Creating a $10,000 Short Film: A Truly Independent Journey

Does an iPhone have what it takes to shoot a professional film?

In this episode of Truly Independent, Garrett Batty and Darren Smith discuss their recent project, a short film funded with a $10,000 budget, filmed using iPhones. They delve into the inspiration behind the project, their approach to working with a minimal budget, and the logistics of shooting 16 pages in a single day. The discussion covers the importance of maintaining a student mentality, the value of creative problem-solving, and the benefits and challenges of using unconventional filmmaking techniques. They also address the broader implications of working with limited finances and how it impacts future projects and industry standards. The episode concludes with insights into the collaborative process, the importance of relationship-building, and encouraging audience feedback on maximizing a $10,000 budget for short films.

00:00 Introduction to Truly Independent
00:27 Catching Up After the Holiday
01:15 Exciting New Project Announcement
01:33 The $10K iPhone Short Film Challenge
01:57 The Creative Process and Experimentation
10:49 Building the Team and Production Details
19:34 Lessons Learned and Future Implications
27:16 Client's Marketing Strategy for Short Films
27:40 The Evolution of Production Value
28:52 Practical Tips for Independent Filmmakers
29:43 Prepping for a Successful Shoot
32:17 Challenges and Solutions on Set
38:27 Balancing Budget and Quality
46:22 The Future of Low-Budget Filmmaking
50:14 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode of Truly Independent, hosts Garrett Batty and Daren Smith welcome guest McKay Stevens to discuss the creative and practical processes behind independent filmmaking. The conversation covers McKay's project 'Apocalypse Sasquatch', the importance of passion and understanding client needs when pitching, and real-life insights into navigating development phases. They reminisce about previous collaborations, such as the teaser for the film 'Carpenter', and share strategies for maintaining momentum and motivation during development periods. Throughout the episode, they explore the balance between creative vision and client expectations, emphasizing the need to bring ideas to life through manageable milestones.

00:00 Introduction to Apocalypse Sasquatch

00:17 Welcome to Truly Independent

00:35 Meet the Hosts and Guest

01:38 McKay Stevens Joins the Conversation

03:39 Discussing Independent Filmmaking

05:55 Pitching and Producing TV Shows

09:11 The Art of Pitching

15:54 Balancing Passion and Client Needs

23:44 Development Mode and Procrastination

26:20 The Mystery of James Gunn

27:10 Development Mode and Passion Projects

28:39 Lessons from Apocalypse Sasquatch

32:43 The Value of Execution in Filmmaking

33:27 The Carpenter: A Case Study

35:24 Independent Filmmaking Mindset

39:43 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

44:05 Wrapping Up and Thank You

In this milestone episode marking their one-year anniversary, hosts Garrett and Daren welcome Jon Cheney, founder of the General AI Proficiency Institute. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on the filmmaking industry, discussing advancements in AI technology, its potential to lower production costs, and its implications for creators. Jon shares insights on how filmmakers can leverage AI tools to enhance their projects, the importance of originality and human connection, and the economic effects of AI in creative fields. The episode also touches on moral and environmental considerations, offering a comprehensive overview for indie filmmakers looking to navigate the evolving landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration
00:41 Special Guest Introduction: Jon Cheney
01:04 AI's Impact on Filmmaking
02:20 The Future of Filmmaking with AI
05:16 Distribution and Audience Connection
09:59 Live Entertainment and AI
10:43 Practical Advice for Filmmakers
15:03 AI in Business and Entrepreneurship
24:22 Ethical and Environmental Concerns
25:15 The Environmental Impact of AI
25:56 AI as a Tool for Innovation
27:14 Practical Tips for Filmmakers Using AI
30:57 The Role of AI in Film Production
33:33 The Future of AI in the Film Industry
37:14 Economic Implications of AI in Filmmaking
39:35 The Human Element in AI-Driven Creativity
43:24 Embracing AI: A Call to Action
45:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find Jon online ⁨@cheneypiano⁩ and https://genaipi.org

In this episode of 'Truly Independent,' Darren Smith and Garrett Batty address the frustrations and realities of independent filmmaking, sharing their personal experiences and insights. Key topics include the importance of aligning your film projects with market demand, the indispensable role of building momentum, and the need for resilient and continuous execution. They emphasize starting small, leveraging available resources, and understanding that the industry doesn't owe anyone a 'yes.' The episode concludes with an inspiring reminder that the impact of filmmaking begins with the creators themselves.

00:00 Introduction: The Indie Film Journey Begins

00:12 The Harsh Reality of Filmmaking

00:53 Addressing Common Filmmaking Frustrations

02:35 Lessons from Demand-Side Sales

04:21 The Importance of Market Alignment

09:45 Packaging and Leverage in Filmmaking

17:12 Building Backwards from Constraints

21:40 Ideas Don't Attract Money, Execution Does

22:43 The Multiplier Effect of Execution

25:18 Building Momentum with Development Funds

28:16 Reframing Failure as Development

32:51 Building in Public: Sharing Your Journey

36:08 The Impact of Filmmaking on Personal Growth

38:22 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

In this episode of 'Truly Independent,' hosts Garrett Batty and Darren Smith share their experiences and insights into the world of indie filmmaking with a focus on international co-productions. Garrett, calling in from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, discusses the challenges and benefits of filming abroad, using various co-production models, and working with local fixers and production companies. They explore examples from their own projects, such as 'Freetown' shot in Ghana and 'The Carpenter' in South Africa, examining the logistical and creative impacts of these decisions. The discussion also touches upon how global partnerships can enhance production value, navigate financial incentives, and the evolving landscape of film marketing, spotlighting Tom Cruise's strategic promotional efforts for 'Mission Impossible.'

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Update
00:54 Garrett's African Adventure
01:36 Summer Break Challenges
02:38 Discussing Co-Productions
04:19 Defining Co-Productions
04:48 Examples of Co-Productions
11:06 Fixers vs. Co-Productions
13:07 Choosing International Locations
19:01 Creative Impact of Co-Productions
20:24 Discovering the Perfect Prop House
21:13 Creative Collaboration with BoomTown Films
22:13 Selecting the Right Crew Members
23:09 The Importance of Location in Filmmaking
26:43 Future of Co-Productions in Filmmaking
35:19 Tom Cruise and the Art of Movie Marketing
39:50 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

In this episode of Truly Independent, hosts Darren Smith and Garrett Batty introduce Steven Murray, co-CEO of Bingeable. The conversation delves into the transformative potential of Bingeable, an innovative platform enabling indie filmmakers to directly monetize and market their films by leveraging social media and community engagement. Steven shares his journey from the music industry to film, highlighting the parallels in technological disruptions and consumer behavior shifts. The discussion covers the intricacies of subscription-based platforms, challenges in the indie film market, and the importance of building direct relationships with audiences. For indie creators, the future is about entrepreneurial approaches, community building, and harnessing social media for amplification. The conversation concludes with insights into the current state and vision for Bingeable, emphasizing its role in the evolving landscape of independent filmmaking.

00:00 Introduction to Truly Independent
00:36 Welcoming Guest Steven Murray
01:03 Steven Murray's Background in Entertainment
03:08 The Indie Film Revolution
04:33 Challenges in the Music Industry
06:45 Building an Audience and Marketing
15:18 The Rise of Bingeable
21:56 Consumer Behavior and Subscription Models
31:24 Empowering Indie Filmmakers with Bingeable
33:29 Introduction to Bingeable
34:13 How Bingeable Works
36:34 Challenges and Solutions in the Film Industry
38:29 The Role of Social Media in Film Marketing
41:56 Bingeable's Current Status and Future Plans
50:48 Final Thoughts and Reflections
51:37 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In this episode of Truly Independent, hosts Garrett Batty and Darren Smith tackle the challenges independent filmmakers face with AI, algorithms, and audience building. They discuss the integration of AI in the filmmaking process, the importance of engaging with the algorithm to promote long-form content despite infrequent releases, and the necessity of building and understanding a dedicated audience. Listener questions guide the insightful discussion, aiming to demystify the journey of releasing independent films in theaters. Key points include leveraging AI as a tool, generating consistent content to feed algorithms, and strategies for attracting the right audience without a big budget.

00:00 Introduction to Truly Independent

00:36 Meet the Hosts: Garrett and Darren

01:04 Mailbag Episode: Listener Questions

01:54 AI in Filmmaking: Tool or Threat?

11:02 Navigating the Algorithm Game

24:15 Building and Engaging Your Audience

36:55 Conclusion and Call to ActionNavigating AI, Algorithms, and Audience Building in Independent Filmmaking

In this episode of Truly Independent, hosts Garrett Batty and Darren Smith tackle the challenges independent filmmakers face with AI, algorithms, and audience building. They discuss the integration of AI in the filmmaking process, the importance of engaging with the algorithm to promote long-form content despite infrequent releases, and the necessity of building and understanding a dedicated audience. Listener questions guide the insightful discussion, aiming to demystify the journey of releasing independent films in theaters. Key points include leveraging AI as a tool, generating consistent content to feed algorithms, and strategies for attracting the right audience without a big budget.

00:00 Introduction to Truly Independent

00:36 Meet the Hosts: Garrett and Darren

01:04 Mailbag Episode: Listener Questions

01:54 AI in Filmmaking: Tool or Threat?

11:02 Navigating the Algorithm Game

24:15 Building and Engaging Your Audience

36:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Truly Independent, Darren Smith and Garrett Batty discuss the importance of independent filmmakers recognizing their value in the industry. They explore the concept of Hollywood's dependence on indie films for fresh talent and innovative storytelling. The conversation delves into leveraging creative freedom, building an audience, and fostering diverse voices. The hosts also analyze the economics of big-budget versus indie films and stress transforming the mindset from needing studio approval to realizing the mutual dependency. They share personal anecdotes, insights into successful film strategies, and the power of independent films in shaping Hollywood's future.

00:00 Introduction to Truly Independent
00:24 Catching Up with Garrett and Darren
01:26 DVD Release Day for Faith of Angels
02:48 Reclaiming Power in Independent Filmmaking
05:07 The Value of Independent Films to Hollywood
10:32 Economic Realities of Studio Investments
20:42 Independent Films as a Laboratory for Innovation
21:21 The Role of Independent Films in Hollywood
21:57 Investing in Stories Hollywood Won't
23:06 Challenges and Opportunities in Indie Filmmaking
25:05 The Value of Short Films
26:06 Hollywood's Gatekeeping and Filmmaker Leverage
29:48 Building an Audience and Gaining Leverage
30:20 Learning from Successful Filmmakers
33:48 The Importance of Being Unignorable
35:44 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
39:21 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement