What It Takes to Make a First Feature
“Be a scout. Be a badass. Discover undiscovered talent.”
'Satisfaction'
In this episode of the No Film School Podcast, GG Hawkins hosts a conversation with filmmakers Annapurna Sriram (Fucktoys) and Alex Burunova (Satisfaction). Fresh from their SXSW premieres, they open up about the challenges and triumphs of making their first feature films independently. From the loneliness of directing to finding creative collaborators, the trio shares the real, raw experience of being “in the thick of it” during production and beyond.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why making a first feature feels like living on an island — literally and metaphorically
- The emotional rollercoaster of independent filmmaking and the power of perseverance
- The origins of Fucktoys and Satisfaction, and how personal experiences inspired the films
- Casting without “named talent” and the importance of authentic performances
- How microbudget hacks, from thrift store shopping to strategic returns, kept productions alive
- The importance of finding your “spiritual warriors” (aka collaborators who get it)
- How to carry the lessons of your first feature into your next project
Guests:
- Annapurna Sriram (Director, Writer, Lead Actor of Fucktoys)
- Alex Burunova (Director, Writer of Satisfaction)
Subscribe to the No Film School Podcast on:
Get your question answered on the podcast by emailing podcast@nofilmschool.com
Listen to more episodes of the No Film School podcast right here:
This episode of The No Film School Podcast was produced by GG Hawkins.
- How to Write, Direct, and Survive Your First Feature Film ›
- How I Made My First Feature For $25k ›
- At What Age Do Directors Typically Make Their First Feature Film? ›
- Why Ryan Coogler Wants to Focus on Original Ideas Right Now ›
- Why Does 'Sinners' Ownership Deal Have Everyone Talking? ›
- Hollywood Fires Back at 'Sinners' Budget and Box Office Headline ›
