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. 99 - Self-Distributing a Profitable First Feature with Chris Peters

Film and Family

12/13/24 • 68 min

In this episode, we chat with Chris Peters, co-founder of Crave Content, about his journey from making backyard films with his brother-in-law David Lawrence to establishing a successful film production brand.
Chris shares the creative development process of merging two short films into a feature-length narrative. We discuss the inventive strategies employed to tackle budget constraints, DIY post-production, and shooting an entire feature in 16 days. Chris describes the perseverance required to navigate the world of distribution, emphasizing FilmHub as a viable platform for indie creators. We think you'll enjoy hearing how he managed to turn a profit self-distributing his first feature film.
For more information about Chris, check out his website at Chrave.co

Check out his YouTube Video: Never expected our indie film to make this much on Tubi

You can watch the film here: https://www.chrave.co/mhr

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. 102 - Legal Essentials for Filmmakers with Entertainment Attorney Pete Salsich III

Film and Family

05/15/25 • 60 min

Legal expertise isn't just a box to check—it's a vital component of successful filmmaking that can make or break your project. Entertainment attorney Pete Salsich III pulls back the curtain on the often intimidating world of film law, revealing how proper legal structuring serves as the foundation for creative freedom rather than an obstacle to it.
At the core of film production lies one fundamental principle: copyright law governs everything, and establishing clear ownership is non-negotiable if you hope to secure distribution or funding. Pete walks us through the process of creating a dedicated LLC for your project, executing proper work-for-hire agreements with every contributor, and ensuring that all intellectual property flows to a single owner—crucial steps that many filmmakers overlook until it's too late.
Rather than viewing legal services as a drain on limited resources, Pete encourages filmmakers to reframe production legal as an essential line item in their budget—just like camera equipment or insurance. This shift in perspective transforms the attorney-client relationship from a transactional expense into a true creative partnership. Whether you're working with a micro-budget or gunning for seven figures, proper legal structuring signals professionalism to investors, qualifies you for valuable tax incentives, and prevents the heartbreak of "falling in love with footage you can't use."
The conversation demystifies everything from investor agreements to music licensing, offering practical guidance for filmmakers at every level. Pete emphasizes that while DIY contracts might suffice for your first project, they create a ceiling that prevents growth into larger budget productions. As you elevate your filmmaking ambitions, having an attorney who understands the entertainment landscape becomes not just helpful but necessary.
Ready to transform your approach to film legal? Visit www.thescreenlawyer.com to learn more about Pete's services or to connect with him for your next project.

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. 88 - Creating Character

Film and Family

10/27/22 • 39 min

How well do you know your characters? Can you anticipate how a person would act in a variety of situations?
In art, if you're drawing a person, you have to understand how bone structure works to be able to draw the figure accurately, but you're not going to actually see the bones necessarily in the finished product. The same is true for character development.
The benefits of knowing each character well will help you to write and/or direct more confidently. Tune into this episode to learn some practical techniques that you can use today to create rich, relatable characters.

Ep. 87 - You Make What You Are

Film and Family

10/12/22 • 14 min

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all that you need to accomplish? In this episode, we talk about the importance of self care and how to prioritize your time in order to feel better.
Free "Make Your Feature Film" Checklist
Schedule my Greenlight Call

Ep. 86 - Mining Your Life, Digging up Films

Film and Family

09/24/22 • 60 min

Thinking that there isn't an interesting enough story in your life worth telling? This episode will help you discover what you can share with the world. In this episode, Kent and Anna discuss how to make a story personal, how to use your resources, and share some of their own personal perspectives on the subject.
Free "Make Your Feature Film" Checklist
Schedule my Greenlight Call

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