Summer’s done and Fall is Falling as we (Keith & Ben) check in with each other about the state of our respective projects and how we go from development to production (fingers crossed). We don’t have the answers, but we each have our approaches to deck-creation, sizzle reel sizzling, pitching & fundraising, all to get into the ‘making’ part of filmmaking. Ben shares details about his doc project DR. DANTE, a collab with filmmaker/producer Bradley Beesley and Jimmy Kimmel's company Kimmelot (plus Julie Goldman’s Motto Films), as an adaptation of a short into a podcast into a feature doc. And Keith shares where he is with two upcoming projects: a twist on  true crime that he’s making in partnership with Frank Mosley and Concordia Studio and an all-archival film about an international auteur. Fall is here and so are important deadlines—we’re looking at expanding our industry connections and providing insights into the seasonal dynamics of this confusing industry… walk with us and let’s figure it out together!

00:00 Introduction Under the Tree

00:28 Reflecting on Seasons and Time

01:03 The Big Reset: End of Summer

02:59 Pitching New Projects

03:41 Dr. Dante: A Comedic True Crime Doc

09:32 Challenges and Changes in Filmmaking

17:05 Building a Team and New Projects

21:22 The Excitement of Filmmaking and Education

22:06 Creating a Documentary Package

22:43 The Grant Route and Its Importance

24:27 Sundance Catalyst Invitation

26:38 Editing the Sizzle Reel

29:47 Balancing Multiple Projects

30:05 The Importance of General Meetings

33:51 Pitching and Developing New Projects

37:14 Fall Festivals and Film Releases

40:15 Wrapping Up and Future Guests