Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. Justin Younts sits down with award-winning filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux to discuss independent filmmaking, cultural perspective, and storytelling craft. From Brooklyn to Toronto, Jaze shares insights on directing, producing, and bringing original films like EFC to life in today’s film industry.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jazebordeaux.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:42 - Guest Background

00:04:03 - Cultural Differences

00:06:35 - Impact of Diverse Cultures

00:09:37 - Entrepreneurial Journey

00:14:02 - Inspiration

00:15:28 - Understanding Film Financing

00:16:39 - The Artwork of Film Structure

00:18:25 - Learning from Startup Companies

00:19:32 - Preparing for Film Financing

00:19:47 - The Importance of Budgeting

00:20:37 - Learning from Mistakes and Ventures

00:22:19 - Advice for New Filmmakers

00:24:23 - The Importance of a Clear Pitch

00:28:46 - The Changing Film Industry

00:29:58 - Improving the Industry from a Budget Standpoint

00:31:12 - Comparing Film Production Costs Globally

00:31:40 - Challenges in the American Film Industry

00:35:26 - The Impact of Inflation and Human Capital on Film Budgets

00:39:37 - The Consequences of Rushed Film Production

00:41:06 - Going Outside the System: An Alternative Approach to Film Production

00:43:51 - The Vision for a Global Independent Film Platform

00:46:31 - The Evolution of Online Streaming

00:48:42 - The Challenges of Online Streaming

00:49:14 - The Experiment and Lessons Learned

00:50:58 - The Issue of Digital Rights Management

00:52:33 - The Future of Piracy

00:53:57 - The Demand for Physical Copies

00:54:35 - The Uncertainty of Digital Ownership

00:54:48 - The Return to Physical Media

00:59:08 - The Potential of Personalized Streaming

00:59:48 - The Future of Media Consumption

01:02:04 - On-Set Learning and Experience

01:05:08 - The Importance of Acting

01:10:57 - The Journey into Filmmaking

01:14:11 - Directing Actors: A Collaborative Approach

01:16:06 - The Significance of Casting and Performance

01:17:38 - The First Notable Film: Excelsis

01:17:56 - The Name Change to EFC

01:18:10 - The Importance of Film Title

01:18:56 - The Challenge of Translating Film Titles

01:19:28 - The Marketing Aspect of Film Titles

01:20:50 - The Impact of Unexpected Events on Film Production

01:25:15 - The Decision Between Story and Action

01:28:00 - The Rise of Women's Mixed Martial Arts

01:30:00 - The Initial Reception of Women's MMA Film

01:32:22 - The Evolution of Women's Roles in Combat Sports Films

01:35:00 - Recognition and Awards

01:37:00 - The Experience of Winning Best Director

01:42:36 - The Story Behind 'Starry-Eyed'

01:43:36 - Adapting the Story and Characters

01:46:00 - Incorporating Film School Graduates

01:47:03 - The Evolution of 'Starry-Eyed'

01:48:16 - Supporting Other Filmmakers

01:49:23 - Introduction to 'Let Go'

01:49:41 - The Making of 'Let Go'

01:50:48 - The Role of Carly Rose in 'Let Go'

01:53:14 - The Story of 'Let Go'

01:53:58 - Release of 'Let Go'

01:54:22 - Current Projects of Alex Cruz

01:55:00 - Distribution of EFC

01:55:34 - Introduction to 'Genesis'

01:55:41 - The Evolution of 'Genesis'

01:56:18 - The Concept of 'Genesis'

01:57:35 - The Writing Process of 'Genesis'

01:59:31 - The Genre and Influence of 'Genesis'

02:01:58 - Closing Thoughts

02:02:38 - Personal Background: Track and Field Experience

02:03:26 - Unexpected Journey into Track and Field

02:04:10 - Overcoming Initial Challenges and Winning

02:05:16 - Facing More Experienced Competitors

02:09:31 - Changing Perspective and Winning the Race

02:11:15 - Applying Lessons from the Track to Life

02:13:55 - Daily Routines and Meditation

02:16:53 - Physical Fitness and Taekwondo

02:17:42 - Current Reading and Listening Habits

02:18:33 - Favorite Film Scores and Tracks

02:20:35 - Current Viewing Habits

02:21:46 - Impressions on 'Peacemaker' Series

02:22:43 - Thoughts on 'The Foundation'

02:23:18 - Recent Theater Experience: 'Honey'