Film and Family

Kent & Anna Thalman
  • 5.0 (4)
  • TV & FILM
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

We're a married couple of filmmakers, supporting our family of seven through doing work we love, together. It's been a long and difficult journey, and we still have a lot to learn, but for us, it's well-worth the effort. We developed this podcast and the Feature Filmmaker Academy for anyone who wants a career making feature films, especially those balancing that pursuit with the responsibility of parenthood and providing for a family. Tune in as we study success patterns of industry professionals, interview other feature filmmakers, share takeaways from our favorite film courses or books, and give behind-the-scenes breakdowns and insights on films you love.

  1. 06/23/2025

    Ep. 104 - Hitting a Home Run on a Micro Budget Film with Lee Cipolla and Katherine Borda

    Send us a text What happens when a decades-long dream project suddenly gains unstoppable momentum? For married filmmakers Lee and Katherine, their baseball-themed feature "Rally Caps" represents both the unpredictable magic and sobering business realities of modern independent filmmaking. After 15 years of development, what began as a passion project during the pandemic transformed when former MLB player Curtis Pride joined with his children as cast members, Major League Baseball provided support, and stars Judd Hirsch and Amy Smart signed on. As Katherine reveals, "The universe was our executive producer" – whenever the production seemed doomed, last-minute miracles kept it alive. The duo generously shares hard-earned wisdom that could save fellow filmmakers thousands of dollars and countless headaches. Katherine's marketing background proves crucial, emphasizing that marketing considerations should influence creative decisions from day one. "Put some kind of marketing budget in there," she urges, highlighting the importance of professional photo shoots, behind-the-scenes documentation, and strategic product placement. Their partnership with Phonak, a hearing aid company, exemplifies how sponsorships can organically enhance storytelling while providing crucial financing. Perhaps their most valuable insight challenges the romantic notion of filmmaking as primarily creative work. "99% of making a film is business and logistics," Lee explains, detailing their harrowing experience navigating SAG requirements that nearly derailed production. They emphasize starting SAG paperwork 6-8 weeks before production and setting aside significant funds for bonds. For directors seeking representation, Lee offers balanced perspective on working with managers: "It's a partnership... their job is not to go out and get stuff for you." Instead, his manager provides script feedback, creative dialogue, and occasional meeting opportunities – a realistic relationship that contrasts with unrealistic expectations many filmmakers hold. Whether you're starting your first film or scaling up your productions, this conversation illuminates the path forward in an industry where traditional routes to success have disappeared. Check out "Rally Caps" on Peacock to see the fruits of their labor, and visit http://www.crystalrockentertainment.com to connect with these generous filmmakers who truly understand what it takes to bring an independent vision to life. Check Out Our Most Recent Film Free "Make Your Feature Film" Checklist

    1h 12m

  2. 06/03/2025

    Ep. 103 - Crafting Transcendental-style Films Outside Hollywood with Josh and Jessica Jordan

    Send us a text Josh and Jessica Jordan share their unique cinematic journey where Eastern spirituality meets Texas landscapes in their black and white feature film "El Tonto Por Cristo" - the tale of an Orthodox monastery on the coast of Texas where an unlikely saint emerges. Support El Tonto Por Cristo's theatrical run here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/748841722/el-tonto-por-cristo-a-cinematic-meditation?ref=7zrob8 Our conversation dives deep into the art of "transcendental cinema" - a slow  deliberate approach inspired by masters like Tarkovsky, Bresson, and Bergman, that invites viewers to lean in rather than be force-fed meaning. As Josh explains, "I think that's the reason we're artists - we should not really fully understand who we are." This philosophy permeates their filmmaking process, where they embrace the unknown while meticulously crafting each frame. What makes this discussion particularly compelling is the behind-the-scenes reality of independent filmmaking. The Jordans reveal how they transformed a 19th century house into both living quarters for the crew and a monastery set, secured SAG approval miraculously a mere hours before filming began during the actors' strike, and completed principal photography in just 14 days. Their emphasis on building community through filmmaking - casting local theater actors and involving family members in production - offers a refreshing counterpoint to Hollywood's star-driven approach. Beyond production details, the conversation explores the spiritual dimensions of cinema and why certain films endure beyond box office numbers. The Jordans articulate a profound vision for making movies that matter - works that may polarize audiences but ultimately speak truth about the human condition. Their journey to Orthodoxy informs their artistic sensibilities while maintaining a focus on storytelling. For aspiring filmmakers, spiritual seekers, or someone who simply appreciates thoughtfully crafted cinema, this episode offers insights into creating art that transcends commercial expectations. Follow El Tonto Pro Cristo on Instagram to discover when this unique film might grace a theater near you or consider donating to their fundraiser (live now!) for its theatrical run, at the link above. Check Out Our Most Recent Film Free "Make Your Feature Film" Checklist

    1h 14m

  3. 05/15/2025

    Ep. 102 - Legal Essentials for Filmmakers with Entertainment Attorney Pete Salsich III

    Send us a text Legal expertise isn't just a box to check—it's a vital component of successful filmmaking that can make or break your project. Entertainment attorney Pete Salsich III pulls back the curtain on the often intimidating world of film law, revealing how proper legal structuring serves as the foundation for creative freedom rather than an obstacle to it. At the core of film production lies one fundamental principle: copyright law governs everything, and establishing clear ownership is non-negotiable if you hope to secure distribution or funding. Pete walks us through the process of creating a dedicated LLC for your project, executing proper work-for-hire agreements with every contributor, and ensuring that all intellectual property flows to a single owner—crucial steps that many filmmakers overlook until it's too late. Rather than viewing legal services as a drain on limited resources, Pete encourages filmmakers to reframe production legal as an essential line item in their budget—just like camera equipment or insurance. This shift in perspective transforms the attorney-client relationship from a transactional expense into a true creative partnership. Whether you're working with a micro-budget or gunning for seven figures, proper legal structuring signals professionalism to investors, qualifies you for valuable tax incentives, and prevents the heartbreak of "falling in love with footage you can't use." The conversation demystifies everything from investor agreements to music licensing, offering practical guidance for filmmakers at every level. Pete emphasizes that while DIY contracts might suffice for your first project, they create a ceiling that prevents growth into larger budget productions. As you elevate your filmmaking ambitions, having an attorney who understands the entertainment landscape becomes not just helpful but necessary. Ready to transform your approach to film legal? Visit www.thescreenlawyer.com to learn more about Pete's services or to connect with him for your next project. Check Out Our Most Recent Film Free "Make Your Feature Film" Checklist

    1h 1m

  4. 03/20/2025

    Ep. 101 - When Faith Meets Film with Nathan and Meghan Leon

    Send us a text Nathan and Meghan Leon share their journey as Christian filmmakers who have found creative ways to balance their family life with independent film production while maintaining creative control and authenticity in their storytelling. • Started from creative backgrounds with Nathan in an Act One mentorship program and Meghan with a master's in creative writing • Prioritize family by including their children on set and creating a familial environment for cast and crew • Believe God blesses work when family comes first, even if it means fewer working hours • Focus on creating authentic Christian stories that address real-life struggles rather than sanitized versions of faith • Made "Grace by Night" for under $500,000 while competing with $5-10 million productions at festivals • Hire small groups of talented people rather than overstaffing to maximize budget efficiency • Find creative solutions for expensive-looking shots without breaking the bank • Build relationships with potential investors through smaller projects and networking • Remain independent to maintain creative control over their storytelling • Create positive set environments where cast and crew feel respected and valued Visionary Film Productions can be found at visionary-filmproductions.com  Check Out Our Most Recent Film Free "Make Your Feature Film" Checklist

    1h 9m

  5. 01/16/2025

    Ep. 100 - Q&A with Anna Thalman at the St. Louis International Film Festival

    Send us a text Celebrating the 100th episode, we take a look back at our journey from conceptualizing our first low/no-budget feature film, "The Loved & Lost" to making a living as feature filmmakers now. We share a memorable Q&A session captured during our festival run. The discussion highlights the emotional themes, affordances and limitations of indie filmmaking, and the learning experiences that shaped our storytelling and career.  This podcast episode includes: • An overview of the Q&A and reflections on the St. Louis Festival  • Insights into our first film's origin and production challenges  • Exploration of thematic motifs and emotional depth  • Audience reactions and questions about the film  • Discussion about directing children and capturing authentic moments  • Technical details about gear, resourcefulness, and filmmaking techniques  • Announcements, including a distribution deal update and our current  scholarship opportunity in the Feature Filmmaker Academy • Introduction to our next feature release, the documentary, 'Ride in Paradise' Check Out Our Most Recent Film Free "Make Your Feature Film" Checklist

    27 min

  6. 12/13/2024

    Ep. 99 - Self-Distributing a Profitable First Feature with Chris Peters

    Send us a text In this episode, we chat with Chris Peters, co-founder of Crave Content, about his  journey from making backyard films with his brother-in-law David Lawrence to establishing a successful film production brand.  Chris shares the creative development process of merging two short films into a feature-length narrative. We discuss the inventive strategies employed to tackle budget constraints, DIY post-production, and shooting an entire feature in 16 days. Chris describes the perseverance required to navigate the world of distribution, emphasizing FilmHub as a viable platform for indie creators. We think you'll enjoy hearing how he managed to turn a profit self-distributing his first feature film. For more information about Chris, check out his website at Chrave.co Check out his YouTube Video: Never expected our indie film to make this much on Tubi You can watch the film here: https://www.chrave.co/mhr Check Out Our Most Recent Film Free "Make Your Feature Film" Checklist

    1h 8m

  7. 11/19/2024

    Ep. 98 - The Domino Effect with Producer Daren Smith

    Send us a text Join us as we chat with independent film producer, author, and creative entrepreneur Daren Smith to uncover the often-overlooked role producers play in bringing a story into existence. Daren discusses his collaborations with director Garrett Batty on indie films "Faith of Angels" and "The Carpenter" and how he navigates the complex world of theatrical releases. Daren shares his journey from sound to screen, explaining how passion for theatrical distribution fuels a desire to create immersive experiences for audiences. The conversation touches on the essence of balancing artistry with commerce, as well as the significance of mentorship. Daren shares unique strategies independent producers employ to thrive in a competitive market while staying true to their creative visions. With a keen eye on the financial success of indie films, Daren discusses innovative investment models, release strategies, and step-by-step career growth. Learn more about Daren's Films and Check out his blog/podcast at: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/ Check Out Our Most Recent Film Free "Make Your Feature Film" Checklist

    1h 9m

  8. 07/25/2024

    Ep. 97 - Less is More - Change Your Life in Ten Minutes

    Send us a text In this episode as we uncover the powerful impact of time constraints on getting things done. We illustrate how setting tight time limits can drastically reduce procrastination and boost your focus. These principles apply whether you are managing household chores or attempting to finish a film with our 1 year timeline in the Feature Filmmaker Academy. Discover how working within set time frames can lead to more efficient and concentrated work sessions. Successful runners often prioritize the time spent running over distance or pace, emphasizing the importance of consistency. We'll discuss how incorporating short, intense bursts of activity—akin to "speed work" in running—into your daily life can yield significant results. Tune in as we explore balancing endurance and speed work, and learn how limiting yourself can actually help you get the results you want faster. Check Out Our Most Recent Film Free "Make Your Feature Film" Checklist

    11 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

We're a married couple of filmmakers, supporting our family of seven through doing work we love, together. It's been a long and difficult journey, and we still have a lot to learn, but for us, it's well-worth the effort. We developed this podcast and the Feature Filmmaker Academy for anyone who wants a career making feature films, especially those balancing that pursuit with the responsibility of parenthood and providing for a family. Tune in as we study success patterns of industry professionals, interview other feature filmmakers, share takeaways from our favorite film courses or books, and give behind-the-scenes breakdowns and insights on films you love.

Information

  • Creator
    Kent & Anna Thalman
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Invisible Mansion Pictures
  • Show Website
    Film and Family