Clone Cops: The Podcast

🎥 Topics Covered:

• Phillip’s unforgettable crash on the vintage Vespa before the first shot

• The chaos and comedy of shooting complex green screen scenes on day one

• Blending practical and visual effects, including glowing grenades and mutant faces

• How the Clone Cops aesthetic was shaped on-set, shot by shot

• The challenges of directing stunts without a stunt coordinator

• Cinematography inspiration from Dean Cundey and 80s sci-fi classics

• The team’s indie VFX approach, including screen replacements and weapon effects

• How the Clone Cops team built a safe, high-vibe film set with a ten-hour-day philosophy

• Reflections on what the director and DP would do differently in future productions
 

🎤 Notable Quotes:

• “The first thing that happened on day one was a wreck… and we hadn’t even rolled a shot yet.” – Corey Allen

• “Every decision I made on set for VFX… was wrong. I learned a lot.” – Charles Royce

• “We had no business making this movie without that helmet. It became our brand.” – Phillip Cordell

• “If you want to find Zen… just drive a scooter into a wall.” – Danny Dones
 

📌 Key Takeaways for Filmmakers:

✅ Be flexible — your best-laid plans will be tested on day one

✅ Have a VFX supervisor and experienced crew on set to avoid costly mistakes

✅ Blend practical effects with CGI enhancements for indie-level magic

✅ Think intentionally about coverage and inserts — especially when you’re also the editor

✅ Stick to your budget, but don’t sacrifice safety or the vibe on set

🛠 Next Episode Preview:

Get ready for some behind-the-scenes cast stories as the filmmakers sit down with actors from the Clone Cops universe to share hilarious anecdotes and insight into their characters.

📢 Today’s Episode Sponsor:

Presented by NefariCorp. Visit nefaricorp.com for more.

🎙 Meet the Team:

• Corey Allen – Cinematographer

• Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer

• Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director

• Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor

This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way.

📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey!

➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops!

Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops

🎬 Episode 3: Designing the World of Clone Cops

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SOME MOVIE SPOILERS - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

🔍 Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Clone Cops Podcast, filmmakers Phillip Cordell (Co-writer/Actor), Danny Dones (Co-writer/Director), Charles Royce (VFX Supervisor/Producer), and Corey Allen (Cinematographer) dive into the intricate world-building of Clone Cops. From costumes to set design to iconic props, the team breaks down how they created a visually distinct and immersive sci-fi universe on an indie budget.

They discuss:

• The Origin of the Iconic Clone Cop Helmet – How a last-minute decision turned into an instantly recognizable sci-fi symbol.

• Crafting the Clone Cop Uniforms – The hilarious process of designing a “committee-approved” security outfit with hidden layers of satire.

• Nefari Corp’s Aesthetic & Branding – How corporate dystopia was brought to life through logos, posters, and subtle background details.

• Prop Design & DIY Movie Magic – The team shares how they built weapons, gadgets, and tech using unexpected materials.

• Building Sets on a Budget – How they transformed real locations into believable sci-fi environments.

• Marketing Through World-Building – The unexpected impact of the film’s costume and design choices on audience engagement.

🎤 Notable Quotes:

• “We had no business making this movie without this helmet. It became our brand identity.” – Phillip Cordell

• “The mustache on the helmet was the best decision we made. The moment Phil took it off, we knew it was gold.” – Danny Dones

• “We wanted Nefari Corp to feel like a company that takes itself too seriously. The kind that accidentally brands itself as ‘Nefari US’ without realizing what it says.” – Charles Royce

• “If you want to get your indie film made, you have to be willing to do everything yourself.” – Danny Dones

📌 Key Takeaways for Filmmakers:

✅ How to make props and costumes look high-budget on a low-budget production

✅ The power of visual storytelling in marketing a film

✅ Why small background details add massive rewatch value

✅ How branding within a film can create an extended universe feel

✅ Why world-building matters even in a micro-budget film

🛠 Next Episode Preview:

Next time, the team explores “Filming Clone Cops: On-Set Challenges & Breakthroughs”, diving into cinematography, lighting setups, and how they pulled off ambitious shots with limited time and resources.

📢 Today’s Episode Sponsor:

Brought to you by Nefaricorp. Visit nefaricorp.com for more.

#CloneCops #IndieFilmmaking #SciFiComedy #FilmmakingPodcast #BehindTheScenes

🎙 Meet the Team:

• Corey Allen – Cinematographer

• Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer

• Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director

• Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor

This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way.

📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey!

➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops!

Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops

Available to rent or own now on all streaming platforms - https://linktr.ee/clonecops

🎬 Clone Cops Podcast: How We Made Clone Cops – Pre-Production & Casting

🔍 Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Clone Cops Podcast, the filmmakers Phillip Cordell (Co-writer/Actor), Danny Dones (Co-writer/Director), Charles Royce (VFX Supervisor/Producer), and Corey Allen (Cinematographer) dive deep into the logistics of bringing Clone Cops to life.

They cover:

• The budget breakdown – How Clone Cops became a SAG Ultra Low Budget film with a $300,000 cap and what that actually covered.

• Funding the film independently – The team shares how they self-funded the movie and secured additional investment to make it happen.

• Navigating the Tennessee Entertainment Commission Grant – The surprising process of applying for and receiving a $50,000 rebate from the state.

• How casting unfolded – From self-tapes and agency submissions to last-minute role changes, they discuss finding the perfect actors for each character.

• Choosing the right crew – Why it was important to pay people fairly while also assembling a team that was passionate about the project.

• Finding the perfect location – How an abandoned mental hospital became the ultimate set for Clone Cops, providing production value far beyond their budget.

• The importance of pre-production planning – From breaking down the script to sticking to a 10-hour day schedule, the team shares how they avoided indie film burnout.

🎤 Notable Quotes:

• “We put our life savings into an independent film. Could be the best or worst decision ever.” – Phillip Cordell

• “If you’re waiting for someone to hand you your filmmaking career, it might never happen.” – Danny Dones

• “We didn’t just want to make a movie—we wanted to market one, too.” – Corey Allen

• “Happy people turn out great work. That’s why we ran a tight but fair set.” – Charles Royce

📌 Key Takeaways for Filmmakers:

✅ How to budget wisely for a micro-budget film

✅ Why pre-production is crucial for avoiding disaster on set

✅ How to secure film grants and incentives in your state

✅ The casting process and what to look for in actor auditions

✅ How location scouting can make or break your film

✅ Why marketing should be planned from the start

🛠 Next Episode Preview:

Next time, the team explores “Designing the World of Clone Cops”, covering the film’s VFX, production design, and sci-fi aesthetic.

📢 Today’s Episode Sponsor:

Brought to you by Nefaricorp. Visit nefaricorp.com for more.
 

#CloneCops #IndieFilmmaking #SciFiComedy #FilmmakingPodcast #BehindTheScenes

🎙 Meet the Team:

• Corey Allen – Cinematographer

• Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer

• Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director

• Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor

This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way.

📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey!

➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops!

Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops

Available to rent or own now on all streaming platforms - https://linktr.ee/clonecops

🎬 Clone Cops: The Origins of Clone Cops 🎬

🔍 Episode Summary:

In this inaugural episode of the Clone Cops Podcast, filmmakers Philip Cordell (Co-writer/Actor), Danny Dones (Co-writer/Director), Charles Royce (VFX Supervisor/Producer), and Corey Allen (Cinematographer) take you back to the very beginning—how Clone Cops was born.

The team dives into:

• The early brainstorming sessions and how a casual pitch about “Clone Cops” turned into a full-fledged feature film.

• The influence of classic sci-fi and action movies like Robocop, Multiplicity, and Idiocracy on the film’s concept and tone.

• How they navigated budget constraints, pivoting from their original vision to a more achievable (yet still ambitious) indie production.

• The importance of a strong title in marketing, and how Clone Cops immediately resonated with audiences.

• The screenwriting process, including early script drafts, table reads, and hiring professionals for script coverage.

• The personal influences each creator brought to the project, from cinematography choices to VFX branding to character development.

• The challenges of indie filmmaking, including skepticism about whether the movie would ever get made—and the mindset that pushed them forward.
 

🎤 Notable Quotes:

• “We knew we had to make a feature. That was the next step.” – Philip Cordell

• “Every movie is a miracle. It’s crazy that 40-50 people can come together to make this happen.” – Philip Cordell

• “We wanted to make a movie that we loved, not just something that would impress people.” – Danny Dones

• “The cavalry isn’t coming. No one’s going to hand you your filmmaking career—you have to go out and make it happen.” – Danny Dones

📌 Key Takeaways for Filmmakers:

✅ Why micro-budget movies are a great starting point for indie filmmakers

✅ The power of a great title in generating excitement and audience curiosity

✅ How a table read can expose strengths and weaknesses in a script

✅ The reality of script coverage—and why it’s a worthwhile investment

✅ How visual and storytelling elements evolve from draft to final product

✅ The importance of persistence and self-belief in indie filmmaking

🛠 Next Episode Preview:

In the next episode, the team breaks down the making of Clone Cops—including pre-production, budgeting, and the realities of bringing an indie film to life.

📢 Today’s Episode Sponsor:

Brought to you by Nefaricorp Visit nefaricorp.com for more.

#CloneCops #IndieFilmmaking #SciFiComedy #FilmmakingPodcast #BehindTheScenes

🎙 Meet the Team:

• Corey Allen – Cinematographer

• Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer

• Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director

• Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor

This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way.

📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey!

➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops!

Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops

Available to rent or own now on all streaming platforms - https://linktr.ee/clonecops

🎬 Welcome to the Clone Cops Podcast! 🎬

Join the creative minds behind Clone Cops as they take you on a behind-the-scenes journey through the making of this indie sci-fi action-comedy. From scriptwriting and pre-production to marketing and distribution, every step of the filmmaking process will be laid bare for listeners.

🎙 Meet the Team:

• Corey Allen – Cinematographer

• Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer

• Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director

• Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor

This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way.

📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey!

➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops!

Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops

🎙 Meet the Team:

• Corey Allen – Cinematographer

• Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer

• Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director

• Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor

This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way.

📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey!

➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops!

Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops