My First Film

From Viral Short to Sundance: Jim Cummings on Making Thunder Road

Jim Cummings is the writer-director behind Thunder Road, The Wolf of Snow Hollow, and The Beta Test—but before any of that, he made a feature he now calls “cringeworthy.” From crashing on his parents’ floor with film school friends to reinventing himself after a five-year directing hiatus, Jim has built a career by staying fiercely independent and refusing to wait for permission. In this episode, Jim walks us through the entire journey—from making Thunder Road on Kickstarter and equity investments, to landing a surprise Amazon deal, to self-distributing the feature and making over $1 million. He shares how working at CollegeHumor and ILM sharpened his storytelling, how an Olaf balloon at the bottom of the Mariana Trench inspired one of his most biting shorts, and why he thinks the studio system is broken beyond repair. It’s equal parts filmmaker therapy, business masterclass, and creative kick in the ass. Stick around to the very end for a quick update on Petunia, my debut feature, and where things are at as we prep for a big fundraising push this fall.

Ep. 9 - The Burghart Brothes on "Head Count"

Meet Jacob and Ben Burghart, the dynamic filmmaking duo behind the indie feature "Head Count" (2023)! In this episode of My First Film, host Alec C. Cohen dives deep into their incredible journey from small-town Kansas to creating a critically acclaimed movie. The Burghart brothers share how they honed their craft with whimsical VHS shorts, broke into the industry with their short film "Suspense," and turned a bold vision into a reality by working with Continuance Pictures and Shout Factory. Their story is proof that great cinema can come from anywhere! Learn how they navigated the challenges of indie filmmaking, from funding their project to managing a 13-day shoot schedule. The Burgharts' tale is a masterclass in resourcefulness and determination, a must-watch for aspiring directors and film enthusiasts alike. Stick around until the very end to hear a quick update on Alec's debut feature, "Petunia."

Ep. 8 - Francis Galluppi on "The Last Stop in Yuma County"

In this episode of the My First Film podcast, director Francis Galluppi shares the extraordinary journey of creating his debut feature film, The Last Stop in Yuma County, on a budget of under $1 million. Francis discusses the pivotal decisions that brought the project to life, including his intentional approach to writing stories rooted in real locations and his friend's life-changing decision to sell his house to fund the film. Francis also reflects on how he secured his dream cast by writing heartfelt letters to actors he admired, showcasing the power of persistence and genuine passion in filmmaking. His candid insights into navigating the indie film world, embracing unconventional methods, and staying prepared at every turn make this episode a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers. For those looking to make their first feature, Francis offers invaluable advice on turning constraints into creative opportunities, building trust with collaborators, and remembering that there are no rules in independent filmmaking. Stick around until the very end to hear a quick update on Alec’s first film, Petunia.

Ep. 7 - Amanda Lundquist on "Pinsky"

In this episode of the My First Film podcast, director Amanda Lundquist takes us behind the scenes of her debut feature film, Pinsky, made for just $30,000. Amanda shares the highs and lows of bringing her vision to life, from crowdfunding on Kickstarter to filming in her hometown of Boston. She dives into the creative ways her team leveraged local resources, like using her family apartment as a key location, and highlights the importance of collaboration with friends and community. Amanda reflects on how limitations shaped the film, turning challenges into creative opportunities. She talks candidly about navigating the realities of the industry, balancing filmmaking with a day job in post-production, and how staying connected to her creative passion fuels her work. Her story is a testament to perseverance and resourcefulness in the face of financial and logistical hurdles. For aspiring filmmakers, this episode offers invaluable lessons on crowdfunding, working within constraints, and building a team of collaborators who share your vision. Stick around until the very end to hear a quick update on Alec's first film, Petunia.

Ep. 6 - Clay Tatum on "The Civil Dead"

In this episode of the "My First Film" podcast, director Clay Tatum shares his journey to making his debut feature film, "The Civil Dead", for under $50,000. Clay talks about how his long-standing friendship with producer Mike Marasco played a crucial role in getting the film funded, as well as how years of making short films and comedy sketches helped him build the network needed to take the next step. He emphasizes the importance of staying connected in the industry and using those relationships to create opportunities. The film, shot in just 12 days with a skeleton crew, is a testament to the power of low-budget filmmaking when you leverage your resources and connections effectively. Clay also reflects on his struggles in Los Angeles, working at a pizza joint for six years while creating shorts and sketches. His unconventional path through film school, mixed feelings about formal education, and dedication to filmmaking eventually led him to success. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, this episode provides valuable insights into networking, perseverance, and how to create a feature film on a tight budget. Stick around until the very end to hear a quick update on Alec's first film, Petunia.