🎙️ Persistence of Vision: Mitchell Cole on DIY Filmmaking, First Features & Finding Your Voice
Episode Summary
In this episode, I reconnect with filmmaker Mitchell Cole, whose feature debut Against the Spread made waves at the Magnolia Film Festival. We dive into his journey from blue-collar work to indie filmmaking, the lessons learned from building a feature on a shoestring budget, and the importance of authenticity, regional storytelling, and creative resilience. Mitchell shares how he adapted Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice into a Southern-fried comedy, the value of mentorship, and how a chance encounter at a film festival changed everything.
Whether you're a filmmaker just starting out or someone who’s been grinding for years, Mitchell’s story is a reminder that grit, community, and a little bit of luck can go a long way.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction & Magnolia Film Festival recap
03:00 – Mitchell’s filmmaking origin story
08:30 – From acting to writing/directing
12:45 – Learning film without film school
17:00 – The “mom quote” and staying motivated
22:00 – Writing from regional experience
27:00 – Adapting Shakespeare for the Panhandle
31:00 – Meeting producer Tom Rondinella
37:00 – Lessons from producing Against the Spread
43:00 – Festival experiences and audience turnout
48:00 – Gear, grit, and DIY filmmaking
54:00 – Overcoming wardrobe and football scene challenges
01:01:00 – The next project: horror
01:04:00 – Final thoughts and where to follow Mitchell
🎯 Key Takeaways
- Make what you know: Mitchell’s decision to set his film in the Florida Panhandle gave it authenticity and heart.
- Don’t wait for permission: DIY filmmaking taught him to move fast, adapt, and create with what’s available.
- Mentorship matters: Producer Tom Rondinella’s guidance helped Mitchell navigate his first feature with confidence.
- Festivals are about connection: A chance meeting at a screening led to a life-changing collaboration.
đź”— Resources & Links
🎬 Watch Against the Spread: https://jackrabbitmedia.com or search on Amazon
📸 Follow Mitchell on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wakeupmistercole
🎥 Follow the film: https://instagram.com/againstthespreadfilm
đź“š Learn more about public domain adaptations: https://www.gutenberg.org
đź“Ł Calls to Action
- Subscribe to Persistence of Vision on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
- Leave a review to help others discover the show
- Share this episode with a fellow filmmaker or creative
- Find everything I'm doing online at https://linktree.com/clinttill
