IFH 776: Crafting Comedy Without Limits: The Indie Spirit Behind Chasing Molly with Shelley Pack & Josh Sutherland
Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Shelley and Josh choose to make Chasing Molly as an independent film?
Shelley and Josh chose to make Chasing Molly as an independent film to maintain the authenticity and creativity of their comedy without the restrictions and censorships that come with studio funding. This allowed them to create something genuinely funny and unique.
What was Josh's journey into the film industry?
Josh started as a kid with a camcorder, then studied film at the University of Texas. He worked in various crew positions, including visual effects, on both big-budget and independent projects, gaining a broad understanding of filmmaking.
How did Shelley and Josh manage to cast big names like Felicia Day and Kurt Angle in their film?
Shelley and Josh leveraged their personal connections and approached these actors with the promise of a great story and script. They offered roles that could be shot in a single day, which was appealing to busy actors. Felicia Day is a longtime friend and collaborator, while Kurt Angle was a cold call who fell in love with the project.
What was the most challenging aspect of filming Chasing Molly?
The most challenging aspect was the day they filmed with Kurt Angle, as it required precise planning and a small budget. Post-production was also difficult due to the reliance on favors and limited resources, causing delays and requiring meticulous coordination.
How did Shelley and Josh ensure continuity in their film despite shooting on non-traditional schedules?
They structured the story to take place over a single night and day, which eliminated the need for extensive wardrobe and continuity checks. Actors wore the same clothes for multiple scenes, and the film's narrative flow was designed to work around sporadic shooting days.
What is the 'Zen Cholo' and how did he become part of the film?
The 'Zen Cholo' is a character played by Scar, a YouTube personality with a large social media following. Shelley found him through social media and reached out to him, and he agreed to play the role of a gang leader, bringing a calm demeanor and unique charm to the character.
What was the importance of social media in promoting Chasing Molly?
Social media was crucial for promoting Chasing Molly. Shelley and Josh cast actors with significant social media followings to help spread the word. When these actors shared the film, it generated a lot of interest and comments, even though they couldn’t control the distribution numbers.
How did Shelley and Josh approach editing to maintain the quality of the film?
They were very strict in the editing room, cutting scenes and jokes that didn’t meet their standards, even if it meant losing content they loved. This ensured that only the best material made it into the final product, maintaining the film's high quality.
Where can viewers find Chasing Molly?
Chasing Molly is available on almost all major streaming platforms, including Amazon, Spotify, Prime, Fandango, Redbox, Vudu, and iTunes. It can also be purchased on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Barnes & Noble.
- Made an independent comedy film from scratch.
- No big studios or massive budgets.
- Filmmaking is a huge team sport.
- Called in favors and help from many people.
Shownotes Transcript