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Description
REAL TALK FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERS
Are 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 advice and practical tips from professionals who have been in your shoes.
Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or an indie filmmaker determined to make your mark, The Honest Filmmaker equips you with the tools, insights, and honest guidance to thrive in the world of independent cinema.
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124 Episodes
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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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Send 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 wit...
Send 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 wo...
Send 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 fest...
Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmakingtips #indiefilm With 2026 just getting started, a lot of filmmakers are asking the same question: how do I finance my first (or next) indie feature? This week, I’m breaking down five practical ways to fund your film, drawing from both my own experience and methods I’ve seriously considered. I’ll also share two bonus tips for navigating conversations with private investors and getting them over the line and invested. Check out the re-release of Jim's f...
Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #moviemaking #microbudget #indiefilm This week on the podcast I’m chatting with filmmaker GuGu E. Michaels, an award-winning director and cinematographer whose work spans North American and African cinema. Since the late ’90s, GuGu has directed and shot feature films including Dangerous Men, UNGE’S WAR, Jacob’s Eye, and Best Served Cold, earning multiple awards for cinematography, editing, and best film along the way. His work has also r...
Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmhub #relay #filmmaking This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Chad Wittman from Filmhub to break down their new streaming platform, Relay, and what it could mean for indie filmmakers navigating today’s crowded distribution landscape. We talk honestly about how Relay works for audiences, how filmmakers get paid compared to traditional AVOD platforms, and whether directing viewers to a single platform actually makes financial sense. Chad also shares Fi...
Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #moviemaking #indiefilm This week on the podcast I talk to filmmaker Jon Hill about his debut feature 'Above the Clouds' a film about one day after the passing of his father. The film took 13 years to complete, after a few false starts. Jon talks about how he managed to finish his film and make something he hopes will be someone's favourite film. We talk film festivals, sales and distribution and how Jon financed his film. Watch the film ABOVE THE CLOUDS ...
Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #moviemaking #indiefilm This week on the podcast I chat to filmmaker Justin Phillip. Justin started out as an actor then went onto learn all the equipment and lighting to become a qualified DP and gaffer. He's directed numerous shorts and has a great youtube channel for kit, equipment and tips on shooting on a low budget: https://www.youtube.com/justinphillip Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on ama...
Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #indiefilm #moviemaking Some 10 months ago I spoke to Indie filmmaker Gene Dolders about his Giallo inspired horror film 'The Blade Cuts Deeper', now with the film released on streaming, Gene's back to talk me through the ups and downs of film festivals and how he navigated sales and distribution. Watch the film on Amazon: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/The-Blade-Cuts-Deeper/0PIHV76NYSGE34YW7GBC0RY23W Watch the film on Apple TV: h...
Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #moviemaking Indie Filmmaking Without the Safety Net This week on the podcast I talk to filmmaker Chris St. Croix about his new thriller feature Killer Content - we talk about how the film was made, some of the challenges Chris faced along the way, how he has approached sales and distribution and Chris tells me about his experienced as an extra on Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. Killer Content is available everywhere now. Apple, Prime, Fanda...
Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #movieproduction This week on the podcast I chat to friend of the pod Mark Hampton about the 10 things you should never do when making your first feature film. Marks film Unlicensed has just been released across all digital platforms and we chat through the lessons Mark learned making the film and my own thoughts on what you should never do when making your first film. All the mistakes we made to help you avoid doing the same on your prod...
Send a text This week on the podcast I’m chatting to filmmaker Daniel M. Caneiro about his horror/comedy feature film Deviant. We chat about how he used grants to fund the film, his tips for applying for grants, how the film was made and tips for shooting on a micro budget and how he handled sales and distribution. Find out more about Daniel here; https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6067003/?ref_=fn_t_1 Follow Daniel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielmcaneiro/ Check out the re-relea...
Send a text #filmmaking #filmmakers #filmmakerscommunity After 20+ years of making micro-budget films, I’ve made more than my share of mistakes. In this episode, I break down 16 of the biggest ones indie filmmakers make, covering everything from script to sales so you don’t have to learn the hard way like I did. From budgeting and promotion to sound, script, and festivals, I’ll walk you through what I learned the hard way and how you can avoid these pitfalls in your own projects....
Send a text #filmmaking #horror #31daysofhalloween #indie film #microbudget #filmdirector With Halloween right around the corner, I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about The Apocalypse Box , the last feature film I made and some of the filmmaking lessons I learned during the process. Hopefully these insights will be helpful to anyone thinking about making their first indie feature on a micro budget. The Apocalypse Box was an epic undertaking. It was released last ye...
Send a text #filmdirecting #indiefilm #filmmaking #microbudget This week I chat to indie film director Andrea M. Catinella about his career and his advice for directing indie film. We talk about his work on horror films like 'Piglet', 'Hook' 'Bait' and 'Houseboat Massacre'. The advantage of working on films with existing characters and how he got hired onto direct them. We also talk about the other films he makes, romantic comedies and the reasons he shifts genres.&nbs...
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