In this episode I’m joined by filmmaker and entrepreneur Stefan van de Graaff, whose $75,000 micro-budget feature Simmer landed on HBO after going viral on Facebook. Stefan also co-founded a video agency that grew from a two-person team into a 100-employee business before selling for $17 million, which we discuss at length.
Throughout the episode we talk about Stefan’s unconventional path – from Midwest filmmaker to running a digial advertising business. We also cover how his commercial production work became the foundation for financing and producing indie features, and what it took to scale from a scrappy first feature to a $1M international production.
Topics covered include:
- How uploading Simmer to Facebook led to 1M views and sales agent interest
- How indie films without stars can land on major platforms like HBO
- Financing a micro-budget feature with personal funds, partners, and partial fundraising
- The jump from a $75K film to a $1M feature using tax incentives, grants, and talent deals
- Why having the right producer dramatically increases credibility with agents and financiers
- Lessons from building and selling an ad agency – and why strategy beats fulfillment
- How reducing friction (locations, permits, crew, logistics) makes indie filmmaking possible
- Why building an audience can be a more reliable path than the traditional Hollywood ladder
This is Episode 269: Getting a $75K Feature On HBO & Selling a Video Agency For $17MM With Stefan van de Graaff
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About Author
Noam Kroll
Noam Kroll is an award-winning Los Angeles based filmmaker, and the founder of the boutique production house, Creative Rebellion. His work can be seen at international film festivals, on network television, and in various publications across the globe. Follow Noam on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more content like this!
