The Film Whisperer
Coaching for You and Your Film
Photo - Christa Holka
Hi, I’m Kanchi Wichmann
I'm a filmmaker, writer and coach. I work with directors and filmmakers at any stage of a project — from development to festival screenings — together we work through everything that gets in the way: the doubts, the difficult relationships, the impossible decisions and the emotional weight of carrying a film. I've been there. I know how much it takes.
Free 30 Minute Discovery Call
Let’s talk about your film, and what kind of support would help. Book a free discovery call to see if coaching with me is the right fit.
Coaching Focus
The emotional side
You, behind the camera Making a film is personal, and it can take everything out of you. Together we work through the doubt, the pressure, the exhaustion and the fears, so you can keep going and stay true to yourself and your vision while you do.
The relationships
The people around you A film lives or dies on its collaborations. Whether it's tension with a producer, a crew falling out, an actor you can't reach or a conversation you've been avoiding, I help you navigate the people side of filmmaking with clarity and care.
Your vision
The film you set out to make Between notes, budgets and everyone's opinions, it's easy to lose sight of what your film is really about. I help you reconnect with your vision and make the big decisions, from the edit to choosing a distributor, without losing yourself or the film.
Services
Meetings are over zoom or in person (Los Angeles)
Single Session
For when something needs sorting now. One focused session on one urgent issue: a crisis on your project, a difficult relationship, or a big decision you can't make alone.
$150 · 90 minutes
Stage Package
Support through one stage of your film.Six sessions over three months, focused on the stage you're in: development, pre-production, post-production or release. Includes email support between sessions.
$750 · 6 x 60-minute sessions
Ongoing Support
Someone in your corner from now until release. Regular coaching through every stage of your film. Three sessions a month, plus email support in between
$400 per month · 3-month minimum
Shoot Support
Support while you're filming.A weekly session plus phone and text support for the moments that can't wait during production.
$350 per shoot week
Consultations are conducted via Zoom or in-person in LA with no extra fee. Take advantage of my temporary founding rates.
I provide a limited amount of sliding-scale options for DIY/ low-budget creators— inquire about availability.
I offer coaching in English and German
Three decades in film
I've spent three decades working in film, in just about every role, and at every stage of the process. From recording sound on DIY queer films in Berlin to working as background on shows like Hacks, Lincoln Lawyer and Bel-Air in Los Angeles, from working in the BFI festivals office to working as a press assistant, I've seen the process from every angle.
I've also written and directed my own work, including a feature and a web series, and produced documentaries alongside other directors.
I'm in your corner
I offer a confidential space to work through whatever issues are coming up,.
I've mentored and taught hundreds of emerging filmmakers in London, Berlin and Los Angeles.
I've also worked as a youth worker with excluded and at-risk teenagers in London, as a yoga teacher with Syrian refugees in Berlin, and as a teaching artist with women experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. I've learned how to hold space for people in difficult moments, to listen without judgement, and to stay calm under pressure — skills I bring to our coaching sessions.
The films that never got finished
Making a film is a lot of work and a few of the films I worked on never made it to the finish line. Whether it was due to team member conflict, funding issues, or the director's mental health struggles, these films were abandoned after we had all invested so much.
When you're the director, everyone looks to you for answers. But who do you turn to? Your friends tell you to walk away. Your producer tells you to suck it up. Your partner worries you're overreaching. And even a good therapist may not understand how relationships on a film set really work.
Why I do this
I know from experience what it's like to feel alone on a project, to feel like you don't have the support you need to fully realise your vision.
I'm truly proud of the films I directed, but I also know I would have benefitted from having someone impartial in my corner — someone outside the production to help me think clearly, navigate the tough moments and stay true to what I set out to make.
That's the support I now offer. I'm passionate about helping people express their creativity and tell their stories. I want you to make a film you're proud of, one that truly reflects your vision, and I want you to come through the process in one piece.
More About Me
Training & experience
Three decades in film and TV · Writer/director · Documentary producer · BAFTA US Newcomer (Screenwriting) · Trained teaching artist · Trauma-informed RYT 200 · Former youth worker · Worked with the BFI · BBC · BAFTA · Berlinale · Entertainment Community Fund and many independent productions/ organisations.