Cinematography for Actors

“Your agent might be negotiating, but you’re the one who walks onto set carrying the consequences.”

In part three, hosts Indeana Underhill and Haeleigh Royall keep the conversation going about making "Before The Storm", this time from the negotiating table to the edit bay.

The duo shares a real story from the producing side, where negotiation emails nearly blew a deal for an actor who genuinely wanted the job. It’s the lesson they wish every performer heard earlier: stay involved enough to make sure your agent is protecting your best interest, not just “winning” points. They dig into why negotiations shape set culture, how tense back-and-forth can make it look like you don’t want to be there, and why so many actors arrive feeling “late to summer camp” while the crew has already built the machine in pre-production. Their fix? Negotiate for collaboration, not control, like asking for a consult with costumes so you can build relationships and feel grounded in the story before day one.

Hae and Inde also shaed how the went full nuts-and-bolts for filmmakers and curious actors: SAG-AFTRA escrow and deposits, pension and health costs, overtime rules that vary by contract, and cash flow planning when you start shooting without the full budget in the bank. They also break down how they edited while shooting, using a shared-drive workflow, hardlined computers, and daily review habits that caught missing inserts and sped up the finish after wrap.

Whether you’re an actor learning to navigate your own deals, a producer planning your first SAG ultra-low-budget feature, or anyone who wants better collaboration between cast and crew, this one’s for you. Subscribe for part four, share it with a filmmaker friend, and leave a review so more actors and crew can find the show.

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For our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. 

Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.

Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25

Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors

Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.

"Your creative identity can get tangled up in gear, and sometimes the best thing for the film is carrying less."

In part two, hosts Indeana Underhill and Haeleigh Royall keep the conversation going about making a feature with fewer barriers and fewer backaches.

The duo gets honest about a tension a lot of filmmakers feel but rarely say out loud: the pull toward an all-natural-light approach, breaking camera packages down smaller and smaller, and why more equipment doesn't always mean better storytelling, better performances, or a better day on set. They also get real about producing as a tight team, including the messy parts: stress, being too direct, snapping, then repairing quickly because the trust is already there.

Meanwhile, Indeana weighs the long-game question of the DP path versus the producer path, and how deep cinematography knowledge becomes a superpower when you're negotiating budgets, crew needs, and priorities. Then the two get practical about making their ultra-low-budget feature Before The Storm in Savannah: SCAD's production placement program, crewing with experienced students, fiscal sponsorship, donations and equity investment, and the momentum hack that worked for them, which was setting a real start date. They also explain why production legal and SAG-AFTRA paperwork matter if you want a film that can actually sell, and how Slack and form automation kept the machine moving.

Whether you're planning a lean first feature, figuring out how to finance an indie, or deciding which side of the camera your career leans toward, this one's for you. Subscribe for part three, share it with a filmmaker friend, and leave a review so more actors and crew can find the show.

Send us Fan Mail

For our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. 

Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.

Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25

Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors

Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.

"You can spend years chasing the moment you make the feature, and still feel strangely untethered when it's over."

In this fresh episode, hosts Indeana Underhill and Haeleigh Royall sit down in the studio fresh off wrapping a 21-day SAG ultra-low-budget feature they produced together.

The duo gets candid about the moment career motivation quietly shifts, when the hustle stops feeling heroic and starts feeling expensive. Haeleigh opens up about an identity meltdown that turned out to be a genuine turning point, including the realization that some goals are powered by a need to be seen rather than authentic desire.

Meanwhile, Indeana breaks down the reality of wearing both the DP and producer hats on the same project, why below-the-line roles often get less grace, and how that shapes which projects are actually worth taking.

Whether you're building toward your first feature, growing an independent film career, or rethinking your workflow after burnout, this one's for you. Subscribe, share it with a filmmaker friend, and leave a review so more actors and crew can find the show.

Send us Fan Mail

For our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. 

Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.

Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25

Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors

Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.

Ever wondered if there's a secret formula to becoming a better leader, parent, or creative professional? In this candid conversation, hosts Indiana and Haley reveal what might be the most profound insight they've discovered through their entrepreneurial journey - the transformative power of self-love and acceptance.

The duo shares fascinating research showing how the psychology of building a company mirrors parenting in unexpected ways. Whether you're nurturing a child or growing an organization, both require protection, guidance, and eventually letting go as they mature beyond your complete control. This parallel particularly resonates as they reflect on their own company's growth journey, where they're experiencing the bittersweet reality of their creation outgrowing them.

Technology takes center stage as they discuss their experiences with AI wearable devices that help manage their hectic schedules and interactions. These "Bee" devices not only provide practical work assistance but surprisingly offer relationship insights by connecting dots between conversations, therapy sessions, and self-improvement content they consume.

The episode culminates with two major announcements: the launch of League of Filmmakers, a comprehensive digital trade publication serving the filmmaking community with daily coverage on films, interviews, gear reviews, and festival guides; and their upcoming Filmmaker Summit in partnership with Holly Shorts Film Festival on August 6th. Both initiatives reflect their commitment to education and community building within the industry.

Between business insights and professional updates, the conversation takes a delightfully unexpected detour into 90s nostalgia with a detailed plot synopsis of the Mary-Kate and Ashley movie "It Takes Two" - showcasing the authentic, unfiltered relationship between these creative partners. Subscribe now to join this vibrant community dedicated to bridging the gap between talent and crew while exploring the intersection of creativity, leadership, and personal growth.

Send us Fan Mail

For our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. 

Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.

Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25

Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors

Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.

Ever wondered how independent filmmakers create high-production value films on tight budgets? Join us as director Emelie Claxton and producer Cindy Allen reveal the ingenious strategies that transformed their short film "Doggone" from an impossible dream into a festival success story. From raising an impressive amount through crowdfunding to turning one movie theater into six different filming locations, they share the practical wisdom they gained along their filmmaking journey.

This episode unpacks the power of collaboration, the importance of hiring specialists rather than doing everything yourself, and the game-changing "big board" technique that kept everyone on set informed and aligned. You'll hear how breaking traditional filmmaking rules, rekindling old friendships for fundraising, and trusting in specialized talent created a film that audiences are falling in love with at festivals.

Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, or film enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into maximizing resources and creating meaningful stories that connect with audiences. Don't miss their final inspiring advice: "Don't say no to yourself."

0:00 Intro and teaser about on-set chef
0:17 Podcast introduction
0:54 Welcome and host introductions
1:28 Meeting special guests Emelie and Cindy
2:32 Discussing the short film "Doggone"
3:36 Missing Poland trip for the film shoot
5:06 The luxury of having a chef on set
6:40 What is Doggone about?
8:58 Breaking filmmaking rules
10:10 Crowdfunding campaign success
14:00 The secret to successful crowdfunding
19:22 Republic: equity-based crowdfunding alternative
24:00 The big board that changed everything
27:19 Maximizing production value
29:19 Using one movie theater for six locations
33:20 The importance of hiring specialists
36:26 Audience response to the film
39:29 What's next for the filmmakers
42:20 Final advice: "Don't say no to yourself"
43:16 Where to watch Doggone

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For our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot.

Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.

Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25

Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors

Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.

Join us as we meet the creators of Rafy, an innovative app transforming how actors prepare auditions. In this eye-opening conversation, we explore how this technology is giving actors more control over their audition process while addressing long-standing industry challenges.

Jamila Hache and Dani Rojas share how they developed Rafy during the pandemic to solve the common struggle of finding readers for self-tapes. The app uses AI to provide customizable reading partners, allowing actors to practice anytime without dependency on others. They discuss their ethical approach to AI implementation, subscription plans with tokens for scenes, and exciting new features including Playhouse for practice scenes and voice-recognition for slates. The conversation highlights how technology can empower actors in an industry that has historically placed them at a disadvantage.

Like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments how technology has changed your acting career!

0:00 Intro and guest introduction
0:55 Welcome to the CFA podcast
1:34 Meeting Jamila and Dani
3:10 How Haeleigh discovered the Rafy app
5:03 Creating Rafy during the pandemic
7:52 Understanding self-tape challenges
10:01 How AI can help actors ethically
12:22 The self-tape process explained
14:54 Industry realities for actors
17:53 Giving actors more control
19:40 How Rafy works for auditions
21:40 Subscription plans and tokens
24:19 Introducing Playhouse feature
27:21 Potential partnership with screenwriters
30:17 New features: Slates with voice recognition
32:10 The story behind the name "Rafy"
34:03 App availability and web version coming
35:00 Closing and contact information

Send us Fan Mail

For our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. 

Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.

Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25

Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors

Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.

Cast Me Now: castmenow.co/cfa 

Are you tired of spending hours submitting to casting calls every day? Cast Me Now founder Shreyans reveals how their AI platform is transforming the actor submission process by automating applications across multiple casting platforms. Learn how this innovative service is helping actors save hundreds of hours while landing more auditions without lifting a finger.

In this enlightening conversation, Shreyans explains how Cast Me Now works by scanning casting platforms for roles matching your specific parameters, then automatically submitting you to appropriate opportunities. Hosts Haeleigh and Indeana explore the platform's customizable preferences, pricing options, and upcoming features including voice agents and a "Finder Rep" tool to connect actors with agents. The discussion also delves into the entertainment industry's slow tech adoption compared to Silicon Valley and how AI might actually increase the value of human performers in the future.

Like, subscribe, and use code "CFA" for a free month of Cast Me Now!

0:00 Beyonce has star quality
0:06 Cinematography for Actors podcast intro
0:44 Onto the episode
0:50 Host introductions
1:08 Introducing guest Shreyans from Cast Me Now
1:42 AI services for actors
2:10 How Cast Me Now helps actors
3:02 Early callbacks through the platform
3:38 The beauty of automating submissions
5:16 Origins of Cast Me Now
7:10 Discovering CFA through AI blog writer
9:40 Learning about the film industry
10:15 Actors' silent suffering
12:10 Entertainment industry's slow tech adoption
15:16 Silicon Valley vs. Entertainment industry
17:48 The "vitamins and painkillers" analogy
20:40 How Cast Me Now's parameters work
22:20 Hailey's swimming audition story
24:22 Customizing submission preferences
26:02 Upcoming features including voice agents
29:48 AI's impact on entertainment industry
33:30 Pricing and subscription options

Send us Fan Mail

For our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. 

Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.

Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25

Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors

Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.

Ever wondered how independent filmmakers create high-production value films on tight budgets? Join us as director Emelie Claxton and producer Cindy Allen reveal the ingenious strategies that transformed their short film “Doggone” from an impossible dream into a festival success story. From raising an impressive amount through crowdfunding to turning one movie theater into six different shooting locations, they share the practical wisdom they gained along the way.

This episode unpacks the power of collaboration, the importance of working with specialists rather than doing everything yourself, and the game-changing “big board” technique that kept everyone on set informed and aligned. You’ll hear how breaking traditional filmmaking rules, rekindling old friendships for fundraising, and trusting in specialized talent created a film that audiences are falling in love with.

Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, or film enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into maximizing resources and creating meaningful stories that connect with audiences. Don’t miss their final inspiring advice: “Don’t say no to yourself.”

Send us Fan Mail

For our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. 

Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.

Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25

Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors

Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.

Hae chats with Jason Shuman, a film industry veteran who’s transition from the bustling world of production to the contemplative realm of writing offers a rare glimpse into the intricacies of storytelling and the crucial interplay between departments in the industry.

Explore his trajectory as a young, determined filmmaker finding his voice amidst the chaotic yet thrilling landscape of Hollywood. Jason shares how his strategic educational choices and early career steps, including pivotal internships with industry giants like Joel Silver, and Arnold Kopelson laid a foundation for success. His anecdotes paint a vivid picture of how educational freedom and real-world experiences converge to shape a unique creative identity, highlighting the importance of not just learning, but living.

He reflects on the significance of networking, unexpected success stories, and key lessons from selling TV pilots. Through personal stories and professional insights, Jason underscores the symbiotic relationship between writers and producers and the necessity of understanding screenplay structures. This episode is a treasure trove for aspiring filmmakers and storytellers, offering practical advice and inspiration to navigate the ever-changing world of film.

Send us Fan Mail

For our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. 

Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.

Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25

Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors

Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.

Join us for an exclusive conversation with the multifaceted Andreas Deja, the creative powerhouse behind the film Mushka. Over a decade in the making, Mushka's journey is a testament to Andreas's dedication to storytelling and animation mastery. With a career spanning 30 years at Disney, Andreas has breathed life into some of the studio's most notorious villains, and in this episode, he shares the intricacies of crafting antagonists that are memorable for more than just their evilness. Discover how collaboration was crucial in shaping Mushka's unique visual style.

Immerse yourself in the art of animation as Andreas reveals the secrets behind bringing characters to life through voice acting and artistic vision. With insights from working with legendary actor Jeremy Irons, we explore the dynamic process of animating to dialogue and how this has influenced both Disney classics and Mushka. Additionally, Andreas reflects on his evolution as a filmmaker, where he expanded his creative horizons to include directing, music, and storytelling, underscoring the multidimensional nature of animated film creation. This episode is not just a journey through Andreas's career but a celebration of the collaborative spirit and the boundless possibilities in the world of animation.

Send us Fan Mail

For our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. 

Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.

Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25

Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors

Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.