Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

In this episode I am joined by the amazingly talented Martin Blasick, who has worked in the film industry for years as a composer, music writer and music supervisor, and is now embracing the world of micro-budget feature filmmaking.Martin has contributed his work to countless film and television projects like Oceans 12, Magic Mike and The Newsroom- while also spearheading his own independent productions. Throughout our discussion, Martin shares his wisdom on all things music for film, giving listeners actionable tips for building the right soundscape for their movie - whether through original composition, library cues, or by licensing existing songs. This is a must listen for any filmmaker who understands the value of a powerful soundtrack.Links from the show:Martin Blasick - WebsiteFor more content like this click here to sign up for my newsletter.

In the episode I am joined by filmmaker and KTLA journalist Chris Gierowski, here to share his unique approach to independent feature film producing.Over the last decade Chris has produced countless narrative films - from micro-budget shorts to underground features that have reached cult status - and has learned a lot along the way. Throughout the interview, Chris provides listeners with key insights into the world of indie film production, along with his personal philosophy and practical approach for bringing new projects to life. He also talks about balancing filmmaking with journalism, developing larger budget projects, dealing with piracy issues, and much more.For more content like this click here to sign up for my newsletter.

In this solo episode, I share my in-depth thoughts on the merits of working in genre as a micro-budget filmmaker, and why horror, sci-fi, and thriller films often thrive on a smaller scale.Genre films offer some unique advantages to the micro-budget filmmaker, that make traditional obstacles (like securing name talent, prestige festival placement, and distribution) far less critical to the overall success of the film. Throughout the episode I discuss all of this and more, through the lens of my upcoming feature film Shell Shock, which has specifically been designed with these principles in mind.Get a free exhibit pass to the 2021 NAB Show by visiting bit.ly/21NABShow and using code BA03 at checkout.For more content like this click here to sign up for my newsletter.

Joining me for this episode are co-directors John C. Lyons and Dorota Swies, here to talk all about their brand new feature film Unearth.Unearth is a "fracking horror film" that was produced over the course of 8 years. What began as a successful crowdfunding campaign for a teaser, ultimately helped secure financing of nearly $1,000,000 for the full feature film. From there, the project attracted some known cast (Adrienne Barbeau and Marc Blucas), and landed distribution after premiering at the Fantasia film festival. It became the first feature film to sell out a theatrical show the Laemmle theaters in LA (post-pandemic), and is now widely available on DVD, VOD and other platforms. Hear about the entire journey from concept to distribution on this week's episode.Links from the show:Amazon direct: Unearth - Amazon AppleTV direct: Unearth - Apple TV For more information: Unearth - WebsiteGet a free exhibit pass to the 2021 NAB Show by visiting bit.ly/21NABShow and using code BA03 at checkout.For more content like this click here to sign up for my newsletter.

In this episode, I share a recent conversation with filmmaker and Slamdance co-founder Dan Mirvish, which originally took place during a private live session in The Backlot (my private filmmaking community).Throughout our discussion, Dan offers a masterclass in the practical realities of making a film. We discuss strategies for raising funds for your movie, securing known talent, bringing your vision to life, and so much more. Dan also shares his perspective on what film festivals and distributors look for in an indie film, and how filmmakers can increase their odds of success at each step. And finally, we touch on Dan’s new edition of his book (The Cheerful Subversive’s Guide To Independent Filmmaking), and some of the most important lessons embedded throughout.Links from the show:Dan Mirvish - TwitterDan Mirvish - InstagramDan Mirvish - FacebookThe Cheerful Subversive's Guide To Independent Filmmaking - AmazonThe Backlot - Free 7 Day TrialGet a free exhibit pass to the 2021 NAB Show by visiting bit.ly/21NABShow and using code BA03 at checkout.For more content like this click here to sign up for my newsletter.

In this episode I’m joined by writer and producer Jonathan Kiefer, whose feature film Around The Sun premiered last month on Kanopy, and is now widely available on digital platforms everywhere.Around The Sun is an amazing example of what’s possible when you use available resources to reverse engineer a film concept. In Jonathan's case, he had access to an incredible French Chateau with a unique historical significance to the scientific community. This location served as the launching pad for an amazing story that ultimately attracted actors Cara Theobold (Downton Abbey), and Gethin Anthony (Game Of Thrones, Kodachrome, First Kill) to the project. Throughout the interview we delve into Jonathan’s process at length - from the development of the story to producing the film overseas, the release/distribution strategy, and much more.Links from the show:Around The Sun - WebsiteJonathan Kiefer - InstagramJonathan Kiefer - TwitterGet a free exhibit pass to the 2021 NAB Show by visiting bit.ly/21NABShow and using code BA03 at checkout.For more content like this click here to sign up for my newsletter.

My guest today is Sam Mestman, CEO of We Make Movies - an incredible resource for indie filmmakers looking to take their work to the next level. Among many of the other initiatives currently in motion at WMM, Sam is running a filmmaking competition that will award several micro-budget filmmakers a $25,000 investment, plus exclusive access to high end professional post-production services like color grading, audio mixing, and deliverables.Throughout this episode we chat all about the competition, how it can benefit you as a filmmaker, and tips for improving your odds of acceptance. Sam has also generously offered members of my filmmaking community (The Backlot) free WMM memberships and fee waivers for their feature films. If you not yet a Backlot member, you can try it free for 7 days at www.noamkroll.comLinks from the show:We Make Movies - CompetitionThe Backlot - Free 7 Day TrialFor more content like this click here to sign up for my newsletter.

Joining me today is Director & DP Emily Skye, who you might also know as "She Wolf Films" on her incredibly popular Instagram account.Emily has been working in the film industry for 14 years, but recently her industry success has reached new heights. After building a massive fanbase for her work online, she created a short film called River. The short was so well received that within just 2 months it landed her financing for the feature length version.Throughout the interview we discuss what it’s like to simultaneously direct and DP your own film, and how doing so can open up some unique creative advantages. Emily speaks to the importance of building an audience for your work, and how her efforts in this area led to relationships with brands like Lumix and RED. We also discuss the challenges of working in the industry as a female filmmaker, and Emily even shares a story about having to walk off a DGA production after experiencing a harassment issue on set.All this and much more on today's episode.Links from the show:She Wolf Films - InstagramShe Wolf Films - TwitterEmily Skye - WebsiteFor more content like this click here to sign up for my newsletter.

This week on the show, I’m joined by screenwriter and producer Hudson Phillips to chat all about his new feature film This World Alone.This World Alone is a post-apocalyptic arthouse thriller about three women attempting to survive after a cataclysmic event leaves the Earth without technology or power. The film was shot for just $30,000 over the course of 10 days, with cast & crew living and working together under one roof in the North Georgia mountains. The film went on to have a successful festival run, picking up awards at countless festivals including the Oxford Film Festival and Phoenix Film Festival.Throughout our chat we take a deep dive into the creation and release of this awesome project, tackling everything from production to distribution and loads more. Enjoy!Links from the show:This World Alone - Movie WebsiteHudson Phillips WebsiteFor more like this click here to sign up for my newsletter.

Today I’m joined by the multi-talented Shane Stanley, whose career has led him to executive produce for Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson, run Charlie Sheen’s production company, and direct his own feature films - just to scratch the surface.In addition to his impressive career as a filmmaker, Shane is also an author and educator. His book What You Don’t Learn In Film School covers filmmaking from concept to delivery, and has been endorsed by some of the most respected names in Hollywood. Throughout the interview we chat all about Shane’s journey, how he was able to navigate the business with such success, critical lessons for filmmakers from his book, and loads more!Links from the show:What You Don't Learn In Film School - BookShane on InstagramShane on FacebookShane on TwitterCINECOLOR Color Grading LUTsFor more like this click here to sign up for my newsletter.