Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

In this episode, I’m joined by Steven Bernstein, ASC - the legendary cinematographer behind films like Monster, Bulletproof, and The Waterboy - to explore his extraordinary journey from BBC-trained writer/director to one of Hollywood’s most insightful visual storytellers.

We discuss Steven’s unconventional path into cinematography, how he developed his philosophy of the “20 languages of cinema,” and why he believes most screenwriting rules hold filmmakers back rather than push them forward.

Topics covered include:
How Steven transitioned from the BBC to shooting studio featuresThe craft lessons he learned working on Monster and major stud...

On today’s episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Hudson Phillips, who returns to share the incredible story of how his first appearance on the podcast led to getting his feature film financed (via one of our listeners)

Throughout the discussion we take a deep dive into the realities of making micro-budget features profitable - Touring films like bands, selling merch, building community city-by-city, and designing a sustainable filmmaking life outside the traditional Hollywood pipeline.

Topics covered include:
How a single podcast interview led directly to a private film investorTouring your film like a band, and...

In this episode I’m thrilled to be joined by Luke Barnett to discuss our viral short film OVATION, made for just $50 over a two-hour shoot. The film satirizes the never-ending standing ovations at major festivals that have dominated the trades in recent years.

Within days of completion, the short caught fire online and even landed a feature in Variety - proof that the smallest, most spontaneous projects can yield outsized results. Throughout the discussion we unpack OVATION in detail, along with Luke’s wildly successful short The Crossing Over Express, another viral sensation viewed by millions that was...

In this episode I’m joined by filmmaker Jon Bregel, who recently DP'd the new Jay Duplass feature film The Baltimorons - which premiered at this year's SXSW film festival, and was released theatrically in September via IFC Films.

Throughout the interview we trace Jon's journey from leveraging Vimeo as a tool to launch a successful commercial career in New York, to stepping away and redefining what it means to be a working filmmaker. We dig into creative alignment, sustainable career building, and how a documentary-minded approach has shaped some of his recent work. 

Topics covered inc...

In this episode I am joined by longtime friend and fellow filmmaker Ryan Oksenberg, here to break down the making of his debut feature FOIBLES - a darkly comic, surreal satire about codependency and addiction.

Throughout the episode we take a behind the scenes look at this feature - How Ryan greenlit the project himself, pulling off big set pieces on an indie budget, the 13-month post pipeline, music licensing reality checks, and taking home an award at Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle for best Actor.

Topics covered include:
Moving from shorts to a debut feature wi...

In this episode filmmaker and novelist Mick Lexington joins me to unpack the development phase for his debut feature Mr. Jack - an existential New York drama adapted from his own novel.

Through the interview we dig into the process of raising a ~$400K production budget, why he brought on a dedicated fundraising lead, and how his “agile filmmaking” approach allows him to start elements of production ahead of principle photography. We also dive deep on writing craft - outlining, “killing your darlings,” beating procrastination with consistent routines and much more.

Topics include:
Working with a fundra...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Matthew Freiheit, whose career has spanned work with major artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Nicki Minaj - and who has now broken into feature filmmaking with his debut Iconic.

Shot for just $40,000 in his Los Angeles apartment and across more than 25 locations, the feature film blends arthouse style with run-and-gun energy, and has already secured distribution.

Throughout our discussion we cover:
Transitioning from music and fashion projects to narrative filmmakingHow Matthew maximized limited resources to create a big-scope on a micro-budgetWriting around real...

Filmmaker Emily Elizabeth Thomas joins me this week to break down the making of her debut feature film Keily: Homecoming Dweeb, a YA romance that bridges classic rom-com elements with bold visual experimentation.

Emily shares how the project grew out of a Candy Jar–financed vertical web series, why she embraced an unconventional format to connect with Gen Z, and how she maintained her distinctive voice on both the series and the feature.

We also dive deep into practical directing craft - from navigating budgets and production constraints to lens testing, working with young actors, rewriting on...

In this episode, I’m joined by director and photographer Dave Hill to discuss the making of his second feature film — a visually dynamic, deeply personal story shot with virtually no crew in the Arizona desert. All on the Blackmagic Pocket 4K.

Throughout the interview we dive deep into Dave’s tactics and workflow, and explore how they empowered him to fully own the visual language of his film. Topics covered include:
Why Dave ditched the traditional crew structure and shot entirely handheldHow the Blackmagic Pocket 4K + Micro Four Thirds sensor unlocked his styleThe pros and cons of run...

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 c...

In this episode, I am joined by DP Justyn Moro, whose cinematography career has included collaborations with artists like Jared Leto, Tom Delonge and countless others - and most recently has been shooting features and television at Tyler Perry Studios.

Justyn shares the full scope of his creative journey—how he got started shooting music videos, learning cinematography on the road with Jared Leto, and making the leap into narrative storytelling on projects like Monsters of California and Beauty in Black.

Topics covered include:Breaking into the film industry with zero connectionsShooting documentary and music video co...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Felipe Vargas - whose viral horror short films helped him land his feature film debut Rosario.

Throughout our discussion, we explore Felipe’s journey from DIY shorts to large scale feature productions and lessons learned along the way.

Topics covered include: 
How Felipe's childhood passion for horror and folklore shaped his filmmaking styleThe success of his short films, including Milk Teeth which garnered 15 million views on YouTubeThe realities of getting representation and what comes afterHow his feature film Rosario came together after developing relationships with producersShooting across two...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Joe Burke to discuss his incredible journey making the feature film Burt for just $7,000. Executive produced by David Gordon Green, the film follows a street musician with Parkinson's disease who discovers he has a son.

Throughout our conversation, we explore Joe's innovative approach to micro-budget filmmaking, including how he infused real-life relationships into the narrative.
Topics covered include:
How Joe cast his non-actor subjects in their first ever film rolesShooting an entire feature in 7 days with just a 3-person crewThe strategic use of black & white cinematography to elevate p...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Christopher Folkens to discuss his debut feature film The Catalyst - a psychological thriller that was produced in just 8 shooting days.

Throughout our discussion, we explore the unconventional production methods Christopher employed, including structured improvisation and a non-traditional shooting schedule.

Topics covered include:
Why Christopher chose to embrace structured improvisation with actorsHow they filmed nearly half the movie in a single nightCompleting a feature film in just 8 total shooting daysThe evolution from a 12-person proof of concept to a 7-person final castUsing obstacles as opportunities in low-budget...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Clinton Cornwell to discuss his feature film 12 Months, which he shot over the course of two years (and 60 shooting days) in a style inspired by Richard Linklater's Boyhood.

Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into Clinton's unique production approach and creative process. Topics covered include:
Creating an improvised relationship drama shot over real timeWorking with a minimal crew (often just 3 people) across 60 shooting daysThe benefits and challenges of spreading production over two yearsFinding actors comfortable with improvisation and maintaining their commitmentBalancing structure and spontaneity in an improvised filmManaging 200+ hours...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Nick Psinakis to discuss his journey creating four feature films with creative partner Kevin Ignatius and how they've developed a sustainable model for indie filmmaking.

Throughout our conversation, we explore their evolution from DIY beginnings to community-supported productions, with special emphasis on how they've maintained high production value on micro-budgets. Topics covered include:
Their progression from a $65K genre film to their newest feature, "Valley View Motel"Building strong community support in small-town Pennsylvania as a production baseMaximizing efficiency with minimal crew and strategic location planningCreative approaches to chronological...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Vivian Kerr to discuss her journey from acting to directing and how she successfully brought her first two feature films to life without traditional industry connections. Vivian's debut feature, Scrap - a family dramedy starring herself alongside Anthony Rapp (Rent, Star Trek Discovery) - completed a two-year festival run spanning 43 festivals before its recent VOD release. She followed this quickly with her second feature, Seance, a psychological thriller that recently premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Throughout our conversation, we explored:
Vivian's background and transition from theater to filmmakingThe genesis...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Ethan Hegel, who recently made his feature directorial debut with Purgatory Station after years of honing his craft behind the camera. Throughout the interview, Ethan shares his unique path to serving as director, DP, editor, and colorist on multiple feature films. Topics covered include:
The importance of having a supportive network that encourages creative risk-takingHow color grading expertise deepened Ethan's cinematography knowledge.Adapting and improving someone else's screenplay while maintaining the core storyShooting an ambitious feature in just 7 days with minimal pre-production timePractical techniques for achieving convincing day-for-night and night-for-day lightingEffective me...

In this episode, I am joined by actor/director Matt Cohen (Supernatural, General Hospital, Entertainment Tonight) and producer Sean Flanagan to discuss their innovative approach to making films in today's changing landscape.

Throughout our conversation, we explore their upcoming feature Exes and animated series Public Domain, while unpacking their unique production model built on relationships, creative problem-solving, and maximizing resources.

Topics covered include:
Juggling 12+ projects in various stages of developmentThe importance of focusing on "evergreen" concepts vs chasing trendsAchieving high production value on ultra low budgets through strategic choicesThe value of maintaining morale and team...

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Ernie Gilbert to discuss his work on A24's upcoming horror-thriller-comedy OPUS, which recently premiered at Sundance. Throughout our discussion, we explore Ernie’s creative process, his work in commercials & music videos, career building, and more. Topics covered include:
The benefits of bringing editors on early in pre-productionEditing remotely while production is taking placeHow to maintain fresh eyes on long-form projectsBalancing work across features, commercials, and music videosThe transition from editing to directing and backBuilding relationships and collecting "merit badges" in the industryBest practices for managing conflicting creative notesLinks fro...