In this episode, I talk with filmmakers and comedians Mike Frank and Rebecka Green about their new film mind.rdr, crowdfunding currently on Seed & Spark.

If comedy is mostly timing, these two are great at it. Rebecka arrives on the show as Mike and I are discussing her wonderful contributions to the film, a sci-fi satire. We discuss the value of having a great story and the ability to make a film from it whether it's fiction or non-fiction, the always reliable feature versus short (endless) debate, District of Columbia filmmaking, and the genesis of indie filmmakers from the standup comedy world. This show alone has demonstrated the talent base there is enormous. 

And we discuss mind.rdr, a fascinating film short that offers real-world commentary. I can't wait to see it. 

If you want to laugh, Mike & Rebecka bring it. 

Mike's Indie Film Highlight: HEALER (https://seedandspark.com/fund/healer#story)

Rebecka's Indie Film/Director Highlight: Jack Schwartz (https://www.instagram.com/jackjschwartz/)

Links:

• mind.rdr Seed & Spark (https://seedandspark.com/fund/mind-rdr#story)
• mind.rdr's Instagram (https://instagram.com/mind.rdr.mov)
• Rebecka's Instagram (https://instagram.com/rebecka_green)
• Mike's Instagram (https://instagram.com/itsmikedaniels)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: PALM SPRINGS (2020).

Director: Max Barbakow

Writers: Andy Siara, Max Barbakow

Cast: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, Camila Mendes, JK Simmons

SYNOPSIS

Stuck in a time loop, two wedding guests develop a budding romance while living the same day over and over again.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

A thank you episode for the podcast's guests and listeners. Also, I talk about what's next for the podcast.

Season 2 begins January, 2024, with more video, events, and subscription benefits. Join Director's Cut, available on Apple Podcast or the podcast's website, firstgopod.com -- $9.99/year till the end of 2023, $12.99 in 2024. The subscription offers early access to episodes when available; access to season 1 (2023's episodes); invitation to events, and more.

Today, I'm grateful for guests and listeners -- see you next week.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

I talk with the Head of Creator Success at Seed & Spark, Meghan Ross.

Why do you think most campaigns at the film crowdfunding site are successful? You can't give credit to one person, but if you had to try, Meghan would be on the list. As we talk about in the episode, she's been in almost every situation an aspiring crowdfunder has: starting out, making a short, making a show, crowdfunding for a project, making a comedy, a drama, and so on.

We talk about Meghan's career; the state of independent film, including at the major film festivals; Seed & Spark's role as part of the crowdfunding ecosystem; the role of shorts and whether you need to become an influencer to be noticed; what makes a successful crowdfunding film campaign; the future for such an important part of the indie film ecosystem; and what's next for Meghan's unique voice in independent film.

It took 37 episodes, half of which are with Seed & Spark creators, but I'm so, so excited to share my conversation with Meghan Ross with you and all that's great about their website.

Meghan's Indie Film Highlight: Sharon Arteaga (https://www.sharonarte.com/)

Links:

• Meghan Ross' Website: https://meghanrross.com/
• Meghan Ross' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanrross/
• Seed & Spark: https://seedandspark.com/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: WHIPLASH (2014)

Director: Damien Chazelle

Writer: Damien Chazelle

Cast: Miles Teller, JK Simmons, Paul Reiser

SYNOPSIS

Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, in pursuit of rising to the top of his elite music conservatory. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor known for his terrifying teaching methods, discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into the top jazz ensemble, forever changing the young man's life. But Andrew's passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher pushes him to the brink of his ability and his sanity.

Links:

WHIPLASH Short Film (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPO7RXQhPV4)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

I talk with Ty Leisher, co-founder of Exit 44 Entertainment.

This episode is all about what you do after you develop that amazing vision for a film. Ty is the co-founder of Exit 44 Entertainment, which specializes in mind bending horror and adrenaline pumping action films. We talk about what business has been like post writers' strike and the tentative actors' agreement; how he co-founded his company; how a filmmaker can get to jump out of the airplane again, so to speak; how much concessions one has to give to market forces; and how we can get more diverse voices in filmmaking, and his goal of helping 50 filmmakers sell their films by the end of next year. 

