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Hey Reader,

You don’t need to know everything before you start.

You just need a project that forces you to learn.

For me, that project was 13 Miles.

And the lesson?

You learn fastest when you have no other choice.

The Panic-Induced VFX Bootcamp

We had wrapped shooting 13 Miles, our indie triathlon movie.

Everything was coming together.

Then, we hit a problem.

There were shots that needed visual effects. Small things—removing unwanted elements, compositing, subtle fixes.

But we didn’t have the budget to hire a VFX artist.

So I did what any indie filmmaker would do.

I became the VFX artist.

One problem: I had zero experience with After Effects.

Learning By Fire: The Fastest Way to Learn Anything

At first, I did what most people do—I started watching tutorials.

Big mistake.

After about 10 videos, my brain was fried, and I still had no idea how to do the exact thing I needed.

So I switched approaches.

Instead of trying to “learn After Effects,” I started with the actual problem in front of me:

• I needed to remove an unwanted object from a shot.
• I tried figuring it out on my own. (Failed.)
• I Googled “how to remove objects in After Effects.”
• Found a tutorial, applied the steps, adjusted where needed.
• Moved to the next challenge.

Rinse. Repeat.

By the time I was done, I had unintentionally built an entire skill set—not by memorizing, but by doing.

The Indie Filmmaker’s Learning Formula

Filmmakers run into this problem all the time. You want to learn cinematography, editing, colour grading—but where do you start?

Here’s the truth:

You start with what you know.

Even if that’s nothing, you take the first step. Download the software. Open the program. Mess around. Break things.

Then, follow this process:

1. You don’t know what to do.
2. You try and fail.
3. Search for the answer (or ask AI).
4. Implement the answer.
5. Repeat until the project is done.

This works because your brain retains information better when you need it.

Watching endless tutorials before you start is like reading a cookbook cover to cover but never cooking a meal.

What’s Happening on Off the Lot​

Speaking of learning, our latest Off the Lot podcast episode dives deep into the Producer’s mindset.

We sat down with Amanda Verhagen to talk about budgets, crews, and problem-solving as an indie filmmaker. She shares some real-world insights on making things work, even when resources are tight.

🎙 Listen here:The Producer’s Survival Guide: Budgets, Crews & Problem-Solving with Amanda Verhagen​

If you’re serious about making indie films without waiting for permission (or unlimited cash), this one’s for you.

What’s Next for The Quiet Canadians​

Now, I’m applying this learn-by-doing approach to something even bigger.

We’re about to launch a fundraising campaign for The Quiet Canadians—specifically for the wingsuit jump sequence.

We’re using a 4-week Calm Launch strategy (from our friends at Wandering Aimfully), where we’re building momentum before we ever ask for support.

Here’s the game plan:

🔥 Week 1: Teasing the challenge (why this wingsuit sequence is critical to the film).

🔥 Week 2: Behind-the-scenes (prepping for the stunt, working with experts).

🔥 Week 3: The “trailer” (showing how we’ll execute it and what supporters get).

🔥 Week 4: Countdown (final push before launching the campaign).

By the time we go live, people won’t just know about the fundraiser—they’ll be excited to be part of it.

If you want a front-row seat to this process (and see indie film fundraising done right), stay tuned.

Your Indie Filmmaking Challenge

What’s your next filmmaking project?

Instead of waiting for the perfect conditions, start learning through action today.

• If you’re writing a script—set a daily page goal.
• If you’re funding a film—reach out to one potential backer this week.
• If you’re planning a shoot—scout one location this weekend.

And if you’re in the trenches of your own project, hit reply—I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

Until next time,

Anthony (He/Him)

P.S. Love these emails? Buy me a coffee to say "thanks"!

Ways to Work With Me

1. ​Monthly Coaching: To help you get unstuck in a script, your marketing plan or movie launch, etc.
2. ​Consultation Calls: Great for Pitch Deck reviews, script discussions, pep talks.
3. ​"Scratch to Screen": A guided 52 week email and live coaching course.
4. Budget and Scheduling: Telefilm is opening up applications for funding! If you want to apply, or pitch your script or film idea to producers and investors, you need a tailored budget and schedule. Reply to this email if you'd like this service.

Resources I Like That Could Help You

1. 🎬 6K Filmmaker – A practical guide for indie filmmakers on how to make movies with low-budget, high-quality production techniques. Check it out here.​
2. 📝 Idea to Outline Workshop (by Naomi Beatty) – A step-by-step system to take your film idea and turn it into a structured, compelling outline. Perfect for screenwriters at any stage. Join the workshop here.​
3. 📂 Indie Template Package (by Tyler Reid) – A must-have collection of film production templates to help indie filmmakers stay organized, from budgeting to scheduling. Grab the templates here.​

Watch and Support My Previous Work

"13 Miles" a Telefilm grant recipient, is now available to watch!

Upcoming Projects

"The Quiet Canadians", a feature movie about skilled Canadian operatives who are trained in the elimination of local and foreign targets, is in development. Click here for more information​

"Xing'er: Origins", a feature film about a family's fight for survival against a deadly sect of assassins, is in development. Click here to find out more.​

See more of our projects in development by checking out our website.​
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