In this week's episode of Truly Independent, co-host Garrett Batty introduces a special edition hosted live by Daren Smith at the Zions Indie Film Fest. Garrett discusses his involvement with the NRB convention in Dallas, while Darren dives deep into the practicalities of independent filmmaking. Highlights include leveraging short films for feature projects, building a solid collaborative team, and the importance of marketing from day one. Daren also shares his own experiences and the Domino Principle strategy for progressing in the film industry. Critical tips on aligning project goals and connecting with producers and marketers bring valuable insights for any indie filmmaker looking to advance their career.

00:00 Introduction to This Week's Episode

00:47 Live Session at Zions Indie Film Fest

01:38 Daren's Background and Podcast Journey

05:35 Leveraging Short Films for Success

11:32 Daren's Personal Experiences in Filmmaking

20:35 The Domino Principle in Filmmaking

24:57 Q&A Session

28:40 The Importance of Independence in Filmmaking

28:55 Sharing Knowledge to Empower Others

29:27 Encouragement and Gratitude

29:54 The Domino Analogy in Filmmaking

31:51 Understanding the Value and Demand in Filmmaking

39:00 The Role of Producers in Independent Films

44:50 The Importance of Momentum and Planning

50:44 Marketing and Distribution Strategies

54:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts