Getting a $75K Feature On HBO & Selling a Video Agency For $17MM With Stefan van de Graaff

In this episode I'm joined by filmmaker and entrepreneur Stefan van de Graaff, whose $75,000 micro-budget feature Simmer landed on HBO after going viral on Facebook. Stefan also co-founded a video agency that grew from a two-person team into a 100-employee business before selling for $17 million, which we discuss at length.Throughout the episode we talk about Stefan’s unconventional path - from Midwest filmmaker to running a digial advertising business. We also cover how his commercial production work became the foundation for financing and producing indie features, and what it took to scale from a scrappy first feature to a $1M international production.Topics covered include:How uploading Simmer to Facebook led to 1M views and sales agent interestHow indie films without stars can land on major platforms like HBOFinancing a micro-budget feature with personal funds, partners, and partial fundraisingThe jump from a $75K film to a $1M feature using tax incentives, grants, and talent dealsWhy having the right producer dramatically increases credibility with agents and financiersLessons from building and selling an ad agency - and why strategy beats fulfillmentHow reducing friction (locations, permits, crew, logistics) makes indie filmmaking possibleWhy building an audience can be a more reliable path than the traditional Hollywood ladderLinks from the show:Stefan - InstagramOne of Us - InstagramSign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday