Show Don't Tell: Micro-budget Filmmaking

In this episode I am joined by Daniel Garber - editor of the feature film "The Drop", which premiered this year at the Tribeca Film Festival. Daniel’s creative and technical workflow on "The Drop" was really unique, as the film was shot with no formal script and was largely improvised.Throughout the discussion, we talk about this at length - as Daniel shares his method for shaping the best scenes and story using largely improvised material. He also talks about editing the film in tandem with production, how he completed his assembly cut in 30 days, and tips for other editors looking to get into the business.Links from the show:Daniel Garber’s Website - https://www.danielgarber.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

Today I am joined by micro-budget filmmaker Tory Jones. He is known for his slate of genre feature films including the "The Wicked One", which developed a cult-like following after being released online and going viral.Throughout the episode we talk about Tory’s experience making The Wicked One for just $12,000, and how the film achieved viral success without any paid advertising. Tory also shares the formula he uses to make a feature film every year, how his films get financed, distribution strategies, and so much more.Get The No-Budget Feature Film Blueprint: https://www.noamkrollacademy.comLinks from the show:Jonestown Films - http://jonestownfilms.com

In this episode I am joined by Whit Ingram. You may know her as “wittyfilmgirl” from her popular Instagram account, where she shares a behind the scenes look at her creative process as a filmmaker.Over the years, Whit has built up an impressive social media following that has led to paid work, creative opportunities, and the ability to spearhead her own passion projects. Throughout the episode we unpack each step she took to build a strong online brand, how that helped her land full time work as a director/DP, and advice for other filmmakers looking to do the same.Get the No-Budget Feature Film Blueprint here: https://noamkrollacademy.comLinks from the show:Whit Ingram Website - https://wittyfilmgirl.comWhit on Instagram - https://instagram.com/wittyfilmgirlWhit on Tik Tok - https://tiktok.com/wittyfilmgirl

In this episode I am joined by the multi-talented Bryan Mason, here to talk all about his creative approach, career path, and latest feature film (now on Hulu): "Good Luck To You, Leo Grande"Bryan is an accomplished cinematographer and editor, often working in both capacities on the same film. Throughout the interview, we talk about Bryan's ability to balance production work with post, and how wearing multiple hats has benefitted him. He also shares a behind the scenes look into his latest feature film, documenting the process from start to finish.Links from the show:"Animals" Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyWo8NzNvTU"Good Luck to You, Leo Grande" Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJcbZoJFLTUBryan Mason on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bryan_mason/For more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In today’s solo episode I share a practical breakdown for capturing amazing raw footage on a “no-budget” production. Even if you are working as a one person crew without traditional resources, it's possible to achieve strong production value - this episode explains how to get there.Throughout the show, I unpack everything from choosing the right camera to the embracing available light. I also share anecdotes and workflows from my latest feature film, which is being shot using the same unconventional tactics outlined in this episode.To learn more about no-budget filmmaking, pick up the No-Budget Filmmaking Blueprint here: https://noamkrollacademy.com/products/no-budget-feature-film-blueprint

In this episode I am joined by acclaimed director Matthew Wade, a four time Slamdance filmmaker known for his feature films "How The Sky Will Melt" and "A Black Rift Begins To Yawn."Matthew's films are incredibly original both in how they are stylized and produced. We discuss his process at length throughout the interview, along with - shooting a feature film on Super 8mm film, creating an analog look when shooting digitally, scoring your own movie, festival programming tips, and loads more.Links from the show:Feature Films - https://skymeltfilm.comMatthew's Website - https://matthewade.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode I am joined by acclaimed DP Liam Higgins for an in-depth discussion on cinematography, commercial filmmaking, and creativity.Liam has shot many commercial projects for Adidas, Grey Goose, SteamWhistle, and countless other brands, all while writing and producing his own narrative productions. Throughout the interview, we discuss Liam’s work at length and his career path - from freelancer to gaining representation with APA agency. We also talk about the benefits and drawbacks of owning gear, the importance of great collaboration, and loads more.Links from the show:https://instagram.com/liamhigginshttps://higginsdp.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

This week I'm honored to have filmmaker and Slamdance co-founder Dan Mirvish return to the show to talk all about his brand new feature film - 18 1/2.18 1/2 is a Watergate thriller/comedy that stars Willa Fitzgerald, John Magaro, Vondie Curtis Hall, Catherine Curtin, Richard Kind, Sullivan Jones, Alanna Saunders, Claire Saunders and the voices of Ted Raimi, Jon Cryer, and Bruce Campbell.In just 15 days, Dan and his crew captured this amazing film that has a unique 1970s vibe and standout performances. Throughout the episode we discuss exactly how this film was made - from concept to theatrical distribution. Enjoy!Links from the show: 18 1/2 Movie Website - https://18andahalfmovie.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode, I am joined by Brooklyn based micro-budget filmmaker Sujewa Ekanayake, for a discussion that re-imagines the way we approach making indie films.I first connected with Sujewa over Twitter, after discovering he and I share a similar filmmaking philosophy that prioritizes creative expression above budget. Throughout the conversation, we unpack this concept at length and discuss various strategies and unconventional tactics that can be used to execute any feature film.Links from the show:Sujewa on Twitter - https://twitter.com/sujewafantasticSlow Romance - https://slowromancemovie.comSujewa's Website - https://sujewa.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

Joining me today are the founders of Film Up - Aryeh Hoppenstein and Christina Chironna.After meeting in college, Aryeh and Christina partnered to create a business that would fuse their love of filmmaking with their passion for business. The result was FilmUp.co, a powerful resource that automates the film production process, from crewing to payroll.To generate awareness and build a community around their brand, Aryeh and Christina developed a unique social media strategy that led to an Instagram following of nearly 700,000 filmmakers.Throughout the episode, they share a behind the scenes look of how they built their audience - from their first follower to becoming one of the leading filmmaking accounts on social media. Their insights can serve as a blueprint for any filmmaker looking to build their online presence, and curate an audience of their own.Links from the show:Film Up Website - https://www.filmup.coFor more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this episode I am joined by three amazing guests for a roundtable style discussion about crowd-equity fundraising for indie films.Our guests are: lawyer-turned film investor Michael Rekola, executive producer and actor Desiree Staples, and Ryan Pierce from WeFunder’s growth team.This in depth discussion covers tactics for raising funds through crowd-equity platforms (like WeFunder), painting a very clear picture of what it takes to succeed with this strategy. Topics covered include: Ideal genres for crowd-equity, key variables investors care about, reaching a wide audience, business & legal setup, and much more.Links from the show:Use Michael's link to start a project for free, and save on any platform fundraising fees when you successfully raise - https://wefunder.com/byrekola/discount“My Divorce Party” We Funder - https://wefunder.com/mydivorcepartythemovie/“Meet Cute Murders” We Funder - https://wefunder.com/meet.cute.murders.movieMichael Rekola on Twitter - https://twitter.com/byrekolaFor more exc

In this episode I am joined by Joële Walinga, director of the SXSW 2022 documentary feature "Self Portrait". This is a brilliant experimental feature comprised entirely of footage collected from surveillance cameras, and produced with a highly unique creative process. Throughout the interview, Joële gives us a behind the scenes look into her four-year creative workflow, which involved sifting through thousands of publicly available surveillance videos and editing them together into a meaningful feature film. She also shares invaluable creative advice for other filmmakers looking to experiment with new formats, and use their original ideas to break new ground.For more exclusive content like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://noamkroll.com/newsletter

In this solo episode, I share a behind the scenes look into my latest feature film, which is being shot with no crew and a highly unconventional workflow. I decided to experiment with this new filmmaking paradigm to test my own creative limits, and show that a great film can be produced on any level, regardless of budget or resources.Throughout the episode I outline how taking a "one-man-band" approach to filmmaking can actually increase production value, while also making for a more creatively rewarding process. Topics covered include:- How I balance directing, DP'ing, and sound recording myself- Why I'm shooting the film in 2-3 day blocks over several months- Editing the film while we are shooting to inform future script changes- The gear I'm using to shoot the film- Challenges and workarounds for filmmakers looking to take this approachFor more exclusive content like this, sign up at http://noamkroll.com/newsletter

Returning to the show is Emmy winning micro-budget filmmaker Marcus Mizelle. After directing a trilogy of micro-budget narrative feature films, Marcus turned his talents to the documentary filmmaking space, where he has recently found incredible success.His self-produced short documentary (Something In The Water) aired on PBS and was later awarded an Emmy. During the same period, he also directed a feature documentary (Belle Vie) which premiered last month at the prestigious Santa Barbara Film Festival.Throughout the interview we discuss each project at length, Marcus' decision to move from narrative to documentary, how he got his film on PBS and submitted for an Emmy nomination, and much more.Links from the show:Something In The Water - https://www.amazon.com/Something-Water-Kinston-Basketball-Story/dp/B08QLXGNCJGet a free exhibit pass to NAB Show by clicking here: https://amplify.nabshow.com/nab-show-sign-up/?r=maritz&marketing_code=BA20For more exclusive content like this, sign up at http://noamkroll.c

In this episode I am joined by experimental filmmaker and accomplished painter, Chris Peters. Chris' films have screened at numerous Academy Award qualifying festivals, including Slamdance 2021 (where he later served as a programmer), and winning the Peter Wilde Award at the 2020 Ann Arbor Film Festival.Throughout our discussion we cover a slew of creative topics - from our shared love of Super 8mm, to the use of AI in filmmaking. We also touch on the benefits of "no-budget" productions, insights from his experience as a festival programmer, and loads more.Links from the show:http://www.chrispeters.comFor more exclusive content like this, sign up at http://noamkroll.com/newsletter

Today I’m joined by director Daniel Lafrentz and producer Sean Flanagan to demystify the fundraising process for narrative feature films.Daniel is an award winning filmmaker known for his debut feature film The Long Shadow, which was awarded a jury prize at the amazing New Orleans Film Festival. Sean made his name in film distribution, having overseen the release of over 1000 films including titles for Sundance Institute, FilmRise, Paradigm, CAA and more. Together, they are developing a new feature film called Meet Cute Murders, which is a focal point of our discussion.Throughout the interview we take a deep dive into Daniel and Sean’s experience making feature films, and how they are reverse engineering their new movie to ensure a successful release. We pay special attention to the WeFunder platform too, which is a cornerstone of their fundraising efforts, and a resource that all filmmakers could benefit from.Links from the show:Meet Cute Murders - WeFunderDaniel Lafrentz - WebsiteFor more exclusive content

I'm thrilled to be joined by editor and director Roger Nygard for an insightful discussion all about the editorial process. Roger is known as an editor for his work on television series like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Veep, Who Is America, and countless others. But he is also an established director, lending his talents to The Office and The Bernie Mac Show, all while spearheading his own feature film projects too.Throughout the interview, Roger shares his wealth of knowledge on the storytelling process, drawn from over 30 years of experience working in Hollywood. We discuss how filmmakers can "shoot for the edit", Roger's specific creative workflows, and loads of practical editing tricks. Roger also details his own history as a director and editor, along with lessons learned from working in the edit bay with great talents like Larry David, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Sacha Baron Cohen.Links from the show:Roger Nygard - WebsiteFor more exclusive content like this, click here to sign up for my newsletter.

In this episode I'm joined by filmmaking duo Taylor Lewis and Burke Lewis.Taylor and Burke run a successful commercial production company (Atomic City), and produce high end content for brands like Amazon, Microsoft, and DJI. But they also have a passion for true micro-budget filmmaking, going so far as to make an entire feature film for just $1000. Throughout the interview, we discuss Taylor and Burke's strategy for growing their production company, how they've thrived outside of major film markets, their philosophy on narrative productions, and loads more.Links from the showFilm Creator Pro - HandbookFilm Creator Pro - InstagramFilm Creator Pro - FacebookAtomic City - WebsiteFor more exclusive content like this, click here to sign up for my newsletter.

In this episode I am joined by Bryn Woznicki (director) and Skye Emerson (screenwriter), the filmmaking duo behind Under The Influencer.After making a $450K feature titled Her Side of The Bed, Bryn chose to embrace the world of ultra micro-budget filmmaking. Through a collaboration with Skye (a recipient of the Alfred P. Sloan Screenwriting Fellowship at the Sundance Film Festival), the team was able to secure $25,000 in funding through We Make Movies to go into production. Bryn and Skye share their journey at length throughout the interview, from the origins of the concept to how they navigated this challenging budget level.Links from the show:Bryn - WebsiteBryn - TwitterBryn - FacebookSkye - WebsiteUnder The Influencer - WebsiteJill Bennet - InstagramLauren Neal - InstagramFor more exclusive content like this, click here to sign up for my newsletter.

Today I am joined by award winning film composer and billboard charting producer Roman Molino Dunn.Roman has found incredible success in the industry, working on major projects for Netflix (AI Love You), Sean Baker (Red Rocket) and Paul Schrader (The Card Counter), among countless others. Last year alone, his work screened at 3 of the top film festivals in the world: Cannes, Venice and Toronto.Throughout the interview Roman takes a deep dive into his creative process, sharing invaluable lessons for filmmakers looking to maximize the impact of their score.Links from the show:Roman Molino Dunn - InstagramRoman Molino Dunn - WebsiteMirrortone StudiosFor more exclusive content like this, click here to sign up for my newsletter.