IFH 458: How to Sell Your Indie Film and Yourself with Alec Trachtenberg

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

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 Juni 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 Juni 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 Juni 20181h 15min

Today on the show we have color master Ollie Kenchington. Ollie is a filmmaker, editor, and colorist. He has released an amazing new course called Directing Color. The course focuses on the use of color not only in color grading but also on-set. Since I've been a colorist for over a decade I know the importance of color and want to share that info with the IFH Tribe.Ollie's company, Korro Films, produces commercials, short films, documentaries and branded content for major international clients, with Ollie Kenchington carrying out senior editor and colorist duties on every project. Ollie Kenchington is an assured practitioner across all areas of filmmaking, giving him a deep understanding of the creative process which allows his agency to flourish in this competitive industry. Additionally, he is an accomplished educator and founder of Korro Academy.Some info on his course: In Directing Color, filmmaker, editor, and colorist Ollie Kenchington explore how visual language cues, color theory, ​and even color grading techniques can be used throughout the filmmaking process to not just create a “look” but to enhance storytelling. He challenges directors, cinematographers and filmmakers to think of color first rather than the more common approach of leaving color considerations until post-production.Enjoy my conversation with Ollie Kenchington.​Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

6 Juni 20181h 6min

Today on the show we have director Caleb Price. Caleb has directed a great documentary called Connect. Here's a bit about the film.In a social media-centered world, the smartphone​ has become a cultural rite of passage for kids. But is that rite all wrong? With six teens, Kirk Cameron fully understands this dilemma. So he went to the experts and what he learned will enlighten, challenge, and encourage parents. And best of all: it can help strengthen your family!Connect isn't the only reason I want Caleb on the show. Caleb and the star of Connect Kirk Cameron (80's Hit Growing Pains, Like Father, Like Son) have used a​ pretty cool service to reach a MASSIVE Theatrical audience. The company is called Fathom Events. If you've ever been in an​ AMC theater you've probably seen a​ trailer​​ for a Concert, Ballet or Broadway play on Fathom Events but they also distribute feature films. Caleb and I go into the weeds on how he used Fathom​ Events to sell and market Connect along with other of their past releases. This is a good one so get ready to take notes. Enjoy my conversation with Caleb Price.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

5 Juni 201858min

Many of you know I have an obsession with Tommy Wiseau's horrible masterpiece The Room. The joy I have when I watch is something that can't put into words. So when I ran into Robyn Paris, she played Michelle in The Room, I lost my mind and completely fanboyed out. If you don't know about The Room check out the trailer for The Disaster Artist, the film about the making of the worst film ever made.She was awesome to chat to so I invited here on the show to discuss her experience making The Room, how much The Disaster Artist got right and to talk about her new mockumentary series about the actors of The Room called The Room Actors: Where Are They Now? Robyn is current crowdfunding on Kickstarter to finish the series. If you are a Room fan like me give her and the other Room actors a few bucks so we can continue laughing.Enjoy my honest, entertaining and even educational chat with Robyn Paris.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

1 Juni 20181h 4min

How to Make Money as a FilmmakerI always get asked,"How to make money as a filmmaker or can you make money as a filmmaker?"The short answer is yes, of course, you can but will it be easy, HELL NO! What's a filmmaker to do? I've been able to develop an over 20-year career making money as a filmmaker. So if I can do it you can too. In this podcast episode, I go into details on all the money making ideas filmmakers can do to make money. I give examples, tell stories and show you how I and other filmmakers make money today. Here are a few things I go over in the episode.Film Crew WorkProduction AssistantDepartment PAProduction Office PAGeneral CrewFilm Office WorkI go over the details of my film office job and what amazing things happen because of itYou meet and network with industry peopleFilm Production CompanyI discuss my first job at a production company and how it launched my careerThe value of interningHow you can leverage this job into a profitable freelance careerSkilled FreelancerLearn a skill (Editing, Camera, Props, Grip. etc)Find a skill and brand yourselfBuilding Your own production CompanyBecome a “Predator: Producer - Director - EditorYou and a camera, some lights and editing gear and you are now a production companyClients:Corporate Jobs (Not fun but they pay)Duplass Brothers StoryMusic Videos (creative but little cash)Create a web commercial for a local company for FREE at first, if you are just starting outBuild your showreel and gain experienceWeddings or Event FilmingStock Footage CreationAmazing Side HustlePassive Revenue StreamsBorrow a camera or buy a camera and shoot on your downtimeFind unique locations around where you liveB-Roll and RAW footage from old project sitting on a hard driveBlackBox – Make Passive Income From Your FootageOnline Content CreatorVery creativeFind an audience and serve the audienceIt's a long gameDo it on the side hustle at firstYou WILL NOT GET RICH but it’ll help build your brand and show your skillsDon’t write off doing FREE ProjectsI'll tell you my Snoop Dogg StoryEnjoy and I hope it helps you make some cheddar!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

29 Maj 201831min