Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

• Winning Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle with FOIBLES Writer / Director Ryan Oksenberg

  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: Moving from shorts to a debut feature with a SAG Ultra Low Budget agreementBuilding a 40-person crew, and setting up basecamp at homePractical vs. digital: stunt days that don’t go to plan, and why it works in the editShot listing & storyboarding every beat vs. staying nimble on the dayCasting on a budget: personal letters, partnering with casting directorsPost for indies: cutting, feedback screenings, and when to let goMusic supervision 101: masters + publishing, MFN, festival vs. all-media licensesThe Kickstarter × Tubi path: hitting the goal to unlock a grant and AVOD distributionLinks from the show: FOIBLES — Official TrailerSupport FOIBLES on KickstarterSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

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• Raising $400K, Casting Without Names, and Writing the Iron-Core Story with Mick Lexington

  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:Working with a fundraising specialist to raise a target budget of $400K“Agile filmmaking”: building momentum by shooting key exteriors ahead of producitonCasting strategy without star names and avoiding audience-misleading cameosTurning New York City into a story engine: LES & Williamsburg as living backdropWriting cadence & anti-procrastination: consistent daily blocks vs. burstsWhy the final rewrite is the edit - and planning for pickups and pivotsLinks from the show:Mr. Jack - WebsiteMick Lexington - WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

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• From Wu-Tang & Nicki Minaj Music Videos To A $40K Feature With Filmmaker Matthew Freiheit

  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:Transitioning from music and fashion projects to narrative filmmakingHow Matthew maximized limited resources to create a big-scope on a micro-budgetWriting around real locations and existing gear to stretch production valueDirecting while also DP’ing and editing - and how to balance those roles effectivelyTips for pre-lighting and shooting 6–8 pages per day without sacrificing qualityWhat it’s really like taking your debut feature to AFM The evolving role of AI tools in filmmaking and how Matthew is exploring themMuch moreLinks from the show:Matthew Freiheit – InstagramIconic – InstagramIconic – WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

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• Directing a Vertical Series For Candy Jar, Feature Films & More With Filmmaker Emily Elizabeth Thomas

  Filmmaker Emily Elizabeth Thomas joins me this week to break down the making of her debut feature film Keily: 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:Moving from commercials to narrative filmmaking by way of a vertical seriesWhy embracing nontraditional formats can expand your audience reachPractical strategies for navigating low budgets without sacrificing visionThe role of zoom lenses and lens testing in creating emotional storytellingBuilding authentic performances with young actors through collaborative rehearsalsManaging tone as a director’s primary responsibilityMuch more.Links from the show:Watch Keily: Homecoming Dweeb on Candy JarKeily: Homecoming Dweeb on IMDbEmily Elizabeth Thomas – Official PortfolioSign up for exclusive filmmaking newsletters each Sunday.

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• Shooting A No-Crew / No Permit Feature On Blackmagic With Filmmaker Dave Hill

  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:Why Dave ditched the traditional crew structure and shot entirely handheldHow the Blackmagic Pocket 4K + Micro Four Thirds sensor unlocked his styleThe pros and cons of running sound without a sound personLeveraging camera choice and post-production to mimic the 16mm film aestheticRecasting day players, last-minute locations, and other stories from setWhy low-budget filmmaking is actually a gift when paired with the right creative visionMuch more!Links from the show:Dave Hill – InstagramDave Hill – WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

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