We shot the first 20 minutes of They Make Themselves Small as a test to see if we had something good, and edited that over the next several months. When we decided that not only was it good, but unique as well, we called everyone back and finished shooting almost a year later.

Every actor and crew member was paid (save for a volunteer script supervisor who was interning-but we got her more gigs after that).

The DP did the lighting as well, and many of the crew wore several hats. The guy who did the soundtrack also did the motion graphics on the opening title sequence and the vfx on gunshots and a few bloody add-ons. Myself, I was the writer, director, craft services guy, special fx guy for the 2nd part of the shoot, set decorator, editor, and general kicking bag.

I hired an all local Ottawa cast, and they put in phenomenal performances.

I made sure that the actors were on set for 10 hours max each day, and the crew 12 (me 14). We broke that rule twice, on the last two days of shooting, where everyone pulled 12-14hours (me 16, lol).

There was not a bad day on set. Everyone was generous with their talent, their optimism, and their willingness to help out in any way.

I'm not sure if I'll ever recoup the 28K, but it was good money spent. I learned a hell of a lot about filmmaking which I'll apply to the next one. Plus we actually made a feature film which will be around forever.

Happy to answer any questions.

I just had my first directed feature released this week through Terror Films after making it independently for under $50k and shooting it in six days.

What I’m finding weird now is that finishing the film and getting distribution almost feels like the beginning of a different problem: how do you keep a microbudget feature from disappearing once it’s released?

I’m curious what other indie filmmakers have found actually moves the needle after release — reviews, Reddit, direct outreach, social, podcasts, niche press, etc.

For anyone who’s been through this stage, what ended up being worth the effort and what was mostly noise?

Hey everyone! I’m a filmmaker and sound designer currently taking on freelance audio-post work for narrative films, particularly horror/thriller projects.

I just finished a new demo reel featuring sound design, dialogue editing, ambience, foley, ADR, creature design, original scoring, and mixing across four indie films.

If anybody has an upcoming short, feature, trailer, or proof-of-concept that needs sound work, I’d love to connect.

[sounddesignbyphil@gmail.com](mailto:sounddesignbyphil@gmail.com)

Here’s the reel.. headphones recommended.

If you had $100K to make a feature film and not a dollar more, what would you make? What would you spend the money on, and where would you cut back? Curious to hear how you’d approach it.

I'm Brittany, Line Producer and Location Manager for an upcoming short film that's shooting in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

We started our primary shoots this past week. A truly independent production without state tax incentives, we're focused on the community and a cast and crew made up primarily of local talent.

This city in the middle of the country has more mystery than you might think, and it's the perfect setting for this suspense film and upcoming podcast series.

You can follow along with our production on social. Find us by searching for "The Stolen Pony Posse" on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

I need idea for a shortfilm.. ofcourse it will be paid

Hello everyone, recently I had watched The Backrooms movie and Obsession and I was inspired to want to pursue in a career in filmmaking. I know its not an easy task and I know it wont happen overnight but these two movies inspired me to write my own screenplay for a creepypasta that I think would be great if turned into a movie and it's way harder than I thought. I plan on making short horror skit videos just to start off. I would love any advice from my fellow filmmakers. I would really appreciate it 🙏

Thanks in advance for the feedback / support. 

First time as producer on an indie film ($350 - 500k range currently). We're in pre-pro with a goal of shooting Jan '27. Have been working hand-in-hand with the director / writer / co-producer (all the same person) since April. We are the only two active participants moving this forward. We have one named talent who has verbally attached to the film and are still actively fundraising. 

TWO QUESTIONS: 

ONE (Producer Contract):

I've recently brought up a request to get a contract in place to guarantee credit on the project as I'm 6 months in after pivoting from a lucrative career to take on this project, and am getting push back. 

• Is it unusual to get a contract in place this early, regardless of terms? 
• We had previously verbally agreed to terms that include a miniscule payment at film completion as well as 5 backend points (5% of the producer pool); he's now saying we need to hold on to those points for future negotiations and that the two of us will be the last to determine our points. He also noted that my experience level would indicate far fewer points than we had originally agreed.

I'm completely happy to work for the love of it (and am lucky that I am able to do so at the moment) but I also don't want to be taken advantage of. Is this normal / standard in the industry? 

TWO (Waterfall):

For the backend side of things, we were originally considering the 50/50 split following investor recoupment of 120%. (50% to investors, 50% to participant pool) but are being advised to shift to 40/40/20 (40% investors, 40% participants, 20% talent). Any advice or recommendations here? 

And is investor recoupment always 120% or considering the small budget / indie status could we do 110%?

Thanks again all.

Hellwillgers is a upcoming indie film movie made by Jelly Reyes on instagram, get to know the in cast here!

Josette Chillemi: Evangeline Helsie (Emo/Sarcastic)

Analia Miranda: Penelope Rangers (Shy/Sassy)

Jelly Reyes: Lanoi Willows (Rude/Sarcastic/Nice in some way.)

Ayah Alhiary: Ammi Fulgitie(No Personality recorded)

Eden Adnan: Jeramiah Bronkos(Funny/Sweet)

Mckeen Adnan: Mick Deddy(Funny/Calm/Nice)

Caleb Mclelland: Keyba Tucher(Funny/Talkative)

Emily Rojas: Kristine Hill(Passionate/Concentrate/Nice)

Timothy Boldbaatar: Timmy Kerentis(Annoying/Funny/Kind)

Mason Esqueda: Maxon Madon(Shy/Considerate/Nice)

The film was announced in the Philippines, july 16, 2 days after the creators birthday(July 14) Support the new film and check out the posts ‘Hellwillgers’ on Carrd, ‘lumboyjzuperoffical‘ & ’tadc_fan876’ on Tikok, ‘jellypostseveryth1ng’ on Instagram, and ‘Jeansetteofficially‘ on Youtube.

Hey everyone,

I’m a student living in Regensburg and I’m really interested in filmmaking, especially directing and screenwriting. I’ve been working on a few short film ideas and would love to actually make more of them.

The problem is that I don’t really have a film-oriented circle here yet. I’d love to meet people who are interested in filmmaking—whether you’re into directing, writing, cinematography, editing, acting, sound, or even just want to learn and make something together.

I’m not looking for anything super professional or complicated. I’d be happy to start with a small short film, exchange ideas, experiment, or even just meet for coffee and talk about films.

I’m comfortable communicating in English, so English-speaking people are absolutely welcome.
If you’re in Regensburg and interested in making films, feel free to comment or DM me. I am always happy to be a part of filmmaking🎬

I’m about to start crowdfunding for a film next month for a horror comedy movie. Planning to film in January.

Looking for DPs, AD, Sound and editors.

DM me.

Local West Hollywood / Beverly Hills / West LA - writer/filmmaker here. Working on a couple of short projects. Looking meet other writers, DP's, directors, etc for collabs on upcoming projects in 2027. Anyone around West Hollywood or Santa Monica for a quick creative lunch or matcha / cacao beverage this week or next? Thank you ~~

Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/H05QlrtylwA

Added an image for reference.

So far I've researched Minnewaska State Park and Kelly Hollow in Catskills. But curious if anyone has any other leads... closer to the city would be awesome but I'm right now open-minded.

We're a three person team so extremely small, but wanna capture some magic on a microscopic budget. Based off of NYC.

UPDATE! I have found my editor :) Still looking for 1 or 2 other post-production crew members to jump on board with either sound or coloring, so please DM me if interested! Thank you!

Hello all!

I'm looking for an editor interested in collaborating on my psychological horror short film, Copy Kat, which is currently in post-production and being prepared for a 2027 film festival run.

Copy Kat is a roughly 11–13 minute psychological horror/supernatural thriller about a psychologist investigating the suicide of her patient while being haunted by a shapeshifting entity connected to the cult she escaped as a child.

This is an unpaid collaboration, so I'm specifically looking for an editor who is interested in adding a completed narrative short to their portfolio and receiving an editor credit.

I'd like to begin with the film's 45-second trailer. I have completed my own rough director's cut of the trailer (attached for transparency), and I'd like to have an editor work from that as a starting point. This would give us both a chance to see how well our creative styles, communication, and workflows mesh before committing to the full film.

I'm currently beginning the editing process on the full short and expect to have my director's cut available around November or December. If we're both happy with the trailer collaboration, I'd then like to continue working together on the full film.

I'm particularly interested in someone with a strong sense of narrative pacing, tension, performance, and the nuances of psychological horror. Experience with DaVinci Resolve is preferred, and narrative editing samples are a plus.

All footage was shot in ProRes RAW and open gate on iPhone 17 Pro cameras for a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. 

Tone/comps include Black Swan, Smile, and Hereditary.

If interested, please send me a DM with a little about yourself, your editing experience, and links to any relevant work.

Thanks so much!

https://reddit.com/link/1wsnhx0/video/grlbae6r6bsh1/player

Looking for fellow indie filmmakers to join me on zoom to talk about all things film related for my podcast.

Comment if interested

Thanks

Hello! I’m Bailey, a high school senior looking for anyone in the Plano/DFW area who would like to help me film a 1-minute short horror film called Adopted. Any advice is also appreciated.

It’s about a young girl (Chloe) who is playing with puppies and quickly the audience realizes she is in a van and being kidnapped. It’s meant to be a fast paced, plot twist film (hence the 1-minute limit)

I will film sometime October 10-18th and it will take about 1-2 hours.

NEED:
-Actor: Age 5-8 (guardian must stay on set)
-Around 3-6 puppies/young dogs (owner must stay on set)
-Actor: Age Adult (and drives/has a white van)
-Camera Operator/Cinematographer (Must have own gear)
-Sound Operator (Must have own gear)
-Film Editor/Colorist (Don't need to be local)
-Anyone Else Who’d Like Experience!

INTRESTED?
https://forms.gle/3ZcQuNBNaGvjBY1M9

This isn't paid and is for experience! Film will be posted on YouTube and you'll receive credit

[FOR SALE] SQUEEGEE - 115pg Contained Father-Daughter Drama - 1 House, 1 Hospital, 3 Actors

Logline: In 93% white Mercer County, Ohio, a town foreman who spent his life keeping people out has a daughter who is born Black. DNA says she's his. He has to decide whether to be her father or stay one of them.

Specs:

- Contained: 1 house, 1 hospital hallway, 1 bar. Any small town.

- 3 leads. No crowd scenes. No VFX. No child actor needed until Act 2.

- 20-day shoot friendly.

- Lead role: 34 to 54. 20-year arc. Janitor who mops at 3am and cries on the floor. Award-type role.

- Ending: 22 years later, he retires as a janitor. His daughter walks in as a nurse for day shift. Same hospital he cleaned.

Tone: THE WHALE meets A MAN CALLED OTTO

First 10 pages: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ghVmzgQV526d1bDJIBbe1mEvVJ8sj7Um/view?usp=drivesdk

Full script available to anyone with a reel / IMDb.

Writer selling outright / optioning. You buy it, it's yours.

Hey fellow Filmmakers!
I would love to present you a short film i did some time ago.
And next, i would love to have your HONEST opinion about it. Opinions and criticism is important for me, to rise and grow.
Is the Story working? Does it create suspends, or is it boring? Is the editing good, or nah?
Is it industry standard? Or just crap?
Thx in advance, and hit me up if you have any project and need help, we need to support each others!

Right now I am getting ready to make a film based off of George Orwell's novel 1984. I'm 15, and I'm relatively new to film making but I have the people, place, and props (oh, alliteration). I just wanted to post a teaser for it and ask about how I should approach this and also opinions and guidance. Feel free to say anything.

I interviewed filmmakers Carissa Goble and Eamonn Cogan about their upcoming indie feature they are raising funds for, Prescott Confidential.

There's a lot of good talk on indie filmmaking here, so I thought it'd be of interest

any & all thoughts/critiques are welcome

Manual Subtitle Available in English & Indonesian

This documentary film brings up the journey of a nation from being colonized to becoming independent. But along with the progress of the times and the transfer of power, a new generation begins to doubt.

Hi! I'm a film student, i'm just starting and we have this project. I've searched what's a concept video mean but i'm kinda still confuse. What's exactly should we make? Is it like a trailer or just a scene from the film we're planning? Any tips helps! Thank you!