Inside Indies

The Hustle of Making Films That Matter with Janek Ambros

Cast & Crew — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Indie filmmaking isn’t for the faint of heart.

Janek Ambros, producer, director, and founder of Assembly Line Entertainment, shares his journey from finance to filmmaking and the evolution of his company. Known for his socially driven narratives, Janek has had films showcased at Sundance and other global festivals.

In this episode of Inside Indies, John Cooke and Bishop Porter sit down with Janek to discuss his approach to indie film financing and how he blends creativity with business. Janek offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at life as a multihyphenate in the world of independent film.

Key insights from this episode:

How Janek's background in finance helped shape his approach to filmmaking
The process of indie film financing, from securing investors to pre-selling films
Why the creative process is more important than the outcome in filmmaking

Chapters:
(00:00) Meet Janek Ambros
(04:00) How long does it take to produce a film?
(06:20) Building Assembly Line Entertainment from the ground up
(07:58) The art of securing investors
(10:36) Focus on process over outcome
(12:13) The future of indie filmmaking
(13:56) Francis Ford Coppola’s advice and the value of persistence

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Stop Overspending on Productions With Showbiz Budgeting

Cast & Crew — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

The secret to staying under budget isn’t just cutting costs. It’s mastering the right tools and strategies.

In this episode of Inside Indies, seasoned line producer Steve Gruskin shares his proven methods for managing production budgets efficiently. With experience at major production companies like ABC News Studios and Embassy Row, he offers invaluable insights into budgeting, forecasting, and planning for indie films.

Alongside host Steve Bizenov, he discusses how he uses Showbiz Budgeting to manage shifting schedules, compare cost scenarios, and answer tough financial questions without manually updating every line item. Whether you're dealing with complex financials or just trying to streamline your process, Steve’s tips will help you stay in control and avoid costly mistakes.

Key insights from this episode:

How Showbiz Budgeting simplifies planning and forecasting
Why phases and subgroups save time when shoot plans change
What real-time actuals do to keep budgets accurate and responsive

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Steve Gruskin

(02:36) How Showbiz Budgeting helped Steve in his early years

(06:54) Using Showbiz Budgeting for what-if scenarios

(08:42) Managing tax incentives with Showbiz Budgeting

(10:36) Importing payroll actuals to save time and improve accuracy

(13:41) The benefits of using Showbiz Budgeting for episodic productions

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How Daniel Tantalean Produced Sundance’s Grand Jury Winner Indie-Style

Cast & Crew — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

How do you produce a Grand Jury Prize-winning indie film? Daniel Tantalean joins John Cooke and Anthony López to walk us through the creative, chaotic, and deeply personal journey behind the making of “In the Summers.”

From cold emails and festival mixers to navigating production without a post supervisor, Daniel shares how he found his voice as a producer and why trusting your instincts (and your community) can take a project further than you'd imagine. You'll hear about the four-year path to Sundance, how “In the Summers” survived budget gaps, and what it’s like to support first-time writer-directors through their boldest work.

Key insights from this episode:

Building trust with first-time directors
Creative ways to stretch a limited budget
Why your early jobs on set still matter later

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Daniel Tantalean

(01:26) How early crew jobs guided his approach to producing

(04:07) A turning point after personal loss

(07:50) Cold email that led to “Ale Libre”

(11:52) What made “In the Summers” script stand out

(17:06) Stretching a microbudget for a complex shoot

(26:39) Story behind “Rebel Without a Pause”

(34:35) Real advice for aspiring indie producers

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From Scheduling to Budgeting, How Yamdu and Showbiz Budgeting Streamline Productions

Cast & Crew — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

If your workflow feels like a bigger production than your film, Florian Reimann has a fix you’ll want to hear.

In this episode of Inside Indies, Florian joins hosts John Cooke and Steve Bizenov to share how his experience producing films, commercials, and documentaries led him to co-found Yamdu, a production management platform that streamlines everything from script breakdowns to budget exports. He explains how indie creators can use Yamdu alongside tools like Showbiz Budgeting and shares how his work with MovieLabs and the Media Carbon Calculator is helping build more sustainable workflows across the industry.

Whether you’re scheduling a weekend short or budgeting your next feature, this conversation is filled with practical insights for building efficient, future-ready production pipelines.

Key insights from this episode:

How Yamdu connects your workflow from script to budget
What indie filmmakers can automate and what they shouldn’t
Why better workflows mean more room for creativity

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Florian Reimann

(02:30) What Florian’s early jobs taught him about workflows

(03:33) How Yamdu helps organize your entire production

(09:12) The value of Yamdu’s partnership with Cast & Crew

(12:07) Breaking down the Showbiz Budgeting integration

(15:42) Simplifying onboarding and connecting to payroll tools

(17:45) What global sustainability means for indie filmmakers

(23:01) Upcoming features and innovations in Yamdu

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From Guarding Batman to Budgeting Boba Fett With Brad Field

Cast & Crew — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Every movie has its stars, but few know about the accountants who keep them on screen. While audiences see the action, production accountants like Brad Field keep the budgets balanced, the crews paid, and the incentives in check.

In this episode of Inside Indies, Bishop Porter sits down with Brad, a military veteran turned production accountant, with credits on “Bird Box,” “Knives Out,” and “The Book of Boba Fett.” He discusses the realities of working on studio blockbusters and indie films, the lessons he’s learned on set, and the advice he gives to anyone trying to break into the business.

Whether you’re curious about the business side of filmmaking or looking for guidance on starting your own career, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at life as a production accountant.

Key insights from this episode:

Why indie films are a proving ground for production accountants
What to know before taking your first keying job
How to survive (and succeed) when your crew is small and your budget’s smaller

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Brad Field

(01:11) Military logistics and film production have more in common than you think

(04:37) From Batman to Suicide Squad: Brad’s first roles on set

(07:59) Landing jobs by being prepared, not just lucky

(10:09) First time keying an indie

(13:13) What flipping a nonunion production looks like

(16:48) Working with your partner on set (and off)

(18:15) Advice for breaking into film if you’re starting out

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From Actor to Director: Robert Larriviere’s Indie Journey With "This Is Jan"

Cast & Crew — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

What does it take to make your first film? Robert Larriviere shares the journey from conceptualizing to having an award-winning debut.

John Cooke and Bishop Porter sit down with Robert to unpack the making of This is Jan, discussing topics such as crowdfunding, casting, securing a SAG-AFTRA contract, and creating space for queer stories rooted in history. With warmth, candor, and behind-the-scenes wisdom, Robert shares how he turned a deeply personal experience into a festival-winning short.

Key insights from this episode:

What first-time directors need to know before stepping behind the camera
How Robert turned screenwriting accolades into momentum for fundraising
Why choosing the right lead actor changes things

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Robert Larriviere

(01:59) Inspiration behind This is Jan

(04:48) Winning awards before filming began

(06:59) Planning every shot, then embracing the moment

(09:36) How the location affected the entire story

(14:25) Crowdfunding strategy that actually worked

(18:13) Working with SAG-AFTRA on a short film

(22:05) Advice for first-time indie filmmakers

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Revolutionizing Indie Film Production Through Technology With Ben Arnon

Cast & Crew — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

What if your next film could do more than win awards… What if it could spark a movement?

John Cooke sits down with Ben Arnon, co-founder of Color Farm, to discuss how independent filmmakers can use storytelling to spark social change. With his unique background in both Hollywood and Silicon Valley, Ben shares how innovation and community organizing can fuel the creation of films that are not only impactful but also inclusive. From navigating the challenges of indie filmmaking to building ecosystems that support underrepresented voices, Ben offers practical insights for every creator looking to make their mark.

Key insights from this episode:

How to build a production ecosystem that supports diverse talent
The role of nonprofit arms in amplifying social impact through film
Strategies for blending tech innovation with traditional filmmaking processes

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Ben Arnon

(02:03) The origins behind Color Farm and its mission

(06:30) How community organizing influenced Color Farm's approach

(08:46) Merging Hollywood and Silicon Valley to fuel innovation

(14:40) Tech’s role in transforming independent film production

(20:33) Building an ecosystem for diverse indie film talent

(24:42) Balancing entertainment and impact when selecting stories to tell

(30:02) Ben’s advice to indie filmmakers

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Understanding Types of Production Incentives for Your Film

Cast & Crew — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Want to make your budget go further?

The right production incentives, from tax credits to rebates, can put real money back into your project if you know how each one works.

In this episode of Inside Indies, John Cooke breaks down the two main types of production incentives, explains terms like refundable and transferable, and shares why early planning can make or break your funding.

Key insights from this episode

What “refundable” and “transferable” really mean for your cash flow
Why early planning is essential to secure funding
How indie filmmakers can benefit from state-specific programs

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How To Protect Your Film and Attract Investors With an LLC

Cast & Crew — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

An LLC might seem like just another legal formality, but in independent filmmaking, it’s a smart tool that safeguards your vision, your team, and your wallet.

In this episode of Inside Indies, host John Cooke shares how and why to create an LLC for your next project. You’ll learn how it protects personal assets, what it means for investors, and the practical steps to getting it done, without the legal jargon.

Key insights from this episode:

Why having one LLC per project matters
The steps to legally set up your film company
How to navigate risk, ownership, and credibility from day one

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How Completion Bonds Protect Investors and Filmmakers With Fred Milstein

Cast & Crew — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

What happens when a film runs over budget or misses its deadline?

For many filmmakers, this could mean disaster. That’s where completion bonds come in.

In this episode, Fred Milstein, President and CEO of Media Guarantors, joins John Cooke to explore the world of completion bonds and how they play a crucial role in ensuring independent films are completed on time and within budget. Fred explains how his company supports filmmakers, financiers, and distributors by taking on the risk of completion and why completion bonds are a must-have in the indie film world.

Key insights from this episode:

How completion bonds protect filmmakers and investors
The key documents required to get started with a completion bond
Why understanding production risks is essential to a successful film

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Fred Milstein

(00:39) How completion bonds protect filmmakers

(02:08) Documents needed for a completion bond

(03:07) Evaluating risks for film completion bonds

(04:35) Monitoring progress and budget management

(06:58) Handling script changes during production

(08:04) Managing overages and adjusting bonds

(08:49) What happens if a film fails

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AB5 Employee Classification Explained With John Cooke

Cast & Crew — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

The last thing you want on set is a legal headache.

In this episode, host John Cooke explains California’s AB5 law, something every filmmaker should understand to keep their production on track.

Key insights from this episode:

The basics of California's AB5 law
The legal risks of misclassifying workers in production
How an employer of record simplifies hiring and payroll

To know more about this topic, visit our blog at: https://www.mediaservices.com/blog/employer-of-record-payroll-the-basics-explained/

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Digital Onboarding Made Simple for Indie Films

Cast & Crew — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Skip the paperwork, not the progress.

In this episode, John Cooke walks you through how digital onboarding tools are streamlining production from day one.

Whether you're hiring a crew of five or fifty, discover how online start work, centralized document management, and paperless workflows can save you time, money, and stress.

Key insights from this episode:

When to implement digital onboarding in your production timeline
What tools simplify crew start work and document management
How digital workflows reduce errors and protect your budget

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Learn more on https://castandcrew.com/
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How Indie Producer Scott Glassgold Turns Short Stories Into Studio Films

Cast & Crew — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

When producer Scott Glassgold flew across Europe with a monster’s head in his carry-on, it wasn’t a stunt. It was part of making Tarot, a breakout horror film that turned an $8 million budget into a nearly $50 million box office haul.

That kind of hands-on hustle is exactly what defines Scott’s approach to indie filmmaking, and what’s helped him catch the attention of studios like Universal and filmmakers like Steven Spielberg.

On this episode of Inside Indies, Bishop Porter talks with Scott about how he’s built a creator-first model through Ground Control and 12:01, turning short films and short stories into commercially viable IP. From the early days of Prospect to developing "My Wife and I Bought a Ranch" from a Reddit post into a major feature, Scott shares how emerging formats, new distribution paths, and smart publishing strategies are changing the indie game.

Key insights from this episode:

Why short stories and short films are ideal springboards for features
What producers should know about IP rights and development timelines
How indie creators can build sustainable careers by betting on themselves

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Scott Glassgold

(01:16) Marketing at Disney and the value of early instincts

(02:51) Filming Hurricane Season in post-Katrina New Orleans

(05:20) Starting Ground Control and shifting into management

(06:45) Turning Prospect into a sci-fi feature with Pedro Pascal

(08:50) How Proof of Concept shorts launched a studio horror debut

(11:00) Inside Tarot: monsters, budgets, and shooting in Serbia

(13:21) Building 12:01 and landing Spielberg and a Universal deal

(16:01) From Reddit to Amazon: "My Wife and I Bought a Ranch"

(18:24) What indie creators need to know about today’s market

(29:41) Advice for building lasting creative careers as an indie

(32:29) Empowering creators through multi-platform IP and publishing strategy

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Inside SAG-AFTRA Contracts With Jessica Johnson and Olga Rodriguez-Aguirre

Cast & Crew — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

A well-crafted union agreement can make or break your indie production, and no one knows that better than Jessica Johnson and Olga Rodriguez-Aguirre of SAG-AFTRA.

John Cooke sits down with Jessica and Olga to demystify the SAG-AFTRA contracts that apply to independent films with budgets of $2 million and up. From common pitfalls to budgeting for residuals, they share the advice every indie creator needs before hiring union talent.

Key insights from this episode:

When and how to engage with SAG-AFTRA (and why earlier is better)
Which contracts apply to films over $2 million
Why transparency with the union can save your production

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Olga Rodriguez-Aguirre and Jessica Johnson

(00:37) Why hiring union talent gives films a competitive edge

(01:27) Common missteps filmmakers make with SAG-AFTRA

(03:48) Which contracts apply when your indie budget hits $2 million

(05:04) What to do when your film’s distribution plans change

(06:55) Updating contracts mid-production

(08:27) What SAG-AFTRA looks for in a producer

(13:52) How to find top-tier talent in smaller markets

Read our blog about this topic at https://www.mediaservices.com/blog/sag-aftra-explained-budgeting-for-union-talent/

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How To Use Exhibit G To Stay SAG-Compliant

Cast & Crew — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Timecards are the quiet MVP of any union set. Boring? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely.

In this episode, John Cooke breaks down Exhibit G, the daily timecard required by SAG-AFTRA to document performer work hours, breaks, and approvals. If you’re producing under a union agreement, this form is a non-negotiable.

Whether you’re stepping onto your first union set or looking to tighten up your production process, this episode helps you understand where Exhibit G fits into the bigger picture: why it matters, how to manage it smoothly, and what to watch out for as you scale.

Key insights from this episode:

What Exhibit G is and why every union shoot needs it
How to fill out Exhibit G accurately for each performer
The common details often missed on the form

To know more about this topic, visit our blog at: https://www.mediaservices.com/blog/exhibit-g/

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The Quick Guide To Becoming a SAG-AFTRA Signatory

Cast & Crew — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Thinking about casting SAG-AFTRA actors?

Before you can call “action,” you’ve got to get your paperwork in order, and that starts with becoming a signatory.

In this episode, John Cooke guides you through the process, covering everything from timelines and required paperwork to selecting the right agreement for your budget and production.

Whether you’re prepping a micro-budget short or planning your indie breakout, this episode is your shortcut to getting organized, staying legal, and setting yourself up for a smoother production.

Key insights from this episode:

The ideal time to begin the SAG-AFTRA signatory process
What paperwork you need to gather before applying
Why SAGindie is a must-use resource for indie creators

To know the steps to become a SAG signatory, click here: https://www.mediaservices.com/blog/6-steps-sag-aftra-signatory/

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Key Costs When Hiring SAG-AFTRA Talent

Cast & Crew — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Hiring SAG-AFTRA talent can boost your film’s profile, but the costs can add up fast if you’re not prepared.

In this episode, host John Cooke breaks down the essential expenses you’ll face when working with union actors, from scale pay to performance bonds. He offers clear, practical advice to help independent filmmakers plan wisely, stay compliant, and avoid unexpected budget surprises.

Key insights from this episode:

Understanding fringe benefits and agency fees
Why performance bonds and meal / rest breaks matter
How to choose the right SAG-AFTRA agreement for your project

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Read our blog on budgeting for SAG talent: https://www.mediaservices.com/blog/sag-aftra-explained-budgeting-for-union-talent/

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How To Cast Indie Films Effectively With Kimberly Sparks

Cast & Crew — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Every great performance starts with one powerful choice: casting.

In this episode, John Cooke sits down with casting director Kimberly Sparks to explore how she approaches indie casting with an eye for story and a heart for people. Kimberly walks us through her process of interpreting scripts, working closely with directors and talent agents, and fostering audition spaces that welcome every performer.

Key insights from this episode:

Why the script is your casting bible and how to align with it
How a social media presence can impact casting decisions for indie projects
Practical ways to broaden diversity without disrupting story integrity

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Kimberly Sparks

(00:20) How to align casting with the filmmaker’s vision

(01:18) Social media’s impact on casting choices

(01:59) Collaborating with talent agents effectively

(03:01) Practical tips for diverse casting

(04:52) Making auditions welcoming and respectful

(06:03) Final advice for aspiring actors

To learn how to cast effectively, read our blog at:

https://www.mediaservices.com/blog/casting-for-financial-success/

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How To Discover New Talent: A Casting Guide With Gerardo Maravilla

Cast & Crew — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Casting can make or break your film. But how do you find the right talent without a big budget or industry connections?

In this episode, host John Cooke sits down with Gerardo Maravilla from Backstage to break down what indie filmmakers need to know about the modern casting process. Gerardo shares tips for discovering fresh faces and collaborating with casting directors.

Key insights from this episode:

How casting directors help shape a filmmaker’s creative vision
Where to find emerging talent
How social media can influence casting choices

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Gerardo Maravilla

(00:20) The casting process for film and TV

(01:06) Using Backstage to discover new talent

(03:09) How to stay current on casting trends

(03:55) The role of social media in modern casting

(05:05) Better casting through tech and tools

To learn how to cast effectively, read our blog at:

https://www.mediaservices.com/blog/casting-for-financial-success/

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https://info.mediaservices.com/inside-indies

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How Talent Agents Help You Cast Faster and Smarter

Cast & Crew — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Talent agents aren’t just for A-listers. For indie filmmakers, they’re a secret weapon for casting smarter and moving faster.

In this episode, John Cooke breaks down the role of talent agents and explains why partnering with one can make the casting process smoother, faster, and more strategic.

Whether you’re planning your first short film or gearing up for your next feature, understanding how agents operate (and what they don’t do) can save you time, budget headaches, and missed opportunities.

Key insights from this episode:

How agents streamline casting and contract negotiations
The difference between agents and managers
Tips to stay compliant with SAG-AFTRA rules and avoid delays

For more insights on working with agents, read our guide: https://www.mediaservices.com/blog/talent-agents-and-fees-a-producers-guide/

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Stop Losing Money Over Crew Meal Penalties

Cast & Crew — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Meal breaks might not seem like a big deal…until they cost your production thousands.

In this episode, John Cooke discusses the rules around crew meals and the costly penalties that can sneak up on independent filmmakers. He also shares practical tips on union and nonunion requirements to help you stay compliant, on schedule, and within budget.

Key insights from this episode:

When meal penalties kick in (and how fast they add up)
The key differences between union and nonunion requirements
How better scheduling can protect your production

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How Joe Wein Turned a Survival Story Into a Feature Doc

Cast & Crew — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Stranded in the Atlantic Ocean for 76 days with nothing but a life raft, a spear, and sheer will, Steven Callahan’s true survival story became the obsession of filmmaker Joe Wein.

In this episode, host John Cooke sits down with Joe to explore how he transformed this impossible story into an award-winning documentary. Joe shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of bringing 76 Days Adrift to life and how he managed to find funding for the film.

Key insights from this episode:

Creative ways to finance an indie documentary
Building momentum through proof-of-concept and persistence
Why indie filmmaking is a team sport, not a solo act

Chapters:

(00:00) Meet Joe Wein

(01:13) Why Joe chose to make a documentary out of Steven Callahan’s story

(03:14) How to film what no one recorded

(04:24) Recreating the scenes

(07:23) Scoring the documentary with Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump

(08:59) Getting Ang Lee on board

(10:03) What it really takes to commit to a documentary

(13:39) Raising money the indie way

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Learn more on https://castandcrew.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/CastCrew

Instagram: https://instagram.com/castandcrewllc/

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What Your Film Insurance Really Covers

Cast & Crew — Thu, 29 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Insurance may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most important safeguards in film production.

In this episode of Inside Indies, host John Cooke explains the must-know terms of production insurance, from general liability and workers’ comp to Certificates of Insurance, to protect your crew, gear, and peace of mind.

Key insights from this episode:

What a COI is and when you need it
The core policies that protect your shoot
Understanding coverage limits and gaps

Follow us on our socials:

Learn more on https://castandcrew.com/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/CastCrew

Instagram: https://instagram.com/castandcrewllc/

LinkedIn: https:/linkedin.com/company/castcrew/

X: https://x.com/CastAndCrewNews

This is Inside Indies

Cast & Crew — Thu, 22 May 2025 09:59:58 -0400

This is Inside Indies, powered by Cast & Crew. In each episode, we take a look at what it takes to make an indie film and share advice on things like funding, planning, and getting a project across the finish line, without a studio-sized budget.