What does it really take to direct your first feature film? A real look at the filmmaking process for "Bight" In this episode of How Movies Get Made, presented by the International Screenwriters' Association, filmmaker Maiara Walsh breaks down the six-year journey of writing, directing, producing, and starring in her debut feature film, "Bight."
Maiara shares the realities of true microbudget filmmaking—from writing a script during lockdown, finding financing, pulling favors, and surviving post-production, to navigating festivals, distributors, and release strategy. This conversation is packed with practical advice for screenwriters and filmmakers who want to understand how movies actually get made outside the studio system.
Topics include:
- Writing with production limitations in mind
- Collaborating with actors as a writer-director
- Financing an indie feature with personal funds
- Why post-production takes longer than you think
- Finding distribution without major festival premieres
- What first-time filmmakers wish they knew sooner
"Bight" released February 10 on major streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime
