Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

Filmmaker Emily Elizabeth Thomas joins me this week to break down the making of her debut feature film Keily: Homecoming Dweeb, a YA romance that bridges classic rom-com elements with bold visual experimentation.Emily shares how the project grew out of a Candy Jar–financed vertical web series, why she embraced an unconventional format to connect with Gen Z, and how she maintained her distinctive voice on both the series and the feature.We also dive deep into practical directing craft - from navigating budgets and production constraints to lens testing, working with young actors, rewriting on set, and keeping tone at the center of every decision. Topics include:Moving from commercials to narrative filmmaking by way of a vertical seriesWhy embracing nontraditional formats can expand your audience reachPractical strategies for navigating low budgets without sacrificing visionThe role of zoom lenses and lens testing in creating emotional storytellingBuilding authentic performances with young actors through collaborative rehearsalsManaging tone as a director’s primary responsibilityMuch more.Links from the show:Watch Keily: Homecoming Dweeb on Candy JarKeily: Homecoming Dweeb on IMDbEmily Elizabeth Thomas – Official PortfolioSign up for exclusive filmmaking newsletters each Sunday.

In this episode, I’m joined by director and photographer Dave Hill to discuss the making of his second feature film — a visually dynamic, deeply personal story shot with virtually no crew in the Arizona desert. All on the Blackmagic Pocket 4K.Throughout the interview we dive deep into Dave’s tactics and workflow, and explore how they empowered him to fully own the visual language of his film. Topics covered include:Why Dave ditched the traditional crew structure and shot entirely handheldHow the Blackmagic Pocket 4K + Micro Four Thirds sensor unlocked his styleThe pros and cons of running sound without a sound personLeveraging camera choice and post-production to mimic the 16mm film aestheticRecasting day players, last-minute locations, and other stories from setWhy low-budget filmmaking is actually a gift when paired with the right creative visionMuch more!Links from the show:Dave Hill – InstagramDave Hill – WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Julian Sol Jordan to talk about his self-made debut feature Real Life — an 82-minute hybrid narrative-documentary that was shot, directed, edited, colored, and mixed entirely by himself.The film, which screened recently at the Texas Theatre in Dallas thanks to a generous grant from David Lowery, is a raw, poetic exploration of early adulthood, nostalgia, and the struggle to find meaning in your 20s.Throughout our conversation, Julian and I unpack the entire creative process, from rediscovering dusty VHS tapes in his attic to crafting a structure out of chaos with no script in hand. Topics covered include: How Julian shot 80% of the film alone using everything from a Blackmagic to an iPhone 4The value of embracing lo-fi footage and imperfections to elevate emotional truthWhy David Lowery funded the premiere and how their mentorship beganThe unexpected benefit of not writing a script — and when to start one next timeHow old home movies became the emotional anchor of the filmWhy guerrilla filmmaking might be Julian’s path forwardMuch more!Links from the show:Julian Sol Jordan – InstagramJulian Sol Jordan – YouTubeSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by DP Justyn Moro, whose cinematography career has included collaborations with artists like Jared Leto, Tom Delonge and countless others - and most recently has been shooting features and television at Tyler Perry Studios.Justyn shares the full scope of his creative journey—how he got started shooting music videos, learning cinematography on the road with Jared Leto, and making the leap into narrative storytelling on projects like Monsters of California and Beauty in Black. Topics covered include:Breaking into the film industry with zero connectionsShooting documentary and music video content with Jared Leto across the globeLessons from working on Monsters of California with Tom DeLongeTransitioning from music videos to narrative film & televisionJustyn’s approach to prep, lighting, and working fast on setCreative collaboration with directors and building a strong crew dynamicWhy a clear vision and openness to collaboration make the best directorsLinks from the show:Justyn Moro – WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Felipe Vargas - whose viral horror short films helped him land his feature film debut Rosario.Throughout our discussion, we explore Felipe’s journey from DIY shorts to large scale feature productions and lessons learned along the way. Topics covered include: How Felipe's childhood passion for horror and folklore shaped his filmmaking styleThe success of his short films, including Milk Teeth which garnered 15 million views on YouTubeThe realities of getting representation and what comes afterHow his feature film Rosario came together after developing relationships with producersShooting across two countries (New York and Colombia) on a sub-$10 million budgetThe importance of being consistently productive and self-generative as a filmmakerUsing test screenings effectively and the value of planning for pickup shotsThe unique character-first approach Felipe uses to break down scripts and scenesLinks from the show:Felipe Vargas - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Joe Burke to discuss his incredible journey making the feature film Burt for just $7,000. Executive produced by David Gordon Green, the film follows a street musician with Parkinson's disease who discovers he has a son.Throughout our conversation, we explore Joe's innovative approach to micro-budget filmmaking, including how he infused real-life relationships into the narrative. Topics covered include: How Joe cast his non-actor subjects in their first ever film rolesShooting an entire feature in 7 days with just a 3-person crewThe strategic use of black & white cinematography to elevate production valueCreating compelling narrative films without traditional scriptsNavigating 28 festival rejections before winning Best Picture awardsSelf-distributing via theatrical screenings while building community partnershipsLinks from the show:Burt The Movie - WebsiteJoe Burke - Instagram (@joeburkfilm)Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Christopher Folkens to discuss his debut feature film The Catalyst - a psychological thriller that was produced in just 8 shooting days.Throughout our discussion, we explore the unconventional production methods Christopher employed, including structured improvisation and a non-traditional shooting schedule.Topics covered include:Why Christopher chose to embrace structured improvisation with actorsHow they filmed nearly half the movie in a single nightCompleting a feature film in just 8 total shooting daysThe evolution from a 12-person proof of concept to a 7-person final castUsing obstacles as opportunities in low-budget productionThe benefits of having an editing background as a directorFinding the balance between having a plan and remaining flexible on setLinks from the show:Christopher Folkens - InstagramThe Catalyst Movie - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Clinton Cornwell to discuss his feature film 12 Months, which he shot over the course of two years (and 60 shooting days) in a style inspired by Richard Linklater's Boyhood.Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into Clinton's unique production approach and creative process. Topics covered include: Creating an improvised relationship drama shot over real timeWorking with a minimal crew (often just 3 people) across 60 shooting daysThe benefits and challenges of spreading production over two yearsFinding actors comfortable with improvisation and maintaining their commitmentBalancing structure and spontaneity in an improvised filmManaging 200+ hours of footage during post-productionThe advantages of being a "jack of all trades" filmmakerLinks from the show: 12 Months FilmClinton Cornwell - InstagramClinton Cornwell - Letterboxd Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Nick Psinakis to discuss his journey creating four feature films with creative partner Kevin Ignatius and how they've developed a sustainable model for indie filmmaking.Throughout our conversation, we explore their evolution from DIY beginnings to community-supported productions, with special emphasis on how they've maintained high production value on micro-budgets. Topics covered include:Their progression from a $65K genre film to their newest feature, "Valley View Motel"Building strong community support in small-town Pennsylvania as a production baseMaximizing efficiency with minimal crew and strategic location planningCreative approaches to chronological shooting and managing weather variablesNavigating the ever-changing sales and distribution landscapeThe delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial viabilityTheir post-production workflow and co-directing dynamicLinks from the show: 418 Films - Instagram Cheat - Watch on Amazon Prime Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Vivian Kerr to discuss her journey from acting to directing and how she successfully brought her first two feature films to life without traditional industry connections. Vivian's debut feature, Scrap - a family dramedy starring herself alongside Anthony Rapp (Rent, Star Trek Discovery) - completed a two-year festival run spanning 43 festivals before its recent VOD release. She followed this quickly with her second feature, Seance, a psychological thriller that recently premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Throughout our conversation, we explored:Vivian's background and transition from theater to filmmakingThe genesis of Scrap and its exploration of hidden homelessnessHow she leveraged a short film version of Scrap to secure feature financingUsing the equity crowdfunding platform WeFunder to raise the bulk of her financingManaging post-production on one film while doing a festival run with anotherThe genesis of Seance and writing a contained feature during the pandemicWhy believable performances are the foundation of good directingLinks from the show:Scrap - MovieSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.