Podcast
Make Your Film
Hosted by Denis OBrien · EN
Emmy Winning Producer & Director Denis O'Brien gives you step-by-step tips on all facets of production: TV, film, commercial, or documentary. How do we make a budget, where do we shoot, and who shoots it? Much more to come each week.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 45 - Do Something, Anything.
Nov 600:05:35Tap to summarizeSynopsis:Denis O'Brien lights a fire under every filmmaker who’s stuck in “development hell.” Stop polishing the pitch deck. Stop doom-scrolling for funding that never comes. Grab your phone, your cousin’s DSLR, or that busted iPhone 8—SHOOT SOMETHING TODAY.In this 5-minute jolt of tough love, Denis reminds you:A finished 30-second TikTok is worth more than a perfect 120-page script nobody sees.Every frame you capture is a story you can tell investors, collaborators, or your future self.Motion creates momentum: one short leads to one favor, one favor leads to one backer.Helping one stranger with your camera (a local business promo, a kid’s birthday montage) can open doors you never knocked on.Denis ends with a standing dare:“By the time this episode ends, I want you rolling. Post it, tag #DoSomethingAnything, and I’ll repost the best ones on the show next week.”Action Steps (stolen straight from Denis)Open your phone. Hit record.Walk outside. Film the first moving thing you see.Add one title card: “Day 1 – I’m doing it.”Upload before dinner.Listen NowApple PodcastsSpotifyOr yell “Play Make Your Film 45” at your smart speaker—Denis swears it works.Your excuse just expired.Camera up. Volume on.GO.#DoSomethingAnything #denisobrien #bestbandamericaSee more at http://MakeYourFilm.net.
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Ep. 37 - Best Band in America
Mar 22, 202500:05:24Tap to summarizeEpisode 37 *Hi folks, welcome to Episode 37 of Make Your Film—I’m Denis O’Brien. At Make Your Film, we don’t claim to have all the answers, but we share knowledge to help you navigate the incredible—and sometimes daunting—task of putting a creative movie or series together.Today’s episode is close to my heart: Best Band in America, my show. I pitch it, and everyone loves it. We’re going to towns and cities across America, finding the best undiscovered bands—where the lead guitarist might be a plumber, the drummer an architect, playing marvelous music on weekends. These are the stories America wants to hear, needs to hear. And here’s the thing—I’m like them. I had a day job in advertising, but my music dream never died. Best Band in America is my journey, and I’m taking you along for the ride.We’re in production now, shooting March 26, with a $50K grand prize from Bakehouse Studios for the winning band. Check us out at BestBandAmerica.com, and follow along on YouTube (youtube.com/@BestBandinAmerica)—we’ve already got 1,500 views in 5 days!The lesson today: keep going. Keep tuning up your ideas, polishing what you have, and then—bam—you’ll pitch, and things will change fast. That’s what happened to me, and it can happen to you. Tune in for more Make Your Film, and visit BestBandAmerica.com for updates! #producer #makeyourfilm*See more at http://MakeYourFilm.net.
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Episode 36: Pre-Sales—Selling Your Film Before It’s Made
Feb 24, 202500:05:12Tap to summarizeEpisode 36: Pre-Sales—Selling Your Film Before It’s Made Hi, I’m Denis O’Brien, and welcome to MakeYourFilm, where we dish out practical tips to help the filmmaking community—and yeah, me too—figure out how to get our projects off the ground. Whether it’s a doc, a video, a commercial, or anything produced, the principles are usually the same. But today, we’re talking about something different: pre-sales. This is a game-changer mostly for films and sometimes TV series. Docs? Not so much, unless you’ve got a killer track record. So, what’s a pre-sale? It’s selling your film before you even shoot it. Here’s how it works: you package your project—think budget, shooting schedule, and, most importantly, key actors. Bonus points if you’ve got a known director, though big-name actors can carry an unknown one. You take this package to a distributor. They look at it, crunch the numbers, and figure out what a film like yours, with those actors, could make. If your cast has star power, this gets a lot easier. What happens next? The distributor offers a pre-sale figure. Sometimes they guarantee it in writing so you can borrow against it; other times, they pay an advance upfront for specific rights to your film. It’s all about the terms—layers of them. I recently took a deal for all countries except the U.S. That gave me enough to finish funding while keeping the U.S. open for a bigger play later. Smart, right? These pre-sale folks know how to make money and spot a good investment. If you land an offer, that’s a win—it means your project’s got legs. But before you sign, check a few things: How long’s the term? What’s the scope—regions, platforms? Are there hidden fees or deductions sneaking in there? You’ll need a lawyer, no question, but don’t just hand it off—read it yourself too. Get a grip on what’s happening. We can’t unpack it all in one short podcast, but start here: you’ve got the power if you package it right. Need more? Swing by MakeYourFilm.net. Grab my book, Make Your Film—A Producer’s Guide to the Process, on Amazon—it’s all in there. Now, go make your film! Catch you next time. #MakeYourFilm #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #FilmProducer #BelieveInYourself #FilmProduction #CreativeProcess #PassionProject See more at http://MakeYourFilm.net.
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🎬 Episode 35 - The Value of a Location Manager
Feb 21, 202500:06:12Tap to summarize🎬 Episode 35 - The Value of a Location ManagerHi, I’m Denis O’Brien, and this is Make Your Film—your go-to for Producer wisdom in just a few minutes.🎥 Today's episode is sponsored by Atlanta’s own Jonathan Wymer—who reminded me exactly why Location Managers are worth every penny!Why You Need a Location ManagerA great Location Manager does way more than just find cool places to shoot. They handle:🏗 Scouting procedures – Finding the right spot before you even get there.📜 Permitting & Agreements – Getting the legal paperwork done so you don’t have to.📍 On-site management – Making sure everything runs smoothly on set.🎬 Filming prep – Setting up vendors, supplies, and making sure the location is ready.✅ Successful exit strategy – Leaving the location in great condition so you can use it again.This isn't just generic info—it's professional guidance, tailored to your exact production needs.Why This Matters for YouI know budgets are tight. I know we try to make do with what we have.But having a locked-down location and someone managing that relationship?📌 That lets YOU focus on your creative work.Think about it.Want More?💻 Go to MakeYourFilm.net🎥 Hire me at DenisOBrien.comNow, GO MAKE YOUR FILM! 🎬🔥#MakeYourFilm #Filmmaking #FilmLocations #LocationManager #ProductionTips #IndieFilm #CreativeProcessSee more at http://MakeYourFilm.net.
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🎬 Episode 34 - Be the Solution
Feb 20, 202500:14:22Tap to summarizeHi, I’m Denis O’Brien, and this is Make Your Film—a few minutes of Producer wisdom from someone who’s been on a few shoots. Want to Make Your Film or Show? Be the Solution. 🎭 You need actors. 💰 You need funding. 💡 You’re hoping a producer magically reaches out, your film gets funded, and all is right in the world. ✅ If you believe that can happen, it might. ⚠️ But for most, it’s harder than that—so let’s break it down. Here’s How You Get Your Film Made 1️⃣ Make a Plan—Start from the End & Work Backwards 🎭 Where will your film debut? Theater? TV? Streaming? Decide first.🎬 How will it be marketed? Festivals, distribution, PR—map it out.🎼 What about post-production? Editing, color grading, music scoring, final tweaks.🎥 How many shoot days? Can you see it going well?📝 Pre-Production: How does prep help ensure a smooth shoot?🎭 Casting: Remember how you found the perfect actors?💰 Financing & Funding: It was easier than you thought, right? Because you planned.✍️ Finalizing Script, Pitch Deck & Budget: Now you’re ready.🚀 Now, here you are. Great actors and funding are important—but can you see all the other moving parts? Even if things change—and they will—you’ve mapped it out. The Power of Belief in Filmmaking 🎭 Neville Goddard teaches that creation is finished—you just have to choose the path. ✅ What you believe is what comes to pass. ✅ The trick? Keep believing in yourself through the trials. Filmmaking is like walking a balance beam— ⚖️ You will fall off… ⚡ But you must get back on. Key Takeaways 📦 Tyler Reid says: The package sells the movie. 🎬 Average films, packaged well, get funded. 💡 **Your passion isn’t enough—**you must wear it. Two Final Lessons: 1️⃣ Learn about Neville Goddard. His teachings influence coaches, leaders, and filmmakers worldwide. 2️⃣ Stop talking about what hasn’t worked. Whatever you say is what you believe.Speak success into existence.💻 Visit MakeYourFilm.net 📖 Get my book: Make Your Film—A Producer’s Guide to the Process Now, GO MAKE YOUR FILM! 🎬🔥 #MakeYourFilm #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #FilmProducer #BelieveInYourself #FilmProduction #CreativeProcess #PassionProject See more at http://MakeYourFilm.net.
