Turn your Micro Budget Feature into a Directing Career

With JoshUA Caldwell

Are you ready to take your filmmaking dreams to the next level? This week on the podcast, I speak with acclaimed director Joshua Caldwell about how he turned his micro-budget debut feature into a thriving directing career.

From Short Films to Award-Winning Features

Joshua Caldwell’s journey was started with short films before his leap into the micro-budget feature Layover. Numerous awards were won by this project, which became a springboard for his directing career. Since then, television and feature films, including Infamous and Mending the Line for Netflix, have been directed by him.

Why a Feature Film Beats Short Films

The importance of making a feature film, even on a micro-budget, was emphasized by Joshua. Producing multiple short films was described as less impactful. Aspiring filmmakers are offered invaluable insights to shape strategies and maximize creative potential.

Lessons from a Pro: Micro-Budget Filmmaking

Challenges faced while working on tight budgets were discussed by Joshua. Practical tips were shared, including building the right team, creating compelling visuals, and managing the production process. These lessons are invaluable for debut filmmakers.

The 6k Filmmaker Micro-Budget Course

Joshua’s 6k Filmmaker Micro-Budget Course was highlighted as a resource for filmmakers. Students like James Chick have turned passion projects into micro-budget features such as Feet of Death, previously featured on the podcast.

Lessons from Joshua’s Filmmaking Journey

Listeners are taken through Joshua’s foray into filmmaking, including his choice to pursue hands-on experience over traditional film school. Key topics include the value of making as many films as possible, the reality of funding short films, and why Joshua considers shorts a waste of resources. His insights into working on a feature film and navigating the film festival circuit offer practical advice for those considering their own micro-budget projects.

Check out Joshua’s 6k Filmmaker Course: https://www.6kfilmmaker.com/

Watch the oner from ‘Infamous’: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0wXaYNOtMp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==