How do you make enough money to support yourself as an independent filmmaker? It's nearly impossible. So these scrappy filmmakers tried something new.

Moviegoers at this year's edition of Fantastic Fest were in for a surprise when the credits of the horror world premiere Dolly rolled: several QR codes lingered on screen. If you liked the movie, you could tip the filmmakers directly, through Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, and PayPal (those links are live in case you support the idea):

In addition to the tip jar, they also put themselves in the movie so they could also find a revenue stream as actors, and they've since added to their website a high-priced opportunity to be in the sequel to Dolly as one of the victims.

On this episode of the No Film School Podcast, NFS Founder Ryan Koo discusses these innovations with writer-director Rod Blackhurst, producer Noah Lang, and producer Ross O'Connor.

In this episode…

Why the Dolly team added a “tip jar” at the end of their movie using QR codes

How creating additional revenue streams as actors and content creators might be a new model for indie filmmakers

The story behind casting wrestler Max the Impaler as Dolly

Using 16mm film to enhance the grindhouse horror tone and the challenges of daily shipping undeveloped reels

The VFX, SFX, and editing craft that made the gore and kills land effectively

The DIY spirit that fueled every part of this low-budget horror’s production

Putting themselves in the film for potential SAG residuals

Plans to build Dolly into a franchise and the playful spirit they bring to that

The lesson that proper channels aren’t always the best path—sometimes you just DM a star and see what happens

Memorable Quotes:

“Putting a tip jar in the credits—if not us, then who? If not now, then when?” (42:20)

“We couldn’t afford to license music, so we made our own band.” (42:30)

“It’s both the most pathetic thing ever and the greatest idea of all time.” (43:50)

“We will be in every Dolly. That is 100% the plan.” (50:12)

Guests:

Rod Blackhurst

Noah Lang

Ross O'Connor

Resources:

Why The 'Blood for Dust' Filmmakers Don't Wait for Permission

⁠'Here Alone': Post-Apocalyptic DIY Flick Wins Audience Award at Tribeca

⁠7 Directing Tips From A First-Time Feature Director

⁠Why a Proof of Concept Short is Always Worth Making

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