
Pre-Production and Casting
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Episode · 51:53 · Mar 11, 2025
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Available to rent or own now on all streaming platforms - https://linktr.ee/clonecops Clone Cops Podcast: How We Made Clone Cops – Pre-Production & Casting Episode Summary:In this episode of the Clone Cops Podcast, the filmmakers Phillip Cordell (Co-writer/Actor), Danny Dones (Co-writer/Director), Charles Royce (VFX Supervisor/Producer), and Corey Allen (Cinematographer) dive deep into the logistics of bringing Clone Cops to life.They cover:• The budget breakdown – How Clone Cops became a SAG Ultra Low Budget film with a $300,000 cap and what that actually covered.• Funding the film independently – The team shares how they self-funded the movie and secured additional investment to make it happen.• Navigating the Tennessee Entertainment Commission Grant – The surprising process of applying for and receiving a $50,000 rebate from the state.• How casting unfolded – From self-tapes and agency submissions to last-minute role changes, they discuss finding the perfect actors for each character.• Choosing the right crew – Why it was important to pay people fairly while also assembling a team that was passionate about the project.• Finding the perfect location – How an abandoned mental hospital became the ultimate set for Clone Cops, providing production value far beyond their budget.• The importance of pre-production planning – From breaking down the script to sticking to a 10-hour day schedule, the team shares how they avoided indie film burnout. Notable Quotes:• “We put our life savings into an independent film. Could be the best or worst decision ever.” – Phillip Cordell• “If you’re waiting for someone to hand you your filmmaking career, it might never happen.” – Danny Dones• “We didn’t just want to make a movie—we wanted to market one, too.” – Corey Allen• “Happy people turn out great work. That’s why we ran a tight but fair set.” – Charles Royce Key Takeaways for Filmmakers:✅ How to budget wisely for a micro-budget film✅ Why pre-production is crucial for avoiding disaster on set✅ How to secure film grants and incentives in your state✅ The casting process and what to look for in actor auditions✅ How location scouting can make or break your film✅ Why marketing should be planned from the start Next Episode Preview:Next time, the team explores “Designing the World of Clone Cops”, covering the film’s VFX, production design, and sci-fi aesthetic. Today’s Episode Sponsor:Brought to you by Nefaricorp. Visit nefaricorp.com for more. #CloneCops #IndieFilmmaking #SciFiComedy #FilmmakingPodcast #BehindTheScenes Meet the Team:• Corey Allen – Cinematographer• Phillip Cordell – Co-writer, Actor, Producer• Danny Dones – Co-writer, Director• Charles Royce – Producer, VFX SupervisorThis podcast isn’t just for fans of the film—it’s also for aspiring filmmakers looking to learn from real-world experiences in indie film production. Expect candid discussions, valuable insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way. Subscribe now and follow our journey!➡️ Stay tuned for upcoming episodes as we break down the making of Clone Cops!Clone Cops is available now on all streaming platforms! https://linktr.ee/clonecops
51m 53s · Mar 11, 2025
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