SBP Podcast Mobile Filmmaking

iPhone Brought Her Story To Life with Inga Vosk

She had a screenplay and a vision. Inga Vosk believed in her story. She had a dream to realize the story as a movie. A feature film. She didn’t know how. She had never directed a short or feature film. But she had a vision and an iPhone. Episode 79 of the SBP Podcast Mobile Filmmaking is an in-depth discussion with the winner of the Best Feature Film award at the 2020 International Mobile Film Festival in San Diego. Her film, Stealth (hashtag Stealth) was shot with iPhones in St. Petersburg, Russia.
After hearing her story first hand, I could connect—I know you will too. All of us have done things in our lives…we have all met a challenge dead between the eyes. Our desire to realize something and the realization of not knowing how does not make it impossible. Inga’s vision of her story as a film and her possession of a smartphone crossed the line where many do not go. Inga Vosk works in animation as a writer and director and she has plans to direct more films now that she has had a successful experience as a filmmaker.
Many people have a dream to do something, or create something, and don’t. Fewer people face the fear unless they are driven by their belief. They say you have to see it to believe it. Perhaps that’s why having a vision is so important to realizing it. Inga Vosk certainly envisioned her film and she developed a passion to make the film. Passion is an endless supply of energy. Once she began her quest, it all came together—fast. Just a few days after finding a crew for her film, production began. It took just 9 days to shoot, even with the locations for scenes spread throughout St. Petersburg. She mentions one location being a 1-2 hour drive. 


Stealth has an incredible twist where everything comes together in the end. Inga Vosk’s style as a director holds the viewer in a state of suspension throughout the film wondering what is happening and why. The characters are intense and their connection to the story bring you into their voyage through the city and the plot of the story. The protagonists of the story are Cucumber, Nikita Sanaev; Alla, Anna Bachalova; Nikitos, Kirill Kovbas; and Angelina, Svetlana Buhtoyarova. Stealth is a 90 minute adventure.

With a crew of five, a few actors, a script and an iPhone she did it. This feature film was her first film. It was the first film she had ever directed, it was her directorial debut. And #MFF2020SanDiego was her last film festival showing. Inga was set to come from St. Petersburg to San Diego and present her film with a Q&A discussion during the IMFF 2020. The festival was scheduled to take place April 24-26, 2020. However, due to the Corona COVID-19 Virus, IMFF turned into a virtual event. I asked Inga about her experience being part of our film festival and as a virtual film festival.
SBP Podcast: The Voice of Mobile Film™ is for everyone who ever wanted to or is curious about making movies and videos using smartphones.


Watch the trailer for #STEALTH and, if it is still available, go to the Virtual IMFF 2020 to watch the entire feature film.
Trailer:https://vimeo.com/331209911
STEALTH Full Film: https://youtu.be/ffHHFsYNx5M
IMFF Virtual Film Festival: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEQZUeTeRu1tAPtBLJ-mG0bCMUV3ayH3m
Follow Inga Vosk:
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9003432/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voskinga/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voskinga
Our Links:
Subscribe, support and listen to bonus episodes and more on Patreon: http://patreon.com/sbppodcast
SBP Podcast Website: http://sbppodcast.studio
iTunes/Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sbp-podcast/id1296673665
International Mobile Film Festival Website: http://internationalmobilefilmfestival.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/sbppodcast
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sbppodcast
MFTV - Mobile Film Network Distribution Channel: http://MobileChannel.TV
Susy Botello on Twitter: http://twitter.com/susybotello
SBP Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ISEF0SZOLyRpw20loXzlo#upsell
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/sbp-podcast-mobile-filmmaking-928180
Smartphone Filmmaking Publication on Medium: https://medium.com/smartphonefilmmaking
© Copyright 2020 S. Botello Productions™. All rights reserved.

