Indie Film Podcast

"Become a better filmmaker” sounds like a great resolution, until it leads to burnout and unfinished projects. In this episode, we break down why vague filmmaking goals fail, how indie filmmakers accidentally sabotage themselves, and what to do instead to set realistic, sustainable goals you can actually finish. _____________________________________Links & resources:Submit Your Story: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submitLearn about Idaho’s next horror feature at www.lowergentrystudios.com Victoria’s favorite After Effects tutorials: www.videocopilot.net _____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo

Micro-budget filmmaking doesn’t mean working with junk gear. In this season finale, we break down the affordable filmmaking tools, budget gear, and DIY hacks we actually use on real indie film sets; from organization tricks and cheap equipment that punches above its weight, to the pricier tools that truly earn their keep.We’re talking binders and coverage maps, pawn-shop vintage lenses, favorite audio recorders and shotgun mics, affordable gimbals, post-production plugins, and the low-cost gadgets that saved our sanity more times than we can count.If you’re a micro-budget or indie filmmaker looking to build your toolkit without breaking the bank, this episode is packed with real recommendations, honest lessons, and a few chaotic stories along the way.Want our shot list and film budget templates for free? Subscribe to the newsletter at: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072_____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com

The Hallmark movie formula meets indie filmmaking tips in this holiday episode packed with low-budget filmmaking lessons. Hallmark releases 52 movies a year, and behind the tropes, timelines, and predictable plots is one of the most efficient production models in modern film. In today’s episode, we break down how Hallmark movies are made so quickly, why their formula works, and what indie filmmakers can actually learn from the machine.We’re talking:How Hallmark films shoot full features in 2–3 weeksThe ROI behind Hallmark’s simple, repeatable structureProduction, branding, and budgeting strategies indies can stealTropes, casting patterns, and resource-based writingA chaotic Hallmark quiz featuring pears, corn mazes, and questionable AI plotlinesWhy we hate it…and how we still learned from itWhether you love Hallmark movies, love to roast them, or love understanding the business behind low-budget filmmaking, this episode breaks down the “secret Hallmark playbook” in a way only indie filmmakers can appreciate._____________________________________Show Links:Join our newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072Read more about Hallmark Stats: https://medium.com/@andrewnord/the-science-behind-hallmark-movies-what-data-from-478-movies-tells-us-4e7a61ad8901_____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

Dream budgets vs. DIY reality, Victoria and Chuck share real-world indie film budgeting tips for filmmakers trying to stretch every dollar. From rewriting scripts to managing micro-budget films, learn how to make your movie happen even when your wallet says “nope.”_____________________________________Show Links:Get the free Indie Film Budget Template: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072Chuck’s “3 Day Bender” Micro Short: https://youtu.be/7qvDLS8i-6s?si=DUjTkLZDiAM4rPQ6 _____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comGet Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

How do you feed your film crew on a budget, without losing your sanity? In this week’s Indie Film Podcast, Victoria and Chuck swap the best (and worst) craft services stories from indie film sets. From mystery-meat leftovers to Little Caesars fatigue and the legendary dumpster-diving dinner, they unpack what makes a set feel professional…or profoundly cursed.You’ll hear about clever budget-friendly food hacks, when homemade meals are a red or green flag, and how to score free food through sponsorships or trades. Whether you’re filming your first short or hustling through your fifth feature, this episode will show you how to feed your cast and crew well without breaking the bank, and maybe save you from a soggy wrap tragedy along the way.Real talk, indie spirit, and calories that count._____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

Film festival strategy for indie filmmakers: How we turned a $250 short film into an Academy Award-qualifying success. No connections, no nepotism, just smart submissions. Learn how to build a realistic film festival plan, boost your acceptance rate, budget wisely, and survive rejection season with your sanity (mostly) intact. And, some obligatory stories about how many ways we’ve messed up our festival submission plans with past films._____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: (https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072) Get Featured on the Pod: (https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit) 

Set design on a budget doesn’t have to look cheap, it just takes creativity, caffeine, and a few questionable choices. In this episode, Chuck and Victoria share the DIY art department lessons they learned the hard way while making low-budget films, and inspiration from our favorite horror films.From fake-blood disasters to finding perfect free locations, they unpack what horror movies can teach us about production design, and how a scrappy indie film set can look cinematic with the right ideas (and maybe a mop)._____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: (https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072) Get Featured on the Pod: (https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit) 

Indie film set safety isn’t just a formality, it’s survival. In this episode, Victoria and Chuck unpack real filmmaking accidents, near-misses, and the hard lessons learned from low-budget horror shoots gone wrong.From flying axes and “props” that weren’t to tips from professional stunt coordinators, this conversation covers everything you need to know about prop safety, stunt coordination, and keeping your cast and crew safe on set.Featuring practical advice, wild behind-the-scenes stories, and a healthy dose of dark humor, this episode proves that the scariest part of filmmaking should stay on camera._____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: (https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072) Get Featured on the Pod: (https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit)

Indie film sound design meets horror filmmaking in this spine-tingling episode of Indie Film Podcast. Chuck and Victoria break down how horror movies use sound to build fear, tension, and emotion, and how you can apply the same tricks in your own indie projects (no matter what your genre of film!)From low frequencies that make your hair stand on end to eerie silences that say more than dialogue, this episode dives deep into the craft of sound design for filmmakers. Chuck even creates an original audio-only horror scene to prove that the right sound can tell an entire story on its own.We’ll explore:Horror sound design techniques from The Shining, Psycho, A Quiet Place, and moreThe science behind low and high frequencies that trigger fearDIY recording, layering, and Foley tips for indie filmmakersUsing J-cuts and L-cuts to edit for tensionAvoiding AI cleanup mistakes that ruin ambiencePerfect for indie filmmakers, editors, and sound designers looking to master the art of cinematic audio on a budget._____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: (https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072) Get Featured on the Pod: (https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit) 

Screenwriting tips meet horror writing lessons in this episode of the Indie Film Podcast! Chuck and Victoria explore the 10 most inherently compelling scenes used by horror films, from being chased to being trapped, and show how you can use them in any genre.Whether you’re an indie filmmaker, aspiring screenwriter, or author searching for inspiration, horror films are a masterclass in tension and storytelling. We break down examples from iconic horror movies, explain why they work, and share how you can adapt these setups into your own scripts and indie projects.In this episode:Why horror is the best “training ground” for great screenwritingHow 10 classic horror setups can inspire scripts in any genreExamples from iconic horror films, and what makes them workPractical tips for indie filmmakers and writers to apply these lessonsOur personal fails trying these situations, and what they taught usHorror movies might make us scream, but they also teach us how to keep audiences hooked. No matter what genre you’re working in, these lessons will help you write more compelling scenes and stronger stories.____________________________________Show Links:Get Featured on Indie Film Podcast: (https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit)Christopher Nolan Breaks the 180 Rule, too: (https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/20/17583276/the-dark-knight-joker-chase-scene-editing/)Where There Is Love There Is Life: (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CFGpgXYKr/)_____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: (https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072) 

Indie film contracts and legal pitfalls can make or break your project. In this episode, Victoria and Chuck talk with filmmaker and lawyer Ellen Smith about the not-so-glamorous (but absolutely essential) legal side of filmmaking. From actor release forms and image rights to NDAs, SAG vs. non-union contracts, and distribution deals, Ellen breaks down what every filmmaker needs to know before stepping on set—yes, even if you’re an actor.We cover:Why bad contracts can sink good filmsCommon legal mistakes indie filmmakers make (and how to avoid them)Affordable ways to protect your film without a massive budgetHow contracts serve as safety nets, not obstaclesReal-life legal horror stories from film setsWhether you’re a film student, first-time filmmaker, or seasoned indie director, this episode will help you protect your work, your collaborators, and your future projects.

