LLCs, Deductions, and Regret: A Tax Survival Guide for Indie Filmmakers
- Indie Film Podcast
- May 8
- 2 min read
What we learned about film business finances—after making all the mistakes.
So you made a movie. Or maybe you bought a really nice camera, shot a few freelance gigs, uploaded one stock video, and now you're wondering: “Wait... is this a business?”
Welcome to the Indie Film Podcast, where this week, Chuck and Victoria unravel the beautifully chaotic world of indie film business structure, taxes, and the very real possibility that your Coachella trip might be deductible (hypothetically, of course).
Should You Start an LLC as a Filmmaker?
Short answer: probably—just not before talking to a professional.
Chuck breaks down how setting up LowerGentry Studios as a partnership LLC saved him big during tax season after they finally started claiming income, followed by a year of losses.
Victoria explains how solo indie filmmakers might file as a "disregarded entity" (rude, IRS, but okay) and how an LLC for indie filmmakers can legitimize your expenses.
The real takeaway? Don’t wait until you’re turning a profit. Even if you’re working a W-2 job, that side hustle film business can lower your overall tax burden now, not later.
Filmmaking Expenses You Can Deduct
If you're not tracking your expenses, you're probably leaving money on the table. Here's what the duo wish they'd known sooner:
Camera gear (yep, even the pricey stuff)
Film festival travel (flights, hotels, food)
Marketing materials (websites, flyers, business cards)
Software subscriptions
Mileage for gigs or shoots
Stock photo/video creation costs
Home office space (pro tip: this one can get you flagged—keep your receipts in order)
Victoria also shouts out tools like Expensify, QuickBooks, and plain ol’ Google Drive for organizing receipts. And yes, digital copies are legit—but only if you can find them when the IRS comes knocking.
Freelancing, Healthcare, and Getting Your Life Together
Going freelance full-time? The health insurance panic is real. But if you’re in the U.S., Chuck explains how your net income (not gross) can help qualify you for better healthcare coverage as a self-employed artist. It varies by state, but in places like Idaho, it’s actually surprisingly manageable—as long as you know what to expect.
Bonus tip: Reach out to your local Small Business Development Center. They’re free, state-funded, and offer real-life humans to help you navigate business plans, taxes, and insurance.
Don’t Deduct Without Talking to a Pro
Yes, this episode is full of useful insights. No, this is not tax advice. Before you start writing off your drone-fueled camping trip, talk to a certified tax professional, ideally one who understands creative businesses or works in your state.
But if nothing else, this episode is a friendly reminder that your filmmaking passion might already qualify as a business. And the sooner you treat it like one, the less regret you’ll feel next tax season.
Let us know your favorite tax strategies in the comments below, and subscribe to our channel to make sure you never miss a new episode!
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