Indie Film Hustle® Podcast: Filmmaking | Screenwriting | Cinematography | Film School | Film Production | Independent Film

Why Indie Filmmakers Need to Break the RulesIn this episode, I discuss breaking the rules. why it is important to your career as an indie filmmaker and how it can make you stand out from the crowd. I share examples on rule breakers in throughout Hollywood history and the impact it had on their careers. So get ready to break some mutha f'**kin rules!Also, I have some HUGE news. This is Meg is now available for pre-order on iTunes at an early bird discount $9.99. Just go to www.thisismeg.com/itunes. I have a ton of content coming on how we are releasing the film so stay tuned. 

7 Tips To Nail Your First Week On a Film SetYour first week on a film set will be an intimidating experience. It takes time to find your feet and feel comfortable in such a unique working environment. You may have experience from college working on short film sets, but it is usually completely different working on blockbusters with hundreds of crew, cast, and extras. There can be large machinery moving around, lots of noise, multiple cameras, and camera cranes, equipment everywhere and on the stages, it is generally quite dark. You need to be aware, confident and know what happens on a film set to complete your tasks to the best of your ability. Here are some tips to help you get through your first week:

Veydra Mini Cinema Primes: Real Cinema Lenses You Can AffordIf you're an indie filmmaker and shoot your own stuff, the price of really good glass is generally too damn expensive and cinema-style primes lenses are totally out of reach...until now.Until recently, the most cost effective cinema-style primes lenses have been pre-existing stills lenses, which can create problems with matching and physical layout. You have the "pulling focus issue" that still lenses have (top marks vs side marks for the 1st AC to pull focus).Enter Veydra's Mini Cinema Primes. This amazing company has put the power back in the hands of the indie filmmaker at an affordable cost. These extremely compact lenses have an amazing build and image quality. They are light, compact and just gorgeous.Today's guest is the co-founder of Veydra lenses Ryan Avery. We discuss all things lenses, what cinematographers are looking for and the core mission of Veydra, to help filmmakers. If you want to learn a bit more about how cinema lenses work or ho

How to Make a $9000 Feature Film with Ed BurnsMany of you might have heard of the Sundance Film Festival winning film called The Brothers McMullen written and directed by Edward Burns. Burns went off to star in huge films like Saving Private Ryan and direct studio films like She's the One but what you might not know is he has been quietly making completely independent films on really low budgets. How low, how about $9000. As with any smart filmmaker, Ed Burns has continued to not only produce films but to consider new methods of getting his projects to the world. In 2007, he teamed up with Apple iTunes to release an exclusive film “Purple Violets”. It was a sign of the times that the director was branching out to new methods of release for his projects. In addition, he also continued to release works with his signature tried-and-true method of filmmaking. Using a very small $25,000 budget and a lot of resourcefulness, Burns created “Nice Guy Johnny” in 2010. Again- he was the writer and director. This is a fo

How to Build a Film Brand w/ Zombie with a Shotgun's Hilton RuizI always talk about building a fan base and making art or products that can be sold to that audience. Well, today's guest is doing just that with his viral sensation Zombie with a Shotgun. Creator Hilton Ariel Ruiz created this film property and is really knocking it out of the park.He has comic books, posters, a web series and soon to be produced feature film. I ask Hilton on the show because I kept seeing him pop up on my social media feeds. They man knows what he's doing. With close to a quarterr million Twitter followers the man knows how to build an audience.ZOMBIE WITH A SHOTGUN is the feature adaptation of the popular web series of the same name. Aaron and Rachel are on the run due to the fact that Aaron is infected by what seems to be a zombie virus. As the story unfolds, they find that there is more to this infection than it seems. For some reason, he has not developed the full zombie virus. He seems to be trapped in a transitional phase

If paperwork, contacts and E&O Insurance was as sexy as a new 8K camera then filmmaker would never get into legal trouble when making their film. Alas it is not sexy and filmmakers, myself included, hate even thinking about that side of the business. One thing I've learned over the years is if you don't understand the business side of "show business" you will get burned.Filmmakers ask me legal advice all the time, why I have no idea, and I always say you should speak to an attorney and cover your butt. I've been wanting to have an attorney on the show for a while now to answer not only your legal questions but mine as well. Today's guest is entertainment attorney Walter B. Batt Attorney at Law.Here's a bit about today's guest: Walter Batt is an Entertainment Attorney located in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Batt is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in International Business and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami-Coral Gables. Licensed in Florida and California, his

