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 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, T...
Building a 600K YouTube Audience for an Independent Sci-Fi Series | AI, Film Marketing & Indie Filmmaking
Send us Fan Mail
What happens when you stop waiting for Hollywood to give you a chance and start building an audience yourself?
On this episode of The Honest Filmmaker, I’m joined by writer, director and producer Dempsey Tillman, who is taking an unconventional approach to independent filmmaking with his sci-fi horror series, The Bad Ones. Instead of waiting for a streamer or distributor to come knocking, Dempsey is releasing his series on YouTube, using paid promotion to reach viewers and building an audience for future seasons.
Dempsey shares what it takes to...
Dewey Allen: Why Indie Film Marketing Matters as Much as Making the Movie
Send us Fan Mail
Making an independent film is only half the battle. Finding an audience, marketing your movie and making your money back are challenges every indie filmmaker needs to plan for.
In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker, Jim speaks with prolific independent filmmaker Dewey Allen about his journey from buying a camera at a pawn shop to producing multiple feature films on tight budgets.
Dewey shares practical lessons from shooting features in as little as six to eight days, writing scripts around the resources available and allowing for unexpected production...
Nicki Micheaux: The Truth About Indie Film Distribution, Festivals & Marketing
Send us Fan Mail
What happens after you've made your independent film? Finding a distributor might feel like the finish line, but for many filmmakers, it's where the next challenge begins.
In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker, Jim Eaves talks to actress, writer, director and producer Nicki Micheaux about her journey from acting in television to making her own independent feature, Summer of Violence.
Nicki shares how she found investors, built a successful festival run and secured distribution as well as the lessons she learned about the importance of marketing, the limitations o...
Steve Barton: The Story Behind TERRIFIER, Dread Central & 30 Years in Horror
Send us Fan Mail
This week on The Honest Filmmaker, I'm joined by filmmaker, producer and horror industry veteran Steve Barton.
Steve has spent around 30 years in the film business, from working in journalism and founding Dread Central to making films and working alongside some of the biggest names in horror, including George A. Romero and Sid Haig.
We talk about the long, messy reality of building a career in independent film, learning on the job, dealing with rejection, working with friends, taking criticism, protecting yourself with contracts and why sometimes you have...
How to Make, Distribute & Release a £33K Feature Film with Kevin Walls
Send us Fan Mail
How do you make a feature film for around £33,000 and get it into cinemas without a traditional distributor?
In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker, Jim talks to filmmaker Kevin Walls about his feature film Premature , from writing the first draft in just two weeks and bootstrapping the production, through to crowdfunding, a 23-day shoot and the challenge of distributing the finished film.
Kevin explains why the film cost around £16,000 to produce, how crowdfunding helped take the overall budget to around £33,000 and how his freelance work helped him finance the...
How Ole Hartmann Made a $25K Feature Film After Writing It in 8 Days
Send us Fan Mail
What happens when you decide you're going to make a feature film, despite having almost no connections in the film industry?
For Ole Hartmann, it started while watching Desperado.
Inspired by Robert Rodriguez's story of making El Mariachi, Ole realised that perhaps he didn't need to wait for someone else to give him permission to make a movie. He could finance one himself.
Six days later, he started writing.
Eight days after that, he had a feature script.
The result was a $25,000 h...
We Thought Making Our First Feature Would Be Easier… with Devin Smock and Sam David
Send us Fan Mail
What does it really take to make your first feature film?
This week on The Honest Filmmaker Podcast, I'm joined by Devin Smock and Sam David, who are currently making Hollar, their debut feature.
They're about 60% through the film, having already completed a 16-day shooting block and spent around $15,000. Now they're working towards the next stage and figuring out how to get the remaining footage in the can.
Along the way, they've learned some valuable lessons about writing for a micro-budget, scheduling, casting, locations...
From $100 to HELLMARE: Victor Gabriel on Making Micro-Budget Feature Films
Send us Fan Mail
What happens when you want to make a feature film but don't have much money?
Filmmaker Victor Gabriel joins The Honest Filmmaker to talk about the making of HELLMARE, his horror feature that cost roughly $10,000 and was shot in just 13 days.
Victor started out by making a tiny $100 found-footage film, using friends' houses, borrowed locations and the equipment he already owned. That first experiment wasn't something he was particularly proud of, but it got distributed, made its money back...
From a £6K Feature to an £80K Film with Peter Stylianou
Send us Fan Mail
How do you finance an independent feature film when you don't have a studio behind you?
Filmmaker Peter Stylianou joins Jim to talk about his journey from making his first feature, Who Needs Enemies, for around £6,000 to his latest film, The Nice Ones, made with a budget of around £80,000.
Peter explains how he self-financed his first feature with help from his family, what he learned from getting the film into distribution and why it took seven years before he made his next feature.
We talk ab...
He Got 4 MILLION Views on a £500 Short… Then Made the Feature with Cathal Fitzpatrick
Send us Fan Mail
Can you really make a feature film for £9,000?
Filmmaker Cathal Fitzpatrick joins Jim to talk about the extraordinary journey behind Hollow Trees.
The project began as a £500 proof-of-concept short film made while Cathal was at university. The short went on to attract around 4 million views online, giving Cathal the motivation to turn the idea into a feature.
But the millions of views didn't suddenly bring a huge production budget.
Instead, Cathal spent years saving, rewriting and developing the project be...
From a £20 Short Film to a Feature: Aaron Truss on Making Films Without Permission
Send us Fan Mail
What does it really take to move from making short films to making a feature?
This week, Jim talks to filmmaker Aaron Truss about his unconventional route into filmmaking, from being obsessed with films as a kid and discovering Batman '89, to making a £20 zombie short film at university and eventually turning that short into the feature film Employee of the Dead.
Aaron talks honestly about why filmmakers often struggle to make the jump from shorts to features, the huge commitment involved in making a f...
Charlie Steeds: Making 20 Feature Films on Micro Budgets
Send us Fan Mail
What does it take to make 20 feature films and turn micro-budget filmmaking into a full-time career?
In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker Podcast, Jim talks to filmmaker Charlie Steeds about his extraordinary journey from making short films as a teenager to building a career making horror features.
Charlie shares how he financed his first film for around $2,000, how he moved from self-financing into working with sales companies and producers and how his budgets have evolved over the course of 20 feature films.
We also talk about the...
From First Feature to Lasting Career: Rob Hollocks on Surviving the Film Industry
Send us Fan Mail
Making one film is an achievement. Making a career out of filmmaking is something else entirely.
In this episode, Jim sits down with writer, director and producer Rob Hollocks to explore what happens after the excitement of making your first feature. Why do so many talented filmmakers struggle to make another film? How do you recover from rejection, navigate festivals, understand distribution and keep moving forward when projects don't go to plan?
Rob reflects on his early career, working around major productions including Event Horizon, building his...
The Reality of Making Your First Feature Film with Asif Pervez
Send us Fan Mail
For many filmmakers, making a feature film feels like an impossible leap after years of producing short films. This week, Jim sits down with filmmaker Asif Pervez to explore how he made that transition with his debut feature, "Mommy, I Don't Want To."
Asif discusses the creative and logistical challenges of producing a period film on a micro budget, from transforming an Airbnb into convincing locations and completing post-production in Dubai, to developing a festival strategy and navigating the world of independent film sales and distribution.
<...Building an Animation Career, AI, and the Future of the Industry with Tom Box
Send us Fan Mail
Tom Box is the founder of Blue Zoo Animation, one of the UK's most celebrated animation studios and the creative force behind hit children's shows including Numberblocks, Alphablocks, Colourblocks, The Adventures of Paddington, Love Monster and more.
In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker Podcast, Tom shares the journey from studying animation at Bournemouth University to building an award-winning studio, while offering an honest assessment of where the animation industry stands today.
We explore the impact of AI, the growing influence of YouTube on animation, what studios really want...
From Commercial Director to Feature Filmmaker | Lessons from Making Kangaroo Island
Send us Fan Mail
Writer and director Tim David joins The Honest Filmmaker Podcast to discuss the transition from directing premium commercial campaigns to making his feature film Kangaroo Island.
Tim shares what years in advertising taught him about storytelling, pitching, preparation and leadership on set, before revealing the challenges of making an independent feature. We also discuss collaborating with his wife as screenwriter, working with legendary cinematographer Dean Cundey, directing actors, finding comedy through surprise, securing funding, and the lessons every first-time filmmaker should hear.
This episode is packed with...
10 Filmmaking Truths That Will Save You Years with Pat Higgins
Send us Fan Mail
What does it really take to survive as a micro budget filmmaker?
In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker, I sit down with filmmaker Pat Higgins for an honest conversation about the realities of independent filmmaking. Together we unpack ten hard truths that every filmmaker eventually learns—usually the hard way.
From discovering that making a great film doesn't automatically bring an audience, to accepting terrible first cuts, navigating networking, surviving as a producer, and building the resilience needed to keep creating, this episode is pa...
Don't Wait for Permission. Make the Feature Film with Alex Alessi
Send us Fan Mail
What does it really take to make a feature film?
In this episode, filmmaker Alex Alessi joins me to discuss the journey behind Homebody, from deciding to self-finance the project to working with Richard Kind, navigating the film festival circuit, and finding distribution.
We also explore the blurred line between acting and directing, profit-sharing with cast and crew, approaching agents, and the creative and financial realities of independent filmmaking.
Whether you're preparing your first feature or simply curious about how independent films get made, Alex shares an...
Building The Lonely Crowd: A First Feature Film Journey
Send us Fan Mail
What does it really take to make a first feature film?
In this episode, writer-director David St. Clair joins The Honest Filmmaker to share the journey behind his debut feature, The Lonely Crowd.
David discusses moving from short films to feature filmmaking, raising finance, working with investors, designing a film around a realistic budget, surviving challenging night shoots, navigating festivals, and ultimately securing distribution on Amazon Prime.
Along the way, he shares the best and worst advice he's received, what he learned from making his first feature...
AI, Copyright and the Future of Filmmaking with Jonathan Yunger
Send us Fan Mail
AI is rapidly changing filmmaking — but what are the real implications for artists, copyright and the future of creative work?
This week, Jim sits down with Jonathan Yunger, Co-President of Millennium Media and Co-Founder & CEO of Arcana Labs. Jonathan has spent years producing major Hollywood films including titles in The Expendables and Has Fallen franchises, before stepping into the world of AI-powered filmmaking tools.
In a conversation designed to ask the hard questions rather than avoid them, we discuss how AI is trained, the concerns many filmmakers have around co...
From No Film School to a 5 Day Feature Film | Evan Marcewicz
Send us Fan Mail
What does it actually take to make a feature film on a micro budget?
Filmmaker Evan Marcewicz joins the podcast to share how he went from skipping film school to shooting a feature film in just five days.
We discuss financing an indie film, choosing the Sony FX6, the realities of filming in difficult locations like cars and the financial risks involved — including loans and maxed-out credit cards.
Evan also breaks down one of the toughest stages of independent fi...
Why AI Faces a Filmmaker Backlash - Micro Budget Horror and Film Financing with Daniel J. Pico
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 creative community and why younger filmmakers could ultimately r...
Making a Micro Budget Horror Film: Black & White, Filmhub & Indie Film Survival | Zoe Carol & Daya Dodds
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 writing, acting and producing on the same project, while Daya reflects on lessons learned from the filmmaking process an...
Can Micro Budget Films Still Work? Funding, Profit & Distribution
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 also discuss his $3,000 monster movie Space Rodent, the role of AI in film production, physical me...
Indie Film Distribution, Micro Budget Horror & Surviving Independent Filmmaking with Austin Galante
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, marketing challenges, sales reporting, subtitles, distributors and what happens after your movie is finally finished.
The conversation also dives into why many indie filmmakers end up hand...
From YouTube Film School to Directing Indie Features & Series with Beasy Jones
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 looks like behind the scenes. From working with actors and shaping performances to managing tight schedules and limited budgets, this co...
Inside the Business of Indie Film: What ‘Cheat’ Taught Us About Distribution, Revenue & Reality
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 platforms like Filmhub.
The conversation also explores marketing strategies, including the role of Meta advertising, audience targeting, and how revenue evolves over time across platforms like transactional VO...
Micro-Budget Action, Hong Kong Stunts & Filmmaking Reality – with Bruce Fontaine
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 so impactful. We also explore how to direct fight scenes, work with actors wh...
One Man, One Film: How Matt Simpson Made Disremembered Completely Solo
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 takes to pull it off. Matt also shares insights on building a compelling conc...
What It Really Takes to Make Your First Feature Film with Shawn Goolsby
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 with limited resources and what it takes to actually finish a feature film. Shawn shares honest insights into...
From Indie Hustle to Film Machine - Steve Love on Budget, Mistakes & Distribution
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 work, this is a candid and practical conversation for anyone interested in film, whether you're...
The Business of Storytelling: Practical Wisdom for Screenwriters (From Spec to Screen)
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 complicated process. We talk about what it actually takes to build a career in the industry, from creating cha...
High Concept, Micro Budget: Making Bears on a Ship with Eduardo Castrillo
Send us Fan Mail
#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 Edward to this specific project.The Director’s Mi...From First Film to Franchise: Ramon “Swift” Sloan on Indie Filmmaking
Send us Fan Mail
#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 make sense in the indie world and how to think about budge...
Making a Feature on Weekends: Tobias Jon on Gifted Pain
Send us Fan Mail
#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 at getting a first feature made and released.
Check out t...
How to make money from your short films with ZB Siwek
Send us Fan Mail
#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 Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https...
Surviving Your First Indie Feature Film - From Dog Soldiers to Director with Craig Conway
Send us Fan Mail
#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 producer. We talk honestly about directing for the first time and what acting taught him about w...
Audience, Budget & Distribution - Building your Indie Film Career with Devon Bray
Send us Fan Mail
#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 budget levels, navigating sales and distribution with Indie Right...
How to Sell your Movie to HBO - with Stefan Van De Graaf
Send us Fan Mail
#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 with HBO and what the sales process actually looked like behind th...
Directing Your First Micro-Budget Feature Film with Jessica Boss
Send us Fan Mail
#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 working with limited resources, including:
How Unnamed was funded on a micro-budget
The challenges of directing a first feature
...
