How to Start Making your Micro Budget Feature
with Daniel Talbott & Andrew Klaus-Vineyard
From Stage to Screen: How Two Filmmakers Joined Forces
In this episode, we meet Andrew Klaus-Vineyard and Daniel Talbott—two filmmakers from very different backgrounds who are teaming up for a feature documentary. Andrew brings experience from directing multiple short films, while Daniel has a solid foundation in theatre and TV screenwriting, including credits on The Conners, The Big C, and The Mist. Their creative partnership brings together storytelling depth and production know-how, making this a collaboration worth watching from the ground up in “How to Start Making your Micro Budget Feature”.
Funding Short Films and Building Momentum
Before jumping into feature territory, Andrew honed his craft by making short films. He shares how he funded his projects and the key lessons learned along the way. His biggest advice? Keep it simple and focus on telling a story that truly matters to you. For aspiring filmmakers, this segment is filled with actionable insights on getting started without waiting for permission—or a big budget.
Launching a Micro-Budget Documentary Project
Daniel and Andrew walk us through the early development of their documentary. They explain how the idea took shape, how the story will evolve through the filming process, and how they’re being guided by the voices of the people at the heart of the film. This part of the conversation offers a rare look into the creative planning stage of a documentary, showing how story and structure can shift during production.
Planning for Audience and Distribution
Even before shooting begins, Andrew and Daniel are thinking ahead about where their film will live. Will it screen at festivals? Will it be on TV or a streaming platform? They’re aiming for a broad audience, and in this episode, they explore practical strategies for reaching viewers—whether through niche communities or wider public appeal. Their approach highlights the importance of audience development from day one.
How to Start Making your Micro Budget Feature
While many guests on the podcast reflect on completed projects, Daniel and Andrew are still at the starting line. This makes their episode especially valuable for filmmakers who are in the same position—eager to begin but full of questions. Their motto’s and mutual support serve as reminders that with the right mindset, collaboration, and planning, even the most ambitious micro-budget films can get off the ground.
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Another great episode to check out is my chat with Ben Wiebe in How to be an Ethical Filmmaker
