Film School Sucks | Adam Petrey | Substack

Film School Sucks

Built for working-class filmmakers who want to tell unforgettable stories. Get practical insights, creative resources, and community support. Plus, your FREE Dialogue Brainstorming Workbook when you subscribe.

By Adam Petrey

· Over 11,000 subscribers

The Death of Hollywood and the Rise of Indie Filmmaking

Why indie filmmakers are gaining power as Hollywood continues to decentralize.

Jan 4, 2025 • Adam Petrey

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From Viral Reel to Horror Short: A Conversation with Colin Tunney

The story behind turning a viral reel into a horror short watched by more than 142,000 people on YouTube...

Jun 20 • Adam Petrey

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André Øvredal on Passenger, Practical Horror, and Why Most Indie Filmmakers Play It Too Safe

Øvredal discusses crafting tension inside moving vehicles, rejecting franchise projects without the right script, and the importance of taking creative risks.

May 20 • Adam Petrey

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Daniel Goldhaber on Reimagining Faces of Death, Internet Horror, and Making Your First Feature

The director breaks down casting, collaboration, practical effects, studio filmmaking, and why aspiring filmmakers need to stop waiting and start making.

May 13 • Adam Petrey

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My Oscar Ballot: The Winners I’d Pick

If I had a vote in the Academy Awards, here’s exactly how I’d cast it and why.

Mar 14 • Adam Petrey

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