Behind the Lens: Mastering the Indie Film Hustle

Ever wonder why 98% of indie films never make their money back? Join Khoa Le as he dives deep into the art, science, and hustle of independent filmmaking. From funding secrets to distribution strategies, this is your ultimate guide to the film industry.
Episodes
Episodes



Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
4 Billion views to Indie Films with Eliana Ghen
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Eliana Ghen( @ElianaGhen ) is a social media sensation with over 10 million followers on TikTok and 4 billion views on YouTube. But her success doesn’t stop at viral videos—Eliana has taken her creativity and drive into the world of indie filmmaking. In this episode, Eliana shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating her first feature film, Christmas Cowboy. From her early struggles in acting to leveraging her massive social media presence to break into filmmaking, Eliana’s story is nothing short of inspiring.
🎬 What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How Eliana transformed viral fame into filmmaking success.- The ups and downs of creating Christmas Cowboy on a budget.- The secrets to building a personal brand with over 10 million followers. - Eliana’s insights on acting, storytelling, and social media growth. 🎥 About this episode:Host Khoa D. Le sits down with Eliana Ghen to explore her journey from viral stardom to independent filmmaking. Whether you're a filmmaker, content creator, or aspiring actor, Eliana's story is packed with lessons, insights, and motivation.



Thursday Jan 02, 2025
From Script to Netflix: Jeff Deveritt’s Secrets to Indie Film Success
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
We sit down with Jeff Deverett, an accomplished indie filmmaker with an impressive track record of producing and distributing 9 feature films—3 of which landed on Netflix.
Jeff pulls back the curtain on the indie film world, sharing insider tips on securing funding, crafting watchable films, and navigating the distribution maze. With 10,000 features made every year—and half deemed unwatchable—Jeff’s practical advice will help aspiring filmmakers stand out and succeed in this competitive industry.
If you’re ready to turn your filmmaking dreams into reality, this episode is a must-listen!



Saturday Dec 28, 2024
The Truth About Film Composing
Saturday Dec 28, 2024
Saturday Dec 28, 2024
In this episode, composer Colin Bell dives into the immense pressure, creativity, and challenges of creating film scores.
Hosted by Khoa Le, we discuss the intense process of composing for movies, the behind-the-scenes of Christmas Cowboy, and why film composing is harder than you think.
From balancing tight deadlines to crafting emotional soundscapes, this conversation sheds light on the hidden struggles that film composers face and the artistry required to bring a movie to life.
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✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:
The challenges of composing music for Christmas Cowboy.
Why film scoring is one of the most demanding jobs in independent filmmaking.
The secrets behind creating great scores!
🎬 Chapter Breakdown: 0:00 - Introduction to the Podcast
0:26 - The Rush of Filmmaking: Challenges in Scoring 1:20 - Colin Bell’s Background: From Bands to Film Scoring 2:36 - The Biggest Challenges of Scoring Christmas Cowboy 4:09 - Decoding the Director’s Vision 5:47 - Handling Feedback and Separating Ego from Art 6:57 - The Reality of Film Composing Under Pressure 9:01 - The Turning Point: Nailing the Tone for Christmas Cowboy 10:40 - The Role of Temp Music and its Challenges 12:11 - Filmmaking Lessons: The Dangers of Early Feedback 13:32 - Benefits and Drawbacks of Speed Work 16:04 - Instrument Selection: Capturing the Christmas Vibe 20:22 - The Film Industry and Taking Creative Risks 23:14 - Advice for Emerging Film Composers 26:10 - The Reality of Grinding in the Music Industry 30:32 - Future Projects and Goals 33:28 - Where to Watch Christmas Cowboy and Listen to the Music 35:32 - Closing Remarks: Building Future Success