Filmmaker's Stories

This Episode’s Guest is Dan Attias - Dan is a television director from California.

Dan has shaped such TV shows as The Wire, The Sopranos, Homeland, The Americans, The Killing, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and many more. The list is endless as well as Dan’s experience. We discuss the difference between TV and feature film directing, Dan shares the harsh lessons learned from his earlier career and goes into detail explaining how he breathes life into scenes that may not offer much on the paper.

This episode focuses on:

• Television series directing.
• Building trust with your team as a series director.
• Acknowledging gaps in your knowledge early on.
• The importance of prep but being open to changes/discoveries on the day.
• Connecting to the story on a deeper level and trusting your instincts as a director.
• Realising that you are serving the vision of the show runner as a series director.
• Drawing on your personal experience as well as audience experience in order to tell engaging stories.
• Being an effective communicator and collaborator with the departments you are working with.
• Working to a realistic schedule.
• The explosion of opportunities in today’s industry.
• Dan’s latest book, ‘Directing Great Television: Inside TV's New Golden Age.’ 

You can find Dan Attias on - 
https://www.danattias.com/
IMDB: https://imdb.to/3BlnjKb 

About Podcast Host:
Podcast provided by: JB Audio Post Production
Instagram: @filmmakersstories, @jbaudioposptproduction
Facebook: @jbaudiopostproduction, @filmmakersstories
Email: [email protected]

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Must watch films recommended by Dan Attias - 

The 400 Blows (1959) - https://imdb.to/3Cr6T4p
The Pawnbroker (1964) -https://imdb.to/3Eo1USD   
The Verdict (1982) - https://imdb.to/3Gy948H     
Witness (1985) - https://imdb.to/3jMheR7     
Scent of a Woman (1992) - https://imdb.to/3GFhStI 

John Gaspard is an author, director and producer based in Minnesota. In this episode we talk about:

• Being a local and independent filmmaker rather than pursuing Hollywood.
• Harsh realities of Amazon Video algorithms.
• Taking economics out of filmmaking. 
• The journey of an indie filmmaker; small steps to success.
• Advice on things to avoid during production.
• Using star power to market your film without deceiving your audience. 
• The importance of rehearsal and picking up the pace when shooting scenes.
• Ensuring the right people are viewing your film for algorithm purposes.
• Important things to remember before you leave set.

!!!Giveaway!!! Get a FREE copy of 

If you’d like to get a free copy, let us know your favourite low budget movie in the comments on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook of this episode’s launch post. We will randomly pick the winners 10 days after the episode's came out.

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You can find John Gaspard on -  

Twitter: @johngaspard
Instagram: @johngaspard
Facebook: @JohnGaspardAuthorPage
Web: https://www.fastcheapfilm.com

About Podcast Host:

Podcast provided by: JB Audio Post Production
Instagram: @filmmakersstories @jbaudioposptproduction, @mrsupersonic
Facebook: @jbaudiopostproduction
Email: [email protected]

Must watch films recommended by John - 

Harold and Maude (1971) - https://imdb.to/3BAaKf5 

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) -https://imdb.to/3lsarNR    

What's Up, Doc? (1972) - https://imdb.to/3BuYywg     

The Conversation (1974) - https://imdb.to/3lwxaIK 

The Usual Suspects (1995) - https://imdb.to/3BvayO8     

This Episode’s Guest is Gerry Maguire - Gerry is a film production and exhibition expert, Head of Irish Film London. This episode focuses on:

• The financial challenges film festivals face. 
• Inside Irish Film London.
• The realm of festival programming. 
• The importance of having a festival strategy for your film.
• The role of a festival programmer.
• The importance of making the most of opportunities for your film. 
• George Ovashvili’s, Corn Island (2014).
• The changing approaches to film distribution/release strategies.
• The future of online distribution and the importance of expanding your reach.

You can find Gerry Maguire on -  

Instagram: @gerrymaguire 

Twitter: @Gerry_Maguire_
 

About Podcast Host:

Podcast provided by: JB Audio Post Production

Instagram: @filmmakersstories @jbaudioposptproduction, @mrsupersonic

Facebook: @jbaudiopostproduction

Email: [email protected]

Rate and review podcast on Podchaser:
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Must watch films recommended by Gerry Maguire - 

Click here to find out more

Kisses (2008) - https://imdb.to/3mPIqRi 

Holy Motors (2012) - https://imdb.to/3gOZcwl   

Full Metal Jacket (1987) - https://imdb.to/3BrBeiq     

Corn Island (2014) - https://imdb.to/38vLA4h 

The Big Lebowski (1998) - https://imdb.to/3mOJLYB   

This Episode’s Guest - Tara Jabbari. Tara is a digital media producer and consultant based in Washington DC.
 
This episode focuses on: Understanding the concept of ‘parasocial relationships’. Issues surrounding fandoms. The positive and negative effects of social media. Dissecting the extreme parasocial in music videos. Exploring how producers can ensure their films can be perceived in the right way. Tips on engaging with audiences and the common features that help to build a fandom.

You can find Tara Jabbari on -  Instagram: @tara_jabbari Twitter: @tara_jabbari


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About Podcast Host:
Podcast provided by: JB Audio Post Production
Instagram: @filmmakersstories @jbaudioposptproduction, @mrsupersonic
Facebook: @jbaudiopostproduction
Email: [email protected]

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Must watch films recommended by Tara Jabbari
Volver (2006) - https://imdb.to/2VQwN14     
The Shawshank Redemption (1994) - https://imdb.to/3CL82oc     
My Blueberry Nights (2007) - https://imdb.to/3jV8SWy     
Fight Club (1999) - https://imdb.to/3srpk53   
Dogma (1999) - https://imdb.to/3scjyUy   

Scilla Andreen, CEO of IndieFlix

Award-winning producer, director, and CEO of global entertainment screening service, IndieFlix, Scilla Andreen. Scilla fell into film, working initially as a costume designer on commercials and eventually for shows such as Dawson’s Creek, Smallville and The Wonder Years, in which she was nominated for an Emmy. 

IndieFlix launched in 2005, aiming to “offer everything that Hollywood doesn’t offer". By 2007, the service transitioned the library to a streaming platform, creating the RPM model (Revenue per minute) paying filmmakers for every minute watched.

In this episode Scilla talks about:

• The birth and development of IndieFlix.
• Understanding the importance of marketing your film.
• The misconceptions around streaming platforms
• Finding the right platform for your film and seeking out multiple platforms.
• The film festivals’ role in the market place.
• Defining your goals as a filmmaker.
• How your approach and behaviour as a filmmaker affects the relationships you form and future reputation..

You can find Scilla on:

Instagram: @indieflixceo 

Twitter: @IndieFlixCEO 

Facebook: @indieFlixCEO

IMDB: https://imdb.to/3x1lzUt 

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About Podcast Host:

Podcast provided by: JB Audio Post Production

Instagram: @jbaudiopostproduction, @mrsupersonic

Facebook: @jbaudiopostproduction

Email: [email protected] 

Podcast music by @butesounds

Produced by Georgia Johnson and Ross Ramsey Golding.

Must watch films recommended by Scilla: 

Click here to watch the full reviews by Preston on the following films

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) - https://imdb.to/2V9yRRk   

Searching for Sugar Man (2012) - https://imdb.to/3kQmjsV 

Love Actually (2003) - https://imdb.to/3iFnWqR  

The Godfather (1971) - https://imdb.to/3zqm77K    

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) - https://imdb.to/3y6t3XI   

This Episode’s Guest - Preston Cato, Artistic Director of the Queens World Film Festival 

Preston Cato is an experimental and feature filmmaker. He is Artistic Director of the Queens World Film Festival which he co-founded in 2011. Preston’s films have screened at a variety of film festivals across the globe, winning Best Feature for Be My Oswald in 2006 at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Wales. Presto has also worked as a Director of Cinematography, Editor, Sound Designer and teaches at the New York Digital Film Academy. Queens World Film Festival will be streamed on Film Festival Flix from 23rd June - 3rd July 2021.

In this episode Preston talks about:

• The birth of Queens World Film Festival and what to expect this year.
• The importance of making connections and friendships at festivals. 
• Tips on how to get involved and make the most of your festival experience.
• The benefits of the ‘gatherings’ element of festivals versus streaming.
• Strategies for getting your film out there.
• Being respectful of festival fees and factoring in a budget for festivals.

You can find Preston Cato on:

Instagram: @queensworldfilmfest 

Twitter: @queensworldfilm 

Facebook: @QueensWorldFilmFestival 

IMDB: https://imdb.to/3vANr0T 

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About a Podcast Host:

Podcast provided by: JB Audio Post Production

Instagram: @jbaudiopostproduction, @mrsupersonic

Facebook: @jbaudiopostproduction

Email: [email protected] 

Podcast music by @butesounds

Produced by Georgia Johnson and Ross Ramsey Golding.

Must watch films recommended by Preston Cato: 

Click here to watch the full reviews by Preston on the following films

Wavelength (1967) - https://imdb.to/3iPI3nS   

The Searchers (1956) - https://imdb.to/3iNRPqv  

Brewster McCloud (1970) - https://imdb.to/3gAQjXm  

Dr. Strangelove (1964) - https://imdb.to/3cQQrQp  

The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970) - https://imdb.to/35y8SoP 

Based in Washington DC, one of Jon’s first short film projects, Cyberslut (2001), took the festival circuit by storm, playing over 60 festivals around the world - yet here’s a man who has claimed he’s not a great filmmaker! 

Jon takes pride in connecting people and being a problem solver. After his own disheartening experiences of film festivals, Jon started the DC Shorts Film Festival in 2003 which was a huge success, becoming the largest short-film festival in the US. Jon has since consulted on festivals around the world, such as the Sunderland Shorts Film Festival here in the UK. He is also the author of two books, “Behind the Screens: Programmers Reveal How Film Festivals Really Work” (2012) and “So You Wanna Start a Film Festival” (2015) - if you like what you hear, go check them out! For now, let’s launch into episode 1 of this filmmaker’s stories…

In this episode Jon talks about:

• Advice for students and aspiring filmmakers on knowing your audience
• Navigating film festivals and discovering their niche. 
• Understanding why your film may not be getting into festivals.
• The importance of networking at festivals; virtual and in-person.
• The importance of virtual festivals or film events.
• Where film festivals fit into today’s climate.
• The future of hybrid industry events.
• Changes to the VOD landscape.

You can find Jon Gann on:

Instagram: @jonganndc

Twitter: @jongann

IMDB: https://imdb.to/3mcSWhA 

Vimeo: https://imdb.to/3v77l3j  

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About a Podcast Host:

Podcast provided by: JB Audio Post Production

Instagram: @jbaudiopostproduction, @mrsupersonic

Facebook: @jbaudiopostproduction

Email: [email protected] 

Podcast music by @butesounds

Produced by Georgia Johnson and Ross Ramsey Golding.

Must watch films recommended by Jon Gann: 

Click here to watch the full reviews by Jon on the following films

Auntie Mame (1958) - https://imdb.to/2TXrV9x   

Big Night (1996) - https://imdb.to/3xanM07  

Carrie (1996) - https://imdb.to/2RG6KrH  

Soapdish (1991) - https://imdb.to/3vesAQO    

Yes Nurse! No Nurse! (2002) - https://imdb.to/2SfNnpX  

This Episode’s Guest - Christian Dines, Director of Yellow Jacket and Somero.

In this final episode of Filmmaker’s Stories series 1, I caught up with director, editor, writer and old friend of mine, Christian Dines. Originally from East London, Christian quickly realised filmmaking was the avenue he wanted to explore, having been inspired by various films from a young age. Christian started out as an actor and proceeded to develop his first short film ‘Perceptions’ in 1999, screening to an audience at a pub, and was his first sign of success. Christian’s now made around 80 short films and currently at post production stage for his second feature film, Somero, the story of two people forced together in a lockdown…what are the chances!

In this episode Chris talks about:

• The creative control gained from directing compared to acting.
• The challenge of getting films seen by a broader audience.
• The importance of trust on-set.
• The value of preparation.
• The importance of casting the right actors as well as crew.
• Pros and cons of a director shooting the film themselves.
• Putting yourself in the audience mindset throughout the filmmaking process.
• Ensuring the film lives up to the script’s initial intentions.
• Listening to feedback when it’s warranted.
• What an indie-filmmaker faces in the current industry.

You can find Christian Dines on:

Instagram: @christiandines

Twitter: @ChristianDines 

IMDB: https://imdb.to/3mcSWhA 

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/realigofilmsltd

*** We Need Your Help. SUBSCRIBE, RATE and COMMENT ***

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Subscribe, comment and share. Give us a star. Be a part of the podcast.

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About a Podcast Host:

Podcast provided by: JB Audio Post Production

Instagram: @jbaudiopostproduction, @mrsupersonic

Facebook: @jbaudiopostproduction

Email: [email protected] 

Podcast music by Bute

https://vurbl.com/station/2FBqAUlulQj/

Must watch films recommended by Christian Dines: 

Click here to watch the full reviews by Christian on the following films

Big Wednesday (1978) - https://imdb.to/3m87rDi  

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - https://imdb.to/3gDUwbd  

Ordinary People (1980) - https://imdb.to/345iTt8 

Seems Like Old Times (1980) - https://imdb.to/2JSomww  

The Longest Yard (1974) - https://imdb.to/3nbzpPT    

This Episode’s Guest - Nathaniel Francis, producer of Criminal Audition (2019).

Nathaniel started out his journey in front of the camera, but quickly fell into producing after acting on a poorly-produced production, quickly realising he could do a much better job. We asked Nathaniel to discuss his experiences of the producing world and his lessons learned along the way.

In this episode Nathaniel talks about:

• Experiencing problems and learning to deal with them as the role   requires.
• Giving your best efforts and the opportunities this leads to.
• Having more than one project in the pipeline.
• Creating a proof of concept short film (POC).
• Keeping cast and crew in good spirits when there’s a low budget.
• Learning to work around the budget and finding other routes to get the best out of your project.
• The importance of catering on-set.
• Understanding how films grants may or may not be beneficial to your project.
• The difficulty of securing finance for your film and the element of luck.
• Realising the full film process and working backwards to figure out where you are headed.
• Understanding sales agents.
• Diversification of the film industry.

You can find Nathaniel Francis on:

Instagram: @nathanielproduces
Twitter: @nathanieltweets
IMDB: https://imdb.to/3kKwzzd 

Find out more about ‘Criminal Audition' here.
Find out about ‘Criminal Audition' on Facebook.
Find ‘Criminal Audition' on Twitter: @CrimAudition

Complete Audio Post Production services provided by: JB Audio Post Production

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*** We Need Your Help. SUBSCRIBE, RATE and COMMENT ***

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-

About a Podcast Host:

Podcast provided by: JB Audio Post Production
Instagram: @jbaudiopostproduction, @mrsupersonic
Facebook: @jbaudiopostproduction
Email: [email protected]
Music by Bute

Must watch films recommended by Nathaniel Francis - 

Click here to watch the full reviews by Nathaniel on the following films

GoldenEye (1995) 

My Girl (1991) 

A Knight’s Tale (2001)

Good Will Hunting (1997)

The Truman Show (1998) 

This Episode’s Guest - Steve Balderson, director of Firecracker (2005) and author of Filmmaking Confidential: Secrets from an Independent Filmmaker (2020).

In this episode Steve talks about:

• Benefits of shooting on a local level.
• The importance of figuring out who is in control on a project.
• Telling genuine stories to build audience connection.
• Realising and understanding your budget.
• The importance of marketing and promotion.
• Understanding how financial players operate.
• How to find investors.
• Defining your target market.
• Finding alternative ways to exhibit your film during the Covid crisis.

*** Get a free Audible copy of Filmmaking Confidential ***

We are holding our first ever podcast competition. Steve has been very kind to us and is giving away two Audible copies of his book - Filmmaking Confidential: Secrets from an Independent Filmmaker.

Follow JB Audio Post Production on IG and FB to find out how to win.

Two lucky listeners will be proud owners of this book and will have a direct access to all the secrets Steve has learned over 20 years as an independent filmmaker.

You can find Steve Balderson on:

Instagram: @dikenga
Twitter: @sbalderson
Website: https://www.dikenga.com/ 
IMDB: https://imdb.to/35jZDbc
Follow Steve on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevebalderson
Find Dikenga Films on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DikengaFilm

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Email to [email protected]

Join the Filmmaker's Stories Facebook Group and Subscribe to the Youtube Channel

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Podcast provided by: JB Audio Post Production
Instagram: @jbaudiopostproduction, @mrsupersonic
Facebook: @jbaudiopostproduction
Facebook: Filmmaker's Stories

Must watch films recommended by Steve Balderson

Click here to watch the full reviews by Steve on the following films

Eyes Wide Shut - https://imdb.to/2HgDq5O 
Firecracker - https://imdb.to/3dHJz73 
Serial Mom - https://imdb.to/37o9lfh
Vertigo - https://imdb.to/3jd9BQN
The Wizard of Oz - https://imdb.to/2HpHT5P