Afleveringen
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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.
đŹ 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.
đ Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Watch out for F1—coming globally to cinemas soon from Apple Original Films and Warner Bros.
đ± FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HEREâ
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!
đ§ 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!
đ â PODCAST MERCHâ : Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more â HEREâ .
đ â COURSESâ : Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIEDâ .
đ ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ .
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? â *Join our Patreon*â for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and direct feedback on your film projects!
Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo & Banner Art by: â Lois Creativeâ
Theme Music by: â John J. Harveyâ
đ„ Watch Food For ThoughtđČ Support, Merch & Courses𧥠Our Brilliant Patreon SupportersđŹ Credits
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
From Docs to Drama: Morgan Matthews on Directing 500 Miles & Funding Indie Films
How do you take the run-and-gun instincts of a documentary filmmaker and apply them to a highly structured narrative feature? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with the phenomenal writer and director Morgan Matthews to find out.
Morgan shares his incredible journey from studying photography to directing BAFTA-winning documentaries, and eventually transitioning into the world of feature films. We take a deep dive into the making of his latest film, 500 Miles, an ambitious road movie shot across the unpredictable landscapes of Ireland. Morgan shares the unvarnished truth about the indie hustle, from securing financing to managing the brutal logistics of shooting on ferries and in extreme weather.
đŹ 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:
đ„ Watch Food For Thought
đ± FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HEREâ
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!
đ§ 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!
đ â PODCAST MERCHâ : Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more â HEREâ .
đ â COURSESâ : Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIEDâ .
đ ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ .
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? â *Join our Patreon*â for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and direct feedback on your film projects!
Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo & Banner Art by: â Lois Creativeâ
Theme Music by: â John J. Harveyâ
đČ Support, Merch & Courses𧥠Our Brilliant Patreon SupportersđŹ
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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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.
đŹ 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.
đ Links & Films Mentioned in This Episode:
Watch Love is the Monster – Out now exclusively on the Amazon/Prime store (US & Canada).
đŹ Sound of Violence – Alex Noyer’s previous neon-soaked slasher feature.
đŹ Samodiva – Giles Alderson's upcoming folk horror feature.
đ± Connect with Alex Noyer: Follow him on Instagram/X
đ„ Watch Food For Thought
đ± FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HEREâ .
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!
đ§ 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!
đ â PODCAST MERCHâ : Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ .
đ â COURSESâ : Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â HEREâ .
đ ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ .
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? â Join our Patreonâ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creativeâ
Theme Music by â John J. Harveyâ
đČ Support, Merch & Courses𧥠Our Brilliant Patreon SupportersđŹ Credits
Alex Noyer, Love is the Monster movie, Madeline Zima, Leonardo Nam, Folk horror movies, Indie film financing, Film tax incentives, How to produce an indie film, Directing two cameras, Giles Alderson, The Filmmakers Podcast, Independent filmmaking podcast, Canadian film tax credits, Sound of Violence, Horror film director
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
How do you protect the human craft of storytelling while navigating a global independent market that is rapidly contracting? This week, Giles Alderson and Phil Hawkins sit down for an incredibly candid, wide-ranging masterclass with Jonathan Yunger—President of Millennium Media and co-founder of Arcana Labs.
Jonathan has masterminded massive worldwide features grossing billions of dollars—producing major franchise hits like The Expendables, The Hitman's Bodyguard, and the Fallen series, alongside star-driven indie standouts like Tesla starring Ethan Hawke, Jolt starring Kate Beckinsale, Till Death starring Megan Fox, and The Enforcer starring Antonio Banderas. His latest project, John Rambo (directed by Sisu filmmaker Jalmari Helander), is a masterclass in 99% practical, old-school action cinema. Yet, Jonathan is also leading the charge on ethical, artist-driven tech integration through Arcana Labs—an enterprise-grade ecosystem fully vetted by major streaming networks after rigorous multi-month security compliance reviews.
In this episode, we strip away the PR spin to examine how the disruption of streaming windows broke the traditional indie minimum guarantee model, and why embracing assistive workflows is the key to reclaiming creative risk.
đŹ 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.
đ Arcana Labs: https://www.arcanalabs.ai/
đą Millennium Media: https://millennium-media.net/https://millennium-media.net/
đïž 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/
đ Links, References & Films Mentioned
đČ Connect with The Filmmakers Podcast
Follow us on Instagram/X: @filmmakerspod
Check out our website for more masterclasses: www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com
FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
If you found value in this deep dive into the business of film, please take a brief moment to leave us a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. It keeps our independent filmmaking podcast bringing you the biggest creators every single Tuesday!
Jonathan Yunger, Millennium Media, Arcana Labs, John Rambo movie, The Outpost film, The Expendables, Has Fallen franchise, The Hitman's Bodyguard, Kate Beckinsale Jolt, Megan Fox Till Death, Antonio Banderas The Enforcer, Giles Alderson, Phil Hawkins, The Filmmakers Podcast, independent filmmaking podcast, film financing models, movie pre-sales breakdown, practical film effects, how to sell an indie movie, Hollywood studio producer
This in-depth discussion expands perfectly on Jonathan's perspectives regarding AI, Arcana Labs, and the complex copyright concerns facing independent artists today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
How to Direct A-List Talent: Ol Parker on Rom-Coms, Rejection & Set Etiquette
How do you maintain your creative voice while directing some of the biggest movie stars on the planet? This week, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with Hollywood hitmaker Ol Parker to unpack the business of making audiences feel good.
Known for writing and directing global smashes like Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Ticket to Paradise, Ol joins host Giles Alderson to discuss his latest feature film, the Netflix R-rated corporate comedy Office Romance, starring Jennifer Lopez, Brett Goldstein, and a massive ensemble of comedy heavyweights.
Ol delivers a masterclass in longevity, collaboration, and set management. He opens up about the unique challenge of directing a script written by his lead actors, how to balance hard-R comedy with touching narrative beats, and why a director's job is often about listening to the experts around them.
đŹ 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.
đ Links & Films Mentioned in This Episode:
Watch Office Romance on Netflix!
đïž 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]
đŹ The Up Side of Unrequited – Hilary Shakespeare's current post-production feature.
đŹ Bravado – Dom Lenoir's latest feature project, screening at Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles on 28th June.
đŹ Samodiva & Sessions – Giles Alderson's latest independent features, represented by Quantify Sales.
đ Hope for Film – The essential industry book by producer Ted Hope.
đČ 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!
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Ol Parker, Office Romance movie, Jennifer Lopez, Brett Goldstein, Mamma Mia Here We Go Again, Ticket to Paradise, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Giles Alderson, The Filmmakers Podcast, How to direct comedy, Directing actors tips, Screenwriting masterclass, Netflix original comedy, Tony Hale, Bradley Whitford, Film industry advice
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Filmmakers! Welcome back to a very special Business of Film edition of The Filmmakers Podcast. Today, we are cutting through the absolute nonsense and delivering a survival guide for how to fund, produce, and sell an independent film in the current market. Host Giles Alderson is joined by an expert powerhouse panel: film industry data analyst Stephen Follows, director-producer and AI tech expert Hilary Shakespeare, independent director-producer Dom Lenoir, and VP of Distribution at Quantify Sales, Dimo Alexandrov.Together, they break down the exact numbers of what sold, why horror and elevated genre remain king, the catastrophic mistakes indie producers are making on the Croisette, and the real impact of AI on the future of cinema. Whether you are prepping a project for production or trying to close a distribution deal, this episode is a mandatory masterclass on how to navigate the international market right now. Come Fully Prepared: Before approaching any sales agent or distributor, you must know your exact budget top-sheet, your realistic cast options, your shoot locations, and your tax credit strategy. Do not pitch an abstract idea; pitch a business plan. The Sweet Spot Budget: The current market "sweet spot" for independent genre films is ÂŁ1.2MâÂŁ1.5M. 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 comebackâparticularly 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 clearâleverage 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. đïž 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 đŹ The Up Side of Unrequited â The upcoming feature film currently in post-production by Hilary Shakespeare. đŹ Bravado â Dom Lenoir's latest feature project, screening at Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles on 28th June. đŹ Samodiva & Sessions â Giles Alderson's latest independent features, with worldwide and international sales represented by Dimo Alexandrov at Quantify Sales. đ Obsession â 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. đ NEON â 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). đ Hope for Film â The essential industry book by veteran independent producer Ted Hope. đ„ Dogme 95 â 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.comIf 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!â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. â And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the filmâs important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!â PODCAST MERCHâ Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â â COURSESâ Want to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â â PATREONâ Big thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli J MonroeKaren NewmanWant your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â Theme Music by â John J. HarveyFilm 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
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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.
đŹ 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.
đ 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
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
The Making of RIVALS: Cast & Creators on the Disney+ Smash Hit
Grab your shoulder pads and pour a glass of champagne! This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, we are doing a massive takeover of the show everyone is talking about: the phenomenal Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s legendary novel, RIVALS.
Because the ensemble is so huge, one interview wasn't enough. In this special mega-episode, Directors Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down for four separate masterclasses with the creators and the breakout stars to discover exactly how they brought the cutthroat, glamorous world of 1980s Rutshire to the screen.
(Prefer to watch? You can catch all four of these interviews as fully filmed video episodes on our YouTube channel!)
đŹ 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.
đș Watch RIVALS:RIVALS is streaming globally right now on Disney+ and Hulu!
đ JOIN THE COMMUNITY đ
đ Website & Full Show Notes: www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com
đ Listen on Apple Podcasts: [Insert Link]
đą Listen on Spotify: [Insert Link]
đž Instagram: @thefilmmakerspodcast
đŠ X / Twitter: @filmmakerspod
Links:
HIWAY Hiway is an infrastructure platform built specifically for independent filmmakers and production companies.If you’ve ever finished a film and thought, ‘Now what?’, Hiway is tryingto solve that exact problem. It gives you one place to store your film, share it securely with partners or festivals, and even release it directly to audiences yourself.
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Joanne Mitchell on Broken Bird, Directing in Serbia, and the Actor-Director Journey
How do you take a story set in the rolling hills and local pubs of Northern England and shoot it entirely in Belgrade, Serbia?
This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with actor, producer, and director Joanne Mitchell to discuss her incredible feature directorial debut, Broken Bird. Originally developed from her award-winning short film Sybil, the film was an opening night selection at FrightFest and is now available on all major VOD platforms!
Joanne pulls back the curtain on her amazing journey from producing gritty, micro-budget indies with her partner Dominic Brunt, to landing a $2 Million ($1.5M GBP) budget through Catalyst Studios as part of an incredible all-female slate. She breaks down the massive logistical challenges of shooting in Serbia, including navigating brutalist architecture, 85-degree heat, and the language barrier of working with a local crew.
We also dive deep into the actor-director dynamic. Drawing from her own extensive acting career, Joanne shares her philosophy on why directors must protect an actor's rhythm, the importance of private notes, and how she cast her incredible lead, Rebecca Calder. Plus, we hear the amazing story of how she hired her brilliant cinematographer, Igor Marovic, purely on gut instinct over a Zoom call!
đŹ 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.
đ Links, Mentions & Resources:
Watch Broken Bird — Available now on all major VOD and streaming platforms!
Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod
Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! New episodes every Tuesday!
Links:
HIWAY Hiway is an infrastructure platform built specifically for independent filmmakers and production companies.If
you’ve ever finished a film and thought, ‘Now what?’, Hiway is trying
to solve that exact problem. It gives you one place to store your film,
share it securely with partners or festivals, and even release it
directly to audiences yourself.
RECDEK - Enter the lottery for RecDek house in Cannes 2026. Enter via the App
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Directing The Devil Wears Prada, Studio Pressures, and Trusting Your Cast with David Frankel
How do you adapt when a major studio cuts your post-production schedule by six weeks? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with Oscar-winning director David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Sex and the City, The Morning Show). Fresh off the mix stage for his latest film, David pulls back the curtain on navigating massive studio pressures and the magic of true collaboration.
