The Indie Coach

“Should I attend a film festival or a film market?” My answer: A film market should absolutely be in your plan. Festivals can help you build visibility, connect with audiences, and celebrate your work. Film markets put you in conversations about buyers, distribution, and getting your movie to paying audiences. But showing up isn’t enough. Know who you want to meet, what you’re offering, and what y...

Making a good movie is only half the battle. In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker and entrepreneur Steven Lloyd-Bennett to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing independent filmmakers today: getting their films seen. Steven shares his perspective on why quality films can disappear after they’re finished, why filmmakers need to think about audience and distribution much earlier in t...

Source: https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-wh2g6-1b3b317 What would you do if you were 45 years old, had $10,000 saved, and had spent years trying to break into filmmaking? That’s the question I threw at filmmaker, founder of One Grand Film, and upcoming VIP Film and TV Summit presenter, AJ Rome, on this episode of the Indie Film Coach. His answer? Stop chasing the mythical person who is going to disc...

What would you do if you were 45 years old, had $10,000 saved, and had spent years trying to break into filmmaking? That’s the question I threw at filmmaker, founder of One Grand Film, and upcoming VIP Film and TV Summit presenter, AJ Rome, on this episode of the Indie Film Coach. His answer? Stop chasing the mythical person who is going to discover you, finance you, or finally give you permission...

What would you do if you were 45 years old, had $10,000 saved, and had spent years trying to break into filmmaking? That’s the question I threw at filmmaker, founder of One Grand Film, and upcoming VIP Film and TV Summit presenter, AJ Rome, on this episode of the Indie Film Coach. His answer? Stop chasing the mythical person who is going to discover you, finance you, or finally give you permission...

I recently sat down with filmmaker Bryan Redding, a writer, director, cinematographer, and the creator behind Deaf Director. Bryan is deaf, and instead of allowing that to push him away from filmmaking, it has shaped the way he sees the craft. He has become intensely focused on visual storytelling, communication, preparation, and finding creative solutions when resources are limited. We talk about...

Most indie filmmakers think they have a rejection problem. They have a "nobody's waiting for it" problem. Here's the difference - and what to build first. Free: VIP Film & TV Summit, August 30 – September 5, 2026. Film financiers, a distributor, and TV producers on how they actually evaluate and buy independent films. Register: https://www.vipfilmandtvsummit.com/

Every feature needs more than a great idea. It needs a plan. In the newest episode of the Indie Coach Podcast, I sit down with Jon Fitzgerald, co-founder of the Slamdance Film Festival and former director of AFI Fest, to discuss how filmmakers can create a roadmap that takes their projects from concept to audience. Too many filmmakers concentrate entirely on developing and producing the movie, onl...

Your film may not have a funding problem. It may have a risk problem. In this episode, Ron breaks down a practical roadmap for moving a film from its highest-risk starting point toward full financing. You’ll learn how to raise development capital, build meaningful leverage, cross the 30% funding tipping point, secure the right attachments, and approach strategic partners when your project is ready...

Talking to investors too early could actually make your film harder to fund. The industry tells filmmakers to start networking immediately. But conversations without leverage often lead to silence, rejection, and burned opportunities. So, when should you approach potential partners? The answer may be later than you think. Listen to learn what you need in place before making that call. Listen befor...

In this episode of the Indie Coach Podcast, filmmaker and screenwriter Clint Ross shares how he built momentum from outside the traditional Hollywood system and secured both management and agency representation. Clint breaks down the real work behind getting noticed, from screenplay competitions and platforms like Roadmap Writers and The Black List to developing relationships with companies such a...

In this episode of the Indie Coach Podcast, filmmaker and screenwriter Clint Ross shares how he built momentum from outside the traditional Hollywood system and secured both management and agency representation. Clint breaks down the real work behind getting noticed, from screenplay competitions and platforms like Roadmap Writers and The Black List to developing relationships with companies such a...

In this episode, I sat down with Kristen Ruhlin, a film and television executive, for a great conversation about the world of TV and the broader entertainment industry. Kristen has been doing an excellent job on TikTok, offering an insider’s perspective on film and television, and I really appreciated the insight, honesty, and experience she brought to this conversation. Kristen Ruhlin | Film/TV E...

