Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker West Eldredge to break down how he made his debut feature Take From Me on a budget of $80,000 - and turned it into a real-world release on major platforms.We talk candidly about what actually moves the needle on an ultra-low budget feature: prioritizing casting, building a crew that can adapt under pressure, using festivals as a testing ground, and leveraging a strong trailer to start distribution conversations early.Topics covered include:Why West chose micro-budget filmmaking as a solution to finally making a featureHow crowdfunding, personal investment, and favors helped build an $80K budgetWhy he prioritized casting above almost everything - and what 4,000+ submissions taught himChemistry reads, ensemble casting, and avoiding the “name actor trap” on low budgetsSkeleton crew realities and what happens when a key crew member is suddenly goneFestival strategy lessons and how audience feedback helped define the film’s genrePitching distributors andwhy a great trailer matters more than you thinkPost-production burnout, bringing in new collaborators, and staying motivatedLinks from the show:West Eldredge - InstagramWest Eldredge - WebsiteTake From Me - Watch on Prime VideoSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode I’m joined by filmmaker Anna Elizabeth James, whose psychological thrillers Deadly Illusions and Held Hostage in My House both found major success on Netflix, including top-chart placement on the platform.Throughout the interview we break down Anna’s unconventional approach to building a sustainable filmmaking career outside the traditional studio system. We dive deep into intellectual property ownership, licensing vs selling films outright, and how filmmakers can retain long-term leverage while still working with major distributors and streamers.We also explore how shifting industry economics are creating new opportunities for independent storytellers who understand how to position themselves strategically. Topics covered include:How Deadly Illusions and Held Hostage in My House reached NetflixLicensing vs selling films, and why IP ownership matters more than everWhat filmmakers should know about distributors, streamers, and rights reversionNavigating the post-streaming-boom slowdown and emerging opportunitiesWhy film festivals aren’t the only viable path anymoreThinking entrepreneurially without sacrificing creative integrityThe future of branded storytelling and creator-led business modelsLinks from the show:Anna Elizabeth James – IMDbSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Mark Hensley, whose new feature Clown and Out in Valley Village was shot entirely guerrilla-style over the course of a year, for just $4,000.Mark shares how he wrote, shot, lit, and edited the film with no crew, no permits, and no safety net, all while working full-time as a re-recording mixer for major network shows.We dive deep into micro-budget filmmaking, practical sound strategies, on-the-fly rewrites, and why taking your time on a no-budget feature can actually elevate the final product far beyond what traditional indie shoots allowTopics covered include:Shooting a feature over a full year with no crewRewriting and reshaping a 200-page script for micro-budget practicalityWhy slow, flexible production schedules often lead to better moviesReshooting scenes strategically - and why even big studio films build this inMaking “bad” production audio usable with smart techniqueHow pros mix dialogue on network shows (and why lavs can beat booms)Picking the right camera for the film - not the “best” cameraSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I’m joined by Steven Bernstein, ASC - the legendary cinematographer behind films like Monster, Bulletproof, and The Waterboy - to explore his extraordinary journey from BBC-trained writer/director to one of Hollywood’s most insightful visual storytellers.We discuss Steven’s unconventional path into cinematography, how he developed his philosophy of the “20 languages of cinema,” and why he believes most screenwriting rules hold filmmakers back rather than push them forward.Topics covered include:How Steven transitioned from the BBC to shooting studio featuresThe craft lessons he learned working on Monster and major studio comediesWhy he rejects rigid screenwriting formulas in favor of cinematic “grammar”Understanding the 20 languages of cinema: composition, editing, sound, and moreHow filmmakers can avoid being pigeonholed creatively or professionallyBuilding a sustainable career by mastering both story and imageLinks from the show:Steven Bernstein – InstagramSteven Bernstein – IMDbFilmmaker and Fan’s PodcastSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

On today’s episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Hudson Phillips, who returns to share the incredible story of how his first appearance on the podcast led to getting his feature film financed (via one of our listeners)Throughout the discussion we take a deep dive into the realities of making micro-budget features profitable - Touring films like bands, selling merch, building community city-by-city, and designing a sustainable filmmaking life outside the traditional Hollywood pipeline.Topics covered include:How a single podcast interview led directly to a private film investorTouring your film like a band, and why this model worksHow to screen in multiple cities without losing moneyThe merch items that actually sell at indie screening eventsLessons from distribution hell, and why Hudson went DIYSelf-releasing via FilmHub, Bitmax & digital strategy in 2025+Building a real community vs chasing festivalsWhy creative constraints make films better (even at the studio level)“Higher-concept, lower-budget” filmmaking strategyThe future of micro-budget movies & audience buildingLinks from the show:Mirror Box FilmsHudson Phillips - InstagramMirror Box Films - SubstackSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

Join filmmaker Luke Barnett, known for his viral hits like OVATION and The Crossing Over Express, as he shares insights into crafting micro-budget films. He reveals how a $50 short satirizing festival ovations took the internet by storm. Luke discusses the importance of authenticity, building personal stories, and the impact of consistent branding for artists. He emphasizes the power of connection over runtime and explores the shift from festival circuits to online releases, highlighting how creative freedom can lead to unexpected success.

In this episode I’m joined by filmmaker Jon Bregel, who recently DP'd the new Jay Duplass feature film The Baltimorons - which premiered at this year's SXSW film festival, and was released theatrically in September via IFC Films.Throughout the interview we trace Jon's journey from leveraging Vimeo as a tool to launch a successful commercial career in New York, to stepping away and redefining what it means to be a working filmmaker. We dig into creative alignment, sustainable career building, and how a documentary-minded approach has shaped some of his recent work. Topics covered include:From Vimeo Staff Pick to a call from Nike -  early momentum in the Vimeo heydayBurnout, depression, and redefining success beyond money and prestigeHow to work like a professional, build routines, and treat freelancing like a real businessLanding The Baltimorons: and how “manifesting” opportunities really worksLighting quickly with tiny crews, embracing imperfection, and protecting spontaneityWhat Jon learned from Jay Duplass about presence, and generous leadershipPractical longevity: sustaining energy and morale across an indie feature scheduleLinks from the show:The Baltimorons - Movie SiteJon Bregel - Website & CoachingThe Nourish CommunitySign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode I am joined by longtime friend and fellow filmmaker Ryan Oksenberg, here to break down the making of his debut feature FOIBLES - a darkly comic, surreal satire about codependency and addiction.Throughout the episode we take a behind the scenes look at this feature - How Ryan greenlit the project himself, pulling off big set pieces on an indie budget, the 13-month post pipeline, music licensing reality checks, and taking home an award at Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle for best Actor.Topics covered include: Moving from shorts to a debut feature with a SAG Ultra Low Budget agreementBuilding a 40-person crew, and setting up basecamp at homePractical vs. digital: stunt days that don’t go to plan, and why it works in the editShot listing & storyboarding every beat vs. staying nimble on the dayCasting on a budget: personal letters, partnering with casting directorsPost for indies: cutting, feedback screenings, and when to let goMusic supervision 101: masters + publishing, MFN, festival vs. all-media licensesThe Kickstarter × Tubi path: hitting the goal to unlock a grant and AVOD distributionLinks from the show: FOIBLES — Official TrailerSupport FOIBLES on KickstarterSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode filmmaker and novelist Mick Lexington joins me to unpack the development phase for his debut feature Mr. Jack - an existential New York drama adapted from his own novel.Through the interview we dig into the process of raising a ~$400K production budget, why he brought on a dedicated fundraising lead, and how his “agile filmmaking” approach allows him to start elements of production ahead of principle photography. We also dive deep on writing craft - outlining, “killing your darlings,” beating procrastination with consistent routines and much more.Topics include:Working with a fundraising specialist to raise a target budget of $400K“Agile filmmaking”: building momentum by shooting key exteriors ahead of producitonCasting strategy without star names and avoiding audience-misleading cameosTurning New York City into a story engine: LES & Williamsburg as living backdropWriting cadence & anti-procrastination: consistent daily blocks vs. burstsWhy the final rewrite is the edit - and planning for pickups and pivotsLinks from the show:Mr. Jack - WebsiteMick Lexington - WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Matthew Freiheit, whose career has spanned work with major artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Nicki Minaj - and who has now broken into feature filmmaking with his debut Iconic.Shot for just $40,000 in his Los Angeles apartment and across more than 25 locations, the feature film blends arthouse style with run-and-gun energy, and has already secured distribution.Throughout our discussion we cover:Transitioning from music and fashion projects to narrative filmmakingHow Matthew maximized limited resources to create a big-scope on a micro-budgetWriting around real locations and existing gear to stretch production valueDirecting while also DP’ing and editing - and how to balance those roles effectivelyTips for pre-lighting and shooting 6–8 pages per day without sacrificing qualityWhat it’s really like taking your debut feature to AFM The evolving role of AI tools in filmmaking and how Matthew is exploring themMuch moreLinks from the show:Matthew Freiheit – InstagramIconic – InstagramIconic – WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.