Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

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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