Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

In this episode, I share a breakdown of some amazing and unconventional lens choices on the feature film Poor Things.While many lenses were used throughout production, there were 4 in particular that I believe contributed most critically to the distinct look of this film - Including a pair of Lomography Petzval lenses, and a 4mm lens adapted from Super 16. Throughout the episode, I cover each lens in depth, explore how they were used, and share other key takeaways from the film.Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode I am joined by DIY filmmaker Marty McGowan, who recently completed his feature film Ava on a budget of just $200!Throughout the episode, we unpack Marty's creative process, how he pulled off a feature with a 2 person crew, and his approach to building a strong visual palette on a budget. We also touch on his workflow for capturing great performances, the importance of building your own filmmaking model, and more.Links from the show:Marty McGowan - InstagramMarty McGowan - WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this new solo episode, I break down these 8 common issues that can kill your indie film:Big egosRushing the scriptDragging out developmentOverspending on equipmentNeglecting actors for cameraMaking sound an afterthoughtNot taking feedback from the teamNot caring about the small detailsThroughout the show I take a deep dive into the root cause of each of these issues, along with practical solutions for working around them.Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Steven Pierce to talk all about his latest feature film Herd.The film follows a woman that ends up trapped between a zombie outbreak and warring militia groups while trying to outrun her past. An ambitious concept for a micro-budget, making the execution of it all that much more impressive.Throughout the episode Steven and I speak about his new film at length. We cover his tactics for shooting action sequences on a budget, how he covered 20+ locations, the process of editing his own film, and much more.Links from the show:Herd - Movie WebsiteHerd - InstagramSteven Pierce - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this new solo episode, I compare and contrast my experience directing and DP'ing two separate feature films, and share tips for other filmmakers looking to do the same.Throughout the episode we cover everything from camera & lens choice to on-set workflow. All with the intention of maximizing collaboration with actors, achieving great production value, and simplifying your on-set workflow.Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

Today I am joined by writer / director Benjamin Epstein to talk about his acclaimed feature film Buck Alamo, which stars Bruce Dern, Sonny Carl Davis, Lorelei Linklater, and premiered at the Oldenburg Film Festival.Throughout the episode we discuss Benjamin's path as a filmmaker. From his early short film work to his first premiere at SXSW. We also unpack his creative process, his experience directing TV, and take a behind the scenes look at his latest feature film Buck Alamo. Links from the show:Benjamin Epstein - InstagramBuck Alamo - Movie WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

After taking a brief hiatus while in production for our new feature Teacher's Pet, I am thrilled to return to the show!Before sharing a slew of new interviews with you, I wanted to first publish this solo episode to give you a behind the scenes look into our process on the new movie.Throughout the episode I discuss how the film was developed, my approach to keeping a DIY mentality while scaling things up, specific on set workflows, and much more.Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode I am excited to be joined by acclaimed DP Danny Ruhlmann, whose latest feature film Anyone But You (starring Sydney Sweeney & Glen Powell) is out in theaters today.Throughout the episode Danny generously shares his wealth of knowledge on all things cinematography - From specific tactics for beauty lighting to creative workflows for achieving better results on set in less time. We also discuss networking methods for aspiring DPs, overall career advice, and much more.Links from the show:Anyone But You - IMDBSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

Today I am joined by filmmaker, director, and actor Scott Monahan to talk all about his brand new feature film Anchorage.Anchorage was shot in just 5 days on a budget of barely over $50,000, but that didn't stop the film from landing a wildly successful festival tour and eventual theatrical release. Throughout the interview we take a deep dive behind the scenes look at this innovative feature.We also go in depth on the importance of telling personal stories, the production process, festival strategy, navigating rejection, and so much more.Links from the show:Anchorage Movie - InstagramScott Monahan - InstagramDakota Loesch - InstagramAnchorage - TrailerSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

Today, I am thrilled to be joined by Tom DeLonge of blink-182, Angels & Airwaves, and To The Stars, here to talk all about his debut feature film Monsters Of California.As a longtime fan of Tom's, it was a treat to host this conversation and hear about his evolution into filmmaking first hand. We discuss the origin story of Monsters, how Tom's band Angels & Airwaves sparked his interest in cinema, and Tom's directorial approach to making this film. Tom also speaks to how his DIY roots in punk music informed his approach while filming, resulting in innovative tactics that helped him achieve stunning production value as an indie production. Monsters of California is out in theaters and streaming October 6th, 2023!Watch the trailer for Monsters Of California here.Follow Monsters of California on Instagram.Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

In this episode I am joined by writer / director Bishal Dutta to talk all about his debut feature film It Lives Inside.After making dozens of short films, Bishal leveraged his impressive body of work to develop an amazing feature film with NEON. Throughout the interview, we discuss Bishal's trajectory from making self funded projects to a theatrically released feature. We also touch on the nuances of the horror genre, Bishal's creative approach to directing, and much more.Links from the show:Bishal Dutta - InstagramBishal Dutta - TwitterSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

Today, I am thrilled to be joined by Jennifer Esposito, here to discuss the incredible journey making and releasing her debut feature film, Fresh Kills. Throughout the episode Jennifer documents her creative process at length - from conceptualizing the first female driven organized crime movie, to navigating countless obstacles to raise production financing.She also shares invaluable insight for filmmakers on vetting producers, building a team, and working with actors, along with her experience premiering at Tribeca and much more!Links from the show:Jennifer Esposito - InstagramJennifer Esposito - Twitter / XSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

In this episode I am joined by acclaimed cinematographer and Columbia University film professor Tal Lazar.Throughout the interview, Tal shares his perspective on the art of cinematography from a storytelling perspective. We discuss visual tactics for directors, how to achieve a specific cinematic vision, and the improtance of developing your own visual language.Tal also shares his philosophy on why cinematography is not inherintly a technical artform, recommendations for buying vs. renting gear, and much more.Links from the show:Latent ImagesSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

In this episode, I am joined by professional location scout Jillian Fisher - Known for her work on films like The Whale, Theater Camp, Reality, and countless others.Throughout the interview, Jillian shares a behind the scenes look at her career, from breaking into the business to working on Hollywood feature films. She also talks about her journey to build up the local film industry in Kingston NY, micro-budget scouting tactics, and many lessons learned along the way.Links from the show:Jillian Fisher - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

Today I am thrilled to be joined by filmmaking legend Larry Kasanoff, known for his work on major feature films like True Lies, Terminator 2, Mortal Kombat, Platoon, Dirty Dancing, and countless others. Throughout the episode, we discuss Larry's unique career path - from his early feature film work to his breakout success as a producer and studio executive. He also shares his unique philosophy on navigating life and creativity, which is expanded upon in his new book A Touch of the Madness: How to Be More Innovative in Work and Life... by Being a Little Crazy. This is a must listen for filmmakers at all stages in need of a dose of wisdom and creative inspiration.Links from the show:www.atouchofthemadness.comPick up "A Touch Of The Madness" here:AmazonBarnes & NobleBooks-A-Million Bookshop.orgIndigo Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

Today I am joined by filmmaker Jason Abrams, here to talk about the unique origin story and process behind his debut feature film.Jason was inspired to make Hungry Dog Blues - a small town crime thriller - after his father's business was indicted and raided by the federal government. This led to a 5 year journey to write, produce, direct, and ultimately act in a feature film that loosely tapped into his real life experiences.Throughout the interview we discuss the unconventional origins of the project, raising $135,000 from a pool of investors, and his 17 day shooting schedule. We also unpackthe casting process, the importance of building camaraderie with your crew, his post-production workflow and much more. Links from the show:Hungry Dog Blues - InstagramJason Abrams - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

Today, I'm thrilled to have Joshua Caldwell return to the show to discuss his latest feature film Mending The Line. Josh is a prolific filmmaker who got his start with the $6000 feature film Layover, before leveraging its success to develop numerous subsequent features that have each grown in scope and budget. His latest feature Mending The Line (now in theaters) marks his biggest production to date, and stars Brian Cox and Sinqua Walls.Throughout the interview, we discuss Josh's process developing, producing, directing, and selling his latest feature. Josh also shares critical lessons for filmmakers looking to build long term careers - from managing rejection to navigating the business of film, and much more.Links from the show:Joshua Caldwell - InstagramMending The Line - Instagram6K Filmmaker - Course Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

In this episode, I am excited to be joined by acclaimed producer Sevier Crespo to discuss his path as a filmmaker over the past 20 years.Sevier's career kicked off after a mentorship with Robert Townsend inspired him to pursue film producing. Over the next two decades, Sevier produced countless film projects that have premiered at majors film festivals like Cannes, and has worked with the likes of Al Pacino, David Beckham, Kendrick Lamar, Kurt Russell, Ariana Grande, Mandy Moore and Demi Lovato, Lucy Hale, Taryn Manning, and countless others.Throughout the interview, Sevier shares his journey and some of the key ingredients to his success at each stage. He also about his experience making a $50K movie that generated millions of dollars in revenue, tips for supplemting your income while building a body of work, and much more.Links from the show:Sevier Crespo - InstagramSevier Crespo - WebsiteSevier Crespo - IMDBSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

In this episode, I am joined by filmmakers Craig Melville, Ben Yannette, and Andy Hassell - who I initially connected with through my filmmaking community The Backlot. Last summer, this filmmaking trio took part in a community-driven competition that required them to produce a trailer for a new feature film concept. Ultimately, their trailer won the top prize in the competition, and they were awarded a camera from Blackmagic Design, a partnership with We Make Movies, and other exciting perks. Throughout the episode, we discuss the process that went into creating this powerful proof of concept, and how they pulled it off at each step, among many other things!Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

Today, I am excited to be joined by Jens Jacob - an acclaimed film producer, entrepreneur, and founder of the startup Saturation.io.Throughout this episode, Jens shares his journey building his new budgeting platform for filmmakers. One that re-imagines film budgets from the ground up, making them more accessible to emerging filmmakers, and more powerful for studio level productions. Jens also shares his philosophy on the importance of collaborative producing, and the specific tools Saturation.io offers that meet those needs.Links from the show:Saturation.ioSaturation.io - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

Today I am joined by editor, writer, and producer Gray Jones - who holds no less than 290 credits in film and television, and also runs a prolific stock footage business.Throughout this episode, Gray shares lessons from his new book Make Six Figures With Your Smartphone, which serves as a practical guide for filmmakers looking to build passive income using footage they may already have sitting on their phone. We discuss the benefits and pitfalls of selling stock footage, the importance of finding a niche, the best platforms to sell on, and much more. Gray also gives us a behind the scenes look at his own stock footage catalog, and highlights his top performing clips - including one single shot that alone has generated over $16,000. Links from the show:SellStockEbook.comDrivingFootage.comGray Jones - TwitterGray Jones - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

In celebration of this milestone 200th episode, today I return to the origins of the podcast with a solo episode - all about my experience making our latest feature film (Disappearing Boy) with no crew. Throughout the episode, I break down the highly unconventional workflow that went into this production, which spanned the course of a year, 30+ locations, and multiple shooting blocks.I also unpack the creative benefits of taking time off in between shooting dates, my approach to writing and shooting in tandem, how to balance camera and sound while directing, and other critical lessons for likeminded filmmakers making features of their own.Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5470278/advertisement

In this episode I am joined by filmmaker Tom Levesque to share the story behind his debut feature film Shut Eye.Shut Eye is the first feature film that delves into the strange world of ASMR, and is inspired by Tom's own experiences with insomnia. Throughout the episode, we take an in depth behind the scenes look at this project, from concept to budgeting to distribution.Tom speaks to his documentary-style approach on this feature, which helped him complete principal photography in just 15 days. He also touches on his camera setup, aspect ratio choice, post-production workflow and more.Links from the show:Shut Eye - MovieShut Eye - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode I am joined by filmmaker Josh Guffey, here to share his journey and a behind the scenes look into the making his debut feature film "All Gone Wrong".Throughout the interview, we cover the process from end to end - discussing the realities of working with limited budgets and resources, and how Josh navigated these challenges at each step. Josh also details his collaboration with actors and crew, his distribution model, maximizing efficiency when producing, maintaining persistence, and loads more.Links from the show: Josh Guffey - WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