You can have a great script, a strong cast, a beautiful pitch deck, and real momentum, but one bad contract, unclear rights issue, or handshake deal can put the entire project at risk. On this episode of The Indie Coach Podcast, I sit down with Jalene Mack, Esq, Entertainment Attorney, to talk about why having an attorney on your team is not just for “big Hollywood.” Jalene Mack | Attorney , Actre...

Film Marketing and Understanding Your Audience Most indie filmmakers don’t have a marketing problem - they have an audience clarity problem. In this episode of The Indie Coach Podcast, we talk about why filmmakers need to know who their film is for before they shoot, raise money, or build a distribution plan. Because “my film is for everyone” is not a strategy. We cover why audience clarity affect...

AI is not the enemy. But lazy, careless, unethical use of AI absolutely can be. In this new episode of The Indie Coach, I talk with Damion Taylor about how filmmakers can use AI ethically for real wins - not shortcuts, not gimmicks, but practical support for the pain points indie filmmakers face every day. This is also part of a new format for the show. Instead of broad conversations, we are going...

You don’t need “one investor.” You need an investor pool.   If you only have a few people to ask, you don’t have a funding strategy - you have hope.   In my free webinar, I’ll show you how to start finding and organizing potential investor candidates the right way.   Email me: INVESTORS and I’ll send you the details. ron@theconceptcompass.com  

Most filmmakers are asking the wrong question. It’s not just, “How do I make my movie?” It’s also, “Will this sell... and what happens after it’s finished?” In my latest podcast episode, I sat down with Brad Silverman to talk about the side of filmmaking too many creatives overlook: what filmmakers often get wrong how companies like Kappa can help projects that don’t quite land whether post, distr...

Most creators are not thinking big enough about their story. On the latest episode of The Indie Coach Podcast, I interview Lindsey Hughes of PitchMaster.com about how to pitch your project better and how to take your script and turn it into a book. We talk pitching, elevator pitches, lookbooks, comps, financials, IP development, and why your story may have more value than just one format. If you a...

Vivian Owen joins the podcast to talk about fighting for female filmmakers, her passion for indie horror, and the real-world hustle behind getting projects off the ground. From festivals and crowdfunding to shorts, reps, and building a resume that makes people take you seriously, this is a grounded and inspiring conversation for filmmakers trying to carve out their path. Reach out to Vivian here:...

Great dialogue doesn’t just sound cool. It reveals character, creates tension, and keeps people watching. In this episode, I talk with Jeff Elkins, aka The Dialogue Doctor, about how to write sharper dialogue and stronger screenplays. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, there’s a lot here to level up your storytelling. Jeff's Book "The Dialogue Doctor" https://amzn.to/4lU5IBY Books on...

In this episode of The Indie Coach Podcast, Ron welcomes game designer, mentor, and consultant Felipe Fleming for a conversation about game development, creative growth, and navigating the industry. Whether you're an aspiring developer or just curious about how games come to life, this episode offers valuable insight.

You might not have a story problem. You might have a title problem. And if that stings a little = good. Because before anyone reads your logline, watches your trailer, or opens your pitch deck; they read two or three words. Two seconds. That’s how long it takes for their brain to decide: 👉 Do I care? 👉 Do I get it? 👉 Is this for me? Most indie films don’t die because they’re bad. They die becau...

Most indie filmmakers are waiting for permission. Jason Horton didn’t. I just sat down with veteran indie filmmaker Jason Horton - a guy who has written, directed, produced, and distributed dozens of films without waiting for Hollywood to call. No fantasy. No “one big break.” Just volume, strategy, and understanding distribution before cameras roll. If you’re serious about building a sustainable c...

Indie filmmakers don’t get stuck because they lack talent, they get stuck because they don’t know the next step. If your project feels stalled, this is for you. I’m hosting a FREE Indie Filmmaker Bootcamp to give you a clear A–Z game plan (what to do next, and what to stop doing). Seats are limited. Grab your spot now:👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filmmaker-bootcamp-get-your-plan-of-action-ticke...