Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

In this episode, I am joined by DP Justyn Moro, whose cinematography career has included collaborations with artists like Jared Leto, Tom Delonge and countless others - and most recently has been shooting features and television at Tyler Perry Studios. Justyn shares the full scope of his creative journey—how he got started shooting music videos, learning cinematography on the road with Jared Leto,...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Felipe Vargas - whose viral horror short films helped him land his feature film debut Rosario . Throughout our discussion, we explore Felipe’s journey from DIY shorts to large scale feature productions and lessons learned along the way. Topics covered include:  How Felipe's childhood passion for horror and folklore shaped his filmmaking style The success o...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Joe Burke to discuss his incredible journey making the feature film Burt  for just $7,000. Executive produced by David Gordon Green, the film follows a street musician with Parkinson's disease who discovers he has a son. Throughout our conversation, we explore Joe's innovative approach to micro-budget filmmaking, including how he infused real-life relation...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Christopher Folkens to discuss his debut feature film The Catalyst - a psychological thriller that was produced in just 8 shooting days. Throughout our discussion, we explore the unconventional production methods Christopher employed, including structured improvisation and a non-traditional shooting schedule. Topics covered include: Why Christopher chose t...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Clinton Cornwell to discuss his feature film 12 Months , which he shot over the course of two years (and 60 shooting days) in a style inspired by Richard Linklater's Boyhood. Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into Clinton's unique production approach and creative process. Topics covered include: Creating an improvised relationship drama shot over r...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Nick Psinakis to discuss his journey creating four feature films with creative partner Kevin Ignatius and how they've developed a sustainable model for indie filmmaking. Throughout our conversation, we explore their evolution from DIY beginnings to community-supported productions, with special emphasis on how they've maintained high production value on mic...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Vivian Kerr to discuss her journey from acting to directing and how she successfully brought her first two feature films to life without traditional industry connections. Vivian's debut feature, Scrap - a family dramedy starring herself alongside Anthony Rapp ( Rent, Star Trek Discovery ) - completed a two-year festival run spanning 43 festivals before its...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Ethan Hegel, who recently made his feature directorial debut with  Purgatory Station after years of honing his craft behind the camera. Throughout the interview, Ethan shares his unique path to serving as director, DP, editor, and colorist on multiple feature films. Topics covered include: The importance of having a supportive network that encourages creat...

In this episode, I am joined by actor/director Matt Cohen ( Supernatural, General Hospital, Entertainment Tonight ) and producer Sean Flanagan to discuss their innovative approach to making films in today's changing landscape. Throughout our conversation, we explore their upcoming feature Exes and animated series Public Domain, while unpacking their unique production model built on relationships,...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Ernie Gilbert to discuss his work on A24's upcoming horror-thriller-comedy  OPUS , which recently premiered at Sundance. Throughout our discussion, we explore Ernie’s creative process, his work in commercials & music videos, career building, and more. Topics covered include: The benefits of bringing editors on early in pre-production Editing remotely w...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Rob Smat who shares his experience transitioning from the $100,000 feature film  The Last Whistle  to a $10,000 documentary  Walkout , and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Throughout our discussion, we explore the realities of micro-budget filmmaking and distribution through the lens of both projects. Topics covered include: • How scaling down p...

In this episode, I am joined by film editor Stephania Dulowski to discuss her work on the Sundance dramatic competition feature film Bunny Lover . We dive deep into her editorial process and explore the tactics she used to pull off an amazing edit in record time. Topics covered include: Completing a first cut in just one month Navigating test screenings and filmmaker feedback The importance of tec...

In this episode, I am thrilled to be joined by actor and filmmaker Samantha Scaffidi, known for her role in the massively successful Terrifier franchise, and her upcoming short film Open Your Eyes. Thought the episode, Samantha offers a unique perspective on independent filmmaking from both sides of the camera. We unpack how the Terrifier films evolved from a $30,000 micro-budget horror film to a...

In this episode, I am joined by director Misha Calvert and actor Raye Spielberg to unpack their latest short film PINK FLAGS - a figure skating drama that stars both Raye and her husband Sawyer Spielberg. Throughout our discussion, we dive into the collaborative process at length, with special emphasis on the merits of working with close friends and family. Topics covered include: Misha's journey...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Shannon E. Brown, here to discuss her latest short film Overnights - inspired by her real life experience in the veterinary industry, and the burnout that it caused. Shannon combined her background in the veterinary world, improv comedy, and horror sensibilities to create a deeply personal, uniquely stylized short film. Throughout the interview, we discuss...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Kim Noonan, who made his feature directorial debut at age 50 with two horror films - proving you can take your career to the next level at any age. After years of making award-winning short films, Kim transitioned to features with the found-footage horror film Nyctophobia and followed it up with the supernatural thriller Are You There? which secured distri...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Sripal Sama, who turned his engineering background into an advantage when crafting his debut feature How's That for Monday? While holding down his day job as an IT security engineer, Sripal managed to write, direct, and produce a compelling thriller for just $65,000 - and secured theatrical distribution in both the US and India. Our discussion dives deep i...

Today I am joined by film critic turned filmmaker Jean-Baptiste Herment, here to talk about his DIY feature film Épidermique. Throughout the episode we discuss: How Jean-Baptiste produced the feature film with no crew Benefits of spreading out the production schedule over a year Drawing inspiration from Italian cinema, Robert Rodriguez and beyond The benefits of shooting monochrome on a low budget...

Today I am joined by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Roger Nygard, who you might know from films like Trekkies, Suckers, and The Truth About Marriage. Throughout our discussion, we unpack Roger’s winning formula for making and selling documentary films. Topics covered include: Why $100,000 is the magic number as a starting point for your budget The realities of recouping your costs, and what to ex...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Mark Mc Auley to discuss the creative process behind his feature film  aWake, which was shot in a single day! The discussion covers his entire creative workflow, philosophical approach to filmmaking, production tactics, and loads more. Some of the topics covered include: Adapting a short film into to a feature Using single takes to produce a feature in one...

This episode is part 2 in the no-budget cinematography series, where we explore methods and tactics for achieving strong visuals with limited means. Topics covered include: The 33% rule for shooting coverage 5 ideal coverage methods for no-budget productions Shooting scenes in a single take (while avoiding common mistakes) Alternate methods to traditional “film school” coverage How the “scene spli...

Today I am thrilled to be joined by the amazingly talented Jim Cummings, who you know as the Sundance winning writer / director / actor behind films like  Thunder Road, The Wolf Of Snow Hollow, and The Beta Test.   Jim recently released a brand new short film titled Is Now A Good Time , which we discuss at length throughout the podcast. The conversation spans Jim’s filmmaking journey post- Thunder...

Today we take a deep dive into the world of no-budget cinematography, looking at methods and workflows for achieving better results within limited means.  The full episode covers: The 3 “no’s” of no-budget cinematography Workflow differences on a no-budget production Avoiding common pitfalls that can kill production value Lighting setups, blocking, framing, and actor placement Using day-for-night...

Today I am joined by returning guest Whitney Ingram to talk all about the world of freelance filmmaking. After a stint working in-house as a content creator, Whitney recently re-entered the freelance world and is already finding success landing projects that align with her creative goals. Throughout the episode we explore the benefits (and challenges) of going freelance full time, and how Whitney...

In this episode, we explore the age old issue of imposter syndrome and look at ways to eliminate self-doubt as a filmmaker. From comparing yourself to others to fear of failure - the episode is packed with strategies to combat negativity. Topics covered include: The difference between healthy self-criticism and debilitating doubt Why you should avoid sharing your film ideas prematurely The dangers...