Fearless Indie Alchemy: Breakthrough Filmmaking on £30K

featuring filmmaker Mitchell Tolliday

Crafting a Dark Comedy That Sells

Mitchell Tolliday’s debut feature Murder Ballads: How to Make it in Rock ‘n’ Roll strikes a rare balance between artistic edge and commercial intent. Shot as a dark comedy on a modest £30,000 budget, the film was always designed to sell. In this episode, Mitchell breaks down how he made genre and tone work in his favour to create something bold, marketable, and uniquely his own in “FEARLESS INDIE ALCHEMY: BREAKTHROUGH FILMMAKING ON £30K” .

Funding Your Film with Crowdfunding and Creativity

Securing finance is one of the biggest hurdles for any filmmaker. However, Mitchell navigated it with a clever hybrid approach. First, he launched a successful Greenlit crowdfunding campaign. Then, he supplemented that funding with support from private investors—most notably, contributions from his own family. As a result, his candid insights on blending personal backing with public fundraising make this segment a must-hear for any emerging director.

Production Hacks: Block Shooting and On-the-Fly Edits

Mitchell discusses how breaking the shoot into blocks helped him manage costs and cast availability. Even more impressively, he reveals how editing as he went shaped the film in real time. From assembly cuts during production to planning scene transitions at the script level, his production strategy was lean but powerful.

How to Attract a Name Like Simon Callow

Getting a well-known actor attached to your indie project can elevate your entire production—and Mitchell did just that with legendary performer Simon Callow. He explains exactly how he pitched the project, what helped land the talent, and what other filmmakers can do to increase their chances of working with big names on small budgets.

Why Distribution and PR Matter More Than Ever

Once the film was finished, the hustle continued. Mitchell outlines his approach to handling sales, distribution, and hiring a publicist to help promote Murder Ballads. From choosing the right release platform to deciding whether PR is worth the cost, he offers practical advice for filmmakers navigating the complex world of film marketing.

Watch the Murder Ballads now on Amazon Prime

FEARLESS INDIE ALCHEMY: BREAKTHROUGH FILMMAKING ON £30K

Want to know how to make your feature for $10,000? Check out my chat with Sean and Taylor King