Micro Budget Movie Hustle

with Jake C. Young

Filmmaker Jake C. Young didn’t wait for permission to start making movies. In this episode, he shares how he broke into micro-budget filmmaking, starting with minimal resources and plenty of drive. Jake’s journey began with self-funded features and has since grown into a model for aspiring directors looking to make something out of nothing in “Micro Budget Movie Hustle“.

Micro Budget Movie Hustle

Jake explains how tight budgets have actually given him more creative freedom. From experimenting with different formats to shooting entire features on a phone, he proves that it’s not about the gear—it’s about the story. Whether you’re working with $1,000 or $10,000, Jake offers practical advice for getting the most out of every dollar on set.

Funding Your Film with Indiegogo

Crowdfunding can be overwhelming, but Jake has cracked the code. He breaks down how he successfully used Indiegogo, offering tips on crafting a campaign, building momentum, and beating the platform’s algorithm. His crowdfunding experience not only raised money—it helped create an audience before the movie was even finished.

Getting Seen: Sales, Distribution, and Blu-ray

When it comes to distribution, Jake has explored both traditional sales routes and DIY solutions like FilmHub and Makeflix. He shares the pros and cons of each, including how he got his film released on Blu-ray. If you’re wondering how to actually get your movie in front of people, this part of the episode is gold.

Red Flags, Real Talk, and Indie Film Community

Jake also opens up about the emotional side of indie filmmaking—competition, confidence, and spotting toxic, transactional relationships in the industry. He offers grounded advice for staying focused on your goals while protecting your creative energy. If you’re feeling unsure in your indie film journey, Jake’s insights will remind you that you’re not alone.

Find out more about Jake and his movies

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