The small-budget indie flick Anora was the biggest winner at the 2025 Academy Awards, taking home five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. While its $6M budget may still seem out of reach for many aspiring filmmakers, it's worth remembering that Tangerine, the debut film of this year’s Oscar-winning filmmaker Sean Baker, was shot on three iPhone 5s smartphones with a $100,000 shooting budget.
Indie filmmaking is on the rise, but no overnight success truly happens overnight—especially in a collaborative art form like film. So where does an aspiring filmmaker start?
Get out there and start doing
“My best advice to aspiring filmmakers? Get on set as a PA, learn as much as you can on someone else's dime, and meet people. Be the first one there, the last one to leave,” says Joseph Eulo, a veteran NYC-based filmmaker. “Never let them see you texting, sitting down, or doing nothing. Always be ready on set and absorb as much as you can.”
We met Joseph in one of those classic only-in-New-York moments—equal parts serendipity and shared passion. An independent media producer and freelance filmmaker, Joseph is also the founder and executive director of the New York Indie Film Collective, a thriving creative hub built to help filmmakers bypass industry gatekeeping and foster collaboration. His energy is infectious, and his mission is clear: to create an inclusive space where filmmakers of all levels can learn, grow, and build meaningful connections.
Find your tribe
As a film student, Joseph sought a community that encouraged knowledge-sharing. Instead, he found exclusivity and egos. Determined to change that, he first launched The New School Student Film Collective, which soon expanded beyond the university to become the Indie Film Collective—a community dedicated to lifting up independent filmmakers, artists, and storytellers.
With over 16,000 members, the NYC Indie Film Collective provides a supportive, no-ego space where creatives can connect, share resources, and work on projects together. More than just an online presence, the collective hosts face-to-face networking events here in NY, pitch sessions, workshops, and screenings, creating real opportunities for members to hone their craft and break into the industry.
Take a free Mini Master class in shotlisting
True to his passion for education, Joseph has invited ShotKraft to present a mini master class on shotlisting—an essential skill for every indie filmmaker. We’re thrilled to join forces with the Indie Film Collective and connect with its dynamic community. If you're in New York, don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and network with like-minded creatives.
Event Details
📍 New York City
📅 Date & Time: [TBD]
🎬 Hosted by the NYC Indie Film Collective & ShotKraft
🎤 This is a free community event
Who Should Attend
Film students aspiring to translate their ideas into actionable visuals.
Independent filmmakers looking to bring clarity and precision to their projects.
Seasoned professionals aiming to streamline their approach to shotlisting and learning about new time-saving tools
Overview
The shot list is a crucial tool that bridges creative vision with practical execution. It serves as a roadmap for the entire production team, ensuring every shot aligns with the story’s emotional and visual goals. This mini masterclass will demystify the process of creating an effective shot list, equipping you with techniques to enhance your storytelling, communicate your ideas, and optimize shoot days.
What You Will Learn
The purpose and importance of a shot list.
How to "read" a script to determine essential shots.
Various shot types and their impact on storytelling.
Tips for collaborating with cinematographers and other key team members.
Tools and templates for creating professional shot lists.
By the Time You Finish This Webinar, You Will Be Able To
Break down a scene to identify the visual requirements for each scene.
Create a detailed shot list that communicates your creative vision effectively.
Understand how different shots affect mood, pacing, and storytelling.
Collaborate confidently with your cinematographer and production team.
Stay tuned for more updates, and see you there!
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