How to make Indie Films in the current market with Bizhan Tong

On today’s show, Giles Alderson welcomes writer, director & producer Bizhan Tong to the show to talk about his latest feature film Lockdown (2021), starring Xander Berkeley, Kevin Leslie, Olivia Moyles and many, many more! Bizhan was on episode 81 of the podcast, now he’s back to talk about how he shot Lockdown during lockdown! He dives deep into the making of the film: How he came up with the idea, how he turned it into a script, and how he financed the movie. He also talks about directing remotely, why he had to shoot the movie twice, the Hongkong industry, why it’s important to get yourself out there, AND he discusses NFTs. Yes! NFTs! This is a follow up on episode 240 with Orlando Pedregosa as Lockdown is the very first Asian feature to use NFTs. It was a joy talking to Bizhan as always. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode with Bizhan Tong.   LOCKDOWN is out on the 23rd of November! In the midst of a global pandemic, an actor who enters an audition must pass a series of tests in order to keep those around him alive.   EPISODE LINKS Watch the Lockdown TRAILER Follow Bizhan on TWITTER   OUR SPONSORS MASV: https://massive.io/filmmakerspod/   PATREON Big thank you to: Marli J Monroe Kevin Pybus Want your name in the show notes? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides and feedback on your film projects! Our new 4 tier structure is in place. Come join the community! https://www.patreon.com/thefilmmakerspodcast   EVENTS & CROWDFUNDERS Join us on ClubHouse on Thursday’s 6.30 here: GMT https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/M5X0Qzvx   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Read & Sign Up for The Wrap Up – Our weekly Newsletter with news and information from the world of film Spread the Word with Our Merch T-Shirts, Hoodies, Mugs, Masks and Water Bottles all now available in some very cool designs. Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us out and write us a review (a good one!), tell your friends and CHOOSE FILM. Get in touch? Email us [email protected] Follow us on Twitter Facebook and Instagram Check out our full episode archive at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is hosted and written by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Produced by Giles Alderson, Robbie McKane @robbiemckane & Samuel Evans @SamuelHEvans_ Edited by @tobiasvees Social Media by Kalli Pasqualucci @kallieep Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Part of the www.podfixnetwork.squarespace.com   WATCH OUR FILMS The Dare UK | Trailer The Dare Canada and USA A Serial Killers Guide to Life | Trailer Arthur & Merlin: Knights of Camelot Winter Ridge UK The Isle Fanged Up The Marker Star Wars: Origins   MORE FROM OUR FRIENDS Follow our Regular Hosts @LucindaRhodes @DirDomLenoir @35mmdop @philmblog @IanSharp1 @Cjamesdirect @dan710ths Follow Make Your Film for Live Events with our Guests @makeyourfilm20  Follow our Movies @thedaremovie @Food4ThoughtDoc @FangedUpFilm Raindance events www.raindance.org The Filmmakers Podcast recommends Performance Insurance Music from musicbed.com Giles Alderson’s website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices