Every Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: THE GRAND SEDUCTION (2013).Director: Daniel AndreScreenplay: Daniel AndreCast: Brendan Gleeson; Taylor Kitsch; Liane BalabanSYNOPSISResidents of a small fishing community in Newfoundland charm a doctor into becoming the town's full-time physician, in order to secure a vital factory contract.Subscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content
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1:29
Jeffrey Scotti Schroeder
I haven’t done a how much I love New York City episode in a couple weeks, so the indie smash, OR SOMETHING (2024), and the film’s director, Jeffrey Scotti Schroeder, makes for the absolute perfect guest. Why is the film being extended at Quad Cinemas? What does it say for indie filmmakers that the Substack crowd got so behind this film? Is it repeatable? Let’s hope so. And if you haven’t seen it at the time this airs, go see it through September 4th. Or later, if we keep talking about it.In this episode, Jeffrey and I talk about:The word of mouth success of OR SOMETHING (2024), whose theatrical run was extended through September 4th;His origin story — a true OG throwback to William Morris mailrooms;What makes a great agent?What to expect when you watch OR SOMETHING;How he wound up attached to the film, written by comedy stars Kareem Rahma and Mary Neely;What the six day, ultra-low filmmaking process was like and how filmmakers get the knowledge of avoiding dudes in golf carts in New York City;How the film blew up on blogs + NYC social media and whether it’s repeatable in cities with a clear sense of place (warning: some Los Angeles indie film bashing in this answer);Whether there’s infrastructure to make more of these films in NYC; How much it matters making investors whole to make your next film;Whether local government could get behind a gritty NYC film like this;What’s next for him — it involves surfing and Rio. Jeffrey’s Indie Film Highlight: THE SWEET EAST (2023) dir. Sean Price Williams Memorable Quotes:“The good agents would have a really hard and fast rule that they’d return everybody’s call at least the same day.”“If you like your classic New York City walk and talk film and if you don’t mind two people talking the entire movie….then you’ll like it. If you don’t like that type of movie, you’re not gonna like this film.”“Hey, do you wanna do this ultra low budget feature? They were, what’s the rate? And I told them…like..nothing.”“Whereas New York people are just mind your fucking business on both ends, like we’re filming. And then we’re in their space, excuse me, can you, they’re like, mind your business. It’s New York City.”“If you’re leading with the idea of profitability, it might not come to fruition.”“Word of mouth is definitely the only way because we have a $0 marketing budget.”Links:Follow Jeffrey On InstagramFollow OR SOMETHING On InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content
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37:23
Floriane Andersen
Brilliant in acting. Brilliant in producing. Brilliant in executive producing. Brilliant in...directing? Let's hope so. Given her extraordinarily body of work, most recently in front of the camera in Gil Henry's PAS VRAIMENT ORDINAIRE (2025), we can only hope my guest, Floriane Andersen, will be in the director's chair soon. She certainly has made the opportunity for herself; the production company she co-founded, Artak Pictures, has six projects in the works, two of which she is slated to direct. She is not only forging ahead, but creating a path for others to follow.In this episode, Floriane and I discuss:Her origin story and what the words “French actress” means to her;Why her production company takes on underrepresented voices;Whether she casts based on social media followings and trends;Working with first time female filmmakers versus people who may already know how the system works;Whether she sees other production companies in the championing female voices space as competition;As an actor, producer, and executive producer, how does she approach festivals like Edinburgh and Locarno;How actors can best take advantage of attending film festivals;Her advice for filmmakers just starting out and specifically for French filmmakers;What’s next for her — SIX features! — and she’s attached as a director for two of them.Floriane’s Indie Film Highlight: TWO NEIGHBORS (2025) dir. by Ondine ViñaoMemorable Quotes: “I’m a storyteller, first and foremost.”“Females voices are underrepresented in the film industry so we will focus on that as long as there is still disparity. But hopefully this is not even going to be a subject soon and we can focus on other underrepresented voices.” “Sometimes festivals are not very actor friendly.”“I don’t see it as work, even if it is a lot of work.”Links:Follow Floriane On InstagramFollow Artak Pictures On InstagramSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content
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17:24
Indie Film Highlight: RUNNING ON EMPTY (2024)
Watch This Episode On YouTubeEvery Sunday, I'll post a quick video -- and podcast -- about an indie film from at least a year ago. Today's film: RUNNING ON EMPTY (2024).Director: Daniel AndreScreenplay: Daniel AndreCast: Lucy Hale; Keir GilchristSYNOPSISMort discovers he has less than a year to live. After his fiancé leaves him, he meets Kate on a dating service that matches people by their death dates, all while being stalked by a crazy pimp.Subscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on LetterboxdFollow us on InstagramFollow us on XFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TikTokFollow us on LinkedInSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content
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Jordan Murphy Doidge
When you prepare, special filmmaking tends to happen. That’s the case with my guest, Jordan Murphy Doidge, and his new film, CLOUT, which premiered at HollyShorts. It tells the story of a lonely teenage boy who risks everything to prove himself in a bid for online fame. In the wake of Netflix’s hit ADOLESCENCE (2025), CLOUT has resonated with nonprofits and theaters in the United Kingdom. And as the reviews have shown after its world premiere, that’s likely to spread. It’s phenomenal filmmaking that was made possible by being prepared.In this episode, the early arriving Jordan and I talk about:How his team achieved the incredible reach of CLOUT in terms of screenings and partnerships with nonprofits;A director’s ability to relate to a story, whether it’s because of age or background, and how that matters in filmmaking;His origin story and his sweet yearly tradition with his mother and films;How brand work for luxury brands differs from his journey into narrative filmmaking;Whether luxury brands should pursue a singular, trusted voice or always keep everything competitive;Why he chose to bring CLOUT to HollyShorts and how his work with brands helps with promotion;His next project and what it’s like working in London.Jordan’s Indie Film Highlights: CALM WITH HORSES (2019) dir. by Nick Rowland; SHE RIDES SHOTGUN (2025) dir. by Nick RowlandMemorable Quotes:“ I just feel like I've probably been a storyteller for a very long time.”“It’s all been in the prep.”“ When you are working with people that truly love cinema, like the real cinephiles you'll spend days just talking about stuff that no one will ever see or get in the film.”“ When you prep enough, it gives you the confidence to dance to the rhythm.” Links:Follow Jordan On InstagramFollow CLOUT On InstagramCLOUT WebsiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/first-time-go/exclusive-content
France