SBP Podcast Mobile Filmmaking

In episode 141 I invite L.A. filmmaker Levi Austin Morris back for an update on his iPhone feature film, Paralysis. We talk about the completion of the film and funding campaign. Details on turning a horror story into an entertaining, high quality film using iPhone 11 Pro & iPhone 12 Pro. Why he connected his own story to sleep paralysis. Topics we discuss: - The props, locations, actors, make...

Episode 140 is a treat! We discuss feature documentary filmmaking with director Chris Collier. Chris and I take a deep dive into the genre from his perspective as a filmmaker. We discuss his feature doc, FrightFest: Beneath the Dark Heart of Cinema. We go all in on what you need to know to make your own documentary film. Chris thinks your smartphone camera is ideal for the genre. Are you up for th...

In this episode 139 I share how the stars connect to moments and moments turn into stories. Then I share insights on how the turning point for a filmmaker in an industry that is revolutionizing could be the biggest decision to making a successful film. Read inspiring articles on our Smartphone Filmmaking Publication, including an article that accompanies this episode: https://medium.com/smartphone...

In episode 138 I introduce Alex Reid to our listeners and also introduce Alex to some of the accomplishments previous filmmakers have made using smartphones to make films. Alex made a film, The Countdown, with no gear or crew and filmed it using his iPhone.  “We are all just one strange moment away from going viral.” —The Countdown We discuss several topics, such as  Alex’s film The Countdown A tr...

In episode 137 I share a radio interview. The interview took place at Grossmont College by Griffin Radio Show Host Paulina Colis. She asked me to share my journey with smartphone filmmaking, our podcast, and how the vision came to be during my time at the college during September 11, 2001. I also share some words for students on their journey which Paulina found inspiring. We discuss several topic...

In episode Number 136, I share some tips and reasons on why and how you can start filmmaking today. After listening to this episode, you’re going to want to. I recorded this episode early the same morning I published it, drinking espresso. How to start filmmaking without a story? Really? Yes! I’ll share how you can without breaking my rule: Story first.  I discuss several topics, such as: The magi...

In episode 135 we have a very resourceful discussion with Joey Min and Stephanie Pham of Art School Dropouts: A Film Production Company and YouTube Channel based in the east coast. They are a media group that creates narrative-driven weekly exciting, fun and “feel-good” content. We discuss how to build a family to work with on more than one project. *Correction in the title: Joey Min is the correc...

In episode 134 we bring you Jasper Capalad. Jasper is a multi-talented creator, with a great number of talents and skills. One of them is making movies with his iPhone. He’s recently won an award with his fan film, Spider-Man: Field Day. Which won ‘Best Fan Film’ at the Tarzana Comic Con Film FestThe film won over another incredible film shot with a traditional camera. His film was made with only...

In episode 133 we have an instructive discussion with our friend Ant Pruitt of Hands On Photography. Ant Pruitt has accepted an invitation to sit on two judging panels for the 12th edition of the International Mobile Film Festival.  Some things we discuss: The smartphone photography myth Printing smartphone photos to canvas Photography basics for all photographers Pixels and resolution Storytellin...

In episode 132 I have a great discussion with Shola Ajayi. Shola is an instructor at Ithaca College in upstate New York. She founded UR4Africa as a filmmaker after her experience filming in Lagos. We discuss Nollywood, New Nollywood and making movies with mobile phones. Some things we discuss: What is Nollywood and New Nollywood Storytelling is part of culture How we’re missing stories from elders...

In episode 131 I bring you independent filmmakers, Ryan and Brandie McDonald from Ogden, Utah. They submitted a feature film shot with an iPhone for the International Mobile Film Festival in San Diego back in 2020 and attended the festival this past April for the 11th edition and presented a workshop at the festival. We'll discuss their workshop on feature filmmaking with iPhone and indie filmmaki...

In this episode 130 I invited my pioneer colleague Max Schleser, in Melbourne, to share some uplifting history of 2011 versus today. Where do we go from here? This episode is based on the news late last week that Filmic Pro has been acquired by a company and it has moved into a subscription based app. The pricing is out of touch with mobile filmmakers worldwide. Some things we discuss: - What Film...

In this episode 129 I share the story of why indie filmmakers are embracing smartphone filmmaking and why mobile filmmakers should acknowledge where we are today. Some things I talk about: Distribution potential for your feature film shot with a smartphone Independent filmmaking versus mobile filmmaking Why the accessibility to the camera is what distinguishes traditional from mobile The media att...

In this episode 128 we talk to Jason C. Marshall as part of our ongoing In The Weeds series. We discuss the art and technicality of screenwriting great stories as films. False beliefs and flaws was a large topic we discussed in this episode.    What we discuss: Ideas aren’t stories Why you should begin with your characters before you begin writing your idea into a screenplay The flaws of your char...

Inspired by our experience in San Diego’s Comic-Con International just weeks after our 2022 edition of the International Mobile Film Festival in San Diego, our brand ambassador Aaron Nabus and I share stories from SDCC and IMFF. I bring up my smartphone video experience during the convention and Aaron shares his experience as a moderator in a special panel with Kid-Comics creator Keithan Jones, ht...

If you are looking for motivation for a live action made on a smartphone film, stop here and click play. Joey Min and Stephanie Pham of Art School Dropouts, based in Jersey, are our guests in episode 126.   

Art School Dropouts has created an iPhone shot series on the web, using YouTube. They’ve created a community, and they are blowing people away with what they’ve accomplished with an iPhone an...

Three days of entertaining and inspiring presentations, screenings, workshops, celebrations and more!  It was the last weekend in April and as is tradition, a new edition of the festival took place in San Diego, California. They came, they laughed, they cheered and they even shed a tear or two, but they all said they had a “blast.” 

James Smith and Caroline Spence experienced the vibes at the ann...

A heartwarming story turned into a film with 17 year-old Quinn Friedman participating in the International Mobile Film Festival in San Diego. We discuss how he made a film that showcases skills normally seen with more experienced filmmakers. Listen to a young inspiring actor and filmmaker discuss the power of storytelling in film and how he made his film with his younger brother and sister. The fi...

Today is International Women’s Day and our guest, Antoinette Van Sluytman, shares her mission to empower women in the creative industry. We discuss the power that smartphone cameras give everyone to share their own stories through film. I met Antoinette in San Diego’s Black Com!x Day 2022 in February. Antoinette was part of a panel called, “Black Women in Comics and Publishing” and she discussed t...

In this episode I pick the brain of a nature and wildlife photographer Scott Bourne. Scott is also a professional videographer. His extensive experience is inspiring and he recently had an experience where he turned to an iPhone 13 Pro and now he insists on using it as his camera. Scott’s quote during our conversation: “Nobody cares what you do, they care why you do it.” Simon Sinek from his book,...

It’s not common that we record an episode for the podcast with a fan. James Demitri is in Australia, and made a feature film with a smartphone inspired by our podcast and the stories from our guests.  Misplaced, has won awards around the world and was recently selected in the International Mobile Film Festival in San Diego, California. Find out more: https://internationalmobilefilmfestival.com/mff...

We met Julian Bate-Vergette in episode 115. Julian’s experience and studies make him a great resource to get motivated about audio quality for your mobile films. Audio quality can make or break your film. Mobile filmmakers who are not experienced filmmakers do not always have the resources to make their films sound amazing. But that doesn’t mean your audio needs to be so poor it distracts from the...

Ant Pruitt works as a podcast host for a large podcast network. He researches the camera and photography industry, which he’s passionate about. Ant is a valuable resource for the content creator. Ant Pruitt is a judge in the shorts mobile film competition for the International Mobile Film Festival in San Diego, California. His expertise brings an added value to the judging process. We discuss many...

Have you made your first film? Have you tried but things weren’t working out on set even though you thought you were well prepared? Do you want to cast good actors but not sure how? In this episode, we talk to Ross Perkins, actor and filmmaker in Sydney, Australia. His feature film Mad House, shot with his iPhone premiered and won in San Diego’s International Mobile Film Festival’s 2019 edition. T...

In our newest episode, and the first in the new year, from our In The Weeds Series: Story Structure and Formula with Jason C. Marshall, we go all in with character development. Pardon us if you share a few laughs with us in this fun conversation about mobile filmmaking, the art of character development and our references to some films. One of the films we discussed was The Matrix Resurrections and...