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PODCAST

The Honest Filmmaker

REAL TALK FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERSAre you wrapping up your film degree or contemplating a career shift into the creative industry? The Honest Filmmaker is your go-to resource for navigating the real-world challenges of micro-budget and indie filmmaking.Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Jim Eaves, the podcast delves into the nitty-gritty of independent film production. From securing funding and managing tight budgets to distribution strategies and building a sustainable career, this is unfiltered

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All Episodes

32:47

Why AI Faces a Filmmaker Backlash - Micro Budget...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/06/02

Send us Fan Mail Filmmaker Daniel J. Pico joins the podcast to unpack the realities of making independent horror films on a micro budget. We discuss the pitch behind The Withering, why horror remains one of the strongest genres for indie creators, how film financing actually works behind the scenes and what is involved in getting projects funded. The conversation then turns to the growing role of AI in filmmaking, where Daniel shares why he believes many companies have misunderstood the creat...

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25:02

Making a Micro Budget Horror Film: Black & White,...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/05/26

Send us Fan Mail Director Daya Dodds and actor/writer/producer Zoe Carroll join the podcast to discuss the making of Witches of God — a micro budget black and white horror feature created with extremely limited resources. In this conversation, we explore the realities of making independent films on low budgets, including production compromises, camera choices, film festival strategy, marketing through Meta advertising and distribution through Filmhub. Zoe also shares insights into balancing w...

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30:21

Can Micro Budget Films Still Work? Funding, Profit &...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/05/19

Send us Fan Mail Filmmaker Jason Morris joins the podcast to discuss the realities of micro budget filmmaking in today’s industry. Including film funding, distribution, profitability and the changing landscape for independent filmmakers. From producing films at different budget levels to releasing projects through distributors and aggregators, Jason shares practical insight into what actually works, what filmmakers should avoid in contracts and why audience-building matters more than ever. We...

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32:40

Indie Film Distribution, Micro Budget Horror &...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/05/12

Send us Fan Mail #moviemaking #filmmaking #indiefilm #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #moviemaking #microbudget #indiefilm Filmmaker, actor and producer Austin Galante talks about the grind of making independent films in today’s market, from shooting music videos and working with major recording artists to directing feature-length horror films and navigating distribution deals. Austin shares the story behind Sanguine Teeth on a Driftless Road, including the budget realities, marketi...

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27:20

From YouTube Film School to Directing Indie Features...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/05/05

Send us Fan Mail #moviemaking #filmmaking #indiefilm #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #moviemaking #microbudget #indiefilm In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker Podcast, director Beasy Jones joins us to unpack the realities of building a career in independent filmmaking, starting with nothing but self-taught skills and a drive to create. We explore how Beasy went from learning the craft online to directing both feature films and episodic series and what that transition actually l...

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32:41

Inside the Business of Indie Film: What ‘Cheat’...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/04/28

Send us Fan Mail #moviemaking #filmmaking #indiefilm #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #moviemaking #microbudget #indiefilm Filmmaker Nick Psinakis joins the podcast to discuss the journey behind his feature film Cheat and the realities of independent film distribution. From development and production through to release, Nick shares a transparent look at the financial side of filmmaking including budget, sales performance and the differences between traditional distribution and plat...

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32:59

Micro-Budget Action, Hong Kong Stunts & Filmmaking...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/04/21

Send us Fan Mail #moviemaking #filmmaking #indiefilm What separates convincing screen action from something that just feels fake? In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker Podcast, I’m joined by Bruce Fontaine, stunt performer, martial artist and filmmaker, to talk about the craft behind action filmmaking at the micro-budget level. Bruce shares insights from his experience working in Hong Kong, one of the most influential action film industries in the world and breaks down what made those films...

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27:09

One Man, One Film: How Matt Simpson Made...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/04/14

Send us Fan Mail #moviemaking #filmmaking #indiefilm #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #moviemaking #microbudget #indiefilm What happens when one person takes on every role in a film production? In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Simpson to talk about Disremembered, a project where he handled everything himself, from acting and directing to shooting and editing, without a crew. We get into the realities of making a film solo, from the technical hurdles to the creative mindset it ta...

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27:30

What It Really Takes to Make Your First Feature Film...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/04/07

Send us Fan Mail #moviemaking #filmmaking #indiefilm #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #moviemaking #microbudget #indiefilm What happens when you decide to make a feature film without the safety net of a big budget? In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Shawn Goolsby to talk about his debut feature 'The Test', a project born out of determination, creativity and the realities of independent filmmaking. We explore the journey from concept to completion, the challenges of working wit...

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34:02

From Indie Hustle to Film Machine - Steve Love on...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/03/31

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Steve Love, who describes himself as “The Film Machine.” We explore his journey into filmmaking, the lessons he learned from his first projects and the realities of working within budget constraints while still creating compelling films. Steve shares insights on casting, contracts, distribution and why understanding the business side of filmmaking is just as important as the creative. From early mistakes to marketing strategies that wo...

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45:05

The Business of Storytelling: Practical Wisdom for...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/03/24

Send us Fan Mail #filmmakingpodcast #scriptwriting #screenwriting #scriptwriter In this episode, I chat with Andrea Mann, a British screenwriter and mentor, about her journey into the industry. Her first spec script was picked up by a Golden Globe–winning producer and is set to feature Oscar-nominated actors Emily Watson and Richard E. Grant. Alongside her writing success, Andrea has a real talent for making screenwriting feel accessible, breaking down what can often seem like a complic...

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33:06

High Concept, Micro Budget: Making Bears on a Ship...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/03/17

Send a text #filmmaking #filmmakingpodcast #moviemaking #indiefilm #movieproduction How do you scale a big idea on an indie budget? Director Edward Castrillo joins the show to discuss his new film, Bears on a Ship. While the title promises a wild ride, the process of making it is a masterclass in independent production. Edward shares his "honest" experiences in the director's chair, dealing with the unique challenges of genre filmmaking. Highlights include: The "Why": What drew Ed...

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33:56

From First Film to Franchise: Ramon “Swift” Sloan on...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/03/10

Send a text #indiefilm #filmmaking #indiefilmmaking #filmmaker #filmpodcast What does it take to build a real career in independent filmmaking? In this episode, I talk with filmmaker Ramon “Swift” Sloan about the realities of making and releasing indie films today. Swift shares how he got started, the first movie he made and why focusing on a specific genre can be a powerful strategy for independent filmmakers. We also discuss building a recognisable filmmaking brand, why sequels often ...

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38:30

Making a Feature on Weekends: Tobias Jon on Gifted Pain

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/03/03

Send a text #indiefilm #filmmaking #indiefilmmaking #filmmaker #filmpodcast In this week's episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Tobias Jon to break down the making of his debut feature, Gifted Pain. We talk about how the film came together, how he shoot a feature on weekends, navigating funding delays and what Tobias wishes he’d known before starting. We also dive into music, editing, stock footage, sales agents, physical releases, and partnering with Indie Rights, an honest, practical look...

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30:05

How to make money from your short films with ZB Siwek

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/02/24

Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #podcast #indiefilm #shortfilms #shortfilm #shortfilmmakers This week on the podcast, I’m joined by producer ZB Siwek, who shares how he’s monetising short films by packaging them into anthology features for streaming platforms like Tubi and Amazon. ZB walks me through the process behind his first anthology release, Merge, which went on to reach number six on the Amazon charts. Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witche...

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25:50

Surviving Your First Indie Feature Film - From Dog...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/02/17

Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #indiefilmfest #moviemaking #indiefilm #movieproduction You might know Craig Conway from Dog Soldiers, The Descent, and his long collaboration with Neil Marshall. In this conversation, we focus on something different, his move from actor to director, and what it really takes to get a first feature off the ground. Craig shares how Red Riding came together, how the film was financed, and what it meant to have Neil Marshall onboard as executive pr...

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36:01

Audience, Budget & Distribution - Building your Indie...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/02/10

Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #indiefilm #interview #movieproduction This week, I’m joined by filmmaker Devon Bray, a director who’s built a loyal audience across eight independent feature films. Devon shares how he made the jump from directing music videos to producing feature films, the creative skills that carried over and why understanding your audience early is one of the most important decisions a filmmaker can make. We also talk genre-hopping, working at different bu...

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29:28

How to Sell your Movie to HBO - with Stefan Van De Graaf

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/02/03

Send us a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #indiefilm This week I sit down with indie filmmaker Stefan Van De Graff to break down the real journey behind selling a first feature film. Stefan walks through how his debut thriller Simmer came together, from shaping the story and stretching a small budget to achieving a high-end look and co-directing his first feature. We dive into the unconventional release strategy of putting the entire film on Facebook, how that led to a deal ...

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34:51

Directing Your First Micro-Budget Feature Film with...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/01/27

Send us a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #indiefilm #moviemaking #microbudget What is it really like to direct your first micro-budget feature film? In this episode, I’m joined by first-time feature film director Jessica Boss, who breaks down the realities of making her debut feature Unnamed, from funding and budgeting to distribution, post-production, and surviving the hardest days on set. Jessica shares honest, practical advice for independent filmmakers, especially those...

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36:13

How to Self-Distribute a Micro-Budget Feature Film...

The Honest Filmmaker ·

2026/01/20

Send us a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #movieproduction #microbudget This week I chat to indie filmmaker Alex Srednoselac who breaks down what it’s really like to make, finish, and self-distribute a micro-budget feature film. Alex shares his journey from creating his first feature film Cashing Out to navigating film festivals, promotion, social media, and independent distribution. We dive into how micro-budget films get funded, what filmmakers should know before entering f...

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156 results

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