Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking
86 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago -Every Thursday, Noam shares valuable insight into the world of micro-budget filmmaking, geared towards true DIY filmmakers looking to get out there and create their own films.
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Episodes
Color Correction: Maximizing The Power Of LUTs On Set & In Post
January 18, 2018 20:00 - 43 minutes - 81.5 MBOver the past few years, color correction tools have become extremely accessible, and more filmmakers than ever are now color grading their own footage - often using LUTs, or Look Up Tables. While LUTs can offer filmmakers an incredible way to improve their creative results while also dramatically reducing post-production time, they need to be used carefully and purposefully in order to achieve the best possible effect. In this episode, Noam discusses best practices for using LUTs at every ...
Working on a Robert Rodriguez Produced Feature Film With Jamie Jung
January 04, 2018 07:12 - 1 hour - 112 MBRobert Rodriguez, the single biggest pioneer of micro-budget filmmaking, recently launched a new filmmaking initiative called Rebel Without a Crew. His goal was to give 5 filmmakers each a budget of $7000 and some guidance so they could each write and direct their own feature film. The whole process was documented as a series and will air in the near future on Robert’s own El Rey Network. On today’s show, Noam interviews Jamie Jung - one of the talented actors that was fortunate to take par...
5 Ways To Incease Your Odds Of Being Accepted Into Any Film Festival
December 21, 2017 19:59 - 34 minutes - 64.2 MBEvery filmmaker dreams of screening their work at Sundance or Cannes, but only a select few will ever have the fortune of receiving a coveted acceptance letter from a notable festival. And while there is no denying that it is only getting harder and harder to get into any film festival with each passing year, there are countless ways in which any filmmaker can increase their chances of beating the odds. In this episode, Noam shares his opinions on film festivals from a top-level, explaining...
Maximizing Creative Results & Profits By Applying The 80/20 Principle To Filmmaking
December 14, 2017 21:26 - 39 minutes - 73.5 MBProductivity expert Tim Ferris often talks about the 80/20 principle, which states that 80% of our results can be attributed to just 20% of our efforts. While this principle can be applied to virtually anything - from business decisions to our personal lives - it has some uniquely poweful benefits for filmmakers that are looking to optimize their creative output and increase their income. Many filmmakers feel that they don't have enough time to get their projects off the ground, or that the...
How a 2 Person Crew Made a Feature Film For $11,000
November 30, 2017 23:56 - 1 hour - 126 MBIt’s always so inspiring to hear about filmmakers that are truly able to make something from nothing, and that’s very much the case with our guest today - Rebecca Weaver. With a production budget of only $11,000 and a crew of only 2 (Rebecca and her boyfriend, Chris), the filmmaking duo was able to pull off a successful feature film that spanned several months of production and later went on to tour the festival circuit. In the true spirit of micro-budget filmmaking, Rebecca not only wrote ...
How A First Time Filmmaker Made An $8000 Feature In 13 Days
November 17, 2017 00:28 - 1 hour - 150 MBHow do you make a feature film for just $8000 in 13 days? For writer/director Joe Baddon and actress Linnea Gregg, it was all about leveraging resources, maximizing creativity, and avoiding perfectionism. With no experience directing narrative content in the past, Joe Badon was able to pull the trigger on his first feature - The God Inside My Ear - by thinking outside of the box and surrounding himself with a team of talented filmmakers and artists. One of these artists was Linnea Gregg, wh...
Creative Distribution Options For Micro-Budget Filmmakers With Liz Manshil
November 09, 2017 19:55 - 1 hour - 116 MBMicro-budget filmmakers often put a tremendous amount of effort into production and post, but tend to lose steam when it comes time to distribute their work. Unfortunately, this means that many great films never find an audience, and end up collecting dust on a shelf rather than generating income for the filmmakers behind the project. On today’s episode, Noam interviews Liz Manashil, the talented filmmaker behind the micro-budget feature film Bread and Butter. Liz is also the manager of the...
5 Tough Listener Questions From True Micro-Budget Filmmakers
November 02, 2017 19:08 - 34 minutes - 65.2 MBFor the first time on the podcast, Noam takes listener questions that were sent in via e-mail and Twitter from micro-budget filmmakers looking for advice. Topics covered includes: the creative process, career advice, working with unprepared actors, abandoning projects and much more. If you would like to have your question answered on a future episode, be sure to ask Noam via twitter at www.twitter.com/noamkroll And for more content like this visit www.noamkroll.com
Why Making Movies Is Hard With Timothy Plain and Alrik Bursell
October 26, 2017 22:14 - 1 hour - 140 MBFor the past two years Timothy Plain and Alrik Bursell have interviewed countless filmmakers on their popular podcast - Making Movies Is Hard. Over the course of these interviews the filmmaking duo have benefitted from a tremendous amount of professional insight covering every stage of the process from conception to distribution. In today's episode, Timothy and Alrik generously share some of the most valuable lessons they have learned along the way, both as hosts of the MMIH podcast and as ...
From Idea To Finished Film: Making A Micro-Budget Feature In 6 Months
October 19, 2017 20:34 - 33 minutes - 61.9 MBWhile most studio level feature films take many years to produce, micro-budget films often come together far more quickly as there is less red tape involved at every stage. In fact, some filmmakers have realized their visions in as little as 6 months, which is virtually unheard of in filmmaking at other budget levels. In this episode, Noam outlines his optimal 6 month feature film schedule - from concept to finished product - and explains how this type of time constraint can benefit the cre...
An Interview With Literary Manager & Writing Consultant Whitney Davis
October 12, 2017 19:38 - 56 minutes - 105 MBMicro-budget films have increased in technical quality by leaps and bounds over the past decade, but many still fail to reach an audience as a result of underdeveloped stories and screenplays. This has ultimately become the achilles heel for so many micro-budget filmmakers, which is why it’s so imperative that every filmmaker, regardless of budget, places an equal weight on the writing process. In today’s episode, Noam interviews Whitney Davis - a literary manager who started in this busine...
3 Story Structures Designed For True Micro-Budget Films
October 05, 2017 19:37 - 33 minutes - 63.3 MBStory structure is the backbone of just about every film, and a true mastery of stucture is critical to the success of any filmmaker. Many narrative features falter as a result of poor structure, and unfortunately this is true even of films that are built on very strong premises, characters, and themes. Ultimately, structure provides the connective tissue that brings all of the key ingredients of a great screenplay together, and without the right structural mechanisms it's difficult to creat...
When To Quit Your Day Job And Pursue Filmmaking Full Time
September 28, 2017 20:42 - 34 minutes - 64.6 MBOne of the most universal struggles for filmmakers is knowing how and when to quit working at a day job. Making indepdnent films requires a ton of time and flexibility when it comes to scheduling, and many filmmakers believe that their current work-life setup is preventing them from having the time they need to reach their goals. Over the course of this episode, Noam dives deep into the idea of leaving a stable career to pursue filmmaking full time, and explores a number of key questions th...
Designing & Discovering The Perfect Cinema Lens With Ryan Avery
September 21, 2017 19:22 - 1 hour - 128 MBCinema lenses are one of the most crucial tools in any filmmaker's toolkit, yet many filmmakers have a limited knowledge of how glass will affect their image from both a creative and technical standpoint. In this episode, Noam interviews Ryan Avery - the founder of Veydra lenses - who designed one of the most sought after lens kits for independent filmmakers: The Veydra Mini Primes. Over the course of this interview, Ryan details exactly what goes into designing and developing high quality...
The 5 Most Critical Color Grading Mistakes Made By Filmmakers
September 07, 2017 21:09 - 33 minutes - 62.6 MBColor grading tools have become more accessible than ever, and as a result filmmakers are becoming hyper aware of the role that color plays in their work. Countless filmmakers are now training themselves in the art and science of color grading as a means to elevate the quality of their work without needing to rely on post-houses. That said, the color process as a whole still poses a steep learning curve, and many filmmakers jump into their color processes before being fully aware of the tec...
An Interview With Lift-Off Film Festival Founder Ben Pohlman
August 31, 2017 16:42 - 1 hour - 138 MBAs one of the founders of The Lift Off Global Network of Film Festivals, Ben Pohlman has made it his mission to not only program groundbreaking films at his festivals, but also to help filmmakers thrive in the commercial marketplace and flourish in their careers. Over the course of this hour long interview, Ben draws from his unique background as a festival founder to de-mystify the jury selection process and give filmmakers a realistic view of what it takes to get accepted. He also shed...
Making a Micro-Budget Short Film in 35mm With Ben Garchar
August 26, 2017 18:47 - 57 minutes - 107 MB35mm film is still seen as the holy grail for many filmmakers, but from a cost perspective it is often prohibitive for micro-budget productions. The cost of purchasing new film stock combined with processing and scanning can add up very quickly, which of course is why it’s almost always reserved for higher budget productions. That said, some micro-budget filmmakers are able to execute 35mm projects by thinking outside the box and finding ways to make the cost of shooting on film more manage...
5 Fundamental Tips For Shooting In Natural Light
August 17, 2017 16:24 - 25 minutes - 47.6 MBMicro-budget filmmakers often utilize natural light as a means to simplify production requirements and reduce time on set, while also benfitting from the beautiful aethetic that it offers. When done right, this approach can truly offer filmmakers a best of both worlds scenatio - the ability to capture gorgeous images with minimal crew and gear. Achieving cinema-quality results with natural light can be easier said than done though, as the lack of control over lighting, color temperature, an...
Developing a Festival Strategy That Works For Your Film
August 10, 2017 20:49 - 31 minutes - 59.4 MBWith thousands of film festivals in existence and more popping up every year, filmmakers are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the festival circuit. And while most filmmakers have some rough festival goals in mind as they approach the submission process, many have not taken the time to truly develop a strategy that will benefit their film. In this episode, Noam sheds light on the film festival submission process from his perspective as both a filmmaker, and someone who has judge...
7 Time Saving & Efficiency Rules For The Micro-Budget Filmmaker
August 03, 2017 21:47 - 40 minutes - 74.9 MBProduction and post-production time on micro-budget films is severely limited, making it crucial for filmmakers to ensure they are being as efficient as possible with the limited time that they do have. Based on his experience with the micro-budget feature film “Shadows on the Road”, Noam outlines his top 7 rules for filmmakers looking to optimize production time and increase efficiency across the board. Topics covered include: How and why to keep your locations to a minimum, simplified cov...
How To Direct & Execute a No-Budget Production Without a Crew
July 28, 2017 06:48 - 32 minutes - 60.1 MBMaking a micro-budget film is hard. Making a no-budget film is even harder - especially when you are the only crew member. In this episode, Noam shares actionable tips and advice for no-budget filmmakers who need to act as the Director, DP, and Sound Recordist all at once. From making adjustments to the screenplay, to modifying blocking, lighting, and sound recording techniques, there are countless ways in which no-budget filmmakers can ensure they are still achieving a high production valu...
Writing and Crowdfunding an Original Webseries With Will Gong
July 20, 2017 15:30 - 1 hour - 125 MBOn this episode, Noam interviews Will Gong - a Writer and Editor with years of experience working on large scale feature film projects. Currently working at Disney, Will has edited promos, featurettes, behind the scenes content, and much more for films like Star Wars: Rogue One, Beauty and the Beast, Straight Outta Compton, and many others. While Will has a great deal of experience working on larger productions, he has most recently decided to develop his own content on a smaller scale, and...
Breaking Down The Budget For a $12,000 Feature Film
July 13, 2017 17:45 - 24 minutes - 45.8 MBMany micro-budget feature films are budgeted around $10,000 - $15,000, and are produced over the course of 10 - 12 days. While this type of budget can be a challenge to work with once cast, crew, locations, and other costs are factored in, it can actually go a very long way when approached the right way. In this podcast, Noam breaks down a simple formula for budgeting a 12 day feature film at $1000/day. Using this approach, filmmakers can confidently approach their production process, knowi...
Scheduling a 12 Day Micro-Budget Feature Film Production
June 29, 2017 23:57 - 24 minutes - 46.4 MBOne of the most challenging tasks for micro-budget filmmakers is creating a shooting schedule that serves both the creative needs of a feature length production and the logistical paramters of the project. The goal is often to shoot as many pages per day as possible without sacrificing quality, but that is easier said than done. Over the course of this episode, Noam outlines a 12 day shooting schedule that he highly recommends for filmmakers looking to find that perfect balance between qual...
The Key Fundamentals Of Directing Your Actors
June 22, 2017 19:58 - 29 minutes - 56 MBIt goes without saying that actors are the lifeblood of any film, and for this very reason it's crucial that all narrative directors fully understand how to elicit powerful and authentic performances from their talent. No two actors are trained in exactly the same way, and no two use the same tools to bring their characters to life, making communicating a specific vision with talent particularly confusing for many directors. There are however, many universal techniques and approaches that d...
Moving From PA To Producer: An Interview With Filmmaker Jens Jacob
June 15, 2017 19:35 - 1 hour - 145 MBNo two filmmakers have the same story, or have broken into the industry in the same way. Filmmaker Jens Jacob is certainly no exception. After moving to Los Angeles with no industry contacts or resources whatsoever, he leveraged his unique abilities behind the camera, a strong business acumen, and invaluable soft skills to carve out a spot for himself in this industry. By working hard, staying humble, and strategically building his network while also opening up multiple businesses of his ow...
Directing a $67,000 Micro-Budget Feature Film With Joe McClean
June 08, 2017 16:35 - 1 hour - 165 MBNo two feature films are made the same way, and this sentiment is especially true of micro-budget productions which often come together under very unconventional circumstances. Director Joe McClean's latest feature film - The Drama Club - is certainly no exception to this rule. With a budget of only $67,000, Joe and his team pulled off development, production, post-produciton, and self-distribution in a true DIY fashion, and have an excellent feature film to show for it. Over the course of...
Utilizing Vimeo To Grow As a Filmmaker & Build Your Audience With Derick Rhodes
June 01, 2017 14:30 - 58 minutes - 109 MBCountless filmmakers have leveraged the power of Vimeo to showcase their work, refine their craft, and ultimately build an audience for themselves. Some have had so much success on Vimeo that they have even drawn the attention of Hollywood producers who later afforded them the opportunity to direct, write, DP, or otherwise contribue to full blown feature film projects. On this episode, Noam chats with Derick Rhodes, the Director of Creator Programs & Events at Vimeo. As a filmmaker himself ...
How To Find Existing Writing Material To Direct
May 25, 2017 17:56 - 21 minutes - 40.1 MBWhile some filmmakers absolutely love the writing process and consider themselves true writer-directors, many others prefer to focus strictly on directing, and as such are often searching for high quality written material to work with. In this episode, Noam explores 3 fundamental strategies that can greatly benefit those filmmakers who are eager to get on set as soon as possible, but struggle to find the right material to get them there. For more content like this visit: www.noamkroll.com
Short Films Vs. Feature Films
May 18, 2017 21:59 - 25 minutes - 47.2 MBFilmmakers at all levels - amateur and professional - often struggle with the same question: What type of project would best help my artistic career, a short or a feature film? While there is no right or wrong answer, there are some clear pros and cons to both that should always be taken into account before venturing off into production. in this episode Noam weighs in with some of his thoughs on each, and outlines how to make the most out of both. For more content like this visit www.noamkr...
Mastering The Art Of Coverage As a Director
May 15, 2017 19:17 - 26 minutes - 50.3 MBUsing scene coverage in unique or unexpected ways is one of the most effective ways for you to leave your mark on a film. Filmmakers are often taught to simply cover their scenes with just a master and closeups, which often leads to less interesting storytelling and less dynamic scenes, even though better choices are readily available. In this episode, Noam shares his insight on how to approach the art of coverage to give yourself more creative and practical options on set and in post-produ...
How To Pick The Right DSLR or Mirrorless Camera For Your Film
May 12, 2017 20:21 - 24 minutes - 46.2 MBWith hundreds of 4K capable DSLR and Mirrorless cameras on the market today, choosing the right one can be a very tough decision. In this epsiode, Noam outlines his tought process for purchasing the right camera for your unique needs as a filmmaker, the most critical features you should be looking for in a camera, and explains why DSLRs/Mirrorless cameras are as relevant as ever for filmmakers on a budget. For more content like this, be sure to visit www.noamkroll.com
An Interview With Micro-Budget Filmmakers: Jamie Benyon & Lucy Jordan
May 11, 2017 20:21 - 58 minutes - 108 MBIn this episode, Noam interviews Jamie Benyon and Lucy Jordan, who recently completed production on a micro-budget feature film titled Time of The Season. With exprience on big-budget productions such as Wonder Woman, Doctor Strange, Fantastic Beasts, Free Fire and Rogue One, the filmmaking duo has developed a unique take on their approach to micro-budget films. For more content like this, be sure to visit www.noamkroll.com. You can see some of Jamie and Lucy's work on Time of The Season b...
Finding Motivation & Staying Committed To Your Film
May 04, 2017 18:16 - 24 minutes - 45.3 MBFilmmakers are notorious for starting projects that they don't finish, and more often than not this issue stems from a lack of proper motivation and commitment. In this episode, Noam explores the fundamental reasons why motivation and commitment are the keys to success for filmmakers, and shares some actionable tips that will help you stay on track throughout the course of your filmmaking process. www.noamkroll.com
How To Break Into The Industry As a Director
April 27, 2017 19:04 - 30 minutes - 56.5 MBNoam explores the different paths that filmmakers take to become feature film Directors, and shares actionable methodology that is universally helpful for aspiring Directors who are looking to reach their full potential. For more content like this, be sure to follow Noam's blog at: http://www.noamkroll.com
Story Development & Screenwriting Insight
April 20, 2017 01:32 - 22 minutes - 41.4 MBOn this episode, Noam shares insight and tips on crafting the perfect story and script for a micro-budget screenplay. Using examples from his recent feature film, he outlines the do's and dont's of writing a script with the intention of producing it on a micro-budget level. For more content like this, be sure to visit http://www.noamkroll.com