Today I am joined by folk filmmaking pioneer Dan Lotz, here to talk about his impressive body of work - which consists of no fewer than 19 feature films.Throughout the episode we discuss Dan's innovate approach to filmmaking, which has allowed him to create movies under incredible circumstances. From making a feature film on an 8 day vacation, to shooting an entire realtime movie in just 3 hours.We also discuss the benefits of releasing films on YouTube, different production formats for low budget features, optimal runtimes, editing & shooting in tandem, and much more. Links from the show:Dan Lotz - YouTubeDan Lotz - TwitterSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

Today I am thrilled to have writer/director/photographer Carter Smith back on the show to talk about his latest micro-budget feature film Swallowed.Carter's first short film (Bugcrush) won Sundance in 2006, and led to his feature film work which includes The Ruins, Jaime Marks is Dead, and multiple recent Blumhouse movies. His latest feature though, is a departure from larger studio productions to say the least. It was produced with a skeleton crew using very DIY tactics, yet managed to find incredible success at festivals and beyond.Throughout the interview, Carter and I discuss his experience in the micro-budget realm, his approach to creativity, and much more. Links from the show:Carter Smith - InstagramAll The Dead Boys - WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

Returning to the show today is writer/director/editor Pete Ohs, who you might know from his feature films Everything Is Beautiful Far Away, Youngstown, and his most recent - Jethica.Jethica was produced with no crew and on nearly no-budget, but that didn't stop it from premiering at SXSW or securing theatrical distribution. Pete's story is an amazing case in point for the power of DIY filmmaking, and just how much can be achieved by getting truly creative with your approach.Throughout the episode, we go in depth on Pete's process, filmmaking model, and the benefits of working in such a minimalistic way. He also talks about working without a traditional screenplay, his unique collaboration with the actors, navigating festivals, and loads more.Links from the show:Pete Oh's - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode I am thrilled to be joined by David Rock (AKA DRock), who you might know as Gary Vaynerchuk's Executive Creative Director, and the man behind many incredible content pieces and social media innovations.Throughout this episode, we talk all about DRock's career trajectory, from meeting Gary to making his first video to scaling their content empire.DRock also shares his wealth of knowledge on growing an audience (with specific tactics for filmmakers), talks about best practices for navigating social media, and so much more.Links from the show: DRock - TwitterSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

Today, I am joined by filmmaking duo Evelyn Lorena (writer/director) and Maris Lidaka (producer/editor) - the team behind Gabriela, a new short film. Evelyn and Maris were able to leverage the success of their short film to secure a filmmaking grant and fellowship from Netflix, making them another great case-in-point for green lighting your own projects. In this episode we discuss their journey to create and release the short film, how it created new opportunities for them, lessons learned, and much more.Links from the show: Evelyn - InstagramMaris - InstagramBlended Future ProjectSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

Returning to the show is acclaimed director and editor Mike J. Nichols, here to talk about his latest feature doc John Waite - The Hard Way.Mike's latest feature was put together under incredible constraints, and was fully edited in just 9 weeks. Throughout the episode, we discuss some of the benefits and challenges of working this quickly, and Mike's creative workflow from end to end.Mike also shares some incredible advice for fixing problem areas. For instance - trimming a feature film to 20 minutes to identify issues, or using sound to find creative solutions to challenging scenes.Links from the show:Mike on TwitterMike on InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode I am joined by actor, comedian, and filmmaker Marisela Grajeda Gonzalez to talk all about navigating a career as a filmmaker.Marisela began her filmmaking journey at age 35, when she went back to school to study acting - eventually graduating with a BFA at almost 39 years old. Since, she has forged her own path as a filmmaker by producing her own work. Throughout the interview, Marisela talks about going into filmmaking later in life, dealing with self doubt, and making her debut short film. She also shares thoughts on the current state of filmmaking, how tech can empower new filmmakers, and more. Links from the show:www.mariselagg.com www.twitter.com/mariselagrajed1Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

Joining me in this episode is script supervisor turned television director Faye Brenner, who just made her directorial debut at age 69.As a script supervisor, Faye has worked on feature films like "Stand By Me," "Ghost," "Father of the Bride 2," and "Clear and Present Danger" to name a few. After decades in the business, Faye was able to break in as a director on "The Rookie" by showcasing her talents with a powerful short film. Throughout the episode we discuss Faye's unique path, along with many practical lessons for filmmakers looking to branch out into TV.For more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode I am joined by filmmaker and entrepreneur Matt Osterman, known for his feature films "Ghost From The Machine", "400 Days", "Hover", and now "Bitcon.""Bitcon" tells the story of a missing hard drive with hundreds of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency, and the issue of trust in the modern era. Throughout the interview, Matt generously gives us a behind the scenes look into this film, his creative process, and his unique career path.Links from the show:"Bitcon" Movie - https://www.bitconmovie.comPropellant Films - https://www.propellantfilms.comMatt Osterman's Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattostermanMatt Osterman's Instagram - https://instagram.com/mattostermanFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode, I am thrilled to be joined by filmmaker Chris Sharpe - who you may know as the co-founder of the wildly popular Yoga With Adriene YouTube Channel.Over the past decade Chris has grown the YWA channel to an incredible 11 million+ subscribers, and today it dominates the Yoga category on YouTube. As a big fan of the channel and a huge proponent of audience building for filmmakers, I was very excited to have Chris on to talk shop. Throughout the episode Chris details their journey from 0 to millions of subscribers, shares practical insights for filmmakers looking to build audiences of their own, and expands on his creative work as a filmmaker.Links from this show:Yoga With Adriene - https://www.youtube.com/@yogawithadrieneChris Sharpe: Website - www.chrissharpe.comChris Sharpe: Newsletter - https://chrissharpe.ck.pageFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

Joining me today is producer, founder and CEO of JPA Productions - James P Axiotis. James started his career at NBC and quickly became one of the network's youngest producers while still in his early 20s. Since, he has worked for Disney, as producer on Clint Eastwood's Bridges of Madison County, and countless other Hollywood shows and films.James now uses his expertise to create films for non-profits - which is a focal point of our discussion today. We also talk about what it takes to be a great producer, how to approach specializing vs. generalizing, and much more.Links from the show:JPA Productions - https://jpaproductions.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode I am honored to be joined by Mike Wohl - an award-winning filmmaker who has written, directed, and edited multiple independent films and shorts.Mike is also the author of many nonfiction books on the art and craft of filmmaking, and was one of the original designers of Apple's Emmy-award winning software Final Cut Pro. Throughout our discussion, we cover Mike's time with Apple during the early days of Final Cut Pro. We also talk extensively about his creative career as both a filmmaker and author, paying special attention to his latest project "In Herschel's Wake".Links from the show:In Herschel's Wake - inherschelswake.com For more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

This episode was originally recorded as a private stream in my Backlot filmmaking community.Our guest speaker for this live session is Paige Feldman - a writer and filmmaker with a decade of experience working in independent film and TV sales, financing, and production. Her projects have won Emmys, been shortlisted for Oscars, and premiered at festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, Berlin, TIFF, Tribeca, and SXSW.Throughout our discussion we cover a wide range of topics - from landing “work for hire” gigs to balancing multiple creative projects. We also unpack Paige's latest film projects, take audience questions, and much more.Links from the show:Paige on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/pfeldPaige's Website - https://paigefeldman.comSeeka TV - https://www.seekatv.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by filmmaker and assistant film professor (at the University of Memphis), Marty Lang.Some of Marty's project highlights as a director, producer, and show runner include projects like The Ride (Sundance, 2022), Being Michael Madsen, Out of My Hand (2016 Indie Spirit Nominee), and his feature films Rising Star and Stay With Me. Throughout the interview, we take an in depth look at Marty's creative path, the benefits of teaching filmmaking, his philosophy on building a sustainable career, and much more.Links from the show:Marty Lang on Twitter - https://twitter.com/marty_langFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode, I'm joined by writer/director Spencer Whiteout, producer Andrew Baer, and editor Alex Vollman - the filmmakers behind Space Waves, a feature film.This inspiring filmmaking team produced their first feature film while still in film school, beginning with a budget of just $8K. Over three years they faced massive obstacles, but ultimately overcame every setback to create a fantastic debut film. Throughout the interview, we discuss the film at length from concept to completion, how they pulled it off, and critical lessons learned.Links from the show:Space Waves - https://spacewavesfilm.com“Beast Mode” Making Of Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9ik1khvUjQSpencer Whiteout Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TSyyEp6IiA4PwbhtOJerC?si=e2e0082f10aa430eSimmering Studios - https://simmeringstudios.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode I am joined by filmmaker Zachary Gross to talk about his new sci-fi feature film "Harmony", which was produced for just $35,000.Throughout the interview, Zachary shares his 7 year journey with this project, from idea to final cut and distribution. We discuss tactics for maintaining high quality visuals on a budget, why Zachary shot additional material during post-production, navigating the distribution landscape, and much more.Links from the show:"Harmony" Feature Film - https://www.harmonyiswatching.com"Harmony" on Instagram - https://instagram.com/theharmonymovie"Harmony" on Facebook - https://facebook.com/theharmonymovieHand Me Down Films - https://www.hmdfilms.com"Hand Me Down Films" on Instagram - https://instagram.com/hmdfilms"Hand Me Down Films" on Facebook - https://facebook.com/hmdfilmsFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode I am joined by Daniel Garber - editor of the feature film "The Drop", which premiered this year at the Tribeca Film Festival. Daniel's creative and technical workflow on "The Drop" was really unique, as the film was shot with no formal script and was largely improvised.Throughout the discussion, we talk about this at length - as Daniel shares his method for shaping the best scenes and story using largely improvised material. He also talks about editing the film in tandem with production, how he completed his assembly cut in 30 days, and tips for other editors looking to get into the business.Links from the show:Daniel Garber's Website - https://www.danielgarber.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

Today I am joined by micro-budget filmmaker Tory Jones. He is known for his slate of genre feature films including the "The Wicked One", which developed a cult-like following after being released online and going viral.Throughout the episode we talk about Tory's experience making The Wicked One for just $12,000, and how the film achieved viral success without any paid advertising. Tory also shares the formula he uses to make a feature film every year, how his films get financed, distribution strategies, and so much more.Get The No-Budget Feature Film Blueprint: https://www.noamkrollacademy.comLinks from the show:Jonestown Films - http://jonestownfilms.com

In this episode I am joined by Whit Ingram. You may know her as “wittyfilmgirl” from her popular Instagram account, where she shares a behind the scenes look at her creative process as a filmmaker.Over the years, Whit has built up an impressive social media following that has led to paid work, creative opportunities, and the ability to spearhead her own passion projects. Throughout the episode we unpack each step she took to build a strong online brand, how that helped her land full time work as a director/DP, and advice for other filmmakers looking to do the same.Get the No-Budget Feature Film Blueprint here: https://noamkrollacademy.comLinks from the show:Whit Ingram Website - https://wittyfilmgirl.comWhit on Instagram - https://instagram.com/wittyfilmgirlWhit on Tik Tok - https://tiktok.com/wittyfilmgirl

In this episode I am joined by the multi-talented Bryan Mason, here to talk all about his creative approach, career path, and latest feature film (now on Hulu): "Good Luck To You, Leo Grande"Bryan is an accomplished cinematographer and editor, often working in both capacities on the same film. Throughout the interview, we talk about Bryan's ability to balance production work with post, and how wearing multiple hats has benefitted him. He also shares a behind the scenes look into his latest feature film, documenting the process from start to finish.Links from the show:"Animals" Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyWo8NzNvTU"Good Luck to You, Leo Grande" Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJcbZoJFLTUBryan Mason on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bryan_mason/For more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In today's solo episode I share a practical breakdown for capturing amazing raw footage on a “no-budget” production. Even if you are working as a one person crew without traditional resources, it's possible to achieve strong production value - this episode explains how to get there.Throughout the show, I unpack everything from choosing the right camera to the embracing available light. I also share anecdotes and workflows from my latest feature film, which is being shot using the same unconventional tactics outlined in this episode.To learn more about no-budget filmmaking, pick up the No-Budget Filmmaking Blueprint here: https://noamkrollacademy.com/products/no-budget-feature-film-blueprint

In this episode I am joined by acclaimed director Matthew Wade, a four time Slamdance filmmaker known for his feature films "How The Sky Will Melt" and "A Black Rift Begins To Yawn."Matthew's films are incredibly original both in how they are stylized and produced. We discuss his process at length throughout the interview, along with - shooting a feature film on Super 8mm film, creating an analog look when shooting digitally, scoring your own movie, festival programming tips, and loads more.Links from the show:Feature Films - https://skymeltfilm.comMatthew's Website - https://matthewade.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode I am joined by acclaimed DP Liam Higgins for an in-depth discussion on cinematography, commercial filmmaking, and creativity.Liam has shot many commercial projects for Adidas, Grey Goose, SteamWhistle, and countless other brands, all while writing and producing his own narrative productions. Throughout the interview, we discuss Liam's work at length and his career path - from freelancer to gaining representation with APA agency. We also talk about the benefits and drawbacks of owning gear, the importance of great collaboration, and loads more.Links from the show:https://instagram.com/liamhigginshttps://higginsdp.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

This week I'm honored to have filmmaker and Slamdance co-founder Dan Mirvish return to the show to talk all about his brand new feature film - 18 1/2.18 1/2 is a Watergate thriller/comedy that stars Willa Fitzgerald, John Magaro, Vondie Curtis Hall, Catherine Curtin, Richard Kind, Sullivan Jones, Alanna Saunders, Claire Saunders and the voices of Ted Raimi, Jon Cryer, and Bruce Campbell.In just 15 days, Dan and his crew captured this amazing film that has a unique 1970s vibe and standout performances. Throughout the episode we discuss exactly how this film was made - from concept to theatrical distribution. Enjoy!Links from the show: 18 1/2 Movie Website - https://18andahalfmovie.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode, I am joined by Brooklyn based micro-budget filmmaker Sujewa Ekanayake, for a discussion that re-imagines the way we approach making indie films.I first connected with Sujewa over Twitter, after discovering he and I share a similar filmmaking philosophy that prioritizes creative expression above budget. Throughout the conversation, we unpack this concept at length and discuss various strategies and unconventional tactics that can be used to execute any feature film.Links from the show:Sujewa on Twitter - https://twitter.com/sujewafantasticSlow Romance - https://slowromancemovie.comSujewa's Website - https://sujewa.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

Joining me today are the founders of Film Up - Aryeh Hoppenstein and Christina Chironna.After meeting in college, Aryeh and Christina partnered to create a business that would fuse their love of filmmaking with their passion for business. The result was FilmUp.co, a powerful resource that automates the film production process, from crewing to payroll.To generate awareness and build a community around their brand, Aryeh and Christina developed a unique social media strategy that led to an Instagram following of nearly 700,000 filmmakers.Throughout the episode, they share a behind the scenes look of how they built their audience - from their first follower to becoming one of the leading filmmaking accounts on social media. Their insights can serve as a blueprint for any filmmaker looking to build their online presence, and curate an audience of their own.Links from the show:Film Up Website - https://www.filmup.coFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode I am joined by three amazing guests for a roundtable style discussion about crowd-equity fundraising for indie films.Our guests are: lawyer-turned film investor Michael Rekola, executive producer and actor Desiree Staples, and Ryan Pierce from WeFunder's growth team.This in depth discussion covers tactics for raising funds through crowd-equity platforms (like WeFunder), painting a very clear picture of what it takes to succeed with this strategy. Topics covered include: Ideal genres for crowd-equity, key variables investors care about, reaching a wide audience, business & legal setup, and much more.Links from the show:Use Michael's link to start a project for free, and save on any platform fundraising fees when you successfully raise - https://wefunder.com/byrekola/discount“My Divorce Party” We Funder - https://wefunder.com/mydivorcepartythemovie/“Meet Cute Murders” We Funder - https://wefunder.com/meet.cute.murders.movieMichael Rekola on Twitter - https://twitter.com/byrekolaFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter