Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

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.

Today I am joined by film critic turned filmmaker Jean-Baptiste Herment, here to talk about his DIY feature film Épidermique. Throughout the episode we discuss: How Jean-Baptiste produced the feature film with no crewBenefits of spreading out the production schedule over a yearDrawing inspiration from Italian cinema, Robert Rodriguez and beyondThe benefits of shooting monochrome on a low budgetUsing 4 - 5 different cameras and matching them in postThe merits of film festivals vs. online self-distributionMuch more!Links from the show: Épidermique - Instagram Akaba Media - Vimeo Akaba Media - YouYubeSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

Today I am joined by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Roger Nygard, who you might know from films like Trekkies, Suckers, and The Truth About Marriage. Throughout our discussion, we unpack Roger’s winning formula for making and selling documentary films. Topics covered include: Why $100,000 is the magic number as a starting point for your budgetThe realities of recouping your costs, and what to expect from salesHow to generate interest from multiple buyers to up your minimum guaranteeThe importance of theme from a creative and business perspectiveApplying traditional storytelling principles to challenging topicsBest practices for getting started making your next docLinks from the show:Roger Nygard - Website The Documentarian - BookSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Mark Mc Auley to discuss the creative process behind his feature film aWake, which was shot in a single day!The discussion covers his entire creative workflow, philosophical approach to filmmaking, production tactics, and loads more. Some of the topics covered include: Adapting a short film into to a featureUsing single takes to produce a feature in one dayElevating “stage play” ideas with a cinematic treatmentThe importance of setting rules for your productionHow to build your own filmmaking modelCultivating resilience for long term successCreating buzz and navigating festivalsLinks from the show:Awake - Film WebsiteMark Mc Auley - WebsiteMark Mc Auley - XMark Mc Auley - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

This episode is part 2 in the no-budget cinematography series, where we explore methods and tactics for achieving strong visuals with limited means.Topics covered include: The 33% rule for shooting coverage5 ideal coverage methods for no-budget productionsShooting scenes in a single take (while avoiding common mistakes)Alternate methods to traditional “film school” coverageHow the “scene split” technique can improve quality and save timeMuch more!These lessons offer a glimpse into my upcoming filmmaking course No-Budget Cinematography Blueprint, which will be released next week.As a listener, you can save 50% when you pre-order the course now!Simply use code: SDT50 at checkout here.