Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

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.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Ethan Hegel, who recently made his feature directorial debut with Purgatory Station after years of honing his craft behind the camera. Throughout the interview, Ethan shares his unique path to serving as director, DP, editor, and colorist on multiple feature films. Topics covered include:The importance of having a supportive network that encourages creative risk-takingHow color grading expertise deepened Ethan's cinematography knowledge.Adapting and improving someone else's screenplay while maintaining the core storyShooting an ambitious feature in just 7 days with minimal pre-production timePractical techniques for achieving convincing day-for-night and night-for-day lightingEffective methods for directing actors that focus on emotional motivationThe value of balancing self-sufficiency and collaboration in filmmakingLinks from the show: Ethan Hegel - Instagram Moving On - Short Film Purgatory Station - Prime Video Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by actor/director Matt Cohen (Supernatural, General Hospital, Entertainment Tonight) and producer Sean Flanagan to discuss their innovative approach to making films in today's changing landscape.Throughout our conversation, we explore their upcoming feature Exes and animated series Public Domain, while unpacking their unique production model built on relationships, creative problem-solving, and maximizing resources.Topics covered include:Juggling 12+ projects in various stages of developmentThe importance of focusing on "evergreen" concepts vs chasing trendsAchieving high production value on ultra low budgets through strategic choicesThe value of maintaining morale and team spirit on low budget productionsFinding creative solutions to budgetary limitations rather than compromising qualityBuilding a sustainable model for independent filmmaking in today's marketMuch more!Links from the show:Matt Cohen - InstagramSean Flanagan - InstagramPublic Domain Series - InstagramPublic Domain Series - IndiegogoSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Ernie Gilbert to discuss his work on A24's upcoming horror-thriller-comedy OPUS, which recently premiered at Sundance. Throughout our discussion, we explore Ernie’s creative process, his work in commercials & music videos, career building, and more. Topics covered include:The benefits of bringing editors on early in pre-productionEditing remotely while production is taking placeHow to maintain fresh eyes on long-form projectsBalancing work across features, commercials, and music videosThe transition from editing to directing and backBuilding relationships and collecting "merit badges" in the industryBest practices for managing conflicting creative notesLinks from the show: Ernie Gilbert - WebsiteErnie Gilbert - Instagram Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Rob Smat who shares his experience transitioning from the $100,000 feature film The Last Whistle to a $10,000 documentary Walkout, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.Throughout our discussion, we explore the realities of micro-budget filmmaking and distribution through the lens of both projects. Topics covered include:• How scaling down production increases creative control• Working with traditional distributors vs. self-distribution platforms• Marketing & AVOD strategies for micro-budget films• The importance of building a sustainable filmmaking career• The value of making multiple films vs. betting only on one project• Finding success through grassroots marketing and community outreachLinks from the show: Film Collaborative's Distributor Report Card BitMAXWalkout - FilmWalkout - Companion PodcastSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday