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/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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
Commitment Issues  w/ Matt & Oren  - Just Shoot It 443 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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How to Share Your Work w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 437 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Talking to Actors w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 436 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:47
This week, Matt & Oren do a little catching up and chat about talking to actors!Matt's Endorsement: NoBudge, One Sandwich To Rule Them AllOren's Endorsement: Dropbox Tip, Filmot, Untoldstudios.tvContribute to the Just Sh…
2 Wins & 2 Losses w/Matt & Oren - Just Shoot It 435 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:32
This week, Matt & Oren dive into some wins and losses when it comes to landing commercial directing jobs.Matt's Endorsement: Fruits!Oren's Endorsement: Beer GuidelinesContribute to the Just Shoot It Patreon and help the…
Dominating A Smaller Market w/Morgan & Nick - Just Shoot It 434 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:59
This week, Matt & Oren chat with the directing duo Morgan & Nick about their commercial directing careers, how to dominate your smaller local market, and pre-vising with Unreal Engine!Matt's Endorsement: Alex Hormozi's P…