The Indie Coach

In this episode of the Indie Coach Podcast, filmmaker and screenwriter Clint Ross shares how he built momentum from outside the traditional Hollywood system and secured both management and agency representation. Clint breaks down the real work behind getting noticed, from screenplay competitions and platforms like Roadmap Writers and The Black List to developing relationships with companies such a...

In this episode, I sat down with Kristen Ruhlin, a film and television executive, for a great conversation about the world of TV and the broader entertainment industry. Kristen has been doing an excellent job on TikTok, offering an insider’s perspective on film and television, and I really appreciated the insight, honesty, and experience she brought to this conversation. Kristen Ruhlin | Film/TV E...

You can have a great script, a strong cast, a beautiful pitch deck, and real momentum, but one bad contract, unclear rights issue, or handshake deal can put the entire project at risk. On this episode of The Indie Coach Podcast, I sit down with Jalene Mack, Esq, Entertainment Attorney, to talk about why having an attorney on your team is not just for “big Hollywood.” Jalene Mack | Attorney , Actre...

Film Marketing and Understanding Your Audience Most indie filmmakers don’t have a marketing problem - they have an audience clarity problem. In this episode of The Indie Coach Podcast, we talk about why filmmakers need to know who their film is for before they shoot, raise money, or build a distribution plan. Because “my film is for everyone” is not a strategy. We cover why audience clarity affect...

AI is not the enemy. But lazy, careless, unethical use of AI absolutely can be. In this new episode of The Indie Coach, I talk with Damion Taylor about how filmmakers can use AI ethically for real wins - not shortcuts, not gimmicks, but practical support for the pain points indie filmmakers face every day. This is also part of a new format for the show. Instead of broad conversations, we are going...

You don’t need “one investor.” You need an investor pool.   If you only have a few people to ask, you don’t have a funding strategy - you have hope.   In my free webinar, I’ll show you how to start finding and organizing potential investor candidates the right way.   Email me: INVESTORS and I’ll send you the details. ron@theconceptcompass.com  

Most filmmakers are asking the wrong question. It’s not just, “How do I make my movie?” It’s also, “Will this sell... and what happens after it’s finished?” In my latest podcast episode, I sat down with Brad Silverman to talk about the side of filmmaking too many creatives overlook: what filmmakers often get wrong how companies like Kappa can help projects that don’t quite land whether post, distr...

Most creators are not thinking big enough about their story. On the latest episode of The Indie Coach Podcast, I interview Lindsey Hughes of PitchMaster.com about how to pitch your project better and how to take your script and turn it into a book. We talk pitching, elevator pitches, lookbooks, comps, financials, IP development, and why your story may have more value than just one format. If you a...

Vivian Owen joins the podcast to talk about fighting for female filmmakers, her passion for indie horror, and the real-world hustle behind getting projects off the ground. From festivals and crowdfunding to shorts, reps, and building a resume that makes people take you seriously, this is a grounded and inspiring conversation for filmmakers trying to carve out their path. Reach out to Vivian here:...

Great dialogue doesn’t just sound cool. It reveals character, creates tension, and keeps people watching. In this episode, I talk with Jeff Elkins, aka The Dialogue Doctor, about how to write sharper dialogue and stronger screenplays. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, there’s a lot here to level up your storytelling. Jeff's Book "The Dialogue Doctor" https://amzn.to/4lU5IBY Books on...

In this episode of The Indie Coach Podcast, Ron welcomes game designer, mentor, and consultant Felipe Fleming for a conversation about game development, creative growth, and navigating the industry. Whether you're an aspiring developer or just curious about how games come to life, this episode offers valuable insight.

You might not have a story problem. You might have a title problem. And if that stings a little = good. Because before anyone reads your logline, watches your trailer, or opens your pitch deck; they read two or three words. Two seconds. That’s how long it takes for their brain to decide: 👉 Do I care? 👉 Do I get it? 👉 Is this for me? Most indie films don’t die because they’re bad. They die becau...

Most indie filmmakers are waiting for permission. Jason Horton didn’t. I just sat down with veteran indie filmmaker Jason Horton - a guy who has written, directed, produced, and distributed dozens of films without waiting for Hollywood to call. No fantasy. No “one big break.” Just volume, strategy, and understanding distribution before cameras roll. If you’re serious about building a sustainable c...

Indie filmmakers don’t get stuck because they lack talent, they get stuck because they don’t know the next step. If your project feels stalled, this is for you. I’m hosting a FREE Indie Filmmaker Bootcamp to give you a clear A–Z game plan (what to do next, and what to stop doing). Seats are limited. Grab your spot now:👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filmmaker-bootcamp-get-your-plan-of-action-ticke...

This interview is definitely in my top 5 interviews and maybe #1 - it's a MUST listen to! Most indie filmmakers don’t lose money because the film is bad… They lose money because they don’t understand the deal. My interview with ZB Siwek of CineCircle is a crash course in: 🔥 MGs, territory, splits 🔥 expense caps & reporting 🔥 sales agent vs distributor 🔥 the real marketing game (hook + audi...

Most filmmakers don’t quit… they get trapped in confusion. A thousand “expert” opinions. Ten different paths. No clear next step. This plan is your map: Momentum first. Traction later. I’m opening a free Filmmaking Bootcamp and a free Readiness Scorecard to help you build momentum fast. FILMMAKER BOOTCAMP: (Use code IndieCoach for 25% off VIP Ticket) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filmmaker-bootcamp...

The indie filmmaker of the future isn’t just a filmmaker. They’re a mini media company. Distribution, audience, leverage, and data now matter as much as the film itself.

Most indie films don’t fail because they’re bad. They fail because they’re unfundable. If investors aren’t leaning in, your package isn’t clear enough. I do a fast Investor Readiness Audit ($50) to show you exactly what’s working, what’s broken, and how to fix it. Not a script critique, but a plan to get you on track! 🎬 DM me to get started.

Most indie films don’t fail because they’re bad. They fail because they’re unfundable. Great scripts die every week, not on set, but in investor conversations. Why? Because the package doesn’t speak the language of risk, return, and clarity. If your: • Budget doesn’t match your cast • Deck is written for filmmakers, not investors • Pitch lacks confidence and flexibility • Audience strategy is vagu...

Raising money for a film isn’t casual. The moment you take investor dollars, you’re dealing with disclosure and risk; whether you realize it or not. I put together a simple PPM Film Financing Checklist to help filmmakers know what should be in place before they raise a single dollar. Comment or DM “PPM” and I’ll send it over.

Clarity beats hustle. I’m offering a $50 film audit to help filmmakers understand where they are, what’s missing, and the next steps to move forward with confidence. ron@theconceptcompass.com

Filmmakers: Learn the Capital Stack or Get Paid Last The order of money decides the order of payment. Most filmmakers never learn this. You need a Coach to help guide you on your way to making your film!

There’s no official “minimum budget” written in stone. There is a practical reality based on risk, structure, and experience. If you’re: • Wondering whether your film actually needs a completion bond • Getting pushback from a bank, distributor, or investor • Or trying to protect a sub-$5M project the right way I’m happy to give you a straight answer - bond, alternative protections, or next steps....

If you’re a filmmaker with a great story but you keep hitting the same wall - money - you’re not alone. The brutal part is this: it’s not that funding isn’t out there. It’s that most creators don’t know how to translate their creative vision into something investors can confidently support. In this episode of the Indie Coach Podcast, I’m joined by returning guests Matthew Morris of Pinyon Pictures...

Most filmmakers talk about chasing the dream. Very few talk about managing the risk. Your film will never be risk-free. But you don’t have to gamble your career, your investors, or your family to make something meaningful. In this episode, I break filmmaking risk into three simple moves: Shrink it – by validating the idea and writing a producible script. Shift it – onto real budgets, contracts, in...