Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

In this episode, I am joined by DP Justyn Moro, whose cinematography career has included collaborations with artists like Jared Leto, Tom Delonge and countless others - and most recently has been shooting features and television at Tyler Perry Studios. Justyn shares the full scope of his creative journey—how he got started shooting music videos, learning cinematography on the road with Jared Leto, and making the leap into narrative storytelling on projects like Monsters of California and Beauty in Black. Topics covered include: * Breaking into the film industry with zero connections * Shooting documentary and music video content with Jared Leto across the globe * Lessons from working on Monsters of California with Tom DeLonge * Transitioning from music videos to narrative film & television * Justyn’s approach to prep, lighting, and working fast on set * Creative collaboration with directors and building a strong crew dynamic * Why a clear vision and openness to collaboration make the best directors Links from the show: Justyn Moro – Website [http://www.jmorodp.com/] Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday [https://www.noamkroll.com/newsletter]

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Felipe Vargas - whose viral horror short films helped him land his feature film debut Rosario. Throughout our discussion, we explore Felipe’s journey from DIY shorts to large scale feature productions and lessons learned along the way. Topics covered include:  * How Felipe's childhood passion for horror and folklore shaped his filmmaking style * The success of his short films, including Milk Teeth which garnered 15 million views on YouTube * The realities of getting representation and what comes after * How his feature film Rosario came together after developing relationships with producers * Shooting across two countries (New York and Colombia) on a sub-$10 million budget * The importance of being consistently productive and self-generative as a filmmaker * Using test screenings effectively and the value of planning for pickup shots * The unique character-first approach Felipe uses to break down scripts and scenes Links from the show: Felipe Vargas - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/felipe_vargasf/] Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday. [http://www.noamkroll.com/newsletter]

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Joe Burke to discuss his incredible journey making the feature film Burt for just $7,000. Executive produced by David Gordon Green, the film follows a street musician with Parkinson's disease who discovers he has a son. Throughout our conversation, we explore Joe's innovative approach to micro-budget filmmaking, including how he infused real-life relationships into the narrative. Topics covered include: * How Joe cast his non-actor subjects in their first ever film roles * Shooting an entire feature in 7 days with just a 3-person crew * The strategic use of black & white cinematography to elevate production value * Creating compelling narrative films without traditional scripts * Navigating 28 festival rejections before winning Best Picture awards * Self-distributing via theatrical screenings while building community partnerships Links from the show: Burt The Movie - Website [https://burtthemovie.com/] Joe Burke - Instagram (@joeburkfilm) [https://www.instagram.com/joeburkfilm] Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday. [http://www.noamkroll.com/newsletter]

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Christopher Folkens to discuss his debut feature film The Catalyst - a psychological thriller that was produced in just 8 shooting days. Throughout our discussion, we explore the unconventional production methods Christopher employed, including structured improvisation and a non-traditional shooting schedule. Topics covered include: * Why Christopher chose to embrace structured improvisation with actors * How they filmed nearly half the movie in a single night * Completing a feature film in just 8 total shooting days * The evolution from a 12-person proof of concept to a 7-person final cast * Using obstacles as opportunities in low-budget production * The benefits of having an editing background as a director * Finding the balance between having a plan and remaining flexible on set Links from the show: Christopher Folkens - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/chrisfolkens/] The Catalyst Movie - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/catalystmovie/] Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday. [http://www.noamkroll.com/newsletter]

In this episode, I am joined by filmmaker Clinton Cornwell to discuss his feature film 12 Months, which he shot over the course of two years (and 60 shooting days) in a style inspired by Richard Linklater's Boyhood. Throughout our conversation, we dive deep into Clinton's unique production approach and creative process. Topics covered include: * Creating an improvised relationship drama shot over real time * Working with a minimal crew (often just 3 people) across 60 shooting days * The benefits and challenges of spreading production over two years * Finding actors comfortable with improvisation and maintaining their commitment * Balancing structure and spontaneity in an improvised film * Managing 200+ hours of footage during post-production * The advantages of being a "jack of all trades" filmmaker Links from the show: https://linktree.com/12MonthsFilm 12 Months Film [https://linktree.com/12MonthsFilm] Clinton Cornwell - Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/clintoncornwell/] Clinton Cornwell - Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/clintoncornwell/] http://www.noamkroll.com/newsletter Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday [http://www.noamkroll.com/newsletter]