IFH 085: Why You Don't Need a Screenplay to Make an Amazing Film

IFH 085: Why You Don't Need a Screenplay to Make an Amazing Film

Why You Don't Need a Screenplay to Make an Amazing Film


As indie filmmakers we throw a lot of obstacles on our own path to creating a feature or short film. No obstacle is larger then the almighty screenplay. How many screenwriters and filmmakers do you know that have been working on the movie script for 3, 5, or 7 years? They keep chipping at it in hopes of cracking that nut or it gives them an excuse for not actually making a feature film.
I was no different. One of the biggest things that slowed, if not stopped my filmmaking journey was "the screenplay." I decided to see if there was a different way to approach making a movie with my first feature film This is Meg.
In doing my research I came to realize that in the last few years, some of my favorite films happen to be (almost) entirely improvised. No structured screenplay. Some were huge tent pole studio movies, Oscar winners (Ironically for best screenplay) and small indie films. It certainly seemed to be a more prolific style among independent filmmakers and I find that it can mean success when they cast the right actors. Especially in the "Mumblecore" and "Dogma 95" indie film movements.
Iron Man had no screenplay?
My favorite "lack of screenplay" story was the Marvel Studios tent-pole Iron Man. You heard me correctly. The film that launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe and that show the word what a great leading Robert Downey Jr could be. It remains one of the most enjoyable adaptations of a Marvel comic book to date.


via Marvel Studios

Take a listen to what Jeff Bridges revealed in a recent interview.

"They had no script, man! They had an outline. We would show up for big scenes every day and we wouldn't know what we were going to say. We would have to go into our trailer and work on this scene and call up writers on the phone, 'You got any ideas?' Meanwhile the crew is tapping their foot on the stage waiting for us to come on."

Although a story and structure was firmly in place, the dialogue wasn't - leading to much improvisation on set, which accounts for the film's energetic, sparky atmosphere.

"I said, ‘Oh, what we're doing here, we're making a $200 million student film. We're all just fuckin' around! We're playin'. Oh, great!. That took all the pressure off. Oh, just jam, man, just play. And it turned out great!" Bridges recalled.

Here is a list of film I mention and discuss in detail in the podcast:

John Cassavetes - Shadows
Mike Leigh - Vera Drake
David O. Russell - American Hustle
Lynn Shelton - Your Sister's Sister
Jon Favreau - Iron Man
Derek Cianfrance -

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

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IFH 257: Complete Guide to Understanding Film and Production Equipment Insurance

IFH 257: Complete Guide to Understanding Film and Production Equipment Insurance

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 Juli 201848min

IFH 256: Desiderata: Blueprint for Being a Successful Filmmaker, Screenwriter and Person

IFH 256: Desiderata: Blueprint for Being a Successful Filmmaker, Screenwriter and Person

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 Juli 20185min

IFH 255: Behind the Curtain of Blackmagic Design with President Dan May

IFH 255: Behind the Curtain of Blackmagic Design with President Dan May

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 Juli 20181h 4min

IFH 254: What Does a First Assistant Director Really Do? with Brandon Riley

IFH 254: What Does a First Assistant Director Really Do? with Brandon Riley

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 Juli 201848min

IFH 253: No Film School Needed - Direct & Sell Six Features in Two Years with Elizabeth Blake-Thomas

IFH 253: No Film School Needed - Direct & Sell Six Features in Two Years with Elizabeth Blake-Thomas

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 Juli 201841min

IFH 252: Rebel without a Crew - $7000 Feature Film Robert Rodriguez Style with Alejandro Montoya Marin

IFH 252: Rebel without a Crew - $7000 Feature Film Robert Rodriguez Style with Alejandro Montoya Marin

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 Juli 201843min

IFH 251:  How to Get Your Indie Film on Netflix with Neil Ames

IFH 251: How to Get Your Indie Film on Netflix with Neil Ames

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 Juni 201850min

IFH 250: The Secret to Making Money with an Independent Film

IFH 250: The Secret to Making Money with an Independent Film

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 Juni 201828min

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