Film and Family

In this episode, we chat with Chris Peters, co-founder of Crave Content, about his  journey from making backyard films with his brother-in-law David Lawrence to establishing a successful film production brand. Chris shares the creative development process of merging two short films into a feature-length narrative. We discuss the inventive strategies employed to tackle budget constraints, DIY post-production, and shooting an entire feature in 16 days. Chris describes the perseverance required to navigate the world of distribution, emphasizing FilmHub as a viable platform for indie creators. We think you'll enjoy hearing how he managed to turn a profit self-distributing his first feature film.For more information about Chris, check out his website at Chrave.coCheck out his YouTube Video: Never expected our indie film to make this much on TubiYou can watch the film here: https://www.chrave.co/mhr Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

Join us as we chat with independent film producer, author, and creative entrepreneur Daren Smith to uncover the often-overlooked role producers play in bringing a story into existence. Daren discusses his collaborations with director Garrett Batty on indie films "Faith of Angels" and "The Carpenter" and how he navigates the complex world of theatrical releases.Daren shares his journey from sound to screen, explaining how passion for theatrical distribution fuels a desire to create immersive experiences for audiences. The conversation touches on the essence of balancing artistry with commerce, as well as the significance of mentorship. Daren shares unique strategies independent producers employ to thrive in a competitive market while staying true to their creative visions.With a keen eye on the financial success of indie films, Daren discusses innovative investment models, release strategies, and step-by-step career growth. Learn more about Daren's Films and Check out his blog/podcast at: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/ Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

In this episode as we uncover the powerful impact of time constraints on getting things done. We illustrate how setting tight time limits can drastically reduce procrastination and boost your focus. These principles apply whether you are managing household chores or attempting to finish a film with our 1 year timeline in the Feature Filmmaker Academy. Discover how working within set time frames can lead to more efficient and concentrated work sessions.Successful runners often prioritize the time spent running over distance or pace, emphasizing the importance of consistency. We'll discuss how incorporating short, intense bursts of activity—akin to "speed work" in running—into your daily life can yield significant results. Tune in as we explore balancing endurance and speed work, and learn how limiting yourself can actually help you get the results you want faster. Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

Director of the post-apocalyptic film, Permafrost, Lenni Uitto takes us behind the scenes and shares his experiences making and ultimately self-distributing his first film with Film Hub. Join us as we unravel Lenni's journey from coding to creating post-apocalyptic films. From making camping videos on YouTube to experimenting with After Effects and even taking acting classes, Lenny's story is a testament to how following your passion can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths. We explore how his love for storytelling led him to create short films that have garnered impressive online viewership, followed by his first feature film.Reflecting on his own experiences, Lenni shares the highs and lows of quitting a stable job to chase the dreams of acting and filmmaking. The importance of financial stability became evident as he navigated the challenges of an industry hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a touch of serendipity, a friend's intriguing story idea sparked the creation of his post-apocalyptic film, showcasing creativity and resilience to produce meaningful art amidst adversity.Expect an in-depth look at the nitty-gritty of indie filmmaking, from budgeting and resourcefulness to the crucial role of collaboration. We discuss practical tips on managing costs, securing essential equipment, and feeding a cast and crew on a budget. We also dive into film distribution, marketing strategies, the process of audience targeting, and specifically Lenni's experience and results so far partnering with an aggregator, Film Hub, to release his movie. Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

In this episode we explore why thinking like a hobbyist filmmaker may be the fastest way to eventually transition into a professional career. Learn how starting with passion projects and investing in your hobby can lead to professional growth and financial sustainability. We delve into the concept of building filmmaking assets, illustrating how every project, no matter its immediate success, contributes to a lucrative portfolio over time.It's not just about the career milestones. We also explore the intrinsic joy of creative pursuits, drawing a parallel with our son's newfound passion for baseball. His love for the game, regardless of professional equipment or formal training, serves as a poignant reminder of why we started filmmaking in the first place. Drawing inspiration from industry legends, we invite you to embrace a fearless, joyful approach to filmmaking. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned filmmaker or a passionate hobbyist, we hope this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to fuel your creative journey. Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

Join the conversation as filmmaker Matthew Taggart pulls back the curtain on the life of an indie filmmaker, from his first leap into directing with "The Counterfeit Kid" to managing the delicate balance of family and film. Matthew's journey offers a relatable peek into the highs and lows of bringing a vision to the big screen, navigating through the world of independent cinema with a blend of passion and pragmatism. His unique perspective as a father and husband infuses our chat with anecdotes that resonate, whether you're a film buff or a curious listener enchanted by the art of storytelling.Ever wondered how indie films come to life against the odds of tight budgets and logistical hurdles? Our episode peels back layers of the production process, from scriptwriting collaborations to a barter system that keeps the wheels turning. Matthew shares tales of community generosity and the creative solutions that define indie projects, painting a vivid portrait of the camaraderie and resourcefulness that fuels the film industry's underdogs. The discussion also ventures into the nuanced arena of directing young talent, especially when the actors are from your own family tree, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the intersection of personal and professional worlds on set.As we wrap up, Matthew ushers us through the maze of indie film distribution, highlighting his positive experiences with Porter Craig and the importance of aligning with partners who champion the film's essence. This episode is a testament to the shared dedication that courses through the veins of filmmakers and the impact of a supportive community. By the end, you'll not only have a deeper appreciation for the art of cinema but also be inspired by the determination and inventiveness that bring indie films from script to screen. Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

Where do I distribute the funds that I have procured for my film? How much will each facet of making a movie cost me so that I know how to lay out the budget?Once you have finished your film, you can receive laurels from festivals;  even the small film festivals. These laurels help promote trailers and posters that are used to market your film to the masses.Join us today as we dive into the subject of four walling and what it takes to do it.Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

How do you add value to your film? What does that mean? What determines value and why would people pay money to watch what you make?It's impossible to amplify the and sell the value of your film to the world if you don't understand why it matters to your audience on a deep level early on.Tune in to this episode to explore the most intrinsic deep value films can offer their audiences and how you can tap into and amplify that value to make a radical ROI with your first feature film.Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

Do you think that you need to give up everything in your life to get your feature film off of the ground? The opposite may actually be true. Sacrificing your lifestyle will only deplete your store of creativity and contacts that can lead to the very connections and resources you need. Keeping your day job can provide a safety net that allows you more creative freedom.Tune into this episode to learn about why a practical self-paced approach can lead to  a better feature film career.Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

How well do you know your characters?  Can you anticipate how a person would act in a variety of situations?  In art, if you're drawing a person, you have to understand how bone structure works to be able to draw the figure accurately, but you're not going to actually see the bones necessarily in the finished product. The same is true for character development.  The benefits of knowing each character well will help you to write and/or direct more confidently. Tune into this episode to learn some practical techniques that you can use today to create rich, relatable characters.Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all that you need to accomplish? In this episode, we talk about the importance of self care and how to prioritize your time in order to feel better.Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight CallFree "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

Thinking that there isn't an interesting enough story in your life worth telling? This episode will help you discover what you can share with the world. In this episode, Kent and Anna discuss how to make a story personal, how to use your resources, and share some of their own personal perspectives on the subject. Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight CallFree "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

Which crew members are most essential for your film, and which ones can you do without for your first feature? Who can manage multiple roles without being overwhelmed? If you're creating a film with a low/no budget range, then this podcast episode is for you. Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight CallFree "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

If you work with someone you love or are have family roles to play whilst also working on a film production, this episode is for you.Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight CallFree "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

An exclusive interview with Adam Bova, professor at Columbus State University and Producer on the Indie Feature, A Place Called Home. We talk about:Balancing film and family How distribution is changing Why passion projects pay Advantages of making a low-budget first film Approaching distribution without a sales agent What Adam wishes he had known before making his debut featureTrailer for the FilmAwards PageFree "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistFree "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

Peter Jackson is the 3rd highest grossing film director of all time. He is an absolute legend, but he got his start following the same pattern that all best filmmakers do. He made movies for fun with his friends. They wore all the hats and played all the roles. They DIY-ed their own gear/props/costumes as they went. They broke all the "rules." They kept their day jobs. They made their first feature film in their spare time. They had no formal training, but lots of fun. And the rest is history.Documentary about the making of Bad TasteFree "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistFree "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

This week on the podcast, we break down the exciting new film, "Top Gun 2 - Maverick" by filmmaker Joseph Kosinski. You can watch behind the scenes footage and interviews about the making of the film here.Once a month, as part of our Movie Club series of the podcast, we share a noteworthy film and discuss it in depth. In this episode, we talk about how Top Gun 2 demonstrates leadership, why the filmmakers decided to use more expensive practical effects instead of digital, and what the film's popular reception teaches us about audiences today. Make Your Feature Film (Free Step-by-Step Guide):www.InvisibleMansion.com/FreeChecklistSchedule a Free Consultation CallFree "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call

This week on the podcast, we interview award-winning commercial director and founder of Variable, Jon Bregel. This one is a treat. Jon is humble, personable, and open.I can't wait for you to hear his incredible story and learn about the wellness community he created after struggling with the pressure of explosive success and difficulty in maintaining a healthy work/life balance.He shares insights about the power of stillness, prioritizing health and wellness, and how personal relationships with his wife and mom helped him get through. Check it out!Free "Make Your Feature Film" ChecklistSchedule my Greenlight Call