Rules for Indie Filmmakers, according to NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW | TIFF

Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol break down the creative rules behind Nirvanna the Band the Show in this extended edit of a 2018 interview featuring never-before seen footage. They share how constraints, iteration, and a deep love of structure helped them make bold, boundary-pushing work on a truly indie scale. From navigating fair use and copyrighted material to embracing fear, failure, and reaction over rigid planning, the conversation offers practical insights for filmmakers looking to make something new without waiting for permission—and a reminder that rules aren’t the enemy of creativity, they’re what make it possible.

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