Indie Film Podcast

Indie Film Podcast
  • 5.0 (5)
  • TV & FILM
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Our Goal with Indie Film Podcast is to share all of the mistakes we’ve made in our film making journey, so you can avoid them! We are owners of over 75 rejection letters from film festivals. In spite of producing several well-received films, neither of us has managed to turn our passion into a career. Our continued efforts to follow the advice doled out by the gurus has given us a plethora of experience in nearly every filmmaking role, but also, a negative balance in our bank accounts. Follow us on our journey as we attempt to break into the national film scene, or just incur more debt.

  1. Building a Film Career Outside Hollywood: Budgets, Burnout & Day Jobs

    3D AGO

    Building a Film Career Outside Hollywood: Budgets, Burnout & Day Jobs

    You don’t have to move to Los Angeles to build a real film career. In this special live episode of Indie Film Podcast, Chuck and Victoria host a panel of working filmmakers to talk honestly about what it takes to build a film career outside Hollywood. From ultra-low budgets and burnout, to balancing day jobs and building an audience in smaller markets, this conversation gets real about the realities of indie filmmaking. We dive into creative compromises, AI and vertical content, social media strategy, data-driven storytelling, and what the future of film might actually look like beyond major industry hubs. Featuring Dylan Hamar, Kristy Lussier, Mason Dodson, Hailey Jackson Boucher, and Drew Garcia. If you’re building a filmmaking career outside LA (or wondering if you have to move there at all) this one’s for you. _____________________________________ Show Links: Dylan Hamar: https://linktr.ee/dylanhamar Kristy Lussier: https://rockitmovingpicture.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kantoka127/  Mason Dodson: https://www.instagram.com/masondodson/  Hailey Jackson Boucher: https://lionessstudiosfilms.com/  Drew Garcia: https://www.instagram.com/drew_j_garcia/  _____________________________________ Follow us for more indie film content: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

    1h 3m
  2. Why Romance in Movies Feels Fake: Tropes, Intimacy, and Set Safety

    FEB 12

    Why Romance in Movies Feels Fake: Tropes, Intimacy, and Set Safety

    Why does romance in movies so often feel fake — even when everything looks right on screen? In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, Chuck and Victoria unpack why on-screen romance frequently falls flat, how filmmakers get trapped by bad movie tropes, and why intensity is so often mistaken for real intimacy. This isn’t a rom-com takedown, and it’s definitely not a “how to write romance” lecture. It’s a conversation about storytelling, film craft, and set realities that affect every genre. We talk about: Why romance is often shoehorned into stories where it doesn’t belong How familiar tropes quietly sabotage otherwise strong films The difference between emotional intensity and genuine intimacy on screen Why intimacy coordinators exist (and how they actually contribute to storytelling) How set safety, trust, and clear communication lead to more believable performances Why indie films are uniquely positioned to do romance better than Hollywood Whether you’re writing, directing, producing, or editing an indie film, this episode is about recognizing when something “doesn’t play”, and understanding why audiences feel it immediately, even if they can’t explain it. A craft-focused conversation for filmmakers who want their stories (romantic or not) to feel honest, grounded, and real. _____________________________________ Show Links: Faking It with Ariel and Morgan: https://www.fakingitthepod.com/ Faking It (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_6QvzWCYmnNusquGAynhOw Faking It (Insta): https://www.instagram.com/fakingitthepod/ Faking It (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/32YQgLGp8G6YCRPcuYCAnT Filmmaker of the Week, Karin Trachtenberg: https://www.karintrachtenberg.com/directing _____________________________________ Follow us for more indie film content: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

    32 min
  3. Ego vs Confidence: Promoting Your Film Without Burning Bridges

    FEB 5

    Ego vs Confidence: Promoting Your Film Without Burning Bridges

    How do you promote your film with confidence, without letting ego get in the way? In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we explore the fine line between ego and confidence in filmmaking, and how that line can quietly impact feedback, collaboration, networking, and long-term creative growth. Indie Film Podcast | S2E06 We talk about: The difference between ego, confidence, and imposter syndrome Why filmmakers sometimes ignore feedback without realizing it How to network at film festivals without feeling fake or transactional Promoting your film without burning bridges What humility looks like on professional film sets Why self-awareness matters more than talent alone This is a reflective, honest conversation for indie filmmakers who want to improve their craft, work better with others, and build sustainable careers in film. Indie Film Podcast focuses on the real mistakes, lessons, and behind-the-scenes realities of independent filmmaking, so you can learn from what went wrong, not just what went right. _____________________________________ Show Links: Filmmaker of the Week, Maria Tran and the Echo8 Trilogy: https://www.echo8trilogy.com/  _____________________________________ Follow us for more indie film content: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

    37 min
  4. Post-Production: Why "Fixing It In Post" Makes Your Film Look Cheap

    JAN 29

    Post-Production: Why "Fixing It In Post" Makes Your Film Look Cheap

    “We’ll fix it in post.” It’s one of the most common phrases in indie filmmaking, and one of the most dangerous. In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we break down the post-production mistakes that make indie films look cheap, even when everything seemed fine on set. From color grading myths and LUT culture to audio mistakes, ADR pitfalls, and disorganized edit workflows, we’re talking honestly about what post-production can’t fix, and what actually makes a low-budget film feel intentional and professional. This episode wraps up our cheap vs inexpensive filmmaking series by focusing on where many indie films quietly fall apart: post-production. We share real mistakes we’ve made, lessons learned the hard way, and practical advice for indie filmmakers who want their films to land well, not embarrassingly. If you’re an indie filmmaker trying to avoid the “fix it in post” trap, this conversation is for you. _____________________________________ Show Links: Big Lebowski (TV Overdub) https://youtu.be/IQUdJ6FdUQ0?si=-rkgCPJ4TML-JNVg Snakes on a Plan (TV Overdub) https://youtu.be/z4t6zNZ-b0A?si=JKvy_6ZIT0-TuqRK  Filmmaker of the Week, Andy Blithe (Aturn Films) https://www.youtube.com/@aturnfilms P’Luck: Rise of the Twee’zors https://youtu.be/5bIMsha-eRY?si=JipbWodSEOLzyJI6 _____________________________________ Follow us for more indie film content: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

    38 min
  5. How to Make Low Budget Films Look Expensive (Without Spending More in Production)

    JAN 22

    How to Make Low Budget Films Look Expensive (Without Spending More in Production)

    How do low budget films end up looking expensive, without spending more money? This episode breaks down the production decisions and on-set habits that actually determine whether a film looks polished or painfully cheap. Part two of our Cheap vs. Inexpensive Filmmaking series, this conversation focuses on production: Why budget doesn’t predict quality, how big-budget films still fail, and what indie filmmakers can do to make smarter choices on set. _____________________________________ Show links: Canyon County Web Series:  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV8r3i4wLP4-wfbUrzVYCgU51Xpg2AoTY&si=bFCqOnLKdM3Fttvo The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands: https://youtu.be/8QPzwr5-txY?si=maM2582BQin-o3Ba Twomancrew: https://youtu.be/Zs6X4b9Ij1Y?si=NSZB-UEVNfHID597 Chit Chat Web Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV8r3i4wLP48aH-qx8xlqLymMNJsUF8aF&si=4798m5KmLpZvwO_Y Filmmaker of the week, Frank Merle: https://www.instagram.com/frankmerle/ _____________________________________ Follow us for more indie film content: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

    36 min
  6. Why Your Film Looks Cheap (And It’s Probably Pre-Production) | Indie Film Podcast

    JAN 15

    Why Your Film Looks Cheap (And It’s Probably Pre-Production) | Indie Film Podcast

    Cheap filmmaking vs inexpensive filmmaking is one of the biggest (and most misunderstood) differences in indie film production. In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we break down why so many low-budget films look cheap before the camera ever rolls. Kicking off a new series on cheap vs inexpensive filmmaking, we focus on pre-production decisions that quietly determine whether a film looks intentional or amateur. We talk through real mistakes we’ve made ourselves, including writing outside our budget, skipping rehearsals, under-planning locations, overcomplicating scripts, and relying on DIY solutions that created more problems than they solved. We also share practical strategies for planning smarter, collaborating better, and making inexpensive films look high quality without burning out your cast, crew, or budget. This episode is ideal for indie filmmakers, first-time directors, and anyone working on a low-budget or microbudget film who wants to avoid common pre-production pitfalls and make stronger creative choices from the start. This is Part 1 of a three-episode series exploring the difference between cheap filmmaking and inexpensive filmmaking _____________________________________ Show Links: Goodfellas Copa Tracking Shot: https://youtu.be/JVDC95rprFs?si=u9CuquIkvZCV_FgP  What’s the Worst That Could Happen? https://youtu.be/rNnRUQwilys  Featured Filmmaker of the Week: Janae Rachel Ballot https://www.instagram.com/janae_ballot _____________________________________ Follow us for more indie film content: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

    34 min
  7. Burnout Nearly Broke Us | Indie Film Podcast

    JAN 8

    Burnout Nearly Broke Us | Indie Film Podcast

    Burnout in indie filmmaking doesn’t always hit all at once. Sometimes it builds quietly, through overcommitment, creative exhaustion, and the pressure to always do more. And before you know it, the work you love stops being fun. In this episode of the Indie Film Podcast (S2E02), we talk honestly about burnout: sharing personal stories from post-pandemic projects, unpacking unrealistic productivity expectations, and exploring why burnout can linger even after your workload lightens. We also discuss dangerous filmmaking myths, hard-earned technical lessons, and what it really looks like to set boundaries without walking away from film entirely. This episode covers: Burnout and creative exhaustion in indie filmmaking Wearing too many hats and overcommitting Post-pandemic hustle culture A humbling lesson about Poly WAV audio files Industry news on movie theaters and changing audience behavior Filmmaker of the Week: Trisha Furhman on self-reflection and growth _____________________________________ Links & resources: Submit Your Story: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit Theaters are making a comeback: https://cinemaunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Strength-of-Theatrical-Exhibition-December-2025-Update.pdf _____________________________________ Follow us for more indie film content: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

    32 min
  8. ‘Become a Better Filmmaker’ Is a Terrible Goal (And What to Do Instead)

    JAN 1

    ‘Become a Better Filmmaker’ Is a Terrible Goal (And What to Do Instead)

    "Become a better filmmaker” sounds like a great resolution, until it leads to burnout and unfinished projects. In this episode, we break down why vague filmmaking goals fail, how indie filmmakers accidentally sabotage themselves, and what to do instead to set realistic, sustainable goals you can actually finish.  _____________________________________ Links & resources: Submit Your Story: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit Learn about Idaho’s next horror feature at www.lowergentrystudios.com  Victoria’s favorite After Effects tutorials: www.videocopilot.net  _____________________________________ Follow us for more indie film content: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Our Goal with Indie Film Podcast is to share all of the mistakes we’ve made in our film making journey, so you can avoid them! We are owners of over 75 rejection letters from film festivals. In spite of producing several well-received films, neither of us has managed to turn our passion into a career. Our continued efforts to follow the advice doled out by the gurus has given us a plethora of experience in nearly every filmmaking role, but also, a negative balance in our bank accounts. Follow us on our journey as we attempt to break into the national film scene, or just incur more debt.

Information

  • Creator
    Indie Film Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Indie Film Podcast
  • Show Website
    Indie Film Podcast