Making a Feature Film is EASY, as long as you... | John W Kim

Feature film director John W. Kim breaks down what it really takes to write, direct, and complete an independent feature film in today’s entertainment industry. Using lessons from his award-winning movie Reunion, John shares practical filmmaking advice on screenwriting, finding your unique voice, working within a budget, handling production setbacks, and collaborating with producers. This episode is essential for aspiring directors, screenwriters, film students, and independent filmmakers who want to stop waiting for permission and finally make their first feature film. 🌆 OUR WEBSITES https://www.yunqirichardli.com https://www.jiayangliu.com 👋 Join Jiayang's community Newsletter for free lessons, resources, and exclusive behind the scenes on his latest work. https://jiayang.beehiiv.com/subscribe 🍿 JIAYANG'S FILMMAKING CHANNEL Jiayang Liu ➭ @jiayangliu 🎵 WHERE OUR MUSIC IS FROM Composed by Jonah Spiva Instagram: @1spiva Other Music: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referra... 🎥 GEAR • Camera ➭ https://amzn.to/3Pn3UC9 • Lens ➭ https://amzn.to/3W7mz8K • VND Filter ➭ https://amzn.to/4fFxGwR • Pro-Mist Filter ➭ https://amzn.to/4fKSvqo • Tripod ➭ https://amzn.to/4a34P4k • Shotgun Mic ➭ https://amzn.to/3Pn4Wy1 • Podcast Mic ➭ https://amzn.to/3BTs44e • Headphones ➭ https://amzn.to/421RoQ7 • Computer Monitor ➭ https://amzn.to/4fOII2G • SSD Drive ➭ https://amzn.to/3PosbYu • NAS Drive ➭ https://amzn.to/4gFWo1o • SD Cards ➭ https://amzn.to/4gZ6MB0 • V-Mount Battery ➭ https://amzn.to/4j4aLxT • Standing Desk Converter ➭ https://amzn.to/3Pn7tbG • List ➭ https://www.jiayangliu.com/gear ☕️ SOCIAL MEDIA • Richard: • Instagram ➭   / richard.li.am   • LinkedIn ➭   / yunqi-richard-li   • Jiayang: • Instagram ➭   / jiayangliu_   • LinkedIn ➭   / jiayang-liu   • Luminary Pictures ➭ https://www.luminarypics.com 💼 Business Inquiries ONLY [email protected] Timecodes: 00:00:00 – Introduction to John W. Kim and Reunion 00:01:01 – Why Feature Films Still Matter 00:05:18 – The Big Screen and the Communal Experience 00:09:25 – Balancing Personal Art with the Film Business 00:11:20 – What John Carpenter’s Halloween Teaches Filmmakers 00:13:20 – Finding the Voice Only You Can Offer 00:16:00 – Genre, Entertainment, and Making Money 00:18:26 – How Directors Can Become Better Writers 00:21:52 – Make Time to Write—Even When It’s Bad 00:22:27 – Learning from Great—and Terrible—Movies 00:25:33 – The Most Important Screenwriting Rule 00:26:47 – Why You Must Share Your Work 00:30:12 – How Spielberg, Lucas, and De Palma Helped Each Other 00:33:46 – “Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You” 00:35:34 – The Freedom and Joy of Writing a Screenplay 00:38:14 – Turning the Reunion Script into a Feature Film 00:40:29 – Cutting Characters and Listening to Producers 00:41:44 – What Actually Goes Wrong on an Indie Film 00:43:35 – Wildfires Shut Down the First Day of Production 00:47:01 – Why Directors Must Adapt on Set 00:48:41 – Two Practical Steps to Become a Feature Director 00:49:07 – Stop Waiting and Make a Film 00:49:45 – The Harsh Test: Could You Do Anything Else? 00:51:14 – Make Films Only If You Truly Have To 00:53:06 – Closing and Reunion Screening Announcement PS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that we get a kickback from 😜 Thank you for tuning in! #filmmaking #camera #movie #cinema