BPS 465: How to Turn a YouTube Idea Into a Feature Film with Patrick Epino

About this episode

Patrick Epino discusses transforming a YouTube idea into a feature film through crowdfunding and community engagement.

Patrick Epino shares how a simple YouTube video about Hollywood tropes evolved into the crowdfunded feature film Awesome Asian Bad Guys. After building an audience through the National Film Society, Patrick and his team leveraged their online community to raise over $50,000 on Kickstarter. He explains why crowdfunding requires relentless outreach, consistent content creation, and a pre-existing audience rather than blind optimism. The conversation also explores casting through community relationships, co-directing dynamics, production challenges, and the realities of low-budget filmmaking. Patrick’s journey highlights the power of niche storytelling, audience engagement, and refusing to wait for industry gatekeepers. It’s an inspiring blueprint for filmmakers looking to turn a small idea into a tangible feature film. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bulletproof-screenwriting-podcast--2881148/support .

People in this episode

Host: Bulletproof Screenwriting

Guest: Patrick Epino

Topics covered

• crowdfunding
• filmmaking
• YouTube
• audience engagement
• low-budget film
• Hollywood tropes

Keywords

• YouTube
• crowdfunding
• feature film
• audience
• filmmaking
• Hollywood
• tropes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Film Society

Books & works: Awesome Asian Bad Guys

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