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

Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode I sit down with filmmaker, producer, and author Brent Lindstrom to discuss storytelling, filmmaking, and the business side of building a career in the film industry.

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 Light-Minded Arts.

Throughout our conversation, Brent explains his mission to create family-friendly films and clean fiction 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.

In this episode we discuss:

• The most common filmmaking mistakes creators make
• Why filmmakers must understand the business side of movies
• Building a production company from the ground up
• Creating family-friendly and clean fiction films
• Storytelling that connects with audiences across generations
• Financial planning for filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs

Brent also talks about his book “One for the Money, Two for the Soul,” where he shares insights into balancing creativity with financial responsibility in the entertainment industry.

Whether you'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.

Join us as we dive into storytelling, filmmaking strategy, and how to turn a passion for movies into a sustainable career.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:09 - Guest Introduction

00:00:38 - Early Life and Background

00:01:22 - Initial Career Aspirations

00:01:45 - Influence of Movies and Storytelling

00:02:28 - Favorite Films and Filmmakers

00:07:01 - Educational Background

00:09:02 - Transition from Finance to Filmmaking

00:11:33 - Establishing Light-Minded Arts

00:11:42 - Discussion on Clean Fiction and Branding

00:14:37 - First Steps into Filmmaking

00:15:10 - Creating Own Curriculum for Filmmaking

00:16:02 - Learning from Short Films

00:16:22 - Keeping a Filmmaking Journal

00:17:23 - The 10-Year Plan

00:20:20 - Influence of Books and Learning

00:23:19 - Balancing Theory and Practical Application

00:23:39 - Filmmaking as a Team Effort

00:24:43 - Specific Goals for The Matrix

00:26:36 - Importance of Creative Vision and Collaboration

Check out Brent Lindstrom’s book One for the Money, Two for the Soul:

https://www.lightmindedarts.com/books/one-for-the-money-two-for-the-soul/