Truly Independent: Demystifying the Indie Film Journey

EP 91 | Mason Mac's Deliverables Playbook

This episode Darren and Garrett have Mason Mac on the show to talk about his new book "Deliverables Playbook". A collection of all the lessons, tricks, and tidbits that he's learned over his indie filmmaking career. Links to Deliverables Playbook: Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Deliverables-Playbook-Essential-Distribution-Preparing/dp/B0GY2NQZBZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=33EAX51ML3CK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jq8tstl-8khWxhP_pE6Al8CJENtg1nkZX86yiPN-XtqpQVXeeE6Lz6s8ZapKHbJmPUpIFOb0DA9PchYZAhdzvhRRX9p309Y_oYMcUfLfWPoDfqdGWyD2eJkcoUPJxf3WH6dRDiSODA8wL0LwyH0Mwo_5eH7oESGKR_qtL1cv78UFR7rN_HJB16RvXeu6Lk0Ha2O4O8naKWDyoX_2PNalaOeKdn1z8qQM6xnSYsHB-UE.lrUo1xfe-vpfEB69s5XULc65oOJT4asFG_N03FEQCz4&dib_tag=se&keywords=mason+mac&qid=1784352138&sprefix=mason+mac%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1] Filmmakers United [https://www.filmmakersunited.co/]

EP 90 | An Independent Stance On Ai

In this episode Darren and Garrett smack the hot button issue regardless of the burn and tackle their opinions on Ai generation in the independent filmmaking space and how it can be helpful and what ways it could be harmful.

EP 89 | The Distributor Decision

Garrett and Daren walk through the various different avenues of film distribution and what to avoid and what to look for when considering distribution decisions. From the role of a producer to the benefits of self-distribution and all that falls in between. 00:00-02:43 Intro 02:44-06:19 Young Washington  06:20-11:20 Distribution Wants 11:21-18:49 Who’s Who and What’s What 18:50-23:49 Distribution Differences 23:50-28:39 Self Distribution 28:40-33:00 The Real Cost 33:01-35:50 Producer’s Role 35:51-37:02 Outro

Ep 88 | What Really Happens on a Director's Scout?

Garrett and Daren discuss director scouts and how they differ from full location and tech scouts, using examples from their films Brotherhood and The Carpenter. Garrett is preparing to travel to Romania for an early-stage international scout for a film set in 1960s–70s East Germany, after doing extensive remote research, building a lookbook, and working with a potential local fixer/location partner. They explain how scouts begin with a location manager compiling options from the script, then a director scout tests story fit and feasibility while producers assess logistics, budget, access, parking, sound issues, and scheduling constraints. They share six practical tips: scout with shot lists in mind, bring the DP or capture detailed video, look for deal-breakers, know must-have vs flexible locations, think aloud to collaborate, and document everything (including map pins). 00:00 Season Sponsor Message 00:26 Welcome Back Update 01:17 Romania Scout Preview 02:38 What Is A Director Scout 03:34 Scouting Workflow Basics 05:30 Vision Lookbook Research 08:19 Scout Day Logistics 11:10 Solving Location Count 14:29 Open Mind No Commitments 18:07 Six Scout Tips Start 18:54 Tip One Shot List 21:14 Tip Two Bring DP 21:35 Phone Scout Workflow 22:22 360 Camera Walkthroughs 23:53 Spot Dealbreakers Early 25:42 Sound And Hours Checks 26:40 Hero Vs Flexible Locations 28:36 Locations Tell Character 29:58 Think Out Loud Together 31:49 Document Everything 35:32 Producer Reality Check 40:25 Wrap Up And Sponsor

S3 E29 | You Have to Be Possessed

What does it take to spend six years, $300K+, and countless sleepless nights making your first feature? Boston McConaughey and Renny Grains break down exactly how they pulled off Alien Country — the funding, the festivals, the ransomware scare, and why the drive to make a movie isn't something you can will into existence.