From Crowdfunder to Proof of Concept to Feature Film with directors John C. Lyons & Dorota Swies

This week, Giles Alderson welcomes directors John C. Lyons & Dorota Swies. Together they directed, produced and edited the rather brilliant fracking horror story Unearth (2020), starring Adrienne Barbeau, Marc Blucas, Allison McAtee, and many more. John and Dorota are true indie filmmakers. They dive deep into their filmmaking journey, how they made their first feature films together with little to no budget, and what they learned in the process. They discuss how Unearth came about, how they raised money on Kickstarter, and how they pitched their project to investors. They talk about location, practical effects, directing together, distribution, and why you should always do a background check on your crew. It was a joy to chat with them. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode with John C. Lyons & Dorota Swies.   Unearth is out NOW! A fracking horror story, "Unearth" follows two neighbouring farm families whose relationships are strained when one of them chooses to lease their land to an oil and gas company. In the midst of growing tension, the land is drilled, and something long-dormant and terrifying, deep beneath the earth's surface is released.   EPISODE LINKS Watch UNEARTH now | TRAILER Follow Unearth on TWITTER   PATREON Big thank you to: Marli J Monroe Kevin Pybus Want your name in the show notes? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides and feedback on your film projects! Our new 4 tier structure is in place. Come join the community! https://www.patreon.com/thefilmmakerspodcast   EVENTS & CROWDFUNDERS Join us on ClubHouse on Thursday’s 6.30 here: GMT https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/M5X0Qzvx Buy this new book: Full to the Brim with Fizz, Ginger, and Fierce Determination: A Modern Guide to Independent Filmmaking   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Read & Sign Up for The Wrap Up – Our weekly Newsletter with news and information from the world of film Spread the Word with Our Merch T-Shirts, Hoodies, Mugs, Masks and Water Bottles all now available in some very cool designs. Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us out and write us a review (a good one!), tell your friends and CHOOSE FILM. Get in touch? Email us [email protected] Follow us on Twitter Facebook and Instagram Check out our full episode archive at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is hosted and written by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Produced by Giles Alderson, Robbie McKane @robbiemckane & Samuel Evans @SamuelHEvans_ Edited by @tobiasvees Social Media by Kalli Pasqualucci @kallieep Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Part of the www.podfixnetwork.squarespace.com   WATCH OUR FILMS The Dare UK | Trailer The Dare Canada and USA A Serial Killers Guide to Life | Trailer Arthur & Merlin: Knights of Camelot Winter Ridge UK The Isle Fanged Up The Marker Star Wars: Origins   MORE FROM OUR FRIENDS Follow our Regular Hosts @LucindaRhodes @DirDomLenoir @35mmdop @philmblog @IanSharp1 @Cjamesdirect @dan710ths Follow Make Your Film for Live Events with our Guests @makeyourfilm20  Follow our Movies @thedaremovie @Food4ThoughtDoc @FangedUpFilm Raindance events www.raindance.org The Filmmakers Podcast recommends Performance Insurance Music from musicbed.com Giles Alderson’s website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices