In this episode of FILMD Chats, director and editor Luke Bather shares how an unconventional start in music led him to award-winning short films and industry recognition. Luke walks us through the early days of self-taught filmmaking, the challenges of building a directing career outside traditional pathways, and what he's learned about casting, collaboration, and the film festival circuit. A must-listen for filmmakers navigating the independent route and looking to sharpen their creative and professional instincts.

In this powerful episode of FILMD Chats, BAFTA-nominated actor Amit Shah joins us for a candid, inspiring conversation on what it really takes to build a career in acting. From his first improv class at 14 to starring in Happy Valley, Amit unpacks the personal and professional lessons that shaped his journey — and shares the wisdom he wishes he’d had starting out. We talk: • Navigating the industry as a South Asian actor • Transitioning from stage to screen • Why finding your tribe is crucial to longevity • What drama school didn’t prepare him for • And the three films that continue to inspire his craft Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, or creative trying to find your voice — this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and practical takeaways.

In this deeply personal and illuminating episode of FILMD Chats, we sit down with East London filmmaker Remi Moses — writer, director, and producer — whose work blends intimate family drama with grounded horror. From his early days shooting YouTube content during the DSLR revolution to screening films at Slamdance and exploring the complexities of disability through cinema, Remi opens up about the journey that has shaped him both as a filmmaker and a person. Remi shares how his passion for storytelling began through photography, grew through London’s grime scene, and was refined through raw trial and error. He walks us through his DIY beginnings, making films on £100 budgets with friends and no crew, and explains how wearing multiple hats — from director to boom operator — taught him the importance of every role on set.

What does it take to go from an aspiring writer to directing a BBC-backed short film? In this episode, we sit down with Eoin Doran to break down his unconventional journey into the industry. Eoin shares how his first pay cheque came from chasing a man dressed as a spanner, why he wrote 20 short films before feeling ready for a feature, and how a bold pitch convinced the BBC to take a chance on him as a director. We also dive into the real-life scam that inspired his film, the challenges of writing in a language he doesn’t speak, and what it’s really like to collaborate with the BBC.

Award-winning writer and director Sam Baron joins FILMD Chats for a hilarious and insightful deep dive into his filmmaking journey. From making his first feature film at just 12 years old to going viral on early YouTube, Sam shares the wild ups and downs of independent filmmaking. He reveals the behind-the-scenes chaos of directing The Orgy, how he balances comedy and heartbreak in his films, and why a German audience gave the most unexpected reaction to his work. Sam also talks about the brutal lessons of film festivals, the near-miss of turning The Orgy into a BBC series, and why he believes finding the right collaborators is everything. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this episode is packed with laughs, hard-won advice, and a love for storytelling. Don’t miss it!

In this FILMD Chats episode, we sit down with Jake and Mick from Yep Films, a duo known for their surreal, genre-bending shorts. They discuss their journey from film school—where Jake dropped out, and Mick graduated—to creating quirky projects like their web series "Murder" and the festival-circuit hit "Fleeced." They share how "Fleeced," a film about a man in a sheep costume, evolved from a simple idea into a story that’s been interpreted in many ways, from animal cruelty to friendship dynamics. Their creative process blends improvisation with structured storytelling, influenced by directors like Yorgos Lanthimos. They emphasise networking and word-of-mouth opportunities in the industry. Looking ahead, they plan to expand their portfolio with more short films, leveraging their festival success to fund bigger projects. Follow Yep Films on yepfilms.co.uk and Instagram for updates.

Award-winning cinematographer Dom Howlett takes us behind the scenes of his unconventional rise in the film industry. Forget the traditional routes—Dom’s journey proves that success isn’t about waiting for the “big break” but making your own opportunities. He shares his hands-on approach to filmmaking, the importance of collaboration, and how he turned early mistakes into defining moments of growth. From his experience running a production company to working with cutting-edge technology like volume stages, Dom opens up about what really drives his work. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned filmmaker, this episode offers fresh insights and hard-earned wisdom that will challenge how you think about your own path in cinematography. Tune in for advice, stories, and a dose of real-world inspiration.

Discover how the Thiele Brothers turned a $50 sofa into the star of their guerrilla-style indie feature Sofa, So Good. Shot with a skeleton crew during the pandemic, their absurdist comedy celebrates the pursuit of comfort and the beauty of Dayton, Ohio, as a character. Hear their tips for thriving on a tight budget, their collaborative process as siblings, and how black-and-white visuals gave their film a timeless feel. Whether you’re a filmmaker or an indie film enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration for creating big impact with small resources!

In this episode of FILMD Chats, award-winning Palestinian filmmaker Laila Abbas takes us behind