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The Filmmakers Podcast
The Filmmakers Podcast
Author: Giles Alderson
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Description
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!
485 Episodes
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Director Rob Savage (Host) joins us to chat about his latest horror feature 'The Boogeyman'.
He sits down with Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir to discuss how he made the leap to studio movie and creating horror scares.
They also discuss:
How to shoot scare ad big horror scenes.
Pitching, how he got in the room and what to do when in there.
Casting incredible actors.
Lighting and the 'Moon Ball'.
How a light-saber and Disney helped create a defining image.
Any why major issues and mistakes can lead to brilliant creativity.
The Boogeyman in OUT in cinemas NOW!
VOTE
The Stranger in our Bed for Best Thriller at the National Film Awards here
WATCH
Breaking Infinity on it's cinema tour here
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making?
Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is hosted, produced, edited and written by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Social Media by Kalli Pasqualucci @kallieep
Marketing Huw Siddle
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Music supplied by – Music Bed
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this weeks podcast we are joined by actors Simon Pegg and Rebecca Ferguson and editor Eddie Hamilton to discuss making Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One.
First up Simon Pegg (Star Trek, Shaun of the Dead) and Rebecca Ferguson (Silo, Dune) have fun with hosts Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir discussing all things acting and being on set of a Mission Impossible film, being directed by Christopher McQuarrie and creating the characters.
Secondly we have a great natter with editor Eddie Hamilton (Top Gun Maverick, Kick Ass) about editing on such a big movie, how he got the job and working with Tom Cruise and McQaurrie.
We also discuss:
Editing Tom Gun Maverick and Mission Impossible movies.
Why and how they work with no script on MI films.
If you don't care about character then nothing matters.
Why it is just a pile of ingredients and why movies in post only come good in the last two weeks.
And why you fight for moments and let others go.
Listen to the Christopher McQaurrie episode here.
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning is in cinemas NOW!
POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED COURSE link
Join us on Zoom on Saturday, July 22nd at 1pm BST, when our team of film professionals will guide you through all the elements you’ll need to plan, all the people you’ll need to hire, and all the questions you’ll need to answer in order to effectively schedule and budget for post-production.
https://cutting-room.ck.page/products/post-production-demystified?step=checkout
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making?
Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is hosted, produced, edited and written by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Social Media by Kalli Pasqualucci @kallieep
Marketing Huw Siddle
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Music supplied by – Music Bed
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The magnificent legend that is Christopher McQuarrie joins Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir for a full hour to talk story, structure, creating magic, working with Tom Cruise and directing Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One.
We also discuss:
His debut movies, Public Access, The Way of the Gun and wining an Oscar for Usual Suspects.
Working with Tom Cruise and pushing boundaries in film-making.
In-depth into his mind on story and structure of making films.
Trouble shooting moments and looking at bad reviews.
How to make the audience care about action.
Listener questions.
And many, many tips on directing and screenwriting.
Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning is in cinemas July 10th!
Christopher's credits include:
As writer: Public Access, Usual Suspects, Valkyrie, The Tourist, Jack the Giant Slayer, Edge of Tomorrow, The Mummy, Top Gun: Maverick
As writer & director: The Way of the Gun, Jack Reacher, Mission Impossible Rogue Nation, Mission Impossible Fallout, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One.
----
POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED COURSE link
Join us on Zoom on Saturday, July 22nd at 1pm BST, when our team of film professionals will guide you through all the elements you’ll need to plan, all the people you’ll need to hire, and all the questions you’ll need to answer in order to effectively schedule and budget for post-production.
https://cutting-room.ck.page/products/post-production-demystified?step=checkout
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making?
Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is hosted, produced, edited and written by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Social Media by Kalli Pasqualucci @kallieep
Marketing Huw Siddle
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Music supplied by – Music Bed
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this weeks episode with have Director and Writer Noah Baumbach.
Dom Lenoir (Dombach meets Baumbach!!) sits down with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach (Barbie, The Squid and The Whale, Marriage Story) to dive into his stunning new film, Jay Kelly. The director explains his intimate writing process for building emotionally complex characters, the challenge of directing superstars like George Clooney and Adam Sandler, and how he uses Hollywood fame as a device for poignant dramedy. Baumbach shares exclusive insight on his unique collaborative relationships, the film's visual style, and the lessons learned from Marriage Story to Jay Kelly. A masterclass in screenwriting and auteur filmmaking.
"Jay Kelly" is a dramedy that follows famous movie actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) as he embarks on an unexpected, profound journey through Europe with his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler). The film is a self-reflective look at celebrity, legacy, regret, and the toll a public life takes on family.