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🎬 Episode 33 - Pick a Producer
Feb 19, 202500:05:49Tap to summarize🎬 Episode 33 - Pick a ProducerIf you want to produce anything and you are not a producer…👉 You need to get one.Hi, I’m Denis O’Brien from Make Your Film.If you’re creating a movie or a show, you will need someone to produce it.Selling vs. Producing📜 Want to sell your idea? Write query letters and market your script.🎥 Want to make your own film? Well, that’s a different beast—and I’m here to help.Types of Producers You’ll EncounterThere are many types of producers, including:✔️ Agency Producers✔️ TV Station Producers✔️ Production Company Producers✔️ Line Producers (day-to-day operations)✔️ Consulting Producers✔️ Assistant, Associate, and Executive Producers (big-picture and financing)💡 You’ll need more than one.A film producer is the one who picks up the project, puts it on rails, and brings it home.🔹 Executive Producers handle the money.🔹 Line Producers manage the day-to-day.🔹 Additional Producers & Assistants step in at different phases.How to Choose the Right Producer✅ Know their motivations – Do they align with yours?✅ Trust them – Can they get it done?✅ Handle pressure – This industry is all about pressure. How do they react?The Time to Make a Film is NOW.🎞️ I have wisdom on this podcast, a book, and resources on my website.📲 Call me, let’s make your film happen.🔥 No more waiting—Make Your Film!#MakeYourFilm #Filmmaking #FilmProducer #IndieFilm #FilmProduction #MovieMaking #Storytelling #JustStart #FilmIndustrySee more at http://MakeYourFilm.net.
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🎬 Episode 32 - The Time Is Now
Feb 17, 202500:06:12Tap to summarize🎬 Episode 32 - The Time Is Now : You’ve always wanted to make a movie, right? Well… the time is now. Hi, I’m Denis O’Brien from Make Your Film, and I can help you do just that. What Are You Waiting For? 🎥 Did you know you can make an ensemble film with a solid cast for under $500K? ⏳ Are you waiting for "the right time"? 💡 Do you have a process to get it done? Let’s be clear: Making a film is NOT for everyone. ✔️ It’s hard work. ✔️ Completion ≠ Success. ✔️ You’ll have to think about distribution early in the process. But… if making your film is truly important to you, then let’s set out to do it. The 9-Step Process to Making Your Film 1️⃣ Story – You need a great story. Whether you’re writing it yourself or working with a writer, this is your foundation. 2️⃣ Build Your Team – Assemble your producer, director, editor, production designer, wardrobe team, and more. 3️⃣ Budget & Financing – Figure out your funding strategy and set realistic financial guardrails. 4️⃣ Early Prep & Talent Commitment – Lock in key cast and crew. 5️⃣ Pre-Production – Planning, scheduling, and logistics. 6️⃣ Shoot & Wrap – Lights, camera, action! 7️⃣ Post-Production – Editing, sound design, visual effects, and final cuts. 8️⃣ Finishing – Color grading, mastering, and finalizing your film. 9️⃣ Festivals & Distribution – Exploring film festivals, streaming, theatrical, and beyond. You CAN Do This—And I Can Help. 📲 I’m available for consultation to guide you through the process. 🎞️ I’ll share real stories of first-time executive producers who made it happen. 🚀 No more waiting. The time is now. 👉 Follow me for more insights & let’s Make Your Film! 🔥 Call to Action: #MakeYourFilm #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #FilmProduction #Storytelling #Filmmaker #CreativeProcess #NoExcuses #JustStart #MovieMaking #FilmIndustry See more at http://MakeYourFilm.net.
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🎬 Episode 31 - Steady & Strong
Feb 4, 202500:06:12Tap to summarize"The future depends on what we do in the present." – Mahatma Gandhi As Gandhi so eloquently put it, your future film depends on what you do right now. Hi, I’m Denis O’Brien, and this is Make Your Film. Are You Doing the Work Today? You have a chance every day to move toward your finished film. So ask yourself: ✅ Are you making progress today? ✅ Are you checking your master list? (You know I love lists.) ✅ Are you setting a daily plan to move forward? If you have a day job, carve out time early in the morning or late at night—but make the work happen. Stop Complaining. Start Doing. As Esther Hicks says: Get ready to get ready to get ready. 🚫 Stop bitching—seriously. 🔄 Whatever you complain about, you attract more of—it’s a law of attraction. 👀 If social media makes you envious, look away. 📰 If people are ranting about politics or bad news, don’t get sucked in. The 4-Step Mindset for Filmmakers 1️⃣ Set a Goal – Define what you want. 2️⃣ Continuously Improve – Make steady progress every day. 3️⃣ Forget the Past – Stop dwelling on past failures. 4️⃣ Focus on the Future – Look ahead and do the work. Master the Mundane. Do The Work. 🎯 Go to my website for free links and resources. 📖 Buy the Make Your Film book. 📺 Tune in daily—I’m here to help you Make Your Film. And if you know it’s time to make your film... Then JUST DO IT. (Thanks, Nike.) Steady. Strong. Every day. Refine, improve, and take action—now. 🔥 📲 Follow for more: #MakeYourFilm #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #DoTheWork #FilmProduction #Filmmaker #FilmIndustry #SetGoals #NoExcuses #CreativeProcess See more at http://MakeYourFilm.net.
