The Secrets Behind "Doggone": From Crowdfunding to Red Carpet Success
Ever wondered how independent filmmakers create high-production value films on tight budgets? Join us as director Emelie Claxton and producer Cindy Allen reveal the ingenious strategies that transformed their short film "Doggone" from an impossible dream into a festival success story. From raising an impressive amount through crowdfunding to turning one movie theater into six different filming locations, they share the practical wisdom they gained along their filmmaking journey.This episode unpacks the power of collaboration, the importance of hiring specialists rather than doing everything yourself, and the game-changing "big board" technique that kept everyone on set informed and aligned. You'll hear how breaking traditional filmmaking rules, rekindling old friendships for fundraising, and trusting in specialized talent created a film that audiences are falling in love with at festivals.Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, or film enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into maximizing resources and creating meaningful stories that connect with audiences. Don't miss their final inspiring advice: "Don't say no to yourself."0:00 Intro and teaser about on-set chef0:17 Podcast introduction0:54 Welcome and host introductions1:28 Meeting special guests Emelie and Cindy2:32 Discussing the short film "Doggone"3:36 Missing Poland trip for the film shoot5:06 The luxury of having a chef on set6:40 What is Doggone about?8:58 Breaking filmmaking rules10:10 Crowdfunding campaign success14:00 The secret to successful crowdfunding19:22 Republic: equity-based crowdfunding alternative24:00 The big board that changed everything27:19 Maximizing production value29:19 Using one movie theater for six locations33:20 The importance of hiring specialists36:26 Audience response to the film39:29 What's next for the filmmakers42:20 Final advice: "Don't say no to yourself"43:16 Where to watch DoggoneSend us a textFor our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25 Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.
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Rafy App: How AI is Helping Self-Tape Auditions for Actors
Join us as we meet the creators of Rafy, an innovative app transforming how actors prepare auditions. In this eye-opening conversation, we explore how this technology is giving actors more control over their audition process while addressing long-standing industry challenges.Jamila Hache and Dani Rojas share how they developed Rafy during the pandemic to solve the common struggle of finding readers for self-tapes. The app uses AI to provide customizable reading partners, allowing actors to practice anytime without dependency on others. They discuss their ethical approach to AI implementation, subscription plans with tokens for scenes, and exciting new features including Playhouse for practice scenes and voice-recognition for slates. The conversation highlights how technology can empower actors in an industry that has historically placed them at a disadvantage.Like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments how technology has changed your acting career!0:00 Intro and guest introduction0:55 Welcome to the CFA podcast1:34 Meeting Jamila and Dani3:10 How Haeleigh discovered the Rafy app5:03 Creating Rafy during the pandemic7:52 Understanding self-tape challenges10:01 How AI can help actors ethically12:22 The self-tape process explained14:54 Industry realities for actors17:53 Giving actors more control19:40 How Rafy works for auditions21:40 Subscription plans and tokens24:19 Introducing Playhouse feature27:21 Potential partnership with screenwriters30:17 New features: Slates with voice recognition32:10 The story behind the name "Rafy"34:03 App availability and web version coming35:00 Closing and contact informationSend us a textFor our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25 Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.
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Cast Me Now: How this AI Workflow Helps Actor Submissions
Cast Me Now: castmenow.co/cfa Are you tired of spending hours submitting to casting calls every day? Cast Me Now founder Shreyans reveals how their AI platform is transforming the actor submission process by automating applications across multiple casting platforms. Learn how this innovative service is helping actors save hundreds of hours while landing more auditions without lifting a finger.In this enlightening conversation, Shreyans explains how Cast Me Now works by scanning casting platforms for roles matching your specific parameters, then automatically submitting you to appropriate opportunities. Hosts Haeleigh and Indeana explore the platform's customizable preferences, pricing options, and upcoming features including voice agents and a "Finder Rep" tool to connect actors with agents. The discussion also delves into the entertainment industry's slow tech adoption compared to Silicon Valley and how AI might actually increase the value of human performers in the future.Like, subscribe, and use code "CFA" for a free month of Cast Me Now!0:00 Beyonce has star quality0:06 Cinematography for Actors podcast intro0:44 Onto the episode0:50 Host introductions1:08 Introducing guest Shreyans from Cast Me Now1:42 AI services for actors2:10 How Cast Me Now helps actors3:02 Early callbacks through the platform3:38 The beauty of automating submissions5:16 Origins of Cast Me Now7:10 Discovering CFA through AI blog writer9:40 Learning about the film industry10:15 Actors' silent suffering12:10 Entertainment industry's slow tech adoption15:16 Silicon Valley vs. Entertainment industry17:48 The "vitamins and painkillers" analogy20:40 How Cast Me Now's parameters work22:20 Hailey's swimming audition story24:22 Customizing submission preferences26:02 Upcoming features including voice agents29:48 AI's impact on entertainment industry33:30 Pricing and subscription optionsSend us a textFor our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25 Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.
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From Backers to Big Screens: Doggone’s Breakthrough Story
Ever wondered how independent filmmakers create high-production value films on tight budgets? Join us as director Emelie Claxton and producer Cindy Allen reveal the ingenious strategies that transformed their short film “Doggone” from an impossible dream into a festival success story. From raising an impressive amount through crowdfunding to turning one movie theater into six different shooting locations, they share the practical wisdom they gained along the way.This episode unpacks the power of collaboration, the importance of working with specialists rather than doing everything yourself, and the game-changing “big board” technique that kept everyone on set informed and aligned. You’ll hear how breaking traditional filmmaking rules, rekindling old friendships for fundraising, and trusting in specialized talent created a film that audiences are falling in love with.Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, or film enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into maximizing resources and creating meaningful stories that connect with audiences. Don’t miss their final inspiring advice: “Don’t say no to yourself.”Send us a textFor our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25 Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.
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Doing it Scared & Faking it ’Til You Make It with Writer / Producer Jason Shuman
Hae chats with Jason Shuman, a film industry veteran who’s transition from the bustling world of production to the contemplative realm of writing offers a rare glimpse into the intricacies of storytelling and the crucial interplay between departments in the industry.Explore his trajectory as a young, determined filmmaker finding his voice amidst the chaotic yet thrilling landscape of Hollywood. Jason shares how his strategic educational choices and early career steps, including pivotal internships with industry giants like Joel Silver, and Arnold Kopelson laid a foundation for success. His anecdotes paint a vivid picture of how educational freedom and real-world experiences converge to shape a unique creative identity, highlighting the importance of not just learning, but living.He reflects on the significance of networking, unexpected success stories, and key lessons from selling TV pilots. Through personal stories and professional insights, Jason underscores the symbiotic relationship between writers and producers and the necessity of understanding screenplay structures. This episode is a treasure trove for aspiring filmmakers and storytellers, offering practical advice and inspiration to navigate the ever-changing world of film.Send us a textFor our listeners, CFA’s teamed up with We Make Movies to get you a discount on production management services, including access to comprehensive production insurance and workers' comp for your next shoot. Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.Calling all actors! Take 25% off your membership at WeAudition with code: CFA25 Website: www.cinematographyforactors.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactors TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactors Cinematography for Actors is a community aimed at bridging the gap between talent & crew through our weekly podcast & community events. Our weekly show supports the filmmaking community through transparent, honest & technically focused interviews with the goal of elevating the art of effective storytelling.
Website: www.cinematographyforactors.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinematographyforactorsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cinematographyforactorsMore than a podcast, Cinematography for Actors is a vibrant community devoted to bridging the gap between talent and crew. Each week our show offers transparent insightful conversations with industry leaders. We unveil the magic behind the scenes from candid discussions about unique filmmaking processes to in depth technical exploration.Visit wemakemovies.org/insurance and use code CFA23 on your intake form for 10% off your quote.