First Time Go

I feel like this would be a good plotline for a gonzo Mission Impossible movie: make romcoms and comedy dramas relevant again. In one sentence, my guest, director and podcaster Charles Hood, declared “comedies and comedy dramas are dead, sadly” but also came back in the next few sentences with the announcement, I'm releasing a romcom feature later this year. This sounds exactly like a challenge, if you choose to accept it, for one of the co-hosts of the official Mission Impossible podcast. And here's to thinking he'll be successful. In this episode, Charles and I talk about:His journey to hosting the unofficial — and then the official — Mission Impossible podcast, “Light The Fuse”;Why more filmmakers aren't podcasting and what it takes to be successful in the medium;How he got his start in filmmaking;Should you make a microbudget feature like Charles' first film, FREEZER BURN (2007), or a great short film?How he found himself in the comedy-drama romcom space;The ten year anniversary of NIGHT OWLS (2015), his reflections on the film, and his focus on screenplay structure going into making the film; His work at go90, a Verizon “mobile-oriented social entertainment platform” (who knew about that?!);The value of structured, well written script;Whether the official MI podcast helped him get “above the noise”;When we should expect his next project, THERE SHE GOESHow the vote of actors participating in an indie film project is so important.Charlie's Indie Film Highlight: Josh Greenbaum; GHOST BOY (2025) dir. by Rodney Ascher; THE NIGHTMARE (2015) dir. by Rodney Ascher; A GLITCH IN THE MATRIX (2021) dir. by Rodney AscherMemorable Quotes:“ We always talk to everybody about Tom Cruise's hairstyle, their favorite haircut from the different movies. And we also would jokingly talk about how we're in a golden age of dog cinema because there were a lot of dog movies that have come out in the last 10 years.”“ If you're gonna do a big short with a real budget, you might as well try to figure out how to squeeze that budget into a feature and do a feature.”“Comedies and comedy dramas are dead, sadly.”“ Actually if you make a romantic comedy, you get to sneak in a lot of character work that you wouldn't get to do in a lot of other genres.”“We learned a lot over those years, writing studio comedies and learning structure and that applied to this movie that is mainly just two people talking.”“So I'm still chasing that feeling again of making NIGHT OWLS.”“They always say that, you have to know the rules before you can break them. And I was breaking them on FREEZER BURN without knowing them.”“What Tome Cruise is all about is….serving the audience.”Links:Follow Charles On InstagramWatch Indie Film Highlight: NIGHT OWLS (2015)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: PEOPLE PLACES THINGS (2015). Director: James C. StrouseScreenplay: James C. StrouseCast: Jermaine Clement; Regina Hall; Stephanie AllynneSYNOPSISA graphic novelist /professor (Jemaine Clement) tries to navigate the unfamiliar waters of single fatherhood and dating.Subscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

This is still an indie film podcast, don't misunderstand, but if I had to do one conversation with somebody who made a studio film, it would be with my guest Ebs Burnough. I'd argue no other person understands the indie film market like he does, especially now with the release of KEROUAC'S ROAD: THE BEAT OF A NATION (2025). The film examines how Jack Kerouac's iconic novel “On the Road” resonates in contemporary America. Ebs has a career that hardly seems repeatable — working for the White House to chairing the Sundance Institute — but those kind of unique stories make for the best documentary filmmakers. And we have a great one here today. In this episode, Ebs and I discuss:How to make a documentary stand out;His incredible story of chairing the Sundance Institute, working at the White House under President Obama, and now filmmaking, and what that means for independent directors looking to follow his path;What did he take away from his first doc, THE CAPOTE TAPES (2019), to his new film;How the process was different as a studio film and if it's exactly the film he wanted to make;The difficulty for directors in accepting feedback and how he views that challenge;The decisions surrounding music in the film and why he decided to go with a more contemporary soundtrack;How we get more people in theaters for documentaries;Whether the festival system is still working for films and his thoughts on the distribution system;What's next for him and if he ever imagines working on narrative projects.Ebs' Indie Film Highlight: W. Kamau BellMemorable Quotes:“Wouldn't it be interesting to talk to people who couldn't have gone on the road like Jack did in 1957, but can today?” “ Take some risks. Nothing's guaranteed, but if you don't try, you can't fail. But if you can't fail, you can't succeed.”“I knew that I wanted to bring ‘On the Road' into the 21st century.” “Sometimes your vision is super clear to you and you show it to 10 other people and they're, I don't get your vision.”“What festivals do brilliantly is curate exceptional content.”Links:Follow Ebs On InstagramUS Theatrical Dates For KEROUAC'S ROADSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

I don't know if we've ever had such fire practical advice from a film festival programmer who — I know this is shocking — actually cares about indie filmmakers than the pod does today with my guest, Imani Davis. From how the PROOF Film Festival got started to the advice she gives directors to take notes and cut your short films, this is absolutely the pod for you if you want to make it in indie film today. I'm so excited for you to hear from such an innovative voice in the industry. Imani and I talk about:How she started a film festival that — this seems like it would be a low bar but here we are! — actually supports independent filmmakers;How she developed the idea of a proof of concept festival and how the board of American Cinematheque reacted;How PROOF works and what she learned for the third year, including partnering with CALLO and how they are prepping for accepting documentaries in 2026;Her thoughts on serving on the 2025 jury for NFFTY, the largest youth film festival in the world, and what it means for the future of filmmaking;How she handles when someone contacts her outside of the normal route of submission and how film programmers should handle this; What does she wish more filmmakers knew about before they applied for the festival;Why so many filmmakers do not request feedback;How film festivals should handle representation for filmmakers; The future of Los Angeles for indie filmmakers;What's next for PROOF and this exciting filmmaker, including a PROOF development fund.Imani's Indie Film Highlights: SCOTTY'S VAG (2023) dir. by Chaconne Martin-Berkowicz; QUAKER (2025) cinematography by Vittoria Campaner; MAKE ME A PIZZA (2024) dir. by Talia Shea LevinMemorable Quotes:“And then I started this process of really fleshing out what this could look like, and presenting it to our Board of Directors, and our executive director was like that's the most enthusiastic I've ever seen the Board about anything.” “Our whole maybe pile could be a whole other festival.”“When I press play, I'm rooting for every film…I want this to be so good.”“We just naturally have parity…and that speaks to process.” Links:Follow Imani Davis On InstagramPROOF Film Festival Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: COME AS YOU ARE (2019).Director: Richard WongScreenplay: Erik LinthorstCast: Grant Rosenmeyer; Hayden Szeto; Ravi PatelSYNOPSISA travelling nurse takes three disabled men on a road trip to Montreal so they can lose their virginity at a brothel.Subscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

“Creative director, curator, publisher, collector” and founder of Sixteen World Xavier Encinas joins me on the podcast for this episode. I'd argue you could also add great podcast guest because he pushes back against this idea that France is a great haven for independent film. As part of his Sixteen artistic venture, he curates the Sixteen Film Institute, with a new film weekly, mostly from around the world, not France. Let's not misstate his argument — he has nothing against French cinema, he lives there. He's planning film events in Paris for this Fall. He's saying, the world of filmmaking especially in Asia is just as exciting. I couldn't be more on board. If you haven't heard of the Sixteen Film Institute platform, you should — and cheers to the creatives making it happen for independent filmmakers. In this episode, we discuss:How he defines himself as an artist;Why he started Sixteen in (no pun intended) 2016 while he was working in advertising and fashion;If ad agencies are okay with second gigs like this and how he combines Sixteen with his career;How he isn't bullish on Paris and France cinema — “we show very few short films from French directors” — and why he thinks that might be;What is the Sixteen Film Institute and the process of how it works; Are filmmakers being too precious with their short films and the place of Sixteen in the market?The audience in France for arthouse films;How Sixteen will start to have events in Paris in October and his plans to grow the company…with humility and sustainability. Xavier's Indie Filmmaker Highlights: Theo Angelopoulos; Chloe ZhaoMemorable Quotes: “ I don't think that I would've been to be able to publish the greatest photographers alive if that would've been a commercial artist.” “The global stage is the stage and France is trying to catch up with it.”“ Yes, the state gives you money, but doesn't make your work visible.”“I value so much the relationship that I have with the artists.” Links:Follow Xavier On InstagramFollow Sixteen Film Institute On InstagramSixteen Film Institute WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

There's no more exciting place to be in independent film than the intersection of France and the United States, or as a filmmaker in either of these locations. In France, cinemas are packed and the Cannes Film Festival often sets the tone for what's considered the best films of the year. So if the goal is understanding France's role in global cinema, there is no better person than my guest, Amanda Sthers, who has released three feature films that star globally known actors and help explain, in each of their ways, what is attractive about filmmaking in both countries. Along with filmmaking, her production company aims to “build bridges between Europe and the United States.” That's the goal of this episode, too.Amanda and I talk about:What it's like to have somebody on the podcast without an immediate project to pitch!How she got her start as a novelist, not a filmmaker, at 15 (!);How she's never taken on a script she hasn't written and what it would take for her to do so; As a novelist, did she write her books with a film adaptation in mind?The role of screenplays in films and how to define what's good or not — “ the way you say things without saying them, that's a good screenplay.”;Should screenwriters direct films?How she would introduce her three feature films -- HOLY LANDS (2017), MADAME (2017), PROMISES (2021);Why the trust given to her from well known actors hasn't translated to reviews of the films;How she runs a “collaborative” set and how she works “exactly like Woody Allen” (!);Her production company and differences in American and French filmmaking;Why French people love going to the cinema and the difficulty of streaming French cinema in the United States;How she's able to work with globally known actors;What's next for her. Amanda's Indie Filmmaker Highlight: Bonnie TimmermanMemorable Quotes:“The first time I was on a set, it was mine.” “ And then it took 10 more years for me to direct my first movie and it wasn't really my decision. I was writing a movie for a studio that basically ordered me [to write a] French “Love Actually.” “ You need to know how to betray your own work because it's not the same way to write a novel and to write a screenplay.”“ A screenplay is not a piece of art, per se. It's a tool to make a good movie.”“ It's a collective work. And I just feel that everyone is important on a set. Everyone should be celebrated because it's always a miracle when a movie is good.”“A writer director, when you give something so honest and so personal, because when people don't like my movie, I feel that they don't like me, which is not true, but I need to work on that.”Links:Follow Amanda On InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: I LIKE MOVIES (2022).Director: Chandler LevackScreenplay: Chandler LevackCast: Isaiah Lehtinen; Percy Hynes White; Veronika SlowikowskaSYNOPSISSocially awkward 17-year-old cinephile Lawrence Kweller takes a part-time job at Sequels video store, where he forms a complicated friendship with his older store manager, Alana. Lawrence hopes to earn enough money to achieve his dream of attending film school at NYU.Subscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Bottle films, films made predominately in one location, are like playing with fire. There's not a lot of room to make a good film if you don't cast well, for instance, or if the location of your bottle isn't fantastic. My guest, director Nicolai Schumann, understood all this….because he watched a bunch of the previous bottle films…and went ahead with THE LONELY MUSKETEER (2024) anyway. And I'm so glad that he did. The film tells the story of “the psychological downfall of a man who is highly traumatized by life.” Along the way, it's earned numerous awards, including cinematography at the 2025 Raindance Film Festival. And Nico is here to talk about it with me today. In this episode, Nico and I discuss:The clausterphobic nature of his film and what people should expect to see when they watch THE LONELY MUSKETEER?The pairing of investment bankers and hooligans in London that made this film;The secret to success for the feature film that won best cinematography at Raindance 2025;Why they cast Edward Hogg for a film that centers around a man locked in a box;How he feels about bottle films;Utilizing color throughout the film as well as putting important scenes in the credits;Whether he can trace awards won to tangible benefits for the film;London as an indie filmmaking location;What he's working on now” — “three teenagers who decide on a suicide pact in the backdrop of Thatcherism”;Nico's Indie Film Highlight: JAMES (2024) dir. by Max TrainMemorable Quotes:“The next decision I made, stylistically or creatively, is that there is not a single camera movement in the whole movie. So our big role model for that was a shower scene in PSYCHO;“ If there's not a hundred percent certainty that the actor can put it off, we wouldn't have done it.”“ The other thing which was really important for us is that we got the visuals right…that we started with wide lenses and then we went to long lenses over the movie so that the walls were literally closing in on the actor.” “The credit sequence is there to keep the audience guessing.”Links:Follow Nicolai On InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeThis is way easier said than done but when you're making a short film, you need a couple things to exceptionally stand out. Whether it's the writing, cinematography, subject…something. Otherwise, you're lost in a sea of submissions. The money is almost irrelevant if you don't have the goods. For my guest Jennie Butler and her film, GEORGIE (2024), it's piecing out a theme of his life from an interview and then making an extraordinary film from that thread. Jennie calls GEORGIE a “melancholic but humorous profile of an older man who has had a very hard life and now is living with his decisions.”In this episode, Jenny and I discuss:What it's like to be in Palm Springs in June — it's hot;GEORGIE is such a fantastic, layered film — are there better short films out there?;How she got her start — what I do now “is not that different”;The difficulty in starting off just freelancing;Does brandwork help with her filmmaking? “That comes from journalism”;Why she never sees herself going into narrative;What people should expect to see when they watch GEORGIE;How she decided on the motif of loneliness;How she balanced making GEORGIE a true documentary and not simply a marketing campaign for her subject;The challenge of how gotcha moments sell in documentary and how she makes a “nod to the audience this is a slightly unreliable narrator of his own story”;Her festival experience with GEORGIE and her advice for hitting the festival circuit;FilmFreeway — come on the show! — and the scam coupons for festivals you've never heard of;Her recommendations for someone starting off in documentary;What she's working on next.Jennie's Indie Film Highlight: QUEEN OF VERSAILLES (2012) dir. by Lauren Greenfield; THIN (2006) dir. by Lauren Greenfield; Omer SamiMemorable Quotes:“ Some of the films they looked like they cost a million dollars to make, they were insanely high budget. A lot of those def came from Europe because they have the money for that there, because their governments support that, and ours doesn't, but that's another topic.”“ Yes, the films are quote unquote higher quality, but it's really just all about the storytelling.”“ I just remember the first time I edited a video. You get into that flow state. I'd never really felt that before with writing. Writing always felt like a struggle.”“Once you make more and more films, you wanna control more and more aspects of the film. And then in documentary, of course, you have to let go of a lot of control because you're working with real people.”“Making subjects comfortable with this process is literally the hardest part of making a documentary. There is nothing harder.““Submit to the festivals that make sense for your film.”“ I didn't submit to Venice. I didn't submit to Berlin because if you look, they let in half a percent of films. That's throwing away $50.”“ I've met a bunch of programmers, so of course the first thing I would do on my next run is email those programmers who I've met.”“ Shorts are a really great way to hone your craft and also show your work.”“ Figure out something where the scope is literally so small, but you can show what you can do.” Links:Follow Jennie Butler On InstagramVisit Jennie Butler's Website Follow The Rough Cut Pod (Jennie's old pod)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: NIGHT OWLS (2015). Director: Charles HoodScreenplay: Charles Hood; Seth GoldsmithCast: Rosa Salazar; Adam Pally; Peter KrauseSYNOPSISKevin goes home with Madeline for a drunken one-night stand and is horrified to learn she is his boss's ex-mistress. After he catches her taking a box of sleeping pills, they slowly start to fall in love as he keeps her awake all night.Subscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeWatch SOVEREIGN NowSOVEREIGN (2025) is a filmmakers' thriller and the story behind its director, my guest, Christian Swegal, is one of the best in independent film this year. The reason that so many investors are reluctant to back a new director for their first feature is one of skepticism — they think the director won't be able to handle the responsibility. And when you add in powerhouse actors like Nick Offerman and Dennis Quaid, it's fair to expect a watered-down mush of a film which critics and audiences would chalk up to, well, it was a first time feature director.That's not the fate for Christian. Critics are talking about how it is perhaps Nick Offerman's best career performance, a sublime take on a man lost in the Sovereign citizen movement, and we are here today talking about how the hell did he pull it off…and with such swagger. In this episode, Christian and I discuss:Should you Google the story behind SOVEREIGN?What should people expect to see when they watch the film? “It's a character study of this man and his relationship with his son”;How he was able to make such an accomplished film for his debut feature?What he owes the real-life characters and the viewers when writing an “inspired by true events” story?How the film is a filmmaker's thriller with the little motifs in the film, and he'll explain the baby motif in the film;The brilliant casting of Nick Offerman in this film;Not getting hung up on casting -- a fantastic script will attract talented people to your film;The process of funding the film, including the use of Slated ad tax rebates;How it went from Tribeca to distribution within a few months;Advice he'd give somebody directing their first feature?“When in charge, be in charge” and how he implemented his vision no matter what;What he's working on next — “I'm drawn to true stories”Christian's Indie Film Highlight: SUNDOWN (2021) dir. by Michel Franco; MEMORY (2023) dir. by Michel FrancoMemorable Quotes:“ If people engage with the movie to the degree that they're interested to go and Google the real events I think that's a good sign.”“ The movie will be for some people and not for other people. And that's fine. It's better to be polarizing in that way. I think for a movie our size than it is to try to please every audience and to a degree.”“Or how you relate to a baby. It shows how you relate to something that's innocent and pure and really it's a stand in for empathy.”“ My advice to filmmakers that I wish I had earlier was just don't wait. Focus on your material and on the story and then just go.”“ Every single person we talk to along the way, in pre-production through production, through the end of it, had their spin on how they would fix the thing and make it different. And that's what's great. And when they direct their movie, then they can do their version of it.”Links:Follow Christian On InstagramFollow SOVEREIGN On InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: MARJORIE PRIME (2017). Director: Michael AlmereydaWriters: Michael Almereyda; Jordan HarrisonCast: Geena Davis; Hannah Gross; Jon HammSYNOPSISEighty-six-year-old Marjorie spends her final, ailing days with a computerized version of her deceased husband. With the intent to recount their life together, Marjorie's Prime relies on the information from her and her kin to develop a more complex understanding of his history. As their interactions deepen, the family begins to develop diverging recounts of their lives, drawn into the chance to reconstruct the often painful past.Watch This Episode On YouTubeSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Happy 2nd anniversary to the pod, and I can't think of a more vital filmmaker for our time and for this episode than Nathaniel Lezra. His film ROADS OF FIRE (2025), winner of the Best Feature Documentary at the 2025 ‪@officialSBIFF‬ interweaves the lives of a human smuggler navigating the treacherous Darién Gap (the only land bridge between North and South America), an asylum seeker rebuilding her life in New York City, and volunteers working on the frontlines of a growing humanitarian emergency.It found distribution from ‪@NewMountainFilms‬ with a theatrical release in September 2025, with event screenings in markets like New York and Los Angeles. As we talk about, it's the straight shooting explainer of the migrant crisis that our country needs right now. So much to be excited for in the third year of the podcast — happy Fourth of July. In this episode, Nat and I talk about:does he see ROADS OF FIRE as an explainer of the migrant crisis?how the film is a straight shooter politically;the theatrical run planned for September;the ambition of the film and the three threads — asylum seekers in NYC, migrants in Colombia, and humanitarian organizations — that he nimbly showcases in the film;his recommendation for film school graduates in getting started with shoots near Ukraine and Colombia; why documentary and not narrative?how narrative films demand life experience;how much he cares about gear as a filmmaker often on the road;what's next for him.Nathaniel's Indie Film Highlight: THE ACT OF KILLING (2012) dir. by Joshua Oppenheimer; THE LOOK OF SILENCE (2014) dir. by Joshua Oppenheimer; Matthew Heineman; THE TERRITORY (2022) dir. by Alex Pritz; 20 DAYS IN MARIUPOL (2023) dir. by Mstyslav ChernovMemorable Quotes:“ This film…traces very much my own exposure and journey becoming more aware of the migrant crisis”“ I've never put myself in a position other than once or twice in Colombia where I felt like I was letting go of control and truly just riding what was given to me.”“You'd be surprised what your own nuts and bolts production literacy will get you.”“ I don't want to be scared of the world. I want to have experiences.”“ And for me, the only way to do that is to find those stories and just accept my vulnerability and accept my ignorance to some degree and walk out into the world and see what the world has to offer.” “You need to live life in a serious way before you take a bite out of a narrative project.” “I spoke to some high schoolers not too long ago, and a lot of people are really astounded to learn just the value of your iPhone.” Links:Follow Nat On InstagramROADS OF FIRE WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: YOU CAN COUNT ON ME (2000).Director: Kenneth LonerganScreenplay: Kenneth LonerganCast: Laura Linney; Kenneth Lonergan; Mark Ruffalo; Matthew BroderickSYNOPSISSammy is a single mother who is extremely protective of her 8-year old son. She is satisfied with living in the small town she grew up in and working in a local bank. When her brother Terry visits he fits the void in the life of both her and her son. Temporarily free of the constraints of single motherhood she begins to break free of her normal routine. In a string of traumatic events Sammy is torn between helping her brother and her maternal instinct to protect her son from getting hurt.Watch This Episode On YouTubeSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch FORWARD THINKING (2025) NowI'm not sure if the pod has ever gotten a bigger honor than what Antonio Harper & Abby Burton gave it in this episode — sure, they said, listeners can watch our short, currently on its festival run. FORWARD THINKING (2025) is a “surreal short film about a young black man who is attempting to trademark his likeness in the event that he's murdered by the police.” And to me, that sells it short. It's a film about race that goes further than any other film I've seen in a way that makes you think about what you saw so much you'll watch it again, all to make you smile once again with the amazing closing scene. Go watch FORWARD THINKING, go watch it again, and come back and hear this fantastic conversation with an epic filmmaking duo from Cleveland. In this episode, we talk abouthow they got started in filmmaking;what they would recommend in regards to working as a team;the ideas that motivated FORWARD THINKING (2025);How the film goes further than usual on the topic of race — was there pushback for being so bold?;the amazing music for the film — the Cleveland connection got it from Chip Tha Ripper;the importance of a final shot in a short film;how to discuss race, disability, gender in filmmaking and finding the balance in between highlighting and ignoring those areas;the Black ecosystem of film and whether it's represented well in the larger film festival/independent film scene;the advantages of subtlety and how it allows filmmakers to go further than if they were blatantly talking about a topic;The amazingness of Cleveland for independent film;what's next for them — Abby saves them for giving away important information!Abby's Indie Film Highlight: TALK (2025) dir. by Jessica Perlman; RENEGADES - Judy-Lynn del Rey dir. by Jeremy HsingMemorable Quotes:“Don't be a Dwayne. Practice cultural appreciation, not cultural appropriation.”“ Do I see myself wanting to get up at 4:00 AM to run suicides or get up at 4:00 AM for a call?”“The music just ended up being that Cleveland luck”“ Disability and disabled filmmakers are just that, they're just more filmmakers and they need to have their stories told. They need to have the opportunity to show what they can do. And, yes, it's a very vulnerable thing to come out and talk about it when it's not as accepted in the industry.”The approach to race “ should be a lot like what Abby and I did with FORWARD THINKING” “What I would hope to see is, especially in the in industry, is just having more people of color and underrepresented actors in roles that aren't necessarily traditionally tailored for that group.”Links:Follow Abby On InstagramFollow Antonio On InstagramSubscribe To West 10G Productions On YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

An upcoming wedding, a film that made it into Tribeca -- filmmaker Blake Jarvis is having himself a summer. IN JEFF WE TRUST (2025)'s logline is "two mentally ill girls regret joining a cult...but is it too late?" It is a hilarious short film produced and starring comedy duo Sydney Heller and Olivia DeLaurentis. Other than finding out if he has a band or a DJ, we go pretty deep into this guy's amazing summer for this episode.Blake and I talk about:how did he find out his film made Tribeca?what should they expect to see IN JEFF WE TRUST and the relationship with Sydney and Olivia?the honor of making a film somebody else wrote;how did he started in filmmaking?his ability to edit (he's edited everything he's released) and how it's an important skill for indie filmmakers;his thoughts on filming on film as an accomplished editor;what's his thought process of creating shorts and what's their strategy going into Tribeca?why did he start a YouTube channel? It's relatively rare in indie filmmaking; what's next for him — making little comedy shorts with friends, up on his YouTube channelMemorable Quotes:"I'm sure like a lot of people, you get stuck in the loop of [working on other projects] and you have to remember that you have to do your own stuff as well."“You make three movies: what you write, what you shoot, and what you edit.” "if you're able to use film, freaking do it."“ Maybe I'd have better luck on Vimeo, but I've never also understood the interface of Vimeo. I'm such a grandpa with that.”Blake's Indie Film Highlight: Michael ReesLinks:Follow Blake On InstagramFollow IN JEFF WE TRUST On InstagramFollow CREATURE CAMP On YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES (2024)Director: Pat BoonnitipatWriters: Pat Boonnitipat; Thodsapon ThiptinnakornCast: Putthipong Assaratanakul; Usha Seamkhum; Sanya KunakornSYNOPSISA man, driven by his desire for a multi-million dollar inheritance, begins to care for his terminally ill grandmother. However, winning her favor will not be an easy task and he is not the only one with an eye on the money.Watch This Episode On YouTubeSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeJoining me today is…he is going to hate that I say it this way, as you'll hear in the conversation…but the director with the most nominated film at Raindance, Max Morgan, talking about his film BREAKWATER (2025).The ability to make your first feature, your first film, carry the weight of, and I'll quote Max here, “people never mean what they say, and there is a lot of that in BREAKWATER” is simply breathtaking. I've posted the trailer in the YouTube conversation, go watch it and you see what you mean. And the trailer is hardly encompassing of the beauty of the film.The film has its premiere at Raindance on June 23rd, 2025 — sold out — but tickets are still available for the 24th. Go watch it if you can. There's a reason it's the most nominated film, the first feature out of the University of Oxford since 1982, and that's Max Morgan and his team. In this episode, Max and I talk about:What people should expect to see when they watch BREAKWATER, such a wide ranging and expansive film — “it's a psychological drama about connection between two characters, Otto and an older retired angler on the East Coast of England…and it's about how their lives come together, collide through happenstance and fuse irreversibly and thematically”;How he decided to make such an ambitious film, the first film he ever shot! — “so it really was like a massive learning curve for me”; “and then when I went to university, I did lots of theater”;Was screenwriting a safety net for him? “ I find that thinking about myself as a writer is almost more important to me as thinking myself as a director in some ways”His advice for someone who is not gifted at writing and how to develop that skill without decades of education — “I don't think that being able to write a good play or screenplay is necessarily a gift. I think it's important to think about writing and directing in all kind of creative capacities as more of a craft.”His issues with the term debut film and filmmaker as “quite misleading”, as there's so much that goes into a creative's life;How mentors gave him advice on what he termed “bad plays, bad screenplays” — “ if anyone tells you as a piece of feedback that something is straight up bad, then they're really awful at giving notes”; How you have to trust your instincts as well — you have to challenge incredibly bad and incredibly good feedback equally;The realistic dialogue in BREAKWATER — was it from life experience? “It was from the theater”; “people never mean what they say, and there is a lot of that in BREAKWATER”BREAKWATER has its world premiere at Raindance — has he seen it on a cinema screen and does he see a theatrical run for the film?An interlude about the amazingness of Tom Cruise and his stunts;What does being a British filmmaker mean to him and how he thinks people think of that identity? “ the way I think about it is so massively influenced by British art and the sense of British independent filmmaking, which has historically produced so many amazing filmmakers”;How he is planning for the world premiere at Raindance;Max's Indie Filmmaker Highlights: Mark Jenkin, famously of BAIT (2019) and other films; Sarah BrocklehurstLinks:Buy Tickets To BREAKWATERFollow BREAKWATER On InstagramFollow BREAKWATER's WebsiteMax Morgan's WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeIf you watch IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT (2023), you might get an idea about the director, and guess he has a cinematographer's eye for visuals and a humanist's approach to connecting with people. This episode proves that assessment right about director Stephen Gerard Kelly.IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT is described as "a portrait of modern-day Lebanon as seen through the eyes of four families living in the backdrop of an infamous massacre in 1982." It's visually stunning and Stephen calls it a "bit of an emotional juggernaut."It doesn't hold back, and neither does Stephen. If you haven't seen the film, go rent it, come back, and let's talk about one of the best films of 2023. In this episode, Stephen and I talk about:how he successfully utilized the cinematography of IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT to take his documentary to an extraordinary level of craftsmanship -- "I had been in New York for five years very much inspired by many great photojournalist and documentary photographers who would be in and around New York and I learned a lot"; his fluency in five (more?) different languages and does he see filmmaking as another way of communicating with the world? "How do you connect with the humanity in all of us? It's completely a language in its own right";what should people expect to see when they watch IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT? "It's a quality documentary that is a bit of an emotional juggernaut";his advice for moving from cinematography to directing -- "Open up. Trust people. It's a lonely road when you're walking alone for years";how did he blend in -- or not -- in a film about Lebanon? "Look at me, a red bearded, giant leprechaun" "It's about connection and being genuine with people and learning their language, which isn't easy";his feelings about the Oscars and the awards process in indie filmmaking -- he doesn't mince words! "Fuck the Oscars"; "As soon as I went into it and I saw the publicists turning their nose about the very meager budget comparatively that Screen Ireland offered up";the challenges of streaming and diluting independent filmmaking;what is he working on now and his process for filmmaking;fatherhood, the documentary film world, and how it influences his world and changed his perspective, especially on female filmmakers.Links:Watch IN THE SHADOW OF BEIRUT (2023) NowFollow Stephen On InstagramStephen Gerard Kelly's WebsiteWatch This Episode On YouTube Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: 29,000 WISHES. 1 REGRET (2012)Director: Oliver RobinsWriters: Oliver RobinsCast: Justus Zimmerman; Casey RuggieriSYNOPSISAfter losing their jobs, a husband (Justus Zimmerman) and wife (Casey Ruggieri) decide to max out their credit cards and have some fun, then commit suicide.Subscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTube The film, SPECTRUM (2024), directed by my guest, Rick Stanton, is a true triumph for art and sticking to one's own vision. As he said, “it's a very honest take on what life is like as an adult with autism.” Rick's path into filmmaking is unconventional and instead of paying endless amount of festival fees, he's forging a different path.In this episode, Rick and I talk about:what you should expect to see when you watch SPECTRUM -- "very honest take on what life is like as an adult with autism" -- it is an aural and visual experience;his wildly original way of filmmaking, casting his brother as the lead in the film;how he got his start in filmmaking, completely self-taught and through music;his desire to "show people that I could take on an episode for a series or even a feature film because I feel like I know how to tell a story";the decisions he made to make the viewer feel more uncomfortable than usual for a short film -- his insights here are extraordinary;what has been the festival reaction to the film and how he feels about the labeling of films -- he posted just on YouTube because "I just wanted to find an audience";why he is choosing to go off the beaten path in his career as an indie filmmaker and how other people feel about his decision;is he expanding SPECTRUM into a feature and his vision for expanding the scope of disabilities shown;how he is going to stay true to his vision for the film in making the feature -- "I don't wanna hear your opinion on it. I just wanna know whether you're gonna gimme the money"Rick's Indie Film Highlight: LIFT (2001) dir. by Marc IsaacsLinks:Watch SPECTRUM NowFollow Rick Stanton On InstagramRick Stanton's WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

DC/DOX is about to celebrate its third year, and I chat with co-founder Sky Sitney about its origin story, celebrity documentary, AI in docs, the financial plight of doc filmmakers, and more.Befitting a powerhouse in the doc filmmaking world, Sky took on the most challenging questions and gave thought-provoking answers. It's no surprise with her leadership DC/DOX has become an international stop in the world of documentary in three quick years.In this episode, Sky and I discuss:the origin story of DC/DOX and how it become a staple of documentary filmmaking nationally after just three years;how she got involved in filmmaking -- "the question all my life was not so much would it be film, but what my specific passion within film would be" -- and why she loves curation;the necessity of experience in running film festivals to make DC/DOX work at the level it does and against an amazingly competitive landscape in Washington, DC;how does she balance celebrity documentaries versus emerging filmmakers;the financial plight of documentary filmmakers and her thoughts on second jobs (if you haven't heard Daniel Lombroso's take on this, you really should check it out);AI at DC/DOX;what does DC/DOX look like in five years?the amazing IT department at DC/DOX -- look at how easy it is to buy tickets!Links:Buy Tickets Now For DC/DOX June 12 - 15, 2025Listen to Huiju Park, director of WELCOME HOME FRECKLES at DC/DOXListen to Sasha Wortzel, director of RIVER OF GRASS at DC/DOXSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch The Video On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: GOD'S POCKET (2014)Director: John SlatteryWriters: Peter Dexter; Alex Metcalf; John SlatteryCast: Philip Seymour Hoffman; Richad Jenkins; Christina Hendricks; John TurturroSYNOPSISA boozy lowlife (Philip Seymour Hoffman) tries to bury the truth about his crazy stepson's suspicious death, but a nosy newspaper columnist (Richard Jenkins) and the young man's mother complicate matters.Subscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Go See WELCOME HOME FRECKLES at DC/DOX on June 14th, 12pmWatch This Episode On YouTubeWhat do you do when people question your style of filmmaking? If you know that the story is in your heart, as my guest Huiju Park did with her film WELCOME HOME FRECKLES (2025), you make your film your way. In a deeply personal tale about her return home to Korea for the first time in four years, that's what she did. We talk about that and so much more with this UK-based filmmaker, whose authenticity will astound you.In this episode, we talk about:how she got started in filmmaking and going home to Korea with a camera;why she decided to take on a personal documentary -- "self-expression"; "I tend to use my film as a therapy";what did her teachers think of her style of documentary -- "definitely, it's not really common...and I was using me as a character...to deliver the story"; "the whole film, the story, is universal; I see myself as a medium";does she introduce herself as a Korean filmmaker? what's her relationship with that label? -- "I'm trying to bring Korean cinema into the documentary world";her trip to Cannes (she attended a program called Focus COPRO') and why she attends film festivals;do programs like Focus COPRO help documentary filmmakers -- "I don't make films for making money because I know there's no money";what's it like working as a doc filmmaker in London? -- "I'm Korean Korean, I moved to the UK just for the school"; "after Brexit, the difference between European market and the UK market is really big, as much as American and European"; "in the UK, it's really tough";what's next for her -- "it's not about moving away from personal documentary, I've said enough";Huiju's Indie Film Highlight: THE ECHO (2023) dir. by Tatiana HuezoLinks:Follow Huiju Park On InstagramSee WELCOME HOME FRECKLES at DC/DOX Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeWith the baritones of Bono and U2 as the soundtrack, the globe-trotting world of Mary Robinson requires an epic film to depict her life, and thankfully, they found the director that can deliver just that in Irish filmmaker Aoife Kelleher.Aoife gave us the brilliant film MRS ROBINSON (2024), still on its festival run. MRS ROBINSON tells the inspirational life story of change-maker Mary Robinson: Ireland's first female President, a pioneering UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the successor of Nelson Mandela as Chair of The Elders.And if all that wasn't enough, check out her film, TESTIMONY (2025), also on the festival circuit. Not sure when Aoife has time to sleep but she found time to talk with me for the podcast, and I'm delighted to share that conversation with you.In this episode, Aoife and I discuss:her biographical statement that she seeks in her work to "tell hidden truths about Ireland and Irishness" -- what does that mean? what is an Irish film?;how did she get involved in filmmaking? "my parents were primary school principals and my dad was a politician so it was like, there were a lot of debates around these kind of themes at the dinner table";her switch from law to filmmaking -- "I'd had this work experience in a legal firm that had put me off the idea of pursuing law";what did she learn from her first documentary ONE MILLION DUBLINERS (2014) that she takes away for her current film?how did she get the opportunity to make MRS ROBINSON (2024), even with pitching against many other companies -- "you really can't stress [enough] how large Mary Robinson looms in Irish society";how she made it clear they weren't creating a puff piece documentary -- "from the earliest points in the pitching process, we made it clear that we would not be doing that, and that was what she wanted, too";how she was able to license U2 and other prominent musicians as part of this film (they were going to play "Fortunate Son" by CCR in a Vietnam scene...I think it worked out better with Bono!);the climate activism portion of the film and how it resonates now versus 30 years ago;how has documentary changed in the last ten years?;what's next for her? TESTIMONY (2025) is also on the festival circuit, which means she has TWO feature films on the circuit right nowAoife's Indie Film Highlight: BLUE ROAD: THE EDNA O'BRIEN STORY (2024) dir. by Sinead O'Shea; A WANT IN HER (2024) dir. by Myrid CartenLinks:MRS ROBINSON (2024) WebsiteFollow Screen Ireland on Instagram For More Info On Irish FilmmakersWatch This Episode On YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: BEFORE/DURING/AFTER (2020)Director: Stephen Kunken; Jack LewarsScreenplay: Finnerty SteevesCast: Finnerty Steeves; Jeremy Davidson; John Pankow; John Ellison ConleeSYNOPSISThis sharp-witted dramedy studies a middle-aged NYC theatre actress suddenly forced to figure out the kind of person she wants to portray in real life when her marriage comes to an end after she catches her husband cheating.Subscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeAs soon as RIVER OF GRASS (2025) starts, the viewer is given an astonishing sense of place, and according to my guest, director Sasha Wortzel, this is most certainly by design. The film -- "an ode to the Florida Everglades past and present" -- is an amazing piece of artwork that elevates its subject to a character all of its own. Wherever you watch the film -- perhaps at DC/DOX on June 14th, 2025 -- you are going to feel like you are in Florida.I'm not sure you're transported there during the podcast, but what I can certainly promise is you'll be hearing from an extraordinarily talented filmmaker. In this episode, Sasha and I discuss:how did she get the sense of place, the feeling of being in Florida, through sound and visuals, so right?how did she get the archival footage that makes up RIVER OF GRASS?"the more you know about the place, the louder the whispers become" -- how did she get so many insights from the people she interviewed for the film?how she became a filmmaker focused on "attend[ing] to sites and stories systematically erased or ignored from...[New York and Florida's] histories"did RIVER OF GRASS, a doc feature, feel like a natural progressive after making shorts?her advice for doc filmmakers -- "really hone in what is the story you want to tell and why";her film won a jury prize at Hot Docs; how does she approach the festival process?the importance of resilience in getting her film made -- "make bold choices with your work creatively";her roles as director, producer, and editor -- was editing important to her for this project?how she was able to get her voiceovers right -- "what really worked for the voiceovers in this particular film that it's a lot about memory";with this film, does she consider herself a climate filmmaker?what's next for her and when does she expect RIVER OF GRASS to be available for streaming -- she's "dreaming up a sort of live immersive performance version"Sasha's Indie Film/Filmmaker Highlight: THE RED SHOES (1948) -- available on Tubi!; THE TUBA THIEVES (2023) dir. by Alison O'Daniel; Ja'Tovia GaryLinks:Follow RIVER OF GRASS On InstagramFollow Sasha Wortzel On InstagramBuy Tickets To See River of Grass At DC/DOX On June 14th, 2025Watch This Episode On YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: UNTOGETHER (2018).Director: Emma ForrestWritten By: Emma ForrestCast: Jamie Dornan; Ben Mendelsohn; Jemima Kirke; Lola Kirke; Billy CrystalSYNOPSISOnce considered a teen prodigy, a recovering addict sobers up and tries to get her writing career back on track. She begins a relationship with a rising author known for his wartime memoirs.Watch This Episode On YouTubeSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeAs we move further away from the conventional wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, colloquially known as the Global War on Terror, the need for films like AMERICAN SONS (2025) is greater; it informs us, through powerful filmmaking, what we've lost.AMERICAN SONS follows a brotherhood of Marines a decade after their deployment to Afghanistan, as they struggle to overcome the trauma of combat and the loss of their best friend, Corporal JV Villarreal.I am joined today by director Andrew James Gonzales and producer Laura Valera for an important -- essential -- discussion for the Memorial Day holiday.In this episode, we discuss:the world premiere at SXSW and how they were able to make such an authentic film about fallen Marines;why they were drawn to documentary filmmaking -- "I've always been drawn to documentary because I appreciate the realism. I like real stories. I don't like this. There's a lot of great narrative Hollywood stuff, but I just don't like this fake, happy ending in every movie, right? - Andrew James Gonzales;what should viewers expect when they watch AMERICAN SONS -- "They should expect to see a very real veteran story" - Andrew James Gonzaleshow the film was funded and producer Laura Valera brought together a variety of different resources to make it happen -- "If you don't get money from a certain organization and you really feel that they align, make sure you call, get feedback, apply again. The other thing that I tell young filmmakers is offer to be a grant reader" - Laura Valerathe crucial difference between a director and a filmmaker -- "So a director directs the film versus a filmmaker does anything that they need to do to finish the film, which means you're taking on a role that you've never even done before, but because you have the vision of how to complete it." - Andrew James Gonzales;why don't we see more of these authentic veteran films in narrative? And with the release of WARFARE (2025) by another Latino director, is there something specific to the Latino experience in the military, perhaps with the emphasis on community, that highlights these kinds of stories?;what was the response to the film at SXSW?what's next for this film and the filmmakers?Laura's Indie Filmmaker Highlight: Tejanas In FilmLinks:AMERICAN SONS WebsiteFollow Andrew On InstagramFollow AMERICAN SONS On InstagramFinally, here are links to five soldiers I served with who died either in action or because of its aftermath, and I think about them often. There is this whole "inside baseball" amongst veterans that you should never wish a veteran Happy Memorial Day because it's a solemn event to honor our fallen, like somehow our friends want all of us to be eternally miserable every last Monday of May in honor of their sacrifice. It's petty when the meaning of the statement is kind and it creates a division between civilian and veteran that shouldn't be there, not on this day.Sidestep all that noise. If you do encounter a veteran on Memorial Day, say something like this: "I'm sure this is hard for you. If you're able, I'd love to hear a story about someone you've lost, just so I can understand the magnitude of our country's sacrifice."For me, I could talk about these guys all day. Enjoy the holiday.Cody BakerGil MoralesMichael McGahanRyan SartorJustin SchmidtSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeNatalie Halla, the award winning Austrian filmmaker of THE LAST AMBASSADOR (2025), among other films, found that her way of making the world a better place is making insightful and incisive films. In her latest, she tells the story of Manizha Bakhtari, who is "risking everything in her fight for the rights of girls and women in Afghanistan."It had its North American premiere at Hot Docs to a standing ovation, and Natalie is here to talk about her journey and her powerful filmmaking.In this episode, Natalie and I discuss:the reception of THE LAST AMBASSADOR (2025) at Hot Docs;how did she get the access to make such a film?;how did she get involved in filmmaking -- "I'm a total autodidact";what drives her to make documentaries -- "I see it as my mission";the idea of a "search for the ultimate value of life" -- how that is connected throughout her filmmaking -- "it's not about just staying alive, it's about finding something worth living for";how she made a documentary with so much done on the road;"let's shoot it; I'll find the funding later" -- how she started filmmaking;what advice she would give documentary filmmakers;why she goes to festivals like Hot Docs and what her strategy is for attending -- "I really love meeting fellow filmmakers, so film festivals [are] the best chance to do that";what is next for her? "I don't have the energy and time to start something new, this film has so much interest it will keep me occupied for awhile";what's it like as an indie filmmaker in Austria?Links:Follow Natalie On InstagramVisit Natalie's WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: 12 MONTHS (2022).Director: Clinton CornwellWritten By: Clinton Cornwell; Elizabeth Hirsch-Tauber; Michael James KellyCast: Elizabeth Hirsch-Tauber; Michael James Kelly; Christopher Mychael WatsonSYNOPSISA hyper-realistic diversion from the usual rom-com, 12 Months candidly portrays moments that are commonly experienced but rarely shown as it follows the story of Ellie and Clark, a millennial couple, navigating the peaks and valleys of new relation.Watch This Episode On YouTubeSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeWriter, filmmaker, actor...and activist Ben Steinberg joins me to talk about his campaign to save the Cinerama Dome and his filmmaking, most recently HIKIKOMORI, a surreal short film you have to see to believe.In this episode, Ben and I talk about:how he got decided to get into film and acting;his campaign to save Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles;why should indie filmmakers care about theaters when most films are streamed?;how he made the surreal short HIKIKOMORI (inspired by THE LOBSTER, one of my favorite films);what's next for him, possibly a documentary on saving the Cinerama Dome ("I just need to stay organized and contact like media outlets and just see if they're willing to report on it because so far, not really, no one's really reporting on it");what does it say about the state of filmmaking when even Oscar winners are having trouble getting their projects made.Ben's Indie Filmmaker Highlight: Vince Di Meglio Links:Follow Ben Steinberg On InstagramFollow Ben Steinberg On TwitterFollow Save Arclight Cinemas! On TwitterSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Are you familiar with the Crazy8s competition in British Columbia?Thanks to today's guest, executive director of the Crazy8s Film Society, Grace Chin, you are now.The event is held in March annually and if you're able to participate next year, go for it. But as Grace talks about, not everybody gets in. This conversation offers your best roadmap to get crazy in Vancouver next year. In this episode, Grace and I discuss:what is the Crazy8s? "it's still the eight crazy days -- they shoot for 3 days, the fourth day you deliver your rough cut, fifth day your fine cut, sixth day your locked cut, seventh is editing, and then you deliver on eight";how did she get involved as executive director of the festival?;how she got involved in filmmaking and running festivals, including the Asian Film Festival, before going over to Crazy8s;what does she see as the market for short films? "definitely festivals";why does Western Canada get a shorter shrift than the rest of the country in indie filmmaking?;how Crazy8s is helping filmmakers in British Columbia;what she told the people that got rejected from Crazy8s;what does Crazy8s look like in five years? is AI part of the plan?Grace's Indie Film Highlight: DOUBLE HAPPINESS (1994), dir. by Mina ShumLinks:Follow Grace On InstagramFollow Crazy8s On InstagramCrazy 8s WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: TO DUST (2018).Director: Shawn SnyderWritten By: Shawn Snyder; Jason BegueCast: Matthew Broderick; Géza RöhrigSYNOPSISA Hasidic cantor in upstate New York, distraught by the untimely death of his wife, befriends a local community college biology professor and the two embark on an increasingly literal undertaking into the underworld.Watch This Episode On YouTubeSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeIt's hard to say what's been the biggest achievement for Daniel over the past few weeks — starting his own studio, Outerboro Films, getting selected as a 2025 Film Independent Documentary Story Lab Fellow, or telling the white supremacist Nick Fuentes that he's an asshole.Daniel said it's the latter, but I'm guessing as we look back, it'll be the first two, as he releases more of his critically acclaimed docs under his own banner. Daniel has made truly extraordinary films, and now he's put himself in a position to help others make theirs. In this episode, Daniel and I discuss:how do you make the jump into embed in alt right hate groups? -- Daniel has the most incredible origin story;WHITE NOISE, The Atlantic's first feature documentary, directed by Daniel -- "it was journalistically important; a historical document";did The Atlantic know they were going into video when they hired him out of college?his founding of Outerboro Films; is he building off his work at The Atlantic and The New Yorker with a strategy to monetize his films?how he sees those two venerable magazines moving away to more social videos and leaving a space for companies like Outerboro;what Outerboro is -- a production studio? a distributor? both?;the unreal story of his upcoming documentary feature film, YOU'LL BE HAPPIER;his process of starting the project and then bringing on executive producers;the role of festivals in releasing documentaries in ways that they stay relevant;the advice "we need to destigmatize working at the coffee shop" for documentary filmmakers -- how does he feel about that advice?the name Outerboro Films and what it means; what would his company look like if it was based in Los Angeles?;what's next for him and Outerboro -- a sequel to NINA AND IRENA (2023)!;Daniel's Indie Film Highlight: ETERNAL FATHER (2023) dir. by Omer SamiLinks:Follow Daniel On InstagramOuterboro Films WebsiteFollow Outerboro Films On LinkedinSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch LITTLE MISS SLEEPY On YouTubeWatch This Episode On YouTubeAt 21, Jenny Lee-Gilmore was diagnosed with narcolepsy. In her film LITTLE MISS SLEEPY, she explores what it's like to live with a neurological disorder that's misunderstood and often misdiagnosed.In this conversation, we explore how she made that decision to turn one of her most personal life stories into a documentary and what advice she has for other filmmakers.The film recently screened at GEMFest 2025 in Vancouver.In this episode, Jenny and I talk about:what it was like to make something so personal and then screening it;how she decided to tell the story of narcolepsy through filmmaking -- "originally, no, I never wanted to make a film about this. I never thought I'd about my experiences";how her mom's story in OVERTIME (2023) made her comfortable releasing this film;what kind of concessions she made about what she couldn't share;advice she has for other documentary filmmakers starting on such a personal journey -- "surround yourself with a great crew";the ability to connect through vulnerability with other people;how she was able to find a crew for such a personal story?;how she sees documentary filmmaking going forward -- "people usually aren't going to watch documentaries, but so many more documentaries are being more cinematic";how she developed the unique hook for this film;what it is like as a filmmaker in British Columbia and why they don't get as much funding as the East Coast of Canada;does she ever feel pigeonholed as a documentary filmmaker, especially with her interest in narrative filmmaking;what's next for her --- she just finished a narrative short film and working on her first feature.Jenny's Indie Film Highlight: MY OLD ASS (2024) dir. by Megan Park Links:Follow Jenny On InstagramWatch LITTLE MISS SLEEPY On YouTubeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: BROKEN FLOWERS (2005).Director: Jim JarmuschWritten By: Jim Jarmusch; Bill Raden; Sara DriverCast: Bill Murray; Jessica Lange; Sharon StoneSYNOPSISWhen his latest girlfriend (Julie Delpy) leaves him, retired computer magnate Don Johnston (Bill Murray) has no greater ambition than to sit around the house. When he receives an anonymous letter from a former girlfriend claiming he has a 19-year-old son he's never met, Don doesn't even think to follow up. It's not until his neighbor, a mystery fan, encourages him that Don resolves to visit the exes who seem the most likely candidates and find out the truth.Watch This Episode On YouTubeSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeWatch The Trailer Of A Nice Indian BoyPreorder the film, available for streaming on May 6, 2025I can't give this title out often before it becomes meaningless, but the best film I've seen this year is A NICE INDIAN BOY (2024), by director Roshan Sethi. And with SINNERS (2025), it's the hottest story in film right now. Let's talk about why that is with one of the most intelligent and analytic minds in filmmaking: Roshan Sethi.In this episode, Roshan and I talk about:the overwhelming positive response to the film and what that says about the state of independent film;how did they know to go "all in" with theaters?he does a deep dive into the complex nature of distribution;his path from doctor to indie filmmaker;was it because he was bothered by medical inaccuracies in Hollywood? no, not at all;what about romcoms draws him to that material and what he learned from 7 DAYS?he's done both a heteronormative and a queer romcom; was he worried about the release of this film?when does he trust a streamers' algo?** how to cast ethnic, queer, or other niches and what guideposts to use for actors that aren't part of a particular group? "often gay roles are used to launch stars"; this is a must listen answer **it seemed like this would be a written and directed feature but it came from a play; what kind of adaptations did he make?how he borrowed a technique from reality television to move along different plot points simultaneously;how to find profitability in great indie films -- "And so the problem is not the creators who are creating very diverse content, that's often very good. It's not the audiences who crave diverse content, it's the people who are in the middle, which is film executives and the apparatus of the system";his advice as a mentor for the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles; "I am just recommending that everybody make as commercial a project as they can, action, horror, thriller, whatever";where did the nobility come from in being broke to make films? "every art form suffers from a certain amount of pretentiousness, which is the desire to be artistically elevated and to be seen as an artist who is more sophisticated than other artists;his thought process of releasing the film for streaming while it's in theaters;having to think about releasing an indie film almost like politicians think about precincts.Roshan's Indie Film Highlight: GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS (2024) dir. by Shuchi TalatiLinks:Follow Roshan On InstagramFollow A NICE INDIAN BOY On InstagramA NICE INDIAN BOY Official WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Buy Tickets Now For JIMMY IN SAIGON In NYC Through May 1stWatch The Trailer For JIMMY IN SAIGONWatch This Episode On YouTube"Polite persistence" -- that's the story of filmmaker Peter McDowell in so many ways, and it's how he brought the film JIMMY IN SAIGON to movie theaters, through May 1st, 2025 in NYC, and then beyond. He's been at work on the film since 2010, and it throws on its head what you might expect from a Vietnam War documentary.In this episode, we discuss:how he got started in filmmaking, alongside his brother, Jimmy, who is the subject of JIMMY IN SAIGON;what his concepts of documentaries about the Vietnam War before he started?the long journey of creating his film, starting in 2010, that details the search for what happened to his brother during the Vietnam War;what advice he'd give documentary filmmakers embarking on such a personal narrative -- "just turn the camera on";what his "special sauce" for fundraising on a project that took 12 years to put together -- fiscal sponsorship;the soundtrack was released for the film; was that always part of that plan and how did he come up with a such a great score?the film has been on the festival circuit for over two years; what does he think of film festivals?what's next for him?Peter's Indie Film Highlight: Pedro Almodovar; A PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY (2024) dir. by Rachel Elizabeth SeedLinks:Follow JIMMY IN SAIGON On InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: MOBILE HOMES (2017).Director: Vladimir de FontenayWritten By: Vladimir de Fontenay; Danielle LessovitzCast: Imogen Poots; Callum Turner; Frank OultonSYNOPSISA young mother drifts from one motel to the next with her dangerously intoxicating boyfriend and her 8-year-old son. When a crisis tears them apart, the mother finds a mobile home community that provides the possibility of a better life.Watch This Episode On YouTubeSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeOne of the things that fascinates me about filmmaking is the concept of authenticity. That is, the filmmakers either have to put in the time to do research for a particular film genre (veterans, ethnic films, etc) or they have to live it. For the new film BROTHERS AFTER WAR, my guest Jake Rademacher lived it. It's in his blood -- literally, as many of his siblings serve in the military. I felt honored to talk with a director who told veterans' stories so eloquently. Keep checking the BROTHERS AFTER WAR social media on when it'll be available for screening near you. And I hope you enjoy this episode with one of the most authentic voices for military veteran stories you'll ever hope to meet. In this episode, Jake and I discuss:how he created such a unique and genuine film series about his "brothers" -- both familial and military;how he created such an authentic film about war and after war;what made him decide to get into filmmaking and how he had the resilience to go into war zones with just a camera;advice he has for other documentary filmmakers -- "don't make a film during a global pandemic"; they were the first film back in Italy; "get a pen out, a piece of paper out, and ask yourself why you want to make yourself this film? and why do they need to see it?;his thoughts on the political response to Matthew Heineman's film RETROGRADE and how he handled his relationship with the DoD -- "I always have final cut";what did he leave out? where does it go too far for a cinéma vérité documentary filmmaker?would he consider making a narrative film? is documentary the best way to share veterans' stories?if he wants to turn it into a Richard Linklater BEFORE type series and what's next for him;how Christian filmmakers have inspired a model for veteran films.Jake's Indie Film Highlight: FIGHTING SPIRIT: A COMBAT CHAPLAIN'S JOURNEY (2024) dir. by Richard Hull; Justin RobertsLinks:Follow @brothersafterwar on InstagramBROTHERS AFTER WAR WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTube NowGo and listen to THE CORONER'S ASSISTANT, a new show on Tubi by filmmaker Angeline Walsh, and I'll bet you have the theme music caught in your head for the rest of the day (week, month, etc.) Kudos to Angeline for putting music first.The episodic model might look scary, but my guest is here to convince you otherwise -- for her, it was a way to follow her heart.In this episode, we discuss:the ridiculously catchy theme music and how she decided to start with that instead of leaving it to the end;how she got into filmmaking;she calls her filmmaking "weird and too dark for children" -- where did that come from? it's more lighthearted than you may think;what they should expect to see from THE CORONER'S ASSISTANT;isn't that the point of good filmmaking, to subvert expectations?why episodic content on Tubi versus a short or a feature?the metrics available on Tubi?what advice would she give about the process of putting a show on Tubi?how to monetize episodic or short films -- "I'm not being hired to do this, so I might as well just make it the way I want to because I'm not beholden to anyone's rules right now";will there be a season two?what other projects is she working on?Angeline's Indie Film Highlights: Valyo Gennoff, composer of the catchy music for THE CORONER'S ASSISTANT; Mabel Normand; Marion Davies (Angeline later mentioned she meant Frances Marion)Links:Follow Angeline On InstagramAngeline Walsh's WebsiteWatch THE CORONER'S ASSISTANT on TubiSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubePreorder on Apple TV NowIn the beating heart of the most successful independent filmmakers you can find one thing for certain: a belief in oneself. I've hardly ever heard a more powerful defense of one's vision than from filmmaker Rachel Suissa, who is here to talk about her debut indie film, GREEK MOTHERS NEVER DIE (2025).If you want to be inspired by a woman and her vision, this is the episode for you.And don't forget -- preorder her film! Rachel lets us in on the insight of the Apple algorithm and so much more.In this episode, Rachel and I discuss:how she got involved in filmmaking, starting as an actress and boldly taking control of her career after a show bombed -- "people had different ways to grieve and mine was to take control, of things and have freedom to tell my stories";what people should expect to see during GREEK MOTHERS NEVER DIE;what kind of advice she gives on creating ethnic related films? "if somebody wants to make a first indie movie, it has to be something that resonate with his heart, his universe, and his experience";her feelings about MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING (2002);how she was able to keep a two hour plus run time in a field (romcoms) that's very hard to do -- how did she manage this?whether being an actress helped her direct this film with the vision she wanted -- "it's all ink and paper until an actor brings it to life";her thoughts on funders demanding a "name" cast and what an indie director should do about it;her sticking to her vision, no matter the consequences;how many preorders it takes to beat the Apple algo;what's next for her -- "The Hangover meets Mamma Mia!"Rachel's Indie Film Highlight: ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND (2004) dir. by Michel GondryLinks:Follow Rachel Suissa On InstagramPreorder on Apple TV NowSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: THE BACHELORS (2017).Director: Kurt VoelkerWritten By: Kurt VoelkerCast: JK Simmons; Josh Wiggins; Odeya RushSYNOPSISAfter the death of his wife, Bill and his 17-year-old son, Wes, move from a small town to a big city for a fresh start. As they begin to adjust to life in the city and seek ways to heal their wounds, they both find comfort in newfound romances. Although circumstances contribute to Bill and Wes growing apart, they come back together and rediscover their true selves in the process.Watch This Episode On YouTubeSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeIt takes a really special filmmaker to write, act, direct, produce their debut feature film. Well, let's go to Western Canada to find out in Caitlyn Sponheimer, the dynamo behind the film WILD GOAT SURF (2023), which had its US premiere in the beginning of April.If it was my dream world, it would open in a thousand theaters, but look for it on streaming on May 20th.In this episode, Caitlyn and I discuss:she does everything in her latest film -- acting, directing, writing, producing -- how did she get started? "I wasn't being seen for the type of roles I wanted to be seen for"; "I just kept making stuff";why don't more actors make that jump to writing and directing?her path to feature filmmaking. It started with an indelibly titled short, KITTY'S NAUGHTY KNICKERS (2019) and followed the supposed "path" for indie filmmakers. Does she wish it was different?the incredible cinematography, writing, acting -- everything -- in her film WILD GOAT SURF;the brilliance of Shayelin Martin, the protagonist in the film, and how she found such an incredible actress;how Caitlyn eventually decided to act in the film and what that means for indie filmmaking and casting -- "it's a balance of names...and budget"; "it has to be an actor I want to work with and respect so much...not just a name";the mission of her production company, CouKuma Productions, to empower female voices and how that can be tested in the casting process;how she decided on the release strategy for WILD GOAT SURF, including getting picked up by Tribeca Studios;how should indie filmmakers look at Canada as a film market?what's next for this brilliantly talented filmmaker?Caitlyn's Indie Film Highlight: SHE DIES TOMORROW (2020) dir. by Amy Seimetz; THE WOLVES (2019) dir. by Samuel Kishi; VIOLENT (2014) dir. by Andrew Huculiak and cinematography by Joseph SchweersLinks:Follow Caitlyn On InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeMy guest, Chelsea Christer, is being modest but you can't be just dream adjacent while turning out brilliant, touching, and culturally relevant films like OUT FOR DELIVERY (2025).By premiering the film both at Sundance and SXSW Film Festival this year, it's clear Chelsea is at the top of her game...and closer to dream actualized than ever before.In this episode, we discuss:how she got involved in filmmaking and the rise of female filmmakers, particularly directors;how she chose her path of narrative, docs, corporate work -- "in order to live in San Francisco, you have to make a bit of money to pay the bills";how she found herself "dream adjacent" -- making films and getting opportunities in documentary filmmaking that were not her passion;what did she learn from having her films at premiere film festivals (Sundance, SXSW, Slamdance, and more)?;the story behind her brilliant film, OUT FOR DELIVERY;how she made such a fully encapsulated short film and whether that was the intention;has she moved from dream adjacent to dream actualized?;what is she working on now?Chelsea's Indie Film/Filmmaker Highlights: TOUCH ME (2025) dir. by Addison Heimann; DEATH OF A UNICORN (2025) dir. by Alex Scharfman; Sebastian SilvaLinks:Follow Chelsea On InstagramChelsea Christer's WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: FIVE YEARS APART (2019).Director: Joe Angelo MenconiWritten By: Joe Angelo Menconi; Zac KrauseCast: Chloe Bennet; Scott Michael Foster; Ally MakiSYNOPSISTwo estranged brothers born on the same day five years apart run into each other at their family vacation home with wildly different expectations for how their birthday weekend will play out.Watch This Episode On YouTubeSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

There's not a person alive who won't be moved by STANDOUT: THE BEN KJAR STORY (2025) -- it's a story of overcoming expectations and spreading kindness into the world. It's also an extraordinary achievement of documentary filmmaking. We get into that and more with director Tanner Christensen.In this episode, Tanner and I discuss:the uplifting qualities of STANDOUT: THE BEN KJAR STORY (2025);what to expect when you watch the film (laughing, crying, feeling better about the state of humanity);the crazy scope of the film, with archival footage from over 25 years ago;the decision-making process of utilizing re-enactments and whether he'd use AI in future documentaries;how he developed the chronology of the film and why he made it the way he did;what did the process of making this film teach him about documentaries?;is it a particular Utahan story?;what's next for him?Tanner's Indie Film Highlight: DISPOSABLE HUMANITY (2025) dir. by Cameron S. Mitchell; COMPLICATED (2025) dir. by Andrew Abrahams; STOLEN KINGDOM (2025) dir. by Joshua BaileyLinks:Follow STANDOUT On InstagramSTANDOUT WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

I don't say this lightly: you've never seen a film like PROJECT DAD. It's a Slamdance original from an artist that is making waves throughout Europe and now looking forward to a North American run: Camilla Jämting.What a film. What a story. PROJECT DAD is a film you have to see to believe, and keep up with Camilla so you can see it just as soon as it screening near you.In this episode, Camilla and I talk about:the courage and bravery to create PROJECT DAD;what should people expect to see when they watch PROJECT DAD;the little moments in the film that touch upon gender stereotypes and social commentary;does she see it as a Swedish film?;does she identify herself as a feminist and how does it influence her filmmaking?why Slamdance?;when people can watch the film -- who knows, maybe partner with Tinder!;what's next for her? PROJECT DAD might be turned into a reality TV series!Camilla's Indie Film Highlight: MY OMAHA (2025) dir. by Nick Beaulieu; TONI ERDMANN (2016) dir. by Maren AdeLinks:Follow Camilla On InstagramPROJECT DAD WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content

Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: HANK AND ASHA (2013).Director: James E. DuffWritten By: Julia Morrison; James E. DuffCast: Mahira Kakkar; Andrew Pastides; Bianca Butti; Brian SloanSYNOPSISAn Indian woman studying in Prague corresponds with a young filmmaker in New York. As their relationship intensifies, they must choose whether to meet.Watch This Episode On YouTubeSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content