Jay Kelly is out now.
Links
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From Zodiac to Nuremberg: James Vanderbilt's Masterclass in Psychological Conflict.
Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast, the place where we talk to the world’s most dynamic directors and actors about how they get films made! This week, we have an absolute heavyweight episode for you. We are diving deep into history with the new psychological thriller, Nuremberg. Joining hosts Dom Lenoir and Conor Boru are the film’s writer and director, James Vanderbilt, and the incredible, Oscar-nominated actor, Michael Shannon. They’ll reveal the 13-year fight to bring the story of the infamous Nazi trials to the screen, the craft behind playing the unflinching US Chief Prosecutor, and the moral weight of balancing entertainment with historical trauma. This is a powerful, unmissable conversation about truth, justice, and the very nature of evil. Let's get to it!
The new film Nuremberg is a high-profile historical drama, and the combination of Michael Shannon (an actor known for intense, committed roles) and James Vanderbilt (a writer-director with major credits like Zodiac and Truth) is fantastic.
Links
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, host Dom Lenoir welcomes the team behind Netflix’s Train Dreams: Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, Clint Bentley, and Joel Edgerton.
Felicity Jones – celebrated for her roles in The Theory of Everything and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – & Kerry Condon – Academy Award-nominated actor known for The Banshees of Inisherin and Better Call Saul discuss the actor-director relationship, rehearsals, and what it was like working on the project.
Clint Bentley – acclaimed filmmaker behind Jockey and now director of Train Dreams – shares his perspective on shaping performances, cinematography, music, nature and how this project got made.
Joel Edgerton – actor & producer – joins the conversation to discuss acting, modern technology, and the human condition.
Together, they explore the making of Train Dreams. An inspiring and thought-provoking look behind the scenes of one of Netflix’s most anticipated films of the year.
TRAIN DREAMS is out now!
Links
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode, we sit down with the visionary writer and director, Edgar Wright—the man who invented Baby Driver's musical choreography and perfected the genre-bending Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End).
Edgar discusses his philosophy of feature film writing, the meticulous craft of kinetic editing, and the process behind his latest, highly-anticipated action-thriller, The Running Man.
Dom Lenoir sits with Edgar over a hot chocolate and breaks down the bold decisions that define his career, this is a masterclass in visual storytelling and technical filmmaking.
If you are an aspiring filmmaker looking to inject rhythm, precision, and unique style into your projects, this episode is essential listening.
The Running Man is RELEASED in cinemas on 12th November.
Edgar Wright, Directing, Screenwriting, The Filmmakers Podcast, Baby Driver, The Running Man, Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, Cornetto Trilogy Film, Editing, Visual Storytelling.
Links
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this weeks The Filmmakers' Podcast we are joined by the one-of-a-kind Riz Ahmed—Oscar winner, Actor, producer, and activist.
Riz dives deep into his critically acclaimed performance as Ash, the elusive corporate 'fixer' in David Mackenzie’s tense new thriller, Relay. He discusses the unique challenges of playing a protagonist who uses silence and a telecommunications relay service as his only shield.
Inside the Episode with Riz, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir:
The Weight of Silence: How Riz communicated paranoia and emotional depth using only micro-expressions and physical action, given his character is deliberately "voiceless."
Art as Disruption: His philosophy on choosing roles that challenge preconceptions, and how the moral complexity of Ash's job—working for and against corporate power—fits his vision for "disruptive" storytelling.
The Actor/Director Connection: We ask how his meticulous craft as and actor to working with David Mackenzie and other directors on the rhythmic, measured performance of a hyper-organized character like Ash.
Don't miss this candid conversation on film, identity, and the price of survival in the age of total surveillance.
Relay is OUT this FRIDAY.
Links
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Riz Ahmed, Relay, David Mackenzie, Sound of Metal, Riz MC, actor interview, corporate thriller, anonymity, Oscar winner, acting process, Lily James, The Night Of.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does it take to sustain a film career across vastly different genres? Director David Mackenzie sits down to discuss his evolution, from his early independent Scottish films (Young Adam, Red Road, Perfect Sense) to major studio productions. We focus on his signature style: building intense, character-driven narratives under extreme pressure. David shares insights into the filmmaking behind his new thriller, Relay, including how he captured the paranoia of corporate espionage, the creative freedom of his production company Sigma Films, casting and working with Riz Ahmed and Lily James and the challenges of directing a character who relies entirely on anonymity.
David Mackenzie’s Relay is a tense, modern thriller starring Riz Ahmed as Ash, an elite, off-the-grid 'fixer' who brokers secret payoffs between corrupt corporations and whistleblowers. Ash maintains absolute anonymity by communicating exclusively through a telephone relay service for the deaf, never meeting his clients. The system is threatened when his latest client, scientist Sarah Grant (Lily James), forces him to break his strict rules, pulling him into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game against corporate assassins and risking the exposure of his entire operation.
Relay is OUT this FRIDAY.
David Mackenzie, Relay, filmmaking craft, director interview, genre-bending, Starred Up, character-driven storytelling, Independent film, Sigma Films.
Links
FILM MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION Filmmaking Book - Jonathan Sadler https://www.amazon.co.uk/Film-Marketing-Distribution-Independent-Filmmakers/dp/085730612X
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to The Filmmakers Podcast! We are thrilled to host two phenomenal actors, Channing Tatum (Magic Mike, Foxcatcher) and Kirsten Dunst (Fargo, The Virgin Suicides), to discuss their new film, ROOFMAN (Directed by Derek Cianfrance).
In this exclusive interview, Channing and Kirsten open up to Dom Lenoir about:
The Cianfrance Method: Working with visionary director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines) and his unique approach to intimacy—including keeping them apart until their first scene, filmed at a Red Lobster.
Star Nerves & Chemistry: Channing Tatum confesses why he was "so intimidated" to work with the Oscar-nominated Kirsten Dunst, and Kirsten shares her sweet reaction, calling him "magic to work with."
The Body of a Dancer, The Face of a Boxer: Channing Tatum details the intense physicality required to play Jeffrey Manchester, squeezing into tight spaces and the emotional challenge of embodying the former Army Ranger.
From Set to Screen: How the bizarre, stranger-than-fiction true crime story was handled with "grace" by the director to explore themes of redemption and human connection.
Roofman tells the bizarre, true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former soldier turned "polite criminal" who lived hidden inside a Toys “R” Us after escaping prison, where he falls for a single mom (Dunst) and is OUT now in CINEMAS.
Subscribe to The Filmmakers Podcast for more insights on screenwriting, directing, and the best talent in film and TV!
#channingtatum #kirstendunst , #ROOFMAN, #JeffreyManchester, #DerekCianfrance, #TrueCrime, #ToysRUs, #thefilmmakerspodcast #Podcast, #MagicMike, #Foxcatcher, #TheVirginSuicides #Acting
Links
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join us for this bumper edition of The Filmmakers Podcast as we chat with the actors and showrunner behind 'The Last Frontier'.
Actors Dominic Cooper, Haley Bennett and Jason Clarke as well as showrunner Jon Bokenkamp chat with Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir about filming in snowy terrains, Acting choices and name changes and Jon talks about developing, story ideas and showrunning huge TV series.
The Last Frontier is on AppleTV + now.
Links
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
HELP us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,
Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we dive deep into indie filmmaking with Joseph Millson and his debut movie as director Signs of Life.
Giles Alderson, Dom Lenoir and Phil Hawkins talk to Joseph about writing his script, awards, directing, inspiration, financing his movie, getting the right people involved, why it worked for him, setting a date, what got him his 20 cinema screening run and distribution deal and what drove him to direct and they have a right laugh as well.
Joseph has acted in films including: The Amateur, River of Blood, Hard Home, War Blade, Fyre Rises, Christmas at Plumhill Manor, Dragonheart: Vengeance, Angel Has Fallen, All the Devil's Men, Tango One, I Give It a Year, Casino Royale and our very own Phil Hawkins' movie Prancer: A Christmas Tale.
Signs of Life is OUT NOW in cinemas and on Digital
Links
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, The Curse) joins this weeks The Filmmakers
Podcast to discuss the challenging process of directing his solo feature
debut, the gritty sports biopic The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne
Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr. Fellow filmmakers Giles Alderson and
Dom Lenoir sit with Benny and dive into the Safdie style, his approach
to directing actors and making raw, kinetic cinema.
As one half of the acclaimed Safdie Brothers duo, Benny co-directed,
co-wrote, and edited films that make your heart pound out of your chest.
We’re talking about the incredible, neon-drenched chase thriller "Good
Time," and the anxiety-inducing, chaotic masterpiece "Uncut Gems,"
starring Adam Sandler. These films established a gritty, naturalistic
style, full of propulsive energy, often focusing on outsiders
desperately struggling in the urban landscape of New York.
But he’s not just a master behind the camera! As an actor, he has
completely transformed and disappeared into roles, giving incredible
performances like the troubled Nick Nikas in "Good Time," the
compassionate Joel Wachs in Paul Thomas Anderson’s "Licorice Pizza," and
the brilliant physicist Edward Teller in Christopher Nolan’s
blockbuster, "Oppenheimer." He’s even popped up in TV like "Obi-Wan
Kenobi" and co-created, wrote, directed, and starred in the critically
praised Showtime series, "The Curse."
And now, he’s stepped out as a solo director, writer, and editor with
the highly anticipated film, "The Smashing Machine." This intense
biographical sports drama, which premiered to acclaim at the Venice Film
Festival, stars a completely transformed Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as
pioneering MMA fighter Mark Kerr, alongside the brilliant Emily Blunt
and other great actors. It's a grittier, unflinching look at a champion
struggling with addiction and the pressures of the sport.
He's a true filmmaking polymath who brings a raw, authentic urgency to
everything he touches. It's the brilliant Benny Safdie!
OTHER LINKS
DIRTY BOY cinema listings
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
For more interviews on filmmaking like this go to
www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com
#Director #creative #BennySafdie, #JoshSafdie, #SafdieBrothers, #directing #interview #thefilmmakerspodcast #filmmakerspodcast, #screenwriting, #editing, #directingstyle, #A24.
#thesmashingmachine , #UncutGems, #GoodTime, #TheCurse, #Oppenheimer, #Licorice Pizza. #DwayneJohnson, #MarkKerr, #MMAmovie, sports biopic, acting vs directing, The Smashing Machine #behindthescenes
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Welcome back to the latest episode of The Filmmakers Podcast, the show that takes you behind the scenes of making feature films and TV.
This week, we are privileged to host the brilliant creative team behind Brides, an urgent and empathetic feature film that tackles one of the most complex and heartbreaking social issues of our time.
First, we welcome our Oscar-nominated producer, Nicky Bentham. Known for critically acclaimed and diverse films like the sci-fi hit Moon starring Sam Rockwell, the drama The Duke with Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren, and the Oscar-qualified short film The After, Nicky is here to discuss her latest powerful project Brides.
Joining her is the film’s celebrated screenwriter, Suhayla El-Bushra. A renowned playwright and television writer with credits including the TV series Ackley Bridge and a stage adaptation of The Suicide for the National Theatre, Suhayla is the precise and compassionate writer who penned this complex story directed by Nadia Fall.
They are here to discuss Brides, a film inspired by real-life events. It follows two disillusioned teenage best friends, Doe and Muna, as they run away from their troubled lives in the UK, making a perilous journey towards Syria. The film, a thought-provoking road drama that stands for empathy and understanding, exploring the vulnerability and desperation that drives marginalized young women to seek identity and belonging in radical choices. The film challenges dominant narratives, insisting that we look at the choices of young people through a lens of compassion rather than condemnation.
Let's dive into their conversation about this gripping and vital film. This is The Latest Filmmakers Podcast.
OTHER LINKS
DIRTY BOY cinema listings
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join us for this weeks The Filmmakers Podcast as we chat to director and writer Bizhan Tong and screenwriter Stephen Belber to talk about their latest feature film TAPE.
Tape is an adaption of Stephen's written feature (also called TAPE) back in 2001, directed by Richard Linklater.
They chatted with Giles Alderson about how they collaborated and made TAPE, They talked about Regrets, Not forgetting those who helped you along the way. Why you need to ask for favours
Getting the rights to remake a movie, Adapting a Linklater movie and getting his blessing.
Raising finance, Rehearsals, Releationships, Trauma in filmmaking and around it and why it is very important to keep an open mind to ideas on a film set.
TAPE is released on digital this Friday 19th September.
OTHER LINKS
DIRTY BOY cinema listings
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back to The Latest Filmmakers Podcast, the show that takes you behind the scenes of the most anticipated films with the creative minds who make them.
This week, we're honored to have a pair of brilliant artists to discuss their new psychological thriller, a film that explores the chilling depths of history, identity, and the burden of legacy.
It's a short one but a good one as Dom Lenoir hosts. First, we have an actor whose illustrious career spans decades and genres, from his iconic portrayal of the Green Goblin in Spider-Man to his voice work as Gill in Finding Nemo and his Oscar-nominated roles as Sgt. Elias in Platoon, Max Schreck in Shadow of the Vampire, and Vincent van Gogh in At Eternity's Gate. He is, of course, the legendary Willem Dafoe.
Joining him is a phenomenal talent making her feature film directorial debut. Known for her impactful work in theater and powerful short films like White Girl, she also co-wrote the screenplay for their new movie. Please give a warm welcome to director and writer Nadia Latif.
They are here to discuss their new film, The Man in My Basement, an unnerving adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Walter Mosley. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, tells the story of a down-on-his-luck man in Sag Harbor who finds his life and his family's hidden history turned upside down by a mysterious tenant.
