Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

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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This episode is part 2 in the no-budget cinematography series, where we explore methods and tactics for achieving strong visuals with limited means.

Topics covered include:

• The 33% rule for shooting coverage
• 5 ideal coverage methods for no-budget productions
• Shooting scenes in a single take (while avoiding common mistakes)
• Alternate methods to traditional “film school” coverage
• How the “scene split” technique can improve quality and save time
• Much more!

These lessons offer a glimpse into my upcoming filmmaking course No-Budget Cinematography Blueprint, which will be released next week.

As a listener, you can save 50% when you pre-order the course now!

Simply use code: SDT50 at checkout here.

Today I am thrilled to be joined by the amazingly talented Jim Cummings, who you know as the Sundance winning writer / director / actor behind films like Thunder Road, The Wolf Of Snow Hollow, and The Beta Test. 

Jim recently released a brand new short film titled Is Now A Good Time, which we discuss at length throughout the podcast. The conversation spans Jim’s filmmaking journey post-Thunder Road, his creative process for developing ideas, and tactics for filmmakers looking to improve their craft. Jim also shares a sneak peek at his upcoming television series, thoughts on the future of Hollywood, and much more!

Links from the show:

Is Now A Good Time - Short Film
Jim Cummings - Instagram
Jim Cummings - X

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Today we take a deep dive into the world of no-budget cinematography, looking at methods and workflows for achieving better results within limited means. 

The full episode covers:

• The 3 “no’s” of no-budget cinematography
• Workflow differences on a no-budget production
• Avoiding common pitfalls that can kill production value
• Lighting setups, blocking, framing, and actor placement
• Using day-for-night as a tool for both interiors and exteriors
• Much more!

These lessons offer a glimpse into my upcoming filmmaking course No-Budget Cinematography Blueprint, which will be released later this month.

As a listener, you can save 50% when you pre-order the course now!

Simply use code: SDT50 at checkout here.

Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

Today I am joined by returning guest Whitney Ingram to talk all about the world of freelance filmmaking.

After a stint working in-house as a content creator, Whitney recently re-entered the freelance world and is already finding success landing projects that align with her creative goals. Throughout the episode we explore the benefits (and challenges) of going freelance full time, and how Whitney strikes a balance between corporate gigs and passion projects.

Whitney also shares her recent experience directing and DP'ing a short film, leveraging social media as a career tool, and strategies for landing paid work.

Links from the show:

Whitney Ingram - Instagram

Whitney Ingram - YouTube

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In this episode, we explore the age old issue of imposter syndrome and look at ways to eliminate self-doubt as a filmmaker. From comparing yourself to others to fear of failure - the episode is packed with strategies to combat negativity.

Topics covered include:

• The difference between healthy self-criticism and debilitating doubt
• Why you should avoid sharing your film ideas prematurely
• The dangers of setting arbitrary deadlines for "making it" in the industry
• How to handle criticism from non-filmmakers
• Why making films repeatadly is the best way to overcome self doubt

All of this and much more on today's show.

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