Writing to your Budget w/Aaron Pagniano - Just Shoot It 519

Writing to your Budget w/Aaron Pagniano - Just Shoot It 519

Author: Filmmakers Matt Enlow & Oren Kaplan March 19, 2026 Duration: 1:17:35

Aaron Pagniano https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3142582/ talks about their new micro-budget feature film "It Needs Eyes" and they share secrets to overcoming hurdles when you don’t have a ton of money to play with.


Matt and Oren get a lot of info, like how much money you really net when you raise, say $60,000 on Kickstarter. As well as the secret to affording 35 mm film stock and a Panavision when your budget is limited.


Aaron’s big on building a crew that is excited to work within the budget. And they’ve learned a lot about writing the script to your budget and skillset. And if you’re trying to get your film distributed, Aaron has some insight into shady sales agents and distribution companies and all the ways they will get your film in and cheat you out of the upside and reward.


Find Aaron at https://www.formidablefilefilms.com/ and on IG @formidablefilefilms

Help Matts' film: https://wefunder.com/badfeeling

Help our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/JustShootItPod


Matt's Endorsement: Chris Gethard on "The Vulture" podcast and the nature of DIY and punk rock ethics in comedy, and there's no longer a middle class of comedy.

Oren's Endorsement: The Original Proper Popper Silicone Microwave Bowl and "The Pitt" on HBO

Aaron's Endorsement: Colorado Gators & Reptile Park https://www.coloradofunguide.com/colorado-gators-reptile-park/


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Behind every film you've ever loved is a collection of hard-won lessons, creative struggles, and moments of pure luck. Just Shoot It: A Podcast about Filmmaking, Screenwriting and Directing pulls back the curtain on that process. Hosted by working directors Matt Enlow and Oren Kaplan, this podcast operates like a long-form conversation between peers, delving into the granular details of building a life behind the camera. Each episode features an interview with a filmmaker, but the focus is less on promoting projects and more on dissecting the craft. You'll hear directors, writers, cinematographers, and other artists break down their approach to story development, the visual language of a scene, working with actors, and the practical realities of navigating a career. The discussion is grounded in the hosts' own experiences, making the advice tangible and the pitfalls relatable. This isn't abstract theory; it's a field guide compiled from the trenches. Whether you're an aspiring director, a seasoned screenwriter, or simply fascinated by how movies are truly made, this podcast offers an honest, unvarnished look at the art, business, and relentless problem-solving that defines filmmaking. Tune in for a masterclass that feels like a coffee shop chat, where the goal is to demystify the journey from script to screen.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Just Shoot It: A Podcast about Filmmaking, Screenwriting and Directing
Podcast Episodes
Engagement Farming  w/Matt & Oren- Just Shoot It 492 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:39
Matt & Oren dive into answering your questions. It's a new format and we hope it clicks! And whether it works or not, there's a new way you can let them know.There's questions from early career filmmakers. What is the on…
Marketing Yourself w/Matt and Oren - Just Shoot It 490 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:02
After an amazing DP/cinematographer has an unfortunate schedule change, Matt & Oren whip up a discussion about social media and listener notes about their websites. And Matt talks about how his LinkedIn post got noticed.…
Vibe Checks w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 489 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:54
Matt & Oren discuss the feeling dogging every freelancer: "Will I ever work again?" They dig into who they recommend when they can't take an awesome job, and how that has paid it forward in good ways. Maybe it's all abou…
Update Your F**king Website! w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 488 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:03
Matt's been getting wrapped up in analytics, and Oren's been updating his reel. So yeah, update your f**king website if you haven't!This week, we get into where to host your portfolio whether you want the best web host o…
Crafting your Directing Brand w/Jamaal Parham - Just Shoot It 486 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:16
Jamaal Parham, part of the directing duo Jams and Bash, talks to Oren and Matt about how they approach their business without the cheesiness. From a start working exclusively with Broadway productions, they've become a C…
What Makes a Good Producer w/Kelly Christensen - Just Shoot It 484 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:30
Kelly Christensen built a toolkit for crafting a lasting career as a commercial producer. And he shares what directors can do to stand out and keep getting hired. Matt and Oren chat with Kelly about what makes his secret…