Film and Family

Director of the post-apocalyptic film, Permafrost, Lenni Uitto takes us behind the scenes and shares his experiences making and ultimately self-distributing his first film with Film Hub.

Join us as we unravel Lenni's journey from coding to creating post-apocalyptic films. From making camping videos on YouTube to experimenting with After Effects and even taking acting classes, Lenny's story is a testament to how following your passion can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths. We explore how his love for storytelling led him to create short films that have garnered impressive online viewership, followed by his first feature film.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Lenni shares the highs and lows of quitting a stable job to chase the dreams of acting and filmmaking. The importance of financial stability became evident as he navigated the challenges of an industry hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a touch of serendipity, a friend's intriguing story idea sparked the creation of his post-apocalyptic film, showcasing creativity and resilience to produce meaningful art amidst adversity.
Expect an in-depth look at the nitty-gritty of indie filmmaking, from budgeting and resourcefulness to the crucial role of collaboration. We discuss practical tips on managing costs, securing essential equipment, and feeding a cast and crew on a budget. We also dive into film distribution, marketing strategies, the process of audience targeting, and specifically Lenni's experience and results so far partnering with an aggregator, Film Hub, to release his movie.

Ep. 94 - The Grit and Vision of Indie Filmmaking with Matthew Taggart

Film and Family

04/18/24 • 87 min

Join the conversation as filmmaker Matthew Taggart pulls back the curtain on the life of an indie filmmaker, from his first leap into directing with "The Counterfeit Kid" to managing the delicate balance of family and film. Matthew's journey offers a relatable peek into the highs and lows of bringing a vision to the big screen, navigating through the world of independent cinema with a blend of passion and pragmatism. His unique perspective as a father and husband infuses our chat with anecdotes that resonate, whether you're a film buff or a curious listener enchanted by the art of storytelling.
Ever wondered how indie films come to life against the odds of tight budgets and logistical hurdles? Our episode peels back layers of the production process, from scriptwriting collaborations to a barter system that keeps the wheels turning. Matthew shares tales of community generosity and the creative solutions that define indie projects, painting a vivid portrait of the camaraderie and resourcefulness that fuels the film industry's underdogs. The discussion also ventures into the nuanced arena of directing young talent, especially when the actors are from your own family tree, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the intersection of personal and professional worlds on set.
As we wrap up, Matthew ushers us through the maze of indie film distribution, highlighting his positive experiences with Porter Craig and the importance of aligning with partners who champion the film's essence. This episode is a testament to the shared dedication that courses through the veins of filmmakers and the impact of a supportive community. By the end, you'll not only have a deeper appreciation for the art of cinema but also be inspired by the determination and inventiveness that bring indie films from script to screen.

Ep. 76 - Lessons Learned from Austin Kleon

Film and Family

04/29/22 • 42 min

Ep. 98 - The Domino Effect with Producer Daren Smith

Film and Family

11/19/24 • 68 min

Join us as we chat with independent film producer, author, and creative entrepreneur Daren Smith to uncover the often-overlooked role producers play in bringing a story into existence. Daren discusses his collaborations with director Garrett Batty on indie films "Faith of Angels" and "The Carpenter" and how he navigates the complex world of theatrical releases.
Daren shares his journey from sound to screen, explaining how passion for theatrical distribution fuels a desire to create immersive experiences for audiences. The conversation touches on the essence of balancing artistry with commerce, as well as the significance of mentorship. Daren shares unique strategies independent producers employ to thrive in a competitive market while staying true to their creative visions.
With a keen eye on the financial success of indie films, Daren discusses innovative investment models, release strategies, and step-by-step career growth.
Learn more about Daren's Films and Check out his blog/podcast at: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/

Ep. 53 - Filmmaking with Small Children

Film and Family

09/17/21 • 25 min

Free Consultation:
www.InvisibleMansion.com/filmandfamily
In Stephen King's autobiography, On Writing, he describes in detail his struggle with addiction, which nearly cost him his family. King's powerful conclusion is that,

"Life isn't a support system for art. It's the other way around."

If we sacrifice too much on the altar of "art making", we deprive ourselves of anything truly meaningful to make art about.

Ideally, the purpose of film is not to escape our lives, but to help us appreciate and add meaning to them. The investments we make in our health, relationships, and education bring rich rewards, but these take time. Films can condense this timeline and helps us see a perspective beyond the dull or difficult now; to see a character's triumph in context. Our greatest memories are hard-earned, which makes them all the more valuable.

I know our family feels this strongly this week. I (Anna) am in the hospital with pregnancy complications, and Kent is left to manage the home and take care of our other three children single-handedly. We've found it difficult, but necessary, to put some artistic pursuits on hold. But we know the sacrifices we make to bring these little humans into being, are actually the very substance of life.

We cannot forget the whole reason we want to make movies in the first place! The medium enables us to share in our relationships, experiences, and the wisdom we gain from our most difficult trials. It would be completely backwards to sacrifice these treasured life experiences in our efforts to express why they matter so much.

We hope that no matter what you are going through, that art can function to support and inspire you through it. Do not allow artistic expression to rob you of the concrete things in life that matter most. As you protect your life experience, you also put yourself into a position to pay it forward, creating art that inspires and supports others because of the meaningful lessons you allow life to teach you.

How will you make art that supports life instead of sacrificing your life to support art?

Even though I've been away, Kent still managed to record a short "behind the scenes" podcast interview with two of our kids this week, talking about their experience making a feature film as a family. Isn't he amazing? And our kids are pretty adorable too. Check it out.
Free Consultation:
www.InvisibleMansion.com/filmandfamily

Ep. 74 - The Power of 10 Minutes

Film and Family

04/15/22 • 10 min

Make Your Feature Film (Free Step-by-Step Guide):
www.InvisibleMansion.com/FreeChecklist

Ep. 1 - How to Balance Film and Family

Film and Family

09/03/20 • 30 min

The premiere episode of the wonderful new podcast film and family! Our inaugural episode covers an appropriate question: Are having a family and a film career mutually exclusive?

We talk about why life in the film industry has proven to be so hard on so many families, and what we can do to strike a balance, and what "balance" really means.

Visit us at www.invisiblemansion.com

Ep. 101 - When Faith Meets Film with Nathan and Meghan Leon

Film and Family

03/20/25 • 69 min

Nathan and Meghan Leon share their journey as Christian filmmakers who have found creative ways to balance their family life with independent film production while maintaining creative control and authenticity in their storytelling.
• Started from creative backgrounds with Nathan in an Act One mentorship program and Meghan with a master's in creative writing
• Prioritize family by including their children on set and creating a familial environment for cast and crew
• Believe God blesses work when family comes first, even if it means fewer working hours
• Focus on creating authentic Christian stories that address real-life struggles rather than sanitized versions of faith
• Made "Grace by Night" for under $500,000 while competing with $5-10 million productions at festivals
• Hire small groups of talented people rather than overstaffing to maximize budget efficiency
• Find creative solutions for expensive-looking shots without breaking the bank
• Build relationships with potential investors through smaller projects and networking
• Remain independent to maintain creative control over their storytelling
• Create positive set environments where cast and crew feel respected and valued
Visionary Film Productions can be found at visionary-filmproductions.com

Ep. 89 - Support Yourself Financially, Making Feature Films

Film and Family

11/04/22 • 37 min

Do you think that you need to give up everything in your life to get your feature film off of the ground? The opposite may actually be true.
Sacrificing your lifestyle will only deplete your store of creativity and contacts that can lead to the very connections and resources you need.
Keeping your day job can provide a safety net that allows you more creative freedom.
Tune into this episode to learn about why a practical self-paced approach can lead to a better feature film career.

Ep. 10 - Time and Order

Film and Family

10/12/20 • 31 min

What would it be like to know that you can put something into your calendar and it's as good as done? Time is just a mental construct. If we didn't measure time, all that would matter is order. Are you doing things in order of your priorities?
Tune in for some exploration on this topic and if you want some more help managing your mind around how you spend time, be sure to join the Film and Family Program at www.invisiblemansion.com/filmandfamily