DiscoverShow Don't Tell: Micro-Budget FilmmakingMaking A No Crew Feature Supported By David Lowery With Filmmaker Julian Sol Jordan
Making A No Crew Feature Supported By David Lowery With Filmmaker Julian Sol Jordan

Making A No Crew Feature Supported By David Lowery With Filmmaker Julian Sol Jordan

Update: 2025-06-26
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In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Julian Sol Jordan to talk about his self-made debut feature Real Life — an 82-minute hybrid narrative-documentary that was shot, directed, edited, colored, and mixed entirely by himself.

The film, which screened recently at the Texas Theatre in Dallas thanks to a generous grant from David Lowery, is a raw, poetic exploration of early adulthood, nostalgia, and the struggle to find meaning in your 20s.

Throughout our conversation, Julian and I unpack the entire creative process, from rediscovering dusty VHS tapes in his attic to crafting a structure out of chaos with no script in hand. 

Topics covered include:
  • How Julian shot 80% of the film alone using everything from a Blackmagic to an iPhone 4
  • The value of embracing lo-fi footage and imperfections to elevate emotional truth
  • Why David Lowery funded the premiere and how their mentorship began
  • The unexpected benefit of not writing a script — and when to start one next time
  • How old home movies became the emotional anchor of the film
  • Why guerrilla filmmaking might be Julian’s path forward
  • Much more!
Links from the show:

Julian Sol Jordan – Instagram
Julian Sol Jordan – YouTube
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Making A No Crew Feature Supported By David Lowery With Filmmaker Julian Sol Jordan

Making A No Crew Feature Supported By David Lowery With Filmmaker Julian Sol Jordan

Noam Kroll