My First Film

Adam Rioux made his debut feature Urchins in the swamps, forests, and forgotten backroads of rural Florida, and nearly got destroyed by the process. From seven rain delays on day one to losing a lead actor less than two weeks before production, Adam’s journey to making his first feature is a masterclass in indie filmmaking survival.Before directing Urchins, Adam shot sorority promo videos across Florida, operated Camera Car Arms on Marvel productions, and slowly built a filmmaking career through hustle, community, and pure obsession with storytelling. In this episode, he breaks down how he crowdfunded the film, found collaborators through social media, rewrote the script during production, edited the movie while shooting, and pulled off a 16-day feature shoot in brutal Florida weather.We also talk about the realities of first-time feature filmmaking: why every indie film needs pickup days, the changing landscape of festivals and distribution, working with a tiny crew, and how authenticity, not perfection, became the thing that attracted people to the project in the first place.Stick around until the end for a big update on Petunia, my debut feature, including picture lock, color, music, VFX, and what post-production has actually been like after wrapping principal photography.

Jim Cummings is the writer-director behind Thunder Road, The Wolf of Snow Hollow, and The Beta Test—but before any of that, he made a feature he now calls “cringeworthy.” From crashing on his parents’ floor with film school friends to reinventing himself after a five-year directing hiatus, Jim has built a career by staying fiercely independent and refusing to wait for permission.In this episode, Jim walks us through the entire journey—from making Thunder Road on Kickstarter and equity investments, to landing a surprise Amazon deal, to self-distributing the feature and making over $1 million. He shares how working at CollegeHumor and ILM sharpened his storytelling, how an Olaf balloon at the bottom of the Mariana Trench inspired one of his most biting shorts, and why he thinks the studio system is broken beyond repair. It’s equal parts filmmaker therapy, business masterclass, and creative kick in the ass.Stick around to the very end for a quick update on Petunia, my debut feature, and where things are at as we prep for a big fundraising push this fall.

Meet Jacob and Ben Burghart, the dynamic filmmaking duo behind the indie feature "Head Count" (2023)! In this episode of My First Film, host Alec C. Cohen dives deep into their incredible journey from small-town Kansas to creating a critically acclaimed movie. The Burghart brothers share how they honed their craft with whimsical VHS shorts, broke into the industry with their short film "Suspense," and turned a bold vision into a reality by working with Continuance Pictures and Shout Factory. Their story is proof that great cinema can come from anywhere! Learn how they navigated the challenges of indie filmmaking, from funding their project to managing a 13-day shoot schedule. The Burgharts' tale is a masterclass in resourcefulness and determination, a must-watch for aspiring directors and film enthusiasts alike. Stick around until the very end to hear a quick update on Alec's debut feature, "Petunia."

In this episode of the My First Film podcast, director Francis Galluppi shares the extraordinary journey of creating his debut feature film, The Last Stop in Yuma County, on a budget of under $1 million. Francis discusses the pivotal decisions that brought the project to life, including his intentional approach to writing stories rooted in real locations and his friend's life-changing decision to sell his house to fund the film. Francis also reflects on how he secured his dream cast by writing heartfelt letters to actors he admired, showcasing the power of persistence and genuine passion in filmmaking. His candid insights into navigating the indie film world, embracing unconventional methods, and staying prepared at every turn make this episode a must-listen for aspiring filmmakers. For those looking to make their first feature, Francis offers invaluable advice on turning constraints into creative opportunities, building trust with collaborators, and remembering that there are no rules in independent filmmaking. Stick around until the very end to hear a quick update on Alec’s first film, Petunia.

In this episode of the My First Film podcast, director Amanda Lundquist takes us behind the scenes of her debut feature film, Pinsky, made for just $30,000. Amanda shares the highs and lows of bringing her vision to life, from crowdfunding on Kickstarter to filming in her hometown of Boston. She dives into the creative ways her team leveraged local resources, like using her family apartment as a key location, and highlights the importance of collaboration with friends and community. Amanda reflects on how limitations shaped the film, turning challenges into creative opportunities. She talks candidly about navigating the realities of the industry, balancing filmmaking with a day job in post-production, and how staying connected to her creative passion fuels her work. Her story is a testament to perseverance and resourcefulness in the face of financial and logistical hurdles. For aspiring filmmakers, this episode offers invaluable lessons on crowdfunding, working within constraints, and building a team of collaborators who share your vision. Stick around until the very end to hear a quick update on Alec's first film, Petunia.

In this episode of the "My First Film" podcast, director Clay Tatum shares his journey to making his debut feature film, "The Civil Dead", for under $50,000. Clay talks about how his long-standing friendship with producer Mike Marasco played a crucial role in getting the film funded, as well as how years of making short films and comedy sketches helped him build the network needed to take the next step. He emphasizes the importance of staying connected in the industry and using those relationships to create opportunities. The film, shot in just 12 days with a skeleton crew, is a testament to the power of low-budget filmmaking when you leverage your resources and connections effectively. Clay also reflects on his struggles in Los Angeles, working at a pizza joint for six years while creating shorts and sketches. His unconventional path through film school, mixed feelings about formal education, and dedication to filmmaking eventually led him to success. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, this episode provides valuable insights into networking, perseverance, and how to create a feature film on a tight budget. Stick around until the very end to hear a quick update on Alec's first film, Petunia.

In this episode of *My First Film*, host Alec C. Cohen interviews Edoardo Vitaletti about his debut feature film *The Last Thing Mary Saw*. Edoardo shares his journey from Monza, Italy, to New York, where he attended NYU to study filmmaking. He discusses how his love for writing led him to film, despite not picking up a camera until later in life. The conversation dives into the challenges of making his first feature, including transforming a short script into a feature-length project and directing on a tight budget with a limited schedule. Edoardo also talks about securing talent like Isabelle Fuhrman and Rory Culkin, which helped elevate the film’s profile. He offers advice for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of writing a strong script and staying disciplined throughout the process. Edoardo’s story is an inspiring example of the dedication needed to complete a first film and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from perseverance. Stick around until the very end for a quick update on Alec's debut feature, Petunia.

Filmmaker Jonathan Cuartas is making waves in the indie horror scene with his debut feature, "My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To." In this episode, Jonathan sits down with host Alec C. Cohen to discuss how he brought his intimate horror-drama to life outside the traditional film hubs of Los Angeles and New York. From turning a proof of concept short film into a feature to collaborating closely with his brother and father, Jonathan's journey is a testament to the power of family and perseverance in filmmaking. Throughout the episode, Jonathan dives into the unique challenges and triumphs of working on a tight budget, building emotional depth into his horror narratives, and the creative ways he navigated the indie film landscape. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a fan of unconventional horror, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical insights. Stick around until the very end for an update on Host Alec C. Cohen's first film, "Petunia."

One of the fiercest contemporary voices in independent cinema, Joel Potrykus stands firmly in a league of his own when it comes to grungy slacker flicks. His recent works include "Buzzard," "The Alchemist Cookbook," and "Relaxer" garnering him prestigious festival selections like SXSW and Fantasia. But his first feature, "Ape," is a total miracle child. Done on a shoestring budget of less than $2,000, Joel and his team paid more money to attend the Locarno Film Festival where he won Best Emerging Director than the film itself. "Ape" is a ferocious and wholly original piece of work with a very slippery process that's a blast to revisit. There are tons of critical takeaways and learning moments that everyone should know before making their first film. Stick around until the very end for an update on Host Alec C. Cohen's first film, "Petunia."

For our exciting second episode, we're joined by Colin West, an ~out of this world~ director known for incorporating Sci-Fi concepts into grounded drama. His short films have garnered hundreds of thousands of views, Vimeo Staff Picks, and Dust features. He's made two feature films, "Double Walker" and "Linoleum." West discusses his upbringing in Colombus, OH, his decision to go to USC Grad Film, his struggles post-grad, and his journey to make "Double Walker" a reality. He has some great practical advice for first-time filmmakers looking to make their debut feature, especially when it comes to leaning into your available resources. Stick around until the end of the episode to hear an update on host Alec C. Cohen's debut feature, "Petunia."