Welcome to The Newbie Film Academy Podcast — the show designed for first-time filmmakers and storytellers who are ready to turn their ideas into reality. I’m your host, Joan Montreuil — award-winning filmmaker, playwright, screenwriter, and festival founder with over 27 years of experience bringing stories from the page to the screen.

This podcast is your step-by-step guide to the filmmaking journey. From writing your first script to finding your cast, stretching your budget, editing your project, and even preparing for distribution — we’ll walk through it all together.

Each week, you’ll get practical lessons, filmmaker challenges, spiritual encouragement, and even special guest appearances from industry voices who know what it’s like to start from scratch.

Episode 3 – Casting with Confidence Finding the right actors isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about breathing life into your story. In this episode of The Newbie Talk Show, Joan Montreuil shares her best tips for choosing the perfect cast, building on-screen chemistry, and staying open to those unexpected “wow” moments that can change everything.

You’ll also hear a personal behind-the-scenes story from Joan’s own filmmaking journey, plus a weekly Filmmaker’s Challenge to help you put what you’ve learned into practice. And don’t miss the powerful closing encouragement that will leave you inspired to keep moving forward.

Every great film starts with a script. In this episode, Joan teaches how to structure your first screenplay, how to write characters people care about, and how to write on a tight budget. Whether it’s drama, faith, or family — the story is everything.

Welcome to The Newbie Film Academy Podcast, where small budgets birth big dreams and your first film gets its wings—no matter what’s in your wallet. I’m your host, Joan Montreuil—and I’m beyond excited to kick off this journey with you. Today’s episode is the foundation of it all: Start Where You Are—because if we wait for perfect, we’ll never start. And around here, we don’t wait—we work with what we’ve got. Let’s go!"

🎬 Episode 5: The Barely Budget Blueprint — Making Magic with $500 or Less On this episode of The Newbie Talk Show, host Joan Montreuil breaks down exactly how to make your first film with a micro-budget of $500 or less. Learn how to stretch every dollar, what expenses to prioritize, and how Joan successfully sold her films with nothing but faith, favor, and strategy. You’ll also get practical tips, a filmmaker’s challenge, and a word of encouragement to keep you moving forward — no matter your budget.

💡 Perfect for first-time filmmakers, indie creatives, and storytellers with big dreams and small wallets.

🎯 Filmmaker’s Challenge: Write a 3–5 minute scene using only one location, two actors, and a $500 budget.

✨ Visit thenewbiefilmacademy.org for more resources, classes, and support!

Welcome to the introduction of The Newbie Nation Podcast, hosted by filmmaker, director, and storyteller Joan Montreuil.

This isn’t just a podcast — it’s a home for faith-filled, purpose-driven, first-time filmmakers who are ready to bring their vision to the screen.

In this kickoff episode, Joan shares the reason behind the podcast, and what you can expect in upcoming episodes. Whether you're writing your first script, looking for guidance, or just searching for community — you're in the right place.

💡 Learn what The Newbie Nation is all about. 💬 Discover why your story matters now more than ever. 🙏 And leave with spiritual encouragement to keep going.

📍 Visit thenewbiefilmacademy.org for more resources. 📲 Follow us on IG & FB: @thenewbiefilmacademy

🎬 Lights. Camera. Faith. You’re not just a beginner. You’re called.

Joan Montreuil brings to you a lively, educational, and heartfelt talk show spotlighting new and emerging talent in film, media, writing, and entrepreneurship. The show blends real conversations with coaching moments, industry tips, personal testimonies, and behind-the-scenes gems. Hosted by you—Joan Montreuil—it’s both a masterclass and a ministry of inspiration for creatives stepping into their purpose. She stirs us a pot of gumbo including ingredients of a faith journey in a filmmakers world! Enjoy!