Most indie filmmakers make one mistake: they market too late. In this episode, we break down indie film marketing strategies that actually work (and some lessons we’ve learned by doing everything wrong the first time). From film festival submission strategies to streaming platform navigation, the number one way to success is to build your audience early. Learn how to avoid common mistakes, grow viewership, and market your indie film smarter.____________________________________Show Links:This week’s episode is sponsored by the Spark of Madness Film Festival, happening in Pocatello, ID in May 2026. Submit your film or learn more at: https://sparkofmadnessfilmfestival.com/ Subscribe to the Indie Film Podcast newsletter for free tools, additional filmmaking insights, and behind the scenes exclusives: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072 

Indie film budgeting nightmares? Discover how to survive unexpected costs and fix costly surprises on set. In this episode of the Indie Film Podcast, Chuck and Victoria share real stories of budget meltdowns on micro-budget film sets, from hidden production costs to unexpected emergencies. Learn how to avoid common budgeting mistakes, stretch a small budget, and keep your film on track when money runs out. Perfect for indie filmmakers facing the chaos of DIY filmmaking.This episode covers:The most common unexpected costs in indie filmmakingWhy every budget needs a contingency planReal-life examples of budget meltdowns on setTips for stretching a micro-budget without losing qualityHow to fix costly surprises before they kill your project_____________________________________Show Links:This week’s episode is sponsored by the From Beyond Film Festival, happening in Boise, ID on October 12th. Submit your film or learn more at: https://www.frombeyondfilmfest.com/The full length short, The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands, is available on YouTube for free at: The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands - The smoking visual effects begin at 08:09.

When your indie film fundraising fails, what’s next? Chuck and Victoria share survival stories, budget-saving tips, and lessons every filmmaker can use when the money runs out. Perfect for student filmmakers, indie directors, and cinephiles who want the real story behind low-budget moviemaking.Check out The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands, free on YouTube: (https://youtu.be/8QPzwr5-txY)

Balancing roles in indie film isn’t easy. From acting and producing at the same time to handling low-budget filmmaking struggles, special guest Zoë Kelly talks through what it means for indie filmmakers to wear too many hats. Hear real stories of juggling crew and cast duties, the gap between school and indie film reality, and how to keep storytelling alive while doing it all.

Indie filmmaking overload is real, especially when you’re the writer and director. In this “Too Many Hats” episode, we dig into juggling every role from script to screen, surviving low-budget chaos, and keeping your creative vision intact without burning out.

Indie filmmaker Amanda Woods shares how to juggle multiple roles on set, from makeup to directing, without burning out. In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we talk about the realities of small crews, the power of practical effects, DIY filmmaking hacks, and how she went from script to Cannes in just six months. Packed with tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and relatable “too many hats” moments for indie filmmakers everywhere.

Indie filmmaking often means wearing every hat on set: cinematographer, director, editor, and more. In this episode, Chuck and Victoria talk with Kody Newton, an Idaho filmmaker who’s done it all. From shooting and lighting to editing on a budget, Kody shares tips, survival strategies, and what it really takes to pull off a film with a tiny crew, or no crew at all.

Why do indie filmmakers burn out, and what can you do to avoid quitting your film altogether? In this episode, we talk about the hidden cost of doing everything yourself: burnout, missed deadlines, and the martyrdom myth that plagues the indie world. Chuck and Victoria share real stories, survival tips, and a whole lot of honesty.

Freedom, fireworks, and filmmaker fatigue: we’re taking a summer break! But first… some fun July 4th movie trivia.In this quick update, Chuck and Victoria announce a short summer hiatus and drop a few weird facts about Independence Day films before signing off. We’ll be back on July 31st with more filmmaking fails, behind-the-scenes chaos, and lessons from the indie film trenches.