Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality

In this episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality, filmmaker Jeff Deverett sits down with Production Manager Kelli Lessie for an honest conversation about the real-life challenges behind indie film production. Kelli shares what it really means to manage a set, juggle chaos, and stay committed to the project no matter what. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jeff Deverett sits down with wardrobe specialist and organizing expert Maribeth Moy to dive into the realities of managing wardrobe on a tight budget in indie filmmaking. Together, they explore the creative ways filmmakers can dress their actors without breaking the bank—often relying on items actors already own, thrifted pieces, or repurposed wardrobe elements. Maribeth Moy share...

In this episode, Jeff Deverett dives into crowdfunding and equity funding for your indie film project. He shares valuable insights on how to get donations and the importance of offering rewards for different donation levels. Jeff also explains how to effectively pitch your campaign, even without having any footage of your film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jeff Deverett dives into the world of tax credits for indie filmmakers. He covers: The Dos and Don’ts: Essential tips for navigating the tax credit process successfully. Financing Complexities: An in-depth look at how getting financing can be a tangled web. Tax Credit Routes: Exploring different ways to receive tax credits, including refundable and transferable options, depending...

Indie Filmmaking with Jeff DeverettIn this episode, Jeff Deverett breaks down the essentials of pitching your movie to an investor—affectionately referred to as “Uncle Charlie.” Jeff emphasizes that when you’re in the room with a potential backer, you’ve got about 30 minutes to make your case—and it’s not just about the story. He makes a key point: Uncle Charlie doesn’t actually care about your mo...

In this episode, Jeff dives into one of the biggest challenges indie filmmakers face: securing financing. He shares insights on the uphill battle of finding funding and breaks down practical steps to help you attract third-party investors—whom he affectionately refers to as “Uncle Charlies.”Jeff also explores alternative financing options, such as reaching out to family and friends, and offers val...

So many indie filmmakers begin their journey with a passion project—or a story they’ve always wanted to tell. But if you want your film to reach an audience and have commercial success, you need to start somewhere else. In this episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality, Jeff Deverett makes the case for starting with your audience, not your script. Before you write a single page, he challenges y...

Most indie filmmakers set out to tell great stories—but what they often don’t realize is that great stories aren’t enough. Without a clear understanding of how the business of filmmaking works, even the most beautifully crafted movies can fail to find an audience—or worse, never get made at all. In this first episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality, filmmaker, educator, and distribution veter...

Film school taught you how to make a movie—this show teaches you how to get it financed and distributed. In bite-sized 30-minute episodes, filmmaker and distribution expert Jeff Deverett gives you the real-world advice film schools leave out. From raising money to getting your movie on screens (and making your money back), Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality breaks down the business side of indie fi...