Back-To-Back Microbudgets, Folk Filmmaking & the Micro-Budget Chain Reaction Feat. ‘Peak Season’ Directors

What happens when you make two micro-budget films back-to-back? For filmmakers Henry Loevner and Steven Kanter, it sparks what they’ve dubbed the “micro-budget chain reaction,” inspiring others in their community to pick up cameras and start shooting. As the industry consolidates and traditional distribution becomes harder to navigate, indie filmmakers are finding new ways to create and share their work, embracing folk filmmaking and using platforms like YouTube to bypass traditional barriers. Peak Season, the duo's second feature, serves as a perfect example of this movement.

In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with filmmakers Henry Loevner and Steven Kanter to discuss:

• What the "micro-budget chain reaction" means and how it inspired others to follow in their footsteps
• The challenges of making two micro-budget films back-to-back
• The impact of friends and community on the rise of indie filmmaking
• Their experience shooting Peak Season in Wyoming with a small crew
• How the landscape of indie film distribution is changing and why many filmmakers are turning to YouTube
• The importance of flexibility and improvisation in low-budget filmmaking
• How Peak Season found its audience and landed a theatrical release
• Why Henry and Steven are ready to transition to a studio film after their micro-budget projects

Memorable Quotes:

• "It's contagious for better or worse... we're making something, and we're not waiting for permission." [5:40]
• “Despite all the doom and gloom about the industry in general and how hard it is to make a living, there's never been an easier time to go out and make your film.” [6:43]
• “If you just put your movie on YouTube, you can get it out there immediately, which is amazing.” [8:19]
• “If you've written a script and it's going to take $10 million to make this movie and you don't have $10 million, then write a new script.” [51:33]
• “The only way to do it is you have to just write something small that you can manage. Write something that's set in a single location.” [51:56]

Mentioned

Peak Season on IMDb

Follow Henry Loevner on IG

Follow Steven Kanter on Instagram

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