In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Julian Sol Jordan to talk about his self-made debut feature Real Life — an 82-minute hybrid narrative-documentary that was shot, directed, edited, colored, and mixed entirely by himself.

The film, which screened recently at the Texas Theatre in Dallas thanks to a generous grant from David Lowery, is a raw, poetic exploration of early adulthood, nostalgia, and the struggle to find meaning in your 20s.

Throughout our conversation, Julian and I unpack the entire creative process, from rediscovering dusty VHS tapes in his attic to crafting a structure out of chaos with no script in hand. 

Topics covered include:

• How Julian shot 80% of the film alone using everything from a Blackmagic to an iPhone 4
• The value of embracing lo-fi footage and imperfections to elevate emotional truth
• Why David Lowery funded the premiere and how their mentorship began
• The unexpected benefit of not writing a script — and when to start one next time
• How old home movies became the emotional anchor of the film
• Why guerrilla filmmaking might be Julian’s path forward
• Much more!

Links from the show:

Julian Sol Jordan – Instagram
Julian Sol Jordan – YouTube
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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, and making the leap into narrative storytelling on projects like Monsters of California and Beauty in Black.

Topics covered include:

• Breaking into the film industry with zero connections
• Shooting documentary and music video content with Jared Leto across the globe
• Lessons from working on Monsters of California with Tom DeLonge
• Transitioning from music videos to narrative film & television
• Justyn’s approach to prep, lighting, and working fast on set
• Creative collaboration with directors and building a strong crew dynamic
• Why a clear vision and openness to collaboration make the best directors

Links from the show:

Justyn Moro – Website

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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 while production is taking place
• How to maintain fresh eyes on long-form projects
• Balancing work across features, commercials, and music videos
• The transition from editing to directing and back
• Building relationships and collecting "merit badges" in the industry
• Best practices for managing conflicting creative notes

Links from the show: 

Ernie Gilbert - Website
Ernie Gilbert - Instagram 

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In this episode, I share a recent guest session recorded live in my filmmaking community (The Backlot), featuring acclaimed ACE editor Vashi Nedomansky.

Vashi is an expert on post production workflows, having worked as a consultant on DEADPOOL, House of Cards, The Good Doctor, Sharknado 2, and countless other projects. He’s been on the podcast before, and his first interview was a fan favorite. This time around, he is here to break down best practices for optimizing your editorial approach and workflow, specifically through the lens of micro-budget filmmaking.

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Today I’m joined by documentary filmmaker Nick Scown, whose feature documentary Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11 was just released through Vice and is now available nationwide.

 

As Nick shares in the interview, what started as a bootstrapped DIY passion project ultimately evolved into a larger production that attracted a ton of incredible talent. Despite the humble beginnings of this project, Nick was able to attract subjects like Matthew Broderick, David Cross, Janeane Garofalo, Gilbert Gottfried, Marc Maron, Jeff Ross, and dozens of others, which made for an incredible story that is resonating with audiences far and wide.

 

Our discussion covers Nick’s entire process from concept to final delivery, with special emphasis on the sales process to Vice, and their partnership with Nick. We also cover Nick’s tactical approach to the production, his strategy for booking name interviews, experiences with grant funding and much more.

 

Links from the show:

Too Soon Documentary - Movie Website

Nick Scown - Twitter

Nick Scown - Instagram

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This week I am joined by filmmaker and film professor Marc A Hutchins, known for his directorial feature films Crossing Streets and Where Are You, Bobby Browning?

After producing and directing numerous independent film titles - including a $300,000 feature - Marc decided to scale down his production approach and embrace the micro-budget realm. This resulted in the creation of a brand new feature film, shot for just $30,000 over the course of 12 days.

Throughout the interview we chat about Marc’s philosophy on independent film, the benefits of working on a smaller canvas, what filmmakers can learn by teaching film, and much more.

Links from the show:

Alexander Films - Website

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In this episode I am joined by the amazingly talented Martin Blasick, who has worked in the film industry for years as a composer, music writer and music supervisor, and is now embracing the world of micro-budget feature filmmaking.

Martin has contributed his work to countless film and television projects like Oceans 12, Magic Mike and The Newsroom- while also spearheading his own independent productions. Throughout our discussion, Martin shares his wisdom on all things music for film, giving listeners actionable tips for building the right soundscape for their movie - whether through original composition, library cues, or by licensing existing songs. This is a must listen for any filmmaker who understands the value of a powerful soundtrack.

Links from the show:

Martin Blasick - Website

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In the episode I am joined by filmmaker and KTLA journalist Chris Gierowski, here to share his unique approach to independent feature film producing.

Over the last decade Chris has produced countless narrative films - from micro-budget shorts to underground features that have reached cult status - and has learned a lot along the way. Throughout the interview, Chris provides listeners with key insights into the world of indie film production, along with his personal philosophy and practical approach for bringing new projects to life. He also talks about balancing filmmaking with journalism, developing larger budget projects, dealing with piracy issues, and much more.

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In this solo episode, I share my in-depth thoughts on the merits of working in genre as a micro-budget filmmaker, and why horror, sci-fi, and thriller films often thrive on a smaller scale.

Genre films offer some unique advantages to the micro-budget filmmaker, that make traditional obstacles (like securing name talent, prestige festival placement, and distribution) far less critical to the overall success of the film. Throughout the episode I discuss all of this and more, through the lens of my upcoming feature film Shell Shock, which has specifically been designed with these principles in mind.

Get a free exhibit pass to the 2021 NAB Show by visiting bit.ly/21NABShow and using code BA03 at checkout.

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Joining me for this episode are co-directors John C. Lyons and Dorota Swies, here to talk all about their brand new feature film Unearth.

Unearth is a "fracking horror film" that was produced over the course of 8 years. What began as a successful crowdfunding campaign for a teaser, ultimately helped secure financing of nearly $1,000,000 for the full feature film. From there, the project attracted some known cast (Adrienne Barbeau and Marc Blucas), and landed distribution after premiering at the Fantasia film festival. It became the first feature film to sell out a theatrical show the Laemmle theaters in LA (post-pandemic), and is now widely available on DVD, VOD and other platforms. Hear about the entire journey from concept to distribution on this week's episode.

Links from the show:

Amazon direct: Unearth - Amazon 

AppleTV direct: Unearth - Apple TV 

For more information: Unearth - Website

Get a free exhibit pass to the 2021 NAB Show by visiting bit.ly/21NABShow and using code BA03 at checkout.

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In this episode, I share a recent conversation with filmmaker and Slamdance co-founder Dan Mirvish, which originally took place during a private live session in The Backlot (my private filmmaking community).

Throughout our discussion, Dan offers a masterclass in the practical realities of making a film. We discuss strategies for raising funds for your movie, securing known talent, bringing your vision to life, and so much more. Dan also shares his perspective on what film festivals and distributors look for in an indie film, and how filmmakers can increase their odds of success at each step. And finally, we touch on Dan’s new edition of his book (The Cheerful Subversive’s Guide To Independent Filmmaking), and some of the most important lessons embedded throughout.

Links from the show:

Dan Mirvish - Twitter

Dan Mirvish - Instagram

Dan Mirvish - Facebook

The Cheerful Subversive's Guide To Independent Filmmaking - Amazon

The Backlot - Free 7 Day Trial

Get a free exhibit pass to the 2021 NAB Show by visiting bit.ly/21NABShow and using code BA03 at checkout.

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In this episode I’m joined by writer and producer Jonathan Kiefer, whose feature film Around The Sun premiered last month on Kanopy, and is now widely available on digital platforms everywhere.

Around The Sun is an amazing example of what’s possible when you use available resources to reverse engineer a film concept. In Jonathan's case, he had access to an incredible French Chateau with a unique historical significance to the scientific community. This location served as the launching pad for an amazing story that ultimately attracted actors Cara Theobold (Downton Abbey), and Gethin Anthony (Game Of Thrones, Kodachrome, First Kill) to the project. Throughout the interview we delve into Jonathan’s process at length - from the development of the story to producing the film overseas, the release/distribution strategy, and much more.

Links from the show:

Around The Sun - Website

Jonathan Kiefer - Instagram

Jonathan Kiefer - Twitter

Get a free exhibit pass to the 2021 NAB Show by visiting bit.ly/21NABShow and using code BA03 at checkout.

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My guest today is Sam Mestman, CEO of We Make Movies - an incredible resource for indie filmmakers looking to take their work to the next level. Among many of the other initiatives currently in motion at WMM, Sam is running a filmmaking competition that will award several micro-budget filmmakers a $25,000 investment, plus exclusive access to high end professional post-production services like color grading, audio mixing, and deliverables.

Throughout this episode we chat all about the competition, how it can benefit you as a filmmaker, and tips for improving your odds of acceptance. Sam has also generously offered members of my filmmaking community (The Backlot) free WMM memberships and fee waivers for their feature films. If you not yet a Backlot member, you can try it free for 7 days at www.noamkroll.com

Links from the show:

We Make Movies - Competition

The Backlot - Free 7 Day Trial

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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 production increases creative control
• Working with traditional distributors vs. self-distribution platforms
• Marketing & AVOD strategies for micro-budget films
• The importance of building a sustainable filmmaking career
• The value of making multiple films vs. betting only on one project
• Finding success through grassroots marketing and community outreach

Links from the show: 

Film Collaborative's Distributor Report Card 
BitMAX
Walkout - Film
Walkout - Companion Podcast

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Joining me today is Director & DP Emily Skye, who you might also know as "She Wolf Films" on her incredibly popular Instagram account.

Emily has been working in the film industry for 14 years, but recently her industry success has reached new heights. After building a massive fanbase for her work online, she created a short film called River. The short was so well received that within just 2 months it landed her financing for the feature length version.

Throughout the interview we discuss what it’s like to simultaneously direct and DP your own film, and how doing so can open up some unique creative advantages. Emily speaks to the importance of building an audience for your work, and how her efforts in this area led to relationships with brands like Lumix and RED. We also discuss the challenges of working in the industry as a female filmmaker, and Emily even shares a story about having to walk off a DGA production after experiencing a harassment issue on set.

All this and much more on today's episode.

Links from the show:

She Wolf Films - Instagram

She Wolf Films - Twitter

Emily Skye - Website

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This week on the show, I’m joined by screenwriter and producer Hudson Phillips to chat all about his new feature film This World Alone.

This World Alone is a post-apocalyptic arthouse thriller about three women attempting to survive after a cataclysmic event leaves the Earth without technology or power. The film was shot for just $30,000 over the course of 10 days, with cast & crew living and working together under one roof in the North Georgia mountains. The film went on to have a successful festival run, picking up awards at countless festivals including the Oxford Film Festival and Phoenix Film Festival.

Throughout our chat we take a deep dive into the creation and release of this awesome project, tackling everything from production to distribution and loads more. Enjoy!

Links from the show:

This World Alone - Movie Website

Hudson Phillips Website

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Today I’m joined by the multi-talented Shane Stanley, whose career has led him to executive produce for Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson, run Charlie Sheen’s production company, and direct his own feature films - just to scratch the surface.

In addition to his impressive career as a filmmaker, Shane is also an author and educator. His book What You Don’t Learn In Film School covers filmmaking from concept to delivery, and has been endorsed by some of the most respected names in Hollywood. Throughout the interview we chat all about Shane’s journey, how he was able to navigate the business with such success, critical lessons for filmmakers from his book, and loads more!

Links from the show:

What You Don't Learn In Film School - Book

Shane on Instagram

Shane on Facebook

Shane on Twitter

CINECOLOR Color Grading LUTs

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I am currently in pre-production for my next feature film, and will be approaching the budgeting process very differently this time around. Rather than allocating the majority of funds to production, they will be re-distributed to three key areas with the intention of maximizing the film’s potential reach.

Most filmmakers fall into the same trap - overspending in production (and post), and leaving little to nothing for their launch. This causes the vast majority micro-budget feature films to get lost in the noise, often failing to find audiences. As we discuss in this episode, by allocating funds to three specific areas (that are overlooked by 99% of micro-budget filmmakers), it is possible to dramatically improve your film's odds of sales, distribution, festival placement, and overall reach.

Throughout this episode I outline my budgeting strategy in detail, which can serve as a blueprint for your next feature film.

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Joining me today is actor, author and filmmaker Leandro Taub. Leandro has found incredible success in many creative disciplines - first as an author (he’s been published 5 times and counting), then as an actor - debuting in Endless Poetry, which premiered at the Cannes film festival in 2016, and now as a filmmaker with his first feature film titled Externo.

Throughout the interview we delve into Leandro’s creative process and discuss exactly what it took for him to find success in so many different creative fields. We also chat about his film Externo at length, detailing the entire process from development to production to festival strategy and beyond.

Links from the show:

EXTERNO - Website

EXTERNO - Trailer

Leandro on Instagram

Leandro on Twitter

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Today on the show I am sharing a recent episode of the Filmmakers In Advertising podcast, which I was just interviewed on by host Codey Wilson. As the title would suggest, this podcast is all about what it’s like to work in the realm of commercial production and advertising as a filmmaker - what it takes to balance both sides, how to navigate freelancing opportunities, the benefits of managing your own production company, and more. 

I don’t often speak about my commercial work on the podcast or my blog, since those channels are mainly focused on narrative filmmaking. But seeing as there are probably many filmmakers in the audience who work in both worlds, I thought this would be a fun crossover episode to help those of you trying to balance both sides. Throughout the episode I share my journey as both a filmmaker and creative entrepreneur, outlining each step of my process and obstacles encountered along the way.

Click here to enroll in 6 Figure Production Company

Links from the show:

Filmmakers In Advertising Podcast

 

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Jason Charnick, known for his incredible documentary feature film Getting Over, which premiered at SXSW in 2018. Today, Jason is here to talk all about NFTs  - a new technology that’s been generating a ton of buzz in the world of indie film.

NFTs are a type of digital collectible that artists (including filmmakers) can use to help monetize and distribute their work in new ways. There’s a lot of debate as to the viability of NFTs in the filmmaking space, so Jason and I sat down to discuss this issue at length. We outline exactly what an NFT is (or could be) in the context of filmmaking, their potential upsides and downsides from a creator’s perspective, how filmmakers could leverage them to find more profitability in their work, and much more.

Links from the show:

Jason Charnick - Facebook

Jason Charnick- Twitter

Jason Charnick - Instagram

Up Start Film Collective

Getting Over - Film Website

Getting Over - Amazon

Head Above Water - Podcast

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Returning to this show this week are Tessa Markle and Carolina Alvarez, co-hosts of the the Femme Regard podcast.

Tessa and Carolina have been able to leverage their amazing podcast to not only grow an audience for their work, but also expand their industry connections and meet new collaborators along the way. Throughout the episode we discuss their journey at length, going in depth on the benefits of podcasting for filmmakers, and why it's a path many filmmakers may want to consider. We also talk extensively about social media, discussing its merits as a marketing tool for your work, and why it's not always mandatory for all filmmakers.

Links from the show:

https://www.femmeregard.com

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Filmmakers who have audiences of their own are at a tremendous advantage at every stage. From fundraising to distribution to monetization - each facet is enhanced dramatically by the size and value of any given audience.

While the prospect of building an audience yourself can be daunting, the good news is it's easier than ever to accomplish… Even for those who don’t have an existing body of work.

In this solo episode, I share my thoughts on why having a built-in audience is critical to the success of many films, the psychology of attracting audience members, practical steps to build your audience from scratch, and much more.

For more on audience building, be sure to check out my course Online Audience Building For Filmmakers by clicking here.

You can also learn more about audience building on my filmmaking community The Backlot. Register by clicking here and get a free 7 day trial.

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Today on the show, I’m joined by director/producer Joseph Mensch, here to talk about his new feature film Payback, which was just released last month.

Throughout the interview, Joseph shares his journey from PA’ing on Martin Scorsese’s Aviator to directing a debut feature film with a budget in the millions. He also shares some critical insights into the importance of representation, while outlining how he was able to secure an agent at ICM by means of a local film festival screening. And of course, we talk about the development and production of Payback at some length, detailing every step of the process from A to Z.

Links from the show:

Joseph on Instagram

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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 technical skills and communication in editing
• Editorial workflow breakdown from dailies review to final cut
• Balancing creative vision with practical constraints

Links from the show:

Stephania Dulowski's Website
Stephania Dulowski's Instagram


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Joining me on today’s episode is writer/producer/actor Luke Barnett, known for his incredible Funny or Die shorts and his latest feature film project - Faith Based, which features Jason Alexander, Lance Reddick, Tanner Thomason, Margaret Cho, and Luke Barnett himself.

Luke’s story is super inspiring, and can be looked at as a roadmap for filmmakers who want to break into the industry by bootstrapping their own projects. Throughout the interview, Luke shares his journey from creating DIY short films for Funny or Die to producing feature films like Fear Inc. and Faith Based, while sharing invaluable tactical advice along the way. We talk about Luke’s development process, how he pulls together financing and attaches star talent to his films, his best practices for approaching agents and managers, and much more.

Links from the show:

Luke on Twitter

Luke on Instagram

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Today I am honored to be joined by director David F. Sandberg, known for major studio films like Shazam, Annabelle: Creation, and Lights out, as well as his no budget horror short films which he’s been releasing for years under his YouTube channel ponysmasher. 

David is about as great a guest as I can imagine on this show. His story is a case in point for making your own films and not waiting for permission - As we talk about throughout the interview, after years of working in documentary and animation, David decided to make some no budget short films with his wife Lotta. One of them in particular - Lights Out - was shot in just one day with no crew, and ended up going viral on YouTube. This attracted the attention of Hollywood and the rest is history. 

Throughout the interview we talk about David’s journey from no budget filmmaker to studio director, the biggest challenges he encountered along the way, advice for filmmakers who aspire to direct studio films, what makes someone a great director, and much more. 

Links from the show:

David on Instagram

David on Twitter

David on YouTube

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Today, I’m joined by the expert on all things relating to indie-film marketing and advertising - Kyle Prohaska.

Kyle was on the show a couple years ago, and his first episode was incredibly eye-opening and packed with great strategies for filmmakers looking to monetize their creative work. But a lot has changed since then, and an updated chat was long overdue.

In this follow up episode, Kyle paints a realistic picture of the marketing and distribution landscape today, while detailing best practices for filmmakers looking to turn a profit with their work. We chat about the drawbacks of releasing films on Amazon and iTunes, why building a library of titles can be the best strategy, how upcoming changes to social media advertising will impact filmmakers, and loads more.

Links from the show:

Prohaska Studios - Website

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In this episode, I’m joined by Andrew Simonian to talk all about his feature film The Take Out Move, which was made for just $3500.

Andrew spent decades producing and developing television for NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, MTV, BET, and many others, before deciding to take a stab at the world of micro-budget filmmaking. By calling in favors and assembling the perfect team, he was able to pull off his 74 minute comedy thriller with a virtually non-existent budget, and is now gearing up for the festival circuit.

Our discussion covers a full breakdown of Andrew’s film, why he chose to make it at this budget level, lessons learned along the way, and much more.

Links from the show:

Standard Media Company

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To celebrate the launch of my new members community for filmmakers The Backlot, I am publishing this special solo episode to help spread the good news.

For some context, The Backlot is a community designed to give filmmakers the tools, resources, and connections needed to bring their feature films to life.

Members are on a shared journey to create a feature film of their own this year (optionally), and The Backlot provides the structure, education, and accountability needed to ensure the successful completion of each movie. You can think of it like an incubator for micro-budget feature films... But it can really be used however you see fit - whether for networking opportunities, feedback on your work, collaborations, or just as an educational experience. 

Over the course of the show, I share the purpose behind this community, explain how it can be used make your feature film a reality, and touch on other fun details relating to guest speakers, giveaways, and more.

To sign up for The Backlot click here.

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Today I am joined by filmmaking duo Sandy Sternshein & Brad Riddell, here to talk about their feature directorial debut Later Days which was shot for just over $1MM and is currently gearing up for distribution.

For some quick background - Brad came up through the studio system, writing films like American Pie: Band Camp, and producing features for studios like Paramount, MTV & Universal. Sandy’s background is in the independent world, with writing credits on films like Pushing Forty and Back to the Grind (an upcoming project for Tony Hawk Productions). Both Sandy & Brad have also taught screenwriting for years and have collaborated since meeting in film school at USC.

Throughout the interview, we take a behind the scenes look at Later Days, exploring exactly how the film was pulled off from a creative and financial standpoint. We cover almost the entirety of the process, with special attention paid to development and fundraising. During this section, Sandy & Brad share some fantastic advice on raising money for a film, and outline each critical step they took along the way. All this and much more on today’s episode.

Links from the show:

Sandy - Twitter

Sandy - Instagram

Brad - Twitter

Brad - Instagram

Wry Mash Media - Website

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On this episode, I’m joined by acclaimed filmmaker and editor Mike J. Nichols, known for his amazing work on countless documentary features like Last Play At Shea, Echo In The Canyon, and (most recently) Zappa.

Mike generously shares his wealth of knowledge gained through an incredible career in post-production, leading off with a wild story about how he broke into the business by creating an unofficial edit of a Star Wars film. We also take a behind the scenes look at many of the iconic projects he’s worked on, his creative process, technical workflow, gear setup, and so much more. This is essential listening for documentary and narrative editors alike.

Links from the show -

Mike on Twitter

Mike on Instagram

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Many would-be filmmakers dream of leaving their day jobs to make films, but few ever take the leap. Today’s guest is certainly an exception to the rule.

Michael Rekola spent years working as a lawyer in the political world, and even served as the Communications Director for the U.S. House Of Representatives in 2014-2015, before leaving it behind to pursue a career independent film.

Throughout our chat, Michael outlines exactly what it took to jump ship and make such a drastic career change, while sharing invaluable insights for others who may be looking to do the same. We also chat all about the Capitol Hill Film Festival, why he decided to launch it, how it’s helped the industry come to him, what it’s taught him about filmmaking, and much more.

Links from the show - 

Capitol Hill Film Festival - Instagram

Capitol Hill Film Festival - Twitter

Capitol Hill Film Festival - Website

Special Code: Anyone who uses "NOAM" at checkout will save 25% and only pay $5.99 to watch 70+ great short films on a 30 day virtual pass. 

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On this episode, I’m joined by Mihai Crasneanu (CEO) and Tess Fenn (Director of Communities & Impact) to hear all about their incredibly innovative streaming platform - Beem. Unlike SVOD or TVOD platforms like Amazon and Apple that offer viewers an endless library of film titles, Beem is focused on creating special live virtual events for films, in a sense mimicking the in-person theatrical experience.

This solves a major issue for filmmakers looking to monetize their film through self-distribution, as virtual events can be far more profitable than releasing your film to an SVOD/TVOD library. Over the course of our interview, Mihai and Tess speak to this at some length, outlining best practices for filmmakers looking to leverage Beem as a mechanism to bring their title to an audience, and generate revenue in the process. They also share the story behind Beem, touch on marketing and distribution tips for filmmakers, and much more.

Links from the show -

https://www.watchbeem.com

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Joining me today is actor turned auteur, Chris Riggi - here to talk all about his debut micro-budget feature film Good Luck With Everything. This film was shot in just 5 days on a shoestring budget of $1300, with Chris not only stepping in as the writer/director, but also DP’ing, producing, and editing the film.

Chris is also an acclaimed actor, with leading credits in shows like Gossip Girl and movies like Vampires Suck. Throughout the episode he shares his journey from actor to filmmaker, while breaking down his process making a feature film that was fully produced from start to finish during the pandemic. We also talk about why Chris likes to DP his own work, what it was like to work from a scriptment, how he captured dynamic shots with minimal shooting time, why he released the film without waiting on festivals, and much more.

Links from the show:

Chris Riggi - Instagram

Good Luck With Everything - Amazon

This episode is sponsored by Film Local - http://filmlocal.com

For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

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 $2M theatrical blockbuster, while maintaining its independent spirit - thanks to director Damien Leone's uncompromising vision.

We also explore the realities of modern independent filmmaking, the importance of artistic integrity, and why sometimes less resources can lead to more creative freedom. Samantha shares insights from her experience both acting in micro-budget productions and directing high-end commercials, ultimately explaining why she chose to return to her independent filmmaking roots.

Topics covered include:

• How Terrifier evolved from a $30K first film to a $2M third installment
• The crew behind the original Terrifier, and how director Damien Leone handled multiple roles
• Samantha’s transition from acting to directing, including doc work and commercial projects
• Her upcoming psychological horror short film Open Your Eyes
• The profound influence of John Cassavetes on Samantha’s artistic philosophy
• The realities of film festival programming and industry networking
• The challenges of balancing commercial work with personal creative projects

Links from the show: 

Samantha Scaffidi – Instagram
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On this episode, I am joined by Steven Pierce - a multi-hyphenate filmmaker with a wealth of experience in both tv & film well as advertising/commercial production. Steven's career has led him to edit four seasons worth of material for Saturday Night Live, direct content for brands like Hulu, Amazon & Jaguar, and direct live shows for artists like Ed Sheeran, Twenty One Pilots, and Sheryl Crow, just to name a few highlights. He also hosts the Independent Filmmaker's Guide podcast, which I was fortunate to be on earlier this year.

We cover a lot of ground over the course of the interview, with special attention paid to Steven's time at SNL, working as an editor and visual effects artist. He walks us through his technical and creative process, and shares his insanely demanding weekly post-production workflow that you'll need to hear about to believe. All this and much more on today's show!

Links from the show:

Independent Filmmakers Guide

Framework Productions - Website

Framework Productions - Instagram

Steven Pierce - Instagram

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In this special crossover episode with the Filmmaker's Corner podcast, I chat with writer/director Michael Bachochin and producer Brooke Lorraine about their micro-budget sci-fi feature film Parallax.

Over the course of our discussion we touch on the entire creative process behind this ambitious feature, go into detail on the business strategy behind the movie, and discuss the unique distribution angle being explored by the producing team.

The Primal Group - Production Company

Parallax - Movie Website

Parallax - Facebook

Parallax - Instagram

For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

Joining me on this episode is documentary feature filmmaker Josh Tsui, whose new film Insert Coin premiered earlier this year at SXSW and is out everywhere this week! The film tells the amazing behind-the-scenes story of one of the greatest video game studios of all time – Midway Games.

This is one of the most fascinating documentaries I’ve seen in a long time, and learning how it was made only made it more compelling. Throughout the interview Josh details his workflow for cutting down hundreds of hours of footage, outlines why he edited most of the film on a MacBook Air, and shares his decision to turn down an offer to screen an early cut of his film at SXSW 2018 - which is just the tip of the iceberg. The ingenuity behind this movie is truly impressive, and is sure to inspire documentary and narrative filmmakers alike. 

Links from the show:

Insert Coin - Alamo Drafthouse

Insert Coin - Instagram

Insert Coin - Twitter

Josh Tsui - Twitter

For more content like this be sure to visit www.noamkroll.com

 

On this episode, I am joined by Noam Tomaschoff (yes, another Noam!), to talk about his upcoming debut feature film Tankhouse. While many filmmaker's first features are bootstrapped on a micro-budget using DIY tactics, Noam was able to defy the odds on Tankhouse by raising a large enough budget for a 30 - 40 person crew, and strong ensemble cast featuring known actors like Christopher Lloyd and Richard Kind.

Throughout the interview, Noam walks us through each critical step of his process - from fundraising to post-production and beyond. He also generously shares some tough lessons he learned on set in the first week of production that offer invaluable insight to virtually any first time filmmaker.

Links from the show:

Tankhouse - Instagram

Noam Tomaschoff - Instagram

Noam Tomaschoff - Website

For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

This is episode features my recent live interview with Bryan Hill from AFM 2020. Bryan is an acclaimed screenwriter known for writing shows like Titans, Ash vs. The Evil Dead, and the upcoming Power Rangers movie. He was on the podcast back on Episode 75, and that interview has since become a fan favorite.

This time around, the focus of our chat is Bryan's upcoming micro-budget feature film. We talk about his decision to work on a smaller canvas, how he's approaching the writing process on this film (coming from larger budget productions), and the exact writing workflow that he's following along the way. All this and much more on today's episode!

AFM 2020 Session and Logos courtesy of AFM. Copyright 2020. IFTA. All Rights Reserved.

For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

This week I'm joined by UK based filmmaker Damien Swaby, who hosts the popular Filmmaking Conversations podcast. I was fortunate enough to be interviewed on Damien's show a couple years back, and thought it was about time to have Damien on my podcast for an updated chat.

Over the course of our interview, Damien outlines his unique journey as a filmmaker, which started years ago when he transitioned from working as an actor to embracing the role of director. We cover a wide range of topics; the viability of self-funding your films, why grant money isn't always ideal, lessons from Damien's top podcast guests, and much more.

Links from the show:

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast

For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

 

This week I'm thrilled to be joined by Emily Best, the Founder and CEO of the wildly popular crowdfunding platform Seed & Spark. As many of you know, Seed & Spark takes a very different approach to crowdfunding, one that is specifically tailored for filmmakers and content creators, which is what makes it so uniquely valuable.

Over the course of our discussion, Emily outlines exactly what it takes to successfully raise funds via crowdfunding while avoiding many of the common pitfalls. We also chat about the importance of audience building as it pertains to fundraising, distribution challenges for indie filmmakers this year, and countless other key lessons for filmmakers looking to build a long term, sustainable career.

Links from the show:

Seed & Spark - Events

Seed & Spark - Fund

Seed & Spark - Twitter

Seed & Spark - Facebook

Seed & Spark - Instagram

For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

 

This week I'm joined by filmmaker John Woosley, who is here to talk all about his latest short film Mason & Jay Save The World, which was shot almost entirely on an iPhone.

Over the course of our chat we talk all about this unique short film, how it was pulled off from a technical perspective, and why John plans to continue shooting movies on iPhones moving ahead. John also shares best practices for other filmmakers to follow when approaching mobile filmmaking/cinematography, how mobile filmmaking can give you an edge on the film festival circuit, and much more.

For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

My guest this week is acclaimed filmmaker Mike Pecci, who you may already know from his incredible filmmaking podcast In Love With The Process. After getting his start with silent films two decades ago, Mike went on to launch his production company which has since produced content for brands like Bose and Sam Adams, and music videos/treatments for artists like The Wu Tang Clan, Lucius, Killswitch Engage, and Meshuggah.

Most recently, Mike has been focused on his narrative film endeavors, notably 12 Kilometers and Who’s There, two short films which are currently being adapted into features. Throughout our chat, we talk all about Mike’s career path, breaking into the business, and taking an unconventional approach to both making and marketing his creative work. Mike also shares a ton of valuable lessons for filmmakers on what it takes to succeed in this business from a tactical level, and how your mindset and approach can make all the difference.

Links from the show - 

Mike Pecci - Instagram

Mike Pecci - Website

Mike Pecci - Podcast (In Love With The Process)

For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

Joining me this week is David Thies - Emmy award winning producer, prolific television director, local 600 DP and one of the driving forces behind the smash indie hit The Peanut Butter Falcon. The film stars Shia LaBeouf, Zack Gottsagen and Dakota Johnson, and was directed by Mike Schwartz and Tyler Nilson.

Throughout our discussion, David walks us through exactly what it took to get this film made at each phase, with special attention paid to the development process. As he outlines in the interview, an incredible script paired with a unique pitch video ultimately garnered the attention of producers Albert Berger & Ron Yerxa (Little Miss Sunshine, Cold Mountain), Armory Films, and a stunning supporting cast that features Bruce Dern, John Hawkes, and Jon Bernthal. All this and much more in today's interview!

Links from the show:

Tvacom - David's Production Company

David Thies - IMDB

For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

 

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 from directing comedy & TV to making a full scale short film
• Turning a $50K budget into $300K of production value
• Raye's three months of figure skating training & how it helped set this film apart
• The dynamics of actor-director workflows when working with friends
• Benefits of short films vs. long form projects
• Much more!

Links from them show:

Misha Calvert - Instagram
Misha Calvert - Website
Misha Calvert - ClassesRaye Spielberg - Instagram

Raye Spielberg - Website



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Joining me this week is none other than Dan Mirvish, co-founder of the iconic Slamdance Film Festival and the director behind indie features like Open House, Between Us (Julia Stiles, Taye Diggs, Melissa George), Bernard and Huey, and 18 1/2.

Throughout our discussion we get into the nitty gritty of what it takes to get an indie film made and distributed, covering everything from raising seed money and working with a casting director to landing a coveted festival slot at Slamdance. This episode is a must listen for any filmmaker looking for a blueprint to get their next movie off the ground.

Links from the show:

The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking

Dan's Website

Dan on Twitter

For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com

Today I am thrilled to be joined by writer/director/actor Chelsea Devantez, whose 3 minute film Basic was programmed this year at SXSW, Santa Barbara International Film Festival and many others.

Chelsea is a case-in-point for what's possible when you embrace your limitations to create meaningful content that can reach a wide audience. Basic may have been crafted using minimal resources, crew and gear, but that didn't stop the film from beating out thousands of others to land a coveted festival slot. Throughout the interview we talk all about how the film was pulled off, what made it work critically, how filmmakers can beat the odds with their own work, and much more. We even touch on Chelsea's background as a writer working with comedian Jon Stewart and on shows like Bless This Mess.

Links from the show:

Basic - Short Film

Chelsea's Website

Chelsea on Twitter

Chelsea on Instagram

Last year I had the fortune of interviewing Hannah Black & Megan Petersen all about their feature film Drought for Episode 64 of the podcast. As a refresher, this is the creative duo whose debut feature was crowdfunded on Seed & Spark before landing a $50K investment from the Duplass Bros, the film’s Executive Producers.

While our first interview was centered around the origin story of this feature film, this time around we talk all about the project’s “second act.” We go into detail on the creative finishing work that went into this movie, the unique challenges of navigating film festivals during these uncertain times, release intentions and strategies for the film, and much more!

Links from the show-

Drought - Twitter

Drought - Facebook

Drought - Instagram

Drought - Seed & Spark

For more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com