040: Deep Dive Q&A with Daren Smith: Managing Uncertainty as an Indie Film Producer
Description
In this episode, Producer Daren Smith returns to share more about his production fund for independent features. Daren was previously a guest on Episode 34 and is back to answer all of the questions you submitted after listening to the episode.
He shares insights on marketing, building relationships with investors and understanding market needs, how each film's finance structure works, and how to manage the uncertainty of the industry.
---
This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code SUMMER2026 for a 15% discount on all summer short courses. Head to aftrs.edu.au/shortcourses to find your course and enrol.
---
Listen to hear Daren discuss:
- Brotherhood: A Cinematic Musical, the first film being greenlit under Producer Fund 1
- why you need to start marketing on Day 1
- finance plans for independent films, and why they shouldn't be 100% equity
- why he's chosen to release his films theatrically
- how to reach out to investors and the importance of continued outreach over time
- tracking progress and analysing your numbers
Follow Daren and his work:
Daren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darentsmith
Daren on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2743912
Craftsman Films: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co
Get your free copy of Daren's book, Blockbuster: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/blockbuster
Follow Brotherhood - Producer Fund One's first film:
https://newsletter.craftsmanfilms.co/posts/brotherhood-update-composer-sessions-social-media-now-live- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brotherhoodmusical/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brotherhoodmusical
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrotherhoodMusical
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2qxWEdMELDtPnr5qvq7Rsq
This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Kirsty Stark.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!
Follow us on: Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
United States
