Pre-Production and Casting

Shooting Clone Cops – Day One, Stunts, and Cinematic Chaos

🎥 Topics Covered: • Phillip’s unforgettable crash on the vintage Vespa before the first shot • The chaos and comedy of shooting complex green screen scenes on day one • Blending practical and visual effects, including glowing grenades and mutant faces • How the Clone Cops aesthetic was shaped on-set, shot by shot • The challenges of directing stunts without a stunt coordinator • Cinematography inspiration from Dean Cundey and 80s sci-fi classics • The team’s indie VFX approach, including screen replacements and weapon effects • How the Clone Cops team built a safe, high-vibe film set with a ten-hour-day philosophy • Reflections on what the director and DP would do differently in future productions   🎤 Notable Quotes: • “The first thing that happened on day one was a wreck… and we hadn’t even rolled a shot yet.” – Corey Allen • “Every decision I made on set for VFX… was wrong. I learned a lot.” – Charles Royce • “We had no business making this movie without that helmet. It became our brand.” – Phillip Cordell • “If you want to find Zen… just drive a scooter into a wall.” – Danny Dones   📌 Key Takeaways for Filmmakers: ✅ Be flexible — your best-laid plans will be tested on day one ✅ Have a VFX supervisor and experienced crew on set to avoid costly mistakes ✅ Blend practical effects with CGI enhancements for indie-level magic ✅ Think intentionally about coverage and inserts — especially when you’re also the editor ✅ Stick to your budget, but don’t sacrifice safety or the vibe on set   🛠 Next Episode Preview: Get ready for some behind-the-scenes cast stories as the filmmakers sit down with actors from the Clone Cops universe to share hilarious anecdotes and insight into their characters.   📢 Today’s Episode Sponsor: Presented by NefariCorp. Visit nefaricorp.com [https://nefaricorp.com] for more. 🎙 Meet the Team: • Corey Allen – Cinematographer • Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer • Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director • Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way. 📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey! ➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops! Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops [https://linktr.ee/clonecops]

Designing the World of Clone Cops

🎬 Episode 3: Designing the World of Clone Cops THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SOME MOVIE SPOILERS - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED 🔍 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Clone Cops Podcast, filmmakers Phillip Cordell (Co-writer/Actor), Danny Dones (Co-writer/Director), Charles Royce (VFX Supervisor/Producer), and Corey Allen (Cinematographer) dive into the intricate world-building of Clone Cops. From costumes to set design to iconic props, the team breaks down how they created a visually distinct and immersive sci-fi universe on an indie budget. They discuss: • The Origin of the Iconic Clone Cop Helmet – How a last-minute decision turned into an instantly recognizable sci-fi symbol. • Crafting the Clone Cop Uniforms – The hilarious process of designing a “committee-approved” security outfit with hidden layers of satire. • Nefari Corp’s Aesthetic & Branding – How corporate dystopia was brought to life through logos, posters, and subtle background details. • Prop Design & DIY Movie Magic – The team shares how they built weapons, gadgets, and tech using unexpected materials. • Building Sets on a Budget – How they transformed real locations into believable sci-fi environments. • Marketing Through World-Building – The unexpected impact of the film’s costume and design choices on audience engagement. 🎤 Notable Quotes: • “We had no business making this movie without this helmet. It became our brand identity.” – Phillip Cordell • “The mustache on the helmet was the best decision we made. The moment Phil took it off, we knew it was gold.” – Danny Dones • “We wanted Nefari Corp to feel like a company that takes itself too seriously. The kind that accidentally brands itself as ‘Nefari US’ without realizing what it says.” – Charles Royce • “If you want to get your indie film made, you have to be willing to do everything yourself.” – Danny Dones   📌 Key Takeaways for Filmmakers: ✅ How to make props and costumes look high-budget on a low-budget production ✅ The power of visual storytelling in marketing a film ✅ Why small background details add massive rewatch value ✅ How branding within a film can create an extended universe feel ✅ Why world-building matters even in a micro-budget film 🛠 Next Episode Preview: Next time, the team explores “Filming Clone Cops: On-Set Challenges & Breakthroughs”, diving into cinematography, lighting setups, and how they pulled off ambitious shots with limited time and resources.   📢 Today’s Episode Sponsor: Brought to you by Nefaricorp. Visit nefaricorp.com [https://nefaricorp.com] for more. #CloneCops #IndieFilmmaking #SciFiComedy #FilmmakingPodcast #BehindTheScenes 🎙 Meet the Team: • Corey Allen – Cinematographer • Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer • Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director • Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way. 📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey! ➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops! Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops [https://linktr.ee/clonecops]

Pre-Production and Casting

Available to rent or own now on all streaming platforms - https://linktr.ee/clonecops [https://linktr.ee/clonecops] 🎬 Clone Cops Podcast: How We Made Clone Cops – Pre-Production & Casting 🔍 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Clone Cops Podcast, the filmmakers Phillip Cordell (Co-writer/Actor), Danny Dones (Co-writer/Director), Charles Royce (VFX Supervisor/Producer), and Corey Allen (Cinematographer) dive deep into the logistics of bringing Clone Cops to life. They cover: • The budget breakdown – How Clone Cops became a SAG Ultra Low Budget film with a $300,000 cap and what that actually covered. • Funding the film independently – The team shares how they self-funded the movie and secured additional investment to make it happen. • Navigating the Tennessee Entertainment Commission Grant – The surprising process of applying for and receiving a $50,000 rebate from the state. • How casting unfolded – From self-tapes and agency submissions to last-minute role changes, they discuss finding the perfect actors for each character. • Choosing the right crew – Why it was important to pay people fairly while also assembling a team that was passionate about the project. • Finding the perfect location – How an abandoned mental hospital became the ultimate set for Clone Cops, providing production value far beyond their budget. • The importance of pre-production planning – From breaking down the script to sticking to a 10-hour day schedule, the team shares how they avoided indie film burnout.   🎤 Notable Quotes: • “We put our life savings into an independent film. Could be the best or worst decision ever.” – Phillip Cordell • “If you’re waiting for someone to hand you your filmmaking career, it might never happen.” – Danny Dones • “We didn’t just want to make a movie—we wanted to market one, too.” – Corey Allen • “Happy people turn out great work. That’s why we ran a tight but fair set.” – Charles Royce   📌 Key Takeaways for Filmmakers: ✅ How to budget wisely for a micro-budget film ✅ Why pre-production is crucial for avoiding disaster on set ✅ How to secure film grants and incentives in your state ✅ The casting process and what to look for in actor auditions ✅ How location scouting can make or break your film ✅ Why marketing should be planned from the start   🛠 Next Episode Preview: Next time, the team explores “Designing the World of Clone Cops”, covering the film’s VFX, production design, and sci-fi aesthetic.   📢 Today’s Episode Sponsor: Brought to you by Nefaricorp. Visit nefaricorp.com [https://nefaricorp.com] for more.   #CloneCops #IndieFilmmaking #SciFiComedy #FilmmakingPodcast #BehindTheScenes 🎙 Meet the Team: • Corey Allen – Cinematographer • Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer • Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director • Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way. 📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey! ➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops! Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops [https://linktr.ee/clonecops]

The Origins of Clone Cops

Available to rent or own now on all streaming platforms - https://linktr.ee/clonecops [https://linktr.ee/clonecops] 🎬 Clone Cops: The Origins of Clone Cops 🎬 🔍 Episode Summary: In this inaugural episode of the Clone Cops Podcast, filmmakers Philip Cordell (Co-writer/Actor), Danny Dones (Co-writer/Director), Charles Royce (VFX Supervisor/Producer), and Corey Allen (Cinematographer) take you back to the very beginning—how Clone Cops was born. The team dives into: • The early brainstorming sessions and how a casual pitch about “Clone Cops” turned into a full-fledged feature film. • The influence of classic sci-fi and action movies like Robocop, Multiplicity, and Idiocracy on the film’s concept and tone. • How they navigated budget constraints, pivoting from their original vision to a more achievable (yet still ambitious) indie production. • The importance of a strong title in marketing, and how Clone Cops immediately resonated with audiences. • The screenwriting process, including early script drafts, table reads, and hiring professionals for script coverage. • The personal influences each creator brought to the project, from cinematography choices to VFX branding to character development. • The challenges of indie filmmaking, including skepticism about whether the movie would ever get made—and the mindset that pushed them forward.   🎤 Notable Quotes: • “We knew we had to make a feature. That was the next step.” – Philip Cordell • “Every movie is a miracle. It’s crazy that 40-50 people can come together to make this happen.” – Philip Cordell • “We wanted to make a movie that we loved, not just something that would impress people.” – Danny Dones • “The cavalry isn’t coming. No one’s going to hand you your filmmaking career—you have to go out and make it happen.” – Danny Dones 📌 Key Takeaways for Filmmakers: ✅ Why micro-budget movies are a great starting point for indie filmmakers ✅ The power of a great title in generating excitement and audience curiosity ✅ How a table read can expose strengths and weaknesses in a script ✅ The reality of script coverage—and why it’s a worthwhile investment ✅ How visual and storytelling elements evolve from draft to final product ✅ The importance of persistence and self-belief in indie filmmaking 🛠 Next Episode Preview: In the next episode, the team breaks down the making of Clone Cops—including pre-production, budgeting, and the realities of bringing an indie film to life. 📢 Today’s Episode Sponsor: Brought to you by Nefaricorp Visit nefaricorp.com [https://www.nefaricorp.com]for more. #CloneCops #IndieFilmmaking #SciFiComedy #FilmmakingPodcast #BehindTheScenes 🎙 Meet the Team: • Corey Allen – Cinematographer • Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer • Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director • Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way. 📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey! ➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops! Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops [https://linktr.ee/clonecops]

Clone Cops Podcast Trailer

Available to rent or own now on all streaming platforms - https://linktr.ee/clonecops [https://linktr.ee/clonecops] 🎬 Welcome to the Clone Cops Podcast! 🎬 Join the creative minds behind Clone Cops as they take you on a behind-the-scenes journey through the making of this indie sci-fi action-comedy. From scriptwriting and pre-production to marketing and distribution, every step of the filmmaking process will be laid bare for listeners. 🎙 Meet the Team: • Corey Allen – Cinematographer • Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer • Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director • Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way. 📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey! ➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops! Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops [https://linktr.ee/clonecops] 🎙 Meet the Team: • Corey Allen – Cinematographer • Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer • Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director • Charles Royce – Producer, VFX Supervisor This podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way. 📢 Subscribe now and follow our journey! ➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops! Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops [https://linktr.ee/clonecops]