I’m currently making my second feature film—and I’ve already made some mistakes along the way.

In this episode, I break down the biggest lessons I’ve learned in real time—from getting ignored by press to approaching major actors too early, and how I’m adjusting my strategy moving forward.

If you’re an indie filmmaker trying to get your film made, attach talent, or get press attention, this is the kind of information no one really talks about.

We dive into:

• Why press outlets weren’t responding to my emails (and what finally worked)

• The truth about approaching big actors without full financing

• Why we decided to bring on a casting director

• How packaging and strategy can change everything

This podcast documents the process of making a feature film from the ground up—sharing what works, what doesn’t, and everything in between.

The Next Film follows the real-time journey of making a second feature — documenting what it actually takes to level up in scope, budget, and craft.

Each episode features candid, craft-focused conversations with filmmakers who have done it, are doing it, or are experts in the process.

Hosted by award-winning filmmaker & actor Jessica Michael Davis @jessicamichaeldavis

New episodes premiere every Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe and join the journey, we'd love to have you! @thenextfilmpodcast

For partnership inquiries, please contact: [email protected] us know in the comments what stage you’re at in your filmmaking journey, what advice resonated most from this episode, or what topics you’d love us to cover next.

🎙 Produced by Casey Geraghty

🎧 Episode presented with support from Executive Producer Mark Bazil

Support The Next Film:If you value these conversations and want to help keep them free and accessible to filmmakers everywhere, you can make a tax-deductible donation at the link below. Simply select The Next Film from the dropdown menu. https://www.allianceofwomendirectors.org/fiscal-sponsorship/