The Filmmakers Podcast
- Episódios
- 538
- Publicação
- semanal
- Último episódio
- 13 nov 2026
Sobre o podcast
A podcast about how to make film and TV by filmmakers who actually make them. Interviewing guests from the film-making world from Indie film to Hollywood and everything in between. Hosts Giles Alderson (The Dare), Dom Lenoir (Winter Ridge) Lucinda Rhodes Thakrar (Wolves of War), Tori & Matthew Butler-Hart (Two Down), Phil Hawkins (Prancer: A Christmas Tale), Stephen Follows (Film Data Analyst), Christian James (Fanged Up), Andy Rodger (Three Day Millionaire) and many others explore the world behind-the-scenes of making films and TV, talking to the actors, writers, directors and producers who make them!
Episódios 538
The Academy Masterclasses: Sian Heder on Directing 'CODA' and 'Being Heumann' and the Ten-Year Overnight Success.
While Giles is still deep in his latest feature film prep, the brilliant Dom Lenoir took the reins for this one, and what a guest he has lined up. Today, Dom sits down with the phenomenal Oscar-winning writer …
Notas do episódio
While Giles is still deep in his latest feature film prep, the brilliant Dom Lenoir took the reins for this one, and what a guest he has lined up. Today, Dom sits down with the phenomenal Oscar-winning writer and director Sian Heder. You will know Sian’s incredible work from her Academy Award-winning feature CODA, her brilliant debut Tallulah and her stellar television work on hit shows like Orange Is the New Black and Little America.
Sian's incredible new film Being Heumann, starring Ruth Madeley, Mark Ruffalo and Dylan O'Brien, is out now. In this episode, she gets incredibly candid about the brutal ten-year journey to get her first feature off the ground, the reality of shooting it while seven months pregnant with a toddler in tow and the jarring shift between the insular creative process of production and the exhausting drag of the publicity machine.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The Ten-Year Hustle: Sian breaks down the decade of rejection she faced trying to get her debut feature made, proving that tenacity is the most important trait a director can have.
Directing in the Trenches: The wild, unfiltered reality of running a set and directing a feature film while seven months pregnant.
Pitching Apple: The sheer nerve and strategy required to walk into a pitch with a streamer giant like Apple before CODA had won a single Oscar.
Securing Life Rights: How a simple, honest cold email to legendary disability rights activist Judy Heumann secured the rights to make Being Heumann.
The Publicity Machine: The jarring transition from the quiet, focused environment of a film set to the relentless energy of a global press tour.
GUEST CREDITS:
Being Heumann (2026) – Writer / Director
CODA (2021) – Writer / Director
Little America (2020–) – Co-Developer / Executive Producer
Tallulah (2016) – Writer / Director
Orange Is the New Black (2013–2015) – Writer / Producer
SESSIONS is OUT on Prime and Apple on 27th November 2026
Trailer and premiere tickets here: https://sessionsfilm.com/
PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more on our Creator Spring store.
COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE at Cutting Room Info.
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 dot 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 Academy Masterclasses: Léa Seydoux & Director Marie Kreutzer on the Emotional Core of 'Gentle Monster'
We are keeping the focus entirely on craft this week with a deep dive into one of the most affecting, emotionally rigorous films of the year. In a brand new Academy Masterclass, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir …
Notas do episódio
We are keeping the focus entirely on craft this week with a deep dive into one of the most affecting, emotionally rigorous films of the year. In a brand new Academy Masterclass, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with director Marie Kreutzer and her incredible lead actress, Léa Seydoux, to discuss the creation of Gentle Monster.
The film relies entirely on the unspoken, exploring the devastating fallout of a fractured family dynamic and a mother forced to confront a reality she cannot change. Marie and Léa break down the incredibly intimate, often silent collaboration required to bring such a heavy, insular world to life without ever slipping into melodrama.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Directing the Unspoken: How Marie and Léa built trust on set, relying on a shared shorthand rather than over-talking a scene, and why sometimes the best direction is giving an actor the freedom to simply be.
The Weight of the Silence: Why the hardest moments to film were the quietest, and the specific scene in the office that forced Léa to tap into a completely raw, unfiltered vulnerability.
Embracing the Uncomfortable: The process of stripping away theatricality and forcing an audience to sit in the discomfort of a character who is actively resisting her own grief.
The Director-Actor Bond: Why Marie specifically wrote the role for Léa, and the unique, almost wordless connection they shared when navigating the film's darkest moments.
PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more on our Creator Spring store.
COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE at Cutting Room Info.
PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli J MonroeKaren NewmanWant 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 PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How to Pitch to Film Investors & Demystifying Film Finance, SEIS, EIS, Tax Credits, Recoupment & SPV's on your indie films with Tony Cook, Zak Fenning & Giles Alderson
We are taking a break from the creative side this week to get straight into the hard reality of the industry: the money. If you want to make films, you need to understand how the numbers work. Giles Alderson is …
Notas do episódio
We are taking a break from the creative side this week to get straight into the hard reality of the industry: the money. If you want to make films, you need to understand how the numbers work. Giles Alderson is joined (in his hotel room) in Bulgaria by Tony Cook and Zak Fenning to completely demystify the business of independent film finance.
Tony and Zak have just launched their new production banner, Cult Films, and they break down exactly how they are structuring the company, how they are actively pitching private investors and how they utilise UK tax credits to de-risk independent filmmaking.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Company Structure: Why Tony and Zak chose to establish a parent production company (Cult Films) that manages individual Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for each film, rather than relying on one messy, overarching entity.
SEIS and EIS Explained: A rigorous breakdown of the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)—and exactly how these government initiatives offer massive tax relief to private investors willing to back your film.
The Power of the AVEC: How the newly reformed Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC) allows filmmakers to claim back a significant percentage of their UK spend, and why understanding this is crucial to cashflowing your indie.
The Recoupment Waterfall: The stark reality of the ROI. We break down the exact percentages and the strict order in which investors, the production company, and the creative team actually see their money back (or don't) after a sale.
The BFI Network Reality: A candid conversation on public funding, the complexities of BFI applications, and the importance of remembering that public money should be seen as a stepping stone rather than a complete financial strategy.
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more on our Creator Spring store.
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE at Cutting Room Info.
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 and writing 'Whalefall' – Brian Duffield & Daniel Kraus on Cinematic Constraints
While Giles is away working on his own feature, the brilliant Conor Boru has stepped into his shoes to co-host (and edit) alongside Dom Lenoir, and they have delivered an absolute belter of an episode. Today …
Notas do episódio
While Giles is away working on his own feature, the brilliant Conor Boru has stepped into his shoes to co-host (and edit) alongside Dom Lenoir, and they have delivered an absolute belter of an episode. Today, the lads sit down with director and co-writer Brian Duffield and author and co-writer Daniel Kraus to dig into their staggering new survival thriller, Whalefall.
The film, starring Austin Abrams and Josh Brolin, takes a terrifying concept—a scuba diver swallowed alive by a 60-ton sperm whale—and turns it into a masterclass in tension, technical filmmaking and emotional storytelling. Brian and Daniel get right into the weeds of how you construct a cinematic, 90-minute thriller inside a pitch-black, scientifically accurate biological setting.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The Viral Spark: How a viral video of kayakers getting caught in a humpback whale's mouth inspired Daniel to dive into the research of whether a sperm whale could actually swallow a human.
Creative Constraints: The absolute joy and torture of writing a script that is entirely restricted by the physical, anatomical boundaries of a real whale.
The Father-Son Dynamic: Balancing a popcorn thriller with the messy, complex reality of a broken family, and using the belly of the beast to force a character to face his demons.
Visualising the Pitch Black: How Brian and his team took an incredibly claustrophobic, dark environment and made it visually dynamic for the big screen without losing the realism.
PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more on our Creator Spring store.
COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE at Cutting Room Info.
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 Academy Masterclasses: Directing 'Tenzing' with Jennifer Peedom & Actress Thinley Lhamo
In the inaugural episode of our brand new series, The Academy Masterclasses, Dom Lenoir sits down with director, writer and producer Jennifer Peedom and actress Thinley Lhamo to discuss the monumental task of …
Notas do episódio
In the inaugural episode of our brand new series, The Academy Masterclasses, Dom Lenoir sits down with director, writer and producer Jennifer Peedom and actress Thinley Lhamo to discuss the monumental task of bringing the true story of Tenzing to the big screen.
Jen shares how her 23-year history with the Sherpa community in the Himalayas laid the groundwork for this epic feature. Together, they explore the complexities of adapting the historic Everest ascent, the logistical challenge of shooting at 3,500 metres in New Zealand and the vital importance of cultural authenticity on a massive set.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Finding the Truth: How Jen approached the immense responsibility of telling a culturally specific story as a white Australian filmmaker by relying heavily on Sherpa cultural consultants like Dr. Lhakpa.
The Audition Process: Thinley breaks down her journey to landing the role of Dawa, starting with a camera test in Nepal.
Mountain Logistics: The brutal realities of filming at 3,500 metres altitude in New Zealand and creating a believable, immersive physical environment.
Sonic Landscapes: Building the intricate sound design of the film, from wind chimes and baby yaks to the roaring elements of the mountain.
Directing Performance: The collaborative push and pull between the director, actors and acting coach Miranda Harcourt to strip away theatricality and find true naturalism on set.
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! https://www.patreon.com/thefilmmakerspodcast
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
Street Fighter Director Kitao Sakurai on Bringing Arcade Chaos to the Big Screen
Filmmakers, welcome to the podcast! We've got a brilliant episode for you today. Dom Lenoir and Conor Boru are sitting down with the incredibly talented Kitao Sakurai. You probably know Kitao's work as the …
Notas do episódio
Filmmakers, welcome to the podcast! We've got a brilliant episode for you today. Dom Lenoir and Conor Boru are sitting down with the incredibly talented Kitao Sakurai. You probably know Kitao's work as the regular director of The Eric Andre Show and the hit film Bad Trip, but he's here to talk about his massive upcoming project: directing the live-action Street Fighter movie!
Kitao dives deep into what it's like adapting such an iconic game, managing a huge ensemble cast, and how his background in comedy and chaotic TV perfectly prepared him for bringing Street Fighter to life. It's a fascinating look at the pressures and the creative process behind a major studio film. Let's get into it!"
Show Notes
Title: Directing Street Fighter: Kitao Sakurai on Adapting a Video Game Legend
In this episode, Dom Lenoir and Conor Boru are joined by director Kitao Sakurai. They discuss his transition from the wonderfully chaotic world of The Eric Andre Show to taking the helm of Legendary and Capcom's highly anticipated live-action Street Fighter movie, set for release in October 2026.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
From Comedy to Action: How Kitao's background directing The Eric Andre Show and Bad Trip translates to the world of big-budget action.
Approaching an Icon: The pressure and excitement of adapting Street Fighter, one of the most successful video game franchises of all time.
World-Building: Translating the vibrant, larger-than-life aesthetic of the games into a live-action feature film.
The Cast: Working with a massive ensemble, including Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, and Jason Momoa.
Pitching and Collaboration: Kitao’s process for pitching his vision to the studios and collaborating with a massive team to bring the project to life.
🔔 Subscribe to the TFP YouTube Channel for full video interviews every week! 🎧 Listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. 👕 Get your official TFP on-set gear: TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
Kitao Sakurai, Street Fighter movie, Street Fighter 2026, Eric Andre Show, Bad Trip, video game movies, directing action, Dom Lenoir, Conor Boru, The Filmmakers Podcast, Noah Centineo, Jason Momoa, film directing, behind the scenes
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Directing Brad Pitt in 'Heart of the Beast' | David Ayer (Fury, Training Day) Returns to TFP
Welcome back to the podcast! This week, host Dom sits down with returning guest and powerhouse filmmaker David Ayer (Fury, End of Watch, Training Day, The Beekeeper) to break down his gripping new survival …
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Welcome back to the podcast! This week, host Dom sits down with returning guest and powerhouse filmmaker David Ayer (Fury, End of Watch, Training Day, The Beekeeper) to break down his gripping new survival thriller, Heart of the Beast.
Reuniting with his Fury leading man Brad Pitt, Heart of the Beast follows a former Navy SEAL and his retired combat dog fighting for survival after a violent plane crash deep in the Alaskan wilderness. David pulls back the curtain on the grueling physical realities of the shoot and how he keeps high-concept studio movies grounded in raw human truth.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The Fury Reunion: How David and Brad Pitt evolved their creative shorthand from the muddy trenches of World War II to the freezing isolation of the wilderness.
Shooting in the Elements: The logistical and physical challenges of taking a crew into remote, unforgiving terrain while keeping the camera package nimble.
Directing Visceral Survival: How to strip dialogue back to the bone and drive ninety minutes of tension through physical action, environment and sound design.
Working with Animals on Set: The realities of blocking and pacing high-stakes dramatic and action beats around a retired combat dog.
Navigating the Studio System: David shares candid advice on protecting your directorial voice, delivering commercial thrills and surviving the Hollywood machine.
🎧 CATCH UP ON RECENT EPISODES:
Extra Geography: Molly Manners (One Day) & Sarah Brocklehurst (The Outrun) on Sundance, Teenage Obsession & Feature Debuts.
Directing the Silence: George MacKay on Sense and Sensibility, Ripped Trousers & Trusting the Director.
Adapting Austen: Georgia Oakley & Fiona Shaw on 35mm Film, Subverting Costumes & Sense and Sensibility.
Bad Apples: Jonatan Etzler on 17 Shorts, Character Arcs & Directing Saoirse Ronan.
📲 SUPPORT THE PODCAST & CALL TO ACTION:
🎥 Watch on YouTube: Head over to the TFP YouTube Channel to watch the full video interview with Dom and David Ayer, and don't forget to subscribe!
🎧 Subscribe & Review: If you got value from today’s episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps us reach more filmmakers and send the elevator back down.
👕 Merch & Courses: Grab your on-set podcast gear, check out our filmmaking courses and explore hundreds of archived episodes at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From 'One Day' to Feature Debut: Molly Manners & Producer Sarah Brocklehurst on Adapting Short Stories, Sundance and Making 'Extra Geography'
Get tickets for SESSIONS Festival Screening at LIFF this Friday 9th Oct at Genesis Cinema in London here: https://genesiscinema.co.uk/event/114469 Filmmakers, welcome back to the podcast! Today we have an …
Notas do episódio
Get tickets for SESSIONS Festival Screening at LIFF this Friday 9th Oct at Genesis Cinema in London here: https://genesiscinema.co.uk/event/114469
Filmmakers, welcome back to the podcast! Today we have an absolute treat for you, especially if you love fiercely authentic, character-driven British cinema.
We are sitting down with BAFTA-winning director Molly Manners and powerhouse producer Sarah Brocklehurst to talk about their brilliant new coming-of-age film, Extra Geography, which is out in UK cinemas right now via Vertigo Releasing.
Now, you will definitely know Molly’s work from directing the massive Netflix global hit One Day, as well as the BAFTA-winning series In My Skin. Extra Geography marks her feature film directorial debut, and what a debut it is. Alongside her, we are thrilled to welcome back to the pod the founder of Brock Media, Sarah Brocklehurst—the producer behind phenomenal indies like Animals, Black Pond and the multi-BIFA-nominated The Outrun.
Extra Geography premiered to sold-out crowds at Sundance earlier this year and has been sitting comfortably at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Written by Miriam Battye and adapted from a short story by Rose Tremain, the film follows two teenage best friends at an English girls' boarding school who launch a summer project to fall in love with the very next person they see.
In today's chat, Molly and Sarah break down the transition from high-end television to indie features, the art of expanding a short story into a ninety-minute script and how they discovered incredible newcomers Marni Duggan and Galaxie Clear to anchor the film.
Also, remember that you can watch the full video version of this interview over on our TFP YouTube Channel—so make sure you head over there and hit subscribe! Let’s dive straight in. Enjoy the episode!"
Title: Directing Extra Geography: Molly Manners & Sarah Brocklehurst on Sundance, Teenage Obsession & Feature Debuts
On this week's episode, we are joined by BAFTA-winning director Molly Manners (One Day, In My Skin) and acclaimed producer Sarah Brocklehurst (The Outrun, Animals) to break down their critically acclaimed new coming-of-age drama, Extra Geography.
