Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

In this episode I'm joined by filmmaker Nick Toti - one half of the DIY filmmaking duo behind the viral 80-second short Dead Grandma, the TIFF Midnight Madness sensation It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This, and the upcoming feature Homebody.Throughout the episode Nick breaks down the decade-long origin story of Dead Grandma, from an improvised game he invented while working as a nursery school teacher in Austin to a 35mm short film that blew up in Variety and landed him on this podcast.We also discuss how his $5,000 found footage feature It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This unexpectedly landed in TIFF's Midnight Madness, the unconventional theatrical-only release strategy he's used to screen it across multiple continents without a distributor, and why Nick is now trying to convince A24 or Blumhouse to fund a studio remake of Homebody.Topics covered include:The real-life origin of Dead Grandma and how it developed over a deadeCo-directing with his wife and creative partner Rachel KempfShooting on 35mm film - and everything that went wrong before they even rolledHow It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This got into TIFF Midnight MadnessThe aesthetic of Homebody: making a movie that feels like a lo-fi demo tapeActively pursuing failure as a creative strategy - and why it eventually workedNick's 25-hour real-time experimental documentary projectDie Die Books - the horror film criticism press Nick and Rachel runMuch more!Links from the show:Dead Grandma Short FilmHomebody TrailerDie Die BooksSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode I’m joined by filmmaker Jon Bregel, who recently DP'd the new Jay Duplass feature film The Baltimorons - which premiered at this year's SXSW film festival, and was released theatrically in September via IFC Films.Throughout the interview we trace Jon's journey from leveraging Vimeo as a tool to launch a successful commercial career in New York, to stepping away and redefining what it means to be a working filmmaker. We dig into creative alignment, sustainable career building, and how a documentary-minded approach has shaped some of his recent work. Topics covered include:From Vimeo Staff Pick to a call from Nike - early momentum in the Vimeo heydayBurnout, depression, and redefining success beyond money and prestigeHow to work like a professional, build routines, and treat freelancing like a real businessLanding The Baltimorons: and how “manifesting” opportunities really worksLighting quickly with tiny crews, embracing imperfection, and protecting spontaneityWhat Jon learned from Jay Duplass about presence, and generous leadershipPractical longevity: sustaining energy and morale across an indie feature scheduleLinks from the show:The Baltimorons - Movie SiteJon Bregel - Website & CoachingThe Nourish CommunitySign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

In this episode filmmaker and novelist Mick Lexington joins me to unpack the development phase for his debut feature Mr. Jack - an existential New York drama adapted from his own novel.Through the interview we dig into the process of raising a ~$400K production budget, why he brought on a dedicated fundraising lead, and how his “agile filmmaking” approach allows him to start elements of production ahead of principle photography. We also dive deep on writing craft - outlining, “killing your darlings,” beating procrastination with consistent routines and much more.Topics include:Working with a fundraising specialist to raise a target budget of $400K“Agile filmmaking”: building momentum by shooting key exteriors ahead of producitonCasting strategy without star names and avoiding audience-misleading cameosTurning New York City into a story engine: LES & Williamsburg as living backdropWriting cadence & anti-procrastination: consistent daily blocks vs. burstsWhy the final rewrite is the edit - and planning for pickups and pivotsLinks from the show:Mr. Jack - WebsiteMick Lexington - WebsiteSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

Filmmaker Emily Elizabeth Thomas joins me this week to break down the making of her debut feature film Keily: Homecoming Dweeb, a YA romance that bridges classic rom-com elements with bold visual experimentation.Emily shares how the project grew out of a Candy Jar–financed vertical web series, why she embraced an unconventional format to connect with Gen Z, and how she maintained her distinctive voice on both the series and the feature.We also dive deep into practical directing craft - from navigating budgets and production constraints to lens testing, working with young actors, rewriting on set, and keeping tone at the center of every decision. Topics include:Moving from commercials to narrative filmmaking by way of a vertical seriesWhy embracing nontraditional formats can expand your audience reachPractical strategies for navigating low budgets without sacrificing visionThe role of zoom lenses and lens testing in creating emotional storytellingBuilding authentic performances with young actors through collaborative rehearsalsManaging tone as a director’s primary responsibilityMuch more.Links from the show:Watch Keily: Homecoming Dweeb on Candy JarKeily: Homecoming Dweeb on IMDbEmily Elizabeth Thomas – Official PortfolioSign up for exclusive filmmaking newsletters each Sunday.

In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Julian Sol Jordan to talk about his self-made debut feature Real Life — an 82-minute hybrid narrative-documentary that was shot, directed, edited, colored, and mixed entirely by himself.The film, which screened recently at the Texas Theatre in Dallas thanks to a generous grant from David Lowery, is a raw, poetic exploration of early adulthood, nostalgia, and the struggle to find meaning in your 20s.Throughout our conversation, Julian and I unpack the entire creative process, from rediscovering dusty VHS tapes in his attic to crafting a structure out of chaos with no script in hand. Topics covered include: How Julian shot 80% of the film alone using everything from a Blackmagic to an iPhone 4The value of embracing lo-fi footage and imperfections to elevate emotional truthWhy David Lowery funded the premiere and how their mentorship beganThe unexpected benefit of not writing a script — and when to start one next timeHow old home movies became the emotional anchor of the filmWhy guerrilla filmmaking might be Julian’s path forwardMuch more!Links from the show:Julian Sol Jordan – InstagramJulian Sol Jordan – YouTubeSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Felipe Vargas - whose viral horror short films helped him land his feature film debut Rosario.Throughout our discussion, we explore Felipe’s journey from DIY shorts to large scale feature productions and lessons learned along the way. Topics covered include: How Felipe's childhood passion for horror and folklore shaped his filmmaking styleThe success of his short films, including Milk Teeth which garnered 15 million views on YouTubeThe realities of getting representation and what comes afterHow his feature film Rosario came together after developing relationships with producersShooting across two countries (New York and Colombia) on a sub-$10 million budgetThe importance of being consistently productive and self-generative as a filmmakerUsing test screenings effectively and the value of planning for pickup shotsThe unique character-first approach Felipe uses to break down scripts and scenesLinks from the show:Felipe Vargas - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Christopher Folkens to discuss his debut feature film The Catalyst - a psychological thriller that was produced in just 8 shooting days.Throughout our discussion, we explore the unconventional production methods Christopher employed, including structured improvisation and a non-traditional shooting schedule.Topics covered include:Why Christopher chose to embrace structured improvisation with actorsHow they filmed nearly half the movie in a single nightCompleting a feature film in just 8 total shooting daysThe evolution from a 12-person proof of concept to a 7-person final castUsing obstacles as opportunities in low-budget productionThe benefits of having an editing background as a directorFinding the balance between having a plan and remaining flexible on setLinks from the show:Christopher Folkens - InstagramThe Catalyst Movie - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday.