Filmmaking (Actually)

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! If you have any questions or comments for Koura or any of team, please reach out to us at ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠filmmakingactually@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠. If you're passionate about creating meaningful films and want to connect with like-minded filmmakers, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/space_dream_productions⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠. For as little as $1.99 a month, you can join our community and stay...

Shea E. Butler is a prolific storyteller: television writer, published author, and award-winning director/writer/producer for short films and web series. Lauded in multiple fields, Shea is an alumna of Ryan Murphy’s Half Foundation Directing Fellowship, and the Warner Bros. Television Director’s Workshop, with a prolific 18-year background as a script supervisor for film and television. If you hav...

Shea E. Butler is a prolific storyteller: television writer, published author, and award-winning director/writer/producer for short films and web series. Lauded in multiple fields, Shea is an alumna of Ryan Murphy’s Half Foundation Directing Fellowship, and the Warner Bros. Television Director’s Workshop, with a prolific 18-year background as a script supervisor for film and television. If you hav...

Chasing your dreams can be incredibly daunting. So should you just give up? Is it worth it, actually? If you have any questions or comments for Koura or any of team, please reach out to us at ⁠⁠ filmmakingactually@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠. If you're passionate about creating meaningful films and want to connect with like-minded filmmakers, check out ⁠⁠patreon.com/space_dream_productions ⁠⁠⁠. For as little as...

This isn't a topic that gets talked about enough, but it is important and something we think needs to be a regular part of conversations when it comes to working in film. Professionalism matters, and part of that is things like flirting on set. When is it ok? What if everyone just wants to "have fun"? In this quick hitter, Koura goes over when to be flirty, actually, and a few other tips for gener...

What does it cost you to use AI for everything? A few weeks ago there was a brilliant post by Ashley Amber Sava on LinkedIn, reflecting on what exactly it means to turn to AI for even the most mundane of tasks. While Koura has a lot she'd like to say on this topic, this quick hitter reflects on just that: What does using AI for everything actually cost you? If you have any questions or comments fo...

Back in 2013, as part of hitRECord on TV, Koura went to the US/Mexico boarder for a hitRECord shoot "Regarding: The Other Side." Joe held some really interesting conversations about what it means to be on "the other side" and Koura answered from her position at the time as a Production Designer working in Hollywood. She reflected on the choices she makes when driven by her art, as opposed to being...

How much of yourself should you be? Especially in a world that seems so heavily run by trends and everything else demanding that you match a mold - when should you be you and when should you be a copy? Koura Linda dives into this in another quick-hitter with just enough to keep you going! If you have any questions or comments for Koura or any of our other guests, please reach out to us at ⁠⁠⁠ film...

How do you fund your film, actually? Where do you even start? While there are an almost infinite way to raise money for a film, there are a few main categories most film finance falls into. Koura Linda answers these questions and more in this quick-hitter with just enough to keep you going! Stay tuned! If you have any questions or comments for Koura or any of our other guests, please reach out to...

How broad (or narrow) should your audience definition be? What makes up YOUR audience? How will you know when you've defined your audience? How do you connect your work with your audience? Koura Linda answers these questions and more in this quick-hitter with just enough to keep you going! Stay tuned! If you have any questions or comments for Koura or any of our other guests, please reach out to u...

Do cover letters even matter? Does anyone read them? What about when applying to a job in the world of film? Should you write them just in case...? Koura Linda answers these questions and more in this quick-hitter with just enough to keep you going! Stay tuned! If you have any questions or comments for Koura or any of our other guests, please reach out to us at ⁠⁠⁠ filmmakingactually@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠...

How much of a team does it take, actually? And how do collaborations all come together? Koura Linda answers these questions and more in this quick-hitter with just enough to keep you going! Stay tuned! If you have any questions or comments for Koura or any of our other guests, please reach out to us at ⁠⁠⁠ filmmakingactually@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠. If you're passionate about creating meaningful films and w...

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! Koura shares her own personal experiences as well as insights from industry professionals, highlighting how understanding your strengths and passions can set you up for a fulfilling and successful professional career in filmmaking. Stay tuned! If you have any questions or comments for Koura or any of our other guests, please reach out to us at ⁠ ⁠⁠filmmakingactual...

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! In this episode, Koura Linda explores the crucial topic of finding your lane in the film industry and beyond. While there's often pressure to follow a predetermined path, Koura emphasizes the importance of discovering what truly works for you based on your unique interests and skills. Learn about the process of self-discovery in filmmaking, helping you navigate th...

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! In this episode, Koura Linda dives into the hot topic of why internships matter in the film industry and beyond! Sure, classroom learning and personal projects are important. But internships go beyond the theoretical and provide invaluable real-world experience, industry connections, and a chance to apply your skills in a professional setting. Koura shares her own...

In this episode of Filmmaking (Actually), Koura Linda dives into the often misunderstood world of film producers! Sure, we've all heard of the Executive Producer who might fund your project. But did you know there are many other types of producers, each with a crucial role? From Line Producers managing budgets to Creative Producers shaping the story, Koura shares her own experiences and insights f...

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! In this episode, Koura Linda dives into the hot topic of hard skills versus soft skills in the film industry! Sure, the nitty-gritty hard skill stuff like camera work, lighting setups, and editing magic are important. But just as important are soft skills—working well with others and being a great communicator. Koura shares her own experiences and insights from in...

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! We're back, and we can’t believe we are celebrating being five years old today! Well, the podcast, not us. Join Koura Linda as she recaps the last five years and looks ahead to the future. This includes a special anniversary week featuring FIVE episodes released in one week! Stay tuned! If you have any questions or comments for Koura, please reach out to us at fil...

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! This episode is excerpted from a panel where Koura sat down for an interview discussing the latest Space Dream Productions film project, called The Heist -- which is available to watch right now for free on the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge YouTube channel -- with Dr. Stephanie Van on her YouTube channel This Ability Clinic. Koura Linda is the director and...

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! This episode is a Part One of Two excerpts from a panel exclusive to Patreon supporters diving into the ins and outs and stuff no one likes talking about: how do you finance your dreams, actually? Special guest Maya Weinreb of Solvency Now Bookkeeping joins Koura for this episode. Solvency Now is a bookkeeping company focused on delivering complete and perfect boo...

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! This episode is the Part Two, excerpted from a panel exclusive to Patreon supporters diving into the ins and outs and stuff no one likes talking about: how do you finance your dreams, actually? Special guest Maya Weinreb of Solvency Now Bookkeeping joins Koura for this episode. Solvency Now is a bookkeeping company focused on delivering complete and perfect bookke...

Listen to this special bonus episode that is a throwback to 2020, when Koura joined Spacey on an episode of The Disney Positive Podcast. Through the conversation, you find out who Koura is and what makes her that way as they discuss her views on filmmaking and creativity. Then they talk about what Koura loves about all things Disney, and the game show portion that decides what they will talk about...

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! In this episode, Koura Linda dives into that deep dark well of zero-budget filmmaking! But is it even possible? Or is it a myth? If you have any questions or comments for Koura or any of our other guests, please reach out to us at ⁠filmmakingactually@gmail.com⁠ . And if you're passionate about creating meaningful films and want to connect with like-minded film...

Welcome to another episode of Filmmaking (Actually)! In this episode, written by Spacey, Koura Linda shares a valuable piece of advice that has helped her and Spacey and other storytellers: it's all about feeling. Emotions are an essential component of storytelling, and audiences seek an emotional connection and response from what they watch. There is a misguided notion that special effects or...

In this episode, our host Koura Linda speaks with a panel of film professionals at various stages of their filmmaking  careers: SCAD 2022 Valedictorian and full-time filmmaker Sarah M. Penn, UCF Screenwriting Bachelor's Program student and Film Production Intern, Joselyn Martinez, full-time VFX artist for major Hollywood motion pictures Alex Heffner, and 2022 Austin Film Festival Winner, Write...