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🎬 Episode 30 - SAG Always, Unless...
Feb 3, 202500:05:57Tap to summarize🎬 Episode 30 - SAG Always, Unless... Hi, I’m Denis O’Brien, and this is Make Your Film. If you’re making a film or TV show for the U.S. market, you should use SAG actors—unless you have a specific reason not to. Why SAG? The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is a unique union. At any given time, only about 5% of its members are working, and while their rules are strict, they represent the best actors in the business. To attract great talent, you need SAG status. Understanding SAG Contracts & Rates SAG offers multiple levels of production agreements, each with different rates based on your film’s budget: 🎭 Theatrical (Over $2M) – $1,088/day 🎭 Low Budget (Under $2M) – $703/day 🎭 Moderate Low Budget ($700K or less) – $379/day 🎭 Ultra Low Budget ($300K or less) – $216/day 🎭 New Media ($50K–$250K budget) – $125/day For independent filmmakers, New Media is a game-changer. It allows indie productions to: ✅ Hire SAG actors at a low rate ($125/day minimum) ✅ Ensure actors get residuals if the project takes off ✅ Attract top talent even on a tight budget The Exception? Ensemble Films. If you're making a small-budget, ensemble-driven film with a tight cast of non-union actors—and they’re the exact people you want—you don’t have to go SAG just for the sake of it. However, most productions are SAG signatory while also employing some non-union talent, which is standard in the industry. The larger the budget, the more unions get involved—that’s just how it works. 🎥 Now Is the Time to Make Your Film! There has never been a better time to make a film—and more opportunities than ever to find distribution. 👉 Visit my website & sign up for the newsletter 👉 Join the Make Your Film Facebook group 👉 Buy the "Make Your Film" book : 👉 And most importantly... MAKE YOUR FILM! See you next time! 🎬 See more at http://MakeYourFilm.net.
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Episode 29 - The Triple A Treatment
Feb 2, 202500:06:43Tap to summarizeHost: Denis O'Brien | Make Your Film 🎬 Intro: 🎙 Hi, Denis here from Make Your Film, episode 29, and today we’re talking about Triple A treatment—not as in a movie treatment, (or Triple A baseball) but how you treat people. Because treating people well is what keeps your momentum going. At Make Your Film, we don’t claim to have all the answers, but we do share knowledge to help you navigate the incredible—and sometimes daunting—task of putting a creative movie or series together. What is the Triple A Treatment? It stands for: AttentionAffirmationAppreciationAnd I’m not just talking about the people who work for you. This applies to vendors, investors, and clients too. The Power of Being Present To quote William King: “A gossip is one who talks to you about others; a bore is one who talks to you about himself; a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself.” Think about that. If you have an investor on the phone, and they’re not engaging on the investment yet but they’re still talking—stay present. Listen attentively.Affirm their words. Acknowledge what they’re saying.Appreciate their time.The same goes for vendors, crew, and employees. Be present. Listen. Affirm their work. Appreciate them as part of your team. Building Success Through Relationships Making a film is a long, tough journey. To do it successfully, you have to pull together money, creative talent, story, and support vendors, plus an array of union reps, distributors, and marketing teams—all just to get the world to see your story. You won’t get there by being rude or inattentive. You get there by practicing Attention, Affirmation, and Appreciation—the Triple A Treatment—with everyone involved. Final Thoughts 🎬 Here at Make Your Film, we take a few moments each day to share wisdom and encourage you—and me—to keep pushing forward. As Wayne Dyer said: "Don't die with your music still in you!" Next Steps Visit the website for more information.Join our Facebook group to network and stay motivated.Tomorrow, we’re launching a space where you can upload your film plans.Take action today: Draft a 10-12 month schedule for your film and get a first glimpse of how your project will take shape.Now—go make your film! 🎥🔥 See more at http://MakeYourFilm.net.
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