In this episode of 'Truly Independent,' hosts Garrett Batty and Darren Smith share their experiences and insights into the world of indie filmmaking with a focus on international co-productions. Garrett, calling in from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, discusses the challenges and benefits of filming abroad, using various co-production models, and working with local fixers and production companies. They explore examples from their own projects, such as 'Freetown' shot in Ghana and 'The Carpenter' in South Africa, examining the logistical and creative impacts of these decisions. The discussion also touches upon how global partnerships can enhance production value, navigate financial incentives, and the evolving landscape of film marketing, spotlighting Tom Cruise's strategic promotional efforts for 'Mission Impossible.'

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Update
00:54 Garrett's African Adventure
01:36 Summer Break Challenges
02:38 Discussing Co-Productions
04:19 Defining Co-Productions
04:48 Examples of Co-Productions
11:06 Fixers vs. Co-Productions
13:07 Choosing International Locations
19:01 Creative Impact of Co-Productions
20:24 Discovering the Perfect Prop House
21:13 Creative Collaboration with BoomTown Films
22:13 Selecting the Right Crew Members
23:09 The Importance of Location in Filmmaking
26:43 Future of Co-Productions in Filmmaking
35:19 Tom Cruise and the Art of Movie Marketing
39:50 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up