Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

Latest Episodes:

How To Shoot A 7 Day Feature Film With Filmmaker Ethan Hegel Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

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-taking
How color grading expertise deepened Ethan's cinematography knowledge.
Adapting and improving someone else's screenplay while maintaining the core story
Shooting an ambitious feature in just 7 days with minimal pre-production time
Practical techniques for achieving convincing day-for-night and night-for-day lighting
Effective methods for directing actors that focus on emotional motivation
The value of balancing self-sufficiency and collaboration in filmmaking

Links from the show:
Ethan Hegel - Instagram
Moving On - Short Film
Purgatory Station - Prime Video
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Building A New Production Model With Matt Cohen & Sean Thomas Flanagan Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

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 development
The importance of focusing on "evergreen" concepts vs chasing trends
Achieving high production value on ultra low budgets through strategic choices
The value of maintaining morale and team spirit on low budget productions
Finding creative solutions to budgetary limitations rather than compromising quality
Building a sustainable model for independent filmmaking in today's market
Much more!

Links from the show:
Matt Cohen - Instagram
Sean Flanagan - Instagram
Public Domain Series - Instagram
Public Domain Series - Indiegogo
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Cutting The A24 Sundance Feature OPUS & Finding Career Success With Editor Ernie Gilbert Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

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-production
Editing remotely while production is taking place
How to maintain fresh eyes on long-form projects
Balancing work across features, commercials, and music videos
The transition from editing to directing and back
Building relationships and collecting "merit badges" in the industry
Best practices for managing conflicting creative notes

Links from the show:
Ernie Gilbert - Website
Ernie Gilbert - Instagram
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Making A $10,000 Feature Film Documentary With Director Rob Smat Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Rob Smat who shares his experience transitioning from the $100,000 feature film The Last Whistle to a $10,000 documentary Walkout, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.
Throughout our discussion, we explore the realities of micro-budget filmmaking and distribution through the lens of both projects. Topics covered include:
• How scaling down production increases creative control
• Working with traditional distributors vs. self-distribution platforms
• Marketing & AVOD strategies for micro-budget films
• The importance of building a sustainable filmmaking career
• The value of making multiple films vs. betting only on one project
• Finding success through grassroots marketing and community outreach
Links from the show:
Film Collaborative's Distributor Report Card
BitMAX
Walkout - Film
Walkout - Companion Podcast
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Stephania Dulowski on Editing BUNNYLOVR & Premiering At Sundance 2025 Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I am joined by film editor Stephania Dulowski to discuss her work on the Sundance dramatic competition feature film Bunny Lover. We dive deep into her editorial process and explore the tactics she used to pull off an amazing edit in record time.
Topics covered include:

Completing a first cut in just one month
Navigating test screenings and filmmaker feedback
The importance of technical skills and communication in editing
Editorial workflow breakdown from dailies review to final cut
Balancing creative vision with practical constraints

Links from the show:
Stephania Dulowski's Website
Stephania Dulowski's Instagram
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Behind The Scenes With Samantha Scaffidi On The Terrifier Franchise, Her New Short Film & More! Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I am thrilled to be joined by actor and filmmaker Samantha Scaffidi, known for her role in the massively successful Terrifier franchise, and her upcoming short film Open Your Eyes.
Thought the episode, Samantha offers a unique perspective on independent filmmaking from both sides of the camera. We unpack how the Terrifier films evolved from a $30,000 micro-budget horror film to a $2M theatrical blockbuster, while maintaining its independent spirit - thanks to director Damien Leone's uncompromising vision.
We also explore the realities of modern independent filmmaking, the importance of artistic integrity, and why sometimes less resources can lead to more creative freedom. Samantha shares insights from her experience both acting in micro-budget productions and directing high-end commercials, ultimately explaining why she chose to return to her independent filmmaking roots.
Topics covered include:

How Terrifier evolved from a $30K first film to a $2M third installment
The crew behind the original Terrifier, and how director Damien Leone handled multiple roles
Samantha’s transition from acting to directing, including doc work and commercial projects
Her upcoming psychological horror short film Open Your Eyes
The profound influence of John Cassavetes on Samantha’s artistic philosophy
The realities of film festival programming and industry networking
The challenges of balancing commercial work with personal creative projects

Links from the show:
Samantha Scaffidi – Instagram
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Misha Calvert & Raye Spielberg On Making Their Powerful Short Film PINK FLAGS Dec 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I am joined by director Misha Calvert and actor Raye Spielberg to unpack their latest short film PINK FLAGS - a figure skating drama that stars both Raye and her husband Sawyer Spielberg.
Throughout our discussion, we dive into the collaborative process at length, with special emphasis on the merits of working with close friends and family. Topics covered include:

Misha's journey from directing comedy & TV to making a full scale short film
Turning a $50K budget into $300K of production value
Raye's three months of figure skating training & how it helped set this film apart
The dynamics of actor-director workflows when working with friends
Benefits of short films vs. long form projects
Much more!

Links from them show:
Misha Calvert - Instagram
Misha Calvert - Website
Misha Calvert - ClassesRaye Spielberg - Instagram
Raye Spielberg - Website

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From Improv Comedy to Horror Movies: An Interview With Filmmaker Shannon E. Brown Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Shannon E. Brown, here to discuss her latest short film Overnights - inspired by her real life experience in the veterinary industry, and the burnout that it caused.
Shannon combined her background in the veterinary world, improv comedy, and horror sensibilities to create a deeply personal, uniquely stylized short film. Throughout the interview, we discuss:

The parallels between comedy and horror genres in filmmaking
Producing the film in two days in a borrowed dental office
Working with Little Shop of Gore for practical effects
Writing from real experiences in the veterinary industry
Strategic approaches to film festival submissions
Experiences at notable genre festivals like Panic Fest
Working with comedy performers in dramatic roles
Much more!

Links from the show:
Overnights - Short Film
Shannon E. Brown - Instagram
Shannon E. Brown - Website
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Making 2 Features At Age 50 With Filmmaker Kim Noonan Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Kim Noonan, who made his feature directorial debut at age 50 with two horror films - proving you can take your career to the next level at any age.
After years of making award-winning short films, Kim transitioned to features with the found-footage horror film Nyctophobia and followed it up with the supernatural thriller Are You There? which secured distribution through Dark Sky Films.
Topics covered include:

Kim's journey from acting to directing
Making his feature filmmaking debut at age 50
How he made a micro-budget found footage film in 10 days
Scaling up to a larger production while maintaining creative control
The importance of casting and giving actors space to find their characters
Maintaining momentum and avoiding creative burnout
The distinction between festival success and commercial distribution

Links from the show:
Kim Noonan – Website
Kim Noonan – Instagram
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Making A $65K Feature Film & Landing Theatrical Distribution With Filmmaker Sripal Sama Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Sripal Sama, who turned his engineering background into an advantage when crafting his debut feature How's That for Monday?
While holding down his day job as an IT security engineer, Sripal managed to write, direct, and produce a compelling thriller for just $65,000 - and secured theatrical distribution in both the US and India. Our discussion dives deep into his filmmaking approach and distribution journey.
Topics covered include:

How Sripal benefitted from his background outside the film industry
Shooting a 68-page script in 16.5 days across 5 key locations
Creative approaches to minimal coverage that still tell a compelling story
Navigating theatrical releases in two countries without a major marketing budget
Reaching 50% budget recoupment through strategic platform selection
Drawing inspiration from both American indie cinema and Indian filmmaking techniques

Links from the show:
Sripal Sama - Twitter
Sripal Sama - Instagram
Sripal Sama - Email
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