Ep 260 - How a Short Film Went Viral with Fritz Frauendorf

The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast

In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, host Geoffrey D. Calhoun sits down with filmmaker Fritz Frauendorf to discuss the challenges of breaking into the film industry through short films. Fritz shares his journey from film school to directing Manic Man, a short film that went viral, garnering over a million views. He reveals the marketing strategies that worked, the lessons he’s learned about storytelling, and how he’s leveraging his success to build a feature film. If you're a filmmaker trying to make your mark, this episode is packed with valuable insights!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Fritz transitioned from film school to directing short films
• The importance of visual storytelling in short-form content
• The marketing strategies that helped Manic Man go viral
• The role of local film premieres in networking and career growth
• How short films can serve as proof of concept for feature-length projects
• The balance between artistic expression and audience engagement

Key Moments:

• [00:38] Geoffrey introduces Fritz Frauendorf and his journey into filmmaking
• [01:11] Fritz shares how he got started in film school and his early projects
• [02:32] The strategy behind making Manic Man a concise, powerful short film
• [06:19] The importance of local screenings and community support
• [07:36] The role of social media and paid advertising in promoting indie films
• [08:13] The impact of viral success—opportunities and industry recognition
• [10:42] Why attending local film events can lead to unexpected opportunities
• [11:44] Lessons learned from making multiple short films
• [12:56] The shift from experimental filmmaking to crafting audience-driven stories
• [14:59] Expanding Manic Man into a feature-length film and the creative challenges ahead

About the Guest:
Fritz Frauendorf is an independent filmmaker and director known for his viral short film Manic Man. A graduate of the New York Film Academy, he has spent years crafting short films that explore themes of mental health and dissociation. With multiple projects under his belt, Fritz is now working towards developing a feature film that expands on the concepts introduced in Manic Man.
About the Host:
With films on network television and streaming platforms, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and passionate about teaching. As the host of The Successful Screenwriter, he shares insights from top industry professionals to help writers and filmmakers succeed.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• Manic Man short film [Link]
• Fritz’s film production company: Fritz and Lewis Films Instagram

Connect with Fritz Frauendorf:

• Instagram: @fritzandlewisfilms

Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:

• Website: The Successful Screenwriter
• Instagram: @screenwriterpod
• TikTok: @screenwriterpod

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow filmmakers and screenwriters! Let us know in the comments what marketing strategies have worked for your short films.Hashtags: #Filmmaking #ShortFilms #Screenwriting #IndieFilm #FilmMarketing #ManicMan #MentalHealthInFilm #ViralFilm #FilmmakerLife #Screenwriter