Too Many Hats, Not Enough Hours: Juggling Roles on an Indie Film Crew

An interview with Amanda Woods

Indie filmmaking has a reputation for being a team sport… but sometimes, “team” just means you and whoever’s still awake at 2 a.m. In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Woods, a filmmaker who’s worn more hats than the costume department at a period drama, to talk about the art (and occasional chaos) of juggling multiple roles on an indie film crew.

Amanda has done it all: hair & makeup, acting, directing, producing, and writing. Over the course of our conversation, she shares not just the challenges of multi-role filmmaking, but the unexpected joys, creative problem-solving, and set-life stories that can only happen in the indie world.

Practical Effects vs. Visual Effects: A Filmmaker’s Perspective

When it comes to effects, Amanda is firmly Team Practical (a big win for Chuck and Victoria, long-time supporters of that team). For her, practical effects bring a tangible reality that not only looks better on camera, but also gives actors more to work with. Instead of reacting to a green tennis ball meant to represent a monster, actors can respond to something physically present, helpful in elevating their performances.

As Chuck points out, indie filmmakers rarely have the budget to “fix it in post” anyway, so getting it right on the day is a win-win.

The Makeup Transformation That Shocked the Cast

One of Amanda’s most memorable set moments involved transforming an actress to appear as though she’d been hospitalized after a heart attack, complete with details reflecting a backstory of alcoholism. The reveal was kept hidden from the other performer until cameras rolled, and the authentic reaction made the scene unforgettable. It’s a reminder that makeup and practical effects aren’t just cosmetic, they can be powerful storytelling tools.

And if you'd like to see the scene in question, LowerGentry Studios' film Stockton to Table Rock is available now to rent or buy on Amazon!

From Script to Cannes in Six Months

In 2023, Amanda wrote a script in July, had the film cast by August, shot it in October, and submitted it to the Cannes Film Festival by January 1st. This whirlwind timeline is almost unheard of in indie film, and she shares how clear vision, determination, and tight scheduling made it possible.

Location Solutions: Filming in a Fire Station Without Disruption

When Amanda needed to shoot a scene involving emergency services, her crew worked directly with the local fire station to ensure they wouldn’t disrupt actual community needs. They shot at the fire station itself, using green screens to capture the necessary shots, all while allowing trucks and personnel to remain ready for calls.

The Importance of Understanding Every Department

Amanda stresses that working across departments builds a massive amount of respect for the filmmaking process. Experiencing another crew member’s workload and challenges can make you a more empathetic collaborator, and a better filmmaker overall.

Set Etiquette: Stay In Your Lane (Unless Asked to Swerve)

Respecting the hierarchy on set is essential. Amanda’s advice is simple: if no one’s asked for your input, don’t offer it. It’s a small habit that can keep productions running smoothly and keep you in good standing with the rest of the crew.

Actor Tips: Learn to Lav Yourself

For female actors in particular, Victoria’s number-one tip is to learn how to attach your own lavalier mic. It saves time, prevents awkward moments, and keeps you in control of your own comfort on set.

DIY Filmmaking Hacks: The Throat Cut Effect

In one of the most jaw-dropping moments of the conversation, Amanda explains how she and her crew created a realistic throat cut effect using a nebulizer tube, superglue, liquid latex, and the hardest-to-find condoms in Puerto Rico. It’s a perfect example of the resourcefulness indie filmmakers bring to the table, and a reminder that sometimes the best effects come from the least expected places.

Amanda Woods’ career is proof that multi-role filmmaking, while exhausting, can also be one of the most rewarding aspects of indie film. Whether it’s problem-solving on the fly, pulling off a festival submission against the clock, or finding creative ways to add authenticity to a scene, her experiences are a masterclass in resourceful filmmaking.

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