Start / SBP Podcast Mobile Filmmaking / Indie filmmaking with smartphone cameras with rachel jacob

Indie Filmmaking with Smartphone Cameras with Rachel Jacob

67 min • 25 maj 2021

The story in film has always been an attraction to Rachel Jacob. She grew up in the industry from her father’s side of the family and occasionally would dip her feet in it. She tried many aspects of filmmaking.

In her teens while in school Rachel was acting, which she still loves, and then she tried screenwriting. Most of her experience in film were a series of loose ends. When she was 18 she attempted directing a project and it became the push she needed to tie the knot as a filmmaker. Rachel advises to try working in different positions in film to learn and gain experience.

But it was in her twenties when she went all in and got serious. She found work on feature films and shows that were being shot locally, in New Orleans. That experience helped her become the filmmaker she is today. She is currently working on a screenplay to make a feature film.

During the SBP Podcast Mobile Filmmaking, in episode 99, we discuss many tips for people starting out in the industry, even if you live in an area where the film industry is not accessible. Rachel believes mobile filmmaking with smartphones is a great opportunity for people who want to make films and don’t have access to the traditional film industry, like she did, to get work and experience.

During the pandemic she had already heard about Tangerine, by Sean Baker, that was shot with an iPhone. She realized mobile filmmaking was a popular thing, however, she had never considered it.

During the pandemic in 2020, she designed a challenge with some friends, and the non-profit organization she works with. They created the Home Movie Madness Film Festival, which challenged everyone to make a short film at home using their smartphone.

That experience was mind-blowing for her. She had a blast making her first smartphone movie. She realized the potential of what she could do with her phone after completing her short film. That realization motivated her to begin making short mobile films, and Rachel now makes short films on a more regular basis. The simplicity of getting an idea for a story and making a film in a short period of time is thrilling.

Rachel discusses the opportunities mobile filmmaking gives everyone with a smartphone to make films and share stories. It was refreshing to speak with a filmmaker who understands the unique benefits of mobile filmmaking while still appreciating traditional filmmaking. Regardless of the camera, in the end we are making films and sharing stories. Traditional filmmakers making mobile films inspire mobile filmmakers and vice versa by coming together and sharing the unique culture of mobile filmmaking.

Staying busy making films is important to Rachel and she says its part of the process of becoming a better filmmaker. The more films you make, the better you get at it. She believes mobile filmmaking is a big part of the process now that she has experienced the benefits and how fun it is. Because of it, she can concentrate more on the story of her films as opposed to all the technical aspects.

All the experience with film festivals has given her many insights to the film festival process and she offers consulting to anyone interested in submitting films to film festivals.

SBP Podcast Mobile Filmmaking: The Voice of Mobile Film™ is for everyone who ever wanted to or is curious about making movies and videos using smartphones.

Follow Rachel on Social Media and check out her Reel and Videos:

Video we talked about during the podcast: https://youtu.be/6aN4oCxmyBg

Rachel Jacob Directing Reel: https://youtu.be/J9IPdQyuFFA

Rachel Jacob IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2790920/

Rachel on LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/racheljacob

Directed by Rachel Jacob, Official Music Video - Hear You Say by Jeremy Dean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzsguAzb8Fc

Our Links:

Smartphone Filmmaking Publication on Medium: https://medium.com/smartphonefilmmaking

Subscribe, support and listen to bonus episodes and more on Patreon: http://patreon.com/sbppodcast

Support podcast host Susy Botello: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/susybotello

Mobile Film Stories on Clubhouse: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/mobile-film-stories

SBP Podcast Website: http://sbppodcast.studio