This is like one of Ty's threads on X: extraordinarily insightful.

I felt lucky to hear Ty's thoughts on filmmaking and I think you will, too. 

Ty's Indie Film Highlight: HAUNTING OF THE MARY CELESTE (2020)

Links:

• Exit 44 Entertainment (https://exit44ent.com/)
• Ty Leisher X account (https://twitter.com/TyLeisher)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

I talk with Dominick Cura, who successfully crowdfunded for his new film, EL ULTIMO TRAMO.

Human beings learn more about the world and themselves when they travel, and Dominick's young career reflects that. We talk about what it was like attending film school during COVID; the power of filmmaking to tell the global story, and what to expect from his new film, set to shoot in Argentina in a few months.

Links:

• Dominick Cura Website (https://www.dominickcura.com/)
• Dominick Cura Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/daringtoexplore/)
• EL ULTIMO TRAMO Website (https://www.elultimotramofilm.com/)
• EL ULTIMO TRAMO Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/elultimotramo_film/)
• Seed & Spark Campaign (https://seedandspark.com/fund/el-ultimo-tramo)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: BLUE JAY (2016)

Director: Alex Lehmann

Writer: Mark Duplass

Cast: Mark Duplass, Sarah Paulson

SYNOPSIS

Former high school sweethearts Jim and Amanda have been out of touch for more than 20 years -- but they run into each other at a grocery store back in their alpine hometown of Crestline, Calif. Jim's mother has died and he's here to put her house on the market. Amanda is visiting her pregnant sister. They get to talking, first over coffee, then over beer and jellybeans. Before they know it they're at Jim's mother's house, where everything sends them spiraling back into the past.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

I talk with Julia Verdin, the multi-hyphenate writer and director of the new film MAYA.

When you think of a social impact film, you may think school project. But in your her new film MAYA, Julia put in the research and the dedication to her craft to make sure you'll learn something and be deeply entertained. MAYA had its world premiere at the Raindance Film Festival in London in October, and opens in select theaters and video in demand in late January, 2024. It deals gently with the topic of sex trafficking, and some of the acting performances, especially Rumer Willis, has stuck with me, along with the score and certainly the direction.

We discuss her career, how to break into social impact filmmaking, the challenges of casting real-life, say, police officers, and the importance of keeping a positive attitude. As you'll hear from Julia, changing the world for the better is certainly difficult, but it doesn't mean it can't be fun. 

Links:

• Artists for Change (https://www.artists4change.org/)
• MAYA Website (https://www.artists4change.org/filmprojects/maya/)
• Julia Verdin Rough Diamond Productions (https://www.roughdiamondproductions.net/julia-verdin/)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

I talk with Laurel Harris, producer and star of 47 and founder of Laurel Leaf Productions.

In this episode, Laurel and I discuss the moving and deeply personal story behind 47; how hard it is to make a film as a multihyphenate talent, her perspective on telling personal stories in film, and what's next for her new production company. 

I'm so so proud to talk to Laurel and share her story, the story of 47. And I hope you enjoy this important conversation. 

Laurel’s Indie Film Highlight: Exposure Labs (https://www.exposurelabs.com/)

Links:

• 47's Kickstarter Campaign (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/47themovie/47-a-short-film-about-infertility-and-stigma?ref=user_menu)
• Laurel Leaf Productions (https://laurelleafproductions.com/)
• 47 The Movie X Account (https://twitter.com/47TheMovie)
• 47 The Movie Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550732251928)
• Laurel Harris' Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/CyhRlUeJmk1/?hl=en&img_index=1)
• Laurel Leaf Productions Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/laurelleafproductions/?hl=en)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: THE CATHEDRAL (2021).

Director: Ricky D'Ambrose

Writers: Ricky D'Ambrose

Cast: Brian d'Arcy James, Monica Barbaro

SYNOPSIS

During the late '80s and early '90s, the Damrosch family's only child, Jesse, watches his family's quiet rise and fall.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

I conclude my conversation with the director of ANCHORAGE, Scott Monahan. How can you not be cheering for a guy who promotes others before he promotes his own film and says what he's most proud of is making this film with his friends?

If you haven't listened to part 1, go ahead and listen to that. And if you have, you're in for a treat here. We talk about Film Independent's role in independent film, the multi-hatting necessary for so many independent filmmakers, Scott's larger philosophy in what projects he chooses to be a part of, and what he wants to do next. Hint: he's glad Halloween is over.

See you in Anchorage is what Scott and his team use as a catchphrase for the film, but here's betting you'll see Scott in a lot of other places as well.

Scott's Indie Film Highlight/Director: Pete Ohs (http://peteohs.com)

Links:

• Part 1 of the discussion with Scott Monahan (https://www.firstgopod.com/episodes/scott-monahan)
• Watch ANCHORAGE link: Apple, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft Movies and TV, Vudu, Redbox (https://geni.us/Anchorage)
• ANCHORAGE Movie Instagram:
• https://www.instagram.com/anchoragemovie/
• Scott Monahan's Instagram:
• https://www.instagram.com/chipsahoyjunkie/
• Dakota Loesch's Instagram:
• https://www.instagram.com/dakotaloesch/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

I talk with Matthew Baren, Creative Director of LP Films, about the struggles and ultimate triumph of Michelle Garnaut in creating M ON THE BUND, a restaurant in Shanghai. He’s speaking about a documentary of the same name currently raising money on Kickstarter. The film is directed by Luo Tong.

My discussion with Matthew comes across as an amazing story of female empowerment universally, whether it’s in Australia, Hong Kong, or Shanghai. We discuss what life is like for Chinese filmmakers; the wildly original M ON THE BUND documentary, why the team chose Kickstarter over other avenues for crowdfunding, and the power of resilience in the face of challenges.

When you hear Matthew’s description of the documentary, you want to cheer for the amazing women involved, yes, but they aren’t making it just about themselves. They are bringing us along, too

Matthew's Indie Film Highlight: DOOM GENERATION by Gregg Akari

Links:

• M ON THE BUND Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1591996995/m-on-the-bund-a-documentary)
• LP Docs (https://www.lpdocs.net/)
• LP Films, the parent of LP Docs (http://www.lpfilms.net/)
• LP Films Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lostpensivosfilms/)
• M ON THE BUND Documentary (https://www.instagram.com/monthebunddocumentary)
• LP Films X Account (x.com/lpfilmsshanghai)
• LP Films Facebook Account (https://www.facebook.com/lpfilms/)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: RED ROCKET (2021).

Director: Sean Baker

Writers: Chris Bergoch, Sean Baker

Cast: Simon Rex, Bree Elrod, Suzanna Son

SYNOPSIS

Mikey Saber -- charismatic con man and washed-up porn star -- plots his return to the big time from small-town Texas in this story of an American hustler and a hometown that barely tolerates him.aten to burn the tower down if the developer does not pay their wages.

Watch the episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

I talk with Scott Monahan, director of ANCHORAGE, in a wide-ranging conversation about his superb first feature film and the overall state of independent film.

From growing up with a U.S. Marine-turned middle school guidance counselor family in Japan to crowdfunding for ANCHORAGE at the beginning of the pandemic, Scott's story is exceptional because of his reflective nature and ability to stay positive no matter the challenge.

If you follow him on social media -- he's just as hilarious there as he is on the podcast -- you'll see more about him hyping other films than you will about Scott and ANCHORAGE. To me, that is the trait of the best type of person: putting the team first and everyone moving ahead together.

And I didn't even mention his greatest achievement: VHS rights to ANCHORAGE in perpetuity.

Part 2 will discuss what's next for ANCHORAGE; his philosophies regarding directing and what a Scott Monahan romcom looks like, and what he'd like to pursue next in film.

Links:

• Watch ANCHORAGE link: Apple, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft Movies and TV, Vudu, Redbox (https://geni.us/Anchorage)
• ANCHORAGE Movie Instagram:
• https://www.instagram.com/anchoragemovie/
• Scott Monahan's Instagram:
• https://www.instagram.com/chipsahoyjunkie/
• Dakota Loesch's Instagram:
• https://www.instagram.com/dakotaloesch/

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

I talk with Keith Patterson about his new documentary series, Beer City USA.

Keith has a tremendous amount of experience in producing scripted TV and making documentaries and now after being back in Grand Rapids, Michigan, aka Beer City, USA, he’s gotten the itch to get back into making art. He shares how he got involved in filmmaking, straight talk about crowdfunding for the series on Indiegogo, and whether having a day job in creative marketing is crucial to his success. 

Pretty sure you can’t make it through the entire episode without thinking, yep, it would be cool to spend the day in Beer City, USA. 

Links:

• Beer City, USA Indiegogo Campaign (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/beer-city-usa-documentary-television-series)
• Manitou Films (https://sarahsaurusrex.com/manitou-films/)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: ATLANTICS (2019).

Director: Mati Diop

Writers: Mati Diop, Olivier Demangel

Cast: Mame Bineta Sane, Amadou Mbow, Traore

SYNOPSIS

A soon-to-be-inaugurated futuristic tower looms over a suburb of Dakar. Ada, 17, is in love with Souleimane, a young construction worker. But she has been promised to another man. One night, Souleimane and his co-workers disappear at sea. Soon after, they come back to haunt their old neighbourhood by taking possession of the girlfriends they left behind. Some of the workers have come claiming revenge and threaten to burn the tower down if the developer does not pay their wages.

Watch the episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

I talk with Daniel Brown, director of YOUR LUCKY DAY, arriving in theaters November 10th.

We talk about the amazing work of Angus Cloud; the wild story of turning down people who wanted to make the film into a feature 13 years ago; the shorts v. feature debate (of course); the virtue of quick run-times for marriages; what indie filmmakers should do for their second act; and how this wonderful feature came to life. What a story he has to tell.

Daniel's Indie Film Director & Highlight: Satoshi Kon; Korean film

Links:

YOUR LUCKY DAY Screenings (https://drafthouse.com/show/fantastic-fest-presents-your-lucky-day-advance-screening)

YOUR LUCKY DAY Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xMsdJvY0gk&t=5s)

Pre-Order YOUR LUCKY DAY Now On Apple (https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/your-lucky-day/umc.cmc.3xbthl9m5ossgqvswdldfzwsh) -- it helps demonstrate an audience and supports independent filmmakers.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

I talk with Kiyoka "Kex" Rhodes, DC's Filmmaker of the Month for September. We talk about how she got into filmmaking – it’s not the usual story – her views on working in the nation’s capital, her new film, DESOLATE DREAMS, which she is putting together now, and her advice for students at American University, which she is a guest lecturer. 

The District of Columbia has one of the most vibrant indie film scenes in the United States, and Kex Rhodes is a big part of the reason why.

Kex's Indie Filmmaker Highlight: Joseph Le (https://www.instagram.com/josephle_art/?hl=en)

Links:

• DESOLATE DREAMS (https://www.desolatedreamsfilm.com/)
• DESOLATE DREAMS' Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/desolatedreamsfilm/?hl=en)
• Kex Studios (https://kexstudios.com/)
• Kex Rhodes' Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kexrhodes?hl=en)
• DC Filmmaker of the Month, September 2023: Kex Rhodes (https://entertainment.dc.gov/release/fotm-september-2023)

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations

Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: WHAT HAPPENED WAS...(1994).

Director: Tom Noonan

Screenplay: Tom Noonan

Cast: Tom Noonan, Karen Silas

SYNOPSIS

Jackie (Karen Sillas) is an executive assistant. Michael (Tom Noonan) is a paralegal. By day, they work together at the same law firm, but tonight they're on their first date. He's a tall man with an intense look that some would find intimidating, but she is intrigued by him, and the two spend an evening in deep discussion, each performing the necessary verbal footwork to find out as much about the other as possible. As they dig deeper into each other's pasts, they make startling discoveries.

Watch the episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@firstgopod

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/donations