Afleveringen
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In this IFP Review, weâre talking about our experience attending the 22nd annual Dam Short Film Festival in Boulder City, Nevada.
We reviewed the festival from the perspective of indie filmmakers who submitted a short film, attended in person, and screened alongside filmmakers from around the world. In 2026, Dam Short Film Festival featured more than 150 short films across 32 blocks over six days, making it a packed and energetic festival experience.
Dam Short Film Festival stood out for its strong films, full audiences, excellent networking opportunities, and a genuinely celebratory atmosphere for filmmakers. The awards ceremony especially went above and beyond, with classic cars, red carpet energy, cheering crowds, and a clear effort to make filmmakers feel seen and appreciated.
We gave the festival a 9/10 overall, with especially high marks for the films, audience, networking and events, awards, and overall value. The only major caveat was theater and tech, since the festival was in a different venue the year we attended, which led to a few sound and playback issues.
In this review, we break down what worked, what indie filmmakers should know before submitting, and why Dam Short Film Festival may be especially worth considering if you have a short film (especially those tricky longer shorts that can be hard to program elsewhere!)
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In this IFP Review, weâre talking about our experience attending the 13th annual Sun Valley Film Festival in Sun Valley and Ketchum, Idaho.
We reviewed the festival from the perspective of indie filmmakers who submitted a film and attended in person, looking at everything from communication and organization to the films, audiences, networking events, theater and tech, awards, location, and overall value.
And yes, the Sun Valley Film Festival delivered.
With excellent communication, polished films, strong audience turnout, great venues, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this festival stood out as one of the most filmmaker-friendly experiences weâve had. It also offered something unique: a small-town Idaho setting with surprisingly serious industry access, including conversations with seasoned producers, directors, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals.
In this review, we break down what worked, what indie filmmakers should know before submitting, and why Sun Valley Film Festival may be worth the trip.
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Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Is filmmaker burnout just part of the indie film grind, or is hustle culture quietly making us worse at the thing we love?
In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, Victoria and Chuck talk about filmmaker hustle culture, creative burnout, and whether the pressure to constantly work, post, volunteer, network, and âkeep grindingâ is actually worth the cost.
Using Curry Barkerâs breakout success with Obsession as a jumping-off point, we look at what years of audience-building and creative output can do for an indie filmmakerâs career. But we also dig into the other side of the hustle: Working for free, setting boundaries on indie film sets, the business and marketing realities behind film success, and why creativity is not the same thing as productivity.
If youâre an indie filmmaker, film student, creative freelancer, or recovering workaholic trying to build a sustainable career without losing your love of filmmaking, this oneâs for you.
Show Links:
Featured Filmmaker of the Week, Christian Schoeman: https://youtube.com/@frequentcollaborators?si=VxyyTYx5AOfhcTj3
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
Are you a workaholic? - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/career/workaholic-test
Misleading article - https://leaders.com/articles/company-culture/hustle-culture/
Long Working Hours and Cognitive Function: The Whitehall II Study - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2727184/
Working less doesnât affect productivity? - https://interwork.sdsu.edu/sites/default/files/2025-02/nrli-2024-Group2.pdf
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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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Can AI filmmaking actually make a good short film? We tested it.
In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, weâre talking about AI in filmmaking after making our own AI-generated short film using AI tools for: The script, character design, voices, and video generation. Yup. All of it. And the end result? Is a little mixedâŚ.
We break down what worked, what failed spectacularly, and what indie filmmakers should actually be paying attention to when it comes to AI video generation. Is AI a useful filmmaking tool? A creative threat? A shortcut? A mess? Yes. JustâŚyes to all of that.
This conversation gets into the practical side of AI tools for filmmakers, the ethical concerns around AI-generated images and voices, the rise of AI slop, the environmental cost of AI video, and whether indie filmmakers should be worried about the future of the film industry. (To save you any panic or heartache, probably not. Especially if youâre a creative individual, then you really donât need to worry.
If youâre a filmmaker, writer, editor, actor, video creator, or creative human trying to figure out where AI belongs in indie film, this episode is for you.
