We're back!! In this episode we chat with writer/director Evan Morgan about his first feature film "The Kid Detective" a dark comedy starring Adam Brody that Evan pitches as Encyclopedia Brown meets Chinatown. Ethan speaks with Evan about how he got Adam to be in the film, the 5 year slog of trying to get the film sold, and getting theatrical distr…

In this episode we chat with writer/director Oscar Rene Lozoya about his first film "How We Met" an action comedy about the worst blind date ever. Ethan speaks with Oscar, an editor on Law and Order, about how we got Ice-T to narrate his film, the fun of making an ultra-low budget film with your friends, and navigating the world of distribution. A …

This week, Ethan sits down with writer/director Bobby Miller – a talented filmmaker whose first feature film “The Cleanse” premiered at SXSW in 2016 and is playing in select theaters, digital and VOD May 4. The Cleanse stars Johnny Galecki as a heartbroken man who attends a spiritual retreat to fix his life. He soon discovers his inner demons are d…

Ethan sits down with writer/director Splend Grandst to discuss his first feature film "The Heart Can't Find What it Wants to Want", a dark drama about the human condition and psychological torment. Ethan and Splend talk about being mentored by Steven Spielberg, working with animals, and throwing away your script on day 1. This was a great chat and …

Power couple slash directing duo Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote stop by to discuss their first feature, psychological thriller "The Open House", starring Dylan Minnette and now streaming on Netflix. They discuss what it takes to co-direct a film, how to think outside the box when courting big actors, and the thrill of becoming a "Netflix Original Fil…

Writer/Director/Producer Alex Ferrari calls in to chat about his first feature film, "This is Meg". The comedy is a sneak peak into the Los Angeles lifestyle of a working but not famous female actress/comedienne's point of view that is forced to shift with the social media wave. Ethan and Alex discuss the benefits and drawbacks of film school, tran…

Writer/Director David Au stops by to discuss his family dramedy, "Eat With Me". David and Ethan talk about cultivating your team of collaborators, location challenges, and working with George Takei! Check out the film at www.eatwithmemovie.com. As always, we are @firstfeaturepod and myfirstfeaturepodcast@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https:/…

Writer/Director Kelly Fremon Craig joins Ethan to discuss her first feature, the Golden Globe and DGA Award nominated film "The Edge of Seventeen". Kelly and Ethan discuss transitioning from writing to directing, producer James L. Brooks' many pearls of wisdom, and the stressful YEAR of trying to cast the right actor for the role of Nadine. Kelly i…

Writer/Director Nick Corporon sits down to chat with Ethan about his first feature Retake, an emotional drama about a lonely, middle-aged man who hires a male prostitute to recreate a road trip from his past. Nick recounts what pushes him towards telling LGBT stories despite the ubiquitous difficulty of raising money, the importance of marketing, a…

Writer/Director Liz Manashil stops by to discuss her first feature film "Bread and Butter", a romantic comedy starring Bobby Moynihan and Christine Weatherup. Liz and Ethan discuss the kickstarting ecosystem, writing love letters to actors, what it's like to work with a predominately female crew, and much more! For more info on the film check out w…

Writer/Director/Producer Duane Andersen calls in from Utah to talk about his directorial debut, “Superpowerless” a coming of middle-age story about a superhero who, in his early 40s, must now grapple with the loss of his powers and the question of what’s next. Duane has produced a lot of films but Superpowerless is his first feature at the director…

Writer/Director David Steinberg has Ethan over for a chat about his experience writing and directing “Miss Dial”, a romantic comedy about a bored customer service rep looking to make a connection. David discusses writing such scripts as “Slackers” and “American Pie 2”, the frustration of letting others make your script with your input, and shares s…

Director Alex Lehman sits down to discuss his first feature, the documentary called “Asperger’s Are Us“, a coming of age story about the first comedy troupe comprised of all openly autistic people. Alex chats about taking the leap of faith to fly to Boston and film the group, knowing when to use your connections (and when not to), and playing to yo…

Writer/Director Trevor Stevens stops by to talk about his first feature “Rock Steady Row“, a spaghetti western set in a modern day college campus. This is a special episode as at the time of recording, Trevor was 48 hours out from beginning principal photography. Trevor discusses how his thesis film “Run” was chosen as a Vimeo Staff Pick which led …

Writer/Director Doug Archibald stops by to talk about his first feature “I Love You Both”, a coming of age dramedy about twin siblings who must confront their codependency when they start dating the same guy. Doug and Ethan discuss what it’s like not only directing but being one of the leads of the film, working with family, and rolling with the pu…

Writer/Director Barbara Stepansky stops by to chat about her first feature “Hurt”, a thriller about a family who takes in an orphan girl who’s not what she seems. Barbara and Ethan discuss the film school that is working on Christopher Nolan’s first feature, trusting your prep material when you’re on set, and working through the first cut blues. Ch…

Writer/Director Jeff Janke calls in from the road to talk about his first feature “Highway to Havasu“, a teen road trip comedy about some teenagers who steal an RV and do spring break at Lake Havasu. Jeff and Ethan discuss writing a feature screenplay in THREE DAYS, working with your producer who also happens to be your wife, and playing to your st…

Writer/Director Will Prescott calls in from Minnesota to talk about his first feature “Feeding Mr. Baldwin“. Will and Ethan discuss the “just do it” mindset required to make a movie, working with supportive friends, and the importance of having your next thing ready to pitch. Will’s sketch group is at greatergoodcomedy.com – the film is at feedingm…

Writer/Director Michael Mohan stops by to chat about his first feature, “One Too Many Mornings”, an indie coming of age dramedy about two guys who are way too old to be coming of age. Michael’s film was shot over the course of many, many weekends and ended up as a Sundance Official Selection! Ethan and Michael discuss his success with cold calls/em…

Writer/Director Nathan Scoggins stops by to talk about his first feature film “The Least of These”, a mystery about the murder of a catholic priest. Ethan and Nathan discuss the experience of winning the Doritos Superbowl contest TWICE, believing in your project, and working with the right people. Follow Nathan on Twitter here. Every other week hos…

America Young stops by to chat about her first feature film “The Concessionaires Must Die!“, an indie comedy about a group of movie theater workers who must fight to save their theater from an evil corporation. Ethan and America talk about the necessity of being a multi-hyphenate, the benefit of shooting outside of LA, and giving each actor what he…

Nathaniel Atcheson stops by to chat about his first feature film “Herpes Boy“, an indie comedy about a vlogger with an unfortunate birthmark. Nathaniel and Ethan talk about life after film school, directing big name actors, and editing your own work. You can check out Herpes Boy on iTunes and Amazon. Every other week host Ethan Cushing interviews a…

Writer/Director Nick Ozeki talks about his feature film “Mamitas” which he adapted from his student short film of the same name. Nick and Ethan discuss the long and awkward process of raising money, being honest with actors, and managing expectations upon the film’s release. You can find Mamitas on Hulu, iTunes, and Amazon. --- Support this podcast…

Writer/Director Jack Perez (director of “Some Guy Who Kills People” and “Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus“) is the first guest on MFF. Right after film school in the early 90’s, Jack wrote and directed the grand-daddy of found footage films, “America’s Deadliest Home Video”. Jack and Ethan discuss the stamina required to shoot a feature, how to learn te…