Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast

Turbo Kid & How to Create an Indie Film Ecosystem with Shaked BerensonI speak a lot on IFH on how filmmakers should create their own ecosystem and revenue streams, today's guest has done just that. Shaked Berenson is Co-Founder of Epic Pictures Group, a film financing, production, and international/domestic sales company based in Beverly Hills, CA.Shaked has produced films like the cult hit  Turbo Kid, Sundance Film Festival Selection Entertainment and the animated film Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon. What is great about Shaked is that he has created his own ecosystem. From financing to production to distribution, all under one umbrella. This way he cuts out the middle man and he can keep more of the profits. Shaked came to my attention when I found out he produced the internet darling Turbo Kid. The way that film was marketed, sold and distributed is something all filmmakers should study. We go deep down the rabbit hole all things Turbo Kid, indie filmmakers, building your own revenue streams and much more. Here's a bit about Shaked Berenson: Prior to Epic Pictures Group, Berenson served as Renegade Pictures’ Director of Sales as well as the Director of Technology and International Relations for the Giffoni Hollywood Film Festival. Before Renegade Pictures, Berenson was in the Israeli Defense Force for four and half years where he served in managerial and educational roles as a project consultant to Elbit Systems, and worked as a program developer for NetVision, an Internet solutions company. He holds a degree in economics and business from UCLA. - IFTA-Online.orgEnjoy our conversation with Shaked Berenson.Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectWatch on IFH YouTube ChannelLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEShaked Berenson - IMDBShaked Berenson - TwitterEpic Pictures - TwitterEpic PicturesTurbo Kid - Official SiteTurbo Kid - TwitterSPONSORSDirecting Actors Master Course – (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Get Your Film on Netflix, Hulu & Amazon & Keep 100% off the Revenue - DistribberHollywood Camera Work: Mastering High-End Blocking and Staging (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Werner Herzog's Filmmaking MasterClassAaron Sorkin Screenwriting Master ClassHans Zimmer Film Scoring MasterClassKevin Spacey Acting Master ClassBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

14 Feb 20171h 16min

6 Mistakes To Avoid Your First Day On a Film Set1. Arriving LateIf you’re not early, you’re late. I aim to get to work at least 15 minutes early each day on a film set. This gives me time to setup, read my call sheet and sides, cram in some extra breakfast and make my boss a coffee. If you are late on day one you instantly create a bad reputation for yourself and this industry is built on reputation and relationships. Set your alarm early for the first day, pick out what you need to wear the night before and make sure you’ve had a look at where you need to get to so you don’t get lost.2. Forgetting NamesNo one will remember your name but don’t let that be an excuse to forget theirs. It’s great if you can remember as many names as possible on your first day on a film set, at least those in your department. This will make you stand out and give you the best chance of them remembering you. I sometimes even write down people’s names in a notebook or phone when they aren’t looking so you can refer back to it. Alternatively, you can also ask the production office for a crew list to help you remember who’s who.3. Asking An Actor What They DoYou’ll be trying small talk with whoever is standing around. It’s pretty embarrassing when you ask an actor what department they are in or what they do. Embarrassing for them I guess, as they expect that you’ll know them from the seven short films they released on Vimeo last year. As long as you are polite I’m sure they’ll get over it. I’ve asked Mel Gibson’s son what his last name was. He politely replied ‘Gibson’. That makes sense, I thought.4. Phone Ringing During A TakeThis is even more embarrassing than when you wet yourself in kindergarten and had to go to sick bay to get some spare clothing. Don’t let your phone ring on set, especially during a take. At least have it on silent or even better, just turn it off if you don’t need it for some kind of emergency calls. Your Facebook and Instagram updates can wait until you get home. If your phone does ring during a take I can guarantee the crew will remember who you are and be hassling you each day until you provide a case of beer for your sins.5. Walking Through The Back Of ShotFilm sets can be a daunting place at the best of times with crew members rushing about knowing exactly what to do and where to be. You’ll find it hard on day one to even find a place to stand that is out of the way. Have a good look at where the cameras are pointing and make sure you don’t settle in the back of the shot. It’s always embarrassing when you hear “Cut!” and the director berates the person that was standing in the shot only to realize that was you…A safe bet is near all the equipment trolleys. Usually, this is fairly close to set but enough out of the way until you discover your place on set.6. Standing In The Actor’s Eye lineAn eye line refers to where an actor is looking in the scene. It may be directly at the other actors, it could be out to the horizon or it could be an imaginary moving car that is driving in the distance. So, why should you stay clear of it? Actors are performers and they need to feel secure during filming.You’d likely not love fifty people gawking while you feign ‘true love’ and awkwardly kiss your sweaty co-star in a claustrophobic studio. Such a kiss could only be made worse by a wandering PA aimlessly ambling into their line of sight. If you need to be close to the action during the scene, try and hide yourself behind some equipment or set dressing so that you remain inconspicuous. Alternatively, turn your back to them or simply look down at the ground while the scene is played out. Don’t move around and fidget.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

10 Feb 201712min

Why I Edited My Feature Film on DaVinci ResolveI've been editing features, shorts, commercial, and everything else shot on film or video for over 20 years. Editing on almost every non-linear editing system you can imagine I know what I want and like in an NLE. When it came time to edit my directorial feature film debut, This is Meg, I knew my good old Final Cut Pro 7 wouldn't cut it. So I decide to give Davinci Resolve 12.5 a try. I've been color grading on Resolve for years and always jumped over the "edit tab" on my way to the color tab. Once version 12 came out I was blown away. So powerful, so intuitive and it just plain worked! I have to tell you,"DaVinci Resolve is what all Final Cut X should've been."The good folks over at Blackmagic Design invited me to speak at the Slamdance Film Festival 2017 to discuss my experience editing, color grading and finishing on Davinci Resolve. Enjoy!Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODELearn how to edit your film on Davinci ResolveFREE DOWNLOAD to Davinci ResolveBlackMagic DesignSlamdance Film FestivalSPONSORSDirecting Actors Master Course – (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Get Your Film on Netflix, Hulu & Amazon & Keep 100% off the Revenue - DistribberHollywood Camera Work: Mastering High-End Blocking and Staging (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Aaron Sorkin Screenwriting Master ClassHans Zimmer Film Scoring MasterClassKevin Spacey Acting Master ClassFreeFilmBook.com (Download Your FREE Filmmaking Audio Book)KILLER RESOURCES!!!INDIE FILM SYNDICATE Filmmaking CommunityIFH's Online Film SchoolSix Secrets to get into Film Festivals for FREE!Action Items:Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes,  Stitcher, Soundcloud or via RSSBONUS: TOP TEN Online Filmmaking CoursesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

6 Feb 201731min

How to Sell Your Idea to Television with Agent Matthew DoyleSPECIAL SUNDANCE EDITION of the Indie Film Hustle PodcastToday's guest cracked open a door to a part of the industry I had no idea about, television. Matthew Doyle is a television lit agent at the Verve Talent and Literary Agency. He's an up and comer in the industry and definitely a hustler. My co-host Sebastian Twardos and I wanted to get an "in the trenches" perceptive on the television market and Matthew delivered. He tells a great story on how he got promoted to an agent with a prank by the partners at Verve. Here's a bit on Matthew Doyle:Doyle joined in January as Verve’s first off-desk TV lit coordinator. He implemented a new system for information flow and tracking, redesigned current grids, and helped lead Verve to its most successful staffing season ever, with 80% of clients staffed on broadcast and cable shows. He has been an aggressive recruiter, interviewing and training new employees. Worked with up-and-coming clients such as Arkasha Stevenson and Kirk Sullivan on the television side, and has played an important role in signing clients staffed on upcoming series such as “Pitch” and “Riverdale.” Challenges of the job? “Recognizing that everyone is the protagonist of their own story, and treating them accordingly,” Doyle says. - From Variety - 10 Assistants to Watch 2016 All of these Sundance Series episodes are co-produced by Sebastian Twardosz from Circus Road Films and Media Circus.Enjoy our conversation with Matthew Doyle. Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEVerve Talent and Literary Agency Matthew Doyle - LinkedinSebastian TwardoszCircus Road FilmsMedia Circus PRSPONSORSDirecting Actors Master Course – (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Get Your Film on Netflix, Hulu & Amazon & Keep 100% off the Revenue - DistribberHollywood Camera Work: Mastering High-End Blocking and Staging (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Aaron Sorkin Screenwriting Master ClassHans Zimmer Film Scoring MasterClassKevin Spacey Acting Master ClassFreeFilmBook.com (Download Your FREE Filmmaking Audio Book)KILLER RESOURCES!!!INDIE FILM SYNDICATE Filmmaking CommunityIFH's Online Film SchoolBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

3 Feb 201758min

Jason Michael Berman - Producing 5 Sundance Films & Making it in HollywoodSPECIAL SUNDANCE EDITION of the Indie Film Hustle PodcastI had the honor of speaking to Jason Michael Berman at Sundance this year. He's a Sundance vet. He has premiered 5 features at Sundance over the years and has the record for the highest selling film at Sundance ever, The Birth of a Nation which sold for $17.5 million. Crazy! This year he premiered the remarkable film Burning Sands at the festival. The film is about the intensifying violence of underground hazing on a college campus.Jason dropped some great knowledge bombs in our interview with my co-host Sebastian Twardosz. Here's a bit on Jason Michael Berman:Jason Michael Berman is the Vice President of Mandalay Pictures, where he is responsible for developing and structuring financing for Mandalay's slate of independent films, in addition to packaging projects.Berman has produced feature films that have debuted at premiere film festivals around the globe, including the Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, SXSW, Tribeca, Berlinale, and Edinburgh. Berman was named by Variety in 2011 as one of the Top Ten Producers to Watch, and by Deadline Hollywood in 2012 as one of the Top Ten Producers to Watch at Sundance.Berman produced Nate Parker's The Birth of a Nation, starring Parker, Armie Hammer, Jackie Earle Haley, Gabrielle Union, and Penelope Ann Miller, about the true life story of Nat Turner's slave rebellion. The Birth of a Nation premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. - WikipediaAll of these Sundance Series episodes are co-produced by Sebastian Twardosz from Circus Road Films and Media Circus.Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEMandalay PicturesJason Michael Berman - IMDBSebastian TwardoszCircus Road FilmsMedia Circus PRSPONSORSDirecting Actors Master Course – (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Get Your Film on Netflix, Hulu & Amazon & Keep 100% off the Revenue - DistribberHollywood Camera Work: Mastering High-End Blocking and Staging (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Aaron Sorkin Screenwriting Master ClassHans Zimmer Film Scoring MasterClassKevin Spacey Acting Master ClassFreeFilmBook.com (Download Your FREE Filmmaking Audio Book)KILLER RESOURCES!!!INDIE FILM SYNDICATE Filmmaking CommunityBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

2 Feb 201723min

How to Break into the Film Industry with Stage 32's RB BottoSPECIAL SUNDANCE EDITION of the Indie Film Hustle PodcastOne of my most downloaded episodes ever was my interview with Film Industry vet and CEO of Stage32.com, RB Botto (Click here to listen to that interview). Ever since then I've been wanting to bring him back on to the show. The stars aligned at Sundance and I didn't just get him on the podcast but I also recorded the interview for the IFH YouTube Channel.Here's a bit on our guest:Stage 32 is a US-based social network and educational site for creative professionals who work in film industry, television and theater. Stage 32 links professionals in the entertainment industry including directors, writers, actors and entertainment staff.It caters to film industry professionals with featured bloggers, online education taught by industry professionals, news from Hollywood and filming locations around the world, Stage 32 meetups page, an online lounge and a film business jobs page that allows members to connect with others on film ventures, along with standard social media functions.CEO and founder, Richard "RB" Botto, an Orson Welles fan, drew his inspiration for the name "Stage 32" from the old RKO Soundstage 17 where Citizen Kane was filmed. That sound stage is now Paramount's Stage 32.We had a ball talking and partying at Sundance this year. A lot has happened since our last interview. I've done over 100 more episodes of the podcast and Stage32 has grown into a juggernaut. Add the hangovers, snow storms and my co-host Sebastian Twardosz to the mix and you get a hell of an interview.Curl up to a warm fire and enjoy our conversation with RB Botto.All of these Sundance Series episodes are co-produced by Sebastian Twardosz from Circus Road Films and Media Circus.Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectStage 32 is also having it's 1st Annual Online Film Finance & Producing ConferenceNo planes. No hotels. No expenses. No new wardrobe. No outrageous badge prices.Just you, your computer and your willingness to learn.This is 2 days and 16 hours of the most up to date and actionable information designed to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of film financing and producing to raise money for your projects!Stage 32, the leaders in online education for film creatives, is proud to present our First Annual Film Finance & Producing Conference. We understand that most film creatives are working off a strict budget and simply cannot afford the expenses related to attending in person conferences. Our First Annual Film Finance & Producing Conference is not only incredibly affordable  but can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.For more info goto: 1st Annual Online Film Finance & Producing ConferenceTo get $50 off the conference use the coupon code: HUSTLE LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEStage 32 - Official SiteStage 32 - Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

1 Feb 20171h 27min

Disrupting Sundance & Helping Filmmakers with Slamdance Co-Founder Dan MirvishSPECIAL SUNDANCE EDITION of the Indie Film Hustle PodcastIn our journeys through the Sundance Film Festival, we ran into the David to the Sundance Goliath, Slamdance Co-Founder Dan Mirvish.  Dan has been a rebel, author, filmmaker, disruptor, festival creator, and true indie film hustler. This interview is one of the most entertaining I've ever done. Dan Mirvish tells stories of how he challenged the Oscars, had Robert Redford call him "a parasite" and why the best deals are done in a hot tub. Here's a bit on Dan Mirvish:A co-founder of the upstart Slamdance Film Festival, Dan Mirvish is also an active director, screenwriter, and producer. Labeled a "cheerful subversive" by The New York Times, and "Hollywood's Bad Boy" by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mirvish has been named as one of Variety's Top 50 Creatives to Watch, as well as one of Film Festival Today's Top 25 Most Influential People in Independent Film.Dan also has just written a new book: The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking: From Preproduction to Festivals and Distribution. Here's a bit about the book.In The Cheerful Subversive’s Guide to Independent Filmmaking, celebrated Slamdance Film Festival co-founder Dan Mirvish offers a rich exploration of the process and culture of making low-budget, independent films. Once labeled a "cheerful subversive" by The New York Times, Mirvish shares his unfiltered pragmatic approach to scriptwriting, casting, directing, producing, managing a crew, post-production, navigating the film festival circuit, distributing your film, dealing with piracy and building a career. Readers will learn how to game the Hollywood system to their advantage, get their films accepted by respected festivals without going broke, and utilize a broad range of media and tactics to promote and distribute their work. A companion website features behind-the-scenes interviews and footage from Dan’s films, and much more.Learn everything you need to know to make, promote, and distribute your independent films, with time-tested lessons and practical advice on scriptwriting, casting and directing A-list actors, financing, producing, managing a crew, editing in post, creating visual effects on a budget, and successfully navigating the film festival circuitFind out what it takes to become a true "cheerful subversive" and adopt new and innovative approaches to producing your films, discover hidden loopholes in the Hollywood system and festival scene, take advantage of a broad range of media formats to promote and distribute your indie films, and generally make bold moves in service of your creative work, all while staying flexible enough to pivot at a moment’s noticeAn extensive companion website features in-depth interviews with filmmakers, more than an hour of behind-the-scenes footage from Dan Mirvish’s films, festival resources, and much moreGet ready for some very entertaining knowledge bombs with Dan Mirvish.All of these Sundance Series episodes are co-produced by Sebastian Twardosz from Circus Road Films and Media Circus.Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

31 Jan 20171h 18min

Chasing Sly and the Family Stone Documentary for 12 years with Michael RubenstoneSPECIAL SUNDANCE EDITION of the Indie Film Hustle PodcastWe all hear stories of filmmakers working on films for years and years. Well, I don't know about you but I've never met one until now. In my journeys at Sundance and Slamdance I met one of these crazy and passionate filmmakers, his name is Michael Rubenstone. Michael the director of the documentary On the Sly: In Search of the Family Stone, which premiered at this year's Slamdance Film Festival. When I heard his crazy story I had to have him on the show. Michael has been chasing Sly from Sly and the Family Stones for over 12 years. The stories he told us in the interview were insane. Talk about passion. We can all learn something about dedication, persistence and just plain nuts.Check out some teasers of the film below:Here's a bit about the film: Director and super-fan Michael Rubenstone sets out in search of long-time reclusive funk legend, Sly Stone. Along the way, he meets with some success but finds countless more failures in trying to capture a man who refuses to be contained.Have you ever sat in your parked car for several minutes, just to hear the end of a song on the radio or savor the feeling that such a song gave you? In On the Sly, a music fan’s archival fervor and optimistic investigation take us beyond a sensationalized or simplified history of Sly and the Family Stone and bring us into a world where it is unthinkable to turn off the radio before the song is through.The elusiveness of frontman Sly prompts both filmmaker and viewer to consider how much we project onto our heroes, and how their continued inaccessibility is, despite our frustration, often vital to continuing the work of discovering ourselves and how we use music and art to bond with one another beyond simply moving our bodies to the beat. - Beth Prouty, Slamdance ProgrammerSit back and enjoy the amazing conversation I and my co-host Teri Gamble had with director Michael Rubenstone.All of these Sundance Series episodes are co-produced by Sebastian Twardosz from Circus Road Films and Media Circus.Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEOn the Sly: In Search of the Family Stone - IMDBTeri GambleSebastian TwardoszCircus Road FilmsMedia Circus PRSPONSORSDirecting Actors Master Course – (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Get Your Film on Netflix, Hulu & Amazon & Keep 100% off the Revenue - DistribberHollywood Camera Work: Mastering High-End Blocking and Staging (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Aaron Sorkin Screenwriting Master ClassHans Zimmer Film Scoring MasterClassBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.

30 Jan 201723min