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

Written by Noam Kroll

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 interest
How indie films without stars can land on major platforms like HBO
Financing a micro-budget feature with personal funds, partners, and partial fundraising
The jump from a $75K film to a $1M feature using tax incentives, grants, and talent deals
Why having the right producer dramatically increases credibility with agents and financiers
Lessons from building and selling an ad agency – and why strategy beats fulfillment
How reducing friction (locations, permits, crew, logistics) makes indie filmmaking possible
Why building an audience can be a more reliable path than the traditional Hollywood ladder

This is Episode 269: Getting a $75K Feature On HBO & Selling a Video Agency For $17MM With Stefan van de Graaff

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Links from the show:

Stefan – Instagram

One of Us – Instagram

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About Author

Noam Kroll

Noam Kroll is an award-winning Los Angeles based filmmaker, and the founder of the boutique production house, Creative Rebellion. His work can be seen at international film festivals, on network television, and in various publications across the globe. Follow Noam on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more content like this!

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