Focus On

By HMDFilms

What's Focus On about?

Indie Film Done Right

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Focus On episodes:

01.14.2016
Episode 27: The Force Awakens
Micah and Zack get in-depth into Star Wars: The Force Awakens and give some updates about what’s going on at HMD Films. Shownotes: Cryptic Pictures and Mortal Remains Mark Ricche One Cool Things: Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee Steve Yedlin: Film vs. Digital Recommendations: The Purge: Anarchy Agent Carter Outro: “Let’s...
01.07.2016
Episode 26: Christmas Movies
In this belated holiday special, we remind you that Jingle All the Way exists, discuss why Die Hard is a Christmas movie, and give our first impressions of The Force Awakens. Shownotes Jingle All the Way One Cool Things: The Phantom Edit – Watch it...
12.14.2015
Episode 25 – Juggling Projects
Zack and Micah talk about working on multiple projects at once, what to do if you’re stuck on a script, and some sage advice from Tom Hanks. Shownotes: Tom Hanks: On Acting Tips for Conquering Writer’s Block Ron Howard AMA Akira Recommendations: Master of None Rush Outro: “I Want...
11.24.2015
Episode 24 – Adaptations
Zack and Micah tackle some True Detective news before getting into a discussion about The Martian and adaptations in general. Shownotes: Nic Pizzolatto renews contract with HBO Blizzcon Costume Contest winner Outro: “Multiple Forms” by Noah Kenton; music video by HMD Films
10.28.2015
Episode 23 – Rewrites and Reboots
Zack and Micah talk about what it’s like to cut 15 pages out of your script, if they should recast Indiana Jones, and their favorite Halloween movies. Shownotes: Star Wars trailer Frank Marshal says they won’t recast Indiana Jones Halloween recommendations: Sleepy Hollow The Others The Thing Jack the...
09.29.2015
Episode 22: Omnibus Part Two
Zack and Micah cover a range of topics including Lawrence of Arabia, creating an LLC (and why it’s important), and other film-related things. Shownotes: Amazon Prime Instant Video (download to your device) film-grab.com Recommendations: Lawrence of Arabia Oliver Harper film retrospectives
09.22.2015
Episode 21: Lessons from ‘Crimson’
We’re back! And we brought special guest Nathan McFarland on to talk about the music video he just directed, “Crimson.” Shownotes: Noah Kenton Altman documentary You’re Never Weird on the Internet Recommendations: Mud Show Me A Hero Wait Until Dark
09.02.2015
Episode 20: Expression
Micah and Zack discuss Zack’s new series of articles talking about creative expression. Shownotes: The Problem is Expression by Zack Gross A Warning For Our Next Great Screenwriters by Billy Ray Recommendations: The Year of Living Dangerously The Sopranos Outro: City by Spring King
08.10.2015
Episode 19: Live Pitch
Zack pitches a film concept LIVE, more True Detective impressions, and the introduction of a new segment: Recommended Films. Recommendations: Zack: Assault on Precinct 13 Micah: The One I Love Outro: “Welcome” by Fort Minor
07.21.2015
Episode 18: Professional Advice
The boys talk some more Comic Con news, briefly discuss Ant-Man, and Micah relays a lot of the advice he’s been getting from industry professionals. Shownotes: New Batman V. Superman trailer Suicide Squad trailer Welcome to Night Vale Lyft Outro: “Can’t Feel My Face” by The...
07.16.2015
Episode 17: Comic Con
Join Zack and Micah as they discuss recent Comic Con news, True Detective season 2, and try not to be too grumpy about it all. Shownotes: Han Solo movie announced Rumor: Colin Treverrow directing Star Wars? Ben Affleck Batman movie announced La La Land gets JK...
07.07.2015
Episode 16: The Move
This week, Micah and Zack talk about the move to LA, some writing tips, and the John Adams drinking game. Wild by Cheryl Strayed Apple Music Outro: “Black Mambo” by Glass Animals
06.23.2015
Episode 15: Decompression
Zack and Micah have a small therapy session about moving to Los Angeles, finding time to be creative, and getting into the groove of filmmaking. Shownotes: Micah’s blog (that he promised to revive for the trip out West) Making of “The Machine” Outro: “The...
06.09.2015
Episode 14: Writing Habits
Zack and Micah talk about writing habits, outlining, and how being an adult is hard. Shownotes: Ronin screenwriting contest Outro: “Discipline” by Nine Inch Nails
05.27.2015
Episode 13: Omnibus with Scott Jeschke
This week Zack and Micah talk to special guest Scott Jeschke about TV, writing habits, Indiana Jones, and more in this jam-packed episode. Shownotes: Raiders sessions: transcripts Sam Raimi on the Nerdist podcast Creative Spark series Now I See Productions Outro: “Symphonic Theme” from the Tin...
05.19.2015
Episode 12: Action Movies
Zack and Micah disagree about Avengers: Age of Ultron, sing the praises of Mad Max, and talk about what makes them good (or bad) action movies. Shownotes: Mad Max: Fury Road trailer Wilder Mind by Mumford and Sons Bastille restaurant Outro: “Tompkins Square Park” by...
05.12.2015
Episode 11: Write for What You Have
Zack and Micah talk about a new web series they’re working on, why you should write for what you have, as well as recent film news. Shownotes: Marvel releases characters appearing in Civil War Jared Leto as the Joker Josh Trank’s Star Wars firing Overnight documentary Lizzie...
05.05.2015
Episode 10: Film Festivals
Listen as Micah and Zack discuss the changing world of film festivals, some tips for submitting, and what you should expect to get out of them. Shownotes: SENE Film Festival Into the Dark by Lukas Hassel Red Head Said Productions Film Festival blog post Edge of...
04.28.2015
Episode 9: The Marvel Method
Micah and Zack talk about the Marvel method of hiring and paying talent, as well as Ex Machina, creepy stories, and all sorts of other fun stuff. Shownotes: Ex Machina trailer The Head Collector by Janey Robideau “Avengers: Age of Ultron” Kicks off the...
04.21.2015
Episode 8: Trailers
Micah and Zack take on the new Star Wars teaser, the Batman v. Superman trailer, and other recent news, all while being very allergic to spring. Shownotes: Mortal Remains Absolution Star Wars teaser Batman v. Superman trailer Rogue One Fantastic Negrito Going Clear
04.14.2015
Episode 7: Concepts
Join Micah and Zack as they discuss True Detective, Mad Men, and what makes a good film concept. Shownotes: Zach and Zack interview with Mark Ricche True Detective Season 2 Teaser Interview with Terry Rossio The Inside Story of the Civil War for the Soul...
04.07.2015
Episode 6: Feedback
As a follow up to last week, Zack and Micah talk about getting feedback on your script, the difference between good and bad feedback, and how to apply the good kind to your script. They also cover the new season...
03.31.2015
Episode 5: 1st Draft
Micah and Zack talk about writing, finishing a first draft, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Shownotes: Fade In screenwriting software Unbearably Fierson Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Every Frame a Painting: Akira Kurosawa
03.24.2015
Episode 4: Crowdfunding
Micah and Zack draw on their experience of three successful crowdfunding campaigns to break down what made them successful, and what they learned along the way. Shownotes: Michigan Student Film Festival Con Man Indigogo campaign Zach and Zack podcast with Emily Best Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling Film Riot’s...
03.17.2015
Episode 3: Music
Special guest Nathan McFarland joins Zack and Micah to talk about what went wrong with Chappie and scoring independent films. Shownotes: Bagmen – A short film directed by Nathan McFarland Weekend Read – an app for reading screenplays Shadow 19 (full script) Weaver at the Loom The...
03.10.2015
Episode 2: Influences
This week, Micah and Zack go on several tangents, but finally get around to talking about influences and why they’re important to think about. Links from the show: On Writing by Stephen King
03.05.2015
Episode 1: Collaboration
In the first ever episode of Focus On, Micah and Zack talk about collaborating on a feature film from a development and writing standpoint. Join us as we explore the creative process from the eyes of an indie filmmaker, with all...