# Getting a $75K Feature On HBO & Selling a Video Agency For $17MM With Stefan van de Graaff

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/show-don-t-tell-micro-budget-filmmaking-809490/getting-a-75k-feature-on-hbo-selling-a-video-agency-for-17mm-with-stefan-van-de-graaff
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/show-don-t-tell-micro-budget-filmmaking-809490/getting-a-75k-feature-on-hbo-selling-a-video-agency-for-17mm-with-stefan-van-de-graaff.md
Podcast: [Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking](https://stenobird.com/podcast/show-don-t-tell-micro-budget-filmmaking-809490)
Published: 2026-02-28T00:21:33+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/getting-a-75k-feature-on-hbo-selling-a-video-agency-for-17mm-with-stefan-van-de-graaff--70351696
Audio file: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/70351696/show_dont_tell_ep269.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/show-don-t-tell-micro-budget-filmmaking-809490/episodes/getting-a-75k-feature-on-hbo-selling-a-video-agency-for-17mm-with-stefan-van-de-graaff
Duration seconds: 3636

## Resource

In this episode I'm joined by filmmaker and entrepreneur Stefan van de Graaff, whose $75,000 micro-budget feature Simmer landed on HBO after going viral on Facebook. Stefan also co-founded a video agency that grew from a two-person team into a 100-employee business before selling for $17 million, which we discuss at length. Throughout the episode we talk about Stefan’s unconventional path - from Midwest filmmaker to running a digial advertising business. We also cover how his commercial production work became the foundation for financing and producing indie features, and what it took to scale from a scrappy first feature to a $1M international production. Topics covered include: How uploading Simmer to Facebook led to 1M views and sales agent interest How indie films without stars can land on major platforms like HBO Financing a micro-budget feature with personal funds, partners, and partial fundraising The jump from a $75K film to a $1M feature using tax incentives, grants, and talent deals Why having the right producer dramatically increases credibility with agents and financiers Lessons from building and selling an ad agency - and why strategy beats fulfillment How reducing friction (locations, permits, crew, logistics) makes indie filmmaking possible Why building an audience can be a more reliable path than the traditional Hollywood ladder Links from the show: Stefan - Instagram One of Us - Instagram Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive filmmaking insight each Sunday

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