Fresh off a sold-out run at the Sundance Film Festival and a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, Molly and Sarah take us behind the scenes of bringing Miriam Battye’s sharp, funny and deeply relatable screenplay to the big screen.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The TV to Feature Leap: Molly discusses stepping onto the set of her debut feature film after directing massive television hits like Netflix's One Day.
Adapting Short Fiction: How Sarah and screenwriter Miriam Battye took Rose Tremain’s original short story and expanded the world into a full feature arc without losing its intimacy.
Finding the Leads: The casting process behind discovering newcomers Marni Duggan and Galaxie Clear, and how to build raw, unbreakable teenage chemistry alongside Alice Englert.
Producing Authentic British Indies: Sarah shares insights into packaging, financing and championing distinct female-led stories in today’s independent market.
Capturing the Boarding School Bubble: How the production design, cinematography and pacing worked together to capture the claustrophobic, intoxicating intensity of teenage friendships.
Extra Geography is out in UK cinemas now via Vertigo Releasing.
🎧 CATCH UP ON RECENT EPISODES:
Directing the Silence: George MacKay on Sense and Sensibility, Ripped Trousers & Trusting the Director.
Adapting Austen: Georgia Oakley & Fiona Shaw on 35mm Film, Subverting Costumes & Sense and Sensibility.
Bad Apples: Jonatan Etzler on 17 Shorts, Character Arcs & Directing Saoirse Ronan.
The Business of Film Special: The Hidden UK Indie Boom, Sales Agents & Surviving the Box Office Market.
ALL AT thefilmmakerspodcast.com
📲 SUPPORT THE PODCAST & CALL TO ACTION:
🎥 Watch on YouTube: Head over to the TFP YouTube Channel to watch the full video interview with Molly and Sarah, and don't forget to subscribe!
🎧 Subscribe & Review: If you got value from today’s episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps us reach more filmmakers and send the elevator back down.
👕 Merch & Courses: Grab your on-set podcast gear, check out our Post Production Demystified course and explore our full archive at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com.
📝 Episode Description (Show Notes)
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George MacKay on Sense and Sensibility, Wardrobe Malfunctions & an Acting Masterclass | TFP Mini-Ep
On this special bonus mini-episode, we sit down with the incredible George MacKay (1917, Femme, Captain Fantastic) to talk about his latest role as Edward Ferrars in Georgia Oakley’s stunning adaptation of …
Notas do episódio
On this special bonus mini-episode, we sit down with the incredible George MacKay (1917, Femme, Captain Fantastic) to talk about his latest role as Edward Ferrars in Georgia Oakley’s stunning adaptation of Sense and Sensibility.
George gives us a rapid-fire masterclass in acting, collaboration, and how to survive the intense, high-pressure environment of a major period drama set.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The Trouser Incident: George hilariously recounts the moment his period costume ripped during a pivotal romantic scene, and how the resulting laughter actually helped cement his chemistry with Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Building Chemistry: The specific, character-driven techniques he uses to build rapport with his co-stars before the cameras even roll.
The Power of Silence: George discusses how the best directors understand that holding space and not giving notes can be the most effective way to help an actor find the emotional truth of a scene.
Trusting the Vision: Why a director’s clear, unwavering vision—even in the unsaid details—is crucial for making the cast feel safe enough to take big creative risks.
Sense and Sensibility is in cinemas now. Watch the full video interview on the TFP YouTube Channel.
🔔 Subscribe to the TFP YouTube Channel for full video interviews every week! 🎧 Listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. 👕 Get your official TFP on-set gear: TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
George MacKay, George MacKay interview, Sense and Sensibility 2026, Sense and Sensibility movie, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Georgia Oakley, 1917 movie, George MacKay 1917, Femme movie, directing actors, film directing tips, how to direct actors, filmmaking masterclass, The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson, indie film, period drama, acting advice, British cinema
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Directing Sense and Sensibility: Georgia Oakley & Fiona Shaw on the BIG 2nd Feature, the Reality of Period Filmmaking & Cinematic Rigour
Filmmakers, welcome back to the podcast! Today we are tackling a literary masterpiece, but we are looking at it through a completely fresh, vibrant, and fiercely cinematic lens. We are joined by the …
Notas do episódio
Filmmakers, welcome back to the podcast! Today we are tackling a literary masterpiece, but we are looking at it through a completely fresh, vibrant, and fiercely cinematic lens.
We are joined by the phenomenally talented director Georgia Oakley and the absolute acting titan, Fiona Shaw.
Georgia is fresh off the massive success of her BAFTA-nominated debut feature, Blue Jean, which won the Venice People's Choice Award. She cut her teeth making brilliant short films like Little Bird and coming up through the BFI Flare mentorship, and now she has stepped up to direct a stunning new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.
And what can you even say about Fiona Shaw? She is a true legend of the craft and a CBE. From winning multiple Olivier Awards on stage to dominating our screens in Killing Eve, Andor, Harry Potter, My Left Foot, and True Detective, she brings an incredible weight and mischievous joy to every single role she takes on.
In this episode, Fiona praises Georgia for putting a gauntlet down to a new generation—keeping the absolute integrity of Austen's original book while completely transforming it into a powerful filmic metaphor. Georgia breaks down the massive artistic and practical challenges of the shoot, including the terrifying moment they lost a day and a half of footage to a digital transfer error. We discuss her specific influences from European cinema, why casting an ensemble is exactly like building a football team, and her unique process of using iPhone test shoots with extras so her main cast has the absolute freedom to move naturally on the day.
A quick housekeeping note: This is part one of our Sense and Sensibility double-bill! This Friday, we are dropping an exclusive episode with George MacKay, who plays Edward Ferrars in the film. You absolutely do not want to miss his hilarious anecdote about a badly-timed trouser rip during a highly emotional scene.
Also, full video versions of both today's interview with Georgia and Fiona, and Friday's episode with George, will be available over on our TFP YouTube channel—so make sure you head over there and subscribe.
Let’s get straight into it. Enjoy the episode!
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The Directorial Vision: Fiona explains how Georgia managed to keep the integrity of Austen's book while completely transforming it into a cinematic metaphor.
A Nightmare on Set: Georgia shares the terrifying reality of losing a day and a half of film footage due to a transfer error.
Rehearsals & Freedom: How Georgia uses an iPhone to block out scenes with extras beforehand, giving her main cast total physical freedom to explore the space on the day
Casting the Ensemble: Why putting together a cast is exactly like building a football team, and how to navigate chemistry reads.
Cinematic Influences: Georgia discusses the European filmmakers and naturalistic framing that influenced the visual language of the film.
🚨 DOUBLE-BILL ALERT: Make sure you tune in this Friday for Part Two of our Sense and Sensibility coverage, featuring George MacKay! Plus, watch the full video interviews for both episodes over on the https://www.youtube.com/@filmmakerspod
🎧 CATCH UP ON RECENT EPISODES:
Bad Apples: Jonatan Etzler on Nailing the Pitch, Transitioning to Features, 17 Shorts, Character Arcs & His English-Language Debut starring Saoirse Ronan.
The Business of Film Special: The Hidden UK Indie Boom, Sales Agents & Surviving the Distribution & Box Office Market.
Directing PRACTICAL MAGIC 2: Susanne Bier on Magic, Studio Sequels & A-List Casts + Giles Announces his latest project.
From the Vault: Dexter Fletcher on Indie Debuts to Studio Blockbusters: Rocketman, Ghosted & Directing Action.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST & CALL TO ACTION:
🎥 Watch on YouTube: We are rolling out full video episodes! Head over to the TFP YouTube Channel to watch today's interview with Georgia and Fiona, plus Friday's upcoming special with George MacKay. Hit that subscribe button!
🎧 Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed today’s deep dive, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It is the absolute best way to support independent podcasting and send the elevator back down for other filmmakers.
👕 Merch & More: Grab your on-set podcast gear, check out our filmmaking courses, and access hundreds of archived masterclasses at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bad Apples: Jonatan Etzler on Nailing the Pitch, Transitioning to Features, 17 Shorts, Character Arcs & His English-Language Debut starring Saoirse Ronan
Filmmakers, welcome back to the podcast! Today Giles Alderson is sitting down with director Jonatan Etzler to talk about his brand new feature, Bad Apples. Now, if you want a masterclass in putting in the reps …
Notas do episódio
Filmmakers, welcome back to the podcast! Today Giles Alderson is sitting down with director Jonatan Etzler to talk about his brand new feature, Bad Apples. Now, if you want a masterclass in putting in the reps, Jonatan is your guy. He directed 17 short films that played at various festivals, including Intercourse, which screened at South by Southwest, and Swimmer, which won Best Comedy at Clermont-Ferrand. His graduation film from film school in Sweden even led to a Student Academy Award win and helped him secure a UK agent!
We talk all about the massive transition from directing shorts—which he brilliantly describes as focusing on one specific situation or idea—to building full, complex character development across a feature film.
His new film, Bad Apples, is an awkward, intoxicating ride. Jonatan breaks down his entire process, from writing a five-page English synopsis based on a book by Rasmus Lindgren to teaming up with producer Oskar Pimlott at Pulse Films and hiring screenwriter Jess O'Kane.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The Power of Short Films: Jonatan discusses the difference between the two mediums, noting that while a short film can survive on one core idea, a feature absolutely requires character development through twists and turns.
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The Business of Film Special: The Hidden UK Indie Boom, Sales Agents & Surviving the Distribution & Box Office Market
Filmmakers, welcome back to the pod! Today we are stripping away the craft and diving headfirst into the absolute engine room of our industry: The Business of Film. Giles Alderson is joined by a massive …
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Filmmakers, welcome back to the pod! Today we are stripping away the craft and diving headfirst into the absolute engine room of our industry: The Business of Film.
Giles Alderson is joined by a massive powerhouse panel to dissect the current state of the market, the realities of raising cash, and how to actually get your indie film seen and sold. We have data guru Stephen Follows, brilliant producers Lucinda Rhodes Thakrar and Dom Lenoir and fantastic indie directors Hilary Shakespeare and Conor Boru.
Grab your notepads, because we are laying out the hard truths and actionable tactics you need to survive in this shifting landscape.
The Data Paradox & The UK Indie Market
Total UK spend across film and high-end TV plummeted by £2.7 billion in the first half of 2026.
However, independent film sector spend has actually surged by 20%.
Inward investment makes up about 90% of UK spend, meaning a massive amount of IP and value leaves the UK post-production.
Budget pressures are fierce, with producers squeezed to keep indie budgets under £1-1.5 million to stand a real chance of recoupment.
Sales agents warn that budgets higher than this rarely break even unless the film becomes an unexpected, massive hit.
There is a serious contraction in the labour market, causing mid-to-high level crew to take lower-tier jobs or leave the industry completely.
Distribution & Sales Strategies
Only 10.8% of released fiction feature films on IMDb actually secure a professional sales agent.
Including a reputable sales agent in your pitch deck is vital to make a project appear "safe" to equity investors.
Pre-sales (Minimum Guarantees) are smaller nowadays but remain a crucial tool to secure investor confidence.
Audiences are exhausted by algorithm-driven "soulless content" and are actively rewarding original, authentic cinema.
Theatrical Release Tactics
Cinemas frequently dump indie films into terrible time slots, like Tuesday afternoons, until the film proves it can pull an audience.
If an indie film succeeds in those early slots, it can trigger better programming and longer runs.
Major cinema chains often hit filmmakers with hidden costs, charging extra to place lobby posters or feature the film in their digital newsletters.
Preview screenings are incredibly valuable because their ticket figures feed directly into the official opening weekend box office numbers.
Targeting specific local cinemas relevant to the film's setting can generate much more profitable, sustained runs.
Box Office Reality Check
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is dominating the North American box office with a massive $900 million.
Original indie films are absolutely breaking through, with Obsession taking 7th place at $263 million and Backrooms sitting in 9th place at $197 million.
🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—and tell your pals about this show!
👕 PODCAST MERCH: Get your very own tees, hoodies, on-set gear and Hilary's Shakespeare Sisters merch 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.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:📲 Support, Merch & Courses
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Directing PRACTICAL MAGIC 2: Susanne Bier on Magic, Studio Sequels & A-List Casts + Giles Announces his latest project
Filmmakers, we have an absolutely magical episode for you this week! While Giles Alderson has been out in Bulgaria producing his latest feature film, the brilliant Conor Boru steps into the host chair to sit …
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Filmmakers, we have an absolutely magical episode for you this week!
While Giles Alderson has been out in Bulgaria producing his latest feature film, the brilliant Conor Boru steps into the host chair to sit down with the phenomenal director Susanne Bier to discuss her massive new release, PRACTICAL MAGIC 2.
Nearly three decades after the original spellbound audiences, Susanne takes us behind the scenes of bringing the Owens sisters back to the big screen. She dives deep into the realities of directing a massive studio sequel, working with Hollywood royalty like Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, balancing practical on-set effects with visual spectacles, and why the beating heart of this film is the authentic sisterhood on screen.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT: Before the interview, Giles is back with a massive exclusive update! He officially announces his latest producing project, The Joy of Sex, starring Academy Award winners Colin Firth and Julianne Moore!
💡 TOPIC OF THE WEEK: Giles breaks down "The Myth of A-List Intimidation." How do you transition from micro-budget indie sets to working with literal Oscar-winning legends without losing your nerve? Listen in for the hard truths on why the job of filmmaking never changes, no matter who is on the call sheet.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Tackling a Legacy: The immense pressure and excitement of directing a sequel to a beloved 90s classic.
Directing A-Listers: Susanne’s approach to collaborating with Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, and an incredible ensemble cast.
Practical vs. VFX: How to ground supernatural elements with practical on-set choices (and unexpected beetles!).
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: Why filmmakers must continuously embrace challenges that terrify them.
The Producer's Mindset: Giles' lessons from the trenches of producing The Joy of Sex in Bulgaria.
🍿 ABOUT PRACTICAL MAGIC 2: Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, Practical Magic 2 returns to a world steeped in moonlit mischief and powerful ancestral magic. The Owens sisters must confront a dark curse threatening to unravel their family. Joining the cast are Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, Solly McLeod, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing. Directed by Susanne Bier, from a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett, and Kelly Marcel.
Distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. In cinemas across North America on September 10, 2026, and internationally beginning September 9, 2026.
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📚 COURSES: Finish your film with our Post-Production Course HERE.
🌐 ARCHIVE: Access hundreds of filmmaking masterclasses at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com.
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Dexter Fletcher on Indie Debuts to Studio Blockbusters: Rocketman, Ghosted & Directing Action [From the Vault]
[From the Vault] Directing Blockbusters: Dexter Fletcher on Rocketman, Ghosted & Surviving Studio Pressure While we prep our upcoming Business of Film Special, we are unlocking the vault to revisit one of our …
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[From the Vault] Directing Blockbusters: Dexter Fletcher on Rocketman, Ghosted & Surviving Studio Pressure
While we prep our upcoming Business of Film Special, we are unlocking the vault to revisit one of our most popular masterclasses with the brilliant actor-turned-director Dexter Fletcher!
Having transitioned from his indie debut Wild Bill to directing massive studio hits like Eddie the Eagle, Rocketman, Bohemian Rhapsody, and the action-packed Ghosted, Dexter knows exactly what it takes to navigate every level of the filmmaking industry. In this archived special, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with Dexter to break down his incredible journey.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The Pitching Process: How to clearly communicate your vision to secure the job.
Indie vs. Studio: The practical differences between directing your first indie film and helming a massive studio movie.
Directing Action & Stunts: Dexter's approach to storyboarding and executing massive set pieces.
The Importance of Rehearsals: Why making time to rehearse with your actors is non-negotiable.
Navigating Pressure & Notes: How to handle intense studio feedback and why directing can often be an incredibly lonely job.
Ghosted (2023)
Rocketman (2019)
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018 - Uncredited co-director)
Eddie the Eagle (2015)
Sunshine on Leith (2013)
Wild Bill (2011)
🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, 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.
🎬 Dexter Fletcher Feature Directing Credits📲 Support, Merch & Courses
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Writing, Producing & Directing Bella Ramsey & Neil Patrick Harris: George Jaques on Sunny Dancer & The Second Feature Film Hustle
Leveling Up the Second Feature: George Jaques on Directing, writing and producing Sunny Dancer, Bella Ramsey & Neil Patrick Harris How do you transition from a £500k indie debut to a massive ensemble feature …
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Leveling Up the Second Feature: George Jaques on Directing, writing and producing Sunny Dancer, Bella Ramsey & Neil Patrick Harris
How do you transition from a £500k indie debut to a massive ensemble feature starring some of the biggest names in television and film? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with returning guest, writer-director George Jaques (Black Dog), to discuss his stunning second feature, Sunny Dancer.
