In this episode, I’m joined by actor and filmmaker Hannah Barefoot to talk about building a career as a working actor, her recurring role on NCIS: Origins, our new short film Crow, and the leap into producing and crowdfunding her own first feature, Wyoming Christmas Carol.
Throughout the interview Hannah breaks down how she went from a string of day jobs to 80 film and TV credits, and how that’s now led her into feature filmmaking.
We also get deep into the producer side of indie filmmaking. Hannah shares exactly how she’s financing Wyoming Christmas Carol through a WeFunder equity crowdfunding campaign, why fiscal sponsorship matters for filmmakers, and the practical steps for building pitch materials that actually convert.
Topics covered include:
- Hannah’s path from small-town Wyoming to 80+ film and TV credits
- Burning out, quitting acting, and finding her way back in her late twenties
- Landing a recurring role on NCIS: Origins
- Why the “small” no-budget projects are so often the ones that change everything
- Financing a feature through WeFunder equity crowdfunding
- Fiscal sponsorship, 501(c)(3)s, and why they matter for indie filmmakers
- Shooting in-character photo shoots to sell a project more effectively
- Much more!
This is Episode 276: From 80 Acting Credits To Directing Her First Feature, Plus How To Actually Crowdfund A Film On WeFunder – With Hannah Barefoot
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Links from the show:
Wyoming Christmas Carol – WeFunder
Wyoming Christmas Carol – Instagram
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14 Comments
michel stark
atReally interesting to hear about the journey from acting to directing a first feature film. Crowdfunding also offers filmmakers a valuable way to connect with supporters and bring independent projects to life. Stories like this are worth sharing, and SOAT Por Placa is another useful online resource.
michael john
atThis sounds like a fascinating conversation for anyone interested in filmmaking and independent cinema. Hearing how an experienced actor moves into directing and learns to crowdfund a feature film can offer valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers. I appreciate content that shares practical industry insights and creative experiences. I also find useful online resources like Recibo de luz helpful for everyday information about electricity bills in Mexico.
Annalise
atIt’s interesting to hear how filmmakers move from acting into directing and find creative ways to fund their own projects. Crowdfunding can give independent creators a chance to connect with supporters and bring personal stories to the screen without relying entirely on traditional funding. Learning new skills and exploring different opportunities can make a real difference, and Sena Sofia Plus is another resource for discovering educational options.
Zachary
atIt’s interesting to hear how Hannah Barefoot moved from acting to directing her first feature film. The conversation about filmmaking and crowdfunding offers useful insight for creative people who want to bring their own projects to life. I also came across Attestation d’hébergement while exploring other useful online resources.
feng sui
atThe point about fiscal sponsorship being separate from the WeFunder campaign is the part most filmmakers gloss over, since equity crowdfunding and 501(c)(3) donation structures don’t mix in one raise. Before building pitch materials, it would help to write a one-page breakdown of which costs the fiscal sponsor can legally cover versus what equity investors are buying, then run it past the sponsor and a securities attorney. That check catches mismatched budgets early, before the campaign page goes live and backers start asking where money goes.
monkey mart
atThis was such an insightful podcast! I loved how Hannah discussed the crowdfunding process—it’s so important for indie filmmakers. I recently dabbled in crowdsourcing for a small project, inspired by what I’ve seen on platforms like https://idlemart.io/. Her tips and experiences were definitely relatable, especially about building a community ahead of time. monkey market also promotes connecting with your audience, which aligns perfectly! Can’t wait to see her feature film!
Leo
atThe fiscal sponsorship and 501(c)(3) point is underrated advice for anyone running an equity raise like this. One thing that trips people up once the WeFunder campaign is live is the investor list itself: between the platform export, a signup form on the film’s site, and people who DM their email instead of using either, you end up with a messy mix of addresses before the first update goes out. Before I send a campaign update to a list like that, I run it through bulk email verification so the typos and dead addresses get flagged instead of bouncing against an investor’s inbox. Good luck to Hannah with Wyoming Christmas Carol.
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atLoved this podcast episode! Hannah’s journey from acting to directing is so inspiring. It’s a game-changer for aspiring filmmakers crowdfunding really opens doors. Thanks for sharing, Noam! Check out gd for more insights too!