Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

Latest Episodes:

Director & Author Paige Feldman On Filmmaking, Creativity, and Finding Your Path Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

This episode was originally recorded as a private stream in my Backlot filmmaking community.
Our guest speaker for this live session is Paige Feldman - a writer and filmmaker with a decade of experience working in independent film and TV sales, financing, and production. Her projects have won Emmys, been shortlisted for Oscars, and premiered at festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, Berlin, TIFF, Tribeca, and SXSW.
Throughout our discussion we cover a wide range of topics - from landing “work for hire” gigs to balancing multiple creative projects. We also unpack Paige’s latest film projects, take audience questions, and much more.
Links from the show:
Paige on Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/pfeld
Paige's Website - https://paigefeldman.com
Seeka TV - https://www.seekatv.com
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Filmmaker & Professor Marty Lang On The Future Of Independent Filmmaking Oct 20, 2022

Show notes

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by filmmaker and assistant film professor (at the University of Memphis), Marty Lang.
Some of Marty’s project highlights as a director, producer, actor and show runner include projects like The Ride (Sundance, 2022), Being Michael Madsen, Out of My Hand (2016 Indie Spirit Nominee), and his feature films Rising Star and Stay With Me. Throughout the interview, we take an in depth look at Marty’s creative path, the benefits of teaching filmmaking, his philosophy on building a sustainable career, and much more.
Links from the show:
Marty Lang on Twitter - https://twitter.com/marty_lang
For more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

How Film Students With An $8K Production Budget Produced A Compelling Feature Film Oct 20, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, I’m joined by writer/director Spencer Whiteout, producer Andrew Baer, and editor Alex Vollman - the filmmakers behind Space Waves, a feature film.
This inspiring filmmaking team produced their first feature film while still in film school, beginning with a budget of just $8K. Over three years they faced massive obstacles, but ultimately overcame every setback to create a fantastic debut film. Throughout the interview, we discuss the film at length from concept to completion, how they pulled it off, and critical lessons learned.
Links from the show:
Space Waves - https://spacewavesfilm.com
“Beast Mode” Making Of Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9ik1khvUjQ
Spencer Whiteout Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TSyyEp6IiA4PwbhtOJerC?si=e2e0082f10aa430e
Simmering Studios - https://simmeringstudios.com
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Producing & Directing A $35K Sci-Fi Feature Film With Filmmaker Zachary Gross Sep 08, 2022

Show notes

In this episode I am joined by filmmaker Zachary Gross to talk about his new sci-fi feature film "Harmony", which was produced for just $35,000.
Throughout the interview, Zachary shares his 7 year journey with this project, from idea to final cut and distribution. We discuss tactics for maintaining high quality visuals on a budget, why Zachary shot additional material during post-production, navigating the distribution landscape, and much more.
Links from the show:
"Harmony" Feature Film - https://www.harmonyiswatching.com
"Harmony" on Instagram - https://instagram.com/theharmonymovie
"Harmony" on Facebook - https://facebook.com/theharmonymovie
Hand Me Down Films - https://www.hmdfilms.com
"Hand Me Down Films" on Instagram - https://instagram.com/hmdfilms
"Hand Me Down Films" on Facebook - https://facebook.com/hmdfilms
For more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

Editing The Tribeca Feature Film “The Drop” With Daniel Garber Aug 12, 2022

Show notes

In this episode I am joined by Daniel Garber - editor of the feature film "The Drop", which premiered this year at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Daniel’s creative and technical workflow on "The Drop" was really unique, as the film was shot with no formal script and was largely improvised.
Throughout the discussion, we talk about this at length - as Daniel shares his method for shaping the best scenes and story using largely improvised material. He also talks about editing the film in tandem with production, how he completed his assembly cut in 30 days, and tips for other editors looking to get into the business.
Links from the show:
Daniel Garber’s Website - https://www.danielgarber.com
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Turning A $12,000 Budget Into A Viral Feature Film Hit With Genre Filmmaker Tory Jones Jul 29, 2022

Show notes

Today I am joined by micro-budget filmmaker Tory Jones. He is known for his slate of genre feature films including the "The Wicked One", which developed a cult-like following after being released online and going viral.
Throughout the episode we talk about Tory’s experience making The Wicked One for just $12,000, and how the film achieved viral success without any paid advertising. Tory also shares the formula he uses to make a feature film every year, how his films get financed, distribution strategies, and so much more.
Get The No-Budget Feature Film Blueprint: https://www.noamkrollacademy.com
Links from the show:
Jonestown Films - http://jonestownfilms.com

Building Your Online Brand With Full Time Filmmaker Whit Ingram Jul 29, 2022

Show notes

In this episode I am joined by Whit Ingram. You may know her as “wittyfilmgirl” from her popular Instagram account, where she shares a behind the scenes look at her creative process as a filmmaker.
Over the years, Whit has built up an impressive social media following that has led to paid work, creative opportunities, and the ability to spearhead her own passion projects. Throughout the episode we unpack each step she took to build a strong online brand, how that helped her land full time work as a director/DP, and advice for other filmmakers looking to do the same.
Get the No-Budget Feature Film Blueprint here: https://noamkrollacademy.com
Links from the show:
Whit Ingram Website - https://wittyfilmgirl.com
Whit on Instagram - https://instagram.com/wittyfilmgirl
Whit on Tik Tok - https://tiktok.com/wittyfilmgirl

Shooting & Editing A Feature Film For Hulu With Filmmaker Bryan Mason Jul 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode I am joined by the multi-talented Bryan Mason, here to talk all about his creative approach, career path, and latest feature film (now on Hulu): "Good Luck To You, Leo Grande"
Bryan is an accomplished cinematographer and editor, often working in both capacities on the same film. Throughout the interview, we talk about Bryan's ability to balance production work with post, and how wearing multiple hats has benefitted him. He also shares a behind the scenes look into his latest feature film, documenting the process from start to finish.
Links from the show:
"Animals" Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyWo8NzNvTU
"Good Luck to You, Leo Grande" Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJcbZoJFLTU
Bryan Mason on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bryan_mason/
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No-Budget Cinematography: Camera Choice, Lighting Techniques, Production Workflow & More Jul 08, 2022

Show notes

In today’s solo episode I share a practical breakdown for capturing amazing raw footage on a “no-budget” production. Even if you are working as a one person crew without traditional resources, it's possible to achieve strong production value - this episode explains how to get there.
Throughout the show, I unpack everything from choosing the right camera to the embracing available light. I also share anecdotes and workflows from my latest feature film, which is being shot using the same unconventional tactics outlined in this episode.
To learn more about no-budget filmmaking, pick up the No-Budget Filmmaking Blueprint here: https://noamkrollacademy.com/products/no-budget-feature-film-blueprint

Directing Award Winning Experimental Feature Films With Slamdance Filmmaker Matthew Wade Jul 03, 2022

Show notes

In this episode I am joined by acclaimed director Matthew Wade, a four time Slamdance filmmaker known for his feature films "How The Sky Will Melt" and "A Black Rift Begins To Yawn."
Matthew's films are incredibly original both in how they are stylized and produced. We discuss his process at length throughout the interview, along with - shooting a feature film on Super 8mm film, creating an analog look when shooting digitally, scoring your own movie, festival programming tips, and loads more.
Links from the show:
Feature Films - https://skymeltfilm.com
Matthew's Website - https://matthewade.com
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