DMF Episode 327 — Jaze Bordeaux (Part 2): Why Film Budgets Are So High & How Movies Get Overpriced

Welcome to The DMF with Justin Younts (Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting). In this episode, host and actor Justin Younts sits down with filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux for an in-depth conversation about film budgets, production costs, and the realities of independent filmmaking.Have you ever wondered why some films — like Godzilla Minus One — can be made for a fraction of the cost of Hollywood blockbusters and still look incredible? In this episode, we break down why film budgets in Hollywood have become so bloated and how filmmakers in other countries are producing high-quality films with far fewer resources.Jaze Bordeaux shares insight into:Why film production costs continue to rise in North AmericaHow tax incentives and film subsidies impact where movies are madeThe differences between the U.S., Canada, and international film industriesHow actors, crew rates, and human capital affect budgetsThe challenges of digital rights, distribution, and streaming platformsWhat independent filmmakers can do to make smarter, more sustainable filmsThis episode is essential listening for actors, filmmakers, producers, and creatives who want to better understand the business side of filmmaking. Whether you’re an actor trying to understand how budgets affect casting, or a filmmaker navigating production realities, this conversation offers practical, real-world insight into today’s film industry.If you’re interested in acting careers, filmmaking strategy, independent film production, or the future of cinema, this episode of The DMF delivers thoughtful, research-driven conversation that goes beyond the surface.Check out these links:⁠http://jazebordeaux.com/⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jazebordeaux/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jazebordeaux/⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@jazebordeaux⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jazebordeaux⁠⁠https://x.com/jazebordeaux00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:06 - Discussing Spec Scripts00:00:27 - Improving the Film Industry: Budget Perspective00:02:10 - Comparing Film Production Costs: US vs Asia00:03:24 - The Lack of Unifying Body in the US Film Industry00:05:35 - Causes of Bloated Film Budgets00:10:06 - The Impact of Rushing Film Production00:11:35 - Going Outside the System00:14:20 - The Decision Against a Netflix-like Service00:15:32 - The Emergence of Online Video Streaming00:16:43 - The Challenges of Early Online Streaming00:18:13 - The Future of Streaming: Predictions and Reality00:19:45 - The Attempt at Independent Streaming00:23:03 - The Problem of Digital Rights Management00:23:39 - The Persistence of Piracy00:25:15 - The Uncertainty of Digital Ownership00:25:46 - The Resurgence of Physical Media00:26:30 - The Issue of Licensing and Rights00:28:40 - Closing Remarks