"Don't Suck at Video!" - A Filmmaking and Business Podcast
By Nick LaRovere
Nick's award-winning work has helped clients greatly increase their revenue. His films have been distributed worldwide, including on Netflix.
"Don't Suck at Video!" - A Filmmaking and Business PodcastMay 11, 2024
#4. Q&A - What does the future of indie filmmaking look like? And more answers
In this episode, Nick LaRovere answers questions from the Arizona filmmaking community. He discusses topics such as securing an agent, funding for films, becoming a skilled producer, and the future of content and independent filmmakers. He emphasizes the importance of building a body of work and a strong brand to attract agents. He also explores various funding options, including crowdfunding, personal financing, and seeking investors. Nick advises filmmakers to gain experience by working on their own projects or collaborating with others. He suggests that independent creators focus on building their own audience and leveraging that audience to attract investment and opportunities. He also acknowledges the challenges and changes in the traditional Hollywood system and encourages filmmakers to forge their own path.
Takeaways
- Building a body of work and a strong brand is important to attract agents.
- Funding options for films include crowdfunding, personal financing, and seeking investors.
- Gaining experience can be done through personal projects or collaborating with others.
- Independent creators should focus on building their own audience and leveraging it to attract investment and opportunities.
- The traditional Hollywood system is changing, and filmmakers should consider forging their own path.
00:00 Introduction and Q&A Format
00:59 Securing an Agent: Building a Body of Work and a Strong Brand
08:55 Becoming a Skilled Producer: Gaining Experience and Networking
16:18 The Future of Content and Independent Filmmakers: Building Your Own Audience
#3. A joyful filmmaking process & how to be a feature filmmaker
Nick speaks with Joseph Mbah, a 6-time feature filmmaker and business owner who runs Paradox Universe with his wife Amber.
We talk about the process and learning on his 6th feature film that made it a joyful process to make the film, what filmmakers can do to get their first feature film made, and general tips for overcoming obstacles in film and business.
Find Joseph on Instagram @joseph_mbah and online at paradoxuniverse.net.
#1. YOU are the sales & marketing department
Nick and Joe talk about - at least for video production businesses - there is a tendency to not want to do marketing and sales, only focus on the work itself. Being artists at heart, it's only natural. However, taking charge of marketing and sales is absolutely essential because you will be the strongest advocate and champion of your business.
#2. Why I almost quit filmmaking, burnout, & opportunity cost
Nick and Joseph talk about the effort and perseverance that it takes to make your dreams a reality. Joe shares his filmmaking journey and talks about the fact that because filmmaking is very difficult and making films is often long hours, it can cause burnout. Joe shares things he has learned from a few rough experiences.
15 important lessons for the new year
Welcome to episode 4 of the Storyteller podcast. This is our New Year's episode. Traditionally, most people use New Year's to think about the past year and how they will carry themselves into the next year. It's a good time to think about what you did that worked and didn't work.
That's exactly what I did for this episode. I condensed everything I talked about and wrote about this year into 15 key lessons we can take to heart for 2020 to become better filmmakers and better humans.
Enjoy.
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From 1st feature film to Netflix w/ Joseph Mbah
This episode, I have a discussion with writer/director Joseph Mbah. Joseph has directed 4 feature films and written 2 of the 4. We discuss his experience making his first feature film and what he recommends for those who want to do the same, including how to approach filming, funding, and distribution.
We also talk about his experience getting his recent film "Expo" on Netflix, and how that came about as well as what filmmakers can expect when looking to get better noticed for their work.
This episode is full of experience and wisdom from Joe - so don't miss out, especially if you've been feeling 'stuck' and unable to get enough wind under your sails to get your first feature film off the ground.
You can find Joseph's film "Expo" here. Follow him on Instagram @Joseph_Mbah.
19 attributes of a great director (pursuit of the ideal)
Today, I discuss 19 attributes I think are important for the director who wishes to be truly great, in all senses of the word.
What does the ideal film director look like? What values/skills can we aspire to master? I have some (possibly) unpopular opinions when it comes to filmmaking and modelling certain behaviors.
How can you be the type of person who can tell moving stories, but also be one whose behavior inspires and commands respect with whom you work? Why should you even strive for such a thing? How will doing so help you in the long-term, practically? Let's talk about it.
This podcast episode is based on a previous article of mine, located here: https://totalstoryteller.com/19-attributes-you-need-to-be-a-great-film-director/
Interested in getting more content like this? Check out the Storyteller community:
Join the weekly newsletter to get weekly tips/motivation at http://bit.ly/StorytellerNewsletter
Find helpful articles at www.totalstoryteller.com/blog
Join discussions & connect with filmmakers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/storyteller
5 bare-bones essentials of a good story
Welcome to episode 1 of the Storyteller podcast. Today, I discuss what the 5 barebones essentials of a good story are.
What are the bare-bones essentials of a good story? What makes for a good story?
I was recently reading “The Working Film Director” by Charles Wilkinson, and something he said really stuck with me. This is one of the clearest explanations of good storytelling I’ve ever heard:
“Here’s what Aristotle said about the basics of Western-style storytelling. You need a sympathetic hero on a vital quest against insurmountable obstacles. In addition, the ending needs to be surprising, but inevitable.” (Charles Wilkinson)
Does your story meet all of those elements? Let's discuss it. Based on the Storyteller article here: https://totalstoryteller.com/5-elements-of-a-great-film/
Interested in getting more content like this? Check out the Storyteller community:
Join the weekly newsletter to get weekly tips/motivation at http://bit.ly/StorytellerNewsletter
Find helpful articles at www.totalstoryteller.com/blog
Join discussions & connect with filmmakers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/storyteller