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The Honest Filmmaker - How to Make a Feature Film for $10,000 with Sean & Taylor King

How to Make a Feature Film for $10,000 with Sean & Taylor King

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04/08/25 • 50 min

The Honest Filmmaker

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#filmmakingpodcast #moviemaking #filmmakerscommunity

This Week on the Podcast: Making Feature Films for Under $10K with Sean and Taylor King

On this episode, I sit down with father-son filmmaking duo Sean and Taylor King, who have been consistently creating feature films on micro-budgets of under $10,000. Since starting in 2015, they’ve developed a streamlined production process that allows them to quickly move from one project to the next — and they’re currently working on their 20th feature film.

In addition to films, they've also produced TV shows that are distributed on Tubi via Filmhub and Amazon via Video Direct.

We dive into how they’ve built such a prolific body of work, how they maintain momentum, and what it’s like working together as a father and son team in the indie film world.

If you're interested in making your first feature film, learning more about low-budget filmmaking, or exploring the family dynamics of creative collaboration, this episode is for you.

Find out more about Sean and Taylor: https://newzealandsonfilms.com

Marketing Matters: Posters, Titles, and Trailers

The Kings explain why your film’s poster and title are just as important as the movie itself. They use platforms like YouTube to test what visuals and names perform best—often before filming even starts. Strong artwork can attract attention, build intrigue, and boost your film’s streaming success.

Where to Release Your Film: Amazon, Tubi & More

Distribution doesn’t have to be a mystery. Sean and Taylor share their real-world experience using Filmhub and Amazon Video Direct to get their work on platforms like Tubi and Prime Video. They break down earnings, pricing strategies, and how to navigate the world of VOD as an indie creator.

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tips from the Trenches

From gear selection to casting choices, and even how they handle creative disagreements on set, this episode is loaded with advice. Whether you're starting your first film or looking to improve your DIY process, these lessons are must-hear. Sean and Taylor prove that with the right mindset, micro-budget films can reach big audiences.

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/
Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/
HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER
Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.
We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.
Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

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Send us a text

#filmmakingpodcast #moviemaking #filmmakerscommunity

This Week on the Podcast: Making Feature Films for Under $10K with Sean and Taylor King

On this episode, I sit down with father-son filmmaking duo Sean and Taylor King, who have been consistently creating feature films on micro-budgets of under $10,000. Since starting in 2015, they’ve developed a streamlined production process that allows them to quickly move from one project to the next — and they’re currently working on their 20th feature film.

In addition to films, they've also produced TV shows that are distributed on Tubi via Filmhub and Amazon via Video Direct.

We dive into how they’ve built such a prolific body of work, how they maintain momentum, and what it’s like working together as a father and son team in the indie film world.

If you're interested in making your first feature film, learning more about low-budget filmmaking, or exploring the family dynamics of creative collaboration, this episode is for you.

Find out more about Sean and Taylor: https://newzealandsonfilms.com

Marketing Matters: Posters, Titles, and Trailers

The Kings explain why your film’s poster and title are just as important as the movie itself. They use platforms like YouTube to test what visuals and names perform best—often before filming even starts. Strong artwork can attract attention, build intrigue, and boost your film’s streaming success.

Where to Release Your Film: Amazon, Tubi & More

Distribution doesn’t have to be a mystery. Sean and Taylor share their real-world experience using Filmhub and Amazon Video Direct to get their work on platforms like Tubi and Prime Video. They break down earnings, pricing strategies, and how to navigate the world of VOD as an indie creator.

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tips from the Trenches

From gear selection to casting choices, and even how they handle creative disagreements on set, this episode is loaded with advice. Whether you're starting your first film or looking to improve your DIY process, these lessons are must-hear. Sean and Taylor prove that with the right mindset, micro-budget films can reach big audiences.

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/
Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/
HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER
Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.
We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.
Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Previous Episode

undefined - How to get your Debut Feature Film into Cinemas

How to get your Debut Feature Film into Cinemas

Send us a text

#filmmakingpodcast #moviemaking #movieproduction

Is it possible to get your debut feature film into cinemas? This week, I spoke with first-time filmmaker Liam Calvert, who has done exactly that. His debut film, A Night Like This, secured distribution and was recently screened at BFI Flare. Made with the support of Southampton’s film charity, City Eye, his journey offers valuable insight into breaking into the industry.

Find out more about 'A Night Like This' : https://www.liamcalvert.co.uk
Find out more about City Eye: https://www.city-eye.co.uk

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/
Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/
HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER
Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.
We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.
Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Next Episode

undefined - How to write a Kurt Cobain Biography with Kelly Catlin

How to write a Kurt Cobain Biography with Kelly Catlin

Send us a text

#podcast #nirvana #creative #writingcommunity

Have you ever wondered if you could write a book, maybe a biography? Well I spoke to Kelly Catlin who did just that. Inspired by a family tragedy she decided to write a book about Kurt Cobain and wrote "Kurt Cobain - Forever in Bloom". Her book, Kurt Cobain: Forever in Bloom, offers a fresh and sensitive take on one of music’s most iconic and misunderstood figures.

Whether you’re a Nirvana fan, an aspiring biographer, or just curious about the creative process, this episode is full of honest, heartfelt insights.
Check out Kellys book: https://a.co/d/4QeUCO3

Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide and the death of Kurt Cobain. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or calling a suicide prevention hotline in your area. You're not alone.

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/
Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/
HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER
Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.
We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.
Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

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