The Importance of Networking for Smartphone Moviemakers with Bradley Gallo

You may believe that movies you shot with smartphones cannot reach producers in the professional film industry. Our guest in Episode 78 of the SBP Podcast Mobile Filmmaking, Bradley Gallo is going to inspire you to think again.
Bradley is co-founder of Amasia Entertainment which won a bidding war for the franchise rights to The Green Hornet movie early this year. Universal Pictures just announced a partnership with Amasia Entertainment on the same day we recorded this podcast, April 16. Amasia Entertainment’s other founder is Michael Helfant, who was president and COO of Marvel Studios.
Bradley Gallo is a big believer of how mobile filmmaking with smartphone cameras can benefit filmmakers. Bradley speaks to the growth of the mobile film industry as a passage to making good films through great stories. He mentions Tangerine by Sean Baker and Stephen Soderbergh’s films and how their mobile films impacted the film industry.
What are some of things you would want to do if you are trying to get the attention of a producer in the industry, such as Bradley Gallo? He shares what you should avoid doing and how best to approach him with your project. Understand they do receive a lot of requests, so following his tips are a good idea if you want to get their attention. But don’t think that a movie concept shot with smartphones is not going to get the attention of producers in the industry.
Bradley discusses how short, and low budget films can often lead to meetings and help you build strong connections in the professional film industry. Mobile films can be a great proof of concept for directors, writers, and others. But it’s important to network. Some people can make a lot of connections in a short period of time, while others can take years. The important thing, according to Bradley, is to play to your strengths and keep at it.
Episode 78 of the SBP Podcast was a fun conversation filled with many insider tips. Bradley has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry from Halle Berry to Christopher Walken, and many more. He has worked his way up to where he is today. A very impressive story of how someone can rise from the dream to the reality of making films with big name studios and continue to also make good short, low budget films.
Article announcing Amasia Entertainment’s partnership with Universal Pictures for ‘The Green Hornet And Kato’ Feature: https://deadline.com/2020/04/universal-amasia-entertainment-team-up-for-the-green-hornet-and-kato-feature-1202910256
SBP Podcast: The Voice of Mobile Film™ is for everyone who ever wanted to or is curious about making movies and videos using smartphones.
Follow Bradley Gallo to get more information about his projects.
Bradley Gallo on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0303010
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradleygallo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradleygallo/
Amasia Entertainment Website: https://amasiaentertainment.com/
Amasia Entertainment on Twitter: https://twitter.com/amasiaent
Amasia Entertainment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amasiaent/
Our Links:
Subscribe, support and listen to bonus episodes and more on Patreon: http://patreon.com/sbppodcast
SBP Podcast Website: http://sbppodcast.studio
iTunes/Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sbp-podcast/id1296673665
International Mobile Film Festival Website: http://internationalmobilefilmfestival.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/sbppodcast
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sbppodcast
MFTV - Mobile Film Network Distribution Channel: http://MobileChannel.TV
Susy Botello on Twitter: http://twitter.com/susybotello
SBP Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ISEF0SZOLyRpw20loXzlo#upsell
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/sbp-podcast-mobile-filmmaking-928180
Smartphone Filmmaking Publication on Medium: https://medium.com/smartphonefilmmaking
© Copyright 2020 S. Botello Productions™. All rights reserved.

Full Length Movie Shot On iPhone with Ryan McDonald

Episode 77 
It was around the the 9th grade when Ryan McDonald began to consider a career as a police officer, a lawyer or…a spy like, James Bond. Then he realized he was deliberating his career options around most of the films he enjoyed watching. But that helped him come to the conclusion that what he really wanted to do was make movies. Ryan considers himself a storyteller and he shares his attraction to the medium, which connects to his craft as a filmmaker.
Ryan McDonald shares the journey from making short films to a feature film. His experience over the years gave him an opportunity to learn as a director, a writer and actor. So he decided to make a feature film which he wrote, directed and then cast himself as one of the leads. Ryan chose to shoot the entire, micro budget, film using his iPhone 6s.
During the SBP Podcast episode 77, Ryan is joined by producer Brandie Rich. They spoke about their strategy to filming the feature length film Married And Loving It! The movie was centered around one location.
The entire film was shot with the iPhone but they did not cut corners on the audio. Then they got creative with lighting. Most of the film is shot in daylight, but the final scene is a night scene and they used some very creative techniques that he shares during the podcast. One of the challenges, however, was shooting 18 pages a day and end production by 5pm.
Married And Loving It! is dialogue intense and the film focuses on marriage, as the title suggests. But there are a number of twists and turns, and a few shockers as well. It’s a mixed genre of drama, and comedy with a bit of horror.
Ryan wrote, directed and played one of the lead actors in the film. Even though each crew member had their own titles and obligations, they all dug in when needed to play and assist in different areas, which is quite typical in most independent films. But again…shooting 18 pages per day is a lot of work, even if it’s all done in one location, a house. The scenes were spread across different rooms which all needed to be set up.
Married and Loving It! Will have its premier screening during our virtual festival April 25 & 26. Ryan, Brandie and a couple other crew had planned to screen the film in San Diego in person and present a Q&A for attendees and other filmmakers.
We hope this episode of the SBP Podcast brings you a good insight on how the film was made and some background on the filmmakers. Most importantly, we hope you are inspired to live your dream to make feature films and realize, the camera is already in your hand.
SBP Podcast: The Voice of Mobile Film™ is for everyone who ever wanted to or is curious about making movies and videos using smartphones.
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marriedandlovingitfilm/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marriedandlovingit_featurefilm/ 
Ryan McDonald on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3864669/ 
 
Our Links:
Subscribe, support and listen to bonus episodes and more on Patreon: http://patreon.com/sbppodcast
SBP Podcast Website: http://sbppodcast.studio
iTunes/Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sbp-podcast/id1296673665
International Mobile Film Festival Website: http://internationalmobilefilmfestival.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/sbppodcast
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sbppodcast
MFTV - Mobile Film Network Distribution Channel: http://MobileChannel.TV
Susy Botello on Twitter: http://twitter.com/susybotello
SBP Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ISEF0SZOLyRpw20loXzlo#upsell
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/sbp-podcast-mobile-filmmaking-928180
Smartphone Filmmaking Publication on Medium: https://medium.com/smartphonefilmmaking
© Copyright 2020 S. Botello Productions™. All rights reserved.

Your Mobile Film Biography During The Corona Virus

Episode 76
The situation around the world brings us to a lifestyle unlike we have ever experienced as humans. There have been world wars and stock market crashes, the Great Depression and 9/11, all documented in history books. But we are in a unique situation that has never existed in this way…and something that has never happened in conjunction with such a situation is the ability for ordinary people around the world to document it.
Imagine if during WWII, everyone had a smartphone camera. What if the internet and social media existed? During 9/11, blogs were a big deal and some of us had video cameras. But the situation right now is different. Almost everyone has access to a phone with a video camera and that means everyone can document their experience and share it. The reality is that while most people have access to the internet, we are stuck at home. And not all of us have internet access at home.
How can someone without the internet share their experience? How can creative content creators, people in the video and film industry document their experience?
Listen to episode 76 of the SBP Podcast to find out how to capture your experience into a story that you can share later. But if you don’t want to ever share it publicly, learn how to best capture your perspective of these times using your smartphone. In this episode I share some pointers, tips and ways you can capture your video using some primitive techniques without added gear, which can be hard to purchase right now.
If you have never thought about making a movie or documentary about anything, the story you, and all of us, are a part of is too big to ignore. And the perspective you bring to it as a part of history—that should not be ignored because yes, you matter just as much as any celebrity or VIP in the world today.
SBP Podcast: The Voice of Mobile Film™ is for everyone who ever wanted to or is curious about making movies and videos using smartphones.
Watch a brief video sharing the story of the International Mobile Film Festival created in preparation of this year’s 2020 edition before the Corona COVID-19 Virus situation:https://youtu.be/XbZqBZc0Qz8
Sponsors for the 2020 edition of the International Mobile Film Festival, mentioned in this episode:Red Giant: https://www.redgiant.com Swords and Circuitry Studios: https://www.swordsandcircuitry.com Film Convert: https://www.filmconvert.com Engraving Pros: http://www.engravingpros.com Star Wars Steampunk Universe: https://www.facebook.com/StarWarsSteampunkUniverse/ Indiana Filmmakers Network: http://indianafilmmakers.org

Our Links:
Subscribe, support and listen to bonus episodes and more on Patreon: http://patreon.com/sbppodcast
SBP Podcast Website: http://sbppodcast.studio
iTunes/Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sbp-podcast/id1296673665
International Mobile Film Festival Website: http://internationalmobilefilmfestival.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/sbppodcast
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sbppodcast
MFTV - Mobile Film Network Distribution Channel: http://MobileChannel.TV
Susy Botello on Twitter: http://twitter.com/susybotello
SBP Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ISEF0SZOLyRpw20loXzlo#upsell
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/sbp-podcast-mobile-filmmaking-928180
Smartphone Filmmaking Publication on Medium: https://medium.com/smartphonefilmmaking
© Copyright 2020 S. Botello Productions™. All rights reserved.

Film Festival Events During Corona Virus with Craig Prater

Episode 75 
The situation is daunting as the world deals with the COVID-19 Corona Virus and the consequences we are enduring. Many industries are being hit hard. The risks for a part of the global population are dire. 
Episode 75 of the SBP Podcast Mobile Filmmaking sheds a light on the effects of this situation from the film festivals’ perspective with our special guest, Craig Prater. Mr. Prater is the president of Heartland International Film Festival. He has more than 30 years experience in the film festivals industry. His career with film festivals began as executive director of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. 
As an expert in the industry, and a good friend, I called him to discuss the current situation in the industry. There are so many unknowns in this situation that it makes it very hard for film festivals to navigate. 
If you are a filmmaker and have have submitted to several film festivals, you may be impacted by the postponements and cancellations. 
SBP Podcast: The Voice of Mobile Film™ is for everyone who ever wanted to or is curious about making movies and videos using smartphones. 
Heartland Film Website: https://heartlandfilm.org 
Heartland Film Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartlandfilmfestival 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heartlandfilm 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandfilm/ 
Our Links:
Subscribe and support our efforts on Patreon: http://patreon.com/sbppodcast 
SBP Podcast Website: http://sbppodcast.studio 
iTunes/Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sbp-podcast/id1296673665 
International Mobile Film Festival Website: http://internationalmobilefilmfestival.com 
Facebook: http://facebook.com/sbppodcast 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sbppodcast 
MFTV - Mobile Film Network Distribution Channel: http://MobileChannel.TV 
Susy Botello on Twitter: http://twitter.com/susybotello 
SBP Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ISEF0SZOLyRpw20loXzlo#upsell 
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/sbp-podcast-mobile-filmmaking-928180 
Smartphone Filmmaking Publication on Medium: https://medium.com/smartphonefilmmaking 
© Copyright 2020 S. Botello Productions™. All rights reserved.