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. 2d ago

    Why You Can’t Explain Your Movie Idea (and How to Fix It)

    What makes a strong film premise? And…how do you know if your movie idea actually has enough story to carry a screenplay? In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we break down the difference between a theme, a message, a cool concept, and an actual movie premise. We look at why filmmakers sometimes struggle to explain their story, how a weak premise can create problems long before production, and how a clear logline can help guide the entire screenwriting process. We cover: * The four core elements of a film premise: Character, world, goal, and obstacle * Why themes like grief, friendship, or growth are not enough on their own * How to turn real-life experiences into higher-stakes movie stories * Why world-building and interesting information are not the same as plot * How to avoid letting your message overpower character and conflict * What a story engine is and why your screenplay needs one * John August’s five essential logline elements: Inciting incident, hero, antagonistic force, goal, and stakes * How to use a working logline as a North Star while writing your screenplay We also compare examples from Everything Everywhere All at Once, Wild Wild West, The Menu, Don’t Look Up, and Manchester by the Sea, plus revisit one of our own early indie film loglines to see how a vague concept can become a much clearer story. If you're developing a movie idea, writing a screenplay, fixing a logline, or trying to figure out why your story still feels unfocused, this episode will help you identify the problem and strengthen your film premise before you get too deep into the script. _____________________________________ Show Links:  Be Our Next Featured Filmmaker: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit Watch What’s the Worst That Could Happen here: https://youtu.be/rNnRUQwilys?si=kHm6IMP1NXhWLQbz  Watch Stockton to Table Rock here: https://pickrelay.com/app/t/x8tb-q4zg  John August Logline Tips: https://johnaugust.com/2020/loglines  _____________________________________ Follow Indie Film Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072  Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

    Why You Can’t Explain Your Movie Idea (and How to Fix It)

  2. Aug 14

    Great Gore Can’t Save a Terrible Script | IFP Reviews: Ice Cream Man (2026)

    Eli Roth’s Ice Cream Man delivers plenty of blood, practical gore, and wildly campy horror imagery, but can great effects save a weak script? In this IFP Review, we break down Ice Cream Man from a filmmaker’s perspective, including the practical effects and makeup that impressed us, the story and dialogue that didn’t, some very dated creative choices, and a villain motivation that arrives almost entirely through exposition in the third act. We also discuss the performances, the movie’s 86-minute runtime, who this gore-filled horror comedy is actually for, and the biggest filmmaking lesson we took away from watching it. So should you see Ice Cream Man now…or wait ‘til later? _____________________________________ Show Links: Get an Indie Film Review: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit  _____________________________________ Get More Indie Film Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072  Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

    Great Gore Can’t Save a Terrible Script | IFP Reviews: Ice Cream Man (2026)

  3. Aug 13

    Where Does $31K Go on an Indie Feature Film? A Real Budget Breakdown

    What does it actually cost to shoot a low-budget indie feature film? Writer/director Jack Judson joins us after wrapping Pineapple Promise to break down our real $31K indie film budget. From the cast, crew, gear, craft services, locations, all the way to the unexpected $3,000 expense we definitely didn’t see coming. We also get into how we shot a 95-page feature film in just 14 production days with a five-person crew, what went right (and very wrong), and the production planning, compromises, sound problems, free locations, long days, and occasional uncooperative llama that made this independent film possible. _____________________________________ Show Links:  Learn more about Pineapple Promise: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BuildingAnArc  _____________________________________ Follow Indie Film Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072  Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

    Where Does $31K Go on an Indie Feature Film? A Real Budget Breakdown

  4. Aug 11 ·  Bonus

    One Teenager Took On an Entire Horror Feature | IFP Reviews: Pretty (2026)

    Has the internet finally found a zero-budget horror film capable of replacing The Room? In this Indie Film Podcast Review, Victoria and Chuck discuss Pretty (2026), an ambitious Turkish fantasy-horror feature written, directed, shot, edited, and scored by 19-year-old filmmaker Metecan Duren. After encountering the ghost of a murdered young woman, Pretty becomes obsessed with uncovering what happened. But strange occurrences soon pull her into a supernatural mystery filled with love, jealousy, family secrets, murder, and one deeply unsettling rabbit. Made in Istanbul by a group of university students, Pretty combines experimental slow cinema, supernatural horror, home invasion, and wonderfully chaotic B-movie slasher energy. Victoria and Chuck examine the film’s striking cinematography, original soundtrack, creepy mythology, ambitious story, DIY production challenges, and wildly entertaining final act. Could Pretty become the internet’s next cult-horror obsession? And should you buy it, rent it, or wait until it’s free? Disclosure: This review was commissioned by the filmmaker. Payment guarantees an honest review, not positive coverage, a predetermined rating, or editorial approval. _____________________________________ Show Links: Watch Pretty for Free: https://youtu.be/z7sxtBMfCqM?si=unGuFG0LEQyn3cdv  Learn More About Pretty: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt43378732/  Get an Indie Film Review: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit  _____________________________________ Get More Indie Film Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072  Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

    One Teenager Took On an Entire Horror Feature | IFP Reviews: Pretty (2026)

  5. Aug 6

    Is Film Crowdfunding Dead? What Really Worked for Our $40K Feature

    Is film crowdfunding dead, or can it still work if you approach it the right way? In this episode, writer-director Jack Judson joins us to break down how we funded a $40K indie feature film, what actually worked during our Seed&Spark campaign, and what we would do differently next time. We get honest about the real numbers behind Pineapple Promise, including how much came from crowdfunding, why personal outreach mattered more than passive discovery, how professional branding increased donor confidence, and why we built contingency into the budget from the beginning. Then we move beyond fundraising and into the realities of preparing a micro-budget feature: Keeping the crew lean, paying cast and crew fairly, writing around expensive production challenges, saving money on locations and travel, and deciding when it makes more sense to rewrite a scene than throw money at it. Crowdfunding an indie film isn’t as simple as launching a campaign and waiting for strangers to find it. This is a transparent look at film funding, budgeting, marketing, and pre-production from a team about to put those plans to the test. And after the shoot, we’ll be back to share what worked, what failed, and whether any of our carefully made plans survived production. _____________________________________ Show Links:  Learn more about Pineapple Promise: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BuildingAnArc  _____________________________________ Follow Indie Film Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072  Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

    Is Film Crowdfunding Dead? What Really Worked for Our $40K Feature

  6. Aug 4 ·  Bonus

    Online Dating Gets Deadly | IFP Reviews: The Lonely Crowd (2026)

    What happens when online dating gets deadly? In this Indie Film Podcast Review, Victoria and Chuck take on The Lonely Crowd (2026), a romantic thriller produced by Jim St. Clair and co-produced, written, and directed by David St. Clair. Jaded by online dating, Peter and Ashley agree to give romance one final chance. But when their blind date leads them into a dangerous world of murderous ex-boyfriends, corrupt cops, and stolen drug money, they must decide whether they can trust each other long enough to survive. We discuss the film’s ambitious blend of romance, comedy, action, and crime thriller; its impressive production value; and the memorable performers who steal some of its best scenes. We also examine its sprawling story, relationship dynamics, pacing, and the delightfully chaotic moments when logic leaves the building. Does this unusual independent film pull off its romantic-thriller premise? And should you buy it, rent it, or wait until it’s free? Check out the full review to find out! Disclosure: This review was commissioned by the filmmakers. Payment guarantees an honest review, not positive coverage, a predetermined rating, or editorial approval. _____________________________________ Show Links: Rent on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Crowd-David-St-Clair/dp/B0GFSDYSF1 Stream on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100059546/the-lonely-crowd  Learn More About The Lonely Crowd: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35508372/  Get an Indie Film Review: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit _____________________________________ Get More Indie Film Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072  Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

    Online Dating Gets Deadly | IFP Reviews: The Lonely Crowd (2026)

  7. Jul 28 ·  Bonus

    IFP Reviews: Spark of Madness Film Festival | A Weird Little Festival With Huge Potential

    In this IFP Review, we’re talking about the first annual Spark of Madness Film Festival in Pocatello, Idaho. This festival is built around three themes: Madness, inspiration, and the Rocky Mountains. In practice, that means Spark of Madness is looking for films that are unconventional, weird, absurd, freaky, creative, and a little hard to categorize. So, of course we had to attend. For a first-year film festival, Spark of Madness was surprisingly polished. The communication was strong, the screenings were well organized, the films felt distinct, the Q&As were thoughtful, and the festival team clearly put real care into making filmmakers feel welcome. We talk about what stood out, what indie filmmakers should know before submitting, why Pocatello may be more affordable and charming than expected, and why this new Idaho film festival feels like one with a lot of room to grow. If your film is strange, heartfelt, regional, experimental, or just has a little spark of madness, this festival needs to be on your “Must Submit” list. _____________________________________ Get More Indie Film Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

    IFP Reviews: Spark of Madness Film Festival | A Weird Little Festival With Huge Potential

  8. Jul 21 ·  Bonus

    IFP Reviews: Filmfort | A Film Festival Hidden Inside a Giant Music Fest

    In this IFP Review, we’re talking about Filmfort, the film festival that takes place in Boise, Idaho as part of Treefort Music Fest. Filmfort is a little different from a standard film festival because it exists inside a much larger citywide arts festival. While films are screening, downtown Boise is also full of bands, comedians, podcasters, drag performers, artists, tech events, beer events, yoga events, and festivalgoers moving between venues. That changes the whole experience. Instead of only screening for other filmmakers, Filmfort gives indie films a chance to play for a wider arts-focused audience. That means stronger audience energy, more varied feedback, and a networking environment that extends beyond the usual film festival crowd. In this review, we talk about the filmmaker experience at Filmfort, including communication, screenings, audience turnout, venues, tech, networking, travel, downtown Boise, and who we think should submit. We also get into one important caveat: Filmfort does not give out awards, so it may not be the right fit if your main goal is building laurels. But if you have something weird, experimental, offbeat, or a little hard to categorize (and you want it in front of a lively arts audience) Filmfort may be a very strong festival to consider. _____________________________________ Get More Indie Film Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast Web: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072  Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

    IFP Reviews: Filmfort | A Film Festival Hidden Inside a Giant Music Fest
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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
    85
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Indie Film Podcast
  • Show Website
    Indie Film Podcast

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