Independent Filmmaker's Guide | IFG

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's Guide.In today's episode we speak with Director Brock Heasley and Producer Ken Carpenter,  the filmmaking team behind "The Shift". With well over 2000 screens in their theatrical release, James Allerdyce takes us through the process of making this "faith adjacent" film from Angel Studios.IFG is created by Framework Productions, produced and hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.And be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank youIFG | How Movies Get Made IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's Guide.In today's episode we dive right into a genre centrally important to so many independent filmmakers, documentary. Hosts James Allerdyce and Matt Mundy get to sit down with acclaimed director and producer Nicole Newnham and her latest film The Disappearance of Shere Hite. We are specifically looking into the techniques and artistry of creating a cohesive and compelling storyline exploring the life of an impactful author-celebrity who in recent years has seemingly just disappeared.Using interviews from fellow activists, friends, romantic partners as well as sifting through thousands of hours of archival footage (spanning Network television, trade magazines, and personal documentation) we homed in on a few of the intentional decisions made by Newnham and her team to bring Shere Hite almost literally back to life in this very cinematic presentation of her and her importance to so many social movements in the latter part of the 20th Century. "Shere Hite's bestselling book The Hite Report liberated female orgasm by revealing the most private experiences of thousands of anonymous surveys. Her findings rocked the American establishment and conversations about gender and sexuality." - IMDbIFG is created by Framework Productions, produced and hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.And be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank you IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's Guide.In today's episode we dive right into one of the later challenges along the filmmaking journey - getting your film in front of your potential audience. How to actually break through with ratings and reviews in key places.The landscape is always changing and tomorrow it may be different. In the meantime, these particular algorithms on streaming platforms hold a lot of sway as to what movies actually get "shelf space" in their store.With this in mind, we here at IFG share the great news that our indie horror film HERD (Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, Matt Mundy) is now released in the US and in an increasing number of other territories around the world.But in order to take advantage of all of this potential exposure we ask our listeners directly for their support. As we often do with podcasts but rarely seem to do in film, we talk about the importance of not just watching indie films but rating and reviewing them as well.In that, we also tackle the pivotal role of indie filmmakers in shaping a vibrant film industry, especially in light of recent strikes against the AMPTP. More so, we extend an invitation to you - yes, you, our treasured listeners - to join this journey. By watching, rating, and reviewing HERD, you're not simply showing support; you're helping independent films prove their worth in a sea of studio-backed blockbusters. And in this digital era, your ratings and reviews directly impact a film's positioning and success. And a special shoutout to the wonderful people of Poplar Bluff, Missouri - as well as Doniphan and Van Buren...your support and graciousness to our cast and crew are at the center of what made shooting this film possible.Links mentioned in the show:to follow the herd, and see more information about the movie, visit HERD.filmWatch/Stream on AppleTV or PrimeUK DVD reviewUK DVD purchaseRate/Review on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDbIFG is created by Framework Productions, produced and hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.And be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank you!IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textFinding that visual anchor, the shorthand to an audience's memory for your film. This is just part of the importance as well as the difficulty of Key Art.How does it work, what is the relationship with the artist like? Or maybe you want to become a Key Artist yourself and wonder what a functional workflow should be? These are just some of the things covered in today's episode with designer Eric Vasquez. Eric was also the Key Artist for our feature film, HERD, which we  talk about as well. Being a horror, action film with some very specifc undertones, how did Eric land on the indelible image for the HERD poster?  Being a very visual episode we invite to please check out some of Eric's work, too. YouTube, His Site, Linkedin, as well as the poster for HERD And as mentioned, this week our feature film HERD will be hitting theaters with it's US premiere and VOD on Friday October 13th. Pre-orders on Apple TV available Here. And for more of HERD's schedule and where/how to see it IN THEATERS and at HOME follow us at HERD.FILMAnd one of the first things you'll see when you click on those links... is the aforementioned poster. Designed by today's special guest, Eric Vasquez.IFG was created by Framework Productions, produced and hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.orgAnd be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love.Thank you! IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's GuideThe navigation of film distribution can be one of the more difficult parts of the filmmaker's process. From understanding deal memos, aligning expectations, to simply getting something you've undoubtedly spent so much time and effort on in front of, and sometimes literally in the hands of, your intended audience.These are just some of the things covered in today's valuable and personal episode with guest Malcolm Ingram - an acclaimed and decorated filmmaker and documentarian, as well as an ambassador of the now resurgent desire for physical media. Leveraging all these things, Ingram felt a personal pull to, most recently, start his own distribution company with a focus on this physical media Mercantile Instinct.And his first release is the film CLERK (yes, a look at the man and the stories behind the hit CLERKS).  CLERK will feature both Blu-Ray as well as VHS and Blu-Ray - with wide release on September 26th.  A quick reminder, no matter where you are listening to us, if you could rate us and drop us a review on Apple Podcasts, we’d be so grateful - it really helps us spread the news and build the community.If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, join us over at IFG Discord and enter the chatIFG is created by Framework Productions, produced and hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.And be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank you! IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textThis week we connect with Jared Lapidus (director & co-writer) and James McCarthy (co-writer) who are the filmmakers behind "Office Race" the recently released ensemble comedy movie featuring Beck Bennett (SNL), Joe McHale (Community), J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and a long list of other notable actors which is now out on Comedy Central! A quick reminder, no matter where you are listening to us, if you could rate us and drop us a review on Apple Podcasts, we’d be so grateful - it really helps us spread the news and build the community.If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, join us over at IFG Discord and enter the chatIFG is created by Framework Productions, produced and hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.And be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank you! IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's Guide.Four common misconceptions with SAG-AFTRA's Interim Agreements and how union members and independent producers can work together to bring the AMPTP back to negotiations.Afterward, we look at some of the roots of A.I. as it applies to using union members' name, image, and likeness and even touch on a case-study that could give us insight as to where negotiations could and possibly should go.More information about all this, and how to support - be it with donations or showing up on the picket lines, and all updates, go to SAGAFTRASTRIKE.ORGA quick reminder, no matter where you are listening to us, if you could rate us and drop us a review on Apple Podcasts, we’d be so grateful - it really helps us spread the news and build the community.If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, join us over at IFG Discord and enter the chatIFG is created by Framework Productions, produced and hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.And be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank you! IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's Guide.Today hosts Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy are joined by friend and special guest and Horror Genre aficionado, Mike Gingold. He's a journalist, screenwriter, author, director, not to mention one of the most well-respected voices in the horror community today, who just may have seen every horror movie ever made.A graduate of NYU film school, and former editor in chief of Fangoria, Gingold today writes for both Fangoria and Rue Morgue, where he started back in 1988 and 1997 respectively.We talk about exciting new films that are debuting this year, many at Tribeca, back when this episode was recorded. And we dive deep into the development of the modern horror genre and how VHS, theatrical release, and streaming have all had direct effects on the business and creativity itself. And we even explore a few of Gingold's books that look back on all the old newspaper clippings - documenting all these effects and changes. AD Nauseam, and AD Nauseam II display just how vast his love and knowledge of all things horror truly is. And of course we all want to know, what is the state of Horror films these days, is it headed in a good direction, and who are some of the filmmakers and artists right now who are leading the way?A quick reminder, no matter where you are listening to us, if you could rate us and drop us a review on Apple Podcasts, we’d be so grateful - it really helps us spread the news and build the community.If there are any questions for us or topics you'd like us to cover, join us over at IFG Discord and enter the chat.Follow us on Instagram@momundy@stevencpierce@framework_productions@ruemorguemag@fangoriaIFG is created and produced by Framework Productions,  hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy.The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.And be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's Guide.What if we told you that Netflix, your go-to for binge-watching, has not just altered your viewing habits but also rattled the very foundations of the entertainment industry? It is true, but what is unclear is if that is a good thing or even sustainable.Netflix and other streaming enterprises' entry into the scene has caused a seismic shift that has reshaped the way we understand entertainment - from revolutionizing consumption patterns to influencing pay scales and labor conditions. Join us as we navigate this game-changing landscape, starting from the historical strike where SAG-AFTRA joined the WGA, right up to the pressures it put on the AMPTP to return to negotiations. Today we explore the intricate maze of 'interim agreements' and 'waivers', and their role in this evolving scenario. Learn about the structure of the AMPTP, the dynamics between traditional and innovative parties, and the bridging role that Netflix plays. We discuss how traditional media companies tried to transform themselves to keep pace with Netflix, resulting in a drastic shift in their business models. Lastly, we delve into the impact of Netflix's entry into the AMPTP in 2019 and how it changed the dynamics of union negotiations. Tune in for an engaging discussion that uncovers the dramatic transformation of the entertainment industry over the years.More information about all this, and how to support - be it with donations or showing up on the picket lines, and all updates, go to SAGAFTRASTRIKE.ORG A quick reminder, no matter where you are listening to us, if you could rate us and drop us a review on Apple Podcasts, we’d be so grateful - it really helps us spread the news and build the community.If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, join us over at IFG Discord and enter the chatAnd be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank you! IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textHey everyone and welcome back to the Independent Filmmaker’s GuideSo a couple of weeks ago we launched our new podcast, Happy Hour Flix - where we sit down with a special guest and talk about a nostalgic film we love and love to talk about. And today we wanted to drop another one of our episodes from that podcast on this feed as another special treat. And as i said before if this feels like something you would also enjoy - we invite you to be sure and subto HAPPY HOUR FLIX as well. Links in the show notes – AND you can always just search HHF wherever you get your podcasts. Another regularly scheduled episode of IFG will also be dropping soon, so be on the lookout for that!HAPPY HOUR FLIX is a podcast all about the movies we love and love to talk about. A nostalgic look at what we grew up watching and how they still impact us today. It's a lot of fun.On today's episode, hosts Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy chat about a literal madcap star-studded classic, IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD. And to discuss all the outsized comedy, who better than Aqua Teen Hunger Force’s own, Master Shake, Dana Snyder.Not only was this one of Steve’s favorite movies growing up, Dana reveals how obsessed he became with it, too - collecting original scripts, stashing away lore and stories from the film as deep as a true Trekky, and how so many of the comedians and actors featured were his own inspiration to go into entertainment. As always, we invite you to grab a beverage and enjoy the stories, and reminisce with us. Our friends over at Misguided Spirits help us design and bring to you the perfect cocktail to enjoy alongside all our episodes.This particular cocktail was designed by mixologist Lea Marie Logan from Belle Reve in NYC, aptly named after our guest: the MASTER SHAKE!Here's how you do it:*a play on the cafe con leche flip 1oz MISGUIDED spiced rum 1oz kahlua.5oz heavy cream .5oz simple syrup 1x Egg yolk …Shake aggressively with light ice Top with nutmeg…Serve in a small styrofoam cup with a pink straw! Sit back, relax and enjoy HAPPY HOUR FLIX!A quick reminder, no matter where you are listening to us, if you could rate us and drop us a review on Apple Podcasts, we’d be so grateful - it really helps us spread the good vibes. Thank you!HAPPY HOUR FLIX is produced by James Allerdyce and Lori Kay, and hosted by Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy.Main Title is by Johnny Mineo. IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textThe “first time in 63 years” strike, where SAG-AFTRA has joined the WGA in a labor stoppage due to stalled negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers or AMPTP. And so today we wanted to come on and address this strike and state that we here at IFG stand firmly with our fellow actors and writers in this strike. We hope that at the end of this we will see them protected for their talents and compensated duly for their work. While attempting to understand just what the AMPTP is and it's impact on negotiations with the union, an old and usually overlooked question emerged: just what is a studio film and what is an independent film? And why does it matter to all of us?  Again, IFG is in firm support of this strike. This feels like an inflection point for the industry on every level. The stakes are high. And we hope that a modern contract is agreed to, and that independent filmmaking remains a thriving and supportive part of our awesome industry, helping all of us tell the stories each of us want to share.More information about all this, and how to support - be it with donations or showing up on the picket lines, and all updates, go to SAGAFTRASTRIKE.ORG  IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome to a very "nostalgic" episode of IFG.This week we are launching alongside IFG, our new podcast HAPPY HOUR FLIX, or HHF!Our IFG series is, as you know, a nuts and bolts, inside look at how movies get made. HHF is a podcast where we sit down with a special guest to talk about a nostalgic film we love and love to talk about.Our show, which we are launching today in it's own feed, we also wanted to bring to you today on THIS feed as a special treat for you all. Of course, if this seems like an additional way you might be to enjoy all things movies, be sure to follow and subscribe to us over there, too - just search the title or click HAPPY HOUR FLIX. On today's IFG episode and our first HHF episode, hosts Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy chat about one the most beloved films of a generation, FREE WILLY. And sitting down with them today is none other than the troubled whale-lover himself and star of the franchise, Jason James Richter.Being Richter's first film, they dive deep into many personal experiences, including how he was "discovered", and what was more intimating - the orcas or Michael Madsen? Incredible stories of  security on and off set... and we finally answer the mystery of just what WAS that sheet-cake, and was ketchup a normal condiment in Oregon in the 90's for cake?As always, we invite you to grab a beverage and enjoy the stories, and reminisce with us. Our friends over at Misguided Spirits help us design and bring to you the perfect cocktail to enjoy alongside all our episodes.This particular cocktail was designed by mixologist Lea Marie Logan from Belle Reve in NYC, aptly named the FREE WILLY!Here's how you do it:pinch of saltx3 cucumber slicespinch of mint 3/4 leaves.5 simple syrupMuddleAdd 1oz lime2oz MISGUIDED ginTop with soda water (preferred, Topo Chico if you've got it)And finish with x2 "Free Willy" spritz (aromatic spritzer of coconut oil salt water solution)Then bonus, rim glass with nori dust seaweedSit back, relax and enjoy HAPPY HOUR FLIX!HAPPY HOUR FLIX is produced by James Allerdyce and Lori Kay, and hosted by Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy.Main Title is by Johnny Mineo.HAPPY HOUR FLIX | Movies We LoveIFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textIn this episode, Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy talk with the project's creators, screenwriters and director Luke Meyer and Keith Newton about their very personal docu-series, The Fourth Wall.For any filmmaker, telling the story and history of a cult with an ever-evolving facade, lead by a mercurial leader can not only take years, but can be difficult to pin down. And when said leader is your own father, it can be beyond daunting...becoming more and more personal as the layers are peeled back.Premiering at Tribeca Film Festival 2023, The Fourth Wall is "an intimate documentary series in which the son of cult leaders investigates the transgressive group in which he was raised. This is the story of the Sullivanians, New York’s secretive 'psychotherapy cult,' which was hidden in plain sight on Manhattan's Upper West Side in the 1970s and ’80s." - Tribecafilm.comTo stay in the loop about more releases and updates about this film, also check out: seethink.com as well as SeeThink’s Facebook or Instagram  IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textIn this brief episode, part 2 of our announcement, Steve talks about the US premiere, upcoming news, and now where you can actually see the film BUKE & GASE!To watch the film, just click here: BUKE & GASE FILM (or paste one of these URL's) https://apple.co/40Uu3ww https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/buke-and-gaseIn 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when tours were cancelled and all live music went silent, one band refused to stay quiet. This is that concert.The musical duo Buke and Gase performs a complete live concert to the eerily empty, famed arts and musical hall Basilica Hudson. In between the genre-bending performances that make up the concert portions, the film examines the design and creation of their handmade instruments, a six-string former-baritone ukulele (the "Buke") and a hybrid guitar-bass (the "Gase”) as well as the inspirations behind the songs and lyrics. The film contains both a full set from Buke and Gase made up of their hit songs and new releases, as well as insights from Aaron Dessner (The National), Melissa Auf der Maur (The Smashing Pumpkins, Hole), Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders), Laurie Anderson (Artist/Musician), Jad Abumrad (Radiolab), Alec Hanley Bemis (Brassland), Jonny Dovercourt (music journalist) and many more.Thank you again, and spread the word. And if you haven’t already, we’d love if you’d leave us a review on Apple Podcast - it really does help get the word out and continue to build our community of filmmakers. Also, keep up with us at independentfilmmakersguide.com IFG is created and produced by Framework Productions,  hosted by Steven Pierce with cohosts James Allerdyce and Matt Mundy.The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org. IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textA very special and short episode this week. Today we have an announcement and an invitation for you all.After beginning this podcast as a way to build up and talk to a community of other filmmakers about their own projects, not only do WE now have multiple films coming down the pike, we have launched our own Narrative Division devoted to the creation of films that tell compelling, original and personal stories. In light of all of this, we are excited to announce our first release of the year, the film BUKE & GASE.Announcement, in brief:Our first feature release of the year premieres MAY 9th, 2023!  The Concert Documentary: BUKE & GASEA special invitation to our listeners: If you are in NYC on May 9th and would like to attend the premiere WITH US in Queens, NY please RSVP* to info@frameworkproductions.tv*It is a limit of 2 ticket requests. Please write “IFG premiere request” in the subject line and we will reply accordingly to let you confirm we were able to meet your request.Pre-Sales are available now!BUKE & GASE will also be available to stream starting MAY 9th as well:To pre-order, just click here: BUKE & GASE FILM (or paste this URL) https://apple.co/40Uu3ww FROM APPLE TV:In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when tours were cancelled and all live music went silent, one band refused to stay quiet. This is that concert.The musical duo Buke and Gase performs a complete live concert to the eerily empty, famed arts and musical hall Basilica Hudson. In between the genre-bending performances that make up the concert portions, the film examines the design and creation of their handmade instruments, a six-string former-baritone ukulele (the "Buke") and a hybrid guitar-bass (the "Gase”) as well as the inspirations behind the songs and lyrics. The film contains both a full set from Buke and Gase made up of their hit songs and new releases, as well as insights from Aaron Dessner (The National), Melissa Auf der Maur (The Smashing Pumpkins, Hole), Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders), Laurie Anderson (Artist/Musician), Jad Abumrad (Radiolab), Alec Hanley Bemis (Brassland), Jonny Dovercourt (music journalist) and many more.Thank you again, and spread the word. And if you haven’t already, we’d love if you’d leave us a review on Apple Podcast - it really does help get the word out and continue to build our community of filmmakers. Also, keep up with us at independentfilmmakersguide.com IFG is created and produced by Framework Productions,  hosted by Steven Pierce with cohosts James Allerdyce and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org. IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textToday, more than ever,  filmmakers and audiences alike are realizing the importance of having a safe and comfortable set. Not only to keep actors safe, but also ultimately to enable you to be a better filmmaker.Today we joined by Intimacy Coordinator Brooke M. Haney to discuss her job and how she approaches a set.Independent Filmmaker’s Guide | How Movies Get MadeIFG is created by Framework Productions IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textOn this episode, Steven Pierce and James Allerdyce explore Darren Le Gallo's feature film debut, SAM & KATE.From securing his stellar cast of the real-life parent-child combos of Dustin Hoffman/Jake Hoffman and Sissy Spacek/Schuyler Fisk, to scouting the perfect locations, Gallo walks through the inspirations, many years, and steps it took to bring his vision to fruition. Independent Filmmaker’s Guide | How Movies Get MadeIFG is created by Framework Productions IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmakers GuideToday we'll here from Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy as they chat with writer/director Matthew Gentile about his new movie American Murderer, starring Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver, and a ton of other great actors. Gentile speaks about how he was able to get an all-star cast for his first feature film, as well as how he went about getting the rights for a movie based on real people, events, and crimes.  We'll also hear about how they decided to shoot in Utah, the importance of working with a professional armorer on set during scenes with guns, plus how to work with production designers and prop masters to achieve a cohesive and immersive time period for the film.  All that and more on this episode of The Independent Filmmakers Guide. IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textIn today's episode, host Steven Pierce sits with Aimee Long to discuss her personal journey of bringing A Shot Through The Wall to screen. From the 2015 concept through it's premiere at the Bentonville Film Festival and recent distribution with Vertical Entertainment, Steve and Aimee talk through the barriers faced early on, the shifting social climate, and leaning into an indie filmmaker's vulnerability in order to deliver something truly unique and personal. A Chinese-American police officer's life unravels after he accidentally shoots an innocent Black man. Facing trial, he wades through his guilt as he navigates the complicated worlds of media, justice, racial politics and his own morality. - IMDb.com IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textCasting talent may be one of the most visible parts of the pre-production process, but the actual workings and understanding of it can easily remain invisible and elusive for indie filmmakers.Today host Steven Pierce sits with casting director Rachel Reiss CSA to help shed much needed light on what the casting director does and why the CD-filmmaker relationship is so crucial.“Rachel Reiss CSA is a senior casting director at Liz Lewis Casting Partners where she casts Film, TV, Commercials, Animation and VO nationwide. She has cast hundreds of commercials and voice-overs, including many that have been recognized with Clio Awards and Cannes Lion Awards.”- castingsociety.comIndependent Filmmaker’s Guide | How Movies Get MadeIFG is created by Framework Productions. This episode was directed by James Allerdyce, produced and edited by Matt Mundy, and hosted by Steven Pierce. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org. IFG | How Movies Get Made