IFH 135: Disrupting Sundance & Helping Filmmakers with Slamdance Co-Founder Dan Mirvish

Before we begin I need to reveal a truth to you."The Matrix is not a movie, it's a documentary"Believe it or not, this is true. Our internal operating system in our mind was programmed years ago when we were children. That programming runs our life through the subconscious. Don't believe me?Did you drive a car today?Did you brush your teeth?Did you think about walking to the kitchen to make breakfast?Did you think about breathing or making sure your heart beats?Probably not. You would be exhaust mentally if you had to think about all of this every day. This is all run by our operating system (aka the subconscious), the problem is many of us are still running Windows 95. In this episode, I go deep down the rabbit hole and discuss how our subconscious can and does stop us from achieving not only our filmmaking dreams but how it affects all areas of our lives. I discuss how my life changed dramatically when I discovered this and made those upgrades. I also go over the two ways you can upgrade the old operating system in your head. “This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill – the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill – you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes.” - MorpheusLet's all take that Red Pill and see how deep the rabbit-hole goes. Get ready to have your mind blown, literally. Enjoy!If you find value in this episode please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

6 Maalis 201930min

I had the pleasure of speaking to the legendary Xzibit at the Mammoth Film Festival last month. Why is a rapper on the podcast you may ask? Well not only is Xzibit a rapper, actor, and producer but he’s also a director as well. His new indie film/series is called BROKEN GROUND.“BROKEN GROUND” is the semi-autobiographical story of James Savage, a man who went to prison, lost his promising career, and now wants to transform into a better man.We discuss his work with some of the greatest directors working today, his approach to directing and what fear he broke through to make the jump in his career. It’s an eye-opening discussion. Enjoy my conversation with Xzibit.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

5 Maalis 201916min

Over the years I have mentioned my meditation practice and how important it is in my daily routine on the show. Many of the IFH Tribe have asked me to do an entire episode on meditation and the importance it has in the creative process. Today is that day.In this episode, I go over:My personal meditation practiceWhy it's impossible to CLEAR YOUR MINDHow to embrace your minds inner voiceHow science view meditationWhat actually happens to your brain when you meditateHow meditation can make you more creativeI discuss practical everyday uses for meditation in your creative life. Some of my greatest ideas and thoughts have come to me during my meditations. I'll also teach you how to meditate for 10-15 min to start and then over time, you can grow your practice to 1-2 hours a day like I do. Once you start meditating it becomes addictive.Get ready to open your creative channels to full flow. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

28 Helmi 201927min

Today on the show we have a good friend of mine, producer's rep Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films. With 21 years in the indie film biz, he has produced 20 films and sold over 500 films. He founded Circus Road Film in 2006. Glen is also a producer, known for Blood and Bone (2009), Becoming and Conversations with Other Women (2005)Glen has been around the block and has seen a lot in the indie film space. We met because of my scathing commentary on producer's reps in one of my very first podcast episode.We get into the weeds on how to hire a producer's rep and/or sales agent, film festival strategies​ what to look out for and how to choose the right one for your project. Enjoy my conversation with Glen Reynolds.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

26 Helmi 20191h 11min

Today on the show we have director, producer, screenwriter, actor and YouTube sensation Darious Britt I had the pleasure of meeting Darious at the Mammoth Film Festival. At the festival, we were snowed in and pretty much stuck in our hotel. We sat down and talked for hours about indie film, his journey, my journey, the state of indie film, fear, setting goals and so much more.I knew I had to have him on the show to talk shop. What you are about to listen to is a DEEP DIVE into the psychology of a standard indie filmmaker. We break down the brutal and raw truth of what it takes to make it in today's world.We also discuss how to build and engage with an audience. His amazing channel D4Darious is a MUST for any and all filmmakers. I've been a fan of his work for years. I love his approach and teaching style. Here's a bit about the man.He attended film school at the University of Arizona and graduated in May of 2012 with a bachelors in Media production. He toured his short film “Seafood Tester” to four international film festivals including the Oscar-qualifying Aspen Shorts fest in 2012.Darious created the youtube channel D4Darious, in August of 2013 and it has since grown to over 340,000 subscribers and over 10 million views in five years.He has toured his first feature film “Unsound” on the film festival circuit screening at over 20 international film festivals, winning 7 awards including best director at The Pan African Film Festival in 2015. He loves telling stories and helping other filmmakers learn the craft to reach their highest potential as storytellers.Now I warn you, this episode runs nearly two hours but I promise you it will be worth it. I lost count of how many knowledge bombs went off in this episode. Prepare to get your mind BLOWN and enjoy my conversation with Darious Britt.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

22 Helmi 20192h 2min

Today on the show we have director and entrepreneur Jakob Owens. Jakob is a visual director based in Los Angeles California. He began directing music videos while still in film school at ASU. He began traveling to California so much for shoots that after graduation he made the leap to LA and has been directing music videos, commercials, and short films ever since. He is also the creator and owner of TheBuffNerds Youtube channel which has accumulated over 230+ million views and almost 800K + subscribers.His work has been displayed on all of the major music television networks such as MTV, VH1, BET, REVOLT and more. He has collaborated and worked with artists such as Chris Brown, Wale, Jesse McCartney, Chamillionaire,  Nick Carter, The Braxton Sisters, iLoveMemphis, Dawin, Futuristic, KYLE, K. Roosevelt, Dizzy Wright, and much more.Among his music video endeavors, Jakob is an avid world traveler. He travels the globe creating "Travel Films" of the various destinations he visits.Jakob's built a very strong social media fan base and following. He currently sells manuals and various filmmaking related products he has created to followers spanning across the world who hope to one day create videos like Jakob himself.Jakob has really built one heck of an empire for himself. I wanted him to come on the show to share his knowledge, experience and tips on how the IFH Tribe can build up their own filmmaking empire.Enjoy my conversation with Jakob Owens.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

19 Helmi 20191h 6min

I can't believe we are here. Episode #300. It is truly remarkable that the show has landed at this point. When I started the Indie Film Hustle Podcast over 3 1/2 years ago I never dreamed the show would be so well received by the filmmaking community. I am truly humbled. I plan to continue creating amazing content for the IFH Tribe for the years to come. Thank you all for all your support and well wishes. Now on today's show, I want to tackle the thing that stops many filmmakers and screenwriters dead in their tracks on the journey to follow their dreams...FEAR! Fear is a disease that is not only plaguing the filmmaking community but people around the world from all walks of life. "The Cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek" - Joseph CampbellIn this episode, I go down my road with fear, how it stops me and caused me so much pain on my journey. I also discuss techniques that can liberate you from fear so you can focus your energy on creating the life and career you want and deserve. Strap in boys and girls this ride might get a bit bumpy but like any rollercoaster, you will make it safely to the end. You can live your dreams or you can live your fears? The choice is yours. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

14 Helmi 201940min

Today on the show we have the legendary and Emmy Winning cinematographer Michael Goi A.S.C.Michael Goi has compiled over 70 narrative credits, including films for cinema and television screens such as "American Horror Story," "Glee," "Salem" and "The Town That Dreaded Sundown." He has received Emmy nominations for "Glee", "My Name Is Earl" and "American Horror Story." He was nominated for the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Outstanding Achievement Award for the telefilms "The Fixer" and "Judas" and for the pilot "The New Normal" and the mini-series "American Horror Story: Asylum". He also wrote and directed the dramatic feature film "Megan Is Missing" about the subject of internet predators, and several episodes of "American Horror Story" and other shows.Michael Goi is a past president of the American Society of Cinematographers, serves on the Board Of Governors of the ASC, and is the editor of the 10th Edition of the ASC Manual. He was made an Honorary Member of the Indian Society Of Cinematographers (ISC) in 2010 for his efforts to increase international collaboration and communication amongst the world's cinematography organizations. Michael has appeared as a guest speaker at the American Film Institute, the University of Southern California, Walt Disney Animation Studios (for whom he demonstrated ice and snow lighting concepts for animators working on the film "Frozen,"), CineGear, IBC, and many other international industry events. He is a member of the National Executive Board of the International Cinematographers Guild, the Directors Guild Of America, the Academy Of Television Arts And Sciences and the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences. He regularly mentors students for various industry programs. An unrepentant movie buff, he has been known to spend all night in his home theater watching selections from the over 18,000 films in his collection.We really get into the weeds on his process, shooting every kind of film and that insane movie collection he has. Enjoy my conversation with Michael Goi A.S.C.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

12 Helmi 20191h