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

January 1, 2026 25 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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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 cinematogra...
Mark as Played
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,...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
 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 ...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
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...
Mark as Played
 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...
Mark as Played
 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...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Burden

    The Burden is a documentary series that takes listeners into the hidden places where justice is done (and undone). It dives deep into the lives of heroes and villains. And it focuses a spotlight on those who triumph even when the odds are against them. Season 5 - The Burden: Death & Deceit in Alliance On April Fools Day 1999, 26-year-old Yvonne Layne was found murdered in her Alliance, Ohio home. David Thorne, her ex-boyfriend and father of one of her children, was instantly a suspect. Another young man admitted to the murder, and David breathed a sigh of relief, until the confessed murderer fingered David; “He paid me to do it.” David was sentenced to life without parole. Two decades later, Pulitzer winner and podcast host, Maggie Freleng (Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County, Wrongful Conviction, Suave) launched a “live” investigation into David's conviction alongside Jason Baldwin (himself wrongfully convicted as a member of the West Memphis Three). Maggie had come to believe that the entire investigation of David was botched by the tiny local police department, or worse, covered up the real killer. Was Maggie correct? Was David’s claim of innocence credible? In Death and Deceit in Alliance, Maggie recounts the case that launched her career, and ultimately, “broke” her.” The results will shock the listener and reduce Maggie to tears and self-doubt. This is not your typical wrongful conviction story. In fact, it turns the genre on its head. It asks the question: What if our champions are foolish? Season 4 - The Burden: Get the Money and Run “Trying to murder my father, this was the thing that put me on the path.” That’s Joe Loya and that path was bank robbery. Bank, bank, bank, bank, bank. In season 4 of The Burden: Get the Money and Run, we hear from Joe who was once the most prolific bank robber in Southern California, and beyond. He used disguises, body doubles, proxies. He leaped over counters, grabbed the money and ran. Even as the FBI was closing in. It was a showdown between a daring bank robber, and a patient FBI agent. Joe was no ordinary bank robber. He was bright, articulate, charismatic, and driven by a dark rage that he summoned up at will. In seven episodes, Joe tells all: the what, the how… and the why. Including why he tried to murder his father. Season 3 - The Burden: Avenger Miriam Lewin is one of Argentina’s leading journalists today. At 19 years old, she was kidnapped off the streets of Buenos Aires for her political activism and thrown into a concentration camp. Thousands of her fellow inmates were executed, tossed alive from a cargo plane into the ocean. Miriam, along with a handful of others, will survive the camp. Then as a journalist, she will wage a decades long campaign to bring her tormentors to justice. Avenger is about one woman’s triumphant battle against unbelievable odds to survive torture, claim justice for the crimes done against her and others like her, and change the future of her country. Season 2 - The Burden: Empire on Blood Empire on Blood is set in the Bronx, NY, in the early 90s, when two young drug dealers ruled an intersection known as “The Corner on Blood.” The boss, Calvin Buari, lived large. He and a protege swore they would build an empire on blood. Then the relationship frayed and the protege accused Calvin of a double homicide which he claimed he didn’t do. But did he? Award-winning journalist Steve Fishman spent seven years to answer that question. This is the story of one man’s last chance to overturn his life sentence. He may prevail, but someone’s gotta pay. The Burden: Empire on Blood is the director’s cut of the true crime classic which reached #1 on the charts when it was first released half a dozen years ago. Season 1 - The Burden In the 1990s, Detective Louis N. Scarcella was legendary. In a city overrun by violent crime, he cracked the toughest cases and put away the worst criminals. “The Hulk” was his nickname. Then the story changed. Scarcella ran into a group of convicted murderers who all say they are innocent. They turned themselves into jailhouse-lawyers and in prison founded a lway firm. When they realized Scarcella helped put many of them away, they set their sights on taking him down. And with the help of a NY Times reporter they have a chance. For years, Scarcella insisted he did nothing wrong. But that’s all he’d say. Until we tracked Scarcella to a sauna in a Russian bathhouse, where he started to talk..and talk and talk. “The guilty have gone free,” he whispered. And then agreed to take us into the belly of the beast. Welcome to The Burden.

    SmartLess

    "SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.