IndieFilm Insider

Sam VerMerris is a 19-year-old filmmaker from Michigan. In this episode, we go into detail about the state of indie films, what stories he likes to create, and how Gen-Z has the potential to make major contributions to the film industry. Follow Sam: https://www.instagram.com/samversea/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5mA8usHsMpG7dyX5w82vNW?si=87d892aa5ae94d1b Follow Owen: https://...

Sergio Cilli is a writer, director, and social media content creator who has gone viral for his series, "Will AI Replace Us?" In this episode, we talked with him about the dangers of AI, the strange world of social media, and how the film industry has changed over the last few decades. Follow Sergio: https://www.instagram.com/sergiocilli/ https://sergiocilli.com The Legend of Bro-Man: https://www....

Gunnar Anderson is a fitness content creator and a screenwriter. In this episode, we discuss his writing process, the importance of outlining, and how he balances his social media business with his filmmaking. Follow Gunnar: https://www.instagram.com/itsgunnaranderson/ Follow Bro-Man: https://www.instagram.com/legendofbroman/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5mA8usHsMpG7dyX5w82vNW?...

Tom Botchii is an LA-based film director who has recently made two feature films, Artik and Relentless. Having decades of experience, we go into the ins and outs of indie filmmaking and what you can do to survive in this ever-changing industry. Follow Tom: https://www.instagram.com/tombotchii/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5mA8usHsMpG7dyX5w82vNW?si=87d892aa5ae94d1b Follow Owen:...

Hadley Hillel is a writer and director currently based in Los Angeles. Hadley has collaborated with the acclaimed pop artist Chappell Roan by directing multiple music videos with her. With experience in commercials, narrative films, and commercials, there isn't a lot that Hadley hasn't done. Follow Hadley:https://www.instagram.com/hadleyhillel/http://www.hadleyhillel.comListen on Spotify: https://...

Wes Clark is a 24 year old filmmaker who is already earning a living making movies. In this episode, we learn how he started his career, how he raised $80k to fund a feature, and how he plans to scale up from here. This was an incredibly informative episode that you do not want to miss. Follow Wes:https://www.instagram.com/awesclarkfilm/https://www.howtostartacultin5-easysteps.comListen on Spotify...

Nate Rodriguez is a music video director and filmmaker based in Sacramento, California. He directs, films, and edits his music videos, giving them a unique and engaging style. In this episode, we discuss his process, why music videos have the potential to change Hollywood, and how you can get involved in creating music videos! Follow Nate:   / filmbynate   Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.c...

Raz Fritz is a wonderfully talented actor from Los Angeles. Despite being only 27 years old, he has starred in several short films that have been viewed by millions. In this episode, we discuss what it takes to get prepared for a role, the pros and cons of living in LA, and a little bit about the short film we made with him titled, 'The Big Slick'.Follow Raz:https://www.instagram.com/razfritz/http...

In this episode, Jake and Owen discuss 5+ common mistakes that indie filmmakers make and how to learn from them. They go over each film they made and figure out what mistake they made and reflect on what could've been done differently.

Jasmine Alimova is an actor who recently moved to Los Angeles and has worked with brands like Netflix and Fujifilm. In this episode, we talk with Jasmine about her acting journey, the transition to LA, and what it’s like working across indie films, theater, and larger commercial projects as well as the mysterious world of vertical dramas.

Wes Smith is a director whose latest film, Mr. TV Man, is about to make its premiere. In this episode, we talk with Wes about the inspiration behind the project, the challenges of bringing it to life, and his perspective on directing as a whole. It’s a look at the craft, process, and philosophy that shaped Mr. TV Man and the work he wants to create moving forward. Follow Wes:https://www.instagram....

In this episode, Jake and Owen share some of their most unfiltered filmmaking hot takes. From bold opinions to things they flat-out disagree on, it's a back-and-forth full of debate, honesty, and the kind of takes that might ruffle a few feathers. Be sure to comment your hot takes, and we'll reply with what we think! Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5mA8usHsMpG7dyX5w82vNW?si=87d892...

Zach Dart and Angelina McClung are two indie actors with experience in both theater and film. In this episode, we dive into acting as a medium, how it changes across stage and screen, what it demands from performers, and what keeps them coming back to it. They also star as Preston and Kali in our upcoming short film, 'I Study People For A Living'. Follow Zach: / zach_dart02 Follow Angelina: / blis...

Luca Pizzoleo is a writer and director whose short films have reached over 40 million views across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. In this episode, we talk with Luca about the creative process behind his viral short O.C.D., how he builds tone and tension in his work, and what it takes to make stories that connect without relying on huge budgets. Watch 'O.C.D.' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAfdR...

For this episode, we flipped the format. Our friend Ryan Sagun took over as host and interviewed us—something we’ve never actually done before. After 18 episodes, we realized our audience might not know much about who we are or how this whole thing started. We talk about how we got into filmmaking, what we’ve learned so far, and what keeps us going. If you’ve been listening for a while or just tun...

Carson Bain is a recent film school grad and camera operator who’s already working with serious gear. In this episode, we talk about what it’s like operating an Arri Alexa Mini LF on a student film, the transition from school to real sets, and how to make the most of what you’ve got when you're just starting out. Follow Carson: https://www.instagram.com/carson.bain/ Listen on Spotify: https://open...

Luke Ring is a writer and director behind the new short film The Little Library. In this episode, we talk about how he brought the project to life, from conception and fundraising to shooting and finishing, all while still figuring things out as a young filmmaker. We get into the creative process, what it's like making work at this stage of your career, and how to push forward when the budget, tim...

Luke Hawx is a professional wrestler, actor, and stuntman who turned a rough upbringing into a career working on films like Logan and Fast & Furious. In this episode, he talks about breaking into stunts, working with stars like Tom Cruise and Hugh Jackman, and what indie filmmakers need to know about shooting action scenes the right way. Follow Luke:https://www.instagram.com/lukehawx504/Listen...

Kyle Miller is a writer and director whose latest thesis film "For Old Times' Sake" is now expanding into a feature. In this episode, we talk with Kyle about why he feels now is the right time to take that leap. He walks us through his process, what it means to make something personal, and how he’s navigating the shift from short to feature. If you're a filmmaker trying to figure out your next big...

Explaining (almost) every film role that you need to know. Of course, we couldn't get through literally all of them but these are the most relevant/common roles you'll see on low-to-high-budget sets. If we missed something that you think is essential please comment down below!

Dean Garcia is a cinematographer, colorist, and key grip who has experience with videography and photography. He recently joined us on the set of our upcoming film "I Study People For A Living" which was his first time working on a narrative project. In this episode, we discuss the creative side of filmmaking, his film journey, and how your influences can shape your projects. Follow Dean:https://w...

David Vorderstrasse is an actor, writer, and director who has written ten feature films. In this episode, we discuss his writing process, how that affects his acting, and the status of what he hopes will become his first feature film. Follow David:https://www.instagram.com/davidvorderstrasse/https://www.instagram.com/startingqbmovie/Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5mA8usHsMpG7dyX5...

Today, Owen and Jake talk about the terminology and procedures people use when using a film slate. Watch "I'll See You Again": https://youtu.be/63VvU1Owz4IWatch 'Death Knows My Name': https://youtu.be/KcsKcWFhzPQListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5mA8usHsMpG7dyX5w82vNW?si=87d892aa5ae94d1bFollow Owen: https://www.instagram.com/owencarr.dp/Follow Jake: https://www.instagram.com/jakeros...

Phoenix Brewer is an actor who recently starred in our latest film, "I'll See You Again." In this episode, we discuss acting, what makes a good director, and the morality of portraying dark subjects in media. This episode is a must-watch, so be sure to like and subscribe to see more like it. Follow Phoenix:https://www.instagram.com/phoenixalexanderbrewer/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14083061/Watch...

Shaan Sylvain is an intimacy coordinator and filmmaker studying film at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. She tells us what an intimacy coordinator is, what they do, and her opinions on Anora. You definitely don't want to miss this episode! Follow Shaan: https://www.instagram.com/shaanypoo/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaansylvain2004