Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality
Film school taught you how to make a movie—this show teaches you how to get it financed and distributed. In bite-sized 30-minute episodes, filmmaker and distribution expert Jeff Deverett gives you the real-world advice film schools leave out. From raising money to getting your movie on screens (and making your money back), Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality breaks down the business side of indie film with practical, honest guidance. No fluff. No sugar-coating. Just the truth—and the reality—of what it takes to get your film made and seen. Have a question for Jeff? jdeverett@deverettmedia.com From Straw Hut Media
Episodes
December 4, 2025 • 50 mins
In this episode, Jeff Everett sits down with Jon Fitzgerald — filmmaker, festival founder, former AFI Festival Director, and president of Cause Pictures — to break down the real strategy behind submitting to and succeeding on the film festival circuit.
Jon shares how he co-founded Slamdance after being rejected by Sundance, and how decades of festival experience have shaped his expertise in submission strategy, credibility building,...
Jon shares how he co-founded Slamdance after being rejected by Sundance, and how decades of festival experience have shaped his expertise in submission strategy, credibility building,...
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November 27, 2025 • 58 mins
This episode explores the explosive acceleration of artificial intelligence within the film industry, focusing on how quickly the tools, capabilities, and creative possibilities are evolving. Jeff welcomes back guests David Vognild and Daniel Coté—two creators deeply immersed in AI-driven production—to unpack what’s changed since their last conversation and why every update seems to become outdated within months.
Together, they exam...
Together, they exam...
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November 19, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode, host Jeff Everett breaks down the complex world of film festivals and what indie filmmakers need to know before submitting their work. He explores why filmmakers chase festival runs, the value of audience feedback, and the unique experience of screening your film in front of strangers rather than friends and family. Jeff also highlights the real purpose of festivals as a celebration of indie filmmaking—contrastingt...
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November 12, 2025 • 17 mins
You’ve made your indie feature — now how do you get it out into the world? In this episode, Jeff Deverett breaks down the often confusing world of film distribution and offers practical advice for filmmakers ready to take their next big step.
Jeff explains the key differences between agents, distributors, and reps, and shares insider tips on where and how to find legitimate partners — from film markets like Cannes and AFM to trusted...
Jeff explains the key differences between agents, distributors, and reps, and shares insider tips on where and how to find legitimate partners — from film markets like Cannes and AFM to trusted...
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October 29, 2025 • 49 mins
In this episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth and Reality, host Jeff Deverett sits down with industryveteran Jack Sheehan, President of Archstone Distribution, to break down the real-world challenges of getting independent films sold and seen. Jack shares his 15+ years of experience navigating the global distribution landscape — from film festivals to streaming platforms — and offers candid insights on what makes a movie marketable in...
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October 22, 2025 • 26 mins
In this episode, Jeff Deverett reminds indie filmmakers that the most important part of filmmaking isn’t the festivals, streamers, or distributors — it’s the audience. He talks honestly about how rejection is a normal part of the business, whether it’s from distributors ghosting your emails or festivals passing on your film. But none of that means your film doesn’t have value. What really matters is getting it in front of people wh...
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October 15, 2025 • 25 mins
In this episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth and Reality, Jeff Deverett brings honesty and clarity to the conversation around indie filmmaking. While many podcasts highlight rare “lightning in a bottle” success stories like The Blair Witch Project, Jeff sets the record straight by focusing on the real challenges of indie film budgets. He explains why managing costs, understanding tax credits, and staying realistic about financial out...
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October 8, 2025 • 50 mins
In this episode of Indie Filmmaking, Jeff Deverett sits down with Linda Nelson and Michael Madison, founders of Indie Rights, one of the leading distributors in the independent film world. They share their journey from making their first IMAX film to building a distribution company that now represents hundreds of indie filmmakers.Linda and Michael break down the realities of indie film distribution, the importance of fair deals, an...
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October 1, 2025 • 21 mins
In this episode, Jeff Deverett sits down with Cameron Woodward, founder of Wrapbook, a payroll service built specifically for the film industry. They dive into the essentials of payroll management for indie filmmakers, covering:
- Why proper payroll is critical for productions of all sizes
- The role of insurance and how it protects both crew and producers
- Understanding deductions and compliance requirements
- The benefits of paying empl...
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September 24, 2025 • 23 mins
In this episode, Jeff sits down with entertainment attorney Tatiana Perez of Ramo Law to break down the side of filmmaking most creators avoid talking about: the legal work that keeps your film safe and sellable. From contracts to clearances to distribution deals, Tatiana explains why setting aside part of your budget for legal purposes isn't optional — it’s essential.
Takeaway: Legal might feel intimidating, but getting it right up...
Takeaway: Legal might feel intimidating, but getting it right up...
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September 17, 2025 • 50 mins
Tom Malloy pulls no punches about what actually moves for indie films — who does what in distribution, why audience traction matters more than festival prestige, and how small teams can make smarter deals and stretch production value without breaking the bank.Aim for a clear, marketable hook — genre + audience beats vague “art-house” positioning when you need to sell.
Treat distribution like part of production: build relationships ...
Treat distribution like part of production: build relationships ...
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September 10, 2025 • 55 mins
Distribution can make or break your film. In this episode, Jeff Deverett sits down with Clay Epstein, President of Film Mode Entertainment and Chair of the Independent Film & Television Alliance, for a deep dive into the truth about indie film distribution.
What you’ll learn:
● Why distribution is the most crucial step after making your film● The role of IFTA in protecting indie filmmakers worldwide● How film markets like AFM and...
What you’ll learn:
● Why distribution is the most crucial step after making your film● The role of IFTA in protecting indie filmmakers worldwide● How film markets like AFM and...
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September 3, 2025 • 37 mins
In this episode, we dive into the truth behind the film festival circuit and what indie filmmakers really need to know before submitting their work. From the celebration of cinema to the harsh realities of distribution, we explore how festivals actually function, which ones matter most, and why expectations need to be managed.Listeners will learn:
- Why film festivals are more about celebration and networking than distribution dea...
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August 27, 2025 • 39 mins
In this episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth and Reality, Jeff Deverett sits down with filmmaker Ryan Tillotson to discuss his journey producing and directing his own indie film. Ryan shares his creative process and the challenges he faced bringing his vision to life, while Jeff offers clear, practical insight into one of the most crucial—and often overlooked—aspects of filmmaking: the business side. From understanding the marketplac...
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August 20, 2025 • 27 mins
In this solo episode, Jeff Deverett unpacks a bold but honest take: the indie film business isn’t broken—because it’s never truly worked in the first place. Jeff dives deep into why indie filmmakers often fail to build sustainable careers, focusing on one crucial oversight: ignoring the business side of filmmaking.
Key takeaways:● The difference between indie filmmaking and the indie film business● Why treating filmmaking purely a...
Key takeaways:● The difference between indie filmmaking and the indie film business● Why treating filmmaking purely a...
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August 13, 2025 • 56 mins
In this episode, Jeff Deverett sits down with Berry Meyerowitz, President of Quiver Distribution, for a deep dive into the realities of indie film distribution. They explore the evolution of Berry’s career across major companies like Fox and E1, his entrepreneurial journey founding Quiver, and what it takes to get a film distributed in today’s saturated market.
Topics covered include:
● How the distribution landscape has changed fo...
Topics covered include:
● How the distribution landscape has changed fo...
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August 6, 2025 • 53 mins
In this episode, Jeff sits down with longtime industry veteran and Elevation Pictures Co-President, Noah Segal. Together, they unpack the hard truths of indie film distribution—what it takes to get your movie seen, the myth of theatrical releases, and navigating today’s streaming-dominated landscape. If you're making a low-budget film, this episode is essential listening.
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July 30, 2025 • 27 mins
In this episode, Jeff Deverett is joined by longtime collaborator and sound designer Dan Blessinger to dive deep into one of the most overlooked—but absolutely vital—aspects of indie filmmaking: sound design.
Together, they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to create an immersive audio experience in indie film, and how sound can make or break a project—even when you're working with limited resources. With years of collab...
Together, they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to create an immersive audio experience in indie film, and how sound can make or break a project—even when you're working with limited resources. With years of collab...
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July 23, 2025 • 27 mins
Key Takeaways:
- Start editing on set: Shoot with the edit in mind—get plenty of coverage for smooth pacing and transitions.
- Script advisor tip: Use one in post to fine-tune structure and catch issues early.
- Smart shooting saves time: Streamline post-production by planning camera setups that support the edit.
- Avoid common indie pitfalls: Learn from real mistakes and discover practical solutions.
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July 16, 2025 • 29 mins
In this episode, Jeff Deverett is joined by Cinematographer & Editor Scott Leslie to explore the art and strategy behind great cinematography in indie filmmaking.
They go beyond camera talk, diving deep into lighting, equipment setups, and how to creatively use limited resources to deliver a high-end visual experience. Scott shares practical tips on how to stretch a small budget and make your indie film look like a big-budget pr...
They go beyond camera talk, diving deep into lighting, equipment setups, and how to creatively use limited resources to deliver a high-end visual experience. Scott shares practical tips on how to stretch a small budget and make your indie film look like a big-budget pr...
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