An audio notebook about personal and independent filmmaking. Process, doubt, confidence, failure, influence, and the long road to finishing the work.
Part investigation, part diary.
This podcast reflects my personal experiences as an independent filmmaker and the views expressed are my own.
Film work available at markdugganfilms.com
“It’s personal, but they need to know.””
In this episode, I use a LinkedIn post as a starting point to discuss the assumption that filmmakers should always be concerned with finding an audience and marketing their work.
I explore the distinction between caring about an audience and pursuing one, the relationship between creativity and commerce, and why the act of creating can be rewarding in itself.
Drawing on my experiences making ‘NOTION’ and releasing ‘BLURRED LINES’, I also reflect on David Lynch, Vivian Maier, ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’, ‘Hoop Dreams’ and ‘American Movie’, and how commercial expectations can influence the kinds of films we make.
NOTE: if anyone fancies marketing ‘NOTION’ to help it find a larger audience, I’m open to offers! (Although there’s no budget for it.)
2 Oct 2026
#34: Filmmaker Kenny Riches & The Making of MOUSE
In this episode I’m joined by filmmaker Kenny Riches to talk about his fourth feature film, MOUSE.
We discuss: letting personal experience inform fiction; themes and voice-overs; directing his cast, his mother and himself; cinematography, editing and sound design; and working within the limitations of a low-budget production.
We also get into what happens after a film is finished: festivals, awards, distribution, theatrical exhibition and marketing. Kenny also reflects on his second feature, The Strongest Man, which premiered at Sundance, and shares what he’s learned from making four feature films.
MOUSE: “Between stealing bicycles and breaking into cars, Denny’s only social outlet is spending time with his mother who loves reading correspondence from their Japanese family overseas. Denny’s loneliness pushes him to sign up for a penpal service from a classified-ad. He begins writing letters to a woman named Tess, whom he develops feelings for, but lies to about his nonexistent wealth and success. Unbeknownst to Denny, the penpal service is a scheme Tess and her real-life boyfriend, Maury, run to take advantage of the lonely. Tess and Maury find themselves in financial trouble of their own and decide to travel to Denny to take him for all he’s worth. Upon arrival they find that things aren’t what they seemed in Denny’s letters.”
https://deardenny.com
https://www.instagram.com/themousetrilogy/
25 Sept 2026
#33: If You Wait for Impeccable, You'll Wait Forever
In this shorter episode, I share an update on ‘Notion’ now that the cast and crew screening is booked, and reflect on the nerves that come with sharing such a personal film.
I also respond to an online filmmaker post about needing $100,000 to make a feature, which raises a bigger question/questions about independent filmmaking: how long do you wait for the ideal budget/circumstances/ideal version of the film?
Not-So-Hot Take: It's better finished than perfect.
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