Inside Indies

The next opportunity for indie filmmakers might not be on a big screen. It might be vertical. In this episode of Inside Indies, Anthony López sits down with Nancy Pop , Senior Producer at In Case You Missed It Productions , and James Barker , Founder and CEO of Edits Etc. They discuss the booming world of microdramas and how this new format is revolutionizing the way stories are told and consumed....

Every great series starts with an idea, but it takes a team to bring it to life. In this episode of Inside Indies, Bishop Porter sits down with Emmy-winning broadcaster and producer Al Roker and bestselling novelist and author Dete Meserve. They discuss the creation of “ Weather Hunters ” , an animated series that blends storytelling, science, and education for kids. Al and Dete share the collabor...

Filmmakers and producers are driven by a vision—a compelling story, bold idea, and belief that their project will resonate. But when it comes to financing, banks and investors are focused on something else entirely: the numbers.  In this episode of Inside Indies, John Cooke sits down with Melanie Krinsky , Senior Managing Director & Head of the Entertainment Media Group at Western Alliance Ban...

Indie filmmaking isn’t for the faint of heart.  Janek Ambros , producer, director, and founder of Assembly Line Entertainment , shares his journey from finance to filmmaking and the evolution of his company. Known for his socially driven narratives, Janek has had films showcased at Sundance and other global festivals. In this episode of Inside Indies, John Cooke and Bishop Porter sit down with Jan...

The secret to staying under budget isn’t just cutting costs. It’s mastering the right tools and strategies.   In this episode of Inside Indies, seasoned line producer Steve Gruskin shares his proven methods for managing production budgets efficiently. With experience at major production companies like ABC News Studios and Embassy Row, he offers invaluable insights into budgeting, forecasting, and...

How do you produce a Grand Jury Prize-winning indie film? Daniel Tantalean joins John Cooke and Anthony López to walk us through the creative, chaotic, and deeply personal journey behind the making of “In the Summers.”  From cold emails and festival mixers to navigating production without a post supervisor, Daniel shares how he found his voice as a producer and why trusting your instincts (and you...

If your workflow feels like a bigger production than your film, Florian Reimann has a fix you’ll want to hear.  In this episode of Inside Indies, Florian joins hosts John Cooke and Steve Bizenov to share how his experience producing films, commercials, and documentaries led him to co-found Yamdu , a production management platform that streamlines everything from script breakdowns to budget exports...

Every movie has its stars, but few know about the accountants who keep them on screen. While audiences see the action, production accountants like Brad Field keep the budgets balanced, the crews paid, and the incentives in check. In this episode of Inside Indies, Bishop Porter sits down with Brad, a military veteran turned production accountant, with credits on “Bird Box,” “Knives Out,” and “The B...

What does it take to make your first film? Robert Larriviere shares the journey from conceptualizing to having an award-winning debut.  John Cooke and Bishop Porter sit down with Robert to unpack the making of This is Jan , discussing topics such as crowdfunding, casting, securing a SAG-AFTRA contract, and creating space for queer stories rooted in history. With warmth, candor, and behind-the-scen...

What if your next film could do more than win awards… What if it could spark a movement?  John Cooke sits down with Ben Arnon , co-founder of Color Farm, to discuss how independent filmmakers can use storytelling to spark social change. With his unique background in both Hollywood and Silicon Valley, Ben shares how innovation and community organizing can fuel the creation of films that are not onl...

Want to make your budget go further?   The right production incentives, from tax credits to rebates, can put real money back into your project if you know how each one works.  In this episode of Inside Indies, John Cooke breaks down the two main types of production incentives, explains terms like refundable and transferable, and shares why early planning can make or break your funding.  Key insigh...

An LLC might seem like just another legal formality, but in independent filmmaking, it’s a smart tool that safeguards your vision, your team, and your wallet.  In this episode of Inside Indies, host John Cooke shares how and why to create an LLC for your next project. You’ll learn how it protects personal assets, what it means for investors, and the practical steps to getting it done, without the...

What happens when a film runs over budget or misses its deadline?  For many filmmakers, this could mean disaster. That’s where completion bonds come in. In this episode, Fred Milstein , President and CEO of Media Guarantors, joins John Cooke to explore the world of completion bonds and how they play a crucial role in ensuring independent films are completed on time and within budget. Fred explains...

The last thing you want on set is a legal headache.  In this episode, host John Cooke explains California’s AB5 law, something every filmmaker should understand to keep their production on track. Key insights from this episode: The basics of California's AB5 law The legal risks of misclassifying workers in production How an employer of record simplifies hiring and payroll To know more about this t...

Skip the paperwork, not the progress.   In this episode, John Cooke walks you through how digital onboarding tools are streamlining production from day one.   Whether you're hiring a crew of five or fifty, discover how online start work, centralized document management, and paperless workflows can save you time, money, and stress.  Key insights from this episode:   When to implement digital onboar...

When producer Scott Glassgold flew across Europe with a monster’s head in his carry-on, it wasn’t a stunt. It was part of making Tarot , a breakout horror film that turned an $8 million budget into a nearly $50 million box office haul.    That kind of hands-on hustle is exactly what defines Scott’s approach to indie filmmaking, and what’s helped him catch the attention of studios like Universal an...

A well-crafted union agreement can make or break your indie production, and no one knows that better than Jessica Johnson and Olga Rodriguez-Aguirre of SAG-AFTRA.  John Cooke sits down with Jessica and Olga to demystify the SAG-AFTRA contracts that apply to independent films with budgets of $2 million and up. From common pitfalls to budgeting for residuals, they share the advice every indie creato...

Timecards are the quiet MVP of any union set. Boring? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely.  In this episode, John Cooke breaks down Exhibit G, the daily timecard required by SAG-AFTRA to document performer work hours, breaks, and approvals. If you’re producing under a union agreement, this form is a non-negotiable.  Whether you’re stepping onto your first union set or looking to tighten up your productio...

Thinking about casting SAG-AFTRA actors?   Before you can call “action,” you’ve got to get your paperwork in order, and that starts with becoming a signatory.   In this episode, John Cooke guides you through the process, covering everything from timelines and required paperwork to selecting the right agreement for your budget and production.  Whether you’re prepping a micro-budget short or plannin...

Hiring SAG-AFTRA talent can boost your film’s profile, but the costs can add up fast if you’re not prepared.  In this episode, host John Cooke breaks down the essential expenses you’ll face when working with union actors, from scale pay to performance bonds. He offers clear, practical advice to help independent filmmakers plan wisely, stay compliant, and avoid unexpected budget surprises.  Key ins...

Every great performance starts with one powerful choice: casting. In this episode, John Cooke sits down with casting director Kimberly Sparks to explore how she approaches indie casting with an eye for story and a heart for people. Kimberly walks us through her process of interpreting scripts, working closely with directors and talent agents, and fostering audition spaces that welcome every perfor...

Casting can make or break your film. But how do you find the right talent without a big budget or industry connections? In this episode, host John Cooke sits down with Gerardo Maravilla from Backstage to break down what indie filmmakers need to know about the modern casting process. Gerardo shares tips for discovering fresh faces and collaborating with casting directors.  Key insights from this ep...

Talent agents aren’t just for A-listers. For indie filmmakers, they’re a secret weapon for casting smarter and moving faster.  In this episode, John Cooke breaks down the role of talent agents and explains why partnering with one can make the casting process smoother, faster, and more strategic.   Whether you’re planning your first short film or gearing up for your next feature, understanding how...

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...