In this episode of the "My First Film" podcast, director Clay Tatum shares his journey to making his debut feature film, "The Civil Dead", for under $50,000. Clay talks about how his long-standing friendship with producer Mike Marasco played a crucial role in getting the film funded, as well as how years of making short films and comedy sketches helped him build the network needed to take the next step. He emphasizes the importance of staying connected in the industry and using those relationships to create opportunities. The film, shot in just 12 days with a skeleton crew, is a testament to the power of low-budget filmmaking when you leverage your resources and connections effectively. Clay also reflects on his struggles in Los Angeles, working at a pizza joint for six years while creating shorts and sketches. His unconventional path through film school, mixed feelings about formal education, and dedication to filmmaking eventually led him to success. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, this episode provides valuable insights into networking, perseverance, and how to create a feature film on a tight budget. Stick around until the very end to hear a quick update on Alec's first film, Petunia.

In this episode of *My First Film*, host Alec C. Cohen interviews Edoardo Vitaletti about his debut feature film *The Last Thing Mary Saw*. Edoardo shares his journey from Monza, Italy, to New York, where he attended NYU to study filmmaking. He discusses how his love for writing led him to film, despite not picking up a camera until later in life. The conversation dives into the challenges of making his first feature, including transforming a short script into a feature-length project and directing on a tight budget with a limited schedule. Edoardo also talks about securing talent like Isabelle Fuhrman and Rory Culkin, which helped elevate the film’s profile. He offers advice for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of writing a strong script and staying disciplined throughout the process. Edoardo’s story is an inspiring example of the dedication needed to complete a first film and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from perseverance. Stick around until the very end for a quick update on Alec's debut feature, Petunia.

Filmmaker Jonathan Cuartas is making waves in the indie horror scene with his debut feature, "My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To." In this episode, Jonathan sits down with host Alec C. Cohen to discuss how he brought his intimate horror-drama to life outside the traditional film hubs of Los Angeles and New York. From turning a proof of concept short film into a feature to collaborating closely with his brother and father, Jonathan's journey is a testament to the power of family and perseverance in filmmaking. Throughout the episode, Jonathan dives into the unique challenges and triumphs of working on a tight budget, building emotional depth into his horror narratives, and the creative ways he navigated the indie film landscape. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a fan of unconventional horror, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical insights. Stick around until the very end for an update on Host Alec C. Cohen's first film, "Petunia."

One of the fiercest contemporary voices in independent cinema, Joel Potrykus stands firmly in a league of his own when it comes to grungy slacker flicks. His recent works include "Buzzard," "The Alchemist Cookbook," and "Relaxer" garnering him prestigious festival selections like SXSW and Fantasia. But his first feature, "Ape," is a total miracle child. Done on a shoestring budget of less than $2,000, Joel and his team paid more money to attend the Locarno Film Festival where he won Best Emerging Director than the film itself. "Ape" is a ferocious and wholly original piece of work with a very slippery process that's a blast to revisit. There are tons of critical takeaways and learning moments that everyone should know before making their first film. Stick around until the very end for an update on Host Alec C. Cohen's first film, "Petunia."

For our exciting second episode, we're joined by Colin West, an ~out of this world~ director known for incorporating Sci-Fi concepts into grounded drama. His short films have garnered hundreds of thousands of views, Vimeo Staff Picks, and Dust features. He's made two feature films, "Double Walker" and "Linoleum." West discusses his upbringing in Colombus, OH, his decision to go to USC Grad Film, his struggles post-grad, and his journey to make "Double Walker" a reality. He has some great practical advice for first-time filmmakers looking to make their debut feature, especially when it comes to leaning into your available resources. Stick around until the end of the episode to hear an update on host Alec C. Cohen's debut feature, "Petunia."

For our very first episode, we're joined by the incomparable Jonah Feingold, a rom-com director known for his films Exmas, At Midnight, and the upcoming 31 Candles. His first feature is "Dating & New York," a contemporary classic showing the trials and tribulations of millennial dating in the greatest city on earth. Jonah will tell us about his upbringing in NYC, his decision to go to USC Film, his struggles post-grad, and his journey to make "Dating" a reality. He has some great practical advice for first-time filmmakers looking to make their debut feature, especially when it comes to raising funds on their own. Stick around until the end of the episode to hear a quick update on host Alec C. Cohen's debut feature, "Petunia."

Welcome to "My First Film," a weekly podcast where we interview Hollywood's hottest directors and learn how they made their first feature film. My name is Alec C. Cohen, I'm a writer/director based in Los Angeles, CA who is looking to make My First Film. Each episode will follow one director's journey from first picking up a camera to making a full-fledged movie. At the end of every episode, I'll give a quick update on the development process of my feature "Petunia." Thanks for checking out this pod, make sure to follow along for more!