Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

In this episode, I share a breakdown of some amazing and unconventional lens choices on the feature film Poor Things.While many lenses were used throughout production, there were 4 in particular that I believe contributed most critically to the distinct look of this film - Including a pair of Lomography Petzval lenses, and a 4mm lens adapted from Super 16. Throughout the episode, I

In this episode I am joined by DIY filmmaker Marty McGowan, who recently completed his feature film Ava on a budget of just $200!Throughout the episode, we unpack Marty’s creative process, how he pulled off a feature with a 2 person crew, and his approach to building a strong visual palette on a budget. We also touch on his workflow for capturing great performances, the importanc

In this new solo episode, I break down these 8 common issues that can kill your indie film:Big egosRushing the scriptDragging out developmentOverspending on equipmentNeglecting actors for cameraMaking sound an afterthoughtNot taking feedback from the teamNot caring about the small detailsThroughout the show I take a deep dive into the root cause of each of these issues, along with

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Steven Pierce to talk all about his latest feature film Herd.The film follows a woman that ends up trapped between a zombie outbreak and warring militia groups while trying to outrun her past. An ambitious concept for a micro-budget, making the execution of it all that much more impressive.Throughout the episode Steven and I speak about his

In this new solo episode, I compare and contrast my experience directing and DP’ing two separate feature films, and share tips for other filmmakers looking to do the same.Throughout the episode we cover everything from camera & lens choice to on-set workflow. All with the intention of maximizing collaboration with actors, achieving great production value, and simplifying your

Today I am joined by writer / director Benjamin Epstein to talk about his acclaimed feature film Buck Alamo, which stars Bruce Dern, Sonny Carl Davis, Lorelei Linklater, and premiered at the Oldenburg Film Festival.Throughout the episode we discuss Benjamin’s path as a filmmaker. From his early short film work to his first premiere at SXSW. We also unpack his creative process, hi

After taking a brief hiatus while in production for our new feature Teacher's Pet, I am thrilled to return to the show!Before sharing a slew of new interviews with you, I wanted to first publish this solo episode to give you a behind the scenes look into our process on the new movie.Throughout the episode I discuss how the film was developed, my approach to keeping a DIY mentality

In this episode I am excited to be joined by acclaimed DP Danny Ruhlmann, whose latest feature film Anyone But You (starring Sydney Sweeney & Glen Powell) is out in theaters today.Throughout the episode Danny generously shares his wealth of knowledge on all things cinematography - From specific tactics for beauty lighting to creative workflows for achieving better results on se

Today I am joined by filmmaker, director, and actor Scott Monahan to talk all about his brand new feature film Anchorage.Anchorage was shot in just 5 days on a budget of barely over $50,000, but that didn’t stop the film from landing a wildly successful festival tour and eventual theatrical release. Throughout the interview we take a deep dive behind the scenes look at this innov

Today, I am thrilled to be joined by Tom DeLonge of blink-182, Angels & Airwaves, and To The Stars, here to talk all about his debut feature film Monsters Of California.As a longtime fan of Tom’s, it was a treat to host this conversation and hear about his evolution into filmmaking first hand. We discuss the origin story of Monsters, how Tom’s band Angels & Airwaves spa