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 handheld
• How the Blackmagic Pocket 4K + Micro Four Thirds sensor unlocked his style
• The pros and cons of running sound without a sound person
• Leveraging camera choice and post-production to mimic the 16mm film aesthetic
• Recasting day players, last-minute locations, and other stories from set
• Why low-budget filmmaking is actually a gift when paired with the right creative vision
• Much more!

Links from the show:

Dave Hill – Instagram
Dave Hill – Website
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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 chaos with no script in hand. 

Topics covered include:

• How Julian shot 80% of the film alone using everything from a Blackmagic to an iPhone 4
• The value of embracing lo-fi footage and imperfections to elevate emotional truth
• Why David Lowery funded the premiere and how their mentorship began
• The unexpected benefit of not writing a script — and when to start one next time
• How old home movies became the emotional anchor of the film
• Why guerrilla filmmaking might be Julian’s path forward
• Much more!

Links from the show:

Julian Sol Jordan – Instagram
Julian Sol Jordan – YouTube
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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 connections
• Shooting documentary and music video content with Jared Leto across the globe
• Lessons from working on Monsters of California with Tom DeLonge
• Transitioning from music videos to narrative film & television
• Justyn’s approach to prep, lighting, and working fast on set
• Creative collaboration with directors and building a strong crew dynamic
• Why a clear vision and openness to collaboration make the best directors

Links from the show:

Justyn Moro – Website

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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 style
• The success of his short films, including Milk Teeth which garnered 15 million views on YouTube
• The realities of getting representation and what comes after
• How his feature film Rosario came together after developing relationships with producers
• Shooting across two countries (New York and Colombia) on a sub-$10 million budget
• The importance of being consistently productive and self-generative as a filmmaker
• Using test screenings effectively and the value of planning for pickup shots
• The unique character-first approach Felipe uses to break down scripts and scenes

Links from the show:

Felipe Vargas - Instagram

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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 roles
• Shooting an entire feature in 7 days with just a 3-person crew
• The strategic use of black & white cinematography to elevate production value
• Creating compelling narrative films without traditional scripts
• Navigating 28 festival rejections before winning Best Picture awards
• Self-distributing via theatrical screenings while building community partnerships

Links from the show:

Burt The Movie - Website

Joe Burke - Instagram (@joeburkfilm)

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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 actors
• How they filmed nearly half the movie in a single night
• Completing a feature film in just 8 total shooting days
• The evolution from a 12-person proof of concept to a 7-person final cast
• Using obstacles as opportunities in low-budget production
• The benefits of having an editing background as a director
• Finding the balance between having a plan and remaining flexible on set

Links from the show:

Christopher Folkens - Instagram

The Catalyst Movie - Instagram

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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 time
• Working with a minimal crew (often just 3 people) across 60 shooting days
• The benefits and challenges of spreading production over two years
• Finding actors comfortable with improvisation and maintaining their commitment
• Balancing structure and spontaneity in an improvised film
• Managing 200+ hours of footage during post-production
• The advantages of being a "jack of all trades" filmmaker

Links from the show:


12 Months Film

Clinton Cornwell - Instagram

Clinton Cornwell - Letterboxd

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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 base
• Maximizing efficiency with minimal crew and strategic location planning
• Creative approaches to chronological shooting and managing weather variables
• Navigating the ever-changing sales and distribution landscape
• The delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial viability
• Their post-production workflow and co-directing dynamic

Links from the show: 

418 Films - Instagram 

Cheat - Watch on Amazon Prime 

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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 filmmaking
• The genesis of Scrap and its exploration of hidden homelessness
• How she leveraged a short film version of Scrap to secure feature financing
• Using the equity crowdfunding platform WeFunder to raise the bulk of her financing
• Managing post-production on one film while doing a festival run with another
• The genesis of Seance and writing a contained feature during the pandemic
• Why believable performances are the foundation of good directing

Links from the show:

Scrap - Movie

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Today I am joined by film critic turned filmmaker Jean-Baptiste Herment, here to talk about his DIY feature film Épidermique.

Throughout the episode we discuss:

• How Jean-Baptiste produced the feature film with no crew
• Benefits of spreading out the production schedule over a year
• Drawing inspiration from Italian cinema, Robert Rodriguez and beyond
• The benefits of shooting monochrome on a low budget
• Using 4 - 5 different cameras and matching them in post
• The merits of film festivals vs. online self-distribution
• Much more!

Links from the show:

Épidermique - Instagram
Akaba Media - Vimeo
Akaba Media - YouYube

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