this episode, I go into great detail on my routine and give you a bunch of tips on how to create a daily routine to help you achieve your dreams.Thanks again for all the support and happy streaming!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Today on the show we have an author, filmmaker and screenwriter Willaim Dickerson. William is the author of the book DETOUR: Hollywood: How To Direct a Microbudget Film (or any film, for that matter).William Dickerson is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and author, whose debut feature film, Detour, was released theatrically and On-Demand worldwide. He has a Master of Fine Arts from the American Film Institute and teaches Directing at the New York Film Academy.William and I had a great conversation on how he put together his micro-budget feature. We go deep into the process so get ready to take notes.Enjoy my conversation with Willaim Dickerson.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Today is the day. IFHTV is LIVE! Go check it out at www.indiefilmhustle.tv. It's taken me months getting this ready for you and I hope you love it as much as I do. It has been a dream of mine to have a place where filmmakers, screenwriters and content creators could go to get their "fix" of filmmaking behind the scenes, interviews, documentaries, online education, and feature films. This has truly been a labor of love. Here's what you can expect from Indie Film Hustle TV.IFHTV will be the world's first Netflix meets Masterclass style streaming services dedicated to filmmakers, screenwriters and content creators. Thousands of videos to help you on your filmmaking and screenwriting journey. IFHTV is available worldwide and will be accessible on over 1000 devices including, MACs, PCs, streaming media boxes such as Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Nexus Player. Coming soon iOS devices and Android devices Apps.So what are you waiting for? Head over to www.ifhtv.com, kick the tires and let me know what you think. Please send feedback to ifhsubmission@gmail.com. I really want to make IFHTV the best it can be and I need your feedback.Price is $10.99/month or $120.00/year. After Feb 1st it goes up to the normal price of $13.99/mth and $150/yr so if you are interested sign up now to get that limited time price for the life of your subscription. Go to www.ifhtv.com.Thanks again for all the support and happy streaming!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Today on the show we have returning champion Linda Nelson from Indie Rights. I wanted to bring Linda back to discuss how much the distribution game has changed in the three years since she was last on the show. We also discuss the American Film Market and how to work it properly.Nelson Madison Films/Indie Rights was founded by Michael Madison and Linda Nelson because they believed that the future was bright for independent artists and that there was a better way to produce and distribute movies. They have been in business since 2000, when they produced their first film, NSYNC BIGGER THAN LIVE a Giant Screen Movie that played to sold-out crowds worldwide.Known for innovation. SHIFTED, their first digital feature, was the first movie on Amazon's UnBox (the predecessor of Amazon Video) and was used by Amazon to promote their platform for over five years. DELIVERED was the first independent feature to edit and master a 4K movie using Adobe CS5. Articles in Variety, HDVideoPro and an Adobe Success Story followed. Partnerships were forged early on with the leading digital platforms including Amazon, Google, Cinedigm, MGo and Adrise, and these partnerships ensure that Indie Rights can offer the very best audience opportunities for their own films, as well as the more than 300 other filmmakers they work with.Linda Nelson began her career as an international investment banker, IT executive an entertainment real estate developer. After meeting Michael Madison, she pivoted into the movie business finally realizing her artistic potential. As an Executive Producer on NSYNC, she quickly realized that she was interested in being more "hands-on" and was the DP for her next film, SHIFTED. As a Producer on DELIVERED, she was finally able to gain experience in all aspects of the financing, development, production and distribution phases of moviemaking.I can't recommend Indie Rights highly enough. If you have a feature film that needs distribution do yourself a favor and check them out. Enjoy my eye-opening conversation with Linda Nelson.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.