Indie Film Academy: A Filmmaking and Screenwriting Podcast

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The Indie Film Academy® Podcast features interviews with industry insiders in every aspect of the filmmaking process. Our goal is to give filmmakers as much information as possible about the entire filmmaking process so that they don't make the mistakes that many filmmakers have made in the past. Our focus is not simply on one way to make a film, but of the many different ways that filmmakers have found success with a variety of funding and distribution strategies. We also discuss technical details like ways to attract investors and build an audience. Part of the IFH Podcast Network

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    • Jun 29, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 17m AVG DURATION
    • 49 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Indie Film Academy: A Filmmaking and Screenwriting Podcast

    BONUS: Rise of the Filmtrepreneur - Listen to Two Chapters for FREE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 28:00


    Alex Ferrari's game-changing book Rise of the Filmtrepreneur®: How to Turn Your Indie Film into a Moneymaking Business has become an Amazon Best Seller. We are so excited to share this with you, the IFH Tribe. He's been working for months to make this happen. We wanted to give you a sneak peek at the book so in this episode, We'll be releasing the first two chapters of the audiobook for your listening pleasure. These two chapters set the tone for the book. In the episode, we even show you a way to download the entire book for free.Here's a bit of what Rise of the Filmtrepreneur has to offer:It's harder today than ever before for independent filmmakers to make money with their films. From predatory film distributors ripping them off to huckster film aggregators who prey upon them, the odds are stacked against the indie filmmaker. The old distribution model for making money with indie film is broken and there needs to be a change. The future of independent filmmaking is the entrepreneurial filmmaker or the Filmtrepreneur®. In Rise of the Filmtrepreneur® author and filmmaker Alex Ferrari breaks down how to actually make money with independent film projects and shows filmmakers how to turn their indie films into profitable businesses. This is not all theory, Alex uses multiple real-world case studies to illustrate each part of his method. This book shows you the step by step way to turn your filmmaking passion into a profitable career. If you are making a feature film, series or any kind of video content, The Filmtrepreneur® Method will set you up for success.I really hope you enjoy Rise of the Filmtrepreneur. I truly believe that the only way indie filmmakers will be able to survive the new film economy is by becoming Filmtrepreneurs. My goal for this book is to show filmmakers and creatives that they have to think differently. The old film economy is DEAD. Traditional film distribution is not set up to benefit the indie filmmaker. The cards are stacked against the creative and things need to change.Filmmakers need to take back control of their films and how they generate revenue from them. The day of handing over your film to a predatory film distributor because you believe there is no other choice is over! There is another way and the Filmtrepreneur Method is that way. Let us know what you think of the book. Enjoy and VIVA LA REVOLUTION!

    BONUS EPISODE: Introducing My New Weekly Podcast with Guest Musical Icon Moby

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2021 48:55


    I've been working on a new podcast for sometime now. Introduction Next Level Soul. The podcast that asks the big questions about living, evolving and thriving in the world today. The show attempts to answer those questions by having candid and inspiring conversations with thought leaders from every walk of life.Global icon, musician, and animal rights activist, Moby(né, Richard Melville Hall) has lived many lives right before the gazes and judgment of the world. Self-discovery is a continual process that each time, when done right, unravels a new purpose and even newer challenges. This conversation is about the rise and fall of ego, fame, fortune, self-destruction, and eventually self-rediscovery and redemption.Moby came onto the entertainment scene with his 1991 single, ‘Go' --- the start of a remarkable critical and commercial success. He went on to sell over 20 million records globally; especially with his 1999 album ‘Play'. In the interview, Moby describes the success of the PLAY album as unanticipated. Each track on the record was licensed to films, television shows, and commercials making it one of the most licensed albums in history.The accomplishments brought in a wave, and he rode it. Alcohol and drugs became part of that wave, even missing his mother's funeral because he was passed out drunk in bed.Moby's journey to healing, self-peace, and sobriety has not been all unicorns and rainbows. In spite of living the dream life and having the world at his feet, the peak of his career was a period when he suffered deep depression. He sought to turn the course of his fears into a vision of purpose. By, regaining control of his life - sobering up since 2008, finding spirituality that works for him, and crystalizing his imperfect, yet extraordinary life and career in his new documentary, Moby Doc.Moby doc is the creative, offbeat, wry, music-filled chronicle of an eventful life examined. filled with existential discussions, extraordinary concert footage, deep cuts from 30 years of moby's music, unconventional narrative, quirky animation, rare clips, and thoughts from moby's friend David Lynch, it's a vibrant, eclectic conversation between a man and his past. as music and a commitment to veganism and animal rights guide him, moby delves into himself to share honestly what he's gone through, what it might mean to others, how he turned confusion about life into the beauty of art…and why the answers to some of the deepest questions we can ask as human beings may not be found in the way we're actually living.It was an honor to have this conversation with this remarkable artist and human being. Please, enjoy my sit-down with the iconic, Moby.

    ANNOUNCEMENT: Filmmaker Process - Need Help Getting Your Film Funded, Finished and Distributed?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 8:30


    After working in the IFH labs for the first part of 2021 I can finally announce what it is. May I introduce Indie Film Hustle's FILMMAKER PROCESS?Filmmaker Process offers comprehensive professional services for hire to help filmmakers and screenwriters, working at any budget level, get their film project to the finish line. I wanted to put the much-needed services filmmakers need but rarely have access to all under one roof.Filmmakers and screenwriters usually could only get access to these services if they "knew someone." Here are the services and products Filmmaker Process gives you access to:- Pitch Decks- Budget and Scheduling- Domestic and International Sales Estimates- Legal Contracts and Form Templates- Indie Film Investor Package- Consulting and Coaching- Script Coverage- Post Production Services- Trailer Editing- Poster, VOD, and DVD/Blu-Ray Artwork- Film Deliverables (Both Physical and Legal)- Production PayrollIn this episode, I go over what each service is and how you can use it to get your film project to the finish line.For more info go to: www.filmmakerprocess.com

    BONUS EPISODE: ERIC ROTH - From Forrest Gump to Dune - Adventures Screenwriting in Hollywood

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 75:12


    Edward Burns: The Art of the $9000 Micro Budget Indie Film

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 104:32


    Today’s guest is a writer, director, producer, actor and indie filmmaking legend Edward Burns.Many of you might have heard of the Sundance Film Festival winning film called The Brothers McMullen, his iconic first film that tells the story of three Irish Catholic brothers from Long Island who struggle to deal with love, marriage, and infidelity. His cinderella story of making the film, getting into Sundance and launching his career is the stuff of legend.The Brothers McMullen was sold to Fox Searchlight and went on to make over $10 million at the box office on a $27,000 budget, making it one of the most successful indie films of the decade.Ed went off to star in huge films like Saving Private Ryan for Steven Spielberg and direct studio films like the box office hit She’s The One. The films about the love lives of two brothers, Mickey and Francis, interconnect as Francis cheats on his wife with Mickey’s ex-girlfriend, while Mickey impulsively marries a stranger.Even after his mainstream success as an actor, writer and director he still never forgot his indie roots. He continued to quietly produce completely independent feature films on really low budgets. How low, how about $9000. As with any smart filmmaker, Ed has continued to not only produce films but to consider new methods of getting his projects to the world.In 2007, he teamed up with Apple iTunes to release an exclusive film Purple Violets. It was a sign of the times that the director was branching out to new methods of release for his projects.In addition, he also continued to release works with his signature tried-and-true method of filmmaking. Using a very small $25,000 budget and a lot of resourcefulness, Burns created Nice Guy Johnny in 2010.In his book, Independent Ed: Inside a Career of Big Dreams, Little Movies, and the Twelve Best Days of My Life (which I recommend ALL filmmakers read), Ed mentions some rules he dubbed “McMullen 2.0” which were basically a set of rules for independent filmmakers to shoot by.Actors would have to work for virtually nothing.The film should take no longer than 12 days to film and get into the canDon’t shoot with any more than a three-man crewActor’s use their own clothesActors do their own hair and make-upAsk and beg for any locationsUse the resources you have at your disposalI used similar rules when I shot my feature films This is Meg, which I shot that in 8 days and On the Corner of Ego and Desire which I shot in 4 days. To be honest Ed was one of my main inspirations when I decided to make my first micro-budget feature film, along with Mark and Jay Duplass, Joe Swanberg and Michael and Mark Polish. Ed has continued to have an amazing career directing films like The Fitzgerald Family Christmas, The Groomsmen, Looking for Kitty, Ash Wednesday, Sidewalks of New York, No Looking Back and many more.Ed has continued to give back to the indie film community with his amazing book, lectures and his knowledge bomb packed director commentaries. Trust me go out and buy the DVD versions of all his films. His commentaries are worth the price of admission.When I first spoke to Ed he told that he had been a fan of the podcast for a while. As you can imagine I was floored and humbled at the same time. Getting to sit-down and speak to a filmmaker that had such an impact my own directing career was a dream come true. Ed is an inspiration to so many indie filmmakers around the world and I’m honored to bring this epic conversation to the tribe.Enjoy my conversation with Edward Burns.

    BONUS EPISODE: Richard Linklater - Slacker, Indie Cinema & How to Become a Filmmaker

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 127:06


    Well I put out an episode back in 2019 putting my dream list of guests out into the universe and in the past four months I've been humbled to have some amazing filmmakers and screenwriters on the show. Incredibly one of those dream guests has made his way on the show today. We are joined by indie film icon and Oscar® nominated writer/director Richard Linklater. Richard was one of the filmmakers who helped to launch the independent film movement that we know today with his classic 1991 indie film Slacker. So today, we will not only dive into the extraordinary career of Richard Linklater but also that of collaborator and longtime friend writer/director Katie Cokinos.If this is your introduction to Linklater and his work, here are a few highlights you must know; Linklater helped launch the 90s indie film renaissance with his film Slacker.The producer, director has juggled the TV, film, short-film, and documentary genres seamlessly over his career - typically focusing in fine detail on generational rites and mores with rare compassion and understanding while definitively capturing the 20-something culture of his era through a series of nuanced, illuminating ensemble pieces which introduced any number of talented young actors into the Hollywood eco-system.One of the talents to emerge from this era is the Texas native, Matthew McConaughey in Linklater’s third movie and VHS smash hit, Dazed and Confused. Based on Linklater’s years at Huntsville High School and the people he encountered there, the film shadows the adventures of high school and junior high students on the last day of school in May 1976.Throughout his career Richard has chosen to tell stories about the human condition, while many times making us laugh and cry at the same time. I found an immense philosophical under current to most of his life's work. From The Before Trilogy to Boyhood, his films tackle topics in an honest, raw and deeper way that is not normally seen in filmmaking.Many of the actors who work with Richard call him the "Zen Director" on set. His philosophy can be felt throughout his work. He often tells long and transformative coming of age stories over years, if not decades, something that is unique to him.His Oscar® nominated film Boyhood is a groundbreaking story of growing up as seen through the eyes of a child named Mason (a breakthrough performance by Ellar Coltrane), who literally grows up on screen before our eyes. Starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason's parents and newcomer Lorelei Linklater as his sister Samantha, BOYHOOD charts the rocky terrain of childhood like no other film has before.Snapshots of adolescence from road trips and family dinners to birthdays and graduations and all the moments in between become transcendent, set to a soundtrack spanning the years from Coldplay's Yellow to Arcade Fire's Deep Blue. BOYHOOD is both a nostalgic time capsule of the recent past and an ode to growing up and parenting. It's impossible to watch Mason and his family without thinking about our own journey.Now the other remarkable filmmaker in this conversation is Katie Cokinos. She has made over ten short films and in 2000 wrote, directed, and acted in the feature film, Portrait of a Girl as a Young Catwhich premiered at SXSW.  Katie produced Eagle Pennell’s film, Heart Full of Soul (1990); was a publicist for Richard Linklater’s Slacker, (1990).  She was the Managing Director of the Austin Film Society, 1990-95.Her latest film is the coming of age story I Dream Too Much, co-produced by Richard. Here's a bit about the film:Presents a day in the life in Austin, Texas among its social outcasts and misfits, predominantly the twenty-something set, using a series of linear vignettes. These characters, who in some manner just don't fit into the establishment norms, move seamlessly from one scene to the next, randomly coming and going into one another's lives. Highlights include a UFO buff who adamantly insists that the U.S. has been on the moon since the 1950s, a woman who produces a glass slide purportedly of Madonna's pap smear, and an old anarchist who sympathetically shares his philosophy of life with a robber.So much was covered in this EPIC 2 hours conversation. I need to stop here and let you dive in.Enjoy my conversation with Richard Linklater and Katie Cokinos.

    SPECIAL EPISODE: Oliver Stone | Directing, Screenwriting and Surviving the Vicious Hollywood Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2020 57:27


    Today on the show I bring you one of the most influential and iconic filmmakers in the history of cinema, three-time Oscar® winner Oliver Stone. Throughout his legendary career, Oliver Stone has served as director, writer, and producer on a variety of films, documentaries, and television movies. His films have been nominated for forthy two Oscars® and have won twelve.I hope this conversation inspires filmmakers and screenwriters to never give up. Oliver struggled for years taking jobs as a production assistant, cab driver, office assistant, and any other gig he could find to help him survive while he was chasing his dream. He wrote and wrote, meeting his goal of one to two screenplays a year, no matter what. Never give up, never surrender. Enjoy my epic conversation with Oliver Stone.

