In this episode of Kasa Connect, we sit down with Jamie, a horror filmmaker who left a finance career to pursue his passion for storytelling. Jamie opens up about the sacrifices required to succeed in film, from funding projects independently to battling rejection from distributors.
He shares insights on writing and producing horror, the realities of getting features distributed, and why persistence is the most powerful tool for any filmmaker. Jamie also reveals his creative process, his fears, and the entrepreneurial mindset it takes to survive in such a competitive industry.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make it in film, this conversation is packed with lessons on storytelling, networking, and pushing through setbacks.
(00:00) Initial Film Distribution Challenges
(00:33) Introduction & Jamie’s Background
(01:02) Passion for Storytelling
(01:44) Sacrifices for Filmmaking
(02:52) Short Films vs. Feature Films
(03:29) Making Money in Film
(04:31) First Feature Film & Distribution
(05:29) Writing and Producing Process
(06:32) Starting in the Horror Genre
(07:27) Favourite Actors & Inspirations
(07:49) Plot of “Isabelle”
(08:05) Supernatural Writing Experiences
(10:51) Co-writing and Loss
(12:15) Current Stage of “Isabelle”
(13:13) Transferable Skills from Finance
(13:58) Motivation and Flow State
(14:34) Biggest Fears in Filmmaking
(15:37) Relationship with Horror Genre
(16:13) Future Projects & Genre Expansion
(16:52) Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
(17:46) Regrets and Lessons Learned
(18:17) Rapid-Fire Questions: Film Preferences
(19:51) Animation and Guilty Pleasures
(20:50) Dream Collaborations & Adaptations
(21:40) Film Festival Experiences
(23:51) Networking and Follow-Up
(24:11) Persistence and Rejection in Film
(25:30) Risk-Taking and Entrepreneurial Moves
(26:45) Closing & Contact Information