Set Design on a Budget: What We Learned the Hard Way
Set design on a budget doesn’t have to look cheap, it just takes creativity, caffeine, and a few questionable choices. In this episode, Chuck and Victoria share the DIY art department lessons they learned the hard way while making low-budget films, and inspiration from our favorite horror films.From fake-blood disasters to finding perfect free locations, they unpack what horror movies can teach us about production design, and how a scrappy indie film set can look cinematic with the right ideas (and maybe a mop)._____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: (https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072) Get Featured on the Pod: (https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit)
--------
35:40
--------
35:40
The Real Horror of Indie Filmmaking: Set Safety Mistakes
Indie film set safety isn’t just a formality, it’s survival. In this episode, Victoria and Chuck unpack real filmmaking accidents, near-misses, and the hard lessons learned from low-budget horror shoots gone wrong.From flying axes and “props” that weren’t to tips from professional stunt coordinators, this conversation covers everything you need to know about prop safety, stunt coordination, and keeping your cast and crew safe on set.Featuring practical advice, wild behind-the-scenes stories, and a healthy dose of dark humor, this episode proves that the scariest part of filmmaking should stay on camera._____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: (https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072) Get Featured on the Pod: (https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit)
--------
33:05
--------
33:05
Crafting Fear with Sound: Indie Film Sound Design Secrets
Indie film sound design meets horror filmmaking in this spine-tingling episode of Indie Film Podcast. Chuck and Victoria break down how horror movies use sound to build fear, tension, and emotion, and how you can apply the same tricks in your own indie projects (no matter what your genre of film!)From low frequencies that make your hair stand on end to eerie silences that say more than dialogue, this episode dives deep into the craft of sound design for filmmakers. Chuck even creates an original audio-only horror scene to prove that the right sound can tell an entire story on its own.We’ll explore:Horror sound design techniques from The Shining, Psycho, A Quiet Place, and moreThe science behind low and high frequencies that trigger fearDIY recording, layering, and Foley tips for indie filmmakersUsing J-cuts and L-cuts to edit for tensionAvoiding AI cleanup mistakes that ruin ambiencePerfect for indie filmmakers, editors, and sound designers looking to master the art of cinematic audio on a budget._____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: (https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072) Get Featured on the Pod: (https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit)
--------
32:04
--------
32:04
The 10 Most Inherently Compelling Scenes (According to Horror Movies)
Screenwriting tips meet horror writing lessons in this episode of the Indie Film Podcast! Chuck and Victoria explore the 10 most inherently compelling scenes used by horror films, from being chased to being trapped, and show how you can use them in any genre.Whether you’re an indie filmmaker, aspiring screenwriter, or author searching for inspiration, horror films are a masterclass in tension and storytelling. We break down examples from iconic horror movies, explain why they work, and share how you can adapt these setups into your own scripts and indie projects.In this episode:Why horror is the best “training ground” for great screenwritingHow 10 classic horror setups can inspire scripts in any genreExamples from iconic horror films, and what makes them workPractical tips for indie filmmakers and writers to apply these lessonsOur personal fails trying these situations, and what they taught usHorror movies might make us scream, but they also teach us how to keep audiences hooked. No matter what genre you’re working in, these lessons will help you write more compelling scenes and stronger stories.____________________________________Show Links:Get Featured on Indie Film Podcast: (https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit)Christopher Nolan Breaks the 180 Rule, too: (https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/20/17583276/the-dark-knight-joker-chase-scene-editing/)Where There Is Love There Is Life: (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CFGpgXYKr/)_____________________________________Follow us for more indie film content:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcastWebsite: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.comNewsletter: (https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072)
--------
37:44
--------
37:44
Indie Film Contracts 101: Protecting Your Project from Legal Nightmares
Indie film contracts and legal pitfalls can make or break your project. In this episode, Victoria and Chuck talk with filmmaker and lawyer Ellen Smith about the not-so-glamorous (but absolutely essential) legal side of filmmaking. From actor release forms and image rights to NDAs, SAG vs. non-union contracts, and distribution deals, Ellen breaks down what every filmmaker needs to know before stepping on set—yes, even if you’re an actor.We cover:Why bad contracts can sink good filmsCommon legal mistakes indie filmmakers make (and how to avoid them)Affordable ways to protect your film without a massive budgetHow contracts serve as safety nets, not obstaclesReal-life legal horror stories from film setsWhether you’re a film student, first-time filmmaker, or seasoned indie director, this episode will help you protect your work, your collaborators, and your future projects.
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.
Sverige