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Filmmaking (Actually)

Filmmaking (Actually)

By Koura Linda

On the Filmmaking (Actually) podcast, award-winning indie filmmaker Koura Linda talks all things indie film, from project development through navigating the festival circuit!

With over 30 completed projects under her belt since late 2016, just under 200 award nominations and 60 awards, Koura gives the nitty-gritty on what it takes to make a film.

From finding (or writing) a good story, to casting and auditioning, getting funding, planning for post production, utilizing festivals to grow your network, and everything in between including travel tips and any other random related topic.
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Currently playing episode

Episode 30: How Do You Film Fest, Actually??: A Space Dream Films Patreon Discussion

Filmmaking (Actually) Jun 02, 2022

00:00
38:02
Episode 43: How Do You Finance Your Dreams, Actually?? Part 1
Dec 30, 202321:01
Episode 44: How Do You Finance Your Dreams, Actually?? Part 2
Dec 30, 202314:57
BONUS: Cinderella, Star Wars, and Newsies - Koura Talks Disney w/ Spacey
Dec 30, 202301:01:16
Episode 42: A Zero-Budget Movie - How Do You Do That, Actually??

Episode 42: A Zero-Budget Movie - How Do You Do That, Actually??

Welcome to Filmmaking (Actually)! In this episode, Koura Linda dives into that deep dark well of zero-budget filmmaking! But is it even possible? Or is it a myth?

If you have any questions or comments for Koura or any of our other guests, please reach out to us at ⁠filmmakingactually@gmail.com⁠. And if you're passionate about creating meaningful films and want to connect with like-minded filmmakers, check out ⁠patreon.com/spacedreamfilms⁠. For as little as $1.99 a month, you can join our community and stay updated on the latest projects from Koura and the Space Dream team.

Make sure to tune in for this eye-opening episode and all the exciting content we have in store for you on Filmmaking (Actually). Don't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications for future episodes!

May 13, 202321:46
Episode 41: Writing With Feeling - How Important Is It, Actually??
May 05, 202307:45
BONUS: How Do We Manage, Actually??

BONUS: How Do We Manage, Actually??

In this episode, our host Koura Linda speaks with a panel of film professionals at various stages of their filmmaking  careers: SCAD 2022 Valedictorian and full-time filmmaker Sarah M. Penn, UCF Screenwriting Bachelor's Program student and Film Production Intern, Joselyn Martinez, full-time VFX artist for major Hollywood motion pictures Alex Heffner, and 2022 Austin Film Festival Winner, Writer Nick Gambino about the pros and cons and pros and cons of film school.


All of these filmmakers are on different paths when it comes to formal education's involvement in their careers, and because no two paths are the same, this panel discusses the many, many options available for those looking for a career in film.

While the full conversation will be shared exclusively on our Patreon, and portions of the panel will be shared here, during the audience Q&A there were some questions about how to manage what it takes to make it in the film industry, especially when living with various disabilities, but the insights shared can be valuable for anyone.

Join us as we explore this important and often overlooked aspect of filmmaking!


 Do you have a question for Koura, or any of our other guests? Or just want to say hello? Send an email to filmmakingactually@gmail.com! We'd love to hear from you. And if you want to be part of an interactive community of filmmakers, be sure to check out patreon.com/spacedreamfilms. For as little as $1.99 a month, you can join and stay up-to-date with the latest projects from Koura and the Space Dream team. Plus, you'll be part of the behind-the-scenes action and have the opportunity to connect with other passionate filmmakers.


Don't miss this insightful episode and all the exciting content we have in store for you on Filmmaking Actually, so be sure to subscribe and turn on notifications for future episodes! 

