The hard truth about being a Filmmaker  I wish someone had told me a long time ago.

You’ve put in the work. You have the passion. But navigating the film industry is full of hidden traps that can drain your budget, stall your film, and leave you with nothing to show for it.

What if you could learn from a real-world Filmmaker on how to fund, produce, market, and distribute your film—without making costly mistakes?

The Underground Filmmaker gives you the battle-tested strategies you need to succeed!

Make Films. Make Money.

Buy Now $9.99

・WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE A LIVING AS A FILMMAKER?・

You're in the right place

What’s Inside This Exclusive eBook

Real Case Studies: Learn from an indie filmmaker with over 20 years of experience  who has made mistakes, pivoted, and succeeded.  

Funding & Budgeting Strategies: Discover how to finance your film the smart way—without going broke.

Film Distribution Secrets: Why Netflix and big platforms may not be your best option—and what to do instead.

Avoiding Bad Deals: The dirty secrets of distributors and how to protect yourself from getting ripped off.

Marketing & Monetization: How to sell your film, build an audience, and get paid.

The Fast & Grimey Case Study: A shocking real-life story of how I made $250K… and never got paid.

Exclusive Bonus: Filmmaker’s Checklists & Sample Budget!

Imagine the Possibility

AUDIO BOOK

Listen on the go! The audiobook is professionally narrated, giving you additional insider insights as you absorb the game-changing strategies in this book.

eBook & AUDIO BUNDLE

This Offer Is for You If…

You’re an indie filmmaker who wants to avoid costly mistakes.
You’re tired of getting bad advice from people who’ve never sold a film.
You want to understand funding, distribution, and marketing to actually make money.
You’re serious about making filmmaking a profitable career, not just an expensive hobby.

If that sounds like you, this book is exactly what you need.

  • Pre-Production Checklist

  • Post-Production Checklist

  • Deliverables Checklist

The Future of Filmmaking: Where Will You Be in 5-10 Years?​

  • In the next 5 to 10 years, indie filmmaking will be more competitive than ever. Streaming platforms are changing how films are bought and sold, AI-driven tools are redefining how films are made, and direct-to-consumer distribution is giving power back to filmmakers.

  • Streaming deals are shrinking: Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime are offering lower payouts to indie filmmakers, making traditional distribution less viable.

  • Direct-to-Audience Selling is the Future: More filmmakers are building their own audiences and monetizing directly via streaming, memberships, and exclusive content.
Theundergroundfilmmkaer

The film industry is evolving rapidly. Are you keeping up?
Filmmaking is Becoming a Business – Not Just an Art: Filmmakers who understand marketing and monetization will outlast those who rely on outdated models.

If You’re Not Learning These Skills, You’ll Be Left Behind.

The days of just “making a great film and hoping for the best” are over. Filmmakers who don’t adapt will struggle to get funding, distribution, and recognition.

This is why The Underground Filmmaker exists. We give you the insider knowledge and real-world strategies to stay ahead of the curve. If you want to protect your career and take control of your success, this book is your roadmap.

HERE ARE A FEW KEY TOPICS COVERED

Pre - Production

Creating a Company for Your Film – Why & How to Do It

Your Film is a Business – Treat it Like One!

Most indie filmmakers focus solely on the creative side, but without a proper business structure, you’re leaving money on the table and opening yourself up to financial and legal risks.

  • Protect Yourself from Liability: If something goes wrong on set or in distribution deals, your personal assets won’t be at risk.

  • Attract Investors & Grants: A legally structured company gives you credibility when applying for film grants, tax incentives, or private funding.

  • Separate Finances for Tax Benefits: Deduct expenses, track revenue properly, and ensure financial transparency for future investors.

  • Own Your Intellectual Property: Retain full rights to your film, ensuring control over licensing and monetization.

POST - PRODUCTION

AUDIENCE TESTING YOUR FILM – WHY IT’S ESSENTIAL FOR INDIE FILMMAKERS

Think Your Film is Ready? Your Audience Will Decide.

Many indie filmmakers make the mistake of assuming that once the film is edited, it’s finished—but without audience testing, you could be setting yourself up for failure.

Why Audience Testing is Critical:

  • Find & Fix Weak Spots: Early feedback helps identify pacing issues, confusing plot points, or missing emotional impact.

  • Enhance Marketability: Discover which aspects of your film resonate most with viewers to shape your marketing strategy.

  • Avoid Costly Reshoots: Spotting major problems before final distribution saves time and money.

  • Attract Investors & Distributors: Strong test screening feedback boosts your film’s appeal to decision-makers.

Your Film’s Success Depends on Its Audience. Don’t leave it to chance—test, tweak, and perfect your film before it’s too late. The Underground Filmmaker walks you through how to run effective test screenings and use audience feedback to create a film that truly connects.

DELIVERABLES

HOW TO MAKE MONEY WITH YOUR FILM: UNDERSTANDING AVOD, SVOD & OTHER REVENUE STREAMS

Filmmaking is an Art—But It’s Also a Business!

Too many indie filmmakers focus solely on getting their film made—but fail when it comes to monetizing their work. If you don’t have a plan for revenue, your film will just sit on a hard drive, unseen and unpaid for.

Understanding the 3 Key Revenue Models:

  • SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand): Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime pay a licensing fee, but payouts can be low unless your film gets strong viewership.

  • AVOD (Advertising Video on Demand): Free-to-watch platforms like YouTube, Tubi, and Pluto TV generate revenue through ads, and some films earn six figures just from ad-driven views.

  • TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand): Services like iTunes, Google Play, and Vimeo On Demand allow audiences to rent or buy your film directly, giving you a higher payout per view.

Don’t Just Make a Film—Make a Profit! Inside The Underground Filmmaker, we break down step-by-step strategies to monetize your film so you don’t fall into the trap of making an amazing project that never makes a dime. Learn how to get paid while keeping control of your creative vision!

PRE - PRODUCTION

UNDERSTANDING SAG-AFTRA: PICKING THE RIGHT TIER & NAVIGATING THE PAPERWORK

Working with Professional Talent? Know the SAG-AFTRA Rules!

If you plan to hire union actors, you must understand SAG-AFTRA agreements to avoid costly penalties and production delays. Choosing the right contract can save you money, streamline your shoot, and ensure compliance with union regulations.

Key Things Filmmakers Need to Know About SAG-AFTRA:

  • Different Tiers, Different Costs: SAG-AFTRA contracts vary based on your film’s budget, distribution model, and production scale.

  • The Right Tier Can Save You Thousands: Picking the wrong agreement can lock you into higher fees and unnecessary requirements.

  • Paperwork is Mandatory: Failing to submit required paperwork, agreements, and deposits can shut down your production.

  • Actors Need to Get Paid on Time: SAG-AFTRA enforces strict rules on payroll, residuals, and working conditions.

Union actors elevate your film—but only if you plan ahead! Inside The Underground Filmmaker, we break down each SAG-AFTRA contract, the paperwork process, and insider tips so you can hire top talent without legal headaches. Don’t risk your production—learn how to do it right!

Hear from our students

"Game Changer."

The Jewels in this book help me created my film, and now I get a check every quarter.

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REAL LIFE LESSONS

My years as a filmmaker haven’t just given me gray hair—they’ve given me experience worth sharing.

Filmmaking is more than just lights, camera, and action—it’s a battlefield of challenges, mistakes, and unexpected turns. I’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to.

Inside The Underground Filmmaker, I break down the lessons that took me years to learn, so you can skip the pain and fast-track your success.

REAL LIFE LESSON

A Recognizable Name Can Boost Your Film—But Only If Used Strategically

In today’s entertainment landscape, attaching a celebrity or influencer to your film can be a game-changer—but not every star holds the value you may think they do. Many indie filmmakers make the costly mistake of assuming that any famous name will guarantee success, only to find out that star power alone doesn’t sell movies.

Social Media Fame Doesn’t Always Translate to Ticket Sales – Just because an influencer has millions of followers doesn’t mean those followers will buy or watch your film.
Casting for Credibility, Not Just Clout – An actor with an established fanbase in your film’s genre will bring real value compared to a random celebrity.
Smart Negotiation Matters – A cameo or supporting role from the right recognizable actor can boost credibility without breaking your budget.

The Reality of Influencer-Driven Films – Many films built around social media stars flop because their audience doesn’t follow them into long-form content.

Choose talent strategically – Their brand should align with your film’s audience.
✔ Vet their real influence – Look beyond follower count and analyze engagement and audience loyalty.
✔ Use contractual leverage – If they won’t help promote the film, they may not be worth the price tag.
✔ Protect your budget – Don’t blow all your funding on a big name if you can’t afford to finish or market the film.

REAL LIFE LESSON

How Dope King Used Tax Credits to Maximize Budget & Production Value

For many independent filmmakers, funding is the biggest challenge. But what if you could stretch your budget further and increase your production value without raising extra money? That’s exactly what Dope King did—leveraging tax credits to turn a modest budget into a high-production masterpiece.

Smart Filmmakers Leverage Every Advantage! Tax credits can be the difference between a film that looks low-budget and one that competes with Hollywood productions. Inside The Underground Filmmaker, we break down how to apply for, secure, and use tax incentives effectively—so you can maximize your budget without sacrificing qual

REAL LIFE LESSON

The Lost Book of Rap – A Lesson in Leadership and Paperwork

When Creativity Meets Business, You Need More Than Just a Vision

The story of The Lost Book of Rap is a hard-hitting lesson in why leadership and paperwork matter as much as talent and creativity in the entertainment industry. Too many filmmakers, musicians, and creatives focus on the art—but forget that the business side can make or break everything.

What Went Wrong?

  • Poor Leadership Led to Chaos: Without a clear structure, the project suffered from miscommunication, delays, and missed opportunities.

  • No Proper Contracts in Place: Key contributors worked without signed agreements, leading to disputes over credit and payments.

  • Lack of Organization Killed Momentum: Important documents and files were lost, stalling production and distribution efforts.

  • Financial Mismanagement Wasted Resources: Budget overruns and poor planning led to unnecessary expenses that could have been avoided.

・FREE LIMITED - TIME BONUSES

FREE Limited-Time Bonuses

A Total Value of $497

01. Monthly Group Call

Get direct answers to your toughest filmmaking questions.
Real-World Case Studies & Strategies – Learn what’s working NOW in funding, marketing, and distribution.
Filmmaker Hot Seat Sessions – Get feedback on your script, budget, or business plan.
Latest Industry Trends & Opportunities – Stay ahead of the game with the newest shifts in film financing, digital distribution, and monetization.
Networking & Collaboration – Connect with like-minded filmmakers and potential partners for your projects.

Theundergroundfilmmkaer

02. Private Facebook Group

Filmmaking isn’t just about talent—it’s about having the right connections, insider knowledge, and ongoing support to succeed. That’s exactly what our Private Facebook Group offers.

03. First invite to Master class

Ready to Take Your Filmmaking Career to the Next Level?

You’ve learned the real-world lessons from The Underground Filmmaker—now it’s time to put them into action with step-by-step guidance in the exclusive Filmmaking Masterclass!

As a valued reader, you’re getting FIRST ACCESS to this highly-anticipated training before it opens to the public!

Seats are limited! Because of the hands-on nature of this course, we’re only accepting a limited number of students at this time.

Over 500 students from worldwide

"Testimonials from Our Amazing Students."

“This ebook is a game-changer. I finished it in one sitting and found myself going back to highlight entire sections. Insightful, practical, and incredibly motivating!”
— Emily R., Creative Director

I’ve read a lot of ebooks, but this one hit differently. It’s clear, inspiring, and packed with actionable advice. You can tell Ron poured his heart into this.”
— James L.

“From start to finish, this book kept me hooked. It’s the kind of resource I wish I had years ago. Highly recommended for anyone looking to level up!”
— Sofia M.

“This isn’t just a good read—it’s a guide you’ll come back to again and again. The voice is so authentic, it feels like a mentor speaking directly to you.”
— Andre T

“Five stars! This ebook helped me shift my mindset and rethink how I approach my goals. It’s packed with real talk and fresh perspective.”
— Natalie B

Who is this for

This Offer Is for You If...

You’re an indie filmmaker who wants to avoid costly mistakes. You’re tired of getting bad advice from people who’ve never sold a film. You want to understand funding, distribution, and marketing to actually make money. You’re serious about making filmmaking a profitable career, not just an expensive hobby.

If that sounds like you, this bundle is exactly what you need.

This Is NOT for You If:

  • Just starting out - No experience at all

  • You’re looking for a shortcut to instant success without putting in the work to learn and apply real filmmaking strategies.

  • You think Hollywood will magically “discover” you and aren’t willing to take control of your own career.

This Is RIGHT for You If:

  • You’re an indie filmmaker who wants to avoid costly mistakes
  • You’re tired of getting bad advice from people who’ve never sold a film.

  • You’re serious about making filmmaking a profitable career, not just an expensive hobby.

Meet your coach

Hi, I'm Ron Elliot—FILMMAKER

My name is Ron Elliot, and I’ve been a working filmmaker for over 20 years. I am the founder and owner of a film production company Visionary Entertainment Group, LLC, a production company dedicated to creating impactful films and empowering indie filmmakers. As a union Director ofPhotography (DP) and Director, I primarily work on commercials, television, and feature films,bringing cinematic visions to life through expert storytelling and technical execution. In addition to client-based work, I also produce my own independent films, ensuring that my creative vision reaches audiences worldwide.My Journey in the Film IndustryI started my career in the entertainment industry in the ‘90s at Def Jam Records, where I was immersed in the world of music and visual storytelling. From there, I had the opportunity to work alongside Hype Williams, one of the most influential music video directors of all time, refining my skills in high-level production. I later sharpened my technical expertise at DuArt Film & Video, a legendary post-production house in New York that worked with some of the biggest names in cinema.Producing for Major NetworksI became Supervising Producer at MTV’s Tempo Network, where I produced TV shows and live concerts featuring industry icons like Russell Simmons and Spike Lee. My work in post-production led me to major networks like A&E, VH1, and HBO, where I developed a deep understanding of the business side of film and television.Award-Winning FilmmakerWhile I’ve built a successful career in television and post-production, my true passion has alwaysbeen filmmaking. My films have been showcased at prestigious festivals, including Cannes, AmericanBlack film festival, Palm Springs and many more. In 2023, my film Dope King won multiple awards, including Best Feature Film.Committed to the Next Generation of FilmmakersI’ve been fortunate to make filmmaking my full-time career, and now, my mission is to help the next generation of indie filmmakers succeed. Through Visionary Entertainment Group, LLC, I strive to educate, mentor, and provide real-world industry knowledge to aspiring filmmakers who want to tell their stories and build sustainable careers in film.Filmmaking is more than an art—it’s a business. If you’re serious about making it in this industry, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned over the past two decades to help you navigate the journey.

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