Surviving the New Film Industry: AI, Studios, and the Indie Filmmaker’s Advantage

The Art of Film Funding

The Art of Film Funding
Surviving the New Film Industry: AI, Studios, and the Indie Filmmaker’s Advantage
Mar 18, 2026

Jonathon Smith is a writer, director, and producer whose work spans independent film development and forward-looking conversations about the evolving film industry.

Known for his thoughtful approach to storytelling and production, Jonathon has been actively exploring how emerging technologies, shifting studio structures, and new distribution models are reshaping opportunities for filmmakers.

As both a creative and a strategist, he brings a valuable perspective on how filmmakers can adapt to industry disruption while staying true to their artistic voice.

Jonathon is especially interested in how independent filmmakers can use new tools—including artificial intelligence and evolving digital platforms—to develop projects, reach audiences, and build sustainable careers in filmmaking.

Episode Artwork Surviving the New Film Industry: AI, Studios, and the Indie Filmmaker’s Advantage 43:42 Episode Artwork Ethos Film Festival & The Power of Purpose-Driven Cinema 41:45 Episode Artwork The New Frontier of Film Distribution with Rish Aggarwal of Kinema 44:47 Episode Artwork Beyond Kickstarter: Using WeFunder to Build Investor-Driven Indie Films 43:07 Episode Artwork Format Is Power: How Scripts Get Taken Seriously in Hollywood 36:11 Episode Artwork Film Funding Mastery: How THE CROWDFUNDING QUEEN™ Raised Thousands and Built a Global Crowdfunding Model 40:11 Episode Artwork Helen Hall shares how to use MIPCOM for funding your documentary 41:18 Episode Artwork Christine LaMonte — Craft, Collaboration & Creative Excellence 55:19 Episode Artwork Post-Cinema: Scott Billups on AI and the Future of Filmmaking 49:44 Episode Artwork ALL THE WALLS CAME: Ondi Timoner on Creating Transformative Films - Hosted by Heather Lenz 54:43 Episode Artwork From Script to Screen to Strategy: Spade Robinson on the New Era of Filmmaking 57:35 Episode Artwork What Everyone Gets Wrong About Crowdfunding — with Bri Castellini 59:54 Episode Artwork From Twilight Zone to Today: Paul Chitlik on the Art of Screenwriting 45:56 Episode Artwork Award winning filmmaker Jeremy Workman discusses his successful indie release of SECRET MALL APARTMENT - Hosted by Heather Lenz 54:02 Episode Artwork Award winning filmmakers Elliot Kirschner & Heather Kinlaw Lofthouse discuss their documentary The Last Class featuring Robert Reich teaching about income inequality - Hosted by Heather Lenz 1:04:14 Episode Artwork You are the Magic: Film Funding with help from the Quantum Field 37:53 Episode Artwork Mark Mori on The Baristas vs The Billionaires: Funding and Fighting for Change 45:31 Episode Artwork Brace for Oblivion: Filmmaking on the Frontlines with Xackery Irving 59:43 Episode Artwork Counterculture Utopia? Documentary Filmmaker Jonathan Berman discusses rereleasing Commune 42:36 Episode Artwork Award winning filmmaker Lisa D'Apolito discusses her biographical documentaries - Hosted by Heather Lenz 33:10 Episode Artwork Emily Best on Crowdfunding That Works: How Seed&Spark Helps Filmmakers Succeed 39:04 Episode Artwork The Future is Fan-Funded: A Conversation with Legion M’s Jeff Annison 52:12 Episode Artwork Filmmaker Philip Shane shares strategies to create award winning documentaries - Hosted by Heather Lenz 1:04:36 Episode Artwork How to Raise Money for Your Doc with Jilann Spitzmiller 49:01 Episode Artwork Creating your future: How Filmmakers access genius through the quantum field 28:47