Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

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

In this episode, I am joined by film editor Stephania Dulowski to discuss her work on the Sundance dramatic competition feature film Bunny Lover. We dive deep into her editorial process and explore the tactics she used to pull off an amazing edit in record time.Topics covered include:Completing a first cut in just one monthNavigating test screenings and filmmaker feedbackThe importance of technical skills and communication in editingEditorial workflow breakdown from dailies review to final cutBalancing creative vision with practical constraintsLinks from the show:Stephania Dulowski's WebsiteStephania Dulowski's InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I am thrilled to be joined by actor and filmmaker Samantha Scaffidi, known for her role in the massively successful Terrifier franchise, and her upcoming short film Open Your Eyes.Thought the episode, Samantha offers a unique perspective on independent filmmaking from both sides of the camera. We unpack how the Terrifier films evolved from a $30,000 micro-budget horror film to a $2M theatrical blockbuster, while maintaining its independent spirit - thanks to director Damien Leone's uncompromising vision.We also explore the realities of modern independent filmmaking, the importance of artistic integrity, and why sometimes less resources can lead to more creative freedom. Samantha shares insights from her experience both acting in micro-budget productions and directing high-end commercials, ultimately explaining why she chose to return to her independent filmmaking roots.Topics covered include: How Terrifier evolved from a $30K first film to a $2M third installmentThe crew behind the original Terrifier, and how director Damien Leone handled multiple rolesSamantha’s transition from acting to directing, including doc work and commercial projectsHer upcoming psychological horror short film Open Your EyesThe profound influence of John Cassavetes on Samantha’s artistic philosophyThe realities of film festival programming and industry networkingThe challenges of balancing commercial work with personal creative projectsLinks from the show: Samantha Scaffidi – InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I am joined by director Misha Calvert and actor Raye Spielberg to unpack their latest short film PINK FLAGS - a figure skating drama that stars both Raye and her husband Sawyer Spielberg.Throughout our discussion, we dive into the collaborative process at length, with special emphasis on the merits of working with close friends and family. Topics covered include:Misha's journey from directing comedy & TV to making a full scale short filmTurning a $50K budget into $300K of production valueRaye's three months of figure skating training & how it helped set this film apartThe dynamics of actor-director workflows when working with friendsBenefits of short films vs. long form projectsMuch more!Links from them show:Misha Calvert - InstagramMisha Calvert - WebsiteMisha Calvert - ClassesRaye Spielberg - InstagramRaye Spielberg - WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Shannon E. Brown, here to discuss her latest short film Overnights - inspired by her real life experience in the veterinary industry, and the burnout that it caused.Shannon combined her background in the veterinary world, improv comedy, and horror sensibilities to create a deeply personal, uniquely stylized short film. Throughout the interview, we discuss:The parallels between comedy and horror genres in filmmakingProducing the film in two days in a borrowed dental officeWorking with Little Shop of Gore for practical effectsWriting from real experiences in the veterinary industryStrategic approaches to film festival submissionsExperiences at notable genre festivals like Panic FestWorking with comedy performers in dramatic rolesMuch more!Links from the show: Overnights - Short FilmShannon E. Brown - InstagramShannon E. Brown - WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Kim Noonan, who made his feature directorial debut at age 50 with two horror films - proving you can take your career to the next level at any age.After years of making award-winning short films, Kim transitioned to features with the found-footage horror film Nyctophobia and followed it up with the supernatural thriller Are You There? which secured distribution through Dark Sky Films.Topics covered include:Kim's journey from acting to directingMaking his feature filmmaking debut at age 50How he made a micro-budget found footage film in 10 daysScaling up to a larger production while maintaining creative controlThe importance of casting and giving actors space to find their charactersMaintaining momentum and avoiding creative burnoutThe distinction between festival success and commercial distributionLinks from the show:Kim Noonan – WebsiteKim Noonan – InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Sripal Sama, who turned his engineering background into an advantage when crafting his debut feature How's That for Monday?While holding down his day job as an IT security engineer, Sripal managed to write, direct, and produce a compelling thriller for just $65,000 - and secured theatrical distribution in both the US and India. Our discussion dives deep into his filmmaking approach and distribution journey.Topics covered include:How Sripal benefitted from his background outside the film industryShooting a 68-page script in 16.5 days across 5 key locationsCreative approaches to minimal coverage that still tell a compelling storyNavigating theatrical releases in two countries without a major marketing budgetReaching 50% budget recoupment through strategic platform selectionDrawing inspiration from both American indie cinema and Indian filmmaking techniquesLinks from the show:Sripal Sama - TwitterSripal Sama -  InstagramSripal Sama - EmailSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.