“We’ll fix it in post.” It’s one of the most common phrases in indie filmmaking, and one of the most dangerous.

In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we break down the post-production mistakes that make indie films look cheap, even when everything seemed fine on set. From color grading myths and LUT culture to audio mistakes, ADR pitfalls, and disorganized edit workflows, we’re talking honestly about what post-production can’t fix, and what actually makes a low-budget film feel intentional and professional.

This episode wraps up our cheap vs inexpensive filmmaking series by focusing on where many indie films quietly fall apart: post-production. We share real mistakes we’ve made, lessons learned the hard way, and practical advice for indie filmmakers who want their films to land well, not embarrassingly.

If you’re an indie filmmaker trying to avoid the “fix it in post” trap, this conversation is for you.

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Show Links:

Big Lebowski (TV Overdub) https://youtu.be/IQUdJ6FdUQ0?si=-rkgCPJ4TML-JNVg

Snakes on a Plan (TV Overdub) https://youtu.be/z4t6zNZ-b0A?si=JKvy_6ZIT0-TuqRK

Filmmaker of the Week, Andy Blithe (Aturn Films) https://www.youtube.com/@aturnfilms

P’Luck: Rise of the Twee’zors https://youtu.be/5bIMsha-eRY?si=JipbWodSEOLzyJI6 _____________________________________

Follow us for more indie film content:

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Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com

Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo

Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

How do low budget films end up looking expensive, without spending more money? This episode breaks down the production decisions and on-set habits that actually determine whether a film looks polished or painfully cheap.

Part two of our Cheap vs. Inexpensive Filmmaking series, this conversation focuses on production: Why budget doesn’t predict quality, how big-budget films still fail, and what indie filmmakers can do to make smarter choices on set.

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Show links:

Canyon County Web Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV8r3i4wLP4-wfbUrzVYCgU51Xpg2AoTY&si=bFCqOnLKdM3Fttvo

The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands: https://youtu.be/8QPzwr5-txY?si=maM2582BQin-o3Ba

Twomancrew: https://youtu.be/Zs6X4b9Ij1Y?si=NSZB-UEVNfHID597

Chit Chat Web Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV8r3i4wLP48aH-qx8xlqLymMNJsUF8aF&si=4798m5KmLpZvwO_Y

Filmmaker of the week, Frank Merle: https://www.instagram.com/frankmerle/

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Follow us for more indie film content:

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Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com

Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo

Get Featured on the Pod: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

Cheap filmmaking vs inexpensive filmmaking is one of the biggest (and most misunderstood) differences in indie film production.

In this episode of Indie Film Podcast, we break down why so many low-budget films look cheap before the camera ever rolls. Kicking off a new series on cheap vs inexpensive filmmaking, we focus on pre-production decisions that quietly determine whether a film looks intentional or amateur.

We talk through real mistakes we’ve made ourselves, including writing outside our budget, skipping rehearsals, under-planning locations, overcomplicating scripts, and relying on DIY solutions that created more problems than they solved. We also share practical strategies for planning smarter, collaborating better, and making inexpensive films look high quality without burning out your cast, crew, or budget.

This episode is ideal for indie filmmakers, first-time directors, and anyone working on a low-budget or microbudget film who wants to avoid common pre-production pitfalls and make stronger creative choices from the start.

This is Part 1 of a three-episode series exploring the difference between cheap filmmaking and inexpensive filmmaking

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Show Links:

• Goodfellas Copa Tracking Shot: https://youtu.be/JVDC95rprFs?si=u9CuquIkvZCV_FgP

• What’s the Worst That Could Happen? https://youtu.be/rNnRUQwilys

• Featured Filmmaker of the Week: Janae Rachel Ballot https://www.instagram.com/janae_ballot

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Follow us for more indie film content:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/

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Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com

Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

Burnout in indie filmmaking doesn’t always hit all at once. Sometimes it builds quietly, through overcommitment, creative exhaustion, and the pressure to always do more. And before you know it, the work you love stops being fun.

In this episode of the Indie Film Podcast (S2E02), we talk honestly about burnout: sharing personal stories from post-pandemic projects, unpacking unrealistic productivity expectations, and exploring why burnout can linger even after your workload lightens. We also discuss dangerous filmmaking myths, hard-earned technical lessons, and what it really looks like to set boundaries without walking away from film entirely.

This episode covers:

• Burnout and creative exhaustion in indie filmmaking

• Wearing too many hats and overcommitting

• Post-pandemic hustle culture

• A humbling lesson about Poly WAV audio files

• Industry news on movie theaters and changing audience behavior

• Filmmaker of the Week: Trisha Furhman on self-reflection and growth

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Links & resources:

• Submit Your Story: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

• Theaters are making a comeback: https://cinemaunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Strength-of-Theatrical-Exhibition-December-2025-Update.pdf

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Follow us for more indie film content:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/

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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

"Become a better filmmaker” sounds like a great resolution, until it leads to burnout and unfinished projects. In this episode, we break down why vague filmmaking goals fail, how indie filmmakers accidentally sabotage themselves, and what to do instead to set realistic, sustainable goals you can actually finish.

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Links & resources:

• Submit Your Story: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com/submit

• Learn about Idaho’s next horror feature at www.lowergentrystudios.com

• Victoria’s favorite After Effects tutorials: www.videocopilot.net

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Follow us for more indie film content:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefilmpodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefilmpodcast

Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com

Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/73sAVvvHVMl7KwoYc4zTxo

The Chicago Horror Film Festival packs 250 films into one epic weekend of indie horror, filmmaking energy, and nonstop screenings. In this episode, we break down what makes this IMDb-certified festival so special, from the massive programming slate and passionate horror community to the filmmaker lounge, networking, and a few unexpected tech hiccups at the Logan Theater.

We cover submission value, festival communication, audience turnout, neighborhood vibes, and whether indie horror filmmakers should submit (or attend) this long-running Chicago staple. If you're planning your festival run or love hearing how big genre festivals operate behind the scenes, this review has you covered.

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Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

The Portland Under the Stars Film Festival delivered one of the most packed, electric nights we’ve ever had as indie filmmakers. In this episode, we break down what made this first-year event stand out, from the standing-room-only screenings at McMenamins Mission Theater to the wildly engaged, arts-loving Portland crowd.

We cover submission value, communication, networking in the theater bar, award experiences, and whether Portland Under the Stars is worth adding to your festival run. Plus, we compare it to its sister festivals in LA and Austin and share why this one might become a major stop for filmmakers.

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Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com

Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072

In this episode, we review the first annual She/Her Fest in Seattle, a women-focused indie film festival celebrating bold voices, tiny budgets, and revolutionary storytelling. We break down everything from the festival’s strong communication and phenomenal theater tech to its intimate programming block, unique award categories, and the kind of filmmakers who will thrive there. If you're considering submitting to She/Her Fest or just love hearing honest festival insights from the indie trenches, this one’s for you.

Learn more about the She/Her Fest: https://www.sheherfest.com

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Follow us for more indie film content:

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Website: https://www.indiefilmpodcast.com

Newsletter: https://indie-film-podcast.kit.com/68f74bc072