BONUS EPISODE: The Art of the $9000 Micro Budget Indie Film with Edward Burns

BONUS EPISODE: The Art of the $9000 Micro Budget Indie Film with Edward Burns

We have made it to 450 episodes of the Indie Film Hustle Podcast. The IFH Tribe has given me 450 opportunities to serve them and for that I am humbled. Thank you all for allowing me to do what I love to do so much. With that said I wanted to bring you a massive guest for this remarkable milestone. Today’s guest is a writer, director, producer, actor and indie filmmaking legend Edward Burns.

Many of you might have heard of the Sundance Film Festival winning film called The Brothers McMullen, his iconic first film that tells the story of three Irish Catholic brothers from Long Island who struggle to deal with love, marriage, and infidelity. His cinderella story of making the film, getting into Sundance and launching his career is the stuff of legend.

The Brothers McMullen was sold to Fox Searchlight and went on to make over $10 million at the box office on a $27,000 budget, making it one of the most successful indie films of the decade.

Ed went off to star in huge films like Saving Private Ryan for Steven Spielberg and direct studio films like the box office hit She’s The One. The films about the love lives of two brothers, Mickey and Francis, interconnect as Francis cheats on his wife with Mickey’s ex-girlfriend, while Mickey impulsively marries a stranger.

Even after his mainstream success as an actor, writer and director he still never forgot his indie roots. He continued to quietly produce completely independent feature films on really low budgets. How low, how about $9000. As with any smart filmmaker, Ed has continued to not only produce films but to consider new methods of getting his projects to the world.

In 2007, he teamed up with Apple iTunes to release an exclusive film Purple Violets. It was a sign of the times that the director was branching out to new methods of release for his projects.

In addition, he also continued to release works with his signature tried-and-true method of filmmaking. Using a very small $25,000 budget and a lot of resourcefulness, Burns created Nice Guy Johnny in 2010.

In his book, Independent Ed: Inside a Career of Big Dreams, Little Movies, and the Twelve Best Days of My Life (which I recommend ALL filmmakers read), Ed mentions some rules he dubbed “McMullen 2.0” which were basically a set of rules for independent filmmakers to shoot by.

Actors would have to work for virtually nothing.
The film should take no longer than 12 days to film and get into the can
Don’t shoot with any more than a three-man crew
Actor’s use their own clothes
Actors do their own hair and make-up
Ask and beg for any locations
Use the resources you have at your disposal

I used similar rules when I shot my feature films This is Meg, which I shot that in 8 days and On the Corner of Ego and Desire which I shot in 4 days. To be honest Ed was one of my main inspirations when I decided to make my first micro-budget feature film, along with Mark and Jay Duplass, Joe Swanberg and Michael and Mark Polish.

Ed has continued to have an amazing career directing films like The Fitzgerald Family Christmas, The Groomsmen, Looking for Kitty, Ash Wednesday, Sidewalks of New York, No Looking Back and many more.

Ed has continued to give back to the indie film community with his amazing book, lectures and his knowledge bomb packed director commentaries. Trust me go out and buy the DVD versions of all his films. His commentaries are worth the price of admission.

When I first spoke to Ed he told that he had been a fan of the podcast for a while. As you can imagine I was floored and humbled at the same time. Getting to sit-down and speak to a filmmaker that had such an impact my own directing career was a dream come true. Ed is an inspiration to so many indie filmmakers around the world and I’m honored to bring this epic conversation to the tribe.

Enjoy my conversation with Edward Burns.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

Episoder(978)

IFH 697: Building a Filmmaking Brand on Youtube with Darious Britt

IFH 697: Building a Filmmaking Brand on Youtube with Darious Britt

Darious Britt is a filmmaker, YouTuber, and educator known for his work in the film and online video industry. He is popular for his YouTube channel "D4Darious," where he shares filmmaking tips, tutorials, and insights to help aspiring filmmakers improve their craft. On his channel, he covers various aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, cinematography, directing, and post-production.Darious Britt's approachable teaching style and informative content have earned him a significant following on YouTube, and he has become a source of inspiration and knowledge for many aspiring filmmakers and content creators. He has also collaborated with other creators and professionals in the industry to share their experiences and expertise with his audience.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

4 Jul 20232h 33min

IFH 696: How I Wrote Birdman with Oscar® Winner Alexander Dinelaris

IFH 696: How I Wrote Birdman with Oscar® Winner Alexander Dinelaris

Alexander Dinelaris is an Academy Award and Golden Globe winning screenwriter for "Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)", a co-producer on the three time Academy Award® winning film "The Revenant", and the book writer for the Broadway musical "On Your Feet! The story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan", as well as "The Bodyguard Musical" which began on the West End and now performs worldwide.He is the screenwriter and producer of the upcoming feature film, “Jekyll & Hyde” which he is readapting for the London stage. Alexander also wrote the screenplay for "Carmen" which was directed by Benjamin Millepied and premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.film company, Lexicon, is currently developing "State of Motion", a story by Marco Perego Saldana, written by Alexander. Lexicon is also producing "In The Summers" written by Alessandra Lacorazza and "Consurgo", which was written by Alexander.He recently teamed with Grammy winner, Residente, to write a historical film about Puerto Rico. Alexander will be making his directorial debut with a film adaptation of his play, "Still Life" in January of 2024.Please enjoy my conversation with Alexander Dinelaris.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

29 Jun 20231h 15min

IFH 695: Writing Screenplays that Actually Sell with Lucy V. Hay

IFH 695: Writing Screenplays that Actually Sell with Lucy V. Hay

Today on the show we have Lucy V. Hay from Bang2Write. Lucy is an author and script editor, living in Devon with her husband, three children, and six cats. Lucy is the associate producer of Brit Thrillers Deviation (2012)and Assassin (2015) both starring Danny Dyer.In addition to script reading and writing her own novels, Lucy also blogs about the writing process, screenwriting, genre, careers and motivation and much more at her blog Bang2write, one of the most-hit writing sites in the UK.Enjoy my conversation with Lucy V. Hay.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

27 Jun 20231h 6min

IFH 694: Screenwriting for Schwarzenegger & Stallone with Miles Chapman

IFH 694: Screenwriting for Schwarzenegger & Stallone with Miles Chapman

Today on the show we have Miles Chapman, the screenwriter behind the successful action franchise Escape Plan starring the legendary Sylvester Stallone. The premise was simple but great.When a structural-security authority finds himself set up and incarcerated in the world's most secret and secure prison, he has to use his skills to escape with help from the inside.Then add Sly and another legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger to the mix and you have action nirvana. Miles and I discuss how the project came to be, some extremely entertaining stories from the set and what it was like working with legends.The first Escape Plan was such a big international hit that the producers spawn off to more sequels, which Miles wrote as well.Enjoy my conversation with Miles Chapman.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

22 Jun 20231h 9min

IFH 693: Inside Writing the Oscar Nominated Mad Max: Fury Road with Brendan McCartney

IFH 693: Inside Writing the Oscar Nominated Mad Max: Fury Road with Brendan McCartney

Brendan McCarthy studied Painting and Film at Chelsea school of Art under the celebrated British Pop Artist Patrick Caulfield.Brendan is one of the UK's most gifted graphic novelists. His ground-breaking comics of the early 80s (Strange Days, Skin, Rogan Gosh) as part of 'The British Invasion' paved the way for comics’ increasing popularity in Hollywood.He was also one of the pioneers of computer animation, creating the visuals for the 90s computer animated TV series ReBoot, the first long-form digital narrative that preceded Pixar and Dreamworks' later successes. He has spent more than 20 years working in Hollywood, and is the co-writer and a designer on Mad Max Fury Road.More recently, Brendan has created new graphic novels including Spider-Man Fever (for Marvel), Solo (for DC Comics) and Swimini Purpose, The Zaucer of Zilk and Dream Gang for independent US publishers. A best-selling retrospective collection of his classic comic book work was released last year, The Best of Milligan & McCarthy.Enjoy your journey into the mind of Brendan McCarthy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

20 Jun 202350min

MONDAY MOTIVATION!: Make A Living As A Filmmaker

MONDAY MOTIVATION!: Make A Living As A Filmmaker

Monday Motivation! We all need a kick in the butt sometimes on our screenwriting journey. These episodes will do just that. Never stop chasing that dream and keep on hustling.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

19 Jun 20232min

IFH 692: How I Wrote Erin Brockovich with Susannah Grant

IFH 692: How I Wrote Erin Brockovich with Susannah Grant

In the male-dominated world of Hollywood, Susannah Grant has emerged as a powerful force, breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape of screenwriting. With her unique storytelling abilities and uncompromising vision, Grant has become a trailblazer, paving the way for women in the film industry.Born on January 4, 1963, in New York City, Grant developed a passion for storytelling at a young age. She attended Amherst College, where she studied English and received her Bachelor of Arts degree. Grant's love for writing and storytelling drove her to pursue a career in screenwriting, and she enrolled in the prestigious American Film Institute in Los Angeles.Grant's breakthrough moment came in 1995 when she wrote the screenplay for the critically acclaimed film, "Pocahontas." Her heartfelt and emotionally resonant script earned her widespread recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. This achievement placed Grant in an elite category, as she became one of the few women to receive such recognition in the film industry.However, it was her work on the film "Erin Brockovich" in 2000 that solidified her position as a groundbreaking screenwriter. Grant's masterful script, based on a true story, portrayed the journey of Erin Brockovich, a determined legal assistant who takes on a corporate giant. The film, directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Julia Roberts, became a critical and commercial success, earning Grant her second Academy Award nomination.Grant's screenwriting prowess lies in her ability to tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Her characters are flawed, complex, and relatable, capturing the essence of the human experience.Whether it's exploring themes of justice, resilience, or personal growth, Grant's writing delves into the core of the human condition, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.Beyond her skillful storytelling, Grant's contribution to the industry extends to her advocacy for women in film. She has been a vocal supporter of gender equality and has actively fought against the gender disparity that exists within the industry. Grant believes in creating opportunities for female filmmakers and has mentored and championed aspiring women writers, directors, and producers, encouraging them to tell their stories and make their mark in Hollywood.In addition to her screenwriting work, Grant has ventured into directing. In 2007, she made her directorial debut with the film "Catch and Release," which she also wrote. While the film received mixed reviews, it showcased Grant's versatility as a storyteller and her willingness to take creative risks.Grant's impact on the film industry cannot be overstated.Through her groundbreaking work and unwavering commitment to her craft, she has inspired a new generation of female storytellers, empowering them to shatter the glass ceiling and claim their rightful place in the world of cinema.As the landscape of Hollywood continues to evolve, Susannah Grant remains a steadfast figure, pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. Her dedication to storytelling and advocacy serves as a guiding light, reminding us of the transformative power of cinema and the importance of diverse perspectives.In a time when the call for inclusivity and gender equality is louder than ever, Susannah Grant's legacy stands as a testament to the strength, resilience, and creativity of women in film. Through her remarkable career, she has proven that a powerful story knows no gender and that the talent and passion of women in the industry are indispensable. Susannah Grant's impact will continue to be felt for generations to come as she paves the way for a more inclusive and representative film industry.Please enjoy my conversation with Susannah Grant.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

15 Jun 20231h 6min

IFH 691: How I Wrote Fight Club with Jim Uhls

IFH 691: How I Wrote Fight Club with Jim Uhls

Jim Uhls is an American screenwriter best known for his work on the iconic film "Fight Club." Born in 1951 in the United States, Uhls began his career in the entertainment industry as a script reader and development executive. He worked his way up the ranks, honing his skills as a writer and developing a reputation for his unique voice and style.Uhls' big break came in the late 1990s when he was approached to adapt Chuck Palahniuk's novel "Fight Club" for the big screen.The project was seen as a risky and unconventional choice, but Uhls was drawn to the dark and satirical tone of the book, as well as its themes of individuality and rebellion.[presto_player id=155007]Working with director David Fincher, Uhls approached the writing process for "Fight Club" with a focus on staying true to the spirit of the novel while also adapting it for the screen. He spent months researching and studying the novel, immersing himself in the characters' world and exploring the story's deeper themes and meanings.One of the biggest challenges of adapting "Fight Club" for the screen was finding a way to translate the unconventional and fragmented structure of the novel into a cohesive and compelling film.To achieve this, Uhls worked closely with Fincher to develop a visual and narrative style that would capture the book's spirit while making it accessible to a wider audience.Uhls' hard work and dedication resulted in a film that was both a critical and commercial success. "Fight Club" was praised for its bold and innovative style, darkly humorous tone, and powerful themes of individuality and rebellion. The film has since become a cult classic, and Uhls' screenplay is widely regarded as one of the best adaptations of a novel to the screen.In addition to his work on "Fight Club," Uhls has also written and produced several other successful films and television shows. Despite his success, he remains humble and dedicated to his craft, always striving to push the boundaries of storytelling and create unique and impactful works of art.Overall, Jim Uhls is a talented and innovative writer who has significantly impacted the entertainment industry. His approach to the writing process, which emphasizes research, dedication, and a deep understanding of the source material, has earned him a reputation as one of the best screenwriters of his generation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

13 Jun 20231h 9min

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