In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Rob Smat who shares his experience transitioning from the $100,000 feature film The Last Whistle to a $10,000 documentary Walkout, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

Throughout our discussion, we explore the realities of micro-budget filmmaking and distribution through the lens of both projects. Topics covered include:

• How scaling down production increases creative control
• Working with traditional distributors vs. self-distribution platforms
• Marketing & AVOD strategies for micro-budget films
• The importance of building a sustainable filmmaking career
• The value of making multiple films vs. betting only on one project
• Finding success through grassroots marketing and community outreach

Links from the show: 

Film Collaborative's Distributor Report Card 
BitMAX
Walkout - Film
Walkout - Companion Podcast

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In this episode, I am joined by film editor Stephania Dulowski to discuss her work on the Sundance dramatic competition feature film Bunny Lover. We dive deep into her editorial process and explore the tactics she used to pull off an amazing edit in record time.
Topics covered include:

• Completing a first cut in just one month
• Navigating test screenings and filmmaker feedback
• The importance of technical skills and communication in editing
• Editorial workflow breakdown from dailies review to final cut
• Balancing creative vision with practical constraints

Links from the show:

Stephania Dulowski's Website
Stephania Dulowski's Instagram


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In this episode, I am thrilled to be joined by actor and filmmaker Samantha Scaffidi, known for her role in the massively successful Terrifier franchise, and her upcoming short film Open Your Eyes.

Thought the episode, Samantha offers a unique perspective on independent filmmaking from both sides of the camera. We unpack how the Terrifier films evolved from a $30,000 micro-budget horror film to a $2M theatrical blockbuster, while maintaining its independent spirit - thanks to director Damien Leone's uncompromising vision.

We also explore the realities of modern independent filmmaking, the importance of artistic integrity, and why sometimes less resources can lead to more creative freedom. Samantha shares insights from her experience both acting in micro-budget productions and directing high-end commercials, ultimately explaining why she chose to return to her independent filmmaking roots.

Topics covered include:

• How Terrifier evolved from a $30K first film to a $2M third installment
• The crew behind the original Terrifier, and how director Damien Leone handled multiple roles
• Samantha’s transition from acting to directing, including doc work and commercial projects
• Her upcoming psychological horror short film Open Your Eyes
• The profound influence of John Cassavetes on Samantha’s artistic philosophy
• The realities of film festival programming and industry networking
• The challenges of balancing commercial work with personal creative projects

Links from the show: 

Samantha Scaffidi – Instagram
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In this episode, I am joined by director Misha Calvert and actor Raye Spielberg to unpack their latest short film PINK FLAGS - a figure skating drama that stars both Raye and her husband Sawyer Spielberg.

Throughout our discussion, we dive into the collaborative process at length, with special emphasis on the merits of working with close friends and family. Topics covered include:

• Misha's journey from directing comedy & TV to making a full scale short film
• Turning a $50K budget into $300K of production value
• Raye's three months of figure skating training & how it helped set this film apart
• The dynamics of actor-director workflows when working with friends
• Benefits of short films vs. long form projects
• Much more!

Links from them show:

Misha Calvert - Instagram
Misha Calvert - Website
Misha Calvert - ClassesRaye Spielberg - Instagram

Raye Spielberg - Website



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In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Shannon E. Brown, here to discuss her latest short film Overnights - inspired by her real life experience in the veterinary industry, and the burnout that it caused.

Shannon combined her background in the veterinary world, improv comedy, and horror sensibilities to create a deeply personal, uniquely stylized short film. Throughout the interview, we discuss:

• The parallels between comedy and horror genres in filmmaking
• Producing the film in two days in a borrowed dental office
• Working with Little Shop of Gore for practical effects
• Writing from real experiences in the veterinary industry
• Strategic approaches to film festival submissions
• Experiences at notable genre festivals like Panic Fest
• Working with comedy performers in dramatic roles
• Much more!

Links from the show: 

Overnights - Short Film
Shannon E. Brown - Instagram
Shannon E. Brown - Website

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In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Kim Noonan, who made his feature directorial debut at age 50 with two horror films - proving you can take your career to the next level at any age.

After years of making award-winning short films, Kim transitioned to features with the found-footage horror film Nyctophobia and followed it up with the supernatural thriller Are You There? which secured distribution through Dark Sky Films.

Topics covered include:

• Kim's journey from acting to directing
• Making his feature filmmaking debut at age 50
• How he made a micro-budget found footage film in 10 days
• Scaling up to a larger production while maintaining creative control
• The importance of casting and giving actors space to find their characters
• Maintaining momentum and avoiding creative burnout
• The distinction between festival success and commercial distribution

Links from the show:

Kim Noonan – Website
Kim Noonan – Instagram

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In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Sripal Sama, who turned his engineering background into an advantage when crafting his debut feature How's That for Monday?

While holding down his day job as an IT security engineer, Sripal managed to write, direct, and produce a compelling thriller for just $65,000 - and secured theatrical distribution in both the US and India. Our discussion dives deep into his filmmaking approach and distribution journey.

Topics covered include:

• How Sripal benefitted from his background outside the film industry
• Shooting a 68-page script in 16.5 days across 5 key locations
• Creative approaches to minimal coverage that still tell a compelling story
• Navigating theatrical releases in two countries without a major marketing budget
• Reaching 50% budget recoupment through strategic platform selection
• Drawing inspiration from both American indie cinema and Indian filmmaking techniques

Links from the show:

Sripal Sama - Twitter
Sripal Sama -  Instagram
Sripal Sama - Email

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Today I am joined by film critic turned filmmaker Jean-Baptiste Herment, here to talk about his DIY feature film Épidermique.

Throughout the episode we discuss:

• How Jean-Baptiste produced the feature film with no crew
• Benefits of spreading out the production schedule over a year
• Drawing inspiration from Italian cinema, Robert Rodriguez and beyond
• The benefits of shooting monochrome on a low budget
• Using 4 - 5 different cameras and matching them in post
• The merits of film festivals vs. online self-distribution
• Much more!

Links from the show:

Épidermique - Instagram
Akaba Media - Vimeo
Akaba Media - YouYube

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Today I am joined by acclaimed documentary filmmaker Roger Nygard, who you might know from films like Trekkies, Suckers, and The Truth About Marriage.

Throughout our discussion, we unpack Roger’s winning formula for making and selling documentary films. Topics covered include:

• Why $100,000 is the magic number as a starting point for your budget
• The realities of recouping your costs, and what to expect from sales
• How to generate interest from multiple buyers to up your minimum guarantee
• The importance of theme from a creative and business perspective
• Applying traditional storytelling principles to challenging topics
• Best practices for getting started making your next doc

Links from the show:

Roger Nygard - Website 

The Documentarian - Book

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In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Mark Mc Auley to discuss the creative process behind his feature film aWake, which was shot in a single day!

The discussion covers his entire creative workflow, philosophical approach to filmmaking, production tactics, and loads more. Some of the topics covered include:

• Adapting a short film into to a feature
• Using single takes to produce a feature in one day
• Elevating “stage play” ideas with a cinematic treatment
• The importance of setting rules for your production
• How to build your own filmmaking model
• Cultivating resilience for long term success
• Creating buzz and navigating festivals

Links from the show:

Awake - Film Website
Mark Mc Auley - Website
Mark Mc Auley - X
Mark Mc Auley - Instagram



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