Getting a $75K Feature On HBO & Selling a Video Agency For $17MM With Stefan van de Graaff

In this episode I'm joined by filmmaker and entrepreneur Stefan van de Graaff, whose $75,000 micro-budget feature Simmer landed on HBO after going viral on Facebook. Stefan also co-founded a video agency that grew from a two-person team into a 100-employee business before selling for $17 million, which we discuss at length.

Throughout the episode we talk about Stefan’s unconventional path - from Midwest filmmaker to running a digial advertising business. We also cover how his commercial production work became the foundation for financing and producing indie features, and what it took to scale from a scrappy first feature to a $1M international production.

Topics covered include:

• How uploading Simmer to Facebook led to 1M views and sales agent interest
• How indie films without stars can land on major platforms like HBO
• Financing a micro-budget feature with personal funds, partners, and partial fundraising
• The jump from a $75K film to a $1M feature using tax incentives, grants, and talent deals
• Why having the right producer dramatically increases credibility with agents and financiers
• Lessons from building and selling an ad agency - and why strategy beats fulfillment
• How reducing friction (locations, permits, crew, logistics) makes indie filmmaking possible
• Why building an audience can be a more reliable path than the traditional Hollywood ladder

Links from the show:

Stefan - Instagram

One of Us - Instagram

Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday