Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking
Liz Manashil and Alrik Bursell discuss independent filmmaking, everything from writing, producing and directing to working as crew. But this is not just a podcast about "making it," it's also about struggling with rejection, self-doubt and everything else that comes with pursuing a career in film. Follow along as we forge our own way through the industry and talk to guests who are also making it happen. Episodes 238-299 are available at our patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast
Jenn Page - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 347 from November 2021 featuring writer/director/Producer Jenn Page who talks about making her latest film at the time Playing Beethoven. I thought Jenn was a good match for our talk with Ben Hall on Monday because although Jenn didn’t work as a PA she was doing producing work while making her features and shorts, so I think they talk about similar things on how to keep their own movies going in between the corporate work. After that i chat a little bit of my thoughts wh...
Ben Hall - Crewing Up on Big Budget Features and Directing Feature #3!
This week we welcome director/writer Ben Hall on the show to talk about how they have made their films, their process for getting them funded and how they do it all while working as crew on some of the biggest budget movies and shows like Stranger Things, Free Guy and Lion King. After that we play another round of THE GAME, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.co...
Dana Kippel - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 458 from January 2024 featuring writer and director Dana Kippel who talks about making her first feature without making another project beforehand. Alrik thought this was a good match for our episode with Tamika on Monday because they both talk about directing their first projects, although it took Tamika 10 years to make Undercard. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/p...
Tamika Miller - Attaching Wanda Sykes to Undercard and Making the Film 10 years later!
This week we welcome director/writer Tamika Miller on the show to talk about partnering with Wanda Sykes on Undercard and directing the legendary comedian in her first dramatic role. We also answer another listener VM question and after the interview, we play another round of the game, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Anna Elizabeth James - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 320 from May 2021 featuring writer/director Anna Elizabeth James! Alrik thought this was a good match for our episode with Natasha from Monday because they are both multiple time genre feature filmmakers working at similar budget levels. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for...
Natasha Kermani - Sustainably Directing Budgeted Feature Films!
This week we welcome director/writer Natasha Kermani on the show to talk about her latest feature The Dreadful, how she’s managed to consistently make features and why it’s not always about the size of the budget that matters when making a feature. After that we play another round of the GAME, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of per...
Brett and Drew Pierce - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 262 from April 2020 featuring brother directing duo Brett and Drew Pierce, talking about directing their 2nd feature, The Wretched. I thought this was a good match for our episode with the McManus brothers on Monday because they are both brother directing duos who have made multiple features. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by S...
Kevin and Matthew McManus - From Home Movies to Writers Rooms and Feature Films!
This week we welcome director/writer team Kevin and Matthew McManus on the show to talk about how they got into directing, directing their older sister Michaela in their films and how they got their latest film Redux Redux made. After that I’m going to share some thoughts on filmmaking based on this interview with the McManus Brothers and some of our other recent interviews, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See...
Leila Gorstein and Jesse Kendall - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 464 from February 2024 featuring Writers/Actors/Producers Leila Gorstein and Jesse Kendall to talk about making their first feature Love Dump and how they came together as collaborators. I thought this was a good match for our interview from Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman from Monday because they both came together as actors to make their first features as writers/producers. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Re...
Marisa Guterman and Keith Gerchak - Discovering You're a Filmmaker While Making Your First Feature!
This week we welcome director, writer and producer duo Keith Gerchack and Marisa Guterman to talk about the journey to making their first feature Lost and Found in Cleveland and how they went from actors to filmmakers throughout the 12 year process of making the film. After that we play another round of the GAME, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...
Dawn Jones Redstone - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 416 from March 2023 featuring producer, writer and director Dawn Jones Redstone who talked about making her first feature Mother of Color. I thought this was a good match for our episode with Jesse Kuba from Monday because they both talk about pulling their features together on small budgets and both wore multiple hats in making their films. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podc...
Dawn Jones Redstone - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 416 from March 2023 featuring producer, writer and director Dawn Jones Redstone who talked about making her first feature Mother of Color. I thought this was a good match for our episode with Jesse Kuba from Monday because they both talk about pulling their features together on small budgets and both wore multiple hats in making their films. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podc...
Jesse Kuba - Putting It All On The Line for Your Feature!
This week we welcome writer/director/editor Jesse Kuba on the show to talk about making his first feature film The Moon is in Aquarius and how he pulled it off on a small budget. After that we play another round of The Game and talk about the current statuses of our projects, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pe...
Listener Calls - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 105 from June 2017 featuring a series of listener call in questions. Alrik thought this was a good match for our episode with Cory from Monday because Cory was probably listening to the show back then and while he didn’t call in with a question, this is an opportunity for us to hear from some other past listeners of the show. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Revi...
Cory Thibert - Weaving a Personal Story into Your First Feature!
This week we welcome director, writer, main actor, editor, and only producer on his first feature Mild Life, Cory Thibert on the show to talk about how he approached creating a very personal first feature! Cory also has been a long time listener, way back since the Timothy days, so glad to have him on the show! After that we play another round of the GAME, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. Se...
Timothy Plain and Alrik Bursell Talk Directing - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the conversation from episode 171 from August 2018 featuring a conversation that my old co-host Timothy and I had about directing experience and if there is good and bad directing experience. I thought this was a good one for David Zeigers episode because this conversation might get lost to time, which is what almost happen to David’s episode, and I’m really glad we got it out into the world. After that Liz and Eric play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon...
David Zeiger - Talking Filmmaking in 2020!
This week we welcome producer/filmmaker David Zeiger on the show to talk about filmmaking in an episode we recorded in December 2020 and we are finally releasing it today in 2026. After that Liz and Eric talk play a round of the Game and talk about their projects, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jhennifer Webberley - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 433 from July 2023 featuring producer, editor and filmmaker Jhennifer Webberley. Alrik thought Jhennifer was a good match for our episode with Robert from Monday because they both wear so many hats and continue to make movies and provide for themselves through their filmmaking. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz comp...
Robert Enriquez - Acting, Producing, Managing Talent and Directing Features!
This week we welcome producer/director/actor Robert Enriquez on the show to talk about his career making movies including his latest feature, Stone Creek Killer. After that Liz and I talk about what it means to be an independent artist, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Andrew Chesworth - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 191 from January 2019 featuring animator and animated filmmaker Andrew Chesworth, who talked about working at Disney and making his latest short film. I thought this was a good match for our episode with Miguel Rodrick from Monday because they are both animated filmmakers, working on very different spectrums of filmmaking. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/maki...
Caleb Walker and Miguel Rodrick - Making Movies in High School and Pushing to be Shortlisted!
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Janeen Damian - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 403 from December 2022 featuring producer/director Janeen Damian who talks about making her first feature Falling for Christmas after producing multiple features! ALrik thought Janeen was a good match for our episode with Frank from Monday because they are both producers turned directors and plus it’s holiday season, and she talks about making a Christmas movie! After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcas...
Frank Merle - Sustainably Producing and Directing Indie Features!
This week we welcome writer/director/producer Frank Merle on the show to talk about his latest film Namaka and how he juggles producing movies and directing his own. After that we play another round of THE GAME and Alrik reads a listener email on the show, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jennifer Sorenson - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 503 from November 2024 featuring producer, writer, actor and director Jennifer Sorenson who talked about making her first feature For When You're Lost. I thought this was a good match for our episode with Kerry Carlock from Monday because they both talk about pulling their features together and Jennifer was involved with Kerry’s latest feature Suffer. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https...
Kerry Carlock - Embracing a Lower Budget for Feature #2!
This week we welcome writer/director Kerry Carlock to the show to talk about her second feature Suffer which she co-wrote and directed with her husband. Kerry talks about going from a $200k budget to a sub 50k budget and how that changed her process as a filmmaker. After that we play another round of THE GAME, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our co...
Garo Setian - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 425 from January 2022 featuring producer, director, writer, editor, Garo Setian who talked about making his feature Space Wars: The Quest for the Deepstar. Alrik thought this was a good match for our episode with MAR because they both wore multiple hats in making their sci-fi features. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simp...
MAR - Writing, Producing and Directing an Indie Sci-Fi Feature!
This week we welcome writer/director/producer MAR on the show to talk about how he got his next feature Dresden Sun made starring Chrisitina Ricci, MAR also talks about why he likes taking on multiple roles as a filmmaker. After that we read a apple podcast review and talk about the current statuses of our projects, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our co...
Jade Halley Bartlett - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 462 from Feburary 2024 featuring writer and director Jade Halley Bartlett who talks about making her feature Millers Girl starring Martin Freeman and Jeana Ortega. I thought this was a good match for Hikari since they are both successful directors with movies starring movie stars! After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsW...
HIkari - Making High End TV to Indie Festival Darlings!
This week we welcome writer/director Hikari on the show to talk her latest film Rental Family, starring Branden Fraser, how she came up with the story for the film and the process to get it made. We also talked about her earlier career, making her first feature and directing episodes of Tokyo Vice and BEEF. After that we play another round of THE GAME, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See ht...
Orsi Nagypal - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 399 from November 2022 with director Orsi Nagypal who talks about leveling up her directing career, getting hired to direct The Outpost then getting the opportunity to pitch Dean Devlin to direct her first feature The Deal with a very healthy budget. I thought Orsi was a good match for our episode with Simon Cellan Jones because they both talk about the circumstances of how they leveled up as a director. After that Liz and I respond to a listener email, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on...
Olivia Nash - Not Taking No for an Answer on Your First Feature!
This week we welcome actor, writer and director Olivia Nash on the show to talk about writing and directing and starring in her first feature film, Hi! Olivia talks about how she got the film made, the proof of concept films she made beforehand and how she got the funds together for the feature! After that we play another round of The Game, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.ad...
Simon Cellan Jones - From Directing Low Budget TV to The Family Plan 2!
This week we welcome director Simon Cellan Jones on the show to talk about the making of his mega sequel The Family Plan 2, how he landed the directing job on the original The Family Plan and how he has managed to level up as a director throughout his career. After that we play another round of The Game, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about ou...
Dan Mirvish - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 313 from April 2021 featuring producer, writer and director Dan Mirvish. I thought this was a good match for our episode with Ted Geoghegan from Monday because they are both prolific indie filmmakers with deep roots in the festival scene. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adsw...
Ted Geoghegan - Consistently Making Truly Indie Films!
This week we welcome writer/director/producer Ted Geoghegan for our big five hundred and fifty fifth episode of the show to talk about how he leveled up his films, how his projects have come about and what makes him thrive as a successful indie filmmaker. After that we play another round of THE GAME and talk about the current statuses of our projects. Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.ad...
Jenny Lester and Juliana Jurenas - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 340 from October 2021 with writer and star Jenny Lester and producer editor Juliana Jurenas. Alrik thought this was a good match for our talk with Katie Prentiss and Cara Mitsuko from Monday because they also had to figure out how to will their film into existence and over come a number obstacles. After that we play another round of THE GAME, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ma...
Katie Prentiss and Cara Mitsuko - Finding a Producer for Your First Feature!
This week we welcome writer Director and Actor Katie Prentiss and Producer Cara Mitsuko to the show to talk about their feature Wake Up Maggie which Katie wrote based on her experiences taking care of her mother. Katie and Cara talk about the challenges they faced making the movie and how they pulled it off together! After that we play another round of the Game, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See ht...
Ian and Eshom Nelms - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 465 from Februry 2024 featuring writer/director brothers Ian and Eshom Nelms. I thought this was a good match for our episode with John Michael Powell from Monday because they both talk about getting top talent attached to their movies, but in very different contexts.. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsW...
John-Michael Powell - Getting Funded and Casting Top Talent in Your Feature!
This week we welcome writer/director John-Michael Powell on the show to talk about how he got his 2nd feature Violent Ends made starring Billy Magnussen and how he got Billy attached. After that we play another round of THE GAME and talk about the current statuses of our projects, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for ad...
Jessica Ellis - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 287 from October 2020 featuring writer director Jessica Ellis. Alrik thought this was a good match for our episode with Nicola Rose from Monday because they are both female feature filmmakers, although Nicola talks to us about her 2nd feature, rather than her first.. After that we play another round of You’re the expert, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz comp...
Nicola Rose - Getting Distribution on Feature #2!
This week we welcome writer/director Nicola Rose on the show to talk about the making of her second feature Magneto Sphere which came out this summer. After that we play another round of THE GAME, enjoy! Don’t forget to support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast Leave us a Review on Apple Podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-movies-is-hard-the-struggles-of-indie-filmmaking/id1006416952 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.