LLCs, Deductions, and Regret: Tax Tips for Indie Filmmakers
Thinking about forming an LLC for your film work? Wondering what filmmaking expenses you can actually deduct? In this episode, Chuck and Victoria dive into the indie film business structure they've (mostly) figured out through trial, error, and a whole lot of receipts.We’ll unpack:– What we wish we knew before filing as filmmakers– LLC tips for indie creatives– Freelance filmmaking write-offs (yes, including camera gear and film festival travel)– Why you should probably talk to a tax pro before writing off your Coachella trip– And the difference between a tax return and a refund (ask Chuck)If you’re a filmmaker, freelancer, or multi-hyphenate creative figuring out how to make your art slightly less financially ruinous, this one’s for you.Listen now for some very unofficial filmmaker tax tips—and a few "learn from our mistakes" moments.
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29:20
Micro Budget Filmmaking: What 10K (Or Less) Really Buys You
Think you can make a movie on a shoestring budget? So did we. In this episode, we break down what it really costs to budget an indie film, sharing real numbers (and real mistakes) from our own micro budget productions.We’ll cover:How we stretched $10K across locations, gear, and craft servicesWhat “zero budget filmmaking” actually means (hint: it’s not zero)Where most of your budget actually goes (and where we blew it)SAG-AFTRA’s low and ultra-low budget agreements, explained (mostly)If you’ve ever wondered how to make an indie film without maxing out a dozen credit cards, this episode’s for you.Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: @indiefilmpodcastTikTok: @indiefilmpodcastYouTube: @IndieFilmPodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com
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35:43
From Zero Budget to High Visibility: Indie Filmmakers Discuss Online Film Streaming Strategies
Welcome to another brutally honest episode of the Indie Film Podcast — where your favorite micro-budget filmmakers, Chuck and Victoria, dive into the messy realities of online film streaming.This week we ask the big questions:Should you post your indie film on YouTube for free?Does streaming help you build an audience — or just bury your movie in the algorithm?Can you actually make money doing this? (Spoiler: 0.3% of YouTubers do.)What’s the best way to share your indie film and get it seen without selling your soul?We break down the pros, cons, stats, strategies, and cautionary tales—from visibility and branding to why nobody watched Chuck’s web series (oops). If you’ve ever Googled "how to share your indie film" or wondered if YouTube is actually a good idea for filmmakers, this episode’s for you.Warning: We also get slightly (endearingly?) off-topic with wedding videography horror stories, the Taco Bell trifecta, and whether or not your uncle’s seventh marriage should count.Learn how to:Use YouTube for filmmakers to build an audienceCreate a content strategy that doesn’t fizzle out after one uploadAvoid the "just post it and hope" trapActually get eyes on your work — even with zero budgetSubscribe for more filmmaking failures, indie wisdom, and real talk. Because if we make the mistakes, you don’t have to.📩 Got a question for the show? Drop it in the comments or DM us on Instagram!#IndieFilm #OnlineFilmStreaming #YouTubeForFilmmakers #filmdiscussion #indiefilmmakersFollow Us:Instagram: @indiefilmpodcastTikTok: @indiefilmpodcastYouTube: @IndieFilmPodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com
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37:04
Film Distribution for Indie Filmmakers: Real Talk, Bad Contracts, and Modern Options
You finished your indie film. Now what? If you're staring down the terrifying abyss known as film distribution wondering if you'll ever make your money back (or even get people to watch the damn thing), you're not alone.In this episode, Chuck and Victoria dive headfirst into the harsh realities of distributing an independent film—from self-distribution woes and shady contracts to theatrical runs, $25 streaming payouts, and the mysterious world of space rights (yes, really). We break down the difference between using a DIY aggregator versus signing with a full-service distributor, and share the many, many missteps we’ve made along the way.If you're an indie filmmaker trying to figure out how to get your movie out into the world without signing away your soul (or your space rights), this episode is for you.Topics include:- What film distribution actually looks like for indie filmmakers- Why Amazon Prime dumped our movie- Marketing mistakes that killed our view count- When a $5K "distribution fee" isn’t what it seems- The surprising value of reviews and mailing lists- How to (maybe) keep your rights in this universeHave your own indie film distribution horror stories or tips? Drop a comment or email us—we’d love to share more perspectives on future episodes!Follow Us:Instagram: @indiefilmpodcastTikTok: @indiefilmpodcastYouTube: @IndieFilmPodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com#IndieFilm #filmdistribution #filmmakingjourney #filmdiscussion #FilmmakersLife
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31:30
Film Festival Fallacies, Myths, & Realities – Are They Worth It? | Indie Film Podcast
Welcome to Indie Film Podcast, where micro-budget dreams go to die, rise again, and maybe get rejected by Sundance in the process. In Episode 15, hosts Chuck and Victoria dive face-first into the glittering, gatekept world of film festivals — with all the bruises to show for it. Thinking of submitting your indie film to a major festival? Wondering if film festivals are worth it? Hoping one screening will catapult you to fame and fortune? Well… buckle up. This episode is packed with hard-earned lessons, rejection letters, and just enough survivor’s guilt to keep it entertaining.The Details:Are film festivals worth the cost and effort?What are the odds of getting into a major festival?Does a festival screening guarantee success?The real costs of submitting to film festivalsPersonal experiences & lessons from the circuitIf you've ever wondered what your odds really are (spoiler: it’s like 2%), or just need to feel better about your own rejection letters, this episode is for you, dear scrappy filmmaker. And if you’ve ever been ghosted by Tribeca, drop us a comment. Misery loves company.Follow Us:Instagram: @indiefilmpodcastTikTok: @indiefilmpodcastYouTube: @IndieFilmPodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com#IndieFilm #FilmFestivals #FilmFestivalSeason #MicrobudgetFilm #FilmmakersLife
Our Goal with Indie Film Podcast is to share all of the mistakes we’ve made in our film making journey, so you can avoid them! We are owners of over 75 rejection letters from film festivals. In spite of producing several well-received films, neither of us has managed to turn our passion into a career. Our continued efforts to follow the advice doled out by the gurus has given us a plethora of experience in nearly every filmmaking role, but also, a negative balance in our bank accounts. Follow us on our journey as we attempt to break into the national film scene, or just incur more debt.
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