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Madhouse Films co-founders Katherine Romans and Charlie Traisman join GG Hawkins to explain how they built an independent production company from the ground up. They discuss using short films as their version of film school, raising project financing through relationship-building, approaching investors as creative partners, and transitioning from shorts to feature films. The conversation also explores cold outreach, fiscal sponsorship, balancing artistic ambition with financial realities, building durable producing partnerships, and why filmmakers must treat their projects like small businesses.
In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins and guests Katherine Romans and Charlie Traisman discuss...
How Romans and Traisman’s longtime friendship developed into a creative and business partnership
Using short films to establish Madhouse Films’ voice, values, and community of collaborators
Why emerging producers should make projects before waiting for the perfect opportunity
Raising a flexible pool of financing while simultaneously developing and producing films
Identifying different investor profiles and understanding what each person wants from participating
Approaching investors as creative partners rather than treating fundraising as a transaction
Using fiscal sponsorship to accept tax-deductible donations for qualifying independent film projects
Reframing fundraising and relationship-building as part of a filmmaker’s creative practice
Why clear, direct financial asks are more effective than vague pitches
Learning from rejection and using each “no” to improve the next approach
How cold emails helped Madhouse build relationships with filmmakers they admired
Transitioning from short-film fundraising to feature-film financing, revenue participation, and ROI conversations
Giving filmmakers room to dream while establishing practical budget boundaries
Deciding which creative priorities are worth protecting and where compromises can be made
Maintaining trust, communication, and humor within a producing partnership
Why directors should act as entrepreneurs and actively help their producers find financing
Treating an independent film like a small business that must be continually pushed toward completion
Developing Madhouse Films’ new film fund and expanding what audiences consider a Madhouse project
Memorable Quotes:
“The whole process of raising and relationship building is extraordinarily fluid and nonlinear.”
“You don't want money from just anyone. You do want someone who's aligned with you because they're part of your team.”
“Because someone says no does not mean you stop asking. You just have to understand how to ask better.”
“If you're getting no's, it means you're putting yourself out there.”
Guests:
Katherine Romans
Charlie Traisman
Resources:
Madhouse Films
Madhouse Films on Instagram
Madhouse Films Newsletter
Fractured Atlas Fiscal Sponsorship
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