IFH 844: How to Turn a YouTube Idea Into a Feature Film with Patrick Epino
From Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast by Indie Film Hustle
March 3, 2026 · 51 min · Episode 844
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/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support .
People in this episode
Guest: Patrick Epino
Topics covered
- YouTube
- crowdfunding
- feature film
- filmmaking
- audience engagement
Keywords
- Hollywood tropes
- Awesome Asian Bad Guys
- National Film Society
- Kickstarter
- low-budget filmmaking
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Awesome Asian Bad Guys
Places: Hollywood
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