‘Hungry Dog Blues’ Filmmakers Share Secret to Indie Film (Good Follow Up)
Explicit content warning
11/24/23 • 68 min
3 Listeners
What does it feel like to finally finish your first feature? It’s difficult to explain the mix of emotions running through you. To quote the director of Hungry Dog Blues, it kind of feels like “finishing a marathon or coming out of a psychedelic drug trip.”
In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with filmmakers Jason Abrams and Irina Gorovaia to discuss:
- The very unique experience of making your first film
- The magical sense of community on an indie set
- How the film was inspired by a true story
- Why people prefer to work on a project that already has momentum
- Launching a crowdfunding campaign right before the pandemic started
- How the proof of concept made a huge impact on their fundraising efforts
- Why frequently following up with investors is so important
- The practice of not taking things personally
- Why it’s a win if people hate your movie
- Understanding you have to wear a lot of hats on your first film
- Learning to enjoy every little part of the filmmaking process
Memorable Quotes
- “It’s a very unique process to take something through, from nothing to something.” [4:52]
- “Everybody wants to be on a moving train. Nobody wants to shovel coal.” [12:16]
- “It’s not your job to say ‘no’ for other people.” [30:39]
- “Slow down. Take your time. Enjoy every little piece of it. Learn to enjoy every little piece of the filmmaking process.” [58:04]
- “You can create just for the sake of creating. Just because you have a story to tell. That’s allowed, too.” [61:57]
Mentioned:
Variations on a Theme (YouTube channel)
Resources they used:
Producing
Successful Crowdfunding Campaigns
Entertainment Lawyer Help Filmmakers
Creative
Find No Film School everywhere:
On the Web
https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool
https://twitter.com/nofilmschool
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool
https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool
Send us an email with questions or feedback: [email protected]!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does it feel like to finally finish your first feature? It’s difficult to explain the mix of emotions running through you. To quote the director of Hungry Dog Blues, it kind of feels like “finishing a marathon or coming out of a psychedelic drug trip.”
In today’s episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with filmmakers Jason Abrams and Irina Gorovaia to discuss:
- The very unique experience of making your first film
- The magical sense of community on an indie set
- How the film was inspired by a true story
- Why people prefer to work on a project that already has momentum
- Launching a crowdfunding campaign right before the pandemic started
- How the proof of concept made a huge impact on their fundraising efforts
- Why frequently following up with investors is so important
- The practice of not taking things personally
- Why it’s a win if people hate your movie
- Understanding you have to wear a lot of hats on your first film
- Learning to enjoy every little part of the filmmaking process
Memorable Quotes
- “It’s a very unique process to take something through, from nothing to something.” [4:52]
- “Everybody wants to be on a moving train. Nobody wants to shovel coal.” [12:16]
- “It’s not your job to say ‘no’ for other people.” [30:39]
- “Slow down. Take your time. Enjoy every little piece of it. Learn to enjoy every little piece of the filmmaking process.” [58:04]
- “You can create just for the sake of creating. Just because you have a story to tell. That’s allowed, too.” [61:57]
Mentioned:
Variations on a Theme (YouTube channel)
Resources they used:
Producing
Successful Crowdfunding Campaigns
Entertainment Lawyer Help Filmmakers
Creative
Find No Film School everywhere:
On the Web
https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool
https://twitter.com/nofilmschool
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool
https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool
Send us an email with questions or feedback: [email protected]!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode
Gift Guide 2023 and the Pokémon Cards of Filmmaking
It’s that time of year again. The time of year when we show the filmmakers in our lives how much we appreciate them, with practical gifts that will improve their filmmaking journey.
In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss:
- Pulling out a new set of pens for your new project - it’s so satisfying
- Using a notebook versus using your phone
- Reading “A Swim in a Pond in the Rain” while sitting in a sauna
- Understanding the joy and richness of teaching
- Why you need a podcast microphone even if you aren’t a podcaster
- Why a quarterly planner is better than a yearly planner
- The $70 light used on an $80 million movie
- Why having a nice notebook improves the quality of your work
Memorable Quotes
- “It’s almost like I’m texting, when I’m writing.” [3:21]
- “Everyone trusts you if you write a note in a notebook...Everyone thinks you are serious with a notebook.” [5:06]
- “I’m not sure I see what you see in this, but the fact that you see it, makes me excited to go on the journey to try to see it.” [11:44]
- “Filmmakers should all have nice microphones.” [15:45]
- “My life and my specs changed drastically when I got Grammarly.” [20:22]
Resources:
PILOT Razor Point Fine Line Marker Stick Pens
George Saunders “A Swim in a Pond in the Rain”
Sennheiser Profile Streaming Microphone
Find No Film School everywhere:
On the Web
https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool
https://twitter.com/nofilmschool
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool
https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool
Send us an email with questions or feedback: [email protected]!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode
What Actors Need To Know About Cinematography, Plus Building Your Post Team
As an actor, will knowing the ins and outs of cinematography enhance your performance? What’s the best way to go about hiring your post-production team? How do you give honest feedback without ruining your reputation?
In today’s episode, No Film School’s Charles Haine, GG Hawkins, and Jason Hellerman discuss:
- Warmup actors versus burnout actors - what’s the difference
- The red camera setting named after actor Giovanni Ribisi
- How directors can benefit from taking acting classes
- Why hiring people for production is easier than hiring for post
- The best way to evaluate the post team in interviews
- Paying a flat fee versus paying an hourly fee
- Why everyone needs to have a deal memo
- Sharing your honest opinion without offending the other person
- The magic moments that can happen in post
Memorable Quotes
- “It is a lifelong process learning about our art.” [11:07]
- “I wish more actors had a better handle on editing.” [11:14]
- “Hiring people for production is fifty to a thousand times easier than hiring people for post.” [17:45]
- “Your recommendation is your reputation in this industry.” [28:34]
- “You should do deal memos on every project you do, for everything you do because it forces people to lay out expectations.” [35:00]
- “Post can be way more fun than set. You can give birth to your project again in a new way.” [42:20]
Mentioned:
New RED Firmware Brings In-Camera LUTs & Zone System Exposure Tool
DP Robert D. Yeoman on Film vs Digital, Long-Term Director Relationships, and Sleep
Find No Film School everywhere:
On the Web
https://www.facebook.com/nofilmschool
https://twitter.com/nofilmschool
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/nofilmschool
https://www.instagram.com/nofilmschool
Send us an email with questions or feedback: [email protected]!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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