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Show Links:
Featured Filmmaker of the Week, Parsa Ghaffari: https://parsaghaffari.com/
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
Forbes Top 50 AI companies: https://www.forbes.com/lists/ai50/
Study about idle time and creatives: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10400419.2023.2227477
The Guardian Articles: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/nov/13/ai-music-spotify-billboard-charts https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/27/more-than-20-of-videos-shown-to-new-youtube-users-are-ai-slop-study-finds
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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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Can you actually make money as a filmmaker after quitting your job?
In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, weâre talking about what really happens when you leave a steady corporate job for freelance filmmaking, creative work, and the unpredictable world of self-employment in the arts.
Chuck and Victoria share their very different experiences quitting their jobs, building financial runways, surviving surprise expenses, finding freelance film work, tracking tax deductions, and figuring out how indie filmmakers can build multiple revenue streams without assuming their passion project will pay the bills.
If youâve ever dreamed about leaving your 9-to-5 to make films, this episode is a reality check on the money, fear, freedom, and chaos that come with taking the leap.
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Show Links:
Featured Filmmaker of the Week, David C. Nelson: https://dcnfilm.com/
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
Check Out Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/IndieFilmPodcast
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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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Filmmaker mistakes, bad films, and learning from failure are part of becoming a better indie filmmaker.
Every filmmaker has an old project that makes them cringe: A first film, student film, rushed short, failed competition project, or creative experiment that just didnât land quite the way theyâd hoped.
In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we talk about why embarrassing old work can be a sign of growth, what bad films can teach you, and whether filmmakers should delete, hide, or keep their old projects online.
We also dig into famous filmmakers who were embarrassed by their own work, including Stanley Kubrick, David Lynch, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, and the Duplass brothers. Plus, we talk about constructive criticism, creative ego, failed projects, demo reels, and why self-reflection matters if you want to keep improving as an indie filmmaker.
If youâve ever made a bad film, cringed at your first movie, or wondered what to do with old work youâre not proud of, this one is for you.
Indie Film Podcast shares our filmmaking mistakes so you can avoid them.
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Show Links:
Featured Filmmaker of the Week, Lilia AâHearn: https://liliacreativityproductions.myportfolio.com/
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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Film festival myths, submission strategy, and what indie filmmakers should actually know before sending their work out into the world.
In this live episode of Indie Film Podcast, we sit down with Filmfort director Thomas Phillipson during Podfort at Treefort Music Fest to talk about what really happens behind the scenes at a film festival.
We dig into the myths filmmakers love to panic over: Whether programmers only watch the first five minutes, if a famous actor helps, how much your directorâs statement matters, does Sundance rejection means your festival run is doomed, and if your short film is probably too long. Spoiler: Probably, yes. Sorry.
Thomas shares practical advice on FilmFreeway submissions, researching the right festivals, building film community, making the most of your festival experience, and why festival programmers really do want to find great films.
If youâre an indie filmmaker trying to get into film festivals without wasting all your submission fee money and emotional stability, this oneâs for you.
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Show Links:
Learn more about Filmfort: https://treefortmusicfest.com/fort/filmfort/
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You avoided the other six deadly sins, locked picture, and finally made your movie. But did you actually remember to tell anyone? In our final installment of the "7 Deadly Sins of Low-Budget Indie Filmmaking" series, we tackle the silent killer that leaves incredible projects dying on a hard drive: Marketing and Administration.
The harsh reality of independent film distribution is that if you don't legally own your movie, you can't sell it. Furthermore, if you wait until post-production to start your indie film marketing campaign, youâre already months behind. Weâre breaking down how to stop screaming into the void, why you have to track every single penny you spend, and why your film isnât for "everyone" (unless you made Forrest Gump).
In This Episode, We Cover:
The "Sock Drawer" Rule: Why keeping your paperwork organized (including your crew deal memos, location releases, and film production insurance) is the ultimate key to a stress-free shoot.
The 4 Phases of Marketing: A chronological roadmap of exactly what movie producers need to be doing during Development, Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production.
The Screen Grab Trap: Why pulling dark frames from your editing timeline makes for lackluster poster art, and why you should budget for a dedicated BTS photographer.
Targeting Your True Demographic: How to maximize your limited ad spend by understanding who actually wants to watch your movie.
Crowdfunding Realities: The nightmare of fulfilling physical perks (like custom whiskey glasses) and how to manage those deliverables alongside an indie film EPK.
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Show Links:
Featured Filmmaker, Matty Killen: www.mattykillendop.com
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
Get the Free Indie Film Budget Template: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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Itâs the ultimate post-production reality check: Editing reveals everything that production lied to you about. Welcome back to Indie Film Podcast, where weâre breaking down the Seven Deadly Sins of low-budget indie filmmaking. Today, we are tackling Sin #6: Sloppy Editing.
Whether youâre staring down a massive multi-cam timeline or trying to salvage a scene where the continuity is a complete mess, post-production is where your movie is truly made (or abandoned). Victoria and Chuck break down the absolute necessities of indie film post-production, balancing strict technical workflows with the core artistic choices that drive a story forward.
In this episode, we cover:
The Post-Production Mirror: Why the editing bay inevitably exposes weak story logic, missing coverage, and distracting location audio.
Technical vs. Artistic Frameworks: Blending technical setup steps (like organizing assets and planning export specs) with artistic pillars like performance, pacing, and continuity.
The 60-Minute Myth: Why cutting your indie feature down to a tight, high-density runtime often makes for a better movie, but it might cause conflict with your distribution deals.
K*lling Your Darlings: The gritty reality of cutting your favorite set moments to save the pacing, including the time Chuck had to cut his own dad out of a feature film.
Bulletproof File Management: Essential folder organization, external hard drive archiving, and daily sequence duplication hacks to ensure a software crash never deletes your hard work.
Proxy Workflows: Why using low-resolution proxy files is mandatory for smooth editing, especially when managing heavy raw footage.
The Invisible Art Form: Celebrating the legacy of post-production and why women have historically dominated the art of the emotional cinematic cut.
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Show Links:
Featured Filmmaker of the Week, Daniel Herzog: www.theworkofdanielherzog.com
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
How Star Wars was Saved in the Edit: https://youtu.be/GFMyMxMYDNk?si=lGpo5cXc9GsZvl58
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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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Chuck calls bad audio the "deadliest of all the deadly sins" of low-budget filmmaking for a reason. If your actors sound like theyâre talking underwater, or if you're relying too heavily on AI noise reduction tools, this episode is going to save your movie.
In this episode (Part 5 of our 7 Deadly Sins of Indie Filmmaking series), we are diving into the gritty, zero-budget reality of mixing professional audio. Chuck breaks down his exact, start-to-finish 6-step workflow: from capturing clean location sound to the final score mix. We discuss how to fix tinny dialogue caused by microphone phasing, why hiding mics on set will save you hours of Foley work, and the golden EQ rule to ensure your dramatic film score never buries your dialogue.
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Show Links:
Featured Filmmaker of the Week, Tom Hughes: https://www.instagram.com/ritual_video
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
How to Talk to a Composer with Jesse Blake Rundle: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l5IFPhumX4QmvsKDAdVci?si=8dJWpBy_SSqj2u5s-GFs7A
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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072 -
Are your indie film shots looking a little more like security camera footage than cinema magic? You don't need a $10,000 lighting kit to fix it; you just need to understand shot design.
In this episode (Part 4 of our 7 Deadly Sins of Indie Filmmaking series), Victoria and Chuck break down the absolute essentials of visual storytelling. We are giving you a crash course in everything from basic composition patterns to the "WIFFFLE" checklist you need to run through before ever hitting record. Plus, we cover the magic of "negative fill" and why learning to control shadows is just as important as adding light.
Finally, we skip the expensive tuition and give you a DIY Film School breakdown of the cinematography lessons hiding in classics like Citizen Kane, Psycho, and Blade Runner.
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Show Links:
Filmmaker of the Week, Cody Esquivel: https://www.instagram.com/codyesquivel
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
Orson Welles Really Did It All: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orson_Welles
Daniel Klamerus on Gaffing & Cinematography: https://youtu.be/DBwnzXaS6FY
The Iconic Psycho Shower Scene: https://youtu.be/0WtDmbr9xyY?si=4HKst8kppynrcWuJ
Barry Lyndonâs Impressive Zoom Out: https://youtu.be/V8-rAjWAohA?si=736MTtXfRZejrrYx
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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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You can rent the most expensive camera in the world, but if you point it at a blank wall, your movie is still going to look like a student film.
In Part 3 of our "7 Deadly Sins of Low-Budget Indie Filmmakingâ series, weâre tackling Art Department. We break down why production design is the actual secret to making a micro-budget film look cinematic, and share scrappy, actionable secrets to dressing a set when you have no money.
In this episode, we cover:
"Addition by Subtraction": How to dress a real, lived-in location without it looking cluttered.
The Dollar Store Hack: Building believable sci-fi props on the cheap.
The Art Dept Checklist: Victoriaâs foolproof, 6-step blueprint for indie sets.
Cheap Trick: Why you need candles (and a fire extinguisher) on set.
Plus, we highlight Featured Filmmaker Tijuana Layne, and how she saved her film The Science of Fear from a post-production disaster!
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Show Links:
Filmmaker of the Week, Tijuana Layne: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2893587/
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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If your actors look like amateurs who are actively searching their brains for their lines, you didn't save time by skipping rehearsals, you just ruined a great performance. Welcome back to Week 2 of The 7 Deadly Sins of Indie Filmmaking! Over the next seven episodes, weâre breaking down the biggest mistakes that kill micro-budget movies and how to avoid them.
This week, we tackle Sin #2: Skipping Rehearsals. It is truly the fastest and easiest way to sink your film (and your friendships?) on set. Weâre busting the biggest excuses in the industry, from the myth that Steven Spielberg doesn't rehearse to the ultimate indie film lie: "We'll fix it in post.â If you want your film to look professional, preparation is a non-negotiable.
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Show Links:
Filmmaker of the Week, Gregory Pellerito: https://linktr.ee/GregoryMPellerito
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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Follow Indie Film Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast
Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com
Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo
If your actors look like amateurs who are actively searching their brains for their lines, you didn't save time by skipping rehearsals, you just ruined a great performance. Welcome back to Week 2 of The 7 Deadly Sins of Indie Filmmaking! Over the next seven episodes, weâre breaking down the biggest mistakes that kill micro-budget movies and how to avoid them.
This week, we tackle Sin #2: Skipping Rehearsals. It is truly the fastest and easiest way to sink your film (and your friendships?) on set. Weâre busting the biggest excuses in the industry, from the myth that Steven Spielberg doesn't rehearse to the ultimate indie film lie: "We'll fix it in post.â If you want your film to look professional, preparation is a non-negotiable.
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Show Links:
Filmmaker of the Week, Gregory Pellerito: https://linktr.ee/GregoryMPellerito
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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Follow Indie Film Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast
Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com
Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo
If your actors look like amateurs who are actively searching their brains for their lines, you didn't save time by skipping rehearsals, you just ruined a great performance. Welcome back to Week 2 of The 7 Deadly Sins of Indie Filmmaking! Over the next seven episodes, weâre breaking down the biggest mistakes that kill micro-budget movies and how to avoid them.
This week, we tackle Sin #2: Skipping Rehearsals. It is truly the fastest and easiest way to sink your film (and your friendships?) on set. Weâre busting the biggest excuses in the industry, from the myth that Steven Spielberg doesn't rehearse to the ultimate indie film lie: "We'll fix it in post.â If you want your film to look professional, preparation is a non-negotiable.
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Show Links:
Filmmaker of the Week, Gregory Pellerito: https://linktr.ee/GregoryMPellerito
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
_____________________________________
Follow Indie Film Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast
Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com
Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo
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The absolute worst reaction an audience can have to your indie film isn't hatred; it's pure indifference. If you want to stop writing "mid-tier," forgettable scripts, you need to master the science of storytelling. Donât worry, weâre still working on it, too! Welcome to Week 1 of our brand new series: The 7 Deadly Sins of Indie Filmmaking! Over the next seven episodes, weâre breaking down the biggest mistakes that kill micro-budget movies and how to avoid them.
This week, Chuck and Victoria tackle Sin #1: The Forgettable Script. If you want to make sure your audience actually cares about your characters, weâre breaking down the exact storytelling frameworks you need (and covering the mistakes weâve made). We cover Pixar's "Story Spine", Christopher Booker's 7 Archetypes, and the actual psychology of why character motivations drive the most interesting plots.
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Show Links:
Filmmaker of the Week, Brad Young: https://youtu.be/BpN0yGp2_A4?si=O4C3dcDW99BE8_rz
Siegfried and Roy Tiger Attack: https://www.rd.com/article/siegfried-and-roy-tiger-attack/
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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Follow Indie Film Podcast:
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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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How much does a âzero budgetâ film actually cost? We made a short film for $421, but the real cost was over $45,000.
Out-of-pocket, we spent just $421. But when we broke down the true cost (including time, labor, and actual industry rates) the number jumped to over $15,000, and more than $45,000 at union scale. So what does âzero budget filmmakingâ really mean?
In this episode, we break down the real cost of indie filmmaking, how we kept our expenses low, and the trade-offs that come with making a film fast, cheap, and (hopefully) good.
We also cover:
The actual budget vs. real cost of our short film
How we shot a film in 28 days on a $421 budget
The truth behind âgood, fast, cheapâ filmmaking
Why audio matters more than visuals (and how it can save your film)
The ethics of volunteering vs. paying artists
When filmmakers should work for free (and when they shouldnât)
If youâre making short films, working with little to no budget, or trying to understand what your film will really cost, this episode is for you.
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Show Links:
Filmmaker of the Week, Carlos Garcia: https://www.youtube.com/@LosProductions
Audio vs. Visuals in Film: https://emusicology.org/article/id/4555/
Get the finished Indie Film Podcast short: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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Follow Indie Film Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast
Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com
Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo
Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
How much does a âzero budgetâ film actually cost? We made a short film for $421, but the real cost was over $45,000.
Out-of-pocket, we spent just $421. But when we broke down the true cost (including time, labor, and actual industry rates) the number jumped to over $15,000, and more than $45,000 at union scale. So what does âzero budget filmmakingâ really mean?
In this episode, we break down the real cost of indie filmmaking, how we kept our expenses low, and the trade-offs that come with making a film fast, cheap, and (hopefully) good.
We also cover:
The actual budget vs. real cost of our short film
How we shot a film in 28 days on a $421 budget
The truth behind âgood, fast, cheapâ filmmaking
Why audio matters more than visuals (and how it can save your film)
The ethics of volunteering vs. paying artists
When filmmakers should work for free (and when they shouldnât)
If youâre making short films, working with little to no budget, or trying to understand what your film will really cost, this episode is for you.
_____________________________________
Show Links:
Filmmaker of the Week, Carlos Garcia: https://www.youtube.com/@LosProductions
Audio vs. Visuals in Film: https://emusicology.org/article/id/4555/
Get the finished Indie Film Podcast short: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
_____________________________________
Follow Indie Film Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast
Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com
Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo
Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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What does it actually take to finish a zero-budget indie film in just 12 days?
In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we break down the reality of indie film post-production, from DIY VFX and After Effects rotoscoping to building a full musical score with no budget and almost no time.
We talk about what worked, what didnât, and the mistakes we made along the way, including:
The truth behind âfix it in postâ
Indie film VFX workflows (Premiere Pro vs After Effects)
Turning rough ideas into fully produced music fast
The importance of creative collaboration and community
Common post-production mistakes (and how to avoid them)
If you're an indie filmmaker, film student, or trying to figure out how to actually finish your film, this episode is for you.
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Show Links:
Filmmaker of the Week, DaâRell Miller: https://www.royaltivirtue.net/
Find DaâRell on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0NxoyanOiH1stfY_pybhJQ
Get the finished Indie Film Podcast short: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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We made a zero budget short film in one weekendâŚand yes, we made some mistakes.
In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we break down what actually happens on set when youâre working with limited time, limited resources, and a whole lot of ambition. From forgotten props and gear issues to last-minute pivots and unexpected wins, this is the real behind-the-scenes of indie filmmaking.
If youâre making your first short film, or deep in the chaos of your next one, these are the lessons we learned the hard way so you donât have to.
In this episode:
The biggest filmmaking mistakes we made on set
How to shoot a short film in a single weekend
Low budget film hacks (including feeding your crew)
Why shot lists and planning matter more than you think
Gear challenges (DJI Ronin vs cinema lenses)
Adapting on set when things go off the rails
What workedâŚand the one weird win we didnât expect
Whether you're a beginner filmmaker or a seasoned indie creator, this episode is a candid look at zero budget filmmaking, on-set problem solving, and the reality of making films without a safety net.
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Show links:
Filmmaker of the Week, Tom Byrne: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083522282761
Get our actual shot list template: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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Follow us for more indie film content:
See the film when itâs finished: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/
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Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com
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Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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Will actors really show up to an indie film set for pizza?
In this episode of the Indie Film Podcast, we talk about the very real challenge of casting actors when your film budget isâŚbasically nothing. From posting casting calls on Facebook to leaning on local film communities, we break down the scrappy strategies filmmakers use to find performers when money isnât on the table.
We also dive into the behind-the-scenes chaos of preparing music and audio for a micro-budget production, including recording temporary vocals, planning lip-sync performances, and figuring out how to make a musical work when time and resources are extremely limited.
If youâve ever wondered how indie filmmakers actually pull off casting, audio planning, and pre-production with a $0 budget, this episode shares the honest realities, and a few creative workarounds.
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Show links:
Filmmaker of the Week, Kevin Mounce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKFOCylFXHw
Get the finished musical film: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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Follow us for more indie film content:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast
Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com
Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo
Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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We challenged ourselves to make a $0 musical short film in just 28 days, for a real film festival competition.
This is Part 1 of our 28-Day Musical Challenge, where we document the process of making an indie short film from scratch under extreme time pressure.
In this episode, we break down:
The film festival prompt and competition rules (including the âno generative AIâ restriction)
Why we chose to make a musical short film on a zero budget
Writing the script during a 12-hour car ride after procrastinating
Turning Dungeons & Dragons mechanics into political satire
How weâre composing original music with no budget
Why weâre pre-recording vocals instead of recording live
The importance of âkill your darlingsâ when writing a short film under deadline
If youâre an indie filmmaker, screenwriter, or creator trying to:
Make a short film quickly
Meet a film festival deadline
Shoot a musical on a budget
Avoid common indie filmmaking mistakes
Document your filmmaking journey
This series is for you.
New episodes follow the full process, from script to casting to production to post, and whether we actually pull this off.
Real mistakes. Real budgets. Real indie filmmaking.
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Show links:
Filmmaker of the Week, Adam Smith: https://www.wishingwhalesmotionpictures.com/ _____________________________________
Follow us for more indie film content:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/
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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
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If youâve ever struggled to explain what you want musically on your indie film, youâre not alone.
In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we break down how to talk to a composer and actually get the film score you want. From spotting sessions and emotional tone to the difference between stock music vs. original score, we unpack what indie filmmakers often misunderstand about music in post-production.
We cover:
⢠How to communicate emotion without music jargon
⢠Why temp tracks can be misleading
⢠What a âneedle dropâ really means in film
⢠When stock music works (and when it doesnât)
⢠How to find a film composer on a low budget
If your scenes feel flat, slow, or emotionally disconnected, the issue might not be your edit, it might be your music.
Whether youâre making short films or indie features, understanding the film scoring process can dramatically increase your production value without increasing your budget.
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Show Links:
Jesse Blake Rundle: https://www.jesseblakerundle.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kingmathbird
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesserundle/
Eyes (Latest Single) by Jesse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATdvrwDBQ2I
Filmmaker of the Week, Chris Maes: https://www.youtube.com/@trujillocreek77 https://www.instagram.com/trujillo_creek_pictures/
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Follow us for more indie film content:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast
Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com
Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072
Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit
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