Inside Indies

Meal breaks might not seem like a big deal…until they cost your production thousands. In this episode, John Cooke discusses the rules around crew meals and the costly penalties that can sneak up on independent filmmakers. He also shares practical tips on union and nonunion requirements to help you stay compliant, on schedule, and within budget. Key insights from this episode: When meal penalties k...

Stranded in the Atlantic Ocean for 76 days with nothing but a life raft, a spear, and sheer will, Steven Callahan’s true survival story became the obsession of filmmaker Joe Wein .  In this episode, host John Cooke sits down with Joe to explore how he transformed this impossible story into an award-winning documentary. Joe shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of bringing 76 Days Adrift to life...

Insurance may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most important safeguards in film production. In this episode of Inside Indies, host John Cooke explains the must-know terms of production insurance, from general liability and workers’ comp to Certificates of Insurance, to protect your crew, gear, and peace of mind. Key insights from this episode: What a COI is and when you need it The core poli...

This is Inside Indies, powered by Cast & Crew. In each episode, we take a look at what it takes to make an indie film and share advice on things like funding, planning, and getting a project across the finish line, without a studio-sized budget.