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Indie Film Podcast Blog
From full episode synopses to indie film reviews, and everything in between, let this blog serve as your guide to everything indie film!
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Episodes
Detailed summaries of Indie Film Podcast episodes, with additional insight, and accompanied by a full video of each episode.


Filmmaking Goals: Why “Become a Better Filmmaker” Isn’t Enough
Filmmaking goals like “become a better filmmaker” sound productive, but they’re often the reason creatives feel stuck or burned out. In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we break down why vague goals fail, how to set filmmaking goals you can actually control, and why finishing projects matters more than endless self-improvement.
Indie Film Podcast
5 hours ago3 min read


Micro-Budget Filmmaking Gear: The Tools We’re Most Thankful For
Micro-budget filmmaking means making every tool count, from the binder that keeps your shoot organized to the affordable camera that changed everything. In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we break down the gear, tools, and workflow hacks we’re most thankful for, and how they help indie filmmakers stay creative, efficient, and sane on set.
Indie Film Podcast
Nov 27, 20253 min read


The Hallmark Movie Formula: What Indie Filmmakers Can Learn From This Surprisingly Effective System
The Hallmark movie formula may be predictable, but it’s also one of the most efficient and profitable production systems in modern filmmaking. In this episode, we break down how Hallmark releases 52 movies a year, why their budgets work, and the surprisingly useful lessons indie filmmakers can take from their resource-based scripts, branding consistency, and ROI-driven approach.
Indie Film Podcast
Nov 20, 20253 min read


Indie Film Budgeting Tips: From Dream Numbers to DIY Reality
Every filmmaker dreams big, until the budget says otherwise. In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, Victoria and Chuck share smart, realistic ways to make your movie on a shoestring budget. From planning your dream budget to adapting scripts for DIY reality, this episode proves creativity beats cash every time.
Indie Film Podcast
Nov 13, 20252 min read


Dumpster Diving for Dinner: Indie Film Craft Services Stories and Survival Tips
Real stories, red flags, and low-budget hacks for indie film craft services. From pizza-box regrets to sponsorship wins, here’s how to feed your crew without going broke.
Indie Film Podcast
Nov 6, 20252 min read


How to Get Into Film Festivals: The Indie Strategy That Worked for Us
Film festivals are terrifying, but success isn’t just luck. Learn how to get into film festivals with a real submission strategy, smart budgeting, and editing tricks that can double your acceptance rate. Based on a true $250 short film success story.
Indie Film Podcast
Oct 30, 20253 min read


Low Budget Set Design Tips: What We Learned the Hard Way
Making your horror film look cinematic doesn’t require a Hollywood budget, just creativity, resourcefulness, and a few clever low budget set design tips.
Indie Film Podcast
Oct 23, 20253 min read


The Real Horror of Indie Filmmaking: Set Safety Mistakes
The real horror of filmmaking? Unsafe sets. Learn practical indie film set safety tips and near-miss stories from Indie Film Podcast.
Indie Film Podcast
Oct 16, 20253 min read


Crafting Fear with Sound: Indie Film Sound Design Secrets
What makes a horror film terrifying before you ever see the monster? The sound. In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, Chuck and Victoria unpack the secrets of indie film sound design, from eerie silences and low-frequency growls to clever DIY tricks that bring your stories to life. Learn how to use sound to build tension, emotion, and atmosphere on any budget.
Indie Film Podcast
Oct 9, 20253 min read


How to Write Compelling Scenes: Lessons from Horror Films
Learn how to write compelling scenes by studying horror films. Ten classic setups every writer can use in any genre.
Indie Film Podcast
Oct 2, 20252 min read


Indie Film Contracts 101: Protecting Your Project from Legal Nightmares
Bad contracts can sink good films. This episode of Indie Film Podcast dives into the legal pitfalls every indie filmmaker should avoid.
Indie Film Podcast
Sep 25, 20252 min read


How to Promote an Indie Film: Build Your Audience Early
Most indie films flop online because of weak marketing. Here’s how to promote an indie film before it’s too late.
Indie Film Podcast
Sep 18, 20252 min read


Indie Film Budgeting: Surviving Unexpected Costs
Unexpected costs can break your indie film. Learn how smart indie film budgeting helps you survive budget emergencies and finish strong.
Indie Film Podcast
Sep 11, 20252 min read


Indie Film Fundraising Failures: Surviving Budget Collapses
Indie film fundraising is tough. Ep. 32 of Indie Film Podcast explores failures, scrappy fixes, and lessons for every filmmaker.
Indie Film Podcast
Sep 4, 20253 min read


Wearing Too Many Hats: The Actor-Producer Challenge in Indie Film
Indie filmmakers often juggle every role. This episode explores the challenges of being both an actor and producer in indie film.
Indie Film Podcast
Aug 28, 20252 min read


Wearing Every Hat from Script to Screen
What’s it really like to take a film from script to screen when you’re the writer and director? We dive into the chaos of wearing every hat.
Indie Film Podcast
Aug 21, 20252 min read


Too Many Hats, Not Enough Hours: Juggling Roles on an Indie Film Crew
Amanda Woods shares the highs, lows, and hacks of juggling roles on an indie film crew, from practical effects to Cannes deadlines.
Indie Film Podcast
Aug 14, 20253 min read


The Brutal Truth About Being a One-Person Film Crew
Being a one-person film crew isn’t glamorous, but it’s often necessary. Here’s how indie filmmakers survive doing it all.
Indie Film Podcast
Aug 7, 20252 min read


Why Indie Filmmakers Quit (And How Not To)
Doing it all isn’t a badge of honor, it’s a recipe for burnout. Here’s how to survive skeleton crew shoots without losing your mind.
Indie Film Podcast
Jul 31, 20252 min read


Freedom, Fireworks, and Filmmaker Fatigue: Summer Break + July 4th Film Trivia
We're taking a summer break! But first, July 4th film trivia, hot takes, and movie facts you didn’t ask for (but will definitely enjoy).
Indie Film Podcast
Jul 3, 20252 min read
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