In this episode of No Film School, host GG Hawkins and filmmaker Leah Saint Marie discuss the challenges and rewards of navigating the indie film industry. From festival purgatory to creating opportunities in a highly competitive field, Leah shares her insights, experiences, and actionable advice for aspiring filmmakers. The conversation also highlights the emotional tolls of rejection, the creative joys of collaboration, and why lying your way to the top (in a tongue-in-cheek way) might be more common than you think.

In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins and Leah Saint Marie discuss:

The struggles and successes of creating indie films and navigating festivals
Leah’s unconventional career journey and advice for creating your own opportunities
How to handle rejection and imposter syndrome in a creative industry
The importance of community and collaboration in indie filmmaking
Leah’s “birthday GoFundMe” strategy to fund her first feature

Memorable Quotes:

“No one else is telling you no, except yourself. If you haven’t made a movie, if you haven’t written a script, and you’re afraid to do it, do it anyway.” (39:44)
THis job is about community. Finding your community of people who feel like they are in the same space as you is so essential.” (1:16:32)
“Sometimes I wish I didn’t know as much… You’re going to do it in a fresh way because you don’t know what you’re referencing.” (1:19:50)

Resources:

Leah’s Podcast: Pitch! A Screenwriting Podcast
Leah on X (formerly Twitter): @leahwelch19
Leah’s IMDb:Leah Saint Marie

Find No Film School everywhere:

On the Web: No Film School
Facebook: No Film School on Facebook
Twitter: No Film School on Twitter
YouTube: No Film School on YouTube
Instagram: No Film School on Instagram

Send us an email with questions or feedback: podcast@nofilmschool.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lie Your Way to the Top, FYC, Festival P...