DMF Episode 335 — Brent Lindstrom: Filmmaking Mistakes, Storytelling & The Business of Movies

<p><strong>Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting.</strong> I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode I sit down with filmmaker, producer, and author <strong>Brent Lindstrom</strong> to discuss storytelling, filmmaking, and the business side of building a career in the film industry.</p><p>Brent shares his journey from growing up in a small town in Utah — where many people doubted his dream of making movies — to building a successful career producing films and founding his company <strong>Light-Minded Arts</strong>.</p><p>Throughout our conversation, Brent explains his mission to create <strong>family-friendly films and clean fiction</strong> that resonate with audiences across generations. He believes storytelling has the power to connect people, inspire empathy, and create meaningful entertainment without relying on sensationalism.</p><p>In this episode we discuss:</p><p>• The most common filmmaking mistakes creators make<br>• Why filmmakers must understand the business side of movies<br>• Building a production company from the ground up<br>• Creating family-friendly and clean fiction films<br>• Storytelling that connects with audiences across generations<br>• Financial planning for filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs</p><p>Brent also talks about his book <strong>“One for the Money, Two for the Soul,”</strong> where he shares insights into balancing creativity with financial responsibility in the entertainment industry.</p><p>Whether you&#39;re an actor, filmmaker, producer, or storyteller, this episode explores the practical lessons needed to navigate the complex world of filmmaking while staying true to your creative vision.</p><p><strong>Join us as we dive into storytelling, filmmaking strategy, and how to turn a passion for movies into a sustainable career.</strong></p><p>00:00:00 - Introduction</p><p>00:00:09 - Guest Introduction</p><p>00:00:38 - Early Life and Background</p><p>00:01:22 - Initial Career Aspirations</p><p>00:01:45 - Influence of Movies and Storytelling</p><p>00:02:28 - Favorite Films and Filmmakers</p><p>00:07:01 - Educational Background</p><p>00:09:02 - Transition from Finance to Filmmaking</p><p>00:11:33 - Establishing Light-Minded Arts</p><p>00:11:42 - Discussion on Clean Fiction and Branding</p><p>00:14:37 - First Steps into Filmmaking</p><p>00:15:10 - Creating Own Curriculum for Filmmaking</p><p>00:16:02 - Learning from Short Films</p><p>00:16:22 - Keeping a Filmmaking Journal</p><p>00:17:23 - The 10-Year Plan</p><p>00:20:20 - Influence of Books and Learning</p><p>00:23:19 - Balancing Theory and Practical Application</p><p>00:23:39 - Filmmaking as a Team Effort</p><p>00:24:43 - Specific Goals for The Matrix</p><p>00:26:36 - Importance of Creative Vision and Collaboration</p><p><strong>Check out Brent Lindstrom’s book </strong><em><strong>One for the Money, Two for the Soul</strong></em><strong>:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.lightmindedarts.com/books/one-for-the-money-two-for-the-soul/">https://www.lightmindedarts.com/books/one-for-the-money-two-for-the-soul/</a></p>