May 01, 202315:19
Episode 40: Film School - Should You or Shouldn't You, Actually?? Interview with Sarah M. Pennington
Mar 21, 202345:21
Episode 39: Ask Koura & Spacey Anything!: A Space Dream Patreon Discussion (Part 2)
Oct 17, 202244:54
Episode 38: Ask Koura & Spacey Anything!: A Space Dream Patreon Discussion (Part 1)
Aug 22, 202241:39
Episode 37: What Makes a Great Writer, Actually??: A Space Dream Patreon Discussion (Part 2)
Aug 01, 202225:57
Episode 36: What Makes a Great Writer, Actually??: A Space Dream Patreon Discussion (Part 1)
Jul 25, 202231:08
Episode 35: How Do You Pitch Your Project (Actually)??
Jul 18, 202232:21
Episode 34: Why Does Top Gun: Maverick (Actually) Matter to Independent Filmmaking??
Jul 10, 202224:27
Episode 33: What Should You Know About Being an Actor or Actress (Actually)?? With Merri Jamison (Part 2)

Episode 33: What Should You Know About Being an Actor or Actress (Actually)?? With Merri Jamison (Part 2)

Jul 04, 202244:50
BONUS EPISODE: What Is One Major Red Flag to Watch Out for in Casting, Actually??
Jun 30, 202209:51
Episode 32: What Should You Know About Being an Actor or Actress (Actually)?? With Merri Jamison (Part 1)

Episode 32: What Should You Know About Being an Actor or Actress (Actually)?? With Merri Jamison (Part 1)

Jun 27, 202242:26
BONUS EPISODE: Reaction to Obi-Wan Kenobi: How Good Is It, Actually?? With Spaceship
Jun 24, 202232:58
Episode 31: What Does It Take To Be a Filmmaker for Your Day Job (Actually)??
Jun 20, 202236:17
Episode 30: How Do You Film Fest, Actually??: A Space Dream Films Patreon Discussion
Jun 02, 202238:02
Episode 29: What Does It Take To Be a Director, Actually?? With Michele Civetta
Feb 20, 202239:00
Episode 28: How to Not Have to Fix It in Post (Part 2)
Oct 18, 202145:31
Episode 27: How to Not Have to Fix It in Post (Part 1)
Oct 16, 202137:14
Episode 26: How Do You (Actually) Make a Great Film On a Deadline?? (Part 2)
Aug 29, 202141:49
Episode 25: How Do You (Actually) Make a Great Film On a Deadline?? (Part 1)
Aug 20, 202140:35
Episode 24: What Else Did It Take to Make Our First Short Film, Actually?? - Names on the Wall Director's Panel (Part 2)

Episode 24: What Else Did It Take to Make Our First Short Film, Actually?? - Names on the Wall Director's Panel (Part 2)

Join Koura Linda in Part Two of a bonus panel discussion about Space Dream  Productions' first film, "Names on the Wall," which actually just wrapped its festival run back in April at the 2021 NOVA Fest and Capital Film Market.

Following our full cast & crew panel after our opening night screening, we had a lot of audience questions that we were not able to get to due to running out of time.

Thanks to the virtual nature of the festival, as well as the support of NOVA Festival Director Mr. Fernando Mico, we were able to return with Co-Writer/Producer/Director Koura Linda, 2nd Unit Director & Stunt Choreographer Melissa Tracy, and Associate Producer/Editor/All Things Extraordinary Spaceship, for a follow-up panel following our second screening as part of a short film block midweek at the festival where we were able to have a little more behind-the-scenes and take up the additional questions and get them answered.  If you missed the last 2 episodes we recommend checking those out first!

While the full panel was recorded and is available on the FAME LLC  YouTube channel, and also on our website under the "Names on the Wall"  tab below "Films", we wanted to also share the content as podcast episodes, since we know it is sometimes easier to stream a podcast than sit and watch a YouTube video (especially as these panels ran for over an hour!).

Moderated by NOVA Festival Director, Mr. Fernando Mico, this panel discusses details of "Names on the Wall", so we suggest watching it first if you have not already seen it! You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video here.  If you can not access it for some reason, please message us and we will send you a private screening link so you can watch before hearing all these spoilers!

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to filmmakingactually@gmail.com! And check out spacedreamfilms.com for the latest projects that Koura and the Space Dream team is working on.

Jun 21, 202133:37
Episode 23: What Else Did It Take to Make Our First Short Film, Actually?? - Names on the Wall Director's Panel (Part 1)

Episode 23: What Else Did It Take to Make Our First Short Film, Actually?? - Names on the Wall Director's Panel (Part 1)

Join Koura Linda in Part One of a bonus panel discussion about Space Dream  Productions' first film, "Names on the Wall," which actually just wrapped its festival run back in April at the 2021 NOVA Fest and Capital Film Market.

Following our full cast & crew panel after our opening night screening, we had a lot of audience questions that we were not able to get to due to running out of time.

Thanks to the virtual nature of the festival, as well as the support of NOVA Festival Director Mr. Fernando Mico, we were able to return with Co-Writer/Producer/Director Koura Linda, 2nd Unit Director & Stunt Choreographer Melissa Tracy, and Associate Producer/Editor/All Things Extraordinary Spaceship, for a follow-up panel following our second screening as part of a short film block midweek at the festival where we were able to have a little more behind-the-scenes and take up the additional questions and get them answered.  If you missed the last 2 episodes we recommend checking those out first!

While the full panel was recorded and is available on the FAME LLC  YouTube channel, and also on our website under the "Names on the Wall"  tab below "Films", we wanted to also share the content as podcast episodes, since we know it is sometimes easier to stream a podcast than sit and watch a YouTube video. (Especially since these panels ran for over an hour!)

Moderated by NOVA Festival Director, Mr. Fernando Mico, this panel discusses details of "Names on the Wall", so we suggest watching it first if you have not already seen it! You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video here.  If you can not access it for some reason, please message us and we will send you a private screening link so you can watch before hearing all these spoilers!

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to filmmakingactually@gmail.com! And check out spacedreamfilms.com for the latest projects that Koura and the Space Dream team is working on.

Jun 16, 202131:25
Episode 22: What Did It Take to Make Our First Short Film, Actually?? - Names on the Wall Full Cast & Crew Q&A Panel (Part 2)

Episode 22: What Did It Take to Make Our First Short Film, Actually?? - Names on the Wall Full Cast & Crew Q&A Panel (Part 2)

Join Koura Linda in Part Two of a discussion about Space Dream Productions' first film, "Names on the Wall," which actually just wrapped its festival run back in April at the 2021 NOVA Fest and Capital Film Market.

It was an honor to be the opening night film, and to have opportunity - thanks to the virtual nature of the festival, as well as the support of Mr. Fernando Mico - to bring together our key cast and crew for a full moderated panel and Q&A with an awesome audience!

While the full panel was recorded and is available on the FAME LLC YouTube channel, and also on our website under the "Names on the Wall" tab below "Films", we wanted to also share the content as podcast episodes, since we know it is sometimes easier to stream a podcast than sit and watch a YouTube video (especially as these panels ran for over an hour).

Join Koura and her husband, editor and music-maker extraordinaire Spaceship, our writer and co-executive producer Nick Gambino, Second Unit Director/Stunt Choreographer Melissa Tracy, stars of the film Brendan Healy and Doan Nguyen, and Merri Jamison, and Post-Production Assistant Stevie Collins, along with quick hellos from Koura's executive assistant, the magical Jazmine McGeoch, and Space Dream Productions's social media master and supporting lead of the upcoming feature, "Catching the Light," Erica Taylor.

Moderated by Space Dream Productions Vice President of Marketing, Bryan Redhead, this panel discusses details of Names on the Wall, so we  suggest watching it first if you have not already seen it! You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video here.  If you can not access it for some reason, please message us and we will send you a private screening link so you can watch before hearing all these spoilers!

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to filmmakingactually@gmail.com! And check out spacedreamfilms.com for the latest projects that Koura is working on.

Jun 09, 202136:26
Episode 21: What Did It Take to Make Our First Short Film, Actually?? - Names on the Wall Full Cast & Crew Q&A Panel (Part 1)

Episode 21: What Did It Take to Make Our First Short Film, Actually?? - Names on the Wall Full Cast & Crew Q&A Panel (Part 1)

Join Koura Linda in Part One of a discussion about Space Dream Productions' first film, "Names on the Wall," which actually just wrapped its festival run back in April at the 2021 NOVA Fest and Capital Film Market.

It was an honor to be the opening night film, and to have opportunity - thanks to the virtual nature of the festival, as well as the support of Mr. Fernando Mico - to bring together our key cast and crew for a full moderated panel and Q&A with an awesome audience!

While the full panel was recorded and is available on the FAME LLC YouTube channel, and also on our website under the "Names on the Wall" tab below "Films", we wanted to also share the content as podcast episodes, since we know it is sometimes easier to stream a podcast than sit and watch a YouTube video (especially as these panels ran for over an hour).

Join Koura and her husband, editor and music-maker extraordinaire Spaceship, our writer and co-executive producer Nick Gambino, Second Unit Director/Stunt Choreographer Melissa Tracy, stars of the film Brendan Healy and Doan Nguyen, and Merri Jamison, and Post-Production Assistant Stevie Collins, along with quick hellos from Koura's executive assistant, the magical Jazmine McGeoch, and Space Dream Productions's social media master and supporting lead of the upcoming feature, "Catching the Light," Erica Taylor.

Moderated by Space Dream Productions Vice President of Marketing, Bryan Redhead, this panel discusses details of Names on the Wall, so we  suggest watching it first if you have not already seen it! You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video here.  If you can not access it for some reason, please message us and we will send you a private screening link so you can watch before hearing all these spoilers!

If you want to ask a question or just want to say hello, write to filmmakingactually@gmail.com! And check out spacedreamfilms.com for the latest projects that Koura is working on.

Jun 01, 202142:31
Episode 20: How Do You (Actually) Deal with "What's Your Rate? What's Your Budget?"??
Apr 22, 202127:34
Episode 19: How Do You (Actually) Make a Feature Versus a Short - In a Pandemic??
Jan 18, 202134:24
Episode 18: An (Actual) Update From Space Dream Productions!
Sep 21, 202003:55
Episode 17: What Do You Need to Know About Sound in Film, Actually?? With Mac Smith of Skywalker Sound
Jun 30, 202057:59
Episode 16: What Do You Need to Know About Casting, Actually??
Jun 30, 202037:42
Episode 15: What Should You Know About Networking, Actually??
Jun 30, 202017:07
Episode 14: What Does Business Have to Do with Filmmaking (Actually)??
Jun 22, 202026:19
Episode 13: What More Should You (Actually) Know About the 48 Hour Film Project??
Jun 01, 202026:22
Episode 12: What Should You (Actually) Know About the 48 Hour Film Project??
Mar 16, 202036:20
Episode 11: What Should You Know About Contracts, Actually??
Mar 03, 202021:53
PSA: Buzzed Driving

PSA: Buzzed Driving

A very special PSA from Filmmaking (Actually).

Jan 18, 202001:08
Episode 10: How Do You Fest at Sundance, Actually??
Jan 18, 202027:36
Episode 9: What Do You Need to Know About Film Distribution, Actually?? With Erik Lundmark (Part 2)
Jan 12, 202027:26
Episode 8: What Do You Need to Know About Film Distribution, Actually?? With Erik Lundmark (Part 1)
Jan 06, 202029:54
Episode 7: How Do You Actually Not Freeze at Sundance??
Dec 21, 201910:41
Episode 6: How Do You Documentary?? With Ansley Sawyer (Part 2)
Nov 26, 201939:44
Episode 5: How Do You Documentary?? With Ansley Sawyer (Part 1)
Nov 26, 201932:40
Episode 4: What Belongs on the Page??
Oct 28, 201912:33
Episode 3: What's Important About Scriptwriting, Actually??
Oct 22, 201918:01
Episode 2: What is Intentional Filmmaking??
Oct 14, 201921:10
Episode 1: How Do You Make a Movie??
Oct 07, 201937:30
Episode 0: Welcome to the Filmmaking (Actually) Podcast!
Sep 30, 201908:45