Producer Mara Lesemann returns with advice on recognizing when you need to fire someone, and then having the confidence to actually carry it out. Mara wrote and produced two feature films: 'Surviving Family' and 'Detours.' She is a script consultant and has written numerous plays for the NYC stage. GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr. Show Notes: 1. Visit the guest: http://moreorlessonmovies.blogspot.com/...
Nov 28, 2018•38 min•Ep. 19
Morgan Sandler joins us to discuss visual storytelling, plus we have an update on the Apu controversy and script contest winner. Morgan Sandler, author of 'Visual Storytelling: How to Speak to the Audience Without Saying a Word,' has a Master of Fine Arts from California State, currently Assistant Professor at the University of LaVerne. Before that he was head of cinematography at Los Angeles Film School. GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgu...
Nov 09, 2018•21 min•Ep. 18
[Halloween Edition] We are joined by forensic specialist, screenwriter, speaker, and author Jennifer Dornbush. Because her father was a medical examiner, she grew up with human skeletons in her house, leading her to one day write the quintessential book for writers: "Forensic Speak: How to Write Realistic Crime Dramas." When you need to get the science right in your crime story, this is the book everyone turns to. GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (...
Oct 27, 2018•26 min•Ep. 17
Producer Mara Lesemann joins us with detailed advice on getting stars attached to indie films. Mara has written two feature screenplays that became successful films: 'Surviving Family' and 'Detours.' She served as a script consultant for the award-winning feature 'Available: A Modern Fairy Tale.' Mara has also written numerous plays that have been produced on the NYC stage. GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day...
Oct 23, 2018•39 min•Ep. 16
Emmy Award winner Barbara Multer-Wellin is known as the "Docu-Diva," a documentary writer/producer for HBO, Showtime, Lifetime, TLC, The Discovery Channel, UPN, Lifetime, TBS, PBS, and HGTV. Barbara wrote and produced two films for PBS: “TAKE THE HEAT: The First Women Firefighters of New York City,” a documentary narrated by Susan Sarandon, and “PAUL CONRAD: Drawing Fire,” narrated by Tom Brokaw. Barbara is former Chair of New York Film Academy’s Documentary Department, former Chair of the Docum...
Oct 08, 2018•23 min•Ep. 15
Indie director, author, radio producer, and "Hitchcock Whisperer" Jeffrey Michael Bays talks about creating gripping moments for all genres of film. He produced the SiriusXM radio production 'Not From Space,' winner of the Mark Time and Communicator awards, and directed the suspense film 'Offing David.' Jeffrey is an adjuct instructor at Lights Film School, and travels the world teaching suspense techniques. He also co-hosts this podcast! GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and auth...
Sep 30, 2018•27 min•Ep. 14
Indie director, screenwriter, and Sundance rebel Diane Bell says it's time to stop waiting around for someone else you produce your script. Her new book 'Shoot From the Heart: Successful Filmmaking from a Sundance Rebel' gives you all the info you need to get started, the rebel way. GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr. Show Notes: 1. Diane's website: www.rebelheartfilm.com Tweet us @borgusfilm or email in...
Sep 12, 2018•37 min•Ep. 13
Crowdfunding zen manager John Trigonis (the guy with the hat) returns with more insights on building a fan base prior to a campaign, and how to convince friends/family to donate early. John worked at Indiegogo for five years and wrote the quintessential book 'Crowdfunding for Filmmakers' now in its 2nd edition. GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr. Show Notes: 1. Forris' Polka Show (Sundays): https://www.c...
Sep 01, 2018•35 min•Ep. 12
Jeffrey returns from his Atlanta film shoot and reveals how one person's blunder could cost the production a lot of money. Is a reshoot needed or can it be fixed in post? Plus, Ken Lee of Michael Wiese Books joins us to talk about new filmmaking books coming in the second half of 2018. GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr. Show Notes: 1. Not From Space production page: http://www.borgus.com/nfs 2. Michael ...
Aug 21, 2018•31 min•Ep. 11
Kathie Fong-Yoneda joins us to reveal the immense power of web series as a career builder for actors, writers, and filmmakers. Kathie is a script consultant with 30 years of experience in film & TV, including executive positions at Disney, Touchstone, Island Pictures, and Walt Disney TV Animation. She is the author of "The Script Selling Game: A Hollywood Insider's Look at Getting Your Script Sold & Produced." GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Ba...
Aug 04, 2018•42 min•Ep. 10
Steve Kaplan, Hollywood's most sought-after expert in comedy writing, joins us to talk about how comedy writers can succeed, what has changed in today's smartphone era, and the effects of what he calls the "outrage industry." Steve weighs in on the recent Rosanne controversy, how George Carlin would react today, and why comedy feature films are harder to market. Steve wrote the quintessential book about comedy writing, 'The Hidden Tools of Comedy.' GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmake...
Jul 09, 2018•42 min•Ep. 9
Joshua A. Friedman is making it easier to find crew in your local area with his new app, Crew Me Up. He has worked on such productions as 'Law and Order' 'Adjustment Bureau,' and wrote the quintessential guidebook for production assistants: 'Getting it Done.' Later we're joined by the team who is putting 'Save the Cat' in your car! Dreamscape has a new audio version of this best-selling screenwriting book: guests Michael Olah, Erik Black,Amanda Heilmen. Not paid endorsements. GET REAL INDIE FILM...
Jul 01, 2018•34 min•Ep. 8
Smartphone and social media expert Fran Jago joins us with all her latest gear picks to turn your phone into a film studio. Fran is a filmmaker, journalist, photographer, and founder of Get Ahead Media, offering free online tutorials for the modern smartphone filmmaker. Plus, HBO/IFP is offering money for newbie documentarians -- we discuss this vague, ongoing call for entries. GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris...
Jun 17, 2018•28 min•Ep. 7
Michael Laskin sees a new trend in actors creating their own content and taking charge of their brand, rather than relying on filmmakers to cast them. With his 35 years of professional acting on shows like 'Seinfeld,' 'Matlock,' 'LA Law,' and dozens more, he brings advice to new actors trying to survive today in a world where everyone is a filmmaker. He is the author of 'The Authentic Actor: The Art and Business of Being Yourself.' GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeff...
Jun 11, 2018•30 min•Ep. 6
Indie director William Dickerson joins us to raise awareness of mental illness with the premiere of his new feature film 'No Alternative,' a 90s period piece based on his troubled sister's battle with borderline personality. William teaches at New York Film Academy, and previously directed the indie suspense film 'Detour.' GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris Day, Jr. Show Notes: 1. Tickets for June 7 'No Alternat...
Jun 03, 2018•49 min•Ep. 5
Filmmakers often use YouTube to upload trailers and behind-the-scenes content surrounding their films, but how can a they get the most out of this popular video platform? Sean Cannell of Think Media joins us to help filmmakers navigate the recent changes to YouTube's notification system and build a fan base. We are also joined by Houston Coley as a case study on YouTubing success. GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker For...
May 28, 2018•41 min•Ep. 4
Apu on 'The Simpsons' has become a controversial character especially for Indian-Americans who are often mocked by the voice. Internet celeb Adi Shankar has teamed up with our guest John Rhodes of Coverfly. They are launching a contest seeking the perfect Simpsons script to finally change Apu in some meaningful way and to put an end to the controversy. We are also joined by Mara Lesemann with advice for women getting into the film business. GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and au...
May 17, 2018•31 min•Ep. 3
Tippi Hedren recently compared Alfred Hitchcock to Harvey Weinstein and we discuss the backstory surrounding this Hitchcock #MeToo controversy. Are things being misrepresented in the press? We are also joined by John Trigonis, author of 'Crowdfunding for Filmmakers.' John gives indie filmmakers basic steps for setting up your crowdfunding campaign and getting the best results. GET REAL INDIE FILM[CAST] is hosted by filmmaker and author Jeffrey Michael Bays (www.borgus.com), and filmmaker Forris ...
May 07, 2018•32 min•Ep. 2
In this premiere episode we are joined by William Akers, author of 'Your Screenplay Sucks.' William gives indie filmmakers advice on avoiding common amateur pitfalls, including casting actors of the wrong age, lack of safety on set, feeding cast/crew with pizza on set, and more. What are you shooting on? We also ask what format you're using: 1080p, 4k, 8k, or 35mm. Tweet us @borgusfilm or email info@borgus.com with your answers and if you're shooting on 35mm tell us why! Based on this article fr...
May 01, 2018•22 min•Ep. 1
