Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Wade Patterson to discuss his micro-budget feature Death Cipher - a contained thriller shot in just 12 days for only $4,000. Throughout the interview, Wade shares how multiple failed feature attempts led him to radically simplify his process, why he embraced a single-location concept shot in his own apartment, and how limitations ultimately became the film’s greatest creative advantage. We also dive into the realities of making a feature with almost no money, wearing multiple hats as writer/director/cinematographer/editor, navigating festival rejection, finding distribution through Filmhub and Tubi, and much more:Links from the show: Death Cipher - Tubi Death Cipher - Instagram Wade Patterson - Instagram Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

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: SimmerLinks from the show: Stefan - Instagram One of Us - Instagram Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I sit down with Academy Award nominee and ASC Award-winner Curren Sheldon to discuss his gritty new narrative feature Beatdown - a boxing drama made for just $60,000. Throughout the interview, Curren shares how his background in vérité documentary shaped the film’s style, why he cast real fighters and non-actors, and how they filmed key fight scenes inside a live event with 4,000 spectators. We also dive into the practical realities of transitioning from documentary to narrative, self-financing a feature for under $60K, navigating today’s distribution landscape, and tons more: The Wrestler BeatdownLinks from the show: Beatdown - Full Film on YouTube Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this special episode, we celebrate today’s release of our new feature film Teacher’s Pet - Now available where you rent or buy movies! Two days ago, we hosted a special advanced screening for members of my filmmaking community, and they took part in a virtual Q & A afterward. This episode includes the full live session with myself and lead actor / producer Luke Barnett. Topics covered include: Watch the film on Apple now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/teachers-pet/id1868537677 Full list of platforms where you can watch: Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode filmmaker Alec Goldberg joins the show to break down how his micro-budget comedy pilot Soft Boil went from a bootstrapped production to a blind submission acceptance at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. We talk about Alec’s path from documentary and commercial work into scripted narrative, how a key creative partnership with lead actor / co-writer Camille Wormser shaped the project, and what it took to pull off a festival-ready pilot on $30,000 across a handful of shoot days. Topics covered include: Links from the show: Alec D. Goldberg - Instagram Camille Wormser - Instagram Madison Shamoun - Instagram Vivian Kerr - Instagram Patrick Tabari - Instagram John Gemberling - Instagram Alec Goldberg - Website Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker West Eldredge to break down how he made his debut feature Take From Me on a budget of $80,000 - and turned it into a real-world release on major platforms. We talk candidly about what actually moves the needle on an ultra-low budget feature: prioritizing casting, building a crew that can adapt under pressure, using festivals as a testing ground, and leveraging a strong trailer to start distribution conversations early.Topics covered include:Links from the show: West Eldredge - Instagram West Eldredge - Website Take From Me - Watch on Prime Video Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode I’m joined by filmmaker Anna Elizabeth James, whose psychological thrillers Deadly Illusions and Held Hostage in My House both found major success on Netflix, including top-chart placement on the platform. Throughout the interview we break down Anna’s unconventional approach to building a sustainable filmmaking career outside the traditional studio system. We dive deep into intellectual property ownership, licensing vs selling films outright, and how filmmakers can retain long-term leverage while still working with major distributors and streamers. We also explore how shifting industry economics are creating new opportunities for independent storytellers who understand how to position themselves strategically. Topics covered include:Links from the show: Anna Elizabeth James – IMDb Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Mark Hensley, whose new feature Clown and Out in Valley Village was shot entirely guerrilla-style over the course of a year, for just $4,000. Mark shares how he wrote, shot, lit, and edited the film with no crew, no permits, and no safety net, all while working full-time as a re-recording mixer for major network shows.We dive deep into micro-budget filmmaking, practical sound strategies, on-the-fly rewrites, and why taking your time on a no-budget feature can actually elevate the final product far beyond what traditional indie shoots allow Topics covered include: Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode, I’m joined by Steven Bernstein, ASC - the legendary cinematographer behind films like Monster, Bulletproof, and The Waterboy - to explore his extraordinary journey from BBC-trained writer/director to one of Hollywood’s most insightful visual storytellers. We discuss Steven’s unconventional path into cinematography, how he developed his philosophy of the “20 languages of cinema,” and why he believes most screenwriting rules hold filmmakers back rather than push them forward. Topics covered include: MonsterLinks from the show: Steven Bernstein – Instagram Steven Bernstein – IMDb Filmmaker and Fan’s Podcast Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

On today’s episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Hudson Phillips, who returns to share the incredible story of how his first appearance on the podcast led to getting his feature film financed (via one of our listeners) Throughout the discussion we take a deep dive into the realities of making micro-budget features profitable - Touring films like bands, selling merch, building community city-by-city, and designing a sustainable filmmaking life outside the traditional Hollywood pipeline. Topics covered include: Links from the show: Mirror Box Films Hudson Phillips - Instagram Mirror Box Films - Substack Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode I’m thrilled to be joined by Luke Barnett to discuss our viral short film OVATION, made for just $50 over a two-hour shoot. The film satirizes the never-ending standing ovations at major festivals that have dominated the trades in recent years. Within days of completion, the short caught fire online and even landed a feature in Variety - proof that the smallest, most spontaneous projects can yield outsized results. Throughout the discussion we unpack OVATION in detail, along with Luke’s wildly successful short The Crossing Over Express, another viral sensation viewed by millions that was transformative for his career. Topics covered include: Crossing Over ExpressOVATIONIf you enjoy OVATION, please leave a comment, thumbs up, or share with a friend! Links from the show: OVATION - Watch On YouTube! The Crossing Over Express Luke Barnett - Instagram Luke Barnett - X Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode I’m joined by filmmaker Jon Bregel, who recently DP'd the new Jay Duplass feature film The Baltimorons - which premiered at this year's SXSW film festival, and was released theatrically in September via IFC Films. Throughout the interview we trace Jon's journey from leveraging Vimeo as a tool to launch a successful commercial career in New York, to stepping away and redefining what it means to be a working filmmaker. We dig into creative alignment, sustainable career building, and how a documentary-minded approach has shaped some of his recent work. Topics covered include: The BaltimoronsLinks from the show: The Baltimorons - Movie Site Jon Bregel - Website & Coaching The Nourish Community Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode I am joined by longtime friend and fellow filmmaker Ryan Oksenberg, here to break down the making of his debut feature FOIBLES - a darkly comic, surreal satire about codependency and addiction. Throughout the episode we take a behind the scenes look at this feature - How Ryan greenlit the project himself, pulling off big set pieces on an indie budget, the 13-month post pipeline, music licensing reality checks, and taking home an award at Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle for best Actor. Topics covered include: Links from the show: FOIBLES — Official Trailer Support FOIBLES on Kickstarter Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode filmmaker and novelist Mick Lexington joins me to unpack the development phase for his debut feature Mr. Jack - an existential New York drama adapted from his own novel. Through the interview we dig into the process of raising a ~$400K production budget, why he brought on a dedicated fundraising lead, and how his “agile filmmaking” approach allows him to start elements of production ahead of principle photography. We also dive deep on writing craft - outlining, “killing your darlings,” beating procrastination with consistent routines and much more. Topics include: Links from the show: Mr. Jack - Website Mick Lexington - Website Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Matthew Freiheit, whose career has spanned work with major artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Nicki Minaj - and who has now broken into feature filmmaking with his debut Iconic. Shot for just $40,000 in his Los Angeles apartment and across more than 25 locations, the feature film blends arthouse style with run-and-gun energy, and has already secured distribution. Throughout our discussion we cover: Links from the show: Matthew Freiheit – Instagram Iconic – Instagram Iconic – Website Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

Filmmaker Emily Elizabeth Thomas joins me this week to break down the making of her debut feature film Kaylee Homecoming Dweeb, a YA romance that bridges classic rom-com elements with bold visual experimentation. Emily shares how the project grew out of a Candy Jar–financed vertical web series, why she embraced an unconventional format to connect with Gen Z, and how she maintained her distinctive voice on both the series and the feature. We also dive deep into practical directing craft - from navigating budgets and production constraints to lens testing, working with young actors, rewriting on set, and keeping tone at the center of every decision. Topics include: Links from the show: Watch Kaylee: Homecoming Dweeb on Candy Jar Kaylee: Homecoming Dweeb on IMDb Emily Elizabeth Thomas – Official Portfolio Sign up for exclusive filmmaking newsletters each Sunday.

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: Links from the show: Dave Hill – Instagram Dave Hill – Website Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

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: notLinks from the show: Julian Sol Jordan – Instagram Julian Sol Jordan – YouTube Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

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:Monsters of CaliforniaLinks from the show: Justyn Moro – Website Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

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: Milk TeethRosarioLinks from the show: Felipe Vargas - Instagram Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.