[Deep Dive] DIY Filmmaking: Pre-Production Lessons from a $250 Short Film

Описание: Welcome to the 20th episode of Indie Film Podcast! In this episode, join hosts Victoria and Chuck as they take you behind the scenes of the pre-production process for Victoria's short film, "Dive," made on a micro-budget of just $250.

Get an exclusive look into the world of independent filmmaking as Victoria and Chuck discuss the entire pre-production journey. This episode is packed with insights on:

Scriptwriting & Development: Learn about the script drafting process, including the initial concept for "Dive" which centers on a woman waiting in a dive bar on the night her abusive ex is served divorce papers, all while being accosted by a talkative stranger. Discover how the script evolved, including the decision to shorten it to meet a ten-minute festival time limit and the influence of Hitchcock's theory on suspense.

Festival Constraints: Hear about the challenges and opportunities of creating a film for the Idaho Film Family Festival, including its PG-13 rating and time limitations.

Casting & Crew: Find out how the cast, including Marc Ewins and Katie Reyes-Roundy, and crew, such as cinematographer Daniel Klamerus and gaffer Lee Vander Boegh, were chosen and assembled for this micro-budget project. Learn valuable tips on how to approach and secure talent and crew when working with limited resources, including the importance of being direct in your requests.

Location Scouting: Discover how the key location, Hilltop Station, was secured through community connections.

Scheduling: Get insights into the scheduling process for a short film shoot, including working around location availability and crew day jobs, aiming for an ambitious shot list within a tight timeframe.

This is part one of a three-episode arc diving into how we actually made the thing — not just talked about it. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or just curious about the indie film scene, this episode offers practical advice and a real-world look at bringing a story to life on a shoestring budget.

Tune in for an honest discussion about the highs and lows of micro-budget filmmaking, the importance of community support in places like Boise, Idaho, and the passion that drives independent artists.

Don't forget to subscribe for the next episodes where we'll cover the production and post-production phases of "Dive"!

#IndieFilm #Filmmaking #PreProduction #ShortFilm #MicroBudgetFilmmaking #Scriptwriting #IndieFilmmaker #HowToMakeAShortFilm

Follow us for more indie film content:
Instagram: @indiefilmpodcast
TikTok: @indiefilmpodcast
YouTube: @IndieFilmPodcast
Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Indie Film Podcast
Meet hosts Victoria Horne and Chuck as they introduce the episode and the $250 short film Dive.

00:44 – What is Dive?
Victoria explains the concept behind Dive, a tense, character-driven short centered in a dive bar.

01:53 – Idaho Film Family Festival Explained
Learn about the festival rules, timeframes, and why it inspired the creation of Dive.

03:50 – Initial Script Ideas & Why They Were Scrapped
Victoria shares the original script concepts and why Dive ultimately made the cut.

06:00 – Story Breakdown: What Dive Is Really About
A woman, a bar, a divorce—and one talkative stranger. The emotional and narrative core of the film.

10:34 – Pre-Production Kickoff: Writing & Feedback
Victoria discusses how she refined the script with input from trusted collaborators.

15:00 – Casting the Film & Finding the Perfect Location
How Victoria secured her dream cast and a real working bar—thanks to Boise’s generous film community.

18:45 – Building the Crew on a Micro-Budget
Chuck and Victoria talk about assembling a talented team despite having only $250.

22:50 – Gear, Passion & Free Labor: The Indie Reality
From Emmy-winners to borrowed lenses, how generosity fuels indie film success.

27:00 – Final Thoughts: Why Making Art Matters
Closing reflections on community, creativity, and making films when the paycheck isn’t the priority.