BPS 481: The Brutal Truth About Getting Your First Film Made with Greg Francis

BPS 481: The Brutal Truth About Getting Your First Film Made with Greg Francis

Author: Bulletproof Screenwriting July 23, 2026 Duration: 1:34:51
On today's episode, filmmaker Greg Francis shares the incredible journey behind making his first feature film, Poker Night, after spending more than a decade fighting to bring it to the screen. From growing up in Taiwan as the son of missionaries to discovering filmmaking through public access television and documentary work, Greg explains how persistence—not overnight success—became the defining theme of his career. He discusses raising financing, navigating Hollywood, losing major actors, rebuilding projects from scratch, and why surviving the filmmaking business often matters more than immediate success.

The conversation is packed with practical filmmaking wisdom, covering fundraising, crowdfunding, writing screenplays, directing actors, story development, working with experienced crews, casting recognizable talent, film distribution, and the changing economics of independent cinema. Greg also shares why writing multiple scripts is essential, how to receive honest feedback, why relationships matter more than shortcuts, and why every setback becomes another lesson that prepares filmmakers for the next opportunity.


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Ever find yourself staring at a blank page, wondering how the stories you love actually got made? Bulletproof Screenwriting™ Podcast digs into that process with the people who live it. Each week, we sit down for honest, detailed conversations that pull back the curtain on the craft and business of telling stories for the screen. You’ll hear from Oscar® and Emmy® award-winning writers, not just about their triumphs, but about the drafts that failed and the specific problems they had to solve. We also talk with best-selling authors who have adapted their work, seasoned Hollywood agents and managers who know what sells, and various industry insiders who provide a clear-eyed view of how things really work. This isn't about abstract theory or motivational fluff. It's a practical resource built on real experience, covering every aspect of the screenwriting process from that initial spark of an idea to navigating the complexities of the marketplace. The goal is straightforward: to provide you with actionable insights and straight talk that can strengthen your work and clarify your path forward. Whether you're just starting out or have a few scripts under your belt, this podcast offers a grounded perspective on the journey, one concrete discussion at a time. Tune in for a dose of reality and craft from those who have been in the trenches and emerged with stories to tell.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Bulletproof Screenwriting™ Podcast
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