Wearing Every Hat from Script to Screen

Independent filmmaking is thrilling, chaotic, and often overwhelming, especially when you’re both the writer and director. In this episode of the Indie Film Podcast’s Too Many Hats series, we explore what it really takes to bring a project from script to screen when you’re juggling multiple roles behind the camera, joined by writer/director/editor Bradley Elliot Norton of LowerGentry Studios.

The Writer/Director Balancing Act

When you’re writing and directing your own project, creative control comes with a price. You’re responsible for shaping the story on the page and translating that story into visuals on set. It’s rewarding, but it also means carrying double the workload and double the stress.

We dive into what it feels like to wear both hats, and why indie filmmakers often don’t have a choice but to take on every role, from screenwriter to editor to occasional craft services.

What Defines the Indie Film Aesthetic?

From Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise trilogy to Ingmar Bergman’s Scenes from a Marriage, we discuss how indie films lean on writing and acting over spectacle. Minimal locations, small casts, and character-driven stories often create some of the most memorable cinema, and these are exactly the kinds of projects indie filmmakers can realistically make.

Learning from Hollywood (and Its Shortcuts)

Sometimes big-budget films can teach indies a thing or two, for better or worse. Take The Fugitive, which famously wrote entire sequences on the fly during production. It’s a reminder that flexibility, resourcefulness, and creative problem-solving are essential whether you’re working with millions or with maxed-out credit cards.

Writing: Good Writers vs. Good Writing

One of the standout discussions in this episode is the difference between being a “good writer” and producing good writing. The truth? There’s no such thing as a perfect writer. Instead, it’s about showing up, practicing daily, and stacking the odds in your favor until you land on something great.

The Art of Dialogue

Dialogue can make or break your script. We talk about why characters shouldn’t just sound like you talking to yourself, how to give them distinct voices, and why the best lines are rarely polite. The rule of thumb? Every line should be an attack or a defense, even in moments of love or vulnerability.

Lessons from the First Feature

Finally, we reflect on what it’s like to complete a first feature film on a shoestring budget. Spoiler: it’s rough. But it’s also the best education any filmmaker can get. Every mistake, every compromise, and every win along the way builds the resilience you’ll need for the next project.

From Script to Screen (and Beyond)

Taking a story from script to screen is never easy, especially when you’re wearing too many hats. But it’s also what makes indie filmmaking so unique and so rewarding. By learning from others’ experiences (and mistakes), you can survive the chaos and still come out with a finished film you’re proud of.

Subscribe on YouTube