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

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...
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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.

A must-listen for indie filmmakers...
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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...
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In this episode, Jeff Deverett sits down with Casting Directors Miriam Hoffman and Candice Bernstein to uncover the truth and reality behind assembling the perfect cast for an indie film.

They dive into the nuances of casting—from A-list to B-list talent—and break down the key differences between hiring union versus non-union actors, including the cost implications of each. Miriam and Candice also offer valuable insights into the ca...
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In this episode, Jeff Deverett dives deep into the essentials of script scheduling and shooting schedules for indie filmmakers. He shares valuable insights on how to break down your script effectively to create a realistic shooting schedule. Learn how to plan your filming days to maximize efficiency, save time, and reduce costs. Jeff emphasizes the importance of proper planning to avoid rescheduling and ensure your indie film stays...
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In this episode of Indie Filmmaking with Jeff Deverett, Jeff is joined by special guest James Covell, a veteran film composer, to pull back the curtain on the role of music in indie film.James and Jeff share their first-hand experiences — from choosing the perfect score to match your story’s mood, to navigating the pros, cons, and reality of scoring a small-budget film.Topics covered in this episode:
  • The creative process of comp...
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June 18, 2025 24 mins
In this episode, Jeff Deverett dives into the different ways indie filmmakers can get a script—whether writing it themselves or hiring a writer. He breaks down the real costs, challenges, and whether it’s truly worth the investment. If you’re serious about indie filmmaking, you don’t want to miss this practical advice.
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In this episode of Indie Filmmaking Truth & Reality, host Jeff Deverett sits down with professional sound designer and mixer Beto Cabral to dive into the often-overlooked world of production sound in indie filmmaking. They explore why sound is frequently underrated due to budget limitations and how high-quality audio can significantly elevate storytelling, even in low-budget projects.Jeff and Beto also discuss the challenges of...
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In this episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality, filmmaker Jeff Deverett sits down with Production Manager Kelli Lessie for an honest conversation about the real-life challenges behind indie film production. Kelli shares what it really means to manage a set, juggle chaos, and stay committed to the project no matter what.
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In this episode, Jeff Deverett sits down with wardrobe specialist and organizing expert Maribeth Moy to dive into the realities of managing wardrobe on a tight budget in indie filmmaking. Together, they explore the creative ways filmmakers can dress their actors without breaking the bank—often relying on items actors already own, thrifted pieces, or repurposed wardrobe elements.

Maribeth Moy shares insights on the resourcefulness an...
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In this episode, Jeff Deverett dives into crowdfunding and equity funding for your indie film project. He shares valuable insights on how to get donations and the importance of offering rewards for different donation levels. Jeff also explains how to effectively pitch your campaign, even without having any footage of your film.
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May 7, 2025 26 mins
In this episode, Jeff Deverett dives into the world of tax credits for indie filmmakers. He covers:
  • The Dos and Don’ts: Essential tips for navigating the tax credit process successfully.

  • Financing Complexities: An in-depth look at how getting financing can be a tangled web.

  • Tax Credit Routes: Exploring different ways to receive tax credits, including refundable and transferable options, depending on your state.

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April 30, 2025 28 mins
Indie Filmmaking with Jeff Deverett

In this episode, Jeff Deverett breaks down the essentials of pitching your movie to an investor—affectionately referred to as “Uncle Charlie.” Jeff emphasizes that when you’re in the room with a potential backer, you’ve got about 30 minutes to make your case—and it’s not just about the story.

He makes a key point: Uncle Charlie doesn’t actually care about your movie. What he does care about is the ...
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April 23, 2025 28 mins
In this episode, Jeff dives into one of the biggest challenges indie filmmakers face: securing financing. He shares insights on the uphill battle of finding funding and breaks down practical steps to help you attract third-party investors—whom he affectionately refers to as “Uncle Charlies.”

Jeff also explores alternative financing options, such as reaching out to family and friends, and offers valuable tips on how to effectively pi...
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So many indie filmmakers begin their journey with a passion project—or a story they’ve always wanted to tell. But if you want your film to reach an audience and have commercial success, you need to start somewhere else.

In this episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality, Jeff Deverett makes the case for starting with your audience, not your script. Before you write a single page, he challenges you to ask: Who will this movie b...
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April 16, 2025 26 mins
Most indie filmmakers set out to tell great stories—but what they often don’t realize is that great stories aren’t enough. Without a clear understanding of how the business of filmmaking works, even the most beautifully crafted movies can fail to find an audience—or worse, never get made at all.

In this first episode of Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality, filmmaker, educator, and distribution veteran Jeff Deverett unpacks why so ...
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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 guida...
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