I recently sat down with filmmaker Bryan Redding, a writer, director, cinematographer, and the creator behind Deaf Director. Bryan is deaf, and instead of allowing that to push him away from filmmaking, it has shaped the way he sees the craft. He has become intensely focused on visual storytelling, communication, preparation, and finding creative solutions when resources are limited. WATCH: https://youtu.be/wo2dnTCqBTI LISTEN: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-vaz2n-1b33c5f We talk about his journey into filmmaking, writing, and cinematography; the technology he uses to communicate on set; and what it took to direct American Deadbolt (find out where to watch HERE) on an incredibly tight production schedule while navigating everything from the SAG strike to unexpected production challenges. There is a lot filmmakers can learn from Bryan's approach: don't focus on what you don't have. Figure out how to tell the story with what you do have. 🎬 Learn more about Bryan here: https://www.youtube.com/@DeafDirector https://www.bryanredding.com/ American Deadbolt: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33336378/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

I get approached by filmmakers all the time, so here are four of the best ways to engage with me: 1. Hire me. I’m a for-hire service provider helping filmmakers move their projects forward. 2. Learn with me. I coach, mentor, and teach filmmakers through FilmmakingStuff.com and our community. 3. Bring real momentum. If you have 30% of your film’s financing actually in the bank, not promised or “coming soon,” I’ll take the meeting. 4. Bring value before the pitch. Help the team. Learn. Contribute. Build relationships. Sometimes the best way into the room is not leading with what you want. And there are two free ways to connect with me right now: For the next three weekends, I’m hosting a FREE live filmmaker Q&A and discussion at 4 PM Eastern. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-business-of-filmmaking-free-four-part-live-webinar-series-tickets-1996655599647 Then, at the end of the month, join us for the FREE VIP Film & TV Summit, featuring 10 industry experts over five days. https://www.vipfilmandtvsummit.com/ Which path are you taking?

Most indie filmmakers think they have a rejection problem. They have a "nobody's waiting for it" problem. Here's the difference - and what to build first. Free: VIP Film & TV Summit, August 30 – September 5, 2026. Film financiers, a distributor, and TV producers on how they actually evaluate and buy independent films. As my Skool Community you get a FREE VIP Upgrade, just email me that you are coming: [email protected] Register: https://www.vipfilmandtvsummit.com/

1. Watch this documentary 1st: https://youtu.be/fbA4bjlqVpM?si=2qRb6Ntd47RwC7pM 2. What was your takeaway?

Your film doesn't need another excuse. It needs a funding strategy. Most filmmakers don't abandon their projects because they lack talent or passion. They stop because they can't figure out how to finance the movie. But film funding isn't about stumbling across one wealthy investor who magically believes in your dream - it takes a plan, an investor-ready project, and the confidence to work the network already around you. That's why we're hosting a free live web class with actor, producer, and film-funding expert Tom Malloy, who has helped raise more than $30 million to produce feature films. Saturday, August 1, 2026 10 AM Los Angeles 12 PM Chicago 1 PM New York ➔ REGISTER FOR SATURDAY’S FREE WEB CLASS https://www.filmmakingstuff.com/indiecoach