Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

This week, I’m joined by Alrik Bursell - co-host of the very popular Making Movies Is Hard Podcast. Alrik is currently in the midst of fundraising for his upcoming feature film - The Alternate - an ambitious sci-fi film he’s been developing for 5 years.Over the course of our interview, Alrik and I talk about the fundraising process at length. Topics covered include: Securing initial seed money, approaching investors, attending film markets, crowdfunding and much more. This is a must listen for anyone looking to raise money for their movie.Links from the show -Seed & Spark CampaignThe Alternate On FacebookThe Alternate On InstagramThe Alternate On TwitterMaking Movies Is Hard PodcastFor more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

Most indie filmmakers are guilty of overlooking the importance of sound, but my guest this week - Woody Woodhall - is here to change that. Woody is an acclaimed post-audio engineer, owner of LAPPG and Allied Post, and has played an instrumental role in hundreds of television and film projects.Over the course of our discussion, Woody outlines the most pressing sound-related issues known to plague independent filmmakers, and shares insight on how to avoid them entirely. We also touch on a whole host of other topics including: career advice, tips for on set audio production, workflow considerations, and much more.Links from the show:Allied PostLAPPGWoody's book on Amazon  For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

This week my guest is Zach Lipovsky, the co-director of the theatrically released feature film Freaks, which stars Emile Hirsch and Bruce Dern. Zach and his partner Adam were able to successfully raise financing for their script, attach A-list actors, land a premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and sell their movie for $2,000,000.Over the course of this episode, we walk through the A to Z of this process - from the beginning stages of raising private equity to production, film festivals, and theatrical distribution. Zach shares an incredible amount of tactical advice on the business side of things, which can surely serve as a blueprint for other filmmakers with big screen aspirations. Links from the show -https://twitter.com/zachlipovskyhttps://instagram.com/zach.lipovskyhttps://www.freaks.movieGet a free copy of the shotlister app by emailing showdonttell@shotlister.comFor more content like this visit https://noamkroll.com

One of the most prolific indie filmmakers in recent years is undoubtedly Joe Swanberg. He’s best known for his feature film Drinking Buddies, but has made dozens of other features - including a string of 7 that he produced and directed in just one year.Back in 2016 Joe delivered an amazing Keynote at SXSW that focuses on the business of making and selling truly independent feature films. In this week’s episode, I distilled my 8 biggest takeaways from his keynote and shared some of my own thoughts on each point. Topics covered include: Why working with no money can be better than some money, when to invest in your own films, how shooting 25 pages can yield great results, why you should spend as little as possible on production, and much more.You can watch Joe’s full SXSW keynote here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=hNDMo0ax17EFor more content like this visit https://www.noamkroll.com

More feature films are being made than ever before, and as a result the market is completely saturated with content. This has made it harder than ever for indie filmmakers to make a living with their work, or to turn any sort of profit... But with the right approach to the process - specifically during pre-production - you can lay the groundwork for a more sellable and marketable film, which will ultimately translate to financial success.In this episode, I address this challenge at length, sharing 5 of the most crucial pre-production considerations that all filmmakers should take into account. These lessons are extracted from my Feature Filmmaking Masterclass and are a must-listen for any filmmaker looking to create a viable final product that can help launch their career.Learn more about the Feature Filmmaking Masterclass here: https://noamkroll.com/the-ultimate-micro-budget-feature-filmmaking-masterclass-is-coming-exclusive-pre-order-available-for-a-limited-time/And visit https://www.noamkroll.com for more content like this.

This week, writer/director Joshua Caldwell returns with a follow up to his interview back on Episode 71. In 2014 Josh achieved breakout success with his $6000 micro-budget film Layover, which paved the way for a directing gig for Hulu, and several feature films - including his most recent film (Southland) with Bella Thorne.Over the course of our discussion, Josh picks up where we left off on part 1, outlining his career path after achieving success with his debut feature. We talk about his experience directing a fully budgeted series for Hulu, and how that project helped him form a new approach too filmmaking as a whole. We also discuss the importance of prioritizing extra shooting days over a bigger crew, how agency reps can make or break your career, whether or not you need to live in LA as a filmmaker, and so much more.Links from the show -Layover On iTunes - http://https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/layover/id1102592500Layover On Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Layover-Natalie-Fay/dp/B01GKOUYKK/Joshua’s Website - www.Joshua-Caldwell.comJoshua On Twitter - www.twitter.com/joshua_caldwellJoshua On Instagram - www.instagram.com/joshuacaldwelldirectorFor more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

Today I address one of the most common questions asked by filmmakers - How do you make a living in the film business in 2019?While it may not be easy, building a long-term sustainable career as a filmmaker is absolutely possible. Over the course of this episode, I outline some of the most crucial variables that play into the success of any filmmaker, and can serve as a foundation for any aspiring artist.Topics covered include: diversifying your efforts, the importance of specialization, creating multiple revenue streams, and developing your artistry. For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

There’s no denying that building an audience is an essential part of success for working filmmakers today. Gaining a following through a blog, YouTube channel or social platform is arguably the most effective step filmmakers can take to make a living through their artwork.Speaking on the subject of audience building this week is none other than David Cogen. While he isn't a filmmaker in the traditional sense, David has been creating content for years under the company name The Unlockr. With a focus on mobile devices and other consumer tech, David has amassed well over 500,000 subscribers on YouTube while simultaneously gaining countless followers on his blog and social platforms. Over the course of this episode, he outlines his methodology for building a large audience of fans who are likely to become paying subscribers down the road. This should be especially relevant for any filmmaker looking to sell their own content, courses, or feature films via DIY distribution.Links from the show:http://www.theunlockr.comDavid's course - https://mailchi.mp/theunlockr.com/coursesitesignupFor more content like this visit http://www.noamkroll.com

After a brief hiatus, Show Don’t Tell returns this week with our amazing guest Lawrence Jordan. If you’re a fan of movies, chances are you’ve seen some of Lawrence’s work. His career began as an assistant on iconic feature films like Back To The Future and Terms of Endearment, before editing countless features like Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigalo, Riding In Cards With Boys and 50 Shades of Black, just to name a few.Throughout this interview Lawrence shares key lessons he’s learned over the past few decades, working as an editor on Hollywood-level feature films and world renowned television series. A must listen for any filmmaker looking for a blueprint for breaking into the business and staying there.Sponsors:Shotlister.com -Email showdonttell@shotlister.com to download the app for free!Music Bed - Enter promo code SHOWDONTTELL at checkout for your first month of subscription free, or 20% off your first purchase.Links from the show:Larry On IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0266377Master The Workflow - https://mastertheworkflow.com Psychosynthesis - https://www.psychosynthesismovie.com

This week, I’m joined by Adriaan Kirchner - an incredibly accomplished LA-based cinematographer with a truly stunning body of work. Adriaan has shot projects for celebrities like Kanye West and Jamie Foxx, amazing narrative films like “The Lima” (which premiered at Tribeca film festival), and has worked with countless high profile brands on commercial and branded content.During our discussion, Adriaan shares his wealth of knowledge on the craft and business of working as a full time DP. We trace his entire career trajectory and explore key lessons learned along the way, including the importance of surrounding yourself with the right collaborators. Other topics covered include: Investing in gear, shooting spec material, lighting based on camera choice, and loads more.This episode is brought to you by http://www.cinecolor.ioLinks from the show -http://www.adriaankirchner.comhttp://www.instagram.com/agetimehttp://www.glaaascollective.comFor more content like this visit - http://www.noamkroll.com