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Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality

Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality

Written by: Jeff Deverett
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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 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 MediaDeverett Media Careers Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales Personal Finance Personal Success
Episodes
  • The Truth Behind Making an Indie Feature Film with Adam Kilbourn

    The Truth Behind Making an Indie Feature Film with Adam Kilbourn
    Jan 15 2026
    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 how nearly a decade of rewrites, collaboration, and discarded drafts ultimately made the film possible. He emphasizes that no amount of gear, talent, or ambition can save a weak story, and why loving the script is essential when you’re committing years of your life to a single project. The conversation dives deep into the realities of indie film financing, including raising money from private investors, lowering budget expectations, and launching a Kickstarter campaign that helped push the film into production. Adam shares hard-earned lessons about crowdfunding momentum, managing limited resources, and making tough decisions when the budget doesn’t match the vision. Jeff and Adam also explore the challenges of production and distribution, from exhausting shoot schedules and pre-production oversights to the harsh truth that distributors often care more about recognizable names than the quality of the film itself. This episode offers an honest, practical look at what it truly takes to make—and finish—an independent feature film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Protecting Your Idea — Legal Truths & Practical Realities

    Protecting Your Idea — Legal Truths & Practical Realities
    Jan 7 2026
    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 to structure both without creating legal or financial conflicts. Takeaway To succeed as an indie filmmaker, you must balance protecting your work with sharing it enough to gain traction. Jeff emphasizes that real protection comes from expressing, documenting, and registering your idea—not hiding it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • Breaking In as a Writer: The Real Paths to Film & TV

    Breaking In as a Writer: The Real Paths to Film & TV
    Jan 1 2026
    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 accepted, and how agents act as the industry’s filtration system.The episode also offers a grounded reality check on rejection, persistence, and self-belief. Jeff emphasizes that “no” usually means “not today,” and that success often comes from consistently putting yourself into play—networking, improving your craft, and knocking on the right doors at the right level. It’s an honest, practical guide for aspiring writers navigating the business side of indie filmmaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
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