David reveals the intense reality of an accelerated edit after his studio pushed his release date to May 1st to replace an delayed Avengers film. He also takes us behind the scenes of The Devil Wears Prada. He explains why he originally rejected the script because it framed Miranda as a villain, how he successfully pitched her as a heroine aiming for excellence, and what it was like discovering a young Emily Blunt on a bad VHS tape.
Whether you are a student filmmaker learning the importance of clean audio, or a seasoned director wondering how to manage a massive set redesign in the courtyards of Milan, this episode is packed with unfiltered industry truth!
đŹ 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.
đ 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!
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Empire of Lies: Making an Indie Thriller on a Shoestring with Matthew Hope & Joseph Millson
What happens when an established action director strips everything away to make a micro-budget thriller in just 8 days?
This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with director Matthew Hope (The Veteran, All the Devil's Men) and returning champion, actor/producer Joseph Millson (Casino Royale, Signs of Life), to discuss their tense new two-hander, Empire of Lies.
Matthew and Joseph pull back the curtain on true guerrilla filmmaking. They break down what it is actually like to shoot a feature film in under 10 days with a crew of just 4 to 5 people, the realities of self-financing (including how Matthew pitched the investment to his wife!), and how an epiphany on the M1 motorway finally cracked the script.
We also do a massive deep dive into the business side of indie film, exploring how they utilized data analytics, Instagram, and targeted ads to independently distribute a sub-£100k movie into cinemas. If you are waiting for permission or a massive budget to make your first feature, this episode will give you the kickstart you need to just go out and shoot it!
đŹ 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.
đ 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!
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Brian Cox on Directing Glenrothan, Trusting Your Collaborators, and the Magic of the Edit
Filmmakers, you are in for an absolute treat today. We are joined by a true titan of the industry, the legendary Brian Cox. After decades of delivering iconic performances on stage and screen, Brian sits down with us to discuss stepping behind the camera for his highly anticipated feature directorial debut, Glenrothan.
Fresh off a phenomenal premiere at TIFF (complete with a massive standing ovation!), Brian breaks down his deeply egalitarian approach to filmmaking. He shares the brilliant story of how his producer, Neil Zegler, flat-out told him he was the only person who could direct this movie, and how he leaned heavily on his DP to bring the vision to life.
We dive into the nitty-gritty of the craft: why Brian prioritizes script, story, and actors over rigid shot lists and storyboards, the delicate art of directing yourself and "staying out of your own way," and how assembling a powerhouse cast—including Alan Cumming, Shirley Henderson, and brilliant young talent—elevated the entire production. Plus, he shares some invaluable lessons from the cutting room, including why they had to switch editors and dramatically restructure a crucial waterfall scene.
Topic of the Week: Make sure you stick around for the outro, where we break down Brian's philosophy in our Topic of the Week: The Egalitarian Set: Why the Best Directors Don't Micro-Manage. We discuss why letting go of control and trusting your Heads of Department is actually an indie director's greatest superpower.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The Push to Direct: How producer Neil convinced Brian he had to take the helm of Glenrothan.
The TIFF Premiere: The emotional experience of screening the film and receiving a standing ovation.
The Egalitarian Set: Why Brian threw out rigid storyboards to focus entirely on the script, the story, and the actors.
Directing Yourself: The secret to acting in your own movie and learning how to "stay out of your own way."
Casting Magic: Working with heavy hitters like Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson alongside rising young stars.
The Realities of the Edit: Navigating post-production hurdles, switching editors, and the brilliant decision to move a crucial waterfall scene to later in the film.
Brian’s Ultimate Advice: Why a director’s greatest superpower is trusting their department heads and valuing everyone's creative contribution.
Links & Resources:
Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod
Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—it really helps us keep bringing you these incredible masterclasses!
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
"The ultimate indie film success story! Writer and director Ian Tuason joins Giles Alderson to discuss his massive breakout horror hit, Undertone.
Made for just $500,000, Undertone sparked a bidding war at Fantasia Fest, was acquired by A24 in a 7-figure deal, and is now crushing the global box office ($20M and counting).
Ian breaks down how he crafted 'the scariest movie you'll ever hear' by making an audio-driven horror film where only one speaking character (Nina Kiri) is ever shown on screen.
We dive deep into the emotional reality of indie filmmaking, as Ian reveals what it was like to shoot the film in his childhood home where he previously cared for his terminally ill parents. We also discuss his background in 360-degree VR horror and how this massive indie hit led to him being hired by Jason Blum and James Wan to write and direct Paranormal Activity 8.
A truly inspiring masterclass in utilizing your limitations!
Links & Resources:
Go see Undertone in cinemas now!
Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod
Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
How to Make a Hit Rom-Com: Will Packer & Kat Coiro on You, Me & Tuscany
Are romantic comedies officially making a massive comeback? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, we sit down with powerhouse producer Will Packer (Girls Trip, Ride Along, Straight Outta Compton) and hitmaking director Kat Coiro (Marry Me, She-Hulk, Dead to Me) to discuss their stunning new theatrical release, You, Me & Tuscany.
We dive deep into the nuts and bolts of the industry, looking at how Kat transitioned from making her first feature for just $150k in 11 days, to commanding massive international sets. Will drops absolute gold on what producers are actually looking for when they hire directors, and how to successfully pitch (and stick to) your ideas in the studio system.
Whether you are an indie filmmaker starting in the "run-and-gun" world or a producer looking to mount an international shoot, this episode is a masterclass in collaboration, scheduling, and leadership.
đŹ IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Why romantic comedies are coming back in a big way.
Kat’s indie roots: Making her first feature for $150k and shooting in 11 days.
The logistics and challenges of producing in a foreign country.
Adapting to the different cultures of international film crews.
Starting in the "run-and-gun" world and knowing how to pivot on set.
Why directing is exactly like being the "conductor of an orchestra."
Why every director should learn all aspects and roles of filmmaking.
The absolute, make-or-break importance of scheduling.
What producers actually look for when picking directors.
Pitching your vision and sticking to your ideas.
The magic of true collaboration and why you must always respect your audience.
đ Links & Resources:
Go see You, Me & Tuscany in cinemas now!
Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod
Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
The Unconventional Making of FUZE with Aaron Taylor-Johnson & David Mackenzie
How do you craft the perfect anti-hero? In this episode of The Filmmakers Podcast, host Dom Lenoir sits down with Golden Globe-winning actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick Ass Tenet), and Academy Award-nominated director David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water, Relay) following the explosive premiere of their new high-octane thriller, FUZE.
Aaron and David break down their unique, highly spontaneous collaborative process. David reveals why he completely abandons traditional continuity and prefers to "shoot the rehearsal," while Aaron shares his ultimate advice for actors: stop learning your lines in only one way. We also dive into the nitty-gritty of why they believe British film crews are some of the best and most adaptable in the world.
If you want to know how to capture "energized naturalism" on screen and keep your actors on their toes, this is a masterclass you don't want to miss.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron is a Golden Globe-winning actor known for his incredible versatility and intense character preparation. He burst onto the scene in Nowhere Boy and Kick-Ass, and has delivered standout performances in massive films like Nocturnal Animals, Tenet, Bullet Train, The Fall Guy, and Kraven the Hunter. He previously collaborated with David Mackenzie on the historical epic Outlaw King.
David Mackenzie
David is a highly acclaimed Scottish film director and producer known for his gritty, character-driven films. His massive 2016 hit Hell or High Water received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. His other notable works include the visceral prison drama Starred Up, the Netflix epic Outlaw King, and Young Adam.
FUZE is out in CINEMAS April 3rd!
For more filmmaking interviews like this subscribe to our channel and /
or head to our website www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com
LINKS
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
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!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
The kings of modern horror-comedy are here! Directors Matt
Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (the filmmaking collective Radio
Silence who made Scream and Scream VI) join Dom Lenoir and Conor Boru to discuss their blood-soaked new theatrical hit, Ready or Not 2: Here I
Come (2026).
In this deep-dive interview, Matt and Tyler reveal why they decided to
return to the universe of their 2019 breakout hit, how they managed to
pick up the story on the exact same day seven years later, and the joy
of torturing Samara Weaving all over again. We also discuss assembling a
dream horror cast including Kathryn Newton, Sarah Michelle Gellar,
Elijah Wood, and director David Cronenberg.
The duo breaks down their collaborative process on set, the lessons they
learned from directing franchises, and how to successfully balance
terrifying tension with laugh-out-loud comedy. A masterclass for any
filmmaker looking to make an impact in the genre space!
'Ready or Not 2: Here I Come' is out NOW in cinemas
Radio Silence, Ready or Not 2, Ready or Not Movie, Matt
Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, Sarah
Michelle Gellar, Scream 6, Horror Filmmaking, Directing Masterclass,
Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson, David Cronenberg, Indie Horror.
For more filmmaking interviews like this subscribe to our channel and /
or head to our website www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com
LINKS
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
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!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Edited by â @tobiasveesâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
In this episode, host â Conor Boruâ sits down with director â Vanessa Caswillâ to discuss her latest feature, Reminders of Him.
Vanessa is an English director and screenwriter known for her work across television and film, including the BBC miniseries Thirteen, Little Women, and the feature Love at First Sight.
Her latest film follows a young mother who, after serving time in prison, attempts to rebuild a relationship with her daughter. Facing hostility from nearly everyone around her — except a bar owner with unexpected ties to the child — she must confront her past in order to create the possibility of a better future.
In the episode, they discuss:
Vanessa Caswill’s career journey from TV into feature filmmaking
The creative challenges of adapting a bestselling novel
Practical directing techniques for working with young actors
Production challenges and problem-solving on set
Emotional storytelling and performance-driven filmmaking
Why protecting your own creative voice is essential in the industry
...and so much more! Enjoy!
REMINDERS OF HIM is out on the 13th of March | â TRAILERâ
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
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!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Edited by â @tobiasveesâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
We are delighted re-release this episode with Hamnet producer and TV producer Liza Marshall as she gears up for the Oscars this week!
Hosted by Giles Alderson and co-host Dom Lenoir, we sit down and chat about her experience as a producer and how she went about making TV dramas such as 'The Sins', 'Fields of Gold', 'Taboo', 'Honour' and 'Temple' and the feature films, 'Welcome to the Punch', 'Springsteen & I' and 'Before I Go To Sleep'.
We talk about how he started off working as a producer for the BBC, as well as how she worked her way up, to where she is today. She discusses how she finds writers, as well as giving constructive feedback on various different screenplays. We dive deep into the difference between film and TV and how to go about pitching them to various producers in the industry.
We talk pitching, working in the writers room and we discuss how the terrific Temple came about
We can't wait for you to hear this weeks episode with Liza. You don't want to miss it! Enjoy!
Temple is now available on Sky
Temple is a British medical crime drama television series. Created by Mark O'Rowe, and starring Mark Strong, Carice Van Houten and Daniel Mays, it is based on the Norwegian drama Valkyrien, and premiered 13 September 2019 on Sky One
PATREON
â Join our Patreonâ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides and feedback on your film projects.
Our new 4 tier structure is in place. Come join the community!
â https://www.patreon.com/thefilmmakerspodcastâ
EVENTS & CROWDFUNDERS
Join us on â ClubHouseâ on Thursday's 6.30 GMT â https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/M5X0Qzvxâ
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Read & Sign Up for â The Wrap Upâ - Our weekly Newsletter with news and information from the world of film
â Spread the Word with Our Merchâ T-Shirts, Hoodies, Mugs, Masks and Water Bottles all now available in some very cool designs.
Subscribe on â iTunesâ , â Spotify,â â Podbeanâ , or wherever you get your podcasts.
Help us out and write us a review (a good one!), tell your friends and CHOOSE FILM.
Get in touch? Email us â [email protected]â
Follow us on â Twitterâ â Facebookâ and â Instagramâ
Check out our full episode archive at â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is hosted and written by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Produced and edited by Robbie McKane @â robbiemckaneâ & Samuel Evans â @SamuelHEvans_â
Social Media by Kalli Pasqualucci â @kallieepâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harveyâ
Part of the â www.podfixnetwork.squarespace.comâ
WATCH OUR FILMS
â The Dareâ UK | â Trailerâ
â The Dareâ Canada and USA
â A Serial Killers Guide to Lifeâ | â Trailerâ
â Arthur & Merlin: Knights of Camelotâ
â Winter Ridgeâ UK
â The Isleâ
â Fanged Upâ
â The Markerâ
â Star Wars: Originsâ
MORE FROM OUR FRIENDS
Follow our Regular Hosts â @LucindaRhodesâ â @DirDomLenoirâ â @35mmdopâ â @philmblogâ â @IanSharp1â â @Cjamesdirectâ â @dan710thsâ
Follow Make Your Film for Live Events with our Guests â @makeyourfilm20 â
Follow our Movies â @thedaremovieâ â @â â Food4ThoughtDocâ â @FangedUpFilmâ
Raindance events â www.raindance.orgâ
The Filmmakers Podcast recommends â Performance Insuranceâ
Music from â musicbed.comâ
Giles Alderson’s â websiteâ
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
We made it to Episode 500! đ
After 9 years, over 600 hours of audio, and interviews with hundreds of the greatest directors, writers, actors and producers in the world, The Filmmakers Podcast is celebrating its 500th episode the best way we know how: by turning the microphones over to YOU.
In this massive milestone episode, hosts and working filmmakers Giles Alderson (The Dare), Dom Lenoir (Winter Ridge), and Phil Hawkins (Robin and the Hoods) sit down to answer your audience questions. We strip back the curtain on our own filmmaking journeys, share the brutal realities of the indie hustle, and reflect on the greatest pieces of advice we’ve gathered from half a thousand episodes.
From chatting about micro-budget producing to remembering our legendary sit-downs with cinematic titans like Sam Raimi, Paul Schrader, Steven Knight, Ari Aster, Chris McQuarrie and Zack Snyder, this episode is a love letter to the independent filmmaking community that makes this show possible.
In this 500th Episode Q&A, we discuss:
The Origin Story: How the podcast started as a chat between friends in 2017.
The "Host" Hustle: How Giles, Dom, and Phil balance making actual feature films with running lives and the podcast.
The Greatest Advice: The best lessons we've learned from 500 episodes about overcoming the fear of failure, financing indie films, and surviving on set.
Your Questions Answered: Tackling the biggest hurdles our listeners are facing right now in 2026.
What’s Next? For the hosts and where the podcast goes from here!
Thank you for 500 episodes of listening, sharing, and making movies. We are in the business of making films, not just talking about them—now go get your next project made!
Support the show & join the community:
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!
Leave us a 5-star review (it helps us get to episode 1,000!)
Follow us on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod
The HOSTS films The Dare, Winter Ridge, Robin and the Hoods and many more are available to watch. Please do watch and support us.
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
The Filmmakers Podcast, Filmmaking, Indie Film, How to direct a movie, Film Producing, Giles Alderson, Dom Lenoir, Phil Hawkins, Screenwriting, Film Finance, Micro Budget Film, Director Interview, Film School, Cinematography, Filmmaker Q&A, Podcast Episode 500
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
On this weeks The Filmmakers Podcast are legendary creator Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) and powerhouse actress/producer Hannah Walters (Boiling Point) who join Dom Lenoir (Winter Ridge) to discuss their hit Disney+ series, A Thousand Blows (2026).
We delve into the true history of the Forty Elephants gang, the art of writing historical thrillers, and what it takes to produce high-end drama for global streamers. Steven also shares updates on the Peaky Blinders movie and writing the new James Bond, while Hannah discusses her mission with Matriarch Productions and her role as Eliza Moody. A masterclass in television architecture and independent producing.
A Thousand Blows is OUT NOW on Disney and Hulu
Links
â FOOD FOR THOUGHTâ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE â HERE.â
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!
â PODCAST MERCHâ
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more â MERCHâ . â https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/â
â COURSESâ
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE â https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/â
â PATREONâ
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? â Join our Patreonâ 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 â TheFilmmakersPodcast.comâ
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson â @gilesaldersonâ
Logo and Banner Art by â Lois Creative â
Theme Music by â John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices - Laat meer zien
