DiscoverShow Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking
Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking
Claim Ownership

Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

Author: Noam Kroll

Subscribed: 297Played: 9,863
Share

Description

Every Thursday, Noam shares valuable insight into the world of micro-budget filmmaking, geared towards true DIY filmmakers looking to get out there and create their own films.
221 Episodes
Reverse
In this episode, I share a breakdown of some amazing and unconventional lens choices on the feature film Poor Things.While many lenses were used throughout production, there were 4 in particular that I believe contributed most critically to the distinct look of this film - Including a pair of Lomography Petzval lenses, and a 4mm lens adapted from Super 16. Throughout the episode, I cover each lens in depth, explore how they were used, and share other key takeaways from the film.Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
In this episode I am joined by DIY filmmaker Marty McGowan, who recently completed his feature film Ava on a budget of just $200!Throughout the episode, we unpack Marty’s creative process, how he pulled off a feature with a 2 person crew, and his approach to building a strong visual palette on a budget. We also touch on his workflow for capturing great performances, the importance of building your own filmmaking model, and more.Links from the show:Marty McGowan - InstagramMarty McGowan - WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
In this new solo episode, I break down these 8 common issues that can kill your indie film:Big egosRushing the scriptDragging out developmentOverspending on equipmentNeglecting actors for cameraMaking sound an afterthoughtNot taking feedback from the teamNot caring about the small detailsThroughout the show I take a deep dive into the root cause of each of these issues, along with practical solutions for working around them.Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Steven Pierce to talk all about his latest feature film Herd.The film follows a woman that ends up trapped between a zombie outbreak and warring militia groups while trying to outrun her past. An ambitious concept for a micro-budget, making the execution of it all that much more impressive.Throughout the episode Steven and I speak about his new film at length. We cover his tactics for shooting action sequences on a budget, how he covered 20+ locations, the process of editing his own film, and much more.Links from the show:Herd - Movie WebsiteHerd - InstagramSteven Pierce - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
In this new solo episode, I compare and contrast my experience directing and DP’ing two separate feature films, and share tips for other filmmakers looking to do the same.Throughout the episode we cover everything from camera & lens choice to on-set workflow. All with the intention of maximizing collaboration with actors, achieving great production value, and simplifying your on-set workflow.Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
Today I am joined by writer / director Benjamin Epstein to talk about his acclaimed feature film Buck Alamo, which stars Bruce Dern, Sonny Carl Davis, Lorelei Linklater, and premiered at the Oldenburg Film Festival.Throughout the episode we discuss Benjamin’s path as a filmmaker. From his early short film work to his first premiere at SXSW. We also unpack his creative process, his experience directing TV, and take a behind the scenes look at his latest feature film Buck Alamo. Links from the show:Benjamin Epstein - InstagramBuck Alamo - Movie WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
After taking a brief hiatus while in production for our new feature Teacher's Pet, I am thrilled to return to the show!Before sharing a slew of new interviews with you, I wanted to first publish this solo episode to give you a behind the scenes look into our process on the new movie.Throughout the episode I discuss how the film was developed, my approach to keeping a DIY mentality while scaling things up, specific on set workflows, and much more.Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
In this episode I am excited to be joined by acclaimed DP Danny Ruhlmann, whose latest feature film Anyone But You (starring Sydney Sweeney & Glen Powell) is out in theaters today.Throughout the episode Danny generously shares his wealth of knowledge on all things cinematography - From specific tactics for beauty lighting to creative workflows for achieving better results on set in less time. We also discuss networking methods for aspiring DPs, overall career advice, and much more.Links from the show:Anyone But You - IMDBSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
Today I am joined by filmmaker, director, and actor Scott Monahan to talk all about his brand new feature film Anchorage.Anchorage was shot in just 5 days on a budget of barely over $50,000, but that didn’t stop the film from landing a wildly successful festival tour and eventual theatrical release. Throughout the interview we take a deep dive behind the scenes look at this innovative feature.We also go in depth on the importance of telling personal stories, the production process, festival strategy, navigating rejection, and so much more.Links from the show:Anchorage Movie - InstagramScott Monahan - InstagramDakota Loesch - InstagramAnchorage - TrailerSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
Today, I am thrilled to be joined by Tom DeLonge of blink-182, Angels & Airwaves, and To The Stars, here to talk all about his debut feature film Monsters Of California.As a longtime fan of Tom’s, it was a treat to host this conversation and hear about his evolution into filmmaking first hand. We discuss the origin story of Monsters, how Tom’s band Angels & Airwaves sparked his interest in cinema, and Tom’s directorial approach to making this film. Tom also speaks to how his DIY roots in punk music informed his approach while filming, resulting in innovative tactics that helped him achieve stunning production value as an indie production. Monsters of California is out in theaters and streaming October 6th, 2023!Watch the trailer for Monsters Of California here.Follow Monsters of California on Instagram.Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
In this episode I am joined by writer / director Bishal Dutta to talk all about his debut feature film It Lives Inside.After making dozens of short films, Bishal leveraged his impressive body of work to develop an amazing feature film with NEON. Throughout the interview, we discuss Bishal’s trajectory from making self funded projects to a theatrically released feature. We also touch on the nuances of the horror genre, Bishal’s creative approach to directing, and much more.Links from the show:Bishal Dutta - InstagramBishal Dutta - TwitterSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
Today, I am thrilled to be joined by Jennifer Esposito, here to discuss the incredible journey making and releasing her debut feature film, Fresh Kills. Throughout the episode Jennifer documents her creative process at length - from conceptualizing the first female driven organized crime movie, to navigating countless obstacles to raise production financing.She also shares invaluable insight for filmmakers on vetting producers, building a team, and working with actors, along with her experience premiering at Tribeca and much more!Links from the show:Jennifer Esposito - InstagramJennifer Esposito - Twitter / XSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
In this episode I am joined by acclaimed cinematographer and Columbia University film professor Tal Lazar.Throughout the interview, Tal shares his perspective on the art of cinematography from a storytelling perspective. We discuss visual tactics for directors, how to achieve a specific cinematic vision, and the improtance of developing your own visual language.Tal also shares his philosophy on why cinematography is not inherintly a technical artform, recommendations for buying vs. renting gear, and much more.Links from the show:Latent ImagesSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
In this episode, I am joined by professional location scout Jillian Fisher - Known for her work on films like The Whale, Theater Camp, Reality, and countless others.Throughout the interview, Jillian shares a behind the scenes look at her career, from breaking into the business to working on Hollywood feature films. She also talks about her journey to build up the local film industry in Kingston NY, micro-budget scouting tactics, and many lessons learned along the way.Links from the show:Jillian Fisher - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
Today I am thrilled to be joined by filmmaking legend Larry Kasanoff, known for his work on major feature films like True Lies, Terminator 2, Mortal Kombat, Platoon, Dirty Dancing, and countless others. Throughout the episode, we discuss Larry’s unique career path - from his early feature film work to his breakout success as a producer and studio executive. He also shares his unique philosophy on navigating life and creativity, which is expanded upon in his new book A Touch of the Madness: How to Be More Innovative in Work and Life... by Being a Little Crazy. This is a must listen for filmmakers at all stages in need of a dose of wisdom and creative inspiration.Links from the show:www.atouchofthemadness.comPick up "A Touch Of The Madness" here:AmazonBarnes & NobleBooks-A-Million Bookshop.orgIndigo Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
Today I am joined by filmmaker Jason Abrams, here to talk about the unique origin story and process behind his debut feature film.Jason was inspired to make Hungry Dog Blues - a small town crime thriller - after his father’s business was indicted and raided by the federal government. This led to a 5 year journey to write, produce, direct, and ultimately act in a feature film that loosely tapped into his real life experiences.Throughout the interview we discuss the unconventional origins of the project, raising $135,000 from a pool of investors, and his 17 day shooting schedule. We also unpackthe casting process, the importance of building camaraderie with your crew, his post-production workflow and much more. Links from the show:Hungry Dog Blues - InstagramJason Abrams - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
Today, I’m thrilled to have Joshua Caldwell return to the show to discuss his latest feature film Mending The Line. Josh is a prolific filmmaker who got his start with the $6000 feature film Layover, before leveraging its success to develop numerous subsequent features that have each grown in scope and budget. His latest feature Mending The Line (now in theaters) marks his biggest production to date, and stars Brian Cox and Sinqua Walls.Throughout the interview, we discuss Josh’s process developing, producing, directing, and selling his latest feature. Josh also shares critical lessons for filmmakers looking to build long term careers - from managing rejection to navigating the business of film, and much more.Links from the show:Joshua Caldwell - InstagramMending The Line - Instagram6K Filmmaker - Course Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
In this episode, I am excited to be joined by acclaimed producer Sevier Crespo to discuss his path as a filmmaker over the past 20 years.Sevier’s career kicked off after a mentorship with Robert Townsend inspired him to pursue film producing. Over the next two decades, Sevier produced countless film projects that have premiered at majors film festivals like Cannes, and has worked with the likes of Al Pacino, David Beckham, Kendrick Lamar, Kurt Russell, Ariana Grande, Mandy Moore and Demi Lovato, Lucy Hale, Taryn Manning, and countless others.Throughout the interview, Sevier shares his journey and some of the key ingredients to his success at each stage. He also about his experience making a $50K movie that generated millions of dollars in revenue, tips for supplemting your income while building a body of work, and much more.Links from the show:Sevier Crespo - InstagramSevier Crespo - WebsiteSevier Crespo - IMDBSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
In this episode, I am joined by filmmakers Craig Melville, Ben Yannette, and Andy Hassell - who I initially connected with through my filmmaking community The Backlot. Last summer, this filmmaking trio took part in a community-driven competition that required them to produce a trailer for a new feature film concept. Ultimately, their trailer won the top prize in the competition, and they were awarded a camera from Blackmagic Design, a partnership with We Make Movies, and other exciting perks. Throughout the episode, we discuss the process that went into creating this powerful proof of concept, and how they pulled it off at each step, among many other things!Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
Today, I am excited to be joined by Jens Jacob - an acclaimed film producer, entrepreneur, and founder of the startup Saturation.io.Throughout this episode, Jens shares his journey building his new budgeting platform for filmmakers. One that re-imagines film budgets from the ground up, making them more accessible to emerging filmmakers, and more powerful for studio level productions. Jens also shares his philosophy on the importance of collaborative producing, and the specific tools Saturation.io offers that meet those needs.Links from the show:Saturation.ioSaturation.io - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.
loading
Comments 
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store