Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality

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

Competing for Audience Against Big Streamers

March 5, 2026 • 20 mins
Jeff Deverett dives deep into the current state of indie film viewership. Are fewer people watching indie films? Why is that the case? Jeff explores the challenges independent filmmakers face in a landscape dominated by major studios and streaming platforms like Netflix. Discover the reasons behind the decline in demand for indie films, despite an increase in production. Jeff discusses the importance of distribution and audience a...
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Breaking into Filmmaking: Steps to Turn Your Movie Idea into Reality

February 26, 2026 • 28 mins
In this episode Jeff Deverett dives deep into the journey of turning a film idea into a finished product. If you're an aspiring indie filmmaker wondering what steps to take after coming up with a great idea, this episode is for you! Jeff addresses the most common question he receives from filmmakers: "I have an idea for a film, but what do I do next?" He outlines the essential steps to navigate the indie film landscape, emphasizin...
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Faith-Based Distribution: The Hidden Market Indie Filmmakers Overlook

February 19, 2026 • 17 mins
In this episode of Indie Filmmaking Truth and Reality, host Jeff Deverett breaks down the business mechanics behind faith-based film distribution. While most indie filmmakers focus on traditional “secular” channels—major streamers, TV networks, and mainstream aggregators—there’s an entirely separate infrastructure serving Christian and faith-centered audiences. Jeff explains how the faith-based market operates, who it serves, wher...
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Plan A, Plan B: Balancing Your Dream with Reality

February 12, 2026 • 12 mins
In this episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth and Reality, Jeff Deverett explores the concept of “Plan A vs. Plan B” and how it applies to both filmmaking and life. He reflects on the long, often unpredictable journey toward making his first feature film and emphasizes the importance of holding onto your dream (Plan A) while maintaining a practical, sustainable life (Plan B). Jeff discusses the realities of the indie film business, t...
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Bootstrapping a Feature Film: Brandon Keeton’s Indie Hustle

February 5, 2026 • 51 mins
Host Jeff Deverett sits down with independent filmmaker Brandon Keeton to unpack his journey from Marine Corps veteran and martial arts school owner to producing his first feature film, Turbo Cola. Brandon shares how a simple table read sparked the project, how he assembled locations, crew, and resources through community connections, and why he chose to self-finance the film. They dive into the realities of indie filmmaking—budge...
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Producer vs. Director: Finishing the Film When Everything Goes Wrong

January 29, 2026 • 25 mins
On independent film sets, creative ambition and practical constraints often collide. In this episode, host Jeff Everett breaks down the critical relationship between producer and director—and why their ability to collaborate can determine whether a film gets finished at all. Drawing from real-world set experiences, Jeff explores how budget limits, time pressures, weather issues, and equipment failures force tough compromises. He ex...
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Artwork & Trailers: The Make-or-Break Tools of Indie Film Distribution

January 22, 2026 • 43 mins
You made a great film — now how do you get anyone to watch it? In this episode of Indie Filmmaking Truth & Reality, host Jeff Everett breaks down why artwork and trailers are the two most important elements in indie film distribution. With thousands of titles competing for attention on streaming platforms, Jeff explains how thumbnail artwork, color choices, character focus, and title treatment can determine whether a viewer stops s...
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The Truth Behind Making an Indie Feature Film with Adam Kilbourn

January 15, 2026 • 64 mins
In this episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality, host Jeff Deverett continues the Filmmakers Speak series with indie filmmaker Adam Kilbourn, the creator of the action-comedy feature Action Action. Adam shares his complete journey—from the first idea and years of script development to financing, production, and the ongoing challenge of distribution. Adam breaks down why the script is the foundation of everything, explaining h...
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Protecting Your Idea — Legal Truths & Practical Realities

January 7, 2026 • 37 mins
In this episode, Jeff Deverett breaks down one of the biggest concerns for writers and indie filmmakers: how to protect your idea. Jeff explains the legal foundations of copyright, what is and isn't protectable, and how filmmakers should navigate pitching, sharing, and developing concepts in the real world. The episode begins with a listener question about mixing equity crowdfunding with private investors, where Jeff clarifies how...
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Breaking In as a Writer: The Real Paths to Film & TV

January 1, 2026 • 27 mins
In this episode, host Jeff Everett breaks down the real-world pathways for writers trying to break into film and television. From landing a spot in a writers’ room, to selling a script to studios or streamers, to taking the DIY route and making the project yourself, Jeff explains why the process is difficult, competitive, and often misunderstood. He dives into the importance of representation, why unsolicited scripts are rarely acc...
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Cathy Yonek, Chocolate for Christmas

December 25, 2025 • 65 mins
In this episode of Indie Filmmaking Truth and Reality, Cathy Yonek, a first-time feature filmmaker, discusses her debut independent film Chocolate for Christmas. Cathy shares her journey from making short films to tackling her first feature, emphasizing the challenges of production and the advice that led her to create a Christmas movie. The story centers around a woman who returns to her family's chocolate business to save it from...
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Owning Your Distribution with Uscreen CEO Allison Yazdian

December 18, 2025 • 45 mins
In this episode, Jeff breaks down one of the biggest frustrations indie filmmakers face today: distribution. From being ghosted by distributors to getting lost on YouTube with no revenue, the traditional paths are tougher than ever. But there is another way—taking control of your own destiny.Jeff sits down with Allison Yazdian, CEO of Uscreen, a platform that lets creators build and run their own streaming services without the tech...
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Capturing Reality: Luc Forsyth on the Art and Risk of Documentary Filmmaking

December 11, 2025 • 57 mins
In this episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality, Jeff Everett welcomes cinematographer and documentarian Luc Forsyth to discuss his unconventional path into filmmaking. Luc shares how his early years traveling and working as a photojournalist shaped his eye, eventually leading him into high-risk documentary work across Southeast Asia, Mexico, and beyond.The conversation explores the realities behind documentary cinematography—...
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Navigating the Film Festival Circuit w/ Jon Fitzgerald

December 4, 2025 • 51 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,...
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The Rapid Rise of AI in Indie Filmmaking

November 27, 2025 • 59 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...
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Choosing Film Festivals

November 19, 2025 • 37 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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How to find a Distributor

November 12, 2025 • 19 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...
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Inside Indie Film Distribution with Jack Sheehan of Archstone

October 29, 2025 • 51 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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It’s All About the Audience

October 22, 2025 • 27 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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Truth & Reality in Indie Filmmaking; Why I Do This Podcast

October 15, 2025 • 27 mins
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