How to Shoot 360 Video & Actually Make Money with Josh GibsonThis week on the show we have Josh Gibson from 360 Video Academy. I know just enough about 360 video to be dangerous, and not in a good way. I wanted to bring Josh on the show to really break down the myths and techniques on how to shoot 360 video. I also wanted to dive into how filmmakers could ACTUALLY MAKE MONEY shooting 360 video.Josh goes over not only the technical aspects of shooting 360 video but he also discusses how filmmakers can make money and a living shooting this exciting format. How to Shoot 360 Video & Actually Make Money with Josh GibsonThis week on the show we have Josh Gibson from 360 Video Academy. I know just enough about 360 video to be dangerous, and not in a good way. I wanted to bring Josh on the show to really break down the myths and techniques on how to shoot 360 video. I also wanted to dive into how filmmakers could ACTUALLY MAKE MONEY shooting 360 video.Josh goes over not only the technical aspects of shooting

You are in for a treat IFH Tribe. Today's guest is directing guru Gil Bettman.Gil is a seasoned director shooting features, television, commercials and music videos for over 30 years. He has written two best-selling books: Directing the Camera: How Professional Directors Use a Moving Camera to Energize Their FilmsFirst Time Director: How to Make Your Breakthrough MovieOne of his filmmaking mentors is Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis. We discuss what lessons her learned from Mr. Zemeckis and he goes into great detail on how to shoot a killer action sequence. Here's some info on Gil Bettman:No one would ever see Gil Bettman as the retiring type. Bring Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis to his directing class and Bettman wades right in, challenging his old friend's point of view and sparking a good-natured debate about the best ways to tell a story using a camera. But that's Bettman's style. He has very definite opinions about how to block a camera or talk to actors from his days as a t

What the Heck is a Line Producer with Sevier CrespoI've been asked by the tribe to do a show on what the heck is a line producer. Ask and you may receive. Today's guest is Line Producer Sevier Crespo. Sevier is line producer that works in the indie film world. He knows how to handle lower budgets and get the most out of them.According to Wikipedia: a line producer is a type of film producer who is the key manager during daily operations of a feature film, television film, or an episode of a TV program. A line producer works on one film at a time. They are responsible for human resources and handling any problems that come up during production.I wanted to have Sevier on the show to really go over how a good line producer can help you on your productions. He's been around the biz for years working with legends like Jerry Bruckheimer, Michael Mann, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott and Joe Petka to name a few. Here's some info on today's guest. Producer Sevier Crespo, p.g.a., is a dynamic force in film and television pro

This week I have the pleasure of having directing coach Mark Travis on the show. I was introduced to him after I watched his stellar workshop Hollywood Film Directing, which he co-instructed with Gil Bettman (he’ll be on the show soon). Mark Travis has developed a new way to directing actors called The Travis Technique. Mark teaches directors how to direct the character (not the actor) in order to create instantaneous authentic performances, even on tight schedules and tiny budgets. Here’s a bit on The Travis Technique.Acting is too often just pretending. And most directing is demanding and controlling and result oriented.  And consequently, the final product suffers. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When you use The Travis Technique, you can achieve instantaneous and authentic performances from actors that are deeply felt by audiences.  The Travis Technique is an organic approach to directing actors that is guaranteed to create authentic characters and performances by shifting the focus from directing the

Why You Need to Get Off Your Ass NOW & Make Your FilmI think the title speaks for itself. Every once in a while I need to hear some stories that inspire me to get off my ass and make sh*t happen. I hope this episode helps inspire you to get off your ass and make your film happen!Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectWatch on IFH YouTube ChannelLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEHow to make a $1,000 Feature Film with Jay & Mark DuplassJoe Swanberg: How to Shoot & Sell Six Feature Films in a Year!SPONSORSDirecting Actors Master Course – (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Get Your Film on Netflix, Hulu & Amazon & Keep 100% off the Revenue - DistribberHollywood Camera Work: Mastering High-End Blocking and Staging (30% OFF – CODE: HUSTLE)Aaron Sorkin Screenwriting Master ClassHans Zimmer Film Scoring MasterClassKevin Spacey Acting Master ClassFreeFilmBook.com (Download Your FREE Filmmaking Audio Book)Hulu PlusKILLER RESOURCES!!!INDIE FILM SYNDICATE Filmmaking CommunityIFH'

How to Build a YouTube Empire with RocketJump Co-Founder Dez DollySo I want you to get ready for an epic podcast. Have you ever been surfing through Youtube and come across a channel with 5, 8, 10 million followers and ask yourself:"How the hell did they build that audience?"I do all the time. Over the last year, I've had the pleasure of working on a killer new show called Dimension 404 for Hulu and Lionsgate. The series is created and produced by the boys over at Rocket jump. Now, Rocketjump is one of those Youtube channels with 8 million followers I was talking about. I had the opportunity to sit down with on of the co-founders of Rocketjump and show runner of Dimension 404 Dez Dolly.Here some more info on Dez Dolly:Desmond Dolly is a writer, director, producer who got his start in the industry selling TVs at an Indiana Best Buy. After graduating USC Film School - Dez wrote and directed an independently financed feature film, Champion of Glory, while climbing the ranks as a commercial director & editor.

So after I posted the video below I was slammed by emails and messages from the IFH Tribe asking for details on how I shot 96 pages of a visual effect heavy series in just 4 days. The series is called The S.P.A.A.C.E Program and I was hired to direct and post the series by Legendary Pictures Digital and Nerdist. I decide to pump out a podcast detailing my techniques and tips on how to shoot large volumes of script pages fast. We average between 90-110 camera setups a day...CRAZY! Couldn't have done it without my amazing cast and crew. At the end of this journey, we'll have eight episodes running about 12 minutes each. I still can't believe we did it. One thing I forgot to mention in the podcast is to use fast gear. We shot on the Blackmagic Ursa Mini 4.6k which lived mostly on sticks. This is my camera of choice now as it gives you the biggest bang for your buck. We also use a Dana Dolly which made moving the camera a breeze. Take a listen to this crazy journey and I hope you can pick up some useful knowledge

If you want to see a self-distribution pathway to get your film on iTunes and actually make some money meet writer/director Brad Raider. His film Kensho at the Bedfellow was released on iTunes this year and he shares his marketing and distribution strategy with us in this episode. With This is Meg being released on iTunes in the summer I was ALL EARS.Here's a bit about the film:A 30-something New Yorker feels trapped by his job, his ex and his family. When a beautiful childhood friend wanders back into his life, he begins to feel a glimmer of hope in his search for freedom and meaning.Two-time Best Feature Film winner at six festivals, KENSHO is a visionary, existential drama and the extraordinary directorial debut of actor / director Brad Raider. The truly independent, micro-budget film is at the heart of the conscious-cinema movement and a proud partner of the International Rescue Committee, donating a percentage of net profits to their humanitarian efforts around the world.Now on sale in iTunes: http://bit

Have you ever kept seeing an actor pop up in all your favorite films and television shows? Well, that guy is probably Greg Grunberg. I've been a fan of Greg before I knew who Greg was. Greg Grunberg has been in some of the BIGGEST films and shows of all time. Yup! Greg Grunberg has been around. He's the definition of a working actor. It's worth a listen just to hear his stories from Comic-Con and the set of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.Greg Grunberg also hosts a show with Kevin Smith called Geeking Out! Here's some more on that.Actor Greg Grunberg talks with Kevin Smith about working with J.J. Abrams and those notoriously tight 'Star Trek' uniforms. Grunberg also gives details about his new late-night AMC talk show "Geeking Out," which he hosts with pal Smith. Greg also has an amazing friendship with writer/director JJ Abrams and we go into how that relationship came to be.In this episode, Greg talks filmmaking shop, tells us stories from the set and comic cons and inspires us to never give up and keep on hus

How to Write a Super Natural Hit Film with Beetlejuice Creator Larry WilsonIf you were a kid of the late 80s or early 90s then today's guest definitely had an impact on your life. Larry Wilson is the co-creator of the cult classic Beetlejuice (directed by Tim Burton), writer of Addams Family and worked on the legendary television show Tales from the Crypt.Larry wasn't always a screenwriter, he worked on the studio side of things as well as an executive. In this interview, he tells the story of how he championed a young and pre-Terminator James Cameron to be the writer/director of Aliens. Great story! Check out some of his work below:Larry Wilson was also a screenwriting teacher at UCLA, arguably one of the best screenwriting programs in the world. He has continued to teach through his very popular workshops. His latest workshop Larry Wilson's Method to Madness-A Fantasy and Horror Workshop is filling up quick so sign up. Here's a bit about the workshop.As your teacher, my goal is to inspire leaps of imaginati

Cinema Lenses MasterClass with Matthew DuclosToday we are going deep down the cinema lenses rabbit hole. I was lucky enough to sit down and speak to the "Yoda" of cinema lenses Matthew Duclos. Matthew has been working on lenses for most of his life. Most cinematographers in Los Anges (and around the world) consider him an expert in the field.I was hearing Duclos' name on set as far as I can remember so it was a thrill to get to speak and grill Matthew on all things lensesHere's some info on Duclos Lenses:Duclos Lenses is the premier destination for high-quality motion picture optics. We strive to provide quality service to the industry's professionals who own and rent top-of-the-line cinema optics. We have the test equipment and experience required to optimize and maintain all of your lenses. We're a family owned and operated business who not only appreciate and respect customers in a way only a small business could, but also thrive off of our customers satisfaction and repeat businessEnjoy my conversation wi

Adventures at Cinequest with the Cast of This is MegIt's a been a long journey but This is Meg finally had it's World Premiere at the Cinequest. I was fortunate enough to have a bunch of the cast make the trek up to San Jose, CA from Los Angeles. We had an amazing time. Cinequest really loves and supports filmmakers. They treated us like royalty.So in between screening, parties, and meetings I grabbed the cast: Joseph Reitman, Jill-Michelle Meleán, Lahna Turner, Holly Wortell and Ruben Dario and did an impromptu podcast in our hotel room. We discussed the festival, their experiences working on This is Meg, what the state of the biz is and much more.This episode is educational and funny but a bit "blue" in its language so if you are a parent you've been warned. Enjoy my conversation with the cast of This is Meg.Right click here to download the MP3Download on iTunes DirectWatch on IFH YouTube ChannelLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThis is MegThis is Meg Cinequest - TicketsJoseph ReitmanLahna Turner

How to Make $250K Indie Film Look Like $25 Million Blockbuster with Gaelan ConnellEvery once in a while I come across a filmmaker who is just a bit crazier than I am. This is true for writer/director Gaelan Connell who's film Blood Sand and Gold is a true indie film miracle. This mad man decided to raise $250,000 (much of which was out of pocket) and go off and make a big budget action film, just one problem he didn't have a big budget.Yes, I know $250K is a lot of money but it's not enough for what Gaelan was attempting to do. Check this out, Blood Sand and Gold was shot over the course of 58 days across 5 countries and 4 continents! It has Jason Bourne/James Bond style action. I mean it's nuts. Check out the trailer below:I had to have him on the show to reveal his secret sauce on how he was able to accomplish this crazy mission. Not only did he jump on the podcast and drops some MAJOR knowledge bombs, he also wrote up an article laying out his top 5 filmmaking tips. Take a listen to the podcast then read G

The Reel Truth on How to Survive Making an Indie Film with Reed MartinHave you ever wish that you could avoid pitfalls and mistakes that other filmmakers made before you? Today's guest does just that. Reed Martin is the author of the best-selling book The Reel Truth: Everything You Didn't Know You Need to Know About Making an Independent Film. Reed Martin is a former adjunct professor at NYU's Stern School and Columbia Business School. Previously, he has worked as the Director of Marketing at Independent Pictures, the New York-based production company of producer Cary Woods ("Swingers," "Scream"). Martin is also a former research associate at Harvard Business School, where he created class materials for the senior faculty.Check out the video below:Here's a bit on his best-selling book:The Reel Truth: Everything You Didn't Know You Need to Know About Making an Independent FilmDid you know that most of the biggest indie filmmakers, screenwriters, and producers working today each made the same avoidable mistakes