Filmmaker Joshua Caldwell explores the resourceful path he’s carved through Hollywood. From childhood VHS adventures to directing a Netflix hit, Joshua shares how he’s built a career by embracing limitations and turning them into creative fuel.
We dive into his $6,000 feature Layover, the philosophy behind his 6K Filmmaker course, and the mindset shifts that helped him transition from micro-budget indies to larger productions.
Joshua doesn’t just talk theory—he shares war stories, including a wild encounter with federal agents while filming a trailer.
In this episode of Persistence of Vision, I sit down with filmmaker Joshua Caldwell to explore the gritty, resourceful path he’s carved through Hollywood. From childhood VHS adventures to directing a Netflix hit, Joshua shares how he’s built a career by embracing limitations and turning them into creative fuel. We dive into his $6,000 feature Layover, the philosophy behind his SixK Filmmaker course, and the mindset shifts that helped him transition from micro-budget indies to larger productions. Joshua doesn’t just talk theory—he shares war stories, including a wild encounter with federal agents while filming on what turned out to be an Air Force base. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical insights, candid reflections, and a whole lot of inspiration. Tune in to hear how Joshua proves that you don’t need permission—or a massive budget—to make something great.
Timestamps:
- 00:00:00: Introduction
- 00:01:37: Joshua Caldwell's Background
- 00:05:49: Early Filmmaking Experiences
- 00:12:33: Starting a Production Company
- 00:16:54: Making Layover
- 00:26:08: SixK Filmmaker Course
- 00:33:41: Marketing Your Film
- 00:38:28: Unexpected Outcomes
- 00:41:42: On-Set Nightmare Stories
- 00:49:37: Final Thoughts and Plugs
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace limitations and turn them into creative fuel.
- You don’t need permission—or a massive budget—to make something great.
- Modular storytelling allows you to produce scenes regardless of budget.
- Live environment filmmaking can make your film feel bigger and more dynamic.
Resources and Links:
Calls to Action:
- Subscribe to Persistence of Vision on Apple Podcasts.
- Leave a review and let me know what you think
