THROWBACK FRIDAY: How to Direct the Character, Not the Actor with Mark Travis

Today on the show we have an OG in the online filmmaking education space, Griffin Hammond. I've followed Griffin for years and was so excited to sit down and talk shop with him. Griffin Hammond is a documentary filmmaker in New York City, known for producing DIY filmmaking tutorials for indie filmmakers, and his award-winning documentary Sriracha. We discuss how he made over $90,000 with a documentary short film.In 2014, Griffin moved from Bloomington, Illinois to New York City to cover the U.S. presidential election for the Bloomberg Television/MSNBC show With All Due Respect.The University of Southern California and the U.S. State Department named Griffin a Film Envoy for the 2017 American Film Showcase—a cultural diplomacy program that sends independent filmmakers around the world to teach.Previously, he worked for YouTube Next Lab, as executive producer of the YouTube channel Indy Mogul, and started his career as a video producer and social media strategist at State Farm Insurance.Griffin Hammond studied film at New York University, earned a Masters in Communication from Illinois State University, taught video production at Millikin University, and produced an online course—Shooting Documentary Short Films.Enjoy my conversation with Griffin Hammond.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

6 Aug 201856min

Understanding the minefield that film production and production equipment insurance is a challenge.  I wanted to bring on the show Kathrine Wong and Aylene Villarin from  Athos Insurance to left the vail on all things filmmaking insurance. Now I know what you are saying...a podcast about insurance, snore! but to be honest it's a fun episode with tons of knowledge bombs.Enjoy my conversation with Kathrine Wong and Aylene Villarin from Athos Insurance.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

30 Jul 201848min

We have a special show this week. I've always have loved the poem Desiderata and thought it would be of value to the IFH Tribe. I hope reading or listening to Desiderata brought a bit of light and hope to you on your filmmaking or screenwriting journey. Keep that dream alive and I'll speak to you next week!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

26 Jul 20185min

If you are an avid listener of this podcast you know how much I LOVE Blackmagic Design products. From giving away Davinci Resolve for free to releasing a 4K Pocket Camera with RAW, Blackmagic is truly in the corner of every filmmaker. Their motto is..."Power to the people!"I always wanted to know how and why they make such amazing products for filmmakers at such ridiculously affordable prices. Today's guest, Dan May - President of Blackmagic Design, would be the man to ask. I go deep into the weeds on how the company works, why they make their products so accessible to so many people and why they care so much about the little guy.Just to clarify, no I was not paid for this interview at all. I really wanted to get into the mind of one of my favorite camera and post-production companies. We also talk a little bit about gear.Enjoy this rare look behind the curtain at Blackmagic Design with President Dan May.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

24 Jul 20181h 4min

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