Set against the backdrop of a summer camp for young cancer survivors, Sunny Dancer is a funny, warm, and deeply moving coming-of-age story that actively rejects hospital drama clichés. George breaks down his entire process, from pitching the script to Bella Ramsey and casting Neil Patrick Harris over Zoom, to creating an authentic, bond-filled atmosphere for his young cast on set in Scotland.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Subverting the 'Sick Teen' Genre: How George wrote a script where illness takes a back seat to teenage angst, party culture, awkward romance, and joy.
The Power of 'Feral Takes': George's unique directing technique for unlocking spontaneous, hilarious, and uninhibited performances from his actors.
Directing an All-Star Ensemble: What it was like working with Bella Ramsey, Ruby Stokes, Jessica Gunning, James Norton, and Neil Patrick Harris—and how he tailored his notes for each actor.
Creating On-Set Rapport: Why George insists on week-long rehearsals, shared transport, and summer camp bonding activities to make his cast look like lifelong friends on screen.
The Second Feature Jump: The harsh financial realities of closing indie film equity, managing producer stress, and looking after your mental health in the edit suite.
Sunny Dancer (2026) — Director, Writer, Producer
Cast: Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), Ruby Stokes (Bridgerton), Conrad Khan (Peaky Blinders), Earl Cave (The End of the F*ing World), Jasmine Elcock, Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer), James Norton (Happy Valley), Neil Patrick Harris (Uncoupled), and James Blunt.
Black Dog (2023) — Director, Writer, Producer
Cast: Jamie Flatters (Avatar: The Way of Water), Keenan Munn-Tyson, Ruby Stokes.
🌱 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 Apple Podcasts, 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
🎬 George Jaques Feature Filmography & Credits🎥 Watch Food For Thought📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬 Credits
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Directing Nimrods: Indie Filmmaking Realities with director and writer Lee Kirk on his Punk Rock Road Trip movie
The Green Day Road Movie: Lee Kirk on Directing Nimrods & Indie Hustle This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, guest host Conor Boru (When the Screaming Starts) sits down with writer and director Lee Kirk to dive …
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The Green Day Road Movie: Lee Kirk on Directing Nimrods & Indie Hustle
This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, guest host Conor Boru (When the Screaming Starts) sits down with writer and director Lee Kirk to dive deep into the making of his latest feature, Nimrods.
Born from an idea pitched by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, Nimrods is a nostalgic, 90s-infused road trip comedy following three young punks driving across the country to reach a New Year's Eve Green Day concert. Lee shares the entire journey of getting the film off the ground, from drawing inspiration from classics like The Goonies and Risky Business to the practical realities of shooting along Route 66.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The Green Day Connection: How a conversation with Billie Joe Armstrong evolved into a fully fledged feature film.
Fictional Bands & Real Music: The process of sourcing the film's soundtrack and how Billie Joe's sons wrote an entire album for the film's hilariously chaotic in-world band, Cannibal Death March.
Crafting 90s Nostalgia: Blending modern camera work with vintage camcorder footage to authentically capture the era.
Shooting on Location: The logistical hurdles and aesthetic benefits of filming a road movie in Oklahoma City.
The Editing Suite: Why a film is truly made in the edit and the absolute necessity of being ruthless with your own script.
Stop Waiting for Permission: Lee’s ultimate advice for aspiring directors on why you must take the initiative and just start creating.
🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Keep an eye out for Nimrods on the festival circuit and upcoming release schedules.
🌱 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 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 Apple Podcasts, 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
Guest Host: Conor Boru
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 Sitcoms to Feature Films: Screenwriting Secrets with Sean Clements & Directing Tips with Josh Greenbaum as they discuss new comedy 'The Dink'
In this week’s episode of the Filmmaker’s Podcast, host Dom Lenoir takes the reins while Giles Alderson is away in Bulgaria. We are thrilled to welcome back director Josh Greenbaum for an esteemed "hat trick" …
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In this week’s episode of the Filmmaker’s Podcast, host Dom Lenoir takes the reins while Giles Alderson is away in Bulgaria. We are thrilled to welcome back director Josh Greenbaum for an esteemed "hat trick" third appearance on the show, along with actor and screenwriter Sean Clements.
We dive into their new film, The Dink, a pickleball sports comedy that captures the nostalgic magic of late 90s and 2000s filmmaking. While the film brings the laughs, it also tackles universal and relatable themes like parental pressure, coaching aspirations, identity, ego, and pursuing second chances in your 40s.
Josh and Sean share their filmmaking process, discussing how to successfully direct non-actors and improvisers, the art of trimming "precious" scenes for the greater good of the movie, and what it was like collaborating with producer Ben Stiller.
What We Discuss in This Episode:
The Return of Josh Greenbaum: Celebrating Josh's third appearance on the podcast and why he was drawn to The Dink as his next project.
The World of Pickleball: Exploring the absurdity, accessibility, and real-life tennis community controversy surrounding the fastest-growing racket sport.
Nostalgic Comedy & Themes: Harking back to classic 90s/2000s comedies like Happy Gilmore, Best in Show, Dodgeball, and The Wedding Singer, while exploring universal themes of identity, ego, and parental pressure.
Screenwriting Origins: Sean Clements shares his personal journey as a former junior tennis player, his initial resistance to pickleball, and how finding an unlikely community of older players inspired the script.
Collaborating with Ben Stiller: How Ben Stiller came on board to produce, his script notes, and how he helped bring former pro tennis player Andy Roddick into the cast.
Directing Improvisers & Non-Actors: Josh’s philosophy on creating a safe set where actors aren't afraid to fail, letting comedic talents like Aaron Chen ad-lib, and guiding dramatic actors like Ed Harris and non-actors like Andy Roddick to play their roles straight for maximum comedic effect.
Kill Your Darlings (What's Good for the Movie): Sean talks about the transition from sitcom writing to feature films and a pivotal note from Josh on shortening a dramatic scene to serve the overall pacing of the film.
The Power of Music: Using needle drops (from country music to Britney Spears' "Work Bitch") and score by Dara Taylor to drive character and emotional tone.
Summer Filmmaking Advice: Dom’s closing thoughts on how filmmakers can balance taking a summer break while prepping development and location scouting for the September autumn rush.
Host: Dom Lenoir Guests: Josh Greenbaum & Sean Clements
The DINK is our now on APPLE TV
#TheDink #JoshGreenbaum #SeanClements #Pickleball #SportsComedy #Filmmaking #Screenwriting #Directing #BenStiller #AppleTV #TheFilmmakersPodcast #IndieFilm #Podcast
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The Female Film Club Takeover: Emmy-Winning CD Olissa Rogers & Golden Globe Foundation's Miriam Spritzer chat to FFC hosts Liza van der Smissen & Nicole Lieberman
Welcome to a very special takeover episode of The Filmmakers Podcast! This week, the founders of the Female Film Club, Nicole Lieberman and Liza Van Der Smissen, take over the mic from Giles and Dom! Founded to …
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Welcome to a very special takeover episode of The Filmmakers Podcast! This week, the founders of the Female Film Club, Nicole Lieberman and Liza Van Der Smissen, take over the mic from Giles and Dom!
Founded to champion films told from the female gaze, the Female Film Club is an online platform that connects female filmmakers internationally and provides a safe, dynamic space to network and collaborate.
In this packed episode, Liza (an actor and producer who researched flawed female characters in modern film) and Nicole (a producer with a background in human rights law) sit down with two incredible industry experts.
Olissa Rogers (Casting Director) Olissa is an Emmy Award-winning casting director, honored for her work on African Queens: Njinga. Her impressive casting credits span across massive television and film hits, including Netflix's Wednesday, Apple TV's Ted Lasso, Damsel, and The Count of Monte Cristo. Olissa dives deep into the casting process, offering vital advice for independent filmmakers on how to attach the right talent to a project and what casting directors look for when building an ensemble.
Miriam Spritzer (Journalist & Philanthropist) Miriam is a highly accomplished international journalist reporting for major media outlets across the globe, bringing South American perspectives to the U.S. and vice versa. Alongside her media work, she is an elected board member of the Golden Globe Foundation, an independent nonprofit that donates millions to support underrepresented voices in film, television, and journalism through grants and mentorships. Miriam shares her expertise on how filmmakers can successfully pitch their projects to the press, get media coverage, and navigate the world of international entertainment journalism.
Follow and Subscribe:
Learn more about the Female Film Club and join their community at their website! https://femalefilmclub.com/
Subscribe to The Filmmakers Podcast for more weekly deep-dives into the craft and business of making movies.
🎥 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🎬 Credits
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Actors Common & Alexandria Riley talk Silo, On-Set Collaboration, Identity, Conflict, & Show Runner Graham Yost
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 …
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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
Shooting F1: Jerry Bruckheimer & Eddy Cue on Brad Pitt, Practical Racing, and Apple's Blockbuster Vision
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 …
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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
Surviving Indie Film Weather & Financing: Morgan Matthews Breaks Down the Making of '500 Miles'
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? …
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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🎬
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Directing Indie Folk Horror: Alex Noyer on Funding, 40% Tax Rebates, Two-Camera Setups, Ensemble Casts and his latest indie film 'Love is The Monster'
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 …
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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
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The New Rules of Hollywood AI: Jonathan Yunger on Billion-Dollar Slates, Streamer-Approved AI, Arcana Labs and John Rambo
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 …
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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 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!Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
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.
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How to Direct A-List Talent: Ol Parker on Office Romance, Rom-Coms, Rejection & Set Etiquette
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 …
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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 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!Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
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
Business of Film: The New Rules of Film Financing: AI, Gen Z, and Getting Your Movie Made | What we learnt from Cannes and What Movie Distributors Actually Want!
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 …
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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 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!Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
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 Shorts to Docs to Features with Oscar Winner Daniel Roher on Directing Leo Woodall & Dustin Hoffman in 'Tuner'
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 …
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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 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!Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
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: Mega-Episode with Alex Hassell, Nafessa Williams, Katherine Parkinson, Bella Maclean & diretor Elliot Hegarty & writer Laura Wade on the Disney+ Hit
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 …
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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 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.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!Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
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: From Acting to Producing Indies to Directing 'Broken Bird', Shooting in Serbia & The Actor-Director Relationship
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? …
Notas do episódio
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:
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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!Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
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
David Frankel: Directing The Devil Wears Prada, Casting Emily Blunt & Trusting Actors
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 …
Notas do episódio
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 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!Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
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 Self-Finance & Distribute an Indie Thriller you shot in 8 days - 'Empire of Lies' with Matthew Hope & Joseph Millson
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 …
Notas do episódio
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 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!Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
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
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