Unlock the Secrets of Independent Filmmaking with Jason Horton // EP 104

On this episode of Hustle Inspires Hustle, Alex Quin interviews Jason Horton, a director, writer, and producer who has been making movies since 2003. Jason explains the importance of luck, hard work, and creativity in filmmaking, as well as the need to understand when to step away from a project and move on. He also discusses the importance of paid advertising, such as using Facebook and Instagram ads, as well as influencers on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Episode Outline

[00:00:05] Create films, fund, market, inspire: Hustle Inspires Hussle

[00:14:46] Make money to make movies.

[00:21:47] Marketing films: Know, experiment, adjust, repeat.

[00:30:12] Advertise US projects globally.

[00:36:33] Choose right cast, crew with budget.

[00:49:09] Secure indie script, copyright in production, and protect IP, LLC per project.

[00:56:12] Distribute films to multiple platforms.

[01:00:54] Mentorship, business, finances, marketing: Six words.

Wisdom Nuggets

Importance of Luck and Hard Work: Jason emphasizes that while luck plays a role in filmmaking, it is crucial to combine it with hard work. Filmmakers need to constantly hustle and create opportunities for themselves.

Multitasking and Learning Multiple Skills: Jason advises filmmakers to learn multiple tasks themselves, such as editing, to save costs and have more control over their projects. Being versatile and adaptable is key in the independent filmmaking industry.

Paid Advertising for Movies: Jason highlights the significance of paid advertising, particularly through platforms like Facebook and Instagram ads. Utilizing influencers on social media can also help reach a wider audience and generate more interest in the film.

Choosing the Right Distributor: Filmmakers should carefully consider their options when selecting a distributor. Jason recommends distributors like FilmHub and Indy Rights for starting filmmakers, as they have no upfront fees and take a 20% back end split. It is important to be cautious of distributors that may take a higher percentage and charge additional fees.

Challenges of International Distribution: Jason discusses the challenges faced by independent filmmakers when it comes to international distribution. He suggests registering an LLC for each project and obtaining proper release forms for everyone involved in the film, whether paid or unpaid. Additionally, he advises against relying solely on fair use in documentaries, as it may not provide sufficient legal protection.

Power Quotes

"Luck plays a role, but you have to combine it with hard work. You have to hustle and create opportunities for yourself." - Jason Horton

"Learn multiple tasks yourself. Learn how to edit, learn how to do sound design, learn how to do color correction. It saves you money and gives you more control." - Jason Horton

"Paid advertising is important. Facebook ads, Instagram ads, influencers on Instagram and Facebook. It's all about getting the word out there." Jason Horton

"Register an LLC for each project, get proper release forms for everyone involved. " - Jason Horton

"There are different distributors and streamers available. FilmHub, Indy Rights, Amazon Prime Video Direct. Choose wisely." - Jason Horton

Meet our guest

https://www.instagram.com/thejhorton

https://www.tiktok.com/@thejhorton

https://twitter.com/thejhorton

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1862032/

https://youtube.com/@JHorton

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