    SNEEK PEAK - David Fincher: The Directors Series Podcast Season 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 9:36


    Welcome to the SNEAK PEAK of THE DIRECTORS SERIES PODCAST, a show dedicated to appreciating and deconstructing the work of contemporary and classic film directors. In the show, we breakdown the careers of film directors like Christopher Nolan, Stanley Kubrick, Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, The Coen Brothers, and Paul Thomas Anderson just to name a few. From their early works and short films to their blockbuster achievements and Oscar glory.In season two we will be deconstructing David Fincher.

    CROSSOVER: Creating the Ultra-Violent World of John Wick with Derek Kolstad

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2020 71:31


    Today we have a special CROSSOVER episode of the BPS Podcast. Our guest is Derek Kolstad, the genius behind the extremely successful John Wick franchise. An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him. With New York City as his bullet-riddled playground, JOHN WICK (Keanu Reeves) is a fresh and stylized take on the "assassin genre”.He is also the screenwriter of One in the Chamber, The Package (starring Steve Austin & Dolph Lundgren). This episode is from the archives of The Make Your Movie Podcast with Dave Bullis available from the IFH Podcast Network. Dave chats with Derek about bad movies, screenwriting, the film business, and working with Keanu Reeves.I wanted to bring this amazing episode to the BPS Tribe. Get ready to dive into the ultra-violent world of Derek Kolstad.

    CROSSOVER: Why Most Independent Films Never Make Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 35:29


    I've been thinking about doing this podcast for a long time. In the tradition of Why Filmmakers are Always So Damn Broke & What They Can Do to Change It this episode is going to be a cold bucket of water over your head if you are not ready for it. In the insane world we are all living in today, filmmakers need to break out of the mindset that we are living in the golden age of indie cinema.The rules have changed dramatically since the 90s and even more so in the last 8 months of the COVID pandemic. The rules aren't the only thing that has changed but the game has as well. The film distribution infrastructure is broken and has been broken for many decades. It is not set up to help filmmakers make money. It is purely designed to put more money into the pockets of film distributors.I have written extensively about this in my book Rise of the Filmtrepreneur: How to Turn Your Indie Film into a Moneymaking Business. I want to put together one of my hard truths episodes to help filmmakers better understand the indie film marketplace and how to best position themselves to actually make money.There is so much talk about new cameras, lenses, rigs, post-production software, and other more interesting aspects of the filmmaking process but when it comes to selling and making money with movies filmmakers rely on old information that is no longer relevant in the current marketplace. I hope this episode empowers you to not only make more movies but to also make money while doing it.Strap yourself in because for some of you it will be a rough episode to listen to. Be well, stay safe, and keep that hustle going.

    CROSSOVER: Making Money & Cracking the Amazon Code for Self Distribution with Ismael Gomez

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 62:39


    Today on the show we have a filmmaker that was able to crack the Amazon code and actually make money self-distributing his low-budget film on the platform. His name is Ismael Gomez.Ismael Gomez is a Cuban-American filmmaker. In 2009, he received an Artist Fellowship grant to pursue his B.A in Film Production. After completing his studies, he began to work as lead editor on several motion pictures and commercials for theatrical and TV release. Some of his projects have screened at Cannes, Starz Denver, Tribeca, and Miami International film festivals.His film is Death of a Fool. A teenager and his dying grandfather conduct afterlife investigations in Miami when a mysterious man hires them to find the secret to immortality.Ismael was able to generate close to $75,000 in rentals and sales on Amazon using about $9000 in Facebook Ads. In this conversation, I dig in deep on how he did this, his techniques, and how he used the Filmtrepreneur Method to create additional revenue outside of TVOD.Enjoy my conversation with Ismael Gomez. 

    SNEAK PEEK - Christopher Nolan: The Directors Series Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2020 27:29


    Welcome to the SNEAK PEAK of THE DIRECTORS SERIES PODCAST, a show dedicated to appreciating and deconstructing the work of contemporary and classic film directors. In the show, we breakdown the careers of film directors like Christopher Nolan, Stanley Kubrick, Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, The Coen Brothers, and Paul Thomas Anderson just to name a few. From their early works and short films to their blockbuster achievements and Oscar glory.In season one we will be deconstructing Christopher Nolan.

    Annoucing the IFH Podcast Network for Filmmakers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2020 3:46


    The IFH Podcast Network makes it easy for you to discover, connect, and engage with industry-leading filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts, all in one place. We curate the best podcasts that will help you on your filmmaking and screenwriting journey. You can listen to any of our shows on your favorite podcast platform. #IndieFilmUnitewww.ifhpodcastnetwork.com

    IFA 036: The Film Industry, It's A Disaster with Todd Berger

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 77:45


    Screenwriter, Actor, Director...Todd Berger is a triple threat. Today we sit down and talk with Todd about his life and how it has led him to direct the film "It's A Disaster" starring David Cross, Julia Stiles, and America Ferrera.Here's more about Todd from the Wikipedia:Todd Berger (born April 5, 1979) is an American actor, screenwriter, and film director, most prominently known for writing, directing, and appearing in the films The Scenesters and It's a Disaster. Berger has also appeared as an actor in films such as Southland Tales and on the television show Parks and Recreation. Berger is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where he worked for the student television station KVR-TV and wrote and directed the nationally syndicated comedy show Campus Loop.[1]Berger also wrote The Happytime Murders, an upcoming noir-comedy puppet film being directed by Brian Henson, and is currently writing a screenplay for a film adaptation of Where's Waldo.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 035: Becoming a Filthy Director in Hollywood with Jon S. Baird

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 77:45


    Jon S. Baird is best known for his 2013 film Filth.[2] Baird has also directed for television, e.g., Vinyl (on HBO), season 1, episode 8, "E.A.B."Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 034: What They Don't Tell Filmmakers about Making an Indie Film with Jeremy Gardener

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 111:17


    In this episode I am talking with Jeremy Gardener and Christian Stella. Two of the creators behind the wildly popular zombie film "The Battery" and the upcoming "Tex Montana Will Survive". We discuss what it was like to make an indie film for 6k dollars, what happened after the film came out, and how their experiences have made them want to change the way they approach distribution by offering their latest film for free. To learn more about their crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter go to www.texmontana.comProud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 033: From Short Film to Hollywood Blockbuster with Lights Out's David F. Sandberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 119:52


    In 2013, David F. Sandberg made a little horror short film "Lights Out" for an online Horror Short competition. The film not only won, but became a viral sensation. Not too long after that, Sandberg started getting calls from Los Angeles from agents and managers.Fast forward to Sandberg sitting in an office with James Wan (The Conjuring, Saw) talking about making "Lights Out" into a feature. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 032: Making Money on Youtube with DSLR Guide's Simon Cade

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 129:28


    Simon Cade is the founder or DSLRGuide, a popular blog, and YouTube Channel. To learn more about Simon you can visit his website at http://dslrguide.tv/ or check out all of the great videos on his YouTube Page.On this episode, we talk all about YouTube as well as how to start making short films. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 031: Screenwriting for Disney with Rob Edwards

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 149:16


    If you have watched The Fresh Prince, In Living Color, Roc or the Disney hits The Princess and the Frog or Treasure Planet, you have most likely laughed at something that came out of writer Rob Edwards' imagination. Rob is not only an amazing writer and teacher, he is also funny as hell. So it was a pleasure to sit down for almost 2 hours and talk with rob about his way of approaching things such as story, character and plot.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 030: Directing an Army of Frankensteins with Ryan Bellgardt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 108:43


    Ryan Bellgardt is a writer and director, known for Army of Frankensteins (2013), Adventures of Rufus: The Fantastic Pet (2020), The Jurassic Games (2018), and The Adventures of Jurassic Pet: Chapter 1 (2019).Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 029: How to Make 11 Feature Films Before Turning 24 with James Cullen Bressack

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 72:04


    James Cullen Bressack has directed more films before his 25th birthday than most filmmakers make their whole life. At 23 he had already directed 11 features and he shows no signs of slowing down. His latest film Bethany comes out in early 2016. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 028: Directing The Last Exorcism with Daniel Stamm

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 115:35


    The Last Exorcism's Daniel Stamm Whenever I list my favorite horror movies of the last 10 years, The Last Exorcism is always front and center. When it came out, the idea of a faux-documentary wasn't new. Stamm himself had already made a fake documentary for his first film, A Necessary Death. Of course, there are also the obvious landmark fake documentaries like Cannibal Holocaust, Man Bites Dog, The Blair Witch Project, Spinal Tap, and Paranormal Activity. But The Last Exorcism offered something unique. From the first second, the film engages the viewer with entertaining characters and an intriguing premise. I was extremely excited when Daniel agreed to come on the show and talk about his technique of improv with actors as well as his newest film 13 Sins. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 027: Horror Filmmaking Masterclass with Danny Draven

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 130:05


    I first came across Danny Draven's name as I was searching through Amazon's filmmaking section. I was specifically looking for books on horror filmmaking and one book in particular really stood out. The Filmmaker's Book of the Dead was not simply a memoir or how-to book about filmmaking. It was a beautifully photographed and illustrated horror filmmaker's Bible. Filled with tons of practical information and interviews from top horror filmmakers, I really do consider this book to be one of the more valuable items in my filmmaking catalog. And, between you and me, I'm not much of a reader, so the pictures make me happy.Wanting to know more, I got in touch with Danny and found him to be extraordinarily generous with his time. He was very happy to talk about filmmaking with me and I think it comes out in this episode. Anyone interested in becoming a horror filmmaker should really take the time to listen to this episode as we cover a ton of information that will be helpful for all Indie Filmmakers. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 026: Zombie Filmmaking with Eric England

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 96:05


    We continue our October Shockathon with filmmaker Eric England, screenwriter and director of the film Contracted. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 025: Directing the Horror Blockbuster The Taking of Deborah Logan with Adam Robitel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 78:46


    A few months ago, as I was scanning through Netflix, I came across the poster for The Taking of Deborah Logan. The image had always stuck out to me, but for one reason or another, I hadn't seen the film. I finally clicked the icon and started watching, and was really glad I did. Co-Writer and Director Adam Robitel's first feature film grabs you and pulls you in from the first scene. A documentary crew is starting production on a woman who they believe has Alzheimer's. As they study Mrs. Logan, they realize that the truth is much darker.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 024: Hidden Tools of Comedy for Screenwriters with Steve Kaplan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 70:33


    Today we're discussing comedy in writing with Steve Kaplan. Steve is the author of the book "The Hidden Tools of Comedy" as well as the founder of the HBO Workspace and the HBO New Writer's Program. He is a consultant and script doctor for Dreamworks, Disney, Paramount, Touchstone and many others. and is also a highly sought-after instructor at UCLA, NYU, Yale and other top universities. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 023: Making a Good Script Great with Linda Seger

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 65:31


    Today we're talking with Script Consultant and Author Linda Seger about how to develop as a screenwriter.You can find more information about Linda at her website: http://www.lindaseger.com/Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 022: The Art of Screenwriting with Pilar Alessandra

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 57:00


    PILAR ALESSANDRA is the director of the popular writing program “On The Page” and author of “The Coffee Break Screenwriter.” A sought-after teacher and lecturer, she’s traveled the world teaching screenwriting, pitching and story analysis. As a consultant, Pilar has helped thousands of writers create, refine and sell their scripts and was named “Cream of the Crop” in Creative Screenwriting’s Script Consultant Survey. Her students and clients have sold to Disney, DreamWorks, Warner Brothers and Sony and have won prestigious competitions, including the Austin Film Festival and Nicholl Fellowship.Pilar jump-started her career in film as a script reader for Amblin Entertainment. With the formation of DreamWorks, she became Senior Story Analyst and a reader liaison between the studio and Robert Zemeckis’s company ImageMovers. Her expert script analysis was also sought out by The Robert Evans Company, Cineville Entertainment, Handprint Entertainment and Saturday Night Live Studios. Work at Interscope Communications led her to a position as Senior Story Analyst for Scott Kroopf’s production company Radar Pictures.Pilar was later bitten by the “teaching bug” while teaching screenwriting and story analysis at the UCLA Writers’ Program. In 2001, she started her own company “On the Page,” and in 2004 opened the On the Page Writers Studio in Sherman Oaks, California. In the interest of expanding access to her teaching tools, Pilar created the instructional DVD “On the Page” and presents the weekly “On the Page Podcast” with guests from within the industry. Recently, Pilar was listed as one of LA Weekly’s top 100 people in their “Best of LA People” issue.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 021: Building a Filmmaking Brand on Youtube with Darious Britt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 160:53


    Darious Britt (aka D4Darious) started posting filmmaking videos back in 2012. Through the years he has learned what works and what doesn't and ways that filmmakers can grow their personal brand by connecting with an audience. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 020: The Million Dollar Mini-Movie Method with Chris Soth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 100:28


    Chris Soth joins us today to discuss his career as a screenwriter, including his film Firestorm which made him $750,000 straight out of film school. He also discusses his book "Million-Dollar Screenwriting: The Mini Movie Method." We discuss the idea of mini movies and how screenwriters can use mini movies to structure their screenplays. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 019: How to Pitch Your Screenplay or Film Idea with Stephanie Palmer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 68:53


    There is no better way to learn how the studio system works than talking to someone who used to be in the center of it all. Stephanie Palmer worked in the studio system for years starting as an intern on Titanic and quickly working her way up through the ranks. She worked for Jerry Brukheimer and was privy to many of the inside dealings that went on there over the years and later worked as a development execultive for MGM.Stephanie left the studios to focus on her coaching program, goodinaroom.com. She teaches professionals from all walks of life how to pitch ideas in high stress situations. Stephanie knows her stuff because she's been in the room during some of the biggest pitches of all time.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 018: How to Get Things Done with David Allen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 47:46


    Joss Whedon, Howard Stern, Rob Cordrey, and many other filmmakers swear by the method taught by David Allen. Published in 2001, his book Getting Things Done has not only changed the way we think about working towards goals but also outlines a better way of living that involves living in the present rather than trying to hold everything in your head. Getting Things Done® (GTD®) is the proven path for getting in control of your world, and maintaining perspective in your life. Much more than a set of tips for time management and organization, GTD is a total work-life management system that transforms overwhelm into an integrated system of stress-free productivity. David Allen, inventor of the GTD methodology, is widely recognized as the world’s leading expert on personal and organizational productivity.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 017: Screenwriting Secrets from Hollywood with Corey Mandell

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 91:02


    Corey Mandell is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter who has written projects for Ridley Scott, Wolfgang Petersen, Harrison Ford, Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, John Travolta, Warner Brothers, Universal, 20th Century Fox, Fox 2000, Fox Family, Working Title, Paramount, Live Planet, Beacon Films, Touchstone, Trilogy, Radiant, Kopelson Entertainment, and Walt Disney Pictures.His Professional Screenwriting and Television Writing Workshops offer an alternative to the same old tired rules and formulas found in most screenwriting classes, books, and seminars. This innovative program is the only one to teach creative integration, script testing, compelling conflict, organic story design, strategic rewriting, and story mapping. With these tools, writers are able to create the pitch-perfect authentic scripts required to break into, and thrive in, the current marketplace.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 016: How to Make Four Features in One Year with Chad Archibald & Cody Calahan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 79:40


    Hot off the premier of their two films, both for Black Fawn Films, Chad Archibald and Cody Calahan join us to talk about their process for making films and how they are able to crank out 4 features in one year.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 015: Screenwriting Mad Max Fury Road with Brendan McCartney

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 49:07


    Brendan McCarthy is a legend in the world of comics and now the world of Mad Max. His series Freakwave was inspired by Mad Max 2, The Road Warrior, and was later copied by the film Waterworld (without giving credit to McCarthy). In this episode, we talk with McCarthy about his relationship with Mad Max and how he went from being a film of The Road Warrior to actually co-writing the latest installment with writer/director George Miller.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 014: Confessions of a Couple of Hollywood Producers with Brian Udovich & Justin Duprie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 79:25


    Today I'm talking with producers Briand Udovich and Justin Duprie of Rough and Tumble Films. We discuss the ways independent filmmakers working in the sub 1 million dollar range can compete with other larger budget films. Starting with his film All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, Udovich has had a track record of delivering high production value and star power at a fraction of the cost of independent films in the same league. His latest film, Bad Turn Worse, stars Mackenzie Davis, Jeremy Allen White, and Mark Pelligrino.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 013: Making Money with Film Distribution with Linda Nelson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 112:29


    My film is done, now what? Many filmmakers are so concerned with the making of their film they forget to come up with a distribution launch strategy. If you want to learn what it takes to have success in the world of distribution, this is the podcast for you my friend. Linda Nelson of Indie Rights walks us through her strategies for the successful launch of a film.Linda's strategy follows a simple timeline. You start with Film Festivals to get the word out. Then a short theatrical release in order to get reviews from key critics. Launch on itunes where you can take advantage of being new and noteworthy. And distribution onto platforms that pay per movie. Later, after things slow down, you can look into platforms like Netflix.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 012: Discovering Screenwriters with Inktip's Jerrol Lebaron

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 76:22


    Screenwriters who would like to get their screenplays in front of producers, this episode is for you. Today I talk with Intip founder Jerrol Lebaron about his service which links producers with scripts. This is a wonderful link for filmmakers to really pay attention to. Inktip, along with The Blacklist, are setting a trend that is likely to grow in the coming years. Producers desperate to find good screenplays and Inktip makes the process easier. A number of producers I have spoken with have also mentioned using inktip to mine the latest undiscovered screenwriters.For more information on Inktip, go to Inktip.comProud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 011: Screenwriting Sharknado with Thunder Levin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 77:42


    Screenwriter Thunder Levin: Thunder Levin was born and raised in New York City, graduated from Hunter College High School, and received a BFA in Film from NYU before moving to Los Angeles at age 23. His father Michael was an award-winning journalist before retiring from WCBS radio. His mother Glenis was an immigrant from Liverpool, England, where she worked across the street from the Cavern Club while the Beatles were playing there... and never went to see them! He credits the original Star Trek television series with opening his mind to both the wonders of science fiction and filmmaking as a child, while the original Star Wars solidified his desire to make movies when he grew up. A high school TV production class sealed the deal.Mutant Vampire Zombies from the 'Hood! (2008) starring C. Thomas Howell was Thunder's feature film directorial debut. This led to him writing and/or directing several films for production company The Asylum, including American Warships (2012) and AE: Apocalypse Earth (2013), culminating in the pop culture phenomenon Sharknado (2013). While continuing to write and direct feature films, he is also developing episodic television projects.Thunder is a lifelong sailor and car enthusiast who's recently taken up motorcycle riding. In addition to his film and television work, he is writing his first novel. He lives in Santa Monica, CA, but considers himself a "temporarily misassigned New Yorker". Thunder is his real name. Please don't ask whyProud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 010: Indie Filmmaking on a Budget with Kevin Shahinian

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2020 60:56


    I first became aware of Kevin Shahinian's work a few weeks ago while watching some of the presentations at Cinesummit. Kevin's company Pacific Pictures specializes in ultra high end films for weddings however, I want to stay away from using a term like Wedding Videographer, because if you have seens Kevin's work, it is truly inspiring. His company specializes not only in creating films that spotlight weddings, but also in creating short narrative films starring members of the wedding party along side real actors.One of the things that stood out for me especially regarding indie filmmaking was Kevin's description of shooting the short film Matroshka, where he shot almost everything on his own, including directing non actors and running his own sound. Honestly, describing his work doesn't do it justice. You need to check out his videos for yourself. You can see his work here: http://www.pacificpicturesblog.com/blog/If you enjoy our podcast, please subscribe and leave a review.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 009: Indiegogo Crowdfunding with John Trigonis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 67:09


    John Trigonis, Film Campaign Specialist at Indiegogo, discusses strategies for making sure you film's crowdfunding campaign is successful.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 008: How to Always Make Money with Independent Film Godfather Roger Corman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 35:14


    Today I'm talking with one of my heroes, legendary film producer Roger Corman. In this interview we discuss what filmmaking is like today for the Hollywood veteran and we discuss some of Corman's favorite memories and films. We also hear from Jonathan Demme and Ron Howard about their experience working with Mr. Corman as well as a fun clip from Conan. Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 007: Screenwriting the Oscar-Winning Birdman with Alex Dinelaris

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 86:18


    Oscar Winner Alex Dinelaris (Birdman) talks with us about screenwriting and what it was like working with Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, and Armando Bo. We discuss Alex's process for putting together a story and do a deep analysis of various scenes of Birdman. Alex was in a rare position to be on-set during the filming of Birdman, so of course, I took the opportunity to ask about what it was like to watch Alejandro and Chivo on set with Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, and Zach Galifianakis.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

    IFA 006: Crowdfunding Masterclass with Seed & Spark's Emily Best

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 54:40


    Today we are talking with Seed&Spark founder Emily Best. Emily talks to us about the ways that Seed&Spark has been able to not only survive but thrive in the midst of other larger crowdfunding platforms. What makes Seed & Spark unique is that it is the only crowdfunding platform specifically designed for filmmakers. They have created a number of innovations, such as their own platform for distribution as well as the concept of creating a gift registry where supporters can offer things other than money.Proud Member of the IFH Podcast Network!For more great filmmaking and screenwriting podcasts:

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