Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

In this episode, I'm joined by actor and filmmaker Hannah Barefoot to talk about building a career as a working actor, her recurring role on NCIS: Origins, our new short film Crow, and the leap into producing and crowdfunding her own first feature, Wyoming Christmas Carol.

Throughout the interview Hannah breaks down how she went from a string of day jobs to 80 film and TV credits, and how that's now led her into feature filmmaking.

We also get deep into the producer side of indie filmmaking. Hannah shares exactly how she's financing Wyoming Christmas Carol through a...

In this episode, I'm joined by writer-director-actor Cory Thibert to talk about his debut feature Mild Life, a coming-of-age film that premiered at Woodstock Film Festival and went on to win Best Canadian Feature at the Victoria Film Festival.

Mild Life follows Lawrence, a drummer whose world gets thrown off beat when his girlfriend wants to leave their hometown just as he's stepping into a caregiver role for his parents, who both live with cerebral palsy. The story is drawn directly from Cory's own life - both of his parents have cerebral palsy, and he cast actors with...

In this episode, I'm joined by filmmaker and graphic artist Jason Laurits to talk about his debut feature Love's Company (starring Rachel Dratch), and the unique two-decade creative journey that led him to directing his first feature in his 40s.

Jason breaks down how the film started with a single absurd thought ("what would happen if you actually kidnapped a celebrity?") and grew out of his love for Misery, Sunset Boulevard, and Ruthless People.

He shares how he taught himself to edit in order to cut a proof-of-concept teaser that he used to raise money, attract...

In this episode I'm joined by filmmaker Nick Toti - one half of the DIY filmmaking duo behind the viral 80-second short Dead Grandma, the TIFF Midnight Madness sensation It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This, and the upcoming feature Homebody.

Throughout the episode Nick breaks down the decade-long origin story of Dead Grandma, from an improvised game he invented while working as a nursery school teacher in Austin to a 35mm short film that blew up in Variety and landed him on this podcast.

We also discuss how his $5,000 found footage feature It Doesn't Get...

In this episode, I'm joined by actor, filmmaker, and musician Nathan Xia to talk about his unconventional path into the industry - from making YouTube sketches with a flip camera to acting in studio projects, getting repped as both an actor and writer-director, and developing his deeply personal feature Adam's Song.

Throughout the conversation Nathan shares how he fell into acting out of necessity while co-directing a scrappy COVID road trip feature with his roommates, and how that unexpected pivot eventually led to representation, festival success, and a role in Danny Madden's Downbeat.

He also breaks...

In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker and YouTuber Blake Calhoun to talk about his new feature film Casey Makes A Mixtape, his long-running channel iPhoneographers, and his highly entrepreneurial approach to building a sustainable filmmaking career.

Throughout the interview Blake shares how he got his start selling work to Warner Bros. after finding an audience on YouTube, and why he believes every filmmaker should consider having a YouTube channel - even if they don’t want to become a “YouTuber.”We also dig into the making of Casey Makes A Mixtape, a 1981-set coming-of-age feature that Blake made o...

In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Wade Patterson to discuss his micro-budget feature Death Cipher - a contained thriller shot in just 12 days for only $4,000.

Throughout the interview, Wade shares how multiple failed feature attempts led him to radically simplify his process, why he embraced a single-location concept shot in his own apartment, and how limitations ultimately became the film’s greatest creative advantage.

We also dive into the realities of making a feature with almost no money, wearing multiple hats as writer/director/cinematographer/editor, navigating festival rejection, finding distribution through Filmhub and Tubi...

In this episode I'm joined by filmmaker and entrepreneur Stefan van de Graaff, whose $75,000 micro-budget feature Simmer landed on HBO after going viral on Facebook. Stefan also co-founded a video agency that grew from a two-person team into a 100-employee business before selling for $17 million, which we discuss at length.

Throughout the episode we talk about Stefan’s unconventional path - from Midwest filmmaker to running a digial advertising business. We also cover how his commercial production work became the foundation for financing and producing indie features, and what it took to scale from a scrappy first feature to...

In this episode, I sit down with Academy Award nominee and ASC Award-winner Curren Sheldon to discuss his gritty new narrative feature Beatdown - a boxing drama made for just $60,000.

Throughout the interview, Curren shares how his background in vérité documentary shaped the film’s style, why he cast real fighters and non-actors, and how they filmed key fight scenes inside a live event with 4,000 spectators.

We also dive into the practical realities of transitioning from documentary to narrative, self-financing a feature for under $60K, navigating today’s distribution landscape, and tons more:
Why The Wr...

In this special episode, we celebrate today’s release of our new feature film Teacher’s Pet - Now available where you rent or buy movies!

Two days ago, we hosted a special advanced screening for members of my filmmaking community, and they took part in a virtual Q & A afterward. This episode includes the full live session with myself and lead actor / producer Luke Barnett.

Topics covered include:
Achieving high production value on a budgetLuke’s approach to bringing levity to a dark characterThe casting process & landing great actorsMoving from a $0 production into a larger...

In this episode filmmaker Alec Goldberg joins the show to break down how his micro-budget comedy pilot Soft Boil went from a bootstrapped production to a blind submission acceptance at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.

We talk about Alec’s path from documentary and commercial work into scripted narrative, how a key creative partnership with lead actor / co-writer Camille Wormser shaped the project, and what it took to pull off a festival-ready pilot on $30,000 across a handful of shoot days.

Topics covered include:
Why Alec believes casting + voice was the “X factor” (and how to recognize it)The...

In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker West Eldredge to break down how he made his debut feature Take From Me on a budget of $80,000 - and turned it into a real-world release on major platforms.

We talk candidly about what actually moves the needle on an ultra-low budget feature: prioritizing casting, building a crew that can adapt under pressure, using festivals as a testing ground, and leveraging a strong trailer to start distribution conversations early.Topics covered include:Why West chose micro-budget filmmaking as a solution to finally making a featureHow crowdfunding, personal investment, and favors helpe...

In this episode I’m joined by filmmaker Anna Elizabeth James, whose psychological thrillers Deadly Illusions and Held Hostage in My House both found major success on Netflix, including top-chart placement on the platform.

Throughout the interview we break down Anna’s unconventional approach to building a sustainable filmmaking career outside the traditional studio system. We dive deep into intellectual property ownership, licensing vs selling films outright, and how filmmakers can retain long-term leverage while still working with major distributors and streamers.

We also explore how shifting industry economics are creating new opportunities for independent storytellers who under...

In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Mark Hensley, whose new feature Clown and Out in Valley Village was shot entirely guerrilla-style over the course of a year, for just $4,000.

Mark shares how he wrote, shot, lit, and edited the film with no crew, no permits, and no safety net, all while working full-time as a re-recording mixer for major network shows.We dive deep into micro-budget filmmaking, practical sound strategies, on-the-fly rewrites, and why taking your time on a no-budget feature can actually elevate the final product far beyond what traditional indie shoots allow

To...

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...