Let's dive in. This is The Latest Filmmakers Podcast.
OTHER LINKS
DIRTY BOY cinema listings
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, returning hosts Conor Boru and Francis Annan are joined by writer Tony McNamara and producer/director Jay Roach to discuss their latest feature film The Roses (2025), starring
Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Andy Samberg, to name a few.
Tony McNamara – Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of The Favourite, Poor Things and creator of The Great – is known for his sharp wit, inventive storytelling and fresh take on historical drama.
Jay Roach – acclaimed director of Austin Powers, Meet the Parents, Bombshell and the Emmy-winning Game Change – has built a career spanning studio comedies, political dramas and award-winning television.
In this conversation, they discuss:
the creative messiness of writing
the value of collaboration
choosing the right ideas to pursue
directing comedies
producing your own films
tips and tricks for emerging filmmakers
dealing with pre-production anxiety
… and much more.
THE ROSES is out now!
A tinderbox of competition and resentments underneath the façade of a picture-perfect couple is ignited when the husband's professional dreams come crashing down.
OTHER LINKS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, hosts Conor Boru and Francis Annan welcome two icons of the filmmaking world: producer, writer and director Chris Columbus, and Academy Award-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley.
Chris Columbus – the creative force behind classics such as Home Alone, Mrs Doubtfire and the first two Harry Potter films – shares his experiences of working with visionary directors like Robert Eggers, his approach to shaping scripts as a director, and the importance of collaboration with actors. He also reflects on the role of rehearsals, the unique magic of making films for the big screen, the movies that continue to inspire him, and why he believes there is so much to learn from the new generation of filmmakers.
Sir Ben Kingsley – whose career spans over five decades with landmark performances in Gandhi, Schindler’s List and Sexy Beast – discusses the inspirations that continue to fuel his craft. He speaks about his Shakespearean roots, the nuances of performing for stage versus screen, and offers invaluable insights for emerging actors looking to build their careers.
An unmissable conversation with two true legends of cinema.
The Thursday Murder Club is out now!
Four irrepressible retirees spend their time solving cold case murders for
fun, but their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when they find
themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.
OTHER LINKS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with none other than Ari Aster – the acclaimed writer-director behind Hereditary (2018), Midsommar (2019) and Beau is Afraid (2023).
They dive deep into the making of his latest feature film, Eddington (2025). With a stellar cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone and Austin Butler, Eddington was/is one of the most anticipated films of 2025.
In their conversation, Ari also discusses his writing process, the origins of his ideas, his approach to the horror genre, shot-listing, his short films, and even shares his one key piece of advice for aspiring filmmakers.
Whether you’re a fan of Ari Aster’s work, a lover of cinema, or a filmmaker seeking inspiration, this episode is not to be missed.
EDDINGTON is out now!
In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.
OTHER LINKS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today’s episode of The Filmmakers Podcast takes a slightly different turn. Instead of focusing on a particular film, this conversation dives deep into a topic that affects all creatives - mental health.
Host Dom Lenoir is joined by director Conor Boru and former filmmaker Matt Follows for an open, honest, and insightful discussion on what it means to take care of your mind while navigating the challenges of the creative industries.
After 20 years as an award-winning creative director and writer at agencies like Wieden + Kennedy and M&C Saatchi, Matt transitioned from advertising to filmmaking, directing commercials and branded content for Nike, MG, and Gymbox, among others. He also wrote screenplays, sitcoms, and a sports documentary featuring Paralympic champions Ade Adepitan and Stacy Kohut.
Realising the production life wasn’t quite paradise, he retrained in NLP, Clinical Hypnotherapy, and advanced psychotherapies, becoming a Complex Trauma Specialist in Harley Street. Today, he’s a sought-after coach, trainer, and speaker for major brands like FOX, Bentley, and Toyota, helping top creatives unlock performance and resilience.
In this episode, Dom, Conor, and Matt explore why mental health is just as important as talent or hard work, share practical strategies for getting through tough times, and even offer simple tricks - like how to put your phone away to focus on creative projects.
Get in touch with Matt here:
Matt Follows Peak Performance Psychologist & Coach For Creative Brains
Find Conor Boru's work here:
Conor Boru | Director | London
OTHER LINKS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.
A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference!
PODCAST MERCH
Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/
COURSES
Want to learn how to finish your film?
Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/
PATREON
Big thank you to:
Serena Gardner
Mark Hammett
Lee Hutchings
Marli J Monroe
Karen Newman
Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com
CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative
Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices











