Independent Filmmaker's Guide | IFG

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's Guide.In today's episode we speak with Director Brock Heasley and Producer Ken Carpenter, the filmmaking team behind "The Shift". With well over 2000 screens in their theatrical release, James Allerdyce takes us through the process of making this "faith adjacent" film from Angel Studios.IFG is created by Framework Productions, produced and hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.And be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank youIFG | How Movies Get Made IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's Guide.In today's episode we dive right into one of the later challenges along the filmmaking journey - getting your film in front of your potential audience. How to actually break through with ratings and reviews in key places.The landscape is always changing and tomorrow it may be different. In the meantime, these particular algorithms on streaming platforms hold a lot of sway as to what movies actually get "shelf space" in their store.With this in mind, we here at IFG share the great news that our indie horror film HERD (Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, Matt Mundy) is now released in the US and in an increasing number of other territories around the world.But in order to take advantage of all of this potential exposure we ask our listeners directly for their support. As we often do with podcasts but rarely seem to do in film, we talk about the importance of not just watching indie films but rating and reviewing them as well.In that, we also tackle the pivotal role of indie filmmakers in shaping a vibrant film industry, especially in light of recent strikes against the AMPTP. More so, we extend an invitation to you - yes, you, our treasured listeners - to join this journey. By watching, rating, and reviewing HERD, you're not simply showing support; you're helping independent films prove their worth in a sea of studio-backed blockbusters. And in this digital era, your ratings and reviews directly impact a film's positioning and success. And a special shoutout to the wonderful people of Poplar Bluff, Missouri - as well as Doniphan and Van Buren...your support and graciousness to our cast and crew are at the center of what made shooting this film possible.Links mentioned in the show:to follow the herd, and see more information about the movie, visit HERD.filmWatch/Stream on AppleTV or PrimeUK DVD reviewUK DVD purchaseRate/Review on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDbIFG is created by Framework Productions, produced and hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.And be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank you!IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's GuideThe navigation of film distribution can be one of the more difficult parts of the filmmaker's process. From understanding deal memos, aligning expectations, to simply getting something you've undoubtedly spent so much time and effort on in front of, and sometimes literally in the hands of, your intended audience.These are just some of the things covered in today's valuable and personal episode with guest Malcolm Ingram - an acclaimed and decorated filmmaker and documentarian, as well as an ambassador of the now resurgent desire for physical media. Leveraging all these things, Ingram felt a personal pull to, most recently, start his own distribution company with a focus on this physical media Mercantile Instinct.And his first release is the film CLERK (yes, a look at the man and the stories behind the hit CLERKS). CLERK will feature both Blu-Ray as well as VHS and Blu-Ray - with wide release on September 26th. A quick reminder, no matter where you are listening to us, if you could rate us and drop us a review on Apple Podcasts, we’d be so grateful - it really helps us spread the news and build the community.If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, join us over at IFG Discord and enter the chatIFG is created by Framework Productions, produced and hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.And be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank you! IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's Guide.Four common misconceptions with SAG-AFTRA's Interim Agreements and how union members and independent producers can work together to bring the AMPTP back to negotiations.Afterward, we look at some of the roots of A.I. as it applies to using union members' name, image, and likeness and even touch on a case-study that could give us insight as to where negotiations could and possibly should go.More information about all this, and how to support - be it with donations or showing up on the picket lines, and all updates, go to SAGAFTRASTRIKE.ORGA quick reminder, no matter where you are listening to us, if you could rate us and drop us a review on Apple Podcasts, we’d be so grateful - it really helps us spread the news and build the community.If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, join us over at IFG Discord and enter the chatIFG is created by Framework Productions, produced and hosted by Steven Pierce, James Allerdyce, and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org.And be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank you! IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textWelcome back to the Independent Filmmaker's Guide.What if we told you that Netflix, your go-to for binge-watching, has not just altered your viewing habits but also rattled the very foundations of the entertainment industry? It is true, but what is unclear is if that is a good thing or even sustainable.Netflix and other streaming enterprises' entry into the scene has caused a seismic shift that has reshaped the way we understand entertainment - from revolutionizing consumption patterns to influencing pay scales and labor conditions. Join us as we navigate this game-changing landscape, starting from the historical strike where SAG-AFTRA joined the WGA, right up to the pressures it put on the AMPTP to return to negotiations. Today we explore the intricate maze of 'interim agreements' and 'waivers', and their role in this evolving scenario. Learn about the structure of the AMPTP, the dynamics between traditional and innovative parties, and the bridging role that Netflix plays. We discuss how traditional media companies tried to transform themselves to keep pace with Netflix, resulting in a drastic shift in their business models. Lastly, we delve into the impact of Netflix's entry into the AMPTP in 2019 and how it changed the dynamics of union negotiations. Tune in for an engaging discussion that uncovers the dramatic transformation of the entertainment industry over the years.More information about all this, and how to support - be it with donations or showing up on the picket lines, and all updates, go to SAGAFTRASTRIKE.ORG A quick reminder, no matter where you are listening to us, if you could rate us and drop us a review on Apple Podcasts, we’d be so grateful - it really helps us spread the news and build the community.If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, join us over at IFG Discord and enter the chatAnd be sure to check out our other podcast, HAPPY HOUR FLIX, about all things Nostalgia and Movies we love. Thank you! IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textThe “first time in 63 years” strike, where SAG-AFTRA has joined the WGA in a labor stoppage due to stalled negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers or AMPTP. And so today we wanted to come on and address this strike and state that we here at IFG stand firmly with our fellow actors and writers in this strike. We hope that at the end of this we will see them protected for their talents and compensated duly for their work. While attempting to understand just what the AMPTP is and it's impact on negotiations with the union, an old and usually overlooked question emerged: just what is a studio film and what is an independent film? And why does it matter to all of us? Again, IFG is in firm support of this strike. This feels like an inflection point for the industry on every level. The stakes are high. And we hope that a modern contract is agreed to, and that independent filmmaking remains a thriving and supportive part of our awesome industry, helping all of us tell the stories each of us want to share.More information about all this, and how to support - be it with donations or showing up on the picket lines, and all updates, go to SAGAFTRASTRIKE.ORG IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textIn this episode, Steven Pierce and Matt Mundy talk with the project's creators, screenwriters and director Luke Meyer and Keith Newton about their very personal docu-series, The Fourth Wall.For any filmmaker, telling the story and history of a cult with an ever-evolving facade, lead by a mercurial leader can not only take years, but can be difficult to pin down. And when said leader is your own father, it can be beyond daunting...becoming more and more personal as the layers are peeled back.Premiering at Tribeca Film Festival 2023, The Fourth Wall is "an intimate documentary series in which the son of cult leaders investigates the transgressive group in which he was raised. This is the story of the Sullivanians, New York’s secretive 'psychotherapy cult,' which was hidden in plain sight on Manhattan's Upper West Side in the 1970s and ’80s." - Tribecafilm.comTo stay in the loop about more releases and updates about this film, also check out: seethink.com as well as SeeThink’s Facebook or Instagram IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textA very special and short episode this week. Today we have an announcement and an invitation for you all.After beginning this podcast as a way to build up and talk to a community of other filmmakers about their own projects, not only do WE now have multiple films coming down the pike, we have launched our own Narrative Division devoted to the creation of films that tell compelling, original and personal stories. In light of all of this, we are excited to announce our first release of the year, the film BUKE & GASE.Announcement, in brief:Our first feature release of the year premieres MAY 9th, 2023! The Concert Documentary: BUKE & GASEA special invitation to our listeners: If you are in NYC on May 9th and would like to attend the premiere WITH US in Queens, NY please RSVP* to info@frameworkproductions.tv*It is a limit of 2 ticket requests. Please write “IFG premiere request” in the subject line and we will reply accordingly to let you confirm we were able to meet your request.Pre-Sales are available now!BUKE & GASE will also be available to stream starting MAY 9th as well:To pre-order, just click here: BUKE & GASE FILM (or paste this URL) https://apple.co/40Uu3ww FROM APPLE TV:In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when tours were cancelled and all live music went silent, one band refused to stay quiet. This is that concert.The musical duo Buke and Gase performs a complete live concert to the eerily empty, famed arts and musical hall Basilica Hudson. In between the genre-bending performances that make up the concert portions, the film examines the design and creation of their handmade instruments, a six-string former-baritone ukulele (the "Buke") and a hybrid guitar-bass (the "Gase”) as well as the inspirations behind the songs and lyrics. The film contains both a full set from Buke and Gase made up of their hit songs and new releases, as well as insights from Aaron Dessner (The National), Melissa Auf der Maur (The Smashing Pumpkins, Hole), Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders), Laurie Anderson (Artist/Musician), Jad Abumrad (Radiolab), Alec Hanley Bemis (Brassland), Jonny Dovercourt (music journalist) and many more.Thank you again, and spread the word. And if you haven’t already, we’d love if you’d leave us a review on Apple Podcast - it really does help get the word out and continue to build our community of filmmakers. Also, keep up with us at independentfilmmakersguide.com IFG is created and produced by Framework Productions, hosted by Steven Pierce with cohosts James Allerdyce and Matt Mundy. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org. IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textOn this episode, Steven Pierce and James Allerdyce explore Darren Le Gallo's feature film debut, SAM & KATE.From securing his stellar cast of the real-life parent-child combos of Dustin Hoffman/Jake Hoffman and Sissy Spacek/Schuyler Fisk, to scouting the perfect locations, Gallo walks through the inspirations, many years, and steps it took to bring his vision to fruition. Independent Filmmaker’s Guide | How Movies Get MadeIFG is created by Framework Productions IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textIn today's episode, host Steven Pierce sits with Aimee Long to discuss her personal journey of bringing A Shot Through The Wall to screen. From the 2015 concept through it's premiere at the Bentonville Film Festival and recent distribution with Vertical Entertainment, Steve and Aimee talk through the barriers faced early on, the shifting social climate, and leaning into an indie filmmaker's vulnerability in order to deliver something truly unique and personal. A Chinese-American police officer's life unravels after he accidentally shoots an innocent Black man. Facing trial, he wades through his guilt as he navigates the complicated worlds of media, justice, racial politics and his own morality. - IMDb.com IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textYou know the slogans, get it done, just do it, shoot what you have…Emly Bennett and Justin Brooks put it all to the test when they decided to shoot their feature on their own during the pandemic.Today hosts Steven Pierce and James Allerdyce discuss with these resourceful artist about how they stopped wanting to make a film and actually made it happen. From concept, to execution, to a recent distribution deal…this episode is a great up-close guide for any filmmaker.Alone With YouAs a young woman painstakingly prepares a romantic homecoming for her girlfriend, their apartment begins to feel more like a tomb when voices, shadows, and hallucinations reveal a truth she has been unwilling to face.- IMDb.comIndependent Filmmaker’s Guide | How Movies Get MadeIFG is created by Framework Productions. This episode was directed by James Allerdyce, produced and edited by Matt Mundy & Audrey Rae McHale, and hosted by Steven Pierce. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org. IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textBeing resilient, able to bounce back from failures. Seeing possibility in unexpected places.This may be a main thread in the storyline in the film Lorelei, but it also applies to every indie film and filmmaker.Today, hosts Steven Pierce & James Allerdyce sit down with the writer-director of Lorelei, Sabrina Doyle. While breaking down the entire process and experience of making this beautiful drama, we cover topics ranging from philosophical to practical - working with children, building a family dynamic without rehearsal, cancelled festivals, finding the optimum fps for shooting under water. And as our guest reminds us, we don’t talk about failure enough. It is simply part of your journey to success.“A working-class fable about a biker, a mermaid and three shades of blue.” - IMDbOpening in theaters and digitally, July 30thIndependent Filmmaker’s Guide: How Movies Get MadeIFG is created by Framework Productions. This episode was hosted and directed by Steven Pierce & James Allerdyce, and produced and edited by Matt Mundy & Audrey Rae McHale. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org. IFG | How Movies Get Made

Send us a textIn the independent film world, “why does your story need to be told?” is one of the most important questions to answer early on. And the film THE GOD COMMITTEE is a great example of how you answer this can have a huge impact on your film’s potential success and impact.Today, hosts Steven Pierce and James Allerdyce sit-down with writer/directer Austin Stark to discuss his powerful answer to that question. And as always, we dive deep into the entire process, including how to work with high profile actors such as Kelsey Grammer, Julia Stiles, Colman Domingo, and Janeane Garofalo, how were decisions made about distribution given today’s landscape, shooting on location in a working hospital, and of course how they technically achieved the specific look and feel of their film.An organ transplant committee has one hour to decide which of three patients deserves a life-saving heart. Seven years later, the committee members struggle with the consequences of that fateful decision. -IMDb.comIndependent Filmmaker’s Guide: How Movies Get MadeIFG is created by Framework Productions. This episode was hosted and directed by Steven Pierce and James Allerdyce, and produced and edited by Matt Mundy & Audrey Rae McHale. The music is by Glass Boy. Find his music on freemusicarchive.org. IFG | How Movies Get Made