From Zero to Short Film

Episode 3 - Pre-Production Part 2 + Berserker Lotus Talks Acting

1 h 41 min · 28. feb. 2026
episode Episode 3 - Pre-Production Part 2 + Berserker Lotus Talks Acting cover

Description

On this episode, I discuss how I sourced my props and costumes and the process for hiring cast and crew. I also speak with actor Berserker Lotus who played Shawna in Insanity in 5 Acts about what it’s like being on an indie film set from the actor’s POV, sequel potential, and being haunted by sexist ghosts. Have questions or feedback? Hit me up on Instagram! Check out Lotus’s Instagram: @berserkerlotus And her book of poetry, Cryptic Dreams in Verses:  http://bit.ly/4tGt9Cv Resources: No Film School article about pre-production https://nofilmschool.com/pre-production-in-film [https://nofilmschool.com/pre-production-in-film] StudioBinder Script Breakdown article + template https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/free-script-breakdown-sheet/ [https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/free-script-breakdown-sheet/] Insanity in 5 Acts Script Breakdown https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Qb0OJZmomFjhk1BI3beqpIWIZX91zcmpZQTfIYOfX3g/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Qb0OJZmomFjhk1BI3beqpIWIZX91zcmpZQTfIYOfX3g/edit?usp=sharing] Hiring Crew Bill’s redacted contract https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EhlnI5dSAW1KwWEKTgxtpzNksUkW9D2J/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115664374527519287546&rtpof=true&sd=true [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EhlnI5dSAW1KwWEKTgxtpzNksUkW9D2J/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115664374527519287546&rtpof=true&sd=true] StudioBinder article with crew contract template https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/mastering-the-crew-deal-memo-with-free-template/ [https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/mastering-the-crew-deal-memo-with-free-template/] StudioBinder article about hiring crew https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/how-to-find-film-crew/ [https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/how-to-find-film-crew/] Hiring Cast Document with links to the casting resources because I’ve gone completely over on my character allowance for the show notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IpPmrTHAFCeKHFwaD3PJZzZWOcdqmVDX7ougqPRVeH4/edit?usp=sharing Giant Compendium of Filmmaker Resources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing] Have questions or feedback? Hit me up on Instagram! @theroguerogers [https://www.instagram.com/theroguerogers/] or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559951550977 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559951550977] Or email me at pod@bigcovenenergyfilms.com Support us at Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/FZTSF/membership [https://www.patreon.com/c/FZTSF/membership] Complete banger of a theme song created and performed by me, Betty P. Rogers.   Make art. Save lives.  Cheers! Betty

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All episodes

5 episodes

episode Episode 5: Production Part 1 artwork

Episode 5: Production Part 1

On Episode 5 of From Zero to Short Film, we’re finally getting to the production process! Call sheets, safety meetings, and being respectful of everyone’s time on set. Also: why the Reddit filmmaker community is going to absolutely hate your film and why that’s perfectly all right. Make Art. Save Lives!  Finding our resources helpful? Show us some love on Patreon https://patreon.com/FZTSF?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink [https://patreon.com/FZTSF?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] or support my films by buying me a coffee buymeacoffee.com/bigcovenenergyfilms [http://buymeacoffee.com/bigcovenenergyfilms] Giant Compendium of Filmmaker Resources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing] Have questions or feedback? Hit me up on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/theroguerogers/ [https://www.instagram.com/theroguerogers/]

4. juni 202642 min
episode Episode 1: Writing Your Script artwork

Episode 1: Writing Your Script

On today’s show, I give you the rundown on step 1 of making your first short film, writing your screenplay, as well as the process I used to write my screenplay for Insanity in 5 Acts. As if that weren’t enough fun, I got to speak to actor Dominique Meyer about the joy of hitting me in the face with multiple pies, the allyship of male actors playing sexist characters in feminist films, and making authentic art versus content churning.  Giant Compendium of Filmmaker Resources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing] Find Dominique Meyer on Instagram @the_blu_library …no guarantees he’ll add you. Find me on Instagram  @theroguerogers [https://www.instagram.com/theroguerogers/] or Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559951550977 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559951550977] Or email me at pod@bigcovenenergyfilms.com Complete banger of a theme song created and performed by me, Betty P. Rogers.   Make art. Save lives.  Cheers! Betty

27. maj 20261 h 29 min
episode Episode 2: Pre-Production Part 1 artwork

Episode 2: Pre-Production Part 1

On Episode 2 of From Zero to Short Film, we discuss the first steps of the pre-production process - forming an LLC, locking your script, breaking down your script, creating a budget, and hiring your department heads. I also speak to my producer and sound mixer Bill Daniilidis about what a producer can do for you on your film, how our film had the best cast and crew of all time, and what specific types of arseholes we can and cannot tolerate. Make Art. Save Lives!  Support the film and this podcast on our new Patreon! https://patreon.com/FZTSF?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink [https://patreon.com/FZTSF?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Show Bill some love: Bill’s Instagram: @bill_daniilidis Bill’s production company’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573003320630 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573003320630] Giant Compendium of Filmmaker Resources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing] Have questions or feedback? Hit me up on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/theroguerogers/ [https://www.instagram.com/theroguerogers/] Stay tuned for episode 5 where we start discussing production of your short film.

27. maj 20261 h 1 min
episode Episode 4: The Pre-Production Process Part 3 artwork

Episode 4: The Pre-Production Process Part 3

On today’s episode, I finally get to the end of the pre-production process! Holy shit, we’ve done it! Location scouting, logistics, scheduling shoot days, the pre-production binder, crafty, production design, and rehearsal.  Also some whingeing about my current creative struggles. Then extended whingeing about Dominique slapping me in the face with a fish.  Stay tuned for episode 5 where we start discussing production of your short film. Giant Compendium of Filmmaker Resources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing] Have questions or feedback? Hit me up on Instagram! @theroguerogers [https://www.instagram.com/theroguerogers/] or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559951550977 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559951550977] Or email me at pod@bigcovenenergyfilms.com Support us at Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/FZTSF/membership [https://www.patreon.com/c/FZTSF/membership] Complete banger of a theme song created and performed by me, Betty P. Rogers.   Make art. Save lives.  Cheers! Betty

25. mar. 20261 h 6 min
episode Episode 3 - Pre-Production Part 2 + Berserker Lotus Talks Acting artwork

Episode 3 - Pre-Production Part 2 + Berserker Lotus Talks Acting

On this episode, I discuss how I sourced my props and costumes and the process for hiring cast and crew. I also speak with actor Berserker Lotus who played Shawna in Insanity in 5 Acts about what it’s like being on an indie film set from the actor’s POV, sequel potential, and being haunted by sexist ghosts. Have questions or feedback? Hit me up on Instagram! Check out Lotus’s Instagram: @berserkerlotus And her book of poetry, Cryptic Dreams in Verses:  http://bit.ly/4tGt9Cv Resources: No Film School article about pre-production https://nofilmschool.com/pre-production-in-film [https://nofilmschool.com/pre-production-in-film] StudioBinder Script Breakdown article + template https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/free-script-breakdown-sheet/ [https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/free-script-breakdown-sheet/] Insanity in 5 Acts Script Breakdown https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Qb0OJZmomFjhk1BI3beqpIWIZX91zcmpZQTfIYOfX3g/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Qb0OJZmomFjhk1BI3beqpIWIZX91zcmpZQTfIYOfX3g/edit?usp=sharing] Hiring Crew Bill’s redacted contract https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EhlnI5dSAW1KwWEKTgxtpzNksUkW9D2J/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115664374527519287546&rtpof=true&sd=true [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EhlnI5dSAW1KwWEKTgxtpzNksUkW9D2J/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115664374527519287546&rtpof=true&sd=true] StudioBinder article with crew contract template https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/mastering-the-crew-deal-memo-with-free-template/ [https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/mastering-the-crew-deal-memo-with-free-template/] StudioBinder article about hiring crew https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/how-to-find-film-crew/ [https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/how-to-find-film-crew/] Hiring Cast Document with links to the casting resources because I’ve gone completely over on my character allowance for the show notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IpPmrTHAFCeKHFwaD3PJZzZWOcdqmVDX7ougqPRVeH4/edit?usp=sharing Giant Compendium of Filmmaker Resources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H1KQYy7mNTOakRO0h0R2aVSxiSGqLY7kQ4xtuSTK8Ps/edit?usp=sharing] Have questions or feedback? Hit me up on Instagram! @theroguerogers [https://www.instagram.com/theroguerogers/] or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559951550977 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559951550977] Or email me at pod@bigcovenenergyfilms.com Support us at Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/FZTSF/membership [https://www.patreon.com/c/FZTSF/membership] Complete banger of a theme song created and performed by me, Betty P. Rogers.   Make art. Save lives.  Cheers! Betty

28. feb. 20261 h 41 min