In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Felipe Vargas - whose viral horror short films helped him land his feature film debut Rosario.

Throughout our discussion, we explore Felipe’s journey from DIY shorts to large scale feature productions and lessons learned along the way.

Topics covered include: 

• How Felipe's childhood passion for horror and folklore shaped his filmmaking style
• The success of his short films, including Milk Teeth which garnered 15 million views on YouTube
• The realities of getting representation and what comes after
• How his feature film Rosario came together after developing relationships with producers
• Shooting across two countries (New York and Colombia) on a sub-$10 million budget
• The importance of being consistently productive and self-generative as a filmmaker
• Using test screenings effectively and the value of planning for pickup shots
• The unique character-first approach Felipe uses to break down scripts and scenes

Links from the show:

Felipe Vargas - Instagram

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In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Joe Burke to discuss his incredible journey making the feature film Burt for just $7,000. Executive produced by David Gordon Green, the film follows a street musician with Parkinson's disease who discovers he has a son.

Throughout our conversation, we explore Joe's innovative approach to micro-budget filmmaking, including how he infused real-life relationships into the narrative.
Topics covered include:

• How Joe cast his non-actor subjects in their first ever film roles
• Shooting an entire feature in 7 days with just a 3-person crew
• The strategic use of black & white cinematography to elevate production value
• Creating compelling narrative films without traditional scripts
• Navigating 28 festival rejections before winning Best Picture awards
• Self-distributing via theatrical screenings while building community partnerships

Links from the show:

Burt The Movie - Website

Joe Burke - Instagram (@joeburkfilm)

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In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Christopher Folkens to discuss his debut feature film The Catalyst - a psychological thriller that was produced in just 8 shooting days.

Throughout our discussion, we explore the unconventional production methods Christopher employed, including structured improvisation and a non-traditional shooting schedule.

Topics covered include:

• Why Christopher chose to embrace structured improvisation with actors
• How they filmed nearly half the movie in a single night
• Completing a feature film in just 8 total shooting days
• The evolution from a 12-person proof of concept to a 7-person final cast
• Using obstacles as opportunities in low-budget production
• The benefits of having an editing background as a director
• Finding the balance between having a plan and remaining flexible on set

Links from the show:

Christopher Folkens - Instagram

The Catalyst Movie - Instagram

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In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Clinton Cornwell to discuss his feature film 12 Months, which he shot over the course of two years (and 60 shooting days) in a style inspired by Richard Linklater's Boyhood.

Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into Clinton's unique production approach and creative process. Topics covered include:

• Creating an improvised relationship drama shot over real time
• Working with a minimal crew (often just 3 people) across 60 shooting days
• The benefits and challenges of spreading production over two years
• Finding actors comfortable with improvisation and maintaining their commitment
• Balancing structure and spontaneity in an improvised film
• Managing 200+ hours of footage during post-production
• The advantages of being a "jack of all trades" filmmaker

Links from the show:


12 Months Film

Clinton Cornwell - Instagram

Clinton Cornwell - Letterboxd

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In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Nick Psinakis to discuss his journey creating four feature films with creative partner Kevin Ignatius and how they've developed a sustainable model for indie filmmaking.

Throughout our conversation, we explore their evolution from DIY beginnings to community-supported productions, with special emphasis on how they've maintained high production value on micro-budgets. Topics covered include:

• Their progression from a $65K genre film to their newest feature, "Valley View Motel"
• Building strong community support in small-town Pennsylvania as a production base
• Maximizing efficiency with minimal crew and strategic location planning
• Creative approaches to chronological shooting and managing weather variables
• Navigating the ever-changing sales and distribution landscape
• The delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability
• Their post-production workflow and co-directing dynamic

Links from the show: 

418 Films - Instagram 

Cheat - Watch on Amazon Prime 

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In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Vivian Kerr to discuss her journey from acting to directing and how she successfully brought her first two feature films to life without traditional industry connections. Vivian's debut feature, Scrap - a family dramedy starring herself alongside Anthony Rapp (Rent, Star Trek Discovery) - completed a two-year festival run spanning 43 festivals before its recent VOD release. She followed this quickly with her second feature, Seance, a psychological thriller that recently premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Throughout our conversation, we explored:

• Vivian's background and transition from theater to filmmaking
• The genesis of Scrap and its exploration of hidden homelessness
• How she leveraged a short film version of Scrap to secure feature financing
• Using the equity crowdfunding platform WeFunder to raise the bulk of her financing
• Managing post-production on one film while doing a festival run with another
• The genesis of Seance and writing a contained feature during the pandemic
• Why believable performances are the foundation of good directing

Links from the show:

Scrap - Movie

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In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Ethan Hegel, who recently made his feature directorial debut with Purgatory Station after years of honing his craft behind the camera. Throughout the interview, Ethan shares his unique path to serving as director, DP, editor, and colorist on multiple feature films. Topics covered include:

• The importance of having a supportive network that encourages creative risk-taking
• How color grading expertise deepened Ethan's cinematography knowledge.
• Adapting and improving someone else's screenplay while maintaining the core story
• Shooting an ambitious feature in just 7 days with minimal pre-production time
• Practical techniques for achieving convincing day-for-night and night-for-day lighting
• Effective methods for directing actors that focus on emotional motivation
• The value of balancing self-sufficiency and collaboration in filmmaking

Links from the show: 

Ethan Hegel - Instagram 

Moving On - Short Film 

Purgatory Station - Prime Video 

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In this episode, I am joined by actor/director Matt Cohen (Supernatural, General Hospital, Entertainment Tonight) and producer Sean Flanagan to discuss their innovative approach to making films in today's changing landscape.

Throughout our conversation, we explore their upcoming feature Exes and animated series Public Domain, while unpacking their unique production model built on relationships, creative problem-solving, and maximizing resources.

Topics covered include:

• Juggling 12+ projects in various stages of development
• The importance of focusing on "evergreen" concepts vs chasing trends
• Achieving high production value on ultra low budgets through strategic choices
• The value of maintaining morale and team spirit on low budget productions
• Finding creative solutions to budgetary limitations rather than compromising quality
• Building a sustainable model for independent filmmaking in today's market
• Much more!

Links from the show:

Matt Cohen - Instagram
Sean Flanagan - Instagram
Public Domain Series - Instagram
Public Domain Series - Indiegogo

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In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Ernie Gilbert to discuss his work on A24's upcoming horror-thriller-comedy OPUS, which recently premiered at Sundance. Throughout our discussion, we explore Ernie’s creative process, his work in commercials & music videos, career building, and more. Topics covered include:

• The benefits of bringing editors on early in pre-production
• Editing remotely while production is taking place
• How to maintain fresh eyes on long-form projects
• Balancing work across features, commercials, and music videos
• The transition from editing to directing and back
• Building relationships and collecting "merit badges" in the industry
• Best practices for managing conflicting creative notes

Links from the show: 

Ernie Gilbert - Website
Ernie Gilbert - Instagram 

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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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