IFH 268: Leaving the Money to Chase that Filmmaking Dream with Drew Waters

What does a First Assistant Director actually do on set? Do you need one? The short answer is YES! I've directed with no First Assistant Directors, with bad 1st Assistant Directors, and with world-class First ADs and trust me I rather work with the latter. Today's guest is First Assistant Director, Brandon Riley. Brandon started out in the entertainment industry working as an Assistant Director and later joined the DGA. With a vast knowledge of how a set operates and functions, Brandon has since gone on to produce, line produce and UPM features and TV projects. Brandon is a natural born leader who aims to lead every show in a calm assertive manner. He prides himself in aiming to create an environment where both cast and crew are treated well and have an enjoyable experience on set.  Brandon is one who continually tries to bring the best out in others and always pushes for excellence in every area. He has a passion for problem-solving and is an invaluable team player.Enjoy my conversation with Brandon Riley.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

17 Jul 201848min

I have an inspirational treat for you today. On the show, we have writer/producer/director Elizabeth Blake-Thomas. She has recently financed, written, directed and sold six feature films in the past two years, with no professional film school training. Elizabeth has been involved in the creative industries for over 30 years. Studying drama from a young age led her to run theatre schools, train other students and companies and work in various creative industries, culminating in where she is now, a director and writer.When I heard her story I had to hunt her down and find out how she did it. BTW, she's not stopping, Elizabeth is currently in prep for three more feature films. Talk about hustle. She is the definition of the phrase "INDIE FILM HUSTLE." Enjoy my conversation with Elizabeth Blake-Thomas.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

10 Jul 201841min

Today on the show we have writer/director Alejandro Montoya Marin. He had the pleasure of being selected to be a director on Robert Rodriguez's Rebel without a Crew Television Show. If you've been following me at all over the past three years you'll know how much of a fan I am of Robert Rodriguez (check out How to Make Rodriguez's Guacamole Gun). Here's some info on the show.Armed with a ridiculously low budget and just 14 days to shoot his movie, Robert Rodriguez created El Mariachi an award-winning film that changed independent filmmaking. The 12-part "Rebel Without a Crew: The Series" follows Scarlet Moreno, Alejandro Montoya Marin, Bola Ogun, Josh Stifter, and Bonnie-Kathleen "BK" Ryan as they shoot their own feature-length film in 2 weeks with a budget of only $7,000.I had a ball talking with Alejandro Montoya Marin about filmmaking, working with Robert Rodriguez, his experience being on a reality show and making his film MONDAY for $7000 and in 14 days.Enjoy my conversation with Alejandro Montoya Marin.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

3 Jul 201843min

Today on the show we have Neil Ames from Distribber. Neil is the Netflix Yoda over at Distribber. He's been working with Netflix since before they were a streaming juggernaut. I wanted Neil to come on the show and pull back the curtain on the inner workings of Netflix. We discuss:What Netflix is looking for?How to submit an indie film to Netflix?How does Netflix decide what to license?What you can do as a filmmaker to have a better chance of getting on Netflix.What Netflix typically pays for acquisitionsand a ton more.So if you ever wanted to get your film on Netflix get ready to take some notes, my friend. Enjoy my conversation with Neil Ames.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

28 Jun 201850min

We are here! Episode #250! I can't believe we got here. I'm humbled that the IFH Tribe has allowed me to continue this show for almost three years now. I wanted to do something special for episode #250 so today I'm going to talk about The Secret to Making Money with an Independent Film. After being a part of over 60 features films and studying hundreds more I've noticed a few things that filmmakers should avoid.This is not all just doom and gloom I promise. I also go over what I think the future of independent film is and how you can be a part of it. So please enjoy this episode and I hope it's of value to you on your filmmaking journey. Keep on hustlin'!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

26 Jun 201828min

Today's guest is Carole Kirschner. Carole was at CBS Comedy and then hired as Vice President of Steven Spielberg’s first Amblin Television. During that time, Carole heard more than 3,000 pitches, bought hundreds of scripts, and was involved in developing dozens of television series.In all, she probably read about 5,000 scripts. She created the CBS Diversity Institute Writers Mentoring Program, which she has run for 14 years.  Soon after, Carole was asked to help Jeff Melvoin (creator of the WGA Showrunner Training Program) develop the program’s curriculum. She has also been running that program for the past 13 years.Carole Kirschner wrote a book revealing the “inside,” unwritten truth about what it takes to succeed in this business. Hollywood Game Plan: How to Land a Job in Film, TV and Digital Entertainment has been enthusiastically received and is used in many colleges and universities across the country. We discuss breaking into the business, working with Steven Speilberg and how to create a career in Hollywood.Enjoy my conversation with Carole Kirschner.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

21 Jun 20181h 3min

Today's guest is producer Major Dodge. His new film Bomb City is quite frankly...da bomb (sorry I couldn't help myself). Here's some info on his film.Bomb City is a crime-drama, about the cultural aversion of a group of punk rockers in a conservative Texas town. Their ongoing battle with a rival, more-affluent clique leads to a controversial hate crime that questions the morality of American justice. Based on the true story of Brian Deneke. Directed by Jameson Brooks.I wanted Major Dodge on the show so he can share with the IFH Tribe how he raised the money, got the rights to the story, got a theatrical release, tapped into his key audience and created merch to sell to that audience. Bomb City is a great case study.Enjoy my conversation with Major Dodge.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

19 Jun 201851min

In over 240 episodes of the Indie Film Hustle Podcast,​ I have never tackle one of the most important topics filmmakers need to know...AUDIO. Understanding sound is imperative if you are going to become a successful indie filmmaker. Today on the show we have Matt Davies and Rich Bussey from Studio Unknown. We discuss how to capture good audio, the entire sound post workflow and finally sound deliverables​. This episode is a must listen to for all filmmakers. Here is what Studio Unknown is all about: Studio Unknown believes in Visceral, Personal, and Affordable sound for film. It’s these core principles that not only guide us through the work we do, but strengthen the relationships we build with filmmakers.We strive to provide soundtracks that heighten any film, no matter the budget or size. This takes forms like comedic timing we add through foley, terrifying creatures we create, lush or delicate ambiences we build, or deep, dark themes we extract through sound design. It can also be as simple in concept as making a character’s dialog clean and understandable.We help prioritize budgets​ and consult with the filmmaker to help make appropriate decisions about what sound work is needed once we assess the film. We then explain and collaborate on how to approach the sound concepts, overall story arc, budget breakdowns, external workflow and turnaround time.We are a full-service, Dolby® tuned/Print Master Approved facility equipped with a 5.1 dubbing stage and full in-housee editorial suites. Studio Unknown’s primary focus is on sound for film and we have developed a unique process for working with filmmakers that allows us to maximize client budgets and meet the tightest deadlines.Enjoy my conversation with Matt Davies and Rich Bussey from Studio Unknown.​​​​​​Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

12 Jun 20181h 15min