The Filmmakers Podcast

Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast! This week, host Dom Lenoir sits down with actors Common and Alexandria Riley to discuss their complex roles in the hit Apple TV+ sci-fi series, Silo. In this short but sweet episode, we dive deep into the intense psychological journeys of their characters and the highly collaborative environment that brings the massive world of Silo to life. 🎬 In This Episode We Discuss: Dom Lenoir hosts a conversation with actors Common and Alexandria Riley about their work on the television series Silo. The actors discuss how their characters navigate incredibly difficult situations during the current season. Common explains his character's journey of breaking down his identity after being aligned with judicial powers. Common details his character's transition toward fighting for the greater good. Alexandria explores the tension of her character being placed in an impossible position. The actors share insights into the on-set conflicts and relationship dynamics under pressure. Common and Alexandria praise showrunner Graham Yost for his excellent leadership. The guests highlight Graham Yost's accessibility and his effort to know everyone's names on set. Alexandria emphasizes the strong family vibe and genuine care shared among the cast and crew. Watch Food For Thought 🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠ A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review and every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a massive difference! 📲 Support, Merch & Courses 🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you! 👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠. 📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠. 🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠. 🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠*Join our Patreon*⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and direct feedback on your film projects! 🎬 Credits Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo & Banner Art by: ⁠Lois Creative⁠ Theme Music by: ⁠John J. Harvey⁠ Silo Apple TV+, Common Silo, Alexandria Riley, Graham Yost, The Filmmakers Podcast, Dom Lenoir, Silo cast interview, Sci-Fi television, acting masterclass, television production, Apple Original series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple's F1 Strategy: Jerry Bruckheimer & Eddy Cue on Practical Filming, Theatrical Windows, and Brad Pitt How do you shoot a massive Hollywood blockbuster in the middle of a live Formula 1 Grand Prix? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Top Gun: Maverick) and Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, to find out. In this special episode, we get an exclusive look under the hood of the upcoming, highly anticipated Apple Original Film, F1. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the production is rewriting the rules of practical filmmaking by placing real actors in real cars during actual race weekends. Eddy and Jerry break down the massive technical innovations required to capture the speed and visceral intensity of the sport, Apple's steadfast commitment to the global theatrical window, and the vital role of Lewis Hamilton in keeping the film authentic. 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: The Power of Practical: Why Jerry and director Joe Kosinski insisted on shooting real cars at real Grand Prix events rather than relying on CGI. The Tech Innovation: How the production worked with Apple to develop bespoke 6K cameras small enough to fit inside the cockpits without disrupting the F1 aerodynamics. The Apple Philosophy: Eddy Cue on building Apple Original Films from scratch and why committing to a massive theatrical release for F1 is central to their strategy. The Expert Eye: How seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s role as a producer fundamentally changed the script and saved the production from making critical racing errors. The Actor Preparation: The rigorous driving school Brad Pitt and Damson Idris underwent to safely handle the cars on an active track. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode: Watch out for F1—coming globally to cinemas soon from Apple Original Films and Warner Bros. 🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠ A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review and every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a massive difference! 🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you! 👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠. 📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠. 🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠. Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠*Join our Patreon*⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and direct feedback on your film projects! Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo & Banner Art by: ⁠Lois Creative⁠ Theme Music by: ⁠John J. Harvey⁠ 🎥 Watch Food For Thought📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬 Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Docs to Drama: Morgan Matthews on Directing 500 Miles & Funding Indie Films How do you take the run-and-gun instincts of a documentary filmmaker and apply them to a highly structured narrative feature? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with the phenomenal writer and director Morgan Matthews to find out. Morgan shares his incredible journey from studying photography to directing BAFTA-winning documentaries, and eventually transitioning into the world of feature films. We take a deep dive into the making of his latest film, 500 Miles, an ambitious road movie shot across the unpredictable landscapes of Ireland. Morgan shares the unvarnished truth about the indie hustle, from securing financing to managing the brutal logistics of shooting on ferries and in extreme weather. 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: The Documentary Foundation: How classics like 14 Days in May inspired Morgan’s early career and how his factual background informs his narrative directing style today. Directing an Ensemble Cast: The collaborative process of working with incredible talent like Bill Nighy, Maisie Williams, and Roman Griffin Davis. Actor Collaboration: Why Morgan believes in remaining flexible on set and actively rewriting scenes to naturally fit the actors' voices. Financing the Indie Dream: A transparent look at pulling together the budget for 500 Miles utilizing Screen Ireland and complex international financing structures. The Edit Room Pressure: Why editing a scripted feature feels entirely different—and often carries much more pressure—than finding the story in a documentary edit. Surviving the Elements: The sheer chaos of filming a road movie in Ireland, where productions can face rain, fog, and bright sunshine all within a single hour. 500 Miles is OUT NOW! Links: 🎥 Watch Food For Thought 🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠ A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review and every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a massive difference! 🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you! 👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠. 📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠. 🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠. Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠*Join our Patreon*⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and direct feedback on your film projects! Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo & Banner Art by: ⁠Lois Creative⁠ Theme Music by: ⁠John J. Harvey⁠ 📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Noyer on filmmaking, Tax Incentives, Folk Horror, and Directing Love is the Monster What do you do when your folk horror film is deeply rooted in Finnish mythology, but the financing dictates you have to shoot it in Canada? You adapt, you pivot, and you get your movie made. This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with returning guest, writer-director, and genre champion Alex Noyer (Sound of Violence) to unpack the production of his latest feature, the creature-feature folk horror Love is the Monster. Starring Madeline Zima and Leonardo Nam, the film follows a toxic couple whose trip to a remote wellness retreat plunges them into a deadly mythological ritual. Alex strips back the curtain on the grueling reality of independent film financing, sharing the exact strategic choices that moved his production across the globe to secure the best tax rebates possible. 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Following the Financing: Why Alex pivoted from shooting in Finland (with a 25% cash rebate) to Northern Ontario, Canada, to capitalise on up to 40% in combined tax incentives. Directing Toxic Characters: How to keep an audience engaged when your lead characters are deeply flawed, and why Madeline Zima was the perfect collaborator to find the humanity in the horror. The Two-Camera Rule: Why Alex insists on running two cameras simultaneously at all times to protect his coverage and buy himself freedom in the edit suite. Language & Leadership: The unique challenge of directing an ensemble cast across three different languages (English, French, and Finnish) while maintaining complete control of the set's tone. Protecting the Edit: Moving from the chaos of the set to sitting alongside the editor, and why the script is completely rewritten once you hit post-production. Sending the Elevator Down: The vital importance of supporting emerging talent and fostering a collaborative, ego-free community in the independent genre space. 🔗 Links & Films Mentioned in This Episode: Watch Love is the Monster – Out now exclusively on the Amazon/Prime store (US & Canada). 🎬 Sound of Violence – Alex Noyer’s previous neon-soaked slasher feature. 🎬 Samodiva – Giles Alderson's upcoming folk horror feature. 📱 Connect with Alex Noyer: Follow him on Instagram/X 🎥 Watch Food For Thought 🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a difference! 🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! 👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. 📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠HERE⁠. 🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠. Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects! The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey⁠ 📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬 Credits Alex Noyer, Love is the Monster movie, Madeline Zima, Leonardo Nam, Folk horror movies, Indie film financing, Film tax incentives, How to produce an indie film, Directing two cameras, Giles Alderson, The Filmmakers Podcast, Independent filmmaking podcast, Canadian film tax credits, Sound of Violence, Horror film director Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you protect the human craft of storytelling while navigating a global independent market that is rapidly contracting? This week, Giles Alderson and Phil Hawkins sit down for an incredibly candid, wide-ranging masterclass with Jonathan Yunger—President of Millennium Media and co-founder of Arcana Labs. Jonathan has masterminded massive worldwide features grossing billions of dollars—producing major franchise hits like The Expendables, The Hitman's Bodyguard, and the Fallen series, alongside star-driven indie standouts like Tesla starring Ethan Hawke, Jolt starring Kate Beckinsale, Till Death starring Megan Fox, and The Enforcer starring Antonio Banderas. His latest project, John Rambo (directed by Sisu filmmaker Jalmari Helander), is a masterclass in 99% practical, old-school action cinema. Yet, Jonathan is also leading the charge on ethical, artist-driven tech integration through Arcana Labs—an enterprise-grade ecosystem fully vetted by major streaming networks after rigorous multi-month security compliance reviews. In this episode, we strip away the PR spin to examine how the disruption of streaming windows broke the traditional indie minimum guarantee model, and why embracing assistive workflows is the key to reclaiming creative risk. 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: The Broken Pre-Sale Model: Why international distributors are shrinking minimum guarantees, and how independent budgets can adapt without sacrificing star quotes or delivery quality. Arcana Labs & The Sandbox Model: Moving completely away from public D2C models to isolated B2B environments where an independent producer's data stays secure and never trains wider engines. Practical Budget Salvage: A real-world breakdown of how the upcoming war feature Lucky Strike saved $50,000 in production design assets alone. Buying Back Shooting Days: Why utilizing digital tools for scope, pick-ups, and establishing shots allows directors to spend more on-set days focusing on performances and scares. The "20 Years + 3 Days" Rule: Why digital tools are only as good as the human intent behind them, and why Arcana requires eight weeks of pure film theory before tool training. Copyright & Legal Frontiers: Jonathan’s active role as a plaintiff in major Canadian copyright litigation, his seat at the table for the European AI Act, and protecting independent IP. John Rambo & Practical Craft: Why certain films demand 99% practical explosions, real helicopters, and traditional theatrical storytelling. The Educational Pipeline: How state-led high school programmes in Kentucky are using media tracks to let students run their own internal ad agencies for local businesses. Millennium's Current Slate: What the studio is actively looking for right now—high-concept genre scripts with cool twists that can be shot for a price with one or two key names. 🌐 Arcana Labs: https://www.arcanalabs.ai/ 🏢 Millennium Media: https://millennium-media.net/https://millennium-media.net/ 🎟️ Filmmakers Podcast Networking Event: Join us on 19th June at the Genesis Cinema, London! Industry networking starts at 7:30 PM, followed by an exclusive screening of the thriller Voidance at 9:00 PM. https://www.genesiscinema.co.uk/event/109921 SizzleMaker.io. Phil's new platform for sizzle reels https://sizzlemaker.io/ 🔗 Links, References & Films Mentioned 📲 Connect with The Filmmakers Podcast Follow us on Instagram/X: @filmmakerspod Check out our website for more masterclasses: www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey If you found value in this deep dive into the business of film, please take a brief moment to leave us a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It keeps our independent filmmaking podcast bringing you the biggest creators every single Tuesday! Jonathan Yunger, Millennium Media, Arcana Labs, John Rambo movie, The Outpost film, The Expendables, Has Fallen franchise, The Hitman's Bodyguard, Kate Beckinsale Jolt, Megan Fox Till Death, Antonio Banderas The Enforcer, Giles Alderson, Phil Hawkins, The Filmmakers Podcast, independent filmmaking podcast, film financing models, movie pre-sales breakdown, practical film effects, how to sell an indie movie, Hollywood studio producer This in-depth discussion expands perfectly on Jonathan's perspectives regarding AI, Arcana Labs, and the complex copyright concerns facing independent artists today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Direct A-List Talent: Ol Parker on Rom-Coms, Rejection & Set Etiquette How do you maintain your creative voice while directing some of the biggest movie stars on the planet? This week, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with Hollywood hitmaker Ol Parker to unpack the business of making audiences feel good. Known for writing and directing global smashes like Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Ticket to Paradise, Ol joins host Giles Alderson to discuss his latest feature film, the Netflix R-rated corporate comedy Office Romance, starring Jennifer Lopez, Brett Goldstein, and a massive ensemble of comedy heavyweights. Ol delivers a masterclass in longevity, collaboration, and set management. He opens up about the unique challenge of directing a script written by his lead actors, how to balance hard-R comedy with touching narrative beats, and why a director's job is often about listening to the experts around them. 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: The Writer vs. Director Dynamic: How trying to quit The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel shaped how Ol treats writers now that he’s strictly in the director's chair for Office Romance. The R-Rated Shift: Transitioning his internal comedic compass from PG-13 crowd-pleasers to an unrestricted, raunchy corporate comedy. The Secrets of Comedy Acting: Why brilliant comedic actors don’t feel things less, they just feel them quicker than dramatic actors. Managing A-List Sets: Creating a loose, relaxed, and joyful set environment so that high-profile talent feel safe to deliver their best work. Casting Instincts: Why casting is an aggregation of years of experience, and how to read the room during the first 15 minutes of a meeting. The Power of Costumes & Set Design: Using physical spaces and wardrobe selection as a tool to help actors organically discover their characters. The Ultimate Advice: Why independent filmmakers get so careworn by the hustle that they forget to actually enjoy the extraordinary privilege of making movies. 🔗 Links & Films Mentioned in This Episode: Watch Office Romance on Netflix! 🎟️ Filmmakers Podcast Networking Event: Join us on 19th June at the Genesis Cinema, London! Industry networking from 7:30 PM, followed by an exclusive screening of the thriller Voidance at 9:00 PM. [Link to Tickets Here] 🎬 The Up Side of Unrequited – Hilary Shakespeare's current post-production feature. 🎬 Bravado – Dom Lenoir's latest feature project, screening at Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles on 28th June. 🎬 Samodiva & Sessions – Giles Alderson's latest independent features, represented by Quantify Sales. 📚 Hope for Film – The essential industry book by producer Ted Hope. 📲 Connect with The Filmmakers Podcast: Follow us on Instagram/X: @filmmakerspod Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+filmmakers+podcast Enjoying the show? Leave us a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us keep bringing you the best in the business! ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Ol Parker, Office Romance movie, Jennifer Lopez, Brett Goldstein, Mamma Mia Here We Go Again, Ticket to Paradise, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Giles Alderson, The Filmmakers Podcast, How to direct comedy, Directing actors tips, Screenwriting masterclass, Netflix original comedy, Tony Hale, Bradley Whitford, Film industry advice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Filmmakers! Welcome back to a very special Business of Film edition of The Filmmakers Podcast. Today, we are cutting through the absolute nonsense and delivering a survival guide for how to fund, produce, and sell an independent film in the current market. Host Giles Alderson is joined by an expert powerhouse panel: film industry data analyst Stephen Follows, director-producer and AI tech expert Hilary Shakespeare, independent director-producer Dom Lenoir, and VP of Distribution at Quantify Sales, Dimo Alexandrov. Together, they break down the exact numbers of what sold, why horror and elevated genre remain king, the catastrophic mistakes indie producers are making on the Croisette, and the real impact of AI on the future of cinema. Whether you are prepping a project for production or trying to close a distribution deal, this episode is a mandatory masterclass on how to navigate the international market right now. Come Fully Prepared: Before approaching any sales agent or distributor, you must know your exact budget top-sheet, your realistic cast options, your shoot locations, and your tax credit strategy. Do not pitch an abstract idea; pitch a business plan. The Sweet Spot Budget: The current market "sweet spot" for independent genre films is £1.2M–£1.5M. Going higher requires highly recognizable names; going lower works best in horror where a strong, high-concept hook can carry the film. Horror and Rom-Coms are Leading: Horror and elevated genre films remain the most bulletproof, reliable bets globally. However, romantic comedies are making a significant comeback—particularly book adaptations and projects with established cast members. The Market Moves Early: The traditional Cannes calendar has shifted. A massive portion of business and deal-making was finalized the weekend before the official market doors opened. Start your outreach and schedule your virtual meetings much earlier next year. Personalize or Perish: Sales agents are swamped with generic copy-and-paste pitch emails that don't even mention their company slate. Take the time to research exactly who you are contacting and explain why your project specifically fits their portfolio. Badges Matter Less Than Presence: The most lucrative business deals and connections didn't happen inside the secure zones; they happened in bars, beach parties, and informal networking spots. Even without an official market badge, it is still worth being on the ground. AI is a Tool, Not a Writer: The panel consensus is clear—leverage AI for workflow efficiencies like scheduling, budgeting, localized dubbing, and storyboarding. However, original human voice and lived experiences are the only things that truly make a film connect with an audience. Understand Gen Z: Gen Z is now the largest cinema-going demographic, but their tastes, media consumption, and viewing habits differ drastically from previous generations. You must understand how to market directly to them. Work the Other 360 Days: Cannes is a momentary flashpoint, not a long-term strategy. The filmmakers finding genuine traction are building relationships, sending screeners, and doing Zoom calls all year round. The Follow-Up Strategy: Don't let your market contacts go cold. Connect on LinkedIn or Instagram (read the room on which platform fits best), screenshot their contact info so you don't lose it, and follow up within a few days with a personalized, contextual message. 🎟️ Filmmakers Podcast Networking Event: Join us on 19th June at the Genesis Cinema, London! We will be hosting a industry networking session starting at 7:30 PM, followed by an exclusive screening of the thriller Voidance at 9:00 PM. Come grab a drink and talk shop! https://www.genesiscinema.co.uk/event/109921 🎬 The Up Side of Unrequited – The upcoming feature film currently in post-production by Hilary Shakespeare. 🎬 Bravado – Dom Lenoir's latest feature project, screening at Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles on 28th June. 🎬 Samodiva & Sessions – Giles Alderson's latest independent features, with worldwide and international sales represented by Dimo Alexandrov at Quantify Sales. 📊 Obsession – The low-budget horror hit referenced by the panel as a prime market case study, having recently sold to Focus Features for roughly 10x its original production budget. 🏆 NEON – Discussed extensively on the pod as a masterclass in festival acquisition and distribution strategy, having secured an unprecedented 7 consecutive Palme d'Or winners (from Parasite through to 2026). 📚 Hope for Film – The essential industry book by veteran independent producer Ted Hope. 🎥 Dogme 95 – The avant-garde filmmaking movement discussed in-depth by the panel regarding its rigid creative constraints and impact on cinematic craft. Follow us on Instagram/X: @filmmakerspod Check out our website for more episodes: www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com If you found value in this masterclass, please take two seconds to leave us a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It keeps us bringing you the biggest and best experts in the film business every single Tuesday! ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Film financing, how to fund a movie, AI in filmmaking, Gen Z cinema trends, independent film distribution, movie sales agents, Giles Alderson, The Filmmakers Podcast, Stephen Follows, Hilary Shakespeare, Dom Lenoir, Dimo Alexandrov, Quantify Sales, film budget sweet spot, screenwriting producing pitch tips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Oscar Gold to Fiction Filmmaking: Daniel Roher on Tuner How do you follow up winning an Academy Award? If you are Daniel Roher (Navalny), you resist the pressure to stay in your lane, take a leaf out of Bob Dylan’s book, and make a massive leap into fiction! This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Dom Lenoir sits down with Daniel to discuss his debut narrative feature, Tuner. Starring Leo Woodall, Dustin Hoffman, Havana Rose Liu, Lior Raz, and Jean Reno, the film is a brilliant blend of character drama and heist thriller. Daniel pulls no punches in this candid conversation about the realities of the industry. He shares how the Oscar opened doors, but why even at his level, the rejection never stops. He also breaks down the craft behind the film, explaining why he wrote the sound design into the script from day one, what it was like collaborating with master sound designer Johnny Burn, and his baptism of fire directing actors for the very first time. 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Festival Life: Growing up at TIFF, meeting Guillermo del Toro at 13, and the joy of bringing Tuner back home for its premiere. The Pivot: Why he chose to move away from documentaries, drawing inspiration from his heroes like the Coen Brothers and Steven Soderbergh. Handling Rejection: Getting rejected from Sundance, dealing with brutal feedback from major producers, and the importance of resilience. Mastering Sound: Working with The Zone of Interest sound designer Johnny Burn, and treating sound as a crucial storytelling tool. Tone & Genre: Balancing humour with darkness, the pivotal fish tank scene, and why he pushes back against the criticism of "predictable" genre tropes. Directing Legends: Rolling with Dustin Hoffman's improvisations, the grounding presence of Leo Woodall, and learning that "directing is casting." The Oscar Aftermath: The terrifying reality of winning an Academy Award at 29, and why he sent the statues to his parents' house so they wouldn't loom over him. 🔗 Links, Mentions & Resources: Keep an eye out for Tuner in cinemas! Watch Daniel's Oscar-winning documentary Navalny. Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! New episodes every Tuesday! LINKS Sizzle Maker https://sizzlemaker.io/ Making Sizzle reel - Phil Hawkins new venture. Take a look. NETWORKING and SCREEENING of Voidance on Friday June 19th. Genesis Cinema. https://www.genesiscinema.co.uk/event/109921 ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Making of RIVALS: Cast & Creators on the Disney+ Smash Hit Grab your shoulder pads and pour a glass of champagne! This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, we are doing a massive takeover of the show everyone is talking about: the phenomenal Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s legendary novel, RIVALS. Because the ensemble is so huge, one interview wasn't enough. In this special mega-episode, Directors Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down for four separate masterclasses with the creators and the breakout stars to discover exactly how they brought the cutthroat, glamorous world of 1980s Rutshire to the screen. (Prefer to watch? You can catch all four of these interviews as fully filmed video episodes on our YouTube channel!) 🎬 IN THIS MEGA-EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Part 1: The Creators (Elliot Hegarty & Laura Wade) We kick things off with lead director/executive producer Elliot Hegarty and writer/creator Laura Wade. They break down the pressure of adapting a beloved 80s classic, directing a massive ensemble cast, and striking the perfect tonal balance between high-stakes drama and laugh-out-loud comedy. Part 2: The Brilliant Women of Rutshire (Katherine Parkinson & Lisa McGrillis) Acting powerhouses Katherine Parkinson (Lizzie Vereker) and Lisa McGrillis (Valerie Jones) share their insights on finding emotional truth within high-camp 80s comedy and how they collaborate with directors on massive, fast-paced TV sets. Part 3: The Breakout Stars (Bella Maclean & Luke Pasqualino) Bella Maclean (Taggie O'Hara) and Luke Pasqualino (Basil Baddingham) dive into the realities of the High-End TV audition process and how to build a memorable character arc and stand out in a massive ensemble cast. Part 4: The Power Players (Alex Hassell & Nafessa Williams) We wrap up the show with Rutshire's ultimate power players. Alex Hassell (Rupert Campbell-Black) and Nafessa Williams (Cameron Cook) discuss building undeniable on-screen chemistry and the psychology of playing characters who use charm and intimidation as weapons. 📺 Watch RIVALS:RIVALS is streaming globally right now on Disney+ and Hulu! 👇 JOIN THE COMMUNITY 👇 🌐 Website & Full Show Notes: www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: [Insert Link] 🟢 Listen on Spotify: [Insert Link] 📸 Instagram: @thefilmmakerspodcast 🐦 X / Twitter: @filmmakerspod Links: HIWAY Hiway is an infrastructure platform built specifically for independent filmmakers and production companies.If you’ve ever finished a film and thought, ‘Now what?’, Hiway is tryingto solve that exact problem. It gives you one place to store your film, share it securely with partners or festivals, and even release it directly to audiences yourself. ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joanne Mitchell on Broken Bird, Directing in Serbia, and the Actor-Director Journey How do you take a story set in the rolling hills and local pubs of Northern England and shoot it entirely in Belgrade, Serbia? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with actor, producer, and director Joanne Mitchell to discuss her incredible feature directorial debut, Broken Bird. Originally developed from her award-winning short film Sybil, the film was an opening night selection at FrightFest and is now available on all major VOD platforms! Joanne pulls back the curtain on her amazing journey from producing gritty, micro-budget indies with her partner Dominic Brunt, to landing a $2 Million ($1.5M GBP) budget through Catalyst Studios as part of an incredible all-female slate. She breaks down the massive logistical challenges of shooting in Serbia, including navigating brutalist architecture, 85-degree heat, and the language barrier of working with a local crew. We also dive deep into the actor-director dynamic. Drawing from her own extensive acting career, Joanne shares her philosophy on why directors must protect an actor's rhythm, the importance of private notes, and how she cast her incredible lead, Rebecca Calder. Plus, we hear the amazing story of how she hired her brilliant cinematographer, Igor Marovic, purely on gut instinct over a Zoom call! 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Catching the Directing Bug: Transitioning from learning on micro-budget sets to directing shorts (Sybil, The Outing) and her debut feature. The Catalyst Studios Deal: Securing a $2M budget as part of an all-female slate of six films. Shooting in Serbia: The intense challenge of doubling Belgrade for Northern England, and how a disused royal palace kitchen became her mortuary set. Hiring on Gut Instinct: Choosing cinematographer Igor Marovic without a showreel via a Zoom call (he has since worked with Martin Scorsese!). Leading a Foreign Crew: Overcoming language barriers, using literal look-books, and earning the trust of a Serbian crew as a British female director. Directing Actors: Why Joanne's background as an actress makes her hyper-empathetic to performers, the danger of actors absorbing each other's energy, and the power of private notes. Producing vs. Directing: Why Joanne prefers the director's chair, but how her producing background gave her a realistic understanding of budget constraints. 🔗 Links, Mentions & Resources: Watch Broken Bird — Available now on all major VOD and streaming platforms! Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! New episodes every Tuesday! Links: HIWAY Hiway is an infrastructure platform built specifically for independent filmmakers and production companies.If you’ve ever finished a film and thought, ‘Now what?’, Hiway is trying to solve that exact problem. It gives you one place to store your film, share it securely with partners or festivals, and even release it directly to audiences yourself. RECDEK - Enter the lottery for RecDek house in Cannes 2026. Enter via the App ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Directing The Devil Wears Prada, Studio Pressures, and Trusting Your Cast with David Frankel How do you adapt when a major studio cuts your post-production schedule by six weeks? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with Oscar-winning director David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Sex and the City, The Morning Show). Fresh off the mix stage for his latest film, David pulls back the curtain on navigating massive studio pressures and the magic of true collaboration. David reveals the intense reality of an accelerated edit after his studio pushed his release date to May 1st to replace an delayed Avengers film. He also takes us behind the scenes of The Devil Wears Prada. He explains why he originally rejected the script because it framed Miranda as a villain, how he successfully pitched her as a heroine aiming for excellence, and what it was like discovering a young Emily Blunt on a bad VHS tape. Whether you are a student filmmaker learning the importance of clean audio, or a seasoned director wondering how to manage a massive set redesign in the courtyards of Milan, this episode is packed with unfiltered industry truth! 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: The Accelerated Edit: How the studio's decision to move the release date to May 1st shortened post-production by at least six weeks. The Egalitarian Set: Why David prefers to walk onto the set pretending he doesn't know what he's doing, allowing actors like Meryl Streep to organically find their own blocking. Pivoting on the Fly: The terrifying but empowering decision to drop coverage and shoot a complex pop-star backstage scene as a single take. Production Design Under Pressure: Redesigning a massive fashion show set for the Brera Academy courtyard with just two weeks' notice after realizing the streets of Milan offered too little control. The Devil Wears Prada Origins: Why David originally hated the script's revenge focus, and how pitching Miranda as a heroine got the studio and Meryl Streep on board. Casting Magic: Meeting Anne Hathaway first, and casting Emily Blunt despite her initially being unavailable due to a dragon movie. TV vs. Film Autonomy: The stark contrast between having a "peanut gallery" of writers on Sex and the City versus the lonely autonomy of directing a feature film. Advice for Students: The absolute importance of trusting your actors, getting proper coverage, and prioritizing perfect sound to preserve your edit. 🔗 Links & Resources: Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Empire of Lies: Making an Indie Thriller on a Shoestring with Matthew Hope & Joseph Millson What happens when an established action director strips everything away to make a micro-budget thriller in just 8 days? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with director Matthew Hope (The Veteran, All the Devil's Men) and returning champion, actor/producer Joseph Millson (Casino Royale, Signs of Life), to discuss their tense new two-hander, Empire of Lies. Matthew and Joseph pull back the curtain on true guerrilla filmmaking. They break down what it is actually like to shoot a feature film in under 10 days with a crew of just 4 to 5 people, the realities of self-financing (including how Matthew pitched the investment to his wife!), and how an epiphany on the M1 motorway finally cracked the script. We also do a massive deep dive into the business side of indie film, exploring how they utilized data analytics, Instagram, and targeted ads to independently distribute a sub-£100k movie into cinemas. If you are waiting for permission or a massive budget to make your first feature, this episode will give you the kickstart you need to just go out and shoot it! 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Going Micro: Matthew’s pivot from massive budget action movies to an intimate, self-funded indie. Guerrilla Filmmaking: Shooting a feature in 8–10 days with a skeletal crew of 4-5 people (and a very obliging mother-in-law's field!). Cracking the Script: The collaborative writing process, layering clues for rewatchability, and the M1 car ride that unlocked the twist. Prep vs. Spontaneity: The "John Williams analogy" and why meticulous directorial prep gives actors the freedom to improvise. Indie Distribution Masterclass: Using data analytics, social media ads, and the strategies of Jonathan Sadler to release a sub-£100k film. Reading the Room: Experiencing live audience reactions and the unexpected themes of grief viewers took away from the film. Working with Emerging Talent: Collaborating with first-time lead Natalie Spence, composer Ryan, and DOP Elliot Millson. 🔗 Links, Mentions & Resources: Watch Empire of Lies — Available now on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Keep an eye out for Waking Slowly — The upcoming documentary about the making of Joseph Millson's directorial debut, Signs of Life. Book Recommendation: Film Marketing and Distribution: An Independent Filmmaker's Guide by Jonathan Sadler. Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Cox on Directing Glenrothan, Trusting Your Collaborators, and the Magic of the Edit Filmmakers, you are in for an absolute treat today. We are joined by a true titan of the industry, the legendary Brian Cox. After decades of delivering iconic performances on stage and screen, Brian sits down with us to discuss stepping behind the camera for his highly anticipated feature directorial debut, Glenrothan. Fresh off a phenomenal premiere at TIFF (complete with a massive standing ovation!), Brian breaks down his deeply egalitarian approach to filmmaking. He shares the brilliant story of how his producer, Neil Zegler, flat-out told him he was the only person who could direct this movie, and how he leaned heavily on his DP to bring the vision to life. We dive into the nitty-gritty of the craft: why Brian prioritizes script, story, and actors over rigid shot lists and storyboards, the delicate art of directing yourself and "staying out of your own way," and how assembling a powerhouse cast—including Alan Cumming, Shirley Henderson, and brilliant young talent—elevated the entire production. Plus, he shares some invaluable lessons from the cutting room, including why they had to switch editors and dramatically restructure a crucial waterfall scene. Topic of the Week: Make sure you stick around for the outro, where we break down Brian's philosophy in our Topic of the Week: The Egalitarian Set: Why the Best Directors Don't Micro-Manage. We discuss why letting go of control and trusting your Heads of Department is actually an indie director's greatest superpower. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: The Push to Direct: How producer Neil convinced Brian he had to take the helm of Glenrothan. The TIFF Premiere: The emotional experience of screening the film and receiving a standing ovation. The Egalitarian Set: Why Brian threw out rigid storyboards to focus entirely on the script, the story, and the actors. Directing Yourself: The secret to acting in your own movie and learning how to "stay out of your own way." Casting Magic: Working with heavy hitters like Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson alongside rising young stars. The Realities of the Edit: Navigating post-production hurdles, switching editors, and the brilliant decision to move a crucial waterfall scene to later in the film. Brian’s Ultimate Advice: Why a director’s greatest superpower is trusting their department heads and valuing everyone's creative contribution. Links & Resources: Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—it really helps us keep bringing you these incredible masterclasses! ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The ultimate indie film success story! Writer and director Ian Tuason joins Giles Alderson to discuss his massive breakout horror hit, Undertone. Made for just $500,000, Undertone sparked a bidding war at Fantasia Fest, was acquired by A24 in a 7-figure deal, and is now crushing the global box office ($20M and counting). Ian breaks down how he crafted 'the scariest movie you'll ever hear' by making an audio-driven horror film where only one speaking character (Nina Kiri) is ever shown on screen. We dive deep into the emotional reality of indie filmmaking, as Ian reveals what it was like to shoot the film in his childhood home where he previously cared for his terminally ill parents. We also discuss his background in 360-degree VR horror and how this massive indie hit led to him being hired by Jason Blum and James Wan to write and direct Paranormal Activity 8. A truly inspiring masterclass in utilizing your limitations! Links & Resources: Go see Undertone in cinemas now! Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Make a Hit Rom-Com: Will Packer & Kat Coiro on You, Me & Tuscany Are romantic comedies officially making a massive comeback? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, we sit down with powerhouse producer Will Packer (Girls Trip, Ride Along, Straight Outta Compton) and hitmaking director Kat Coiro (Marry Me, She-Hulk, Dead to Me) to discuss their stunning new theatrical release, You, Me & Tuscany. We dive deep into the nuts and bolts of the industry, looking at how Kat transitioned from making her first feature for just $150k in 11 days, to commanding massive international sets. Will drops absolute gold on what producers are actually looking for when they hire directors, and how to successfully pitch (and stick to) your ideas in the studio system. Whether you are an indie filmmaker starting in the "run-and-gun" world or a producer looking to mount an international shoot, this episode is a masterclass in collaboration, scheduling, and leadership. 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Why romantic comedies are coming back in a big way. Kat’s indie roots: Making her first feature for $150k and shooting in 11 days. The logistics and challenges of producing in a foreign country. Adapting to the different cultures of international film crews. Starting in the "run-and-gun" world and knowing how to pivot on set. Why directing is exactly like being the "conductor of an orchestra." Why every director should learn all aspects and roles of filmmaking. The absolute, make-or-break importance of scheduling. What producers actually look for when picking directors. Pitching your vision and sticking to your ideas. The magic of true collaboration and why you must always respect your audience. 🔗 Links & Resources: Go see You, Me & Tuscany in cinemas now! Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Unconventional Making of FUZE with Aaron Taylor-Johnson & David Mackenzie How do you craft the perfect anti-hero? In this episode of The Filmmakers Podcast, host Dom Lenoir sits down with Golden Globe-winning actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick Ass Tenet), and Academy Award-nominated director David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water, Relay) following the explosive premiere of their new high-octane thriller, FUZE. Aaron and David break down their unique, highly spontaneous collaborative process. David reveals why he completely abandons traditional continuity and prefers to "shoot the rehearsal," while Aaron shares his ultimate advice for actors: stop learning your lines in only one way. We also dive into the nitty-gritty of why they believe British film crews are some of the best and most adaptable in the world. If you want to know how to capture "energized naturalism" on screen and keep your actors on their toes, this is a masterclass you don't want to miss. Aaron Taylor-Johnson Aaron is a Golden Globe-winning actor known for his incredible versatility and intense character preparation. He burst onto the scene in Nowhere Boy and Kick-Ass, and has delivered standout performances in massive films like Nocturnal Animals, Tenet, Bullet Train, The Fall Guy, and Kraven the Hunter. He previously collaborated with David Mackenzie on the historical epic Outlaw King. David Mackenzie David is a highly acclaimed Scottish film director and producer known for his gritty, character-driven films. His massive 2016 hit Hell or High Water received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. His other notable works include the visceral prison drama Starred Up, the Netflix epic Outlaw King, and Young Adam. FUZE is out in CINEMAS April 3rd! For more filmmaking interviews like this subscribe to our channel and / or head to our website www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com LINKS ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The kings of modern horror-comedy are here! Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (the filmmaking collective Radio Silence who made Scream and Scream VI) join Dom Lenoir and Conor Boru to discuss their blood-soaked new theatrical hit, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (2026). In this deep-dive interview, Matt and Tyler reveal why they decided to return to the universe of their 2019 breakout hit, how they managed to pick up the story on the exact same day seven years later, and the joy of torturing Samara Weaving all over again. We also discuss assembling a dream horror cast including Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Elijah Wood, and director David Cronenberg. The duo breaks down their collaborative process on set, the lessons they learned from directing franchises, and how to successfully balance terrifying tension with laugh-out-loud comedy. A masterclass for any filmmaker looking to make an impact in the genre space! 'Ready or Not 2: Here I Come' is out NOW in cinemas Radio Silence, Ready or Not 2, Ready or Not Movie, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Scream 6, Horror Filmmaking, Directing Masterclass, Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson, David Cronenberg, Indie Horror. For more filmmaking interviews like this subscribe to our channel and / or head to our website www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com LINKS ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Edited by ⁠@tobiasvees⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host ⁠Conor Boru⁠ sits down with director ⁠Vanessa Caswill⁠ to discuss her latest feature, Reminders of Him. Vanessa is an English director and screenwriter known for her work across television and film, including the BBC miniseries Thirteen, Little Women, and the feature Love at First Sight. Her latest film follows a young mother who, after serving time in prison, attempts to rebuild a relationship with her daughter. Facing hostility from nearly everyone around her — except a bar owner with unexpected ties to the child — she must confront her past in order to create the possibility of a better future. In the episode, they discuss: Vanessa Caswill’s career journey from TV into feature filmmaking The creative challenges of adapting a bestselling novel Practical directing techniques for working with young actors Production challenges and problem-solving on set Emotional storytelling and performance-driven filmmaking Why protecting your own creative voice is essential in the industry ...and so much more! Enjoy! REMINDERS OF HIM is out on the 13th of March | ⁠TRAILER⁠ ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Edited by ⁠@tobiasvees⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are delighted re-release this episode with Hamnet producer and TV producer Liza Marshall as she gears up for the Oscars this week! Hosted by Giles Alderson and co-host Dom Lenoir, we sit down and chat about her experience as a producer and how she went about making TV dramas such as 'The Sins', 'Fields of Gold', 'Taboo', 'Honour' and 'Temple' and the feature films, 'Welcome to the Punch', 'Springsteen & I' and 'Before I Go To Sleep'. We talk about how he started off working as a producer for the BBC, as well as how she worked her way up, to where she is today. She discusses how she finds writers, as well as giving constructive feedback on various different screenplays. We dive deep into the difference between film and TV and how to go about pitching them to various producers in the industry. We talk pitching, working in the writers room and we discuss how the terrific Temple came about We can't wait for you to hear this weeks episode with Liza. You don't want to miss it! Enjoy! Temple is now available on Sky Temple is a British medical crime drama television series. Created by Mark O'Rowe, and starring Mark Strong, Carice Van Houten and Daniel Mays, it is based on the Norwegian drama Valkyrien, and premiered 13 September 2019 on Sky One   PATREON ⁠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 GMT ⁠https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/M5X0Qzvx⁠ 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 and edited by Robbie McKane @⁠robbiemckane⁠ & Samuel Evans ⁠@SamuelHEvans_⁠ 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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We made it to Episode 500! 🎉 After 9 years, over 600 hours of audio, and interviews with hundreds of the greatest directors, writers, actors and producers in the world, The Filmmakers Podcast is celebrating its 500th episode the best way we know how: by turning the microphones over to YOU. In this massive milestone episode, hosts and working filmmakers Giles Alderson (The Dare), Dom Lenoir (Winter Ridge), and Phil Hawkins (Robin and the Hoods) sit down to answer your audience questions. We strip back the curtain on our own filmmaking journeys, share the brutal realities of the indie hustle, and reflect on the greatest pieces of advice we’ve gathered from half a thousand episodes. From chatting about micro-budget producing to remembering our legendary sit-downs with cinematic titans like Sam Raimi, Paul Schrader, Steven Knight, Ari Aster, Chris McQuarrie and Zack Snyder, this episode is a love letter to the independent filmmaking community that makes this show possible. In this 500th Episode Q&A, we discuss: The Origin Story: How the podcast started as a chat between friends in 2017. The "Host" Hustle: How Giles, Dom, and Phil balance making actual feature films with running lives and the podcast. The Greatest Advice: The best lessons we've learned from 500 episodes about overcoming the fear of failure, financing indie films, and surviving on set. Your Questions Answered: Tackling the biggest hurdles our listeners are facing right now in 2026. What’s Next? For the hosts and where the podcast goes from here! Thank you for 500 episodes of listening, sharing, and making movies. We are in the business of making films, not just talking about them—now go get your next project made! Support the show & join the community: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify! Leave us a 5-star review (it helps us get to episode 1,000!) Follow us on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod The HOSTS films The Dare, Winter Ridge, Robin and the Hoods and many more are available to watch. Please do watch and support us. ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey The Filmmakers Podcast, Filmmaking, Indie Film, How to direct a movie, Film Producing, Giles Alderson, Dom Lenoir, Phil Hawkins, Screenwriting, Film Finance, Micro Budget Film, Director Interview, Film School, Cinematography, Filmmaker Q&A, Podcast Episode 500 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this weeks The Filmmakers Podcast are legendary creator Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) and powerhouse actress/producer Hannah Walters (Boiling Point) who join Dom Lenoir (Winter Ridge) to discuss their hit Disney+ series, A Thousand Blows (2026). We delve into the true history of the Forty Elephants gang, the art of writing historical thrillers, and what it takes to produce high-end drama for global streamers. Steven also shares updates on the Peaky Blinders movie and writing the new James Bond, while Hannah discusses her mission with Matriarch Productions and her role as Eliza Moody. A masterclass in television architecture and independent producing. A Thousand Blows is OUT NOW on Disney and Hulu Links ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, hosts Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with writer-director-producer Lincoln Fenner and lead actor Tim Cullingworth-Hudson to talk about their time-travel feature Time Rewind (2025) — an ambitious independent film made on a very limited budget that went on to win multiple festival awards and secure international distribution on Apple TV. In their conversation, they discuss: Building a creative partnership based on trust, passion, and shared commitment The nearly decade-long journey of developing the film Writing the complexities and internal logic of a time-travel story Crowdfunding the project and navigating indie financing realities Creative problem-solving when working with limited resources The importance of perseverance, collaboration, and trusting your instincts TIME REWIND is out NOW! | TRAILER A man wakes with amnesia suspected of the murder of his teenage daughter and finds he must travel back to 1989 to save her from a bullying accident that is destined to claim her life. ⁠FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE.⁠ A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠   ⁠COURSES⁠ Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠   ⁠PATREON⁠ Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠ Edited by ⁠@tobiasvees⁠ Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative ⁠ Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BAFTA-winning filmmaker Bart Layton (The Imposter, American Animals) joins Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir to discuss his massive new crime thriller, Crime 101 (2026). In this deep-dive interview, Bart reveals how he assembled a powerhouse cast including Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Halle Berry, and Barry Keoghan. We discuss his process for adapting Don Winslow’s novella, why he prefers 'character-driven tension' over CGI spectacle, and the technical challenges of filming high-speed car chases on the L.A. freeways.Whether you’re a fan of Michael Mann-style thrillers or looking to learn how to bridge the gap between documentary and fiction, this is a masterclass you cannot miss. FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Giles Alderson (The Dare) sits down with acclaimed director Corin Hardy for an in-depth conversation about craft, career trajectory, and working within the horror genre. Corin Hardy is an award-winning filmmaker, illustrator, sculptor, and writer known for a striking visual style that blends the macabre with the epic and the beautiful. After studying theatre design at Wimbledon School of Art, Hardy created the award-winning stop-motion short Butterfly (2004), which launched his directing career. He went on to direct acclaimed music videos for major artists, before making his feature debut with The Hallow, which premiered at Sundance and won multiple international awards. He later directed the global horror hit The Nun, part of The Conjuring Universe, and most recently completed his latest feature Whistle. In this episode, we discuss: Corin’s early creative upbringing and DIY beginnings in practical FX Transitioning from shorts and music videos into feature filmmaking The making and impact of his debut feature The Hallow How he landed the directing role on The Nun Working within major studio franchises vs independent filmmaking His newest feature Whistle and what audiences can expect Crafting visual storytelling through storyboarding ...and so much more! A must-listen episode for directors, horror fans, and anyone interested in the intersection of visual design, genre storytelling, and career progression in the film industry. WHISTLE is out NOW! | TRAILER FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast!Filmmakers, today is a massive double-header. We are taking a deep dive into the survival horror sensation that everyone is talking about: Send Help.In the first half, we are joined by the architectural minds behind the film. First, he is a man who needs no introduction — the architect of modern horror and the superhero blockbuster. From the cabin in the woods of Evil Dead to the original Spider-Man trilogy and the madness of Doctor Strange, please welcome the legendary Sam Raimi!He is joined by his powerhouse producing partner and the President of Raimi Productions, Zainab Azizi. Zainab has been the driving force behind a string of recent hits, including the high-concept thriller 65, the Netflix hit Don't Move, and the upcoming Locked. Together, they break down how they navigated a grueling 11-week shoot in Australia and Thailand to bring this visceral story to life.Then, in part two, we sit down with the film’s co-lead. He’s an actor who has evolved from a YA icon in The Maze Runner into one of the most versatile performers working today — shining in everything from Love and Monsters to playing Dan Aykroyd in Saturday Night and his award-winning turn in Twinless. He is here to talk about playing the boss-from-hell turned helpless survivor: Dylan O’Brien!Grab your notebooks... let’s welcome Sam Raimi, Zainab Azizi, and Dylan O’Brien! SEND HELP is out in cinemas NOW! | TRAILER FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, we go behind the scenes of the 6-time BAFTA-nominated film I Swear (2026) with the filmmaking team! In Part 1, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with producers Piers Tempest (The Wife, William Tell) and Georgia Bayliff (Paradise Highway) from Tempo Productions. They discuss the reality of financing independent British drama in 2026, how they packaged a film about Tourette’s syndrome as a crowd-pleasing theatrical event, and the role of a producer during a busy awards season. In Part 2, Giles and Dom are joined by writer/director Kirk Jones (Waking Ned, Nanny McPhee, Everybody’s Fine). Kirk reveals why he returned to his indie roots for this passion project, the challenge of directing Robert Aramayo's transformative performance (nominated for Best Actor), and how he raised finance and balanced humor with the gritty reality of the true story. I Swear is OUT NOW on PRIME VIDEO Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The reigning Academy Award winner for Best Picture joins the show! Legendary producer Charles "Chuck" Roven (Oppenheimer, The Dark Knight Trilogy) sits down with Giles Alderson to discuss his pulsing new sci-fi thriller, Mercy (starring Chris Pratt & Rebecca Ferguson). In this masterclass on producing, Chuck breaks down his unique career path from stuntman to the founder of Atlas Entertainment. He reveals how he packages massive films independently (like American Hustle and 12 Monkeys), the challenges of producing for visionary directors like Christopher Nolan and Timur Bekmambetov, and why he believes Mercy's concept of an "AI Judge" is a terrifying glimpse into our future. We discuss: The Mercy Reunion: Bringing Chris Pratt and director Timur Bekmambetov back together 18 years after Wanted. The "Atlas" Model: How to develop and package blockbuster IP outside of the studio system. The Oppenheimer Journey: Lessons learned from producing the Best Picture winner and working with Cillian Murphy. Managing Visionaries: How to support directors like David O. Russell and Zack Snyder while protecting the budget. The Stuntman Roots: How his early days on Hawaii Five-O shaped his approach to action safety. Mercy is in CINEMAS NOW Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, host (and Executive Producer!) Giles Alderson sits down with actor/producer Tony Cook (Dune: Part Two) and director Zak Fenning to break down the making of their new British crime-comedy, A Gangster's Life. Joined by fellow filmmakers Dom Lenoir the team reveals exactly how they pulled off a low-budget feature film that spans two countries (London and Greece) without breaking the bank. They discuss the "hustle" behind casting rising stars like Jonny Weldon (One Day, House of the Dragon) and Rina Lipa (in her feature debut), and the challenges of self-distributing a genre film in 2026. We discuss: The "Two-Country" Shoot: Logistics of moving a low-budget crew from London to Greece. Casting Coups: How to attach big names (Rina Lipa, Jonny Weldon) to an indie project. Actor to Producer: Tony Cook on taking lessons from the set of Dune: Part Two into indie producing. Visual Style: How Zak used his background as a DoP to give the film a "high budget" look. The Reality of Release: Navigating the UK digital market and finding an audience. A Gangster's Life is out now on Digital Platforms. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Director Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels) joins Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir to discuss directing the massive horror sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. In this deep-dive interview, Nia breaks down the incredible pressure and privilege of taking the baton from Danny Boyle for Part 2 of the new trilogy. She reveals her journey from the Sundance Labs with Little Woods to managing massive VFX budgets, and now returning to practical, visceral horror. We discuss working with legends like Cillian Murphy and Ralph Fiennes, the "social thriller" genre. Topics discussed: Directing 28 Years Later: Part 2 immediately after Danny Boyle. Scripting and outlining. What she does when she gets stuck on a script or as a director. Advice for directors on handling "imposter syndrome" on big sets. Dealing with disappointment and feeling like a failure. Rehearsals and locations and why all directors are different. For more interviews and filmmaking chat head to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com where our main podcast chats are. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is OUT NOW Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary writer-director Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, First Reformed) joins Giles Alderson & Dom Lenoir to discuss his powerful new film, Oh, Canada. In this exclusive masterclass, Paul reveals how he shot the complex, multi-timeline drama in just 17 days and why he reunited with Richard Gere 45 years after American Gigolo. We dive deep into his screenwriting process, talking Taxi Driver, re-writing, the reherasal process and directing actors. Why he reads scenes in reverse. PLUS adapting the late Russell Banks' novel, and his unique approach to 'rewriting the film' in the edit. Paul also opens up about working with Jacob Elordi, the evolution of his 'Man in a Room' films, and why he believes filmmakers must constantly reinvent their visual language. A must-listen for anyone interested in the craft of cinema from one of its greatest living rebels. Oh, Canada , Based on the novel Foregone by Russell Banks. It follows Leonard Fife (Richard Gere), a famous leftist documentary filmmaker who fled to Canada to avoid the Vietnam draft. Now dying of cancer, he agrees to a final interview with his former students (Michael Imperioli) to confess the "truth" of his life—a truth his wife (Uma Thurman) might not be ready to hear, is out now. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Director Hikari (Beef, Tokyo Vice) joins The Filmmakers Podcast to discuss her new film Rental Family and working with Brendan Fraser. In this inspiring interview, Hikari breaks down her unique journey with Dom Lenoir to chat her journey from stunt extra to award-winning director. She discusses the process of crafting the visual language for the hit Netflix series Beef (directing the pilot), working with Michael Mann on Tokyo Vice, and the emotional journey of making Rental Family. We dive deep into directing actors across different languages, the "fake family" rental phenomenon in Japan, and how she transitioned from her indie breakout 37 Seconds to major studio projects. Topics discussed: Directing Brendan Fraser in his first major role since The Whale. How she set the visual tone for Netflix's Beef. The cultural differences between filming in Tokyo vs. Hollywood. Writing Rental Family during the pandemic. Advice for filmmakers on finding their unique voice. Rental Family is OUT in CINEMAS NOW PLUS Giles and Dom discuss this years awards season contenders and the dark horses who might just get a nod. We are primarily an audio podcast so for more interviews like thisplease head to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com. Do subscribe and give a nice review. Why not. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's 2026! Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast! The legendary James L. Brooks (Creator of 'The Simpsons', Director of 'As Good as It Gets') sits down with Conor Boru and Francis Annan to discuss his first film in 15 years, 'Ella McCay'. In this exclusive interview, the 3-time Oscar winner breaks down his return to the director's chair, working with Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis, and his unique process for finding the "truth" in comedy. We dive deep into his screenwriting craft, how he produces for other directors (like Wes Anderson), and the lessons he's learned from a career that defined the "dramedy" genre. Topics discussed: Why he chose Ella McCay as his return to directing. The challenge of writing dialogue that is both funny and heartbreaking. Directing an ensemble cast (Woody Harrelson, Jaime Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri, The legacy of Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News. Producing advice for young filmmakers. We are primarily an audio podcast so for more interviews like this please head to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com. Do subscribe. Why not. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this regular festive episode of The Filmmakers Podcast, the hosts and guests engage in light-hearted banter, share personal updates, and discuss the joys and challenges of filmmaking, the TOP TEN podcast episodes of the year AND they compete in the ANNUAL QUIZ! Who will win (again?) Our hosts are: Giles Alderson, Dom Lenoir, Lucinda Rhodes Thakrar, Phil Hawkins, Stephen Follows, Tobias Vees and Matthew Butler-Hart who all share their experiences and insights, highlighting the collaborative nature of the film industry and the importance of community among filmmakers. As they reflect on their projects and future plans, the episode captures the essence of creativity and camaraderie in the filmmaking world. In this engaging conversation, the hosts reflect on the past year in filmmaking, sharing insights from their experiences and the lessons learned through their podcast. They discuss the importance of perseverance, finding a supportive community, and the joy of creating films. The conversation also touches on market trends for 2026 and the future of filmmaking, emphasizing the need for originality and creativity in a changing industry. The episode features a fun Christmas quiz, adding a light-hearted element to the discussion. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of film funding, the challenges faced in casting and securing equity investment, and the importance of passion in filmmaking. They explore how the indie film industry is adapting to new financing strategies and the growing significance of genre films in attracting investors. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of filmmaking. We reflect on the importance of storytelling, the challenges faced in the film industry, and share personal insights and advice for aspiring filmmakers. Thank you for listening. Have a wonderful XMAS and see you in the NEW YEAR! Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Filmmakers, we have the creators of the biggest show on the planet. The masterminds who took 80s nostalgia, Dungeons & Dragons, and a group of kids on bikes, and turned it into a global empire. I am talking, of course, about Matt and Ross Duffer—The Duffer Brothers! Now, you know them as the creators of Stranger Things, the show that literally breaks the internet every time a new season drops. But what we love about this conversation is that we go right back to the start. We talk about their 2015 low-budget horror thriller, Hidden—a film that got caught in studio limbo but taught them the vital lessons of directing and how they pitched Stranger Things around various studios and TV execs getting rejections along the way. We dive into how they work as a duo, how they pitch to networks (and deal with rejection!), and the absolute mountain of work it takes to land the final season of the most popular show in the world. From the Upside Down to the top of Hollywood, this is a masterclass in long-form storytelling and sticking to your vision. Grab your Eggos and turn up the volume. Let’s welcome... The Duffer Brothers!" STRANGER THINGS s5 is OUT NOW on NETFLIX! Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined this week by Mark Hampton, who has not only written, produced, directed and edited his British Independent Boxing Drama Thriller (described as "Rocky meets Wall Street") but starred in it too. Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit and chat with Mark about how he made Unlicensed. How he raised the money, sales and distribution, why you have to push your own film out in the world. How he had been burnt and learnt from it, how he wrangled locations, worked with his great DP and crew and crew, why it so difficult for indie filmmakers and how the film went from concept to wrapping principal photography in an unusually fast three months. Unlicensed is about a disgraced, white-collar ex-con and former City broker, Danny Goode (played by Mark Hampton), is unable to return to his old life. Struggling with a secret gambling addiction and trying to reconnect with his estranged wife and son, he seeks a quick cash fix by entering an unlicensed, high-stakes boxing match. Unlicensed won the Jury Award for Best Feature at the London Independent Film Festival. Unlicensed is now available in the UK and Ireland on  Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0FSC43MVK/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_rhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0FSC43MVK/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r AppleTV:https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/unlicensed/umc.cmc.56mt07mknw8lwaikymxif3sz7 And youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgJ3UVtZDcw Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are joined by Sales Agent Itzchak Maghen! Itzchak has works on indie gems to studio movies including THE ABSENCE OF EDEN starring Zoë Saldana and Adria Arjona, DREAMIN' WILD with Casey Affleck and Zooey Deschanel, THE CUT featuring Orlando Bloom and John Turturro, and MASERATI: THE BROTHERS with Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Alba. He talks to Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir about why he picks projects, what filmmakers should do when speaking to sales agents. They also talk: Does your project suck? Industry Changes. Ask and Takes. Sales Estimates. If concept art and promos are good (or not). His consulting AND working in Cannes with 'Quantify'. Why you should ask questions to your sales agent before signing. Why 'networking' is building friendships. Itchak Maghen can be contacted for consultancy work here https://www.consultingim.com FILM FORGE FILM COURSES info here. SUPPORT new indie film Fairy Dust's crowdfunder here. Stage32 CANNES info here. —- FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world.  And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rateit on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helpsus share the film’s important message with more people. Your supporttruly makes a difference! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with writer/director (and actor) Kristen Stewart and actor Imogen Poots to discuss Kristen's highly anticipated feature directorial debut, The Chronology of Water. The director, acclaimed for her Oscar-nominated role in Spencer, breaks down the challenge of adapting Lidia Yuknavitch's raw memoir and her choice to shoot on 16mm film. Imogen Poots (The Father, Vivarium) shares her actor's process for embodying the difficult role and how the unique Stewart-Poots collaboration helped bring this complex, emotional story to life. A must-listen masterclass on craft, vulnerability, and the transition from actor to director. Kristen, known for the Twilight films who became the first American actress to win a French César Award and earned an Oscar nomination for Spencer, makes her highly anticipated feature directorial debut with The Chronology of Water. This is an emotionally fearless, non-linear look at the trauma and ultimate triumph of writer Lidia Yuknavitch, a film that blew up at the Cannes Film Festival where it received a huge ovation. Joining her is the incredible Imogen Poots—a chameleon of the screen, known for her intense work in films like The Father, Green Room, All of You and Vivarium. As Lidia, Imogen carries the immense weight of this memoir, earning massive praise for her raw, committed performance. We’re going to dive deep into The Chronology of Water's production: the 8-year journey to bring this 'unadaptable' memoir to the screen, and the unique, vulnerable challenge of an actor-turned-director working with her lead star. This is a must-listen on resilience, adaptation, and finding your voice in cinema. Let’s welcome Kristen Stewart and Imogen Poots! The Chronology of Water is playing in select theatres before it's release early next year. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this weeks episode with have Director and Writer Noah Baumbach. Dom Lenoir (Dombach meets Baumbach!!) sits down with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach (Barbie, The Squid and The Whale, Marriage Story) to dive into his stunning new film, Jay Kelly. The director explains his intimate writing process for building emotionally complex characters, the challenge of directing superstars like George Clooney and Adam Sandler, and how he uses Hollywood fame as a device for poignant dramedy. Baumbach shares exclusive insight on his unique collaborative relationships, the film's visual style, and the lessons learned from Marriage Story to Jay Kelly. A masterclass in screenwriting and auteur filmmaking. "Jay Kelly" is a dramedy that follows famous movie actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) as he embarks on an unexpected, profound journey through Europe with his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler). The film is a self-reflective look at celebrity, legacy, regret, and the toll a public life takes on family. Jay Kelly is out now. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Zodiac to Nuremberg: James Vanderbilt's Masterclass in Psychological Conflict. Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast, the place where we talk to the world’s most dynamic directors and actors about how they get films made! This week, we have an absolute heavyweight episode for you. We are diving deep into history with the new psychological thriller, Nuremberg. Joining hosts Dom Lenoir and Conor Boru are the film’s writer and director, James Vanderbilt, and the incredible, Oscar-nominated actor, Michael Shannon. They’ll reveal the 13-year fight to bring the story of the infamous Nazi trials to the screen, the craft behind playing the unflinching US Chief Prosecutor, and the moral weight of balancing entertainment with historical trauma. This is a powerful, unmissable conversation about truth, justice, and the very nature of evil. Let's get to it! The new film Nuremberg is a high-profile historical drama, and the combination of Michael Shannon (an actor known for intense, committed roles) and James Vanderbilt (a writer-director with major credits like Zodiac and Truth) is fantastic. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, host Dom Lenoir welcomes the team behind Netflix’s Train Dreams: Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, Clint Bentley, and Joel Edgerton. Felicity Jones – celebrated for her roles in The Theory of Everything and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – & Kerry Condon – Academy Award-nominated actor known for The Banshees of Inisherin and Better Call Saul discuss the actor-director relationship, rehearsals, and what it was like working on the project. Clint Bentley – acclaimed filmmaker behind Jockey and now director of Train Dreams – shares his perspective on shaping performances, cinematography, music, nature and how this project got made. Joel Edgerton – actor & producer – joins the conversation to discuss acting, modern technology, and the human condition. Together, they explore the making of Train Dreams. An inspiring and thought-provoking look behind the scenes of one of Netflix’s most anticipated films of the year. TRAIN DREAMS is out now! Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we sit down with the visionary writer and director, Edgar Wright—the man who invented Baby Driver's musical choreography and perfected the genre-bending Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End). Edgar discusses his philosophy of feature film writing, the meticulous craft of kinetic editing, and the process behind his latest, highly-anticipated action-thriller, The Running Man. Dom Lenoir sits with Edgar over a hot chocolate and breaks down the bold decisions that define his career, this is a masterclass in visual storytelling and technical filmmaking. If you are an aspiring filmmaker looking to inject rhythm, precision, and unique style into your projects, this episode is essential listening. The Running Man is RELEASED in cinemas on 12th November. Edgar Wright, Directing, Screenwriting, The Filmmakers Podcast, Baby Driver, The Running Man, Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, Cornetto Trilogy Film, Editing, Visual Storytelling. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this weeks The Filmmakers' Podcast we are joined by the one-of-a-kind Riz Ahmed—Oscar winner, Actor, producer, and activist. Riz dives deep into his critically acclaimed performance as Ash, the elusive corporate 'fixer' in David Mackenzie’s tense new thriller, Relay. He discusses the unique challenges of playing a protagonist who uses silence and a telecommunications relay service as his only shield. Inside the Episode with Riz, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir: The Weight of Silence: How Riz communicated paranoia and emotional depth using only micro-expressions and physical action, given his character is deliberately "voiceless." Art as Disruption: His philosophy on choosing roles that challenge preconceptions, and how the moral complexity of Ash's job—working for and against corporate power—fits his vision for "disruptive" storytelling. The Actor/Director Connection: We ask how his meticulous craft as and actor to working with David Mackenzie and other directors on the rhythmic, measured performance of a hyper-organized character like Ash. Don't miss this candid conversation on film, identity, and the price of survival in the age of total surveillance. Relay is OUT this FRIDAY. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Riz Ahmed, Relay, David Mackenzie, Sound of Metal, Riz MC, actor interview, corporate thriller, anonymity, Oscar winner, acting process, Lily James, The Night Of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to sustain a film career across vastly different genres? Director David Mackenzie sits down to discuss his evolution, from his early independent Scottish films (Young Adam, Red Road, Perfect Sense) to major studio productions. We focus on his signature style: building intense, character-driven narratives under extreme pressure. David shares insights into the filmmaking behind his new thriller, Relay, including how he captured the paranoia of corporate espionage, the creative freedom of his production company Sigma Films, casting and working with Riz Ahmed and Lily James and the challenges of directing a character who relies entirely on anonymity. David Mackenzie’s Relay is a tense, modern thriller starring Riz Ahmed as Ash, an elite, off-the-grid 'fixer' who brokers secret payoffs between corrupt corporations and whistleblowers. Ash maintains absolute anonymity by communicating exclusively through a telephone relay service for the deaf, never meeting his clients. The system is threatened when his latest client, scientist Sarah Grant (Lily James), forces him to break his strict rules, pulling him into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game against corporate assassins and risking the exposure of his entire operation. Relay is OUT this FRIDAY. David Mackenzie, Relay, filmmaking craft, director interview, genre-bending, Starred Up, character-driven storytelling, Independent film, Sigma Films. Links FILM MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION Filmmaking Book - Jonathan Sadler https://www.amazon.co.uk/Film-Marketing-Distribution-Independent-Filmmakers/dp/085730612X FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Filmmakers Podcast! We are thrilled to host two phenomenal actors, Channing Tatum (Magic Mike, Foxcatcher) and Kirsten Dunst (Fargo, The Virgin Suicides), to discuss their new film, ROOFMAN (Directed by Derek Cianfrance). In this exclusive interview, Channing and Kirsten open up to Dom Lenoir about: The Cianfrance Method: Working with visionary director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines) and his unique approach to intimacy—including keeping them apart until their first scene, filmed at a Red Lobster. Star Nerves & Chemistry: Channing Tatum confesses why he was "so intimidated" to work with the Oscar-nominated Kirsten Dunst, and Kirsten shares her sweet reaction, calling him "magic to work with." The Body of a Dancer, The Face of a Boxer: Channing Tatum details the intense physicality required to play Jeffrey Manchester, squeezing into tight spaces and the emotional challenge of embodying the former Army Ranger. From Set to Screen: How the bizarre, stranger-than-fiction true crime story was handled with "grace" by the director to explore themes of redemption and human connection. Roofman tells the bizarre, true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former soldier turned "polite criminal" who lived hidden inside a Toys “R” Us after escaping prison, where he falls for a single mom (Dunst) and is OUT now in CINEMAS. Subscribe to The Filmmakers Podcast for more insights on screenwriting, directing, and the best talent in film and TV! #channingtatum #kirstendunst , #ROOFMAN, #JeffreyManchester, #DerekCianfrance, #TrueCrime, #ToysRUs, #thefilmmakerspodcast #Podcast, #MagicMike, #Foxcatcher, #TheVirginSuicides #Acting Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for this bumper edition of The Filmmakers Podcast as we chat with the actors and showrunner behind 'The Last Frontier'. Actors Dominic Cooper, Haley Bennett and Jason Clarke as well as showrunner Jon Bokenkamp chat with Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir about filming in snowy terrains, Acting choices and name changes and Jon talks about developing, story ideas and showrunning huge TV series. The Last Frontier is on AppleTV + now. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! HELP us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we dive deep into indie filmmaking with Joseph Millson and his debut movie as director Signs of Life. Giles Alderson, Dom Lenoir and Phil Hawkins talk to Joseph about writing his script, awards, directing, inspiration, financing his movie, getting the right people involved, why it worked for him, setting a date, what got him his 20 cinema screening run and distribution deal and what drove him to direct and they have a right laugh as well. Joseph has acted in films including: The Amateur, River of Blood, Hard Home, War Blade, Fyre Rises, Christmas at Plumhill Manor, Dragonheart: Vengeance, Angel Has Fallen, All the Devil's Men, Tango One, I Give It a Year, Casino Royale and our very own Phil Hawkins' movie Prancer: A Christmas Tale. Signs of Life is OUT NOW in cinemas and on Digital Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, The Curse) joins this weeks The Filmmakers Podcast to discuss the challenging process of directing his solo feature debut, the gritty sports biopic The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr. Fellow filmmakers Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit with Benny and dive into the Safdie style, his approach to directing actors and making raw, kinetic cinema. As one half of the acclaimed Safdie Brothers duo, Benny co-directed, co-wrote, and edited films that make your heart pound out of your chest. We’re talking about the incredible, neon-drenched chase thriller "Good Time," and the anxiety-inducing, chaotic masterpiece "Uncut Gems," starring Adam Sandler. These films established a gritty, naturalistic style, full of propulsive energy, often focusing on outsiders desperately struggling in the urban landscape of New York. But he’s not just a master behind the camera! As an actor, he has completely transformed and disappeared into roles, giving incredible performances like the troubled Nick Nikas in "Good Time," the compassionate Joel Wachs in Paul Thomas Anderson’s "Licorice Pizza," and the brilliant physicist Edward Teller in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster, "Oppenheimer." He’s even popped up in TV like "Obi-Wan Kenobi" and co-created, wrote, directed, and starred in the critically praised Showtime series, "The Curse." And now, he’s stepped out as a solo director, writer, and editor with the highly anticipated film, "The Smashing Machine." This intense biographical sports drama, which premiered to acclaim at the Venice Film Festival, stars a completely transformed Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as pioneering MMA fighter Mark Kerr, alongside the brilliant Emily Blunt and other great actors. It's a grittier, unflinching look at a champion struggling with addiction and the pressures of the sport. He's a true filmmaking polymath who brings a raw, authentic urgency to everything he touches. It's the brilliant Benny Safdie! OTHER LINKS DIRTY BOY cinema listings FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey For more interviews on filmmaking like this go to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com #Director #creative #BennySafdie, #JoshSafdie, #SafdieBrothers, #directing #interview #thefilmmakerspodcast #filmmakerspodcast, #screenwriting, #editing, #directingstyle, #A24. #thesmashingmachine , #UncutGems, #GoodTime, #TheCurse, #Oppenheimer, #Licorice Pizza. #DwayneJohnson, #MarkKerr, #MMAmovie, sports biopic, acting vs directing, The Smashing Machine #behindthescenes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the latest episode of The Filmmakers Podcast, the show that takes you behind the scenes of making feature films and TV. This week, we are privileged to host the brilliant creative team behind Brides, an urgent and empathetic feature film that tackles one of the most complex and heartbreaking social issues of our time. First, we welcome our Oscar-nominated producer, Nicky Bentham. Known for critically acclaimed and diverse films like the sci-fi hit Moon starring Sam Rockwell, the drama The Duke with Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren, and the Oscar-qualified short film The After, Nicky is here to discuss her latest powerful project Brides. Joining her is the film’s celebrated screenwriter, Suhayla El-Bushra. A renowned playwright and television writer with credits including the TV series Ackley Bridge and a stage adaptation of The Suicide for the National Theatre, Suhayla is the precise and compassionate writer who penned this complex story directed by Nadia Fall. They are here to discuss Brides, a film inspired by real-life events. It follows two disillusioned teenage best friends, Doe and Muna, as they run away from their troubled lives in the UK, making a perilous journey towards Syria. The film, a thought-provoking road drama that stands for empathy and understanding, exploring the vulnerability and desperation that drives marginalized young women to seek identity and belonging in radical choices. The film challenges dominant narratives, insisting that we look at the choices of young people through a lens of compassion rather than condemnation. Let's dive into their conversation about this gripping and vital film. This is The Latest Filmmakers Podcast. OTHER LINKS DIRTY BOY cinema listings FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for this weeks The Filmmakers Podcast as we chat to director and writer Bizhan Tong and screenwriter Stephen Belber to talk about their latest feature film TAPE. Tape is an adaption of Stephen's written feature (also called TAPE) back in 2001, directed by Richard Linklater. They chatted with Giles Alderson about how they collaborated and made TAPE, They talked about Regrets, Not forgetting those who helped you along the way. Why you need to ask for favours Getting the rights to remake a movie, Adapting a Linklater movie and getting his blessing. Raising finance, Rehearsals, Releationships, Trauma in filmmaking and around it and why it is very important to keep an open mind to ideas on a film set. TAPE is released on digital this Friday 19th September. OTHER LINKS DIRTY BOY cinema listings FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to The Latest Filmmakers Podcast, the show that takes you behind the scenes of the most anticipated films with the creative minds who make them. This week, we're honored to have a pair of brilliant artists to discuss their new psychological thriller, a film that explores the chilling depths of history, identity, and the burden of legacy. It's a short one but a good one as Dom Lenoir hosts. First, we have an actor whose illustrious career spans decades and genres, from his iconic portrayal of the Green Goblin in Spider-Man to his voice work as Gill in Finding Nemo and his Oscar-nominated roles as Sgt. Elias in Platoon, Max Schreck in Shadow of the Vampire, and Vincent van Gogh in At Eternity's Gate. He is, of course, the legendary Willem Dafoe. Joining him is a phenomenal talent making her feature film directorial debut. Known for her impactful work in theater and powerful short films like White Girl, she also co-wrote the screenplay for their new movie. Please give a warm welcome to director and writer Nadia Latif. They are here to discuss their new film, The Man in My Basement, an unnerving adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Walter Mosley. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, tells the story of a down-on-his-luck man in Sag Harbor who finds his life and his family's hidden history turned upside down by a mysterious tenant. Let's dive in. This is The Latest Filmmakers Podcast. OTHER LINKS DIRTY BOY cinema listings FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices