Introduction To The Newbie Filmmaking Podcast

At The Newbie Film Academy, everyone is a winner—because every project is a step forward.This courtesy video was created to support and encourage all filmmakers who submitted their work. Whether selected or not, your courage to create, finish, and share your story matters. Growth is part of the journey, and every film teaches us something new.Our mission is to equip, uplift, and strengthen emerging filmmakers by sharing insights that help you improve your craft and prepare for even greater opportunities ahead.Keep creating. Keep learning. Keep going.The Newbie Film Academy – Where filmmakers are developed, empowered, and prepared for what’s next.

“Welcome to The Newbie Film Academy Podcast. I’m your host, Joan Montreuil, and I am so glad you’re here.This podcast was created for first-time filmmakers—dreamers with a story burning inside of them who may be wondering, Where do I even begin? I know that feeling because I started there too. Over 27 years ago, I had stories in my heart, but I didn’t have the roadmap, the equipment, or the Hollywood budget. What I did have was faith, determination, and a deep belief that if I just started where I was, God would take care of the rest. And He did.Here, you’ll find practical tools, honest lessons, and encouragement to help you go from idea to screen. Each episode is 15 minutes—just enough to teach you something real, challenge you to take action, and remind you that your voice matters in film.So whether you’re writing your first script, picking up a camera for the first time, or simply curious about how movies get made, you’re in the right place. This is your time, your classroom, and your launchpad.Let’s dive in to today’s episode.”

Barely Budget BlueprintMaking a film doesn’t always require millions — it requires creativity, strategy, and resourcefulness.In Barely Budget Blueprint, Joan Montreuil breaks down how first-time and indie filmmakers can stretch every dollar without sacrificing their vision. From saving on gear and securing affordable locations to smart food planning, casting wisely, and reinvesting profits, this episode delivers practical, real-world steps to help you get your film made.Whether you’re shooting your first short or planning a feature, this blueprint will shift your mindset. Money isn’t your barrier — it’s your next assignment. Learn how to use what you have, build momentum, and produce with confidence.

Joan Montreuil sits down with Screenwriter, Sean Johnson, Jr. as they share key nuggets about "Dreams shouldn’t wait for big budgets". In this episode of The Newbie Film Academy Podcast, Joan Montreuil shows how you can stretch every dollar—using resourcefulness, community, and creativity—to create powerful stories, even when funds are tight. You’ll learn how to save on gear, reuse what you have, call in favors, make smart editing choices, and tap into low-cost resources. If you ever thought “I can’t make a film because I don’t have enough,” this episode is for you.

Start Where You AreYou don’t need a million-dollar budget, industry connections, or a Hollywood studio to make your first film. You just need the courage to start where you are.In this episode, filmmaker and founder of The Newbie Film Academy, Joan Montreuil, shares how she began her journey with limited resources, simple tools, and unwavering determination. From grassroots beginnings to building platforms that empower first-time filmmakers, Joan breaks down what it really takes to move from vision to action.If you’ve been waiting for the “right time,” the “right funding,” or the “right opportunity,” this episode will remind you that momentum starts with what’s already in your hands.

Prepping for Film ProductionEvery great film begins long before the camera starts rolling.In this episode, filmmaker and founder of The Newbie Film Academy, Joan Montreuil, walks you through the essentials of prepping for film production—building your crew, organizing your schedule, locking in locations, and making sure every detail is in place before you ever step on set.Preparation is the difference between chaos and confidence. When you plan with intention, you save time, reduce stress, protect your budget, and keep your creative vision aligned from script to screen.If you’re serious about making your first film—or leveling up your next one—this episode will help you move into production with clarity and control.

Marriage & MoviesMarriage and movies — two worlds that don’t always blend easily.In this episode, Joan Montreuil opens up about what it’s really like working side by side with her husband in the film industry, where he serves as her Executive Producer. Together, they share the challenges, the victories, and the lessons they’ve learned while building projects, making financial decisions, and supporting one another creatively.From budgeting conversations to balancing business and relationship dynamics, this episode explores how teamwork in marriage can fuel dreams on screen while strengthening partnership off screen.If you’ve ever wondered how love and leadership can coexist in business, this honest conversation offers insight, encouragement, and real-life perspective.#MarriageAndMovies #CreativeCouples #FilmIndustryLife #ExecutiveProducer #WomenInFilm #FaithAndBusiness #NewbieFilmAcademy #EntrepreneurMarriage

🎬 Cut to Greatness: Editing Your Film Like a Pro Editing is where the magic happens! In this episode, we break down how to take your raw footage and shape it into a story that flows, connects, and captivates. From pacing and transitions to trimming what doesn’t serve the story, you’ll learn how to polish your film into its best version.Whether you’re editing on a laptop at home or sitting in a studio, these tips will help you make choices that strengthen your film’s message and elevate its impact.✨ Tune in, take notes, and get ready to cut your way to greatness!

🎬 Episode Title: Storytelling That SellsDescription: Storytelling isn’t just about words on a page—it’s the heartbeat of filmmaking. In this episode of The Newbie Film Academy Podcast, Joan Montreuil dives deep into how powerful stories connect with audiences, move investors, and open doors to distribution.Over 15 minutes, you’ll learn:Why strong storytelling matters more than budget or gear.How to structure your story to capture attention and keep it.Tips to make your script or pitch irresistible to both audiences and industry insiders.Whether you’re a first-time filmmaker or fine-tuning your next project, this episode will help you craft stories that not only touch hearts but also sell.✨ Visit us at thenewbiefilmacademy.org and let’s get started today!Hashtags: #NewbieFilmAcademyPodcast #StorytellingThatSells #FilmmakingTips #FilmMarketing #Screenwriting #FromDreamToScreen #IndieFilm

Casting with Confidence The Newbie Film Academy PodcastIn this 15-minute episode, Joan Montreuil helps first-time filmmakers master the art of casting with confidence. From finding the right actors to running auditions and making tough decisions, this episode breaks down practical tips and encouragement for building a strong cast that brings your story to life. Whether you’re directing your first short or preparing for a feature, you’ll learn how to approach casting with clarity, professionalism, and assurance.👉 Perfect for filmmakers ready to take the next step from script to screen.

The Newbie Film Academy x Houston Comedy Film FestivalThe Newbie Film Academy is officially joining forces with the Houston Comedy Film Festival — This Episode gives you an exclusive first look at this exciting partnership!In this special interview, we share how this collaboration is bringing together creativity, comedy, and mentorship to create new opportunities for emerging storytellers. This partnership is about access, visibility, and empowering first-time filmmakers to step confidently into the industry.Watch the full interview and discover how we’re expanding platforms, building bridges, and creating space for new voices to shine.

What a powerful conversation! In this episode, Joan sits down with the talented Deloris Hervey for a transparent, inspiring chat about purpose, obedience, filmmaking, and what it truly means to walk out the assignment God placed on your life.Their stories, their wisdom, and their authenticity will bless you. 🎧 Now streaming on iHeartRadio and Spotify — tune in and share with another filmmaker who needs encouragement today. 💛✨

Newbie Filmmaking Podcast: Marketing & DistributionYou created the film. Now what?This episode is for emerging filmmakers who need clarity on how to market their projects and position them for proper distribution. We break down practical strategies to help you move from finished film to visible film — without confusion, desperation, or wasted energy.Because making it is one level. Getting it seen is another.

Every great film starts with a blank page.In this episode, we’re talking about the foundation of every powerful story — the screenplay.If you’ve ever said, “I have a story, but I don’t know how to structure it,” this conversation is for you.We break down:• How to move from idea to outline • Why structure matters more than inspiration • The difference between a concept and a screenplay • And how to start writing with confidenceYour film doesn’t begin on set. It begins on paper.Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Start writing.Listen now and begin your screenplay the right way.

Faith for Filmmakers is a faith-based podcast for creatives who are called to tell stories with purpose.Hosted by filmmaker, author, and fulfillment coach Joan Montreuil, this podcast empowers filmmakers, writers, actors, and content creators to walk boldly in their calling while staying rooted in God.Each episode blends faith, storytelling, and real-world creative wisdom — covering topics like purpose, obedience, hidden seasons, spiritual resilience, creative identity, and building God-honoring careers in film and media.Whether you’re just starting out or rebuilding after setbacks, Faith for Filmmakers exists to remind you that your gift is not just talent — it’s a calling.🎬 Faith. Film. Fulfillment.Welcome to Faith for Filmmakers.

Audio Excerpt: Not every relationship is meant to last forever — but every relationship is meant to serve a purpose.In this powerful episode of Faith for Filmmakers, fulfillment coach and faith-based director Joan Montreuil explores how leaders, creatives, and believers can learn to discern seasons in purposeful relationships without guilt, bitterness, or confusion.From creative collaborations to ministry connections, Joan unpacks:• Why some relationships shift unexpectedly• How to tell the difference between abandonment and discernment• What healthy leadership looks like when seasons change• How to release people with honor while protecting your peace• And why endings don’t always mean failureThis episode is for filmmakers, creatives, and purpose-driven leaders who want to grow in wisdom, emotional maturity, and spiritual clarity — without losing their heart for people.🎬 If you have a story to tell, visit TheNewbieFilmAcademy.orgYour story deserves to be seen — and we’re here to help you tell it.

How many celebrities have we seen start off boldly declaring their love for God… only for something to change over time?Their voice shifts. Their message feels different. And now we’re left wondering—did fame elevate them, or did it slowly reshape them?In this episode of Faith for Creators, we confront a truth many filmmakers, writers, and creators must understand: Jesus never chased fame. He protected His obedience.This episode will challenge you to rethink visibility, popularity, and purpose. Because sometimes the very reason you are not as visible as you think you should be… is because God is protecting your soul, your identity, and your calling.Jesus spoke in parables to awaken hearts, and as creators, our storytelling carries that same responsibility—to reflect truth, not chase attention.If you’ve ever felt overlooked, hidden, or questioned your path as a creator, this message will remind you why obedience—not fame—is the true calling.This is Faith for Creators.

Builders, leaders, visionaries — this one is for you.Sometimes elevation doesn’t look like elevation. Sometimes it looks like silence, slowdown, or a season that no longer moves the way it once did. And if you’re not careful, you’ll think you’ve been demoted — or that you failed.But what if it’s not failure?What if it’s completion?In this episode of Faith for Creators, we’re speaking to the visionaries who built platforms, cultivated spaces, and carried an assignment faithfully for years. When one season finishes, it’s not loss — it’s promotion.You’ve built it. You’ve stewarded it. You’ve completed it.Now there is grace for the next assignment.You’re not starting over. You’re advancing. Welcome to your next level.

“Kingdom Stories” is a heartfelt collection of faith-driven narratives that explore redemption, resilience, and God’s presence in everyday life. Each story reveals how ordinary people encounter extraordinary grace, discovering purpose through struggle, hope, and divine intervention and creatively.

Kingdom Stories – Veterans in CrisisThis is Kingdom Stories.This story reflects real emotional battles faced by veterans. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you.Some battles don’t end when the uniform comes off.For many veterans, a sound, a memory, or a moment can reopen wounds no one else can see. When a veteran is triggered, it can feel sudden, overwhelming, and isolating.But even in those moments—there is help, there is hope, and there is someone who understands.Scripture reminds us: “You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.”These stories give voice to veterans in crisis, reminding them they are not weak, not forgotten, and not alone. Help is closer than it feels—and healing is possible, one breath, one step, one voice at a time.For veterans in crisis, call988 and select 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line (available 24/7, free, and confidential). This service connects veterans, service members, and their loved ones with qualified responders. You can also text 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. Key Resources:Call: 988, then press 1.Text: 838255.Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.TTY: 711, then 988.Eligibility: No VA enrollment or health care registration is required to use this service.Support: Available for veterans, National G