Independent Filmmaker's Guide | IFG

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The “first time in 63 years” strike, where SAG-AFTRA has joined the WGA in a labor stoppage due to stalled negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers or AMPTP. 

And so today we wanted to come on and address this strike and state that we here at IFG stand firmly with our fellow actors and writers in this strike. We hope that at the end of this we will see them protected for their talents and compensated duly for their work.

 While attempting to understand just what the AMPTP is and it's impact on negotiations with the union, an old and usually overlooked question emerged: just what is a studio film and what is an independent film? And why does it matter to all of us?  

Again, IFG is in firm support of this strike. This feels like an inflection point for the industry on every level. The stakes are high. And we hope that a modern contract is agreed to, and that independent filmmaking remains a thriving and supportive part of our awesome industry, helping all of us tell the stories each of us want to share.

More information about all this, and how to support - be it with donations or showing up on the picket lines, and all updates, go to SAGAFTRASTRIKE.ORG 

IFG | How Movies Get Made

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Welcome to a very "nostalgic" episode of IFG.

This week we are launching alongside IFG, our new podcast HAPPY HOUR FLIX, or HHF!
Our IFG series is, as you know, a nuts and bolts, inside look at how movies get made.
HHF is a podcast where we sit down with a special guest to talk about a nostalgic film we love and love to talk about.
Our show, which we are launching today in it's own feed, we also wanted to bring to you today on THIS feed as a special treat for you all. Of course, if this seems like an additional way you might be to enjoy all things movies, be sure to follow and subscribe to us over there, too - just search the title or click HAPPY HOUR FLIX.

On today's IFG episode and our first HHF episode, hosts Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy chat about one the most beloved films of a generation, FREE WILLY. And sitting down with them today is none other than the troubled whale-lover himself and star of the franchise, Jason James Richter.

Being Richter's first film, they dive deep into many personal experiences, including how he was "discovered", and what was more intimating - the orcas or Michael Madsen? Incredible stories of  security on and off set... and we finally answer the mystery of just what WAS that sheet-cake, and was ketchup a normal condiment in Oregon in the 90's for cake?

As always, we invite you to grab a beverage and enjoy the stories, and reminisce with us. Our friends over at Misguided Spirits help us design and bring to you the perfect cocktail to enjoy alongside all our episodes.
This particular cocktail was designed by mixologist Lea Marie Logan from Belle Reve in NYC, aptly named the FREE WILLY!
Here's how you do it:
pinch of salt
x3 cucumber slices
pinch of mint 3/4 leaves
.5 simple syrup
Muddle
Add 1oz lime
2oz MISGUIDED gin
Top with soda water (preferred, Topo Chico if you've got it)
And finish with x2 "Free Willy" spritz (aromatic spritzer of coconut oil salt water solution)
Then bonus, rim glass with nori dust seaweed

Sit back, relax and enjoy HAPPY HOUR FLIX!



HAPPY HOUR FLIX is produced by James Allerdyce and Lori Kay, and hosted by Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy.
Main Title is by Johnny Mineo.

HAPPY HOUR FLIX | Movies We Love

IFG | How Movies Get Made

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In this episode, Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy talk with the project's creators, screenwriters and director Luke Meyer and Keith Newton about their very personal docu-series, The Fourth Wall.

For any filmmaker, telling the story and history of a cult with an ever-evolving facade, lead by a mercurial leader can not only take years, but can be difficult to pin down. And when said leader is your own father, it can be beyond daunting...becoming more and more personal as the layers are peeled back.

Premiering at Tribeca Film Festival 2023, The Fourth Wall is "an intimate documentary series in which the son of cult leaders investigates the transgressive group in which he was raised. This is the story of the Sullivanians, New York’s secretive 'psychotherapy cult,' which was hidden in plain sight on Manhattan's Upper West Side in the 1970s and ’80s."
- Tribecafilm.com


To stay in the loop about more releases and updates about this film,
also check out:
seethink.com
as well as SeeThink’s Facebook or Instagram 

IFG | How Movies Get Made

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In this brief episode, part 2 of our announcement, Steve talks about the US premiere, upcoming news, and now where you can actually see the film BUKE & GASE!

To watch the film, just click here: BUKE & GASE FILM 
(or paste one of these URL's) 
https://apple.co/40Uu3ww 
https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/buke-and-gase

In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when tours were cancelled and all live music went silent, one band refused to stay quiet. This is that concert.The musical duo Buke and Gase performs a complete live concert to the eerily empty, famed arts and musical hall Basilica Hudson. In between the genre-bending performances that make up the concert portions, the film examines the design and creation of their handmade instruments, a six-string former-baritone ukulele (the "Buke") and a hybrid guitar-bass (the "Gase”) as well as the inspirations behind the songs and lyrics. The film contains both a full set from Buke and Gase made up of their hit songs and new releases, as well as insights from Aaron Dessner (The National), Melissa Auf der Maur (The Smashing Pumpkins, Hole), Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders), Laurie Anderson (Artist/Musician), Jad Abumrad (Radiolab), Alec Hanley Bemis (Brassland), Jonny Dovercourt (music journalist) and many more.

Thank you again, and spread the word. And if you haven’t already, we’d love if you’d leave us a review on Apple Podcast - it really does help get the word out and continue to build our community of filmmakers. Also, keep up with us at independentfilmmakersguide.com 

IFG is created and produced by Framework Productions,  hosted by Steven Pierce with cohosts James Allerdyce and Matt Mundy.
The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.

IFG | How Movies Get Made

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A very special and short episode this week. Today we have an announcement and an invitation for you all.

After beginning this podcast as a way to build up and talk to a community of other filmmakers about their own projects, not only do WE now have multiple films coming down the pike, we have launched our own Narrative Division devoted to the creation of films that tell compelling, original and personal stories. In light of all of this, we are excited to announce our first release of the year, the film BUKE & GASE.

Announcement, in brief:
Our first feature release of the year premieres MAY 9th, 2023!  The Concert Documentary: BUKE & GASE
A special invitation to our listeners:
If you are in NYC on May 9th and would like to attend the premiere WITH US in Queens, NY please RSVP* to [email protected]

*It is a limit of 2 ticket requests. Please write “IFG premiere request” in the subject line and we will reply accordingly to let you confirm we were able to meet your request.

Pre-Sales are available now!
BUKE & GASE will also be available to stream starting MAY 9th as well:
To pre-order, just click here: BUKE & GASE FILM 
(or paste this URL) https://apple.co/40Uu3ww 

FROM APPLE TV:
In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when tours were cancelled and all live music went silent, one band refused to stay quiet. This is that concert.The musical duo Buke and Gase performs a complete live concert to the eerily empty, famed arts and musical hall Basilica Hudson. In between the genre-bending performances that make up the concert portions, the film examines the design and creation of their handmade instruments, a six-string former-baritone ukulele (the "Buke") and a hybrid guitar-bass (the "Gase”) as well as the inspirations behind the songs and lyrics. The film contains both a full set from Buke and Gase made up of their hit songs and new releases, as well as insights from Aaron Dessner (The National), Melissa Auf der Maur (The Smashing Pumpkins, Hole), Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders), Laurie Anderson (Artist/Musician), Jad Abumrad (Radiolab), Alec Hanley Bemis (Brassland), Jonny Dovercourt (music journalist) and many more.

Thank you again, and spread the word. And if you haven’t already, we’d love if you’d leave us a review on Apple Podcast - it really does help get the word out and continue to build our community of filmmakers. Also, keep up with us at independentfilmmakersguide.com 

IFG is created and produced by Framework Productions,  hosted by Steven Pierce with cohosts James Allerdyce and Matt Mundy.
The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.

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Today, more than ever,  filmmakers and audiences alike are realizing the importance of having a safe and comfortable set. Not only to keep actors safe, but also ultimately to enable you to be a better filmmaker.
Today we joined by Intimacy Coordinator Brooke M. Haney to discuss her job and how she approaches a set.

Independent Filmmaker’s Guide | How Movies Get Made

IFG is created by Framework Productions

IFG | How Movies Get Made

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On this episode, Steven Pierce and James Allerdyce explore Darren Le Gallo's feature film debut, SAM & KATE.

From securing his stellar cast of the real-life parent-child combos of Dustin Hoffman/Jake Hoffman and Sissy Spacek/Schuyler Fisk, to scouting the perfect locations, Gallo walks through the inspirations, many years, and steps it took to bring his vision to fruition.

Independent Filmmaker’s Guide | How Movies Get Made

IFG is created by Framework Productions

IFG | How Movies Get Made

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Welcome back to the Independent Filmmakers Guide

Today we'll here from Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy as they chat with writer/director Matthew Gentile about his new movie American Murderer, starring Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver, and a ton of other great actors. 
Gentile speaks about how he was able to get an all-star cast for his first feature film, as well as how he went about getting the rights for a movie based on real people, events, and crimes.  We'll also hear about how they decided to shoot in Utah, the importance of working with a professional armorer on set during scenes with guns, plus how to work with production designers and prop masters to achieve a cohesive and immersive time period for the film. 

All that and more on this episode of The Independent Filmmakers Guide.

IFG | How Movies Get Made

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In today's episode, host Steven Pierce sits with Aimee Long to discuss her personal journey of bringing A Shot Through The Wall to screen. From the 2015 concept through it's premiere at the Bentonville Film Festival and recent distribution with Vertical Entertainment, Steve and Aimee talk through the barriers faced early on, the shifting social climate, and leaning into an indie filmmaker's vulnerability in order to deliver something truly unique and personal.

A Chinese-American police officer's life unravels after he accidentally shoots an innocent Black man. Facing trial, he wades through his guilt as he navigates the complicated worlds of media, justice, racial politics and his own morality.
- IMDb.com

IFG | How Movies Get Made

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Casting talent may be one of the most visible parts of the pre-production process, but the actual workings and understanding of it can easily remain invisible and elusive for indie filmmakers.

Today host Steven Pierce sits with casting director Rachel Reiss CSA to help shed much needed light on what the casting director does and why the CD-filmmaker relationship is so crucial.

“Rachel Reiss CSA is a senior casting director at Liz Lewis Casting Partners where she casts Film, TV, Commercials, Animation and VO nationwide. She has cast hundreds of commercials and voice-overs, including many that have been recognized with Clio Awards and Cannes Lion Awards.”
- castingsociety.com

Independent Filmmaker’s Guide | How Movies Get Made

IFG is created by Framework Productions. This episode was directed by James Allerdyce, produced and edited by Matt Mundy, and hosted by Steven Pierce. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.

IFG | How Movies Get Made