In this episode, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman dig into the behind-the-scenes business of micro-budget filmmaking. They tackle a fan-submitted Ask No Film School question about run-and-gun filmmaking risks, E&O insurance, and securing distribution when shooting without proper permits. Then, GG interviews writer/director Anna Baumgarten and producer Danny Mooney, the creative duo behind the indie feature Disfluency, a powerful micro-budget drama executive produced by Jim Cummings. The episode offers a treasure trove of insights into how to bring a short film to life as a feature, fundraise strategically, and navigate distribution on your own terms.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guests discuss...

The real risks of guerrilla filmmaking and when E&O insurance matters

How micro-budget filmmakers should approach risk management and legal protections

Why shooting permits—even if they're free—can save you massive headaches later

How Anna and Danny turned the short Disfluency into a feature with no initial investors

Why having a “moving train” production plan helps raise money faster

The importance of audience-building and crowdfunding in early development

How Jim Cummings and the Short to Feature Lab helped launch Disfluency

Navigating distribution and negotiating for your film's future

Memorable Quotes:

"You need to kind of think about: How much did your movie cost? What kind of lawsuits can come in? Does it work for you?" – 08:09

"Motivation does not create action. Action creates motivation." – 41:44

"You have to be building the plane and flying it at the same time." – 46:50

"Make something you love, because you're going to be working on this all the way through the end." – 01:01:03

Guests:

Anna Baumgarten

Danny Mooney

Resources:

More Jim Cummings on No Film School

Showtimes For I Really Love My Husband w/ In-Person Q&A

‘I Really Love My Husband’ on Instagram

Where to Watch Disfluency

Find No Film School everywhere:

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YouTube: No Film School on YouTube

Instagram: No Film School on Instagram

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