How to Make an Indie Feature Film

with Michael Marco

In this episode, French-American filmmaker Michael Marco shares how his career began—first as an actor, then as a multifaceted indie filmmaker. With experience in acting, writing, directing, and editing, Michael discusses how each skill has shaped his storytelling. He reveals what acting taught him about filmmaking and how he approaches the complex task of directing himself on set in ‘How to make an Indie Feature Film’.

How to Make an Indie Feature Film

Crafting Blind Blood on a Tight Budget

Michael takes us behind the scenes of his debut feature Blind Blood, a gripping crime thriller that took root in the 1990s and finally came to life decades later. Made for just $250,000, the film was shot over intense, resource-stretched days with a tight crew. Michael opens up about the challenges of keeping the tone consistent, separating his writer and director hats, and managing the energy of the production under pressure.

Film Festivals, Strategy & Sales

As Blind Blood made its way through film festivals and onto platforms like Amazon Prime and Tubi, Michael developed a strategy for promotion and distribution. He shares his approach to festivals, the lessons he learned while dealing directly with distributors, and why transparency—especially around budget—can be beneficial for indie filmmakers trying to sell their work.

Learning from Setbacks and Supporting the Community

No indie shoot goes off without a hitch. Michael talks about the “oh no” moments on set and how he dealt with them in real time. He also discusses the emotional aftermath of completing a major project and how he processes it before moving on to the next. Along the way, he emphasizes the importance of supporting fellow indie filmmakers and maintaining a collaborative spirit.

Find out more about Michael on his website

Cultural Roots and a Cannes Connection

Michael reflects on how being both French and American informs his creative process, from story structure to character development. He shares his thoughts on Cannes and where audiences can currently watch Blind Blood. To wrap up, he offers his filmmaking motto and recommends another inspiring episode for filmmakers chasing profitability and purpose in their projects.

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