Run-and-Gun Risks and When Jim Cummings Becomes Your EP

In this episode, GG Hawkins and Jason Hellerman dig into the behind-the-scenes business of micro-budget filmmaking. They tackle a fan-submitted Ask No Film School question about run-and-gun filmmaking risks, E&O insurance, and securing distribution when shooting without proper permits. Then, GG interviews writer/director Anna Baumgarten and producer Danny Mooney, the creative duo behind the indie feature Disfluency, a powerful micro-budget drama executive produced by Jim Cummings. The episode offers a treasure trove of insights into how to bring a short film to life as a feature, fundraise strategically, and navigate distribution on your own terms.

In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, Jason Hellerman, and guests discuss...

• The real risks of guerrilla filmmaking and when E&O insurance matters

• How micro-budget filmmakers should approach risk management and legal protections

• Why shooting permits—even if they're free—can save you massive headaches later

• How Anna and Danny turned the short Disfluency into a feature with no initial investors

• Why having a “moving train” production plan helps raise money faster

• The importance of audience-building and crowdfunding in early development

• How Jim Cummings and the Short to Feature Lab helped launch Disfluency

• Navigating distribution and negotiating for your film's future

Memorable Quotes:

• "You need to kind of think about: How much did your movie cost? What kind of lawsuits can come in? Does it work for you?" – 08:09

• "Motivation does not create action. Action creates motivation." – 41:44

• "You have to be building the plane and flying it at the same time." – 46:50

• "Make something you love, because you're going to be working on this all the way through the end." – 01:01:03

Guests:

• Anna Baumgarten

• Danny Mooney

Resources:

• More Jim Cummings on No Film School

• Showtimes For I Really Love My Husband w/ In-Person Q&A

• ‘I Really Love My Husband’ on Instagram

• Where to Watch Disfluency

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• Instagram: No Film School on Instagram

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