What does it actually take to go from writing and producing your first indie feature to directing a Netflix original—while starring in all of them?
In this episode of The Next Film, Jessica sits down with filmmaker and actress Leah McKendrick, whose journey from a $250K SXSW debut to a Netflix original is one of the most honest and hard-won stories in indie film right now. Leah wrote, directed, and starred in 'Scrambled' for Lionsgate & Roadside Attractions and just wrapped 'Voicemails for Isabelle' — a Netflix original she also wrote, directed, and acted in, out June 19th.
Whether you're writing your first script, trying to get your indie made, or figuring out how to protect your vision at the studio level—this conversation is packed with the kind of real, unfiltered insight that only comes from someone who has done it at every budget level.
We dive into:
• How she greenlit herself after two studio projects fell apart in one day
• What changes—and what doesn't—going from $250K to Netflix
• The truth about writing for studios vs. making your own work• How to handle notes without losing your voice
• Balancing writing, directing, and starring all at once
• Why "beginner's luck mindset" might be your greatest creative asset
• How to pitch from the heart and actually get investors on board
• Protecting what matters most in your scriptThis podcast documents the process of making a feature film from the ground up—sharing what works, what doesn’t, and everything in between.
Voicemails for Isabelle drops on Netflix June 19th. Leah wrote the script, which made The Blacklist in 2018. She directs and stars in the film, alongside Zoey Deutch, Nick Robinson, Nick Offerman, Lukas Gage, Harry Shum Jr., and Ciara Bravo.
The Next Film follows the real-time journey of making a second feature — documenting what it actually takes to level up in scope, budget, and craft.
Each episode features candid, craft-focused conversations with filmmakers who have done it, are doing it, or are experts in the process.
Hosted by award-winning filmmaker & actor Jessica Michael Davis @jessicamichaeldavis🎬
New episodes premiere every Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
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For partnership inquiries, please contact: [email protected] us know in the comments what stage you’re at in your filmmaking journey, what advice resonated most from this episode, or what topics you’d love us to cover next.
🎙 Produced by Casey Geraghty
🎧 Episode presented by Executive Producer Mark Bazil
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