Indie Film Hustle® Podcast: Filmmaking | Screenwriting | Cinematography | Film School | Film Production | Independent Film

In over 240 episodes of the Indie Film Hustle Podcast,​ I have never tackle one of the most important topics filmmakers need to know...AUDIO. Understanding sound is imperative if you are going to become a successful indie filmmaker. Today on the show we have Matt Davies and Rich Bussey from Studio Unknown. We discuss how to capture good audio, the entire sound post workflow and finally sound deliverables​. This episode is a must listen to for all filmmakers. Here is what Studio Unknown is all about: Studio Unknown believes in Visceral, Personal, and Affordable sound for film. It’s these core principles that not only guide us through the work we do, but strengthen the relationships we build with filmmakers.We strive to provide soundtracks that heighten any film, no matter the budget or size. This takes forms like comedic timing we add through foley, terrifying creatures we create, lush or delicate ambiences we build, or deep, dark themes we extract through sound design. It can also be as simple in concept as m

Today on the show we have color master Ollie Kenchington. Ollie is a filmmaker, editor, and colorist. He has released an amazing new course called Directing Color. The course focuses on the use of color not only in color grading but also on-set. Since I've been a colorist for over a decade I know the importance of color and want to share that info with the IFH Tribe.Ollie's company, Korro Films, produces commercials, short films, documentaries and branded content for major international clients, with Ollie Kenchington carrying out senior editor and colorist duties on every project. Ollie Kenchington is an assured practitioner across all areas of filmmaking, giving him a deep understanding of the creative process which allows his agency to flourish in this competitive industry. Additionally, he is an accomplished educator and founder of Korro Academy.Some info on his course: In Directing Color, filmmaker, editor, and colorist Ollie Kenchington explore how visual language cues, color theory, ​and even color gra

Today on the show we have director Caleb Price. Caleb has directed a great documentary called Connect. Here's a bit about the film.In a social media-centered world, the smartphone​ has become a cultural rite of passage for kids. But is that rite all wrong? With six teens, Kirk Cameron fully understands this dilemma. So he went to the experts and what he learned will enlighten, challenge, and encourage parents. And best of all: it can help strengthen your family!Connect isn't the only reason I want Caleb on the show. Caleb and the star of Connect Kirk Cameron (80's Hit Growing Pains, Like Father, Like Son) have used a​ pretty cool service to reach a MASSIVE Theatrical audience. The company is called Fathom Events. If you've ever been in an​ AMC theater you've probably seen a​ trailer​​ for a Concert, Ballet or Broadway play on Fathom Events but they also distribute feature films. Caleb and I go into the weeds on how he used Fathom​ Events to sell and market Connect along with other of their past releases. This

Many of you know I have an obsession with Tommy Wiseau's horrible masterpiece The Room. The joy I have when I watch is something that can't put into words. So when I ran into Robyn Paris, she played Michelle in The Room, I lost my mind and completely fanboyed out. If you don't know about The Room check out the trailer for The Disaster Artist, the film about the making of the worst film ever made.She was awesome to chat to so I invited here on the show to discuss her experience making The Room, how much The Disaster Artist got right and to talk about her new mockumentary series about the actors of The Room called The Room Actors: Where Are They Now? Robyn is current crowdfunding on Kickstarter to finish the series. If you are a Room fan like me give her and the other Room actors a few bucks so we can continue laughing.Enjoy my honest, entertaining and even educational chat with Robyn Paris.

How to Make Money as a FilmmakerI always get asked,"How to make money as a filmmaker or can you make money as a filmmaker?"The short answer is yes, of course, you can but will it be easy, HELL NO! What's a filmmaker to do? I've been able to develop an over 20-year career making money as a filmmaker. So if I can do it you can too. In this podcast episode, I go into details on all the money making ideas filmmakers can do to make money. I give examples, tell stories and show you how I and other filmmakers make money today. Here are a few things I go over in the episode.Film Crew WorkProduction AssistantDepartment PAProduction Office PAGeneral CrewFilm Office WorkI go over the details of my film office job and what amazing things happen because of itYou meet and network with industry peopleFilm Production CompanyI discuss my first job at a production company and how it launched my careerThe value of interningHow you can leverage this job into a profitable freelance careerSkilled FreelancerLearn a skill (Editing,

On today's episode, I'll be giving you a sneak peek of producer Suzanne Lyons' new course Indie Film Producing Masterclass. This is part one of two so enjoy this look inside the best selling indie producing course.How do you legally option a screenplay? What are the agreements you need? Suzanne goes over everything you need to know in this episode. Enjoy!Here's some info on the course:Have you ever wondered what it really takes to produce an independent film? How raise money, dealing with contracts, SAG agreements and putting together sales presentations for investors? Then this masterclass is for you.Award-winning film producer Suzanne Lyons is about to take you from script to screen and beyond in this Mastermind workshop. After producing a number of bigger budget features Suzanne thought producing the SAG ultra-low and modified budget films would be a piece of cake. Boy, was she wrong? Wearing 100 different hats was a challenge and she learned so much. And now she will be sharing all that great info with yo

I had the pleasure the other night to see two of my inspirations speak on stage. Mark and Jay Duplass or as they are known The Duplass Brothers, were at a book signing for their new book, Like Brothers, and gave an awesome talk about how they got started, playing the Hollywood game and making​ up your own rules.Many of you know that the Duplass Brothers are the reason why I got off my ass and made my first feature film This is Meg. Their “just go out and do it” attitude inspired me to go and do it. The further inspired me to make my latest film On the Corner of Ego and Desire. If you have seen their $3 short film, This is John, that got into Sundance and launched their careers you can watch it in the show notes​. Here’s a bit on their new book Like Brothers:How do you work with someone you love without killing each other? Whether producing, writing, directing, or acting, the Duplass Brothers have made their mark in the world of independent film and television on the strength of their quirky and empathetic app

Today's guest is Heather Hale, author of How to Work the Film and TV Markets: A Guide for Content Creators. Heather Hale is a film and television director, screenwriter and producer with over 50 hours of credits. She is currently under contract to direct an indie romantic comedy.She directed, produced and co-wrote the million dollar feature Absolute Killers (2011) which was marketed by distributors at Le Marche du Film and the American Film Market. She wrote the $5.5 million dollars Lifetime Original Movie The Courage to Love (2000) which starred Vanessa Williams, Stacy Keach, Gil Bellows and Diahann Carroll.Heather’s new book How to Work the Film & TV Markets: A Guide for Content Creators was just published this summer by Focal Press/Routledge while her Story$elling: How to Develop, Market and Pitch Film & TV Projects will be published in 2018 by Michael Weise Productions.For over two decades, Heather has served as an international keynote speaker, teacher, moderator, panelist and custom workshop fac

Today we have a special crossover event between The Indie Film Hustle Podcast and The Bulletproof Screenplay podcast. Since I’m the host of both podcasts I thought it would be fun and educational to do these kinds of episodes every once in a while. Today’s guest is best selling author K.M. Weiland, the author of Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author’s Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development.K.M. Weiland lives in make-believe worlds, talks to imaginary friends, and survives primarily on chocolate truffles and espresso. She is the IPPY, NIEA, and Lyra Award-winning and internationally published author of the acclaimed writing guides Outlining Your Novel, Structuring Your Novel, and Creating Character Arcs, as well as Jane Eyre: The Writer’s Digest Annotated Classic, the historical/dieselpunk adventure Storming, the portal fantasy Dreamlander, the medieval epic Behold the Dawn, and the western A Man Called Outlaw. When she’s not making things up, she’s busy mentoring other autho

Have you ever wondered if you could actually make money making short films? Take it from the guy who made over $90,000 selling a short film, yes you can (click here to hear that story). Today on the show we have the founder of the world's largest short film distribution company SHORTS International, Carter Pilcher. Carter Pilcher founded Shorts International in 2000. Coming from a background in both investment banking and law, Carter has made Shorts International the world's leading short movie entertainment company, functioning as a distributor, broadcaster, and producer. Carter has extensive experience in short movie production and short movie entertainment. He is a voting member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and a member of the Short Film and Feature Animation Branch of The US Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences (AMPAS)Enjoy my conversation with Carter Pilcher.

If you are fans of episode  IFH 088: Why Filmmakers are Always So Damn Broke & What They Can Do to Change It, then you are going to love this one. I wanted to put together an episode as a wake-up call for the IFH Tribe. I wanted to scare the hell out of you a bit but in a good way. So many people talk about their dreams and so few actually doing anything about it. This episode is hopefully the kick in the ass you need to get start TODAY and follow your dreams. I share some personal and raw things in this one in hopes that it moves you into action. Disclaimer: I am a bit RAW in this episode so don't listen with small kids in the room. I hope this helps you on your path. Enjoy!LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEIFH 088: Why Filmmakers are Always So Damn Broke & What They Can Do to Change ItThis is Meg - First FeatureOn the Corner of Ego and Desire - Second FeatureIndie Film Producing Masterclass with Suzanne LyonsSPONSORSBlackBox - Make Passive Income From Your FootageStudio Unknown Audio Post

We have a very special episode of the Indie Film Hustle podcast today. Our amazing guest is Qasim Basir, co-writer, and director of the Sundance 2018 hit film A Boy. A Girl. A Dream. The film stars Power‘s Omari Hardwick and Meagan Good is the story of two people who meet in Los Angeles on the night Donald Trump is elected President of the United States. The film was just picked up by Samual Goldwyn Company for a theatrical release. Check out a few clips below. Qasim Basir wrote and directed Mooz-lum (2011) starring Danny Glover and Nia Long about an African-American Muslim family and how their lives are changed by the September 11 attacks. The film received nominations from the NAACP Image Awards and Black Reel Awards.Basir also wrote and directed Destined (2016) starring Cory Hardrict. Basir won Best Director at the American Black Film Festival. The film was shot as a true oner, meaning the entire film was shot in one take. To be able to achieve a 90-minute one-take cinematographer Steve Holleran frankenste

Today on the show we have film editor Lawrence Jordan. Lawrence is a veteran feature film and television editor who has worked with many of the top creatives at the world’s largest entertainment companies, including Time Warner, Sony, Fox, MGM, HBO, Netflix, and Disney. He has supervised creative aspects of the post-production process on over 45 feature films and television shows with budgets ranging from 1 million to upwards of 80 million dollars. He recently completed his latest feature film, “Naked” starring Marlon Wayans and Regina Hall for Netflix.With a passion for technology, Lawrence was fortunate to have the opportunity to be one of the earliest adopters of digital, non-linear, editing workflows. Along the way, he became an adjunct professor at the American Film Institute’s Center for Advanced Studies, and created and taught courses on non-linear editing at UCLA. He has also been a consultant and speaker for companies such as Apple, Adobe, and Avid Technology. Jordan has also written articles for per

Today on the show we have a true legend from the film business, director John Badham. John has directed some of the most iconic films in history. From the decade-defining Saturday Night Fever to 80's hits like War Games, Short Circuit, & Stakeout. Check out his current demo reels below.  John Badham has not only continued directing but is involved with some of the most cutting-edge television show being made today. John is also the author of two books John Badham On Directing: Notes from the Set of Saturday Night Fever, War Games, and More and I'll Be in My Trailer: The Creative Wars Between Directors and Actors.He's also is a Tenured Film Professor at Chapman University in Los Angeles. I can't tell you what a thrill it was to sit down and pick John's brain. He's been directing for close to five decades. His wealth of knowledge and experience is remarkable.Sit down and get ready to take a TON of notes on this epic conversation with John Badham. 

Today's guest is bestselling author and creativity expert Jeff Goins. In this episode, he dismantles the myth that being creative is a hindrance to success by revealing how an artistic temperament is, in fact, a competitive advantage in the marketplace.For centuries, the myth of the starving artist has dominated our culture, seeping into the minds of creative people and stifling their pursuits. But the truth is that the world’s most successful artists did not starve.In fact, they capitalized on the power of their creative strength. In Real Artists Don’t Starve, Jeff Goins debunks the myth of the starving artist by unveiling the ideas that created it and replacing them with timeless strategies for thriving, includingSteal from your influences (don’t wait for inspiration)Collaborate with others (working alone is a surefire way to starve)Take strategic risks (instead of reckless ones), make money in order to make more art (it’s not selling out)Apprentice under a master (a “lone genius” can never reach full poten

 Today we are going to discuss Test Screenings. Are they a waste of time? How do you handle comments and criticisms? Who do you invite to test screening and how do you perform a proper test screening?I have a group of five types of creatives I like to invite to see rough cuts of my films.DirectorWriterCinematographerEditorProducerIn the episode, I go deeper into how to handle critiques and go into a bit of history of some famous test screenings that went right and wrong. Enjoy!

How to Engage an Audience Before & After You Make Your Indie FilmToday's guest is Kia Kiso, co=producer of the hugely successful indie film Mile… Mile & A Half. Kia and her team where case studies in last weeks guest RB Botto's book Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers: Indie Film and the Power of the Crowd because of the amazing job they did crowdsourcing. Check out the trailer below.In an epic snow year, five friends leave their daily lives behind to hike California’s historic John Muir Trail, a 211-mile stretch from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney (the highest peak in the contiguous U.S.).  Their goal — complete the journey in 25 days while capturing the amazing sights & sounds they encounter along the way.  Inspired by their bond, humor, artistry & dedication, the group continues to grow: to include other artists, musicians & adventure seekers.  Before they all reach the summit, hikers and viewers alike affirm the old adage — it’s about the journey, not the destination. Mile… Mile & A Half is the

So today on the show we have returning champion RB Botto from Stage32.com. RB has been on the show six times. Between film festival panels, interviews, and  Sundance. He's always a favorite of the IFH Tribe so I thought it was time to bring him back. He finally finished writing his remarkable new book Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers: Indie Film and the Power of the Crowd.Here's some info on the book.Whether you’re a producer, screenwriter, filmmaker, or other creative, you probably have a project that needs constant exposure, or a product to promote. But how do you rise above the noise?In Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers: Indie Film and the Power of the Crowd, Richard Botto explains how to put crowdsourcing to use for your creative project, using social media, networking, branding, crowdfunding, and an understanding of your audience to build effective crowdsourcing campaigns, sourcing everything from film equipment to shooting locations.Botto covers all aspects of crowdsourcing: how to create the message of your bra

Today’s guest is screenwriter/podcaster Ashley Scott Meyers from Sellingyourscreenplay.com. Ashley is a working screenwriter in Hollywood. He also spends his time running a popular screenwriting blog and podcast. His focus is on helping you sell your screenplay. Here’s a bit of his philosophy in his own words:If you ask 100 different screenwriters how they broke into the business you’re going to get 100 different answers. There is no “right” way to break in. So my philosophy has always been simple: try as many different angles as possible and figure out what works best for you.Below are two short lists of things you should be doing to try and sell your screenplays. I’ve listed them in order of what I think is most effective (your results may vary). One thing to keep in mind, this is not an exhaustive list. You should be thinking of other ways you can market your material and doing those things, too. If you would like to share any of your ideas please email me as I’m always curious to hear how other writers ar

Today's guest is Adam Rifkin. Adam Rifkin is a Writer/Director whose eclectic career ranges from family comedies to thought-provoking indies to cult classics.Most recently, Rifkin Wrote and Directed THE LAST MOVIE STAR, a poignant drama starring screen legend, Burt Reynolds, Ariel Winter and Chevy Chase. The critically acclaimed film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival where it was bought by A24 and is set to be released in March 3o, 2018 in theaters and all streaming platforms. Rifkin also Directed DIRECTOR’S CUT, a wild and twisted meta-thriller penned by iconic illusionist and comedian, Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller. DIRECTOR’S CUT was the opening night film of the 2016 Slamdance Film Festival and will be released by Epic Pictures under their new, DREAD CENTRAL PRESENTS, horror banner.We discuss how he jumped from screenwriter to director, how to handle a problematic actor on set and what it was like directing an icon.Enjoy my conversation with Adam Rifkin.