May 22, 2023
Becoming... Series Regular & Indie filmmaker Izzy Stevens (Netflix, ABC, Cannes Diversity, Hollyshorts, Cinema Australia)
Mentors on the Mic: Your guide to pursuing a career in the Entertainment industryAbout this episode
Want to make your own film and have no idea where to start? This episode answers so many questions with Mentor Izzy Stevens. IZZY STEVENS is an acclaimed Aussie-American Actress, widely regarded for her lead role in Netflix’s ‘Occupation’ Franchise among other lead roles in films such as ‘Rainfall’, ‘Underbelly’, ‘Puberty Blues’, and ‘Another Mother’. On top of her successful acting career, Izzy has created a name for herself as a powerhouse filmmaker and producer. Izzy’s award winning films have been screened on ABC National Network, as well as at Cannes Diversity, Hollyshorts, Cinema Australia, Tropfest, Redline Int. Film Fest, (Winner: Best Experimental Film), LA Shorts, and more! Izzy is the ultimate multi-hyphenate. As the CEO and business owner of her consulting and mentorship company, Indie Spunk, Izzy is passionate about helping fellow filmmakers, producers, actors, directors etc. find success in this cutthroat industry. Now, Izzy’s dedication to championing independent filmmakers has inspired her to launch her own film focused podcast ‘indie spunk’ which highlights emerging industry creatives, giving them a platform to share their knowledge, advice, and experience! Izzy intends to inspire listeners through sharing her own personal anecdotes, alongside other film professionals and special guests. With her infectious personality, Izzy is determined to revamp the film sector of the podcast world, as she feels there aren’t many film focused podcasts left standing. In this episode, we talk about: • Izzy's start as a series regular role in a TV show in Australia at 17 years old, turning her into a "quiet, conservative people pleaser" • The similarities and differences between shooting Australian shows and American shows • How close she was to quitting before booking a huge Netflix film • How to navigate the film festival circuit and focusing on that during pre-production • 3 reasons to crowdfund your project: 1. make your money 2. marketing tool to talk about your project 3. helps you focus on your niche which is important in the film festival circuit • The three tiers of festivals 1. community festivals 2. industry festivals (Sundance, Cannes, Tribeca, Hollyshorts) 3. Niche festivals Sales and distributors go to niche festivals, too. Always ask for a waiver. • Her Indie Spunk podcast to help encourage filmmakers to create work from idea to script to screen • Finding your zone of genius in filmmaking so you don’t have to do everything Guest: Website Instagram IMDb Facebook page Indie Spunk podcast Host: Instagram: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneMiller Twitter: @MentorsontheMic @MichelleSimoneM Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsonthemic Website: www.michellesimonemiller.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/24mmichelle If you like this episode, check out Becoming... Film Producer Gaylyn Fraiche and former VP of Film & TV of Hello Sunshine ("Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2," "Cheetah Girls 2") Click here to join our Mailing list. Ads: Check out Cave Day right now. Only $40 for the first 3 months!