Writer-director Sam Hayes and actor-filmmaker Michael Vlamis break down the making and unconventional release of Pools, a coming-of-age film built around an overnight pool-hopping adventure. They discuss the logistical challenges of shooting underwater on an indie schedule, building an ensemble cast around specific actors, and why traditional distribution offers pushed the team toward a hands-on grassroots strategy. Sam explains how pool-party premieres, years of networking, and a wine-fueled cold email helped Pools find a new audience through the Letterboxd Video Store, while Michael compares the scrappy production of Pools with working on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. They also share lessons on preserving release momentum, budgeting for marketing, navigating film festivals, and finding an audience when streamers are not an option.
In this episode, No Film School's GG Hawkins, Sam Hayes, and Michael Vlamis discuss...
How the image of a glowing pool at night became the foundation for Pools
Writing characters with specific actors like Michael Vlamis, Odessa A'zion, and Tyler Alvarez in mind
Building chemistry within an ensemble cast on a limited indie prep schedule
The complications of filming overnight pool scenes and shooting underwater
How a breath coach helped Odessa A'zion increase her underwater breath hold from roughly 15 seconds to a minute and a half
Why Sam turned down disappointing traditional distribution offers and pursued a more hands-on service deal
Creating pool-party premieres that made screenings feel like events rather than another movie release
How Sam became a top 0.01% Partiful user while organizing approximately 25 promotional events
Why filmmakers need to actively build relationships with festival programmers, distributors, critics, and other members of the indie film community
The mistake of delaying Pools' TVOD release in hopes of benefiting from the attention around Odessa A'zion's other projects
Why maintaining momentum and giving audiences an immediate way to watch a film matters after theatrical release
How the crowded TVOD marketplace makes discoverability especially difficult for independent movies
The wine-fueled cold email Sam wrote to Letterboxd after feeling like the film was running out of distribution options
Why Letterboxd's curated Video Store offered Pools a way to stand apart from algorithm-driven platforms
How the film's Letterboxd rating improved as more viewers discovered it
Michael's experience moving between Pools, his indie feature Crossword, and Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey
Why a giant production can still feel surprisingly scrappy and responsive on set
The difference between a film's production budget and the marketing budget needed to actually break through
Why indie filmmakers cannot build their entire distribution strategy around getting acquired by a major streamer
How real-world relationships can turn previous distribution passes into new opportunities
Why Sam recommends budgeting for marketing before production begins
The danger of submitting a rough cut to major film festivals before the movie is truly ready
Michael's approach to finding grounded comedy without forcing jokes or overthinking a performance
Memorable Quotes:
“You need something fun, especially for an indie movie, to, like, build community around the film and with each other and make it about more than just the movie itself.”
“As soon as the people start watching the movie, you want people to be able to see the movie.”
“You can't rely on it. You have to find ways to, like, find your own audience with an indie film.”
“Build in a marketing budget before you shoot. Like, have that be a part of the money that you raise.”
Guests:
Sam Hayes
Michael Vlamis
Resources:
Pools on Letterboxd
Rent Pools on the Letterboxd Video Store
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