Independent filmmaker Matt Whitaker joins Garrett Batty and co-host Daren Smith to unpack the two-decade journey behind TRUTH & TREASON—from a PBS documentary to a nationwide theatrical release. We dive into financing (crowdfunding + private equity), securing distribution, why strong legal counsel matters, casting in the UK, shooting in Lithuania with incentives, and how a teen-led resistance story became surprisingly timely today.

In this episode you’ll learn:

How Matt stuck with a passion project for 20+ years—and finally got it financed

The inflection points that moved partners, investors, and distributors to act

Practical lessons on legal, casting, locations, and tax incentives

Why story (not “message”) is what truly moves audiences

About our guest:
Matt Whitaker is the co-writer/director of TRUTH & TREASON, a feature inspired by real WWII events and accompanied by a four-part series rollout.

Sponsor:
This season of Truly Independent is supported by the Help Them See Foundation—a nonprofit funding feature films that inspire faith, hope, and connection. Learn how to support mission-driven cinema at helpthemseefoundation.org.

Call to action:
If you’re enjoying Truly Independent, please like, subscribe, and share. And go see TRUTH & TREASON in theaters now—bring a friend and support indie film.

Credits:
Edited by Michael Bradford • Produced by Three Coin Productions

#IndieFilm #TruthAndTreason #AngelStudios #Filmmaking #Distribution #Storytelling #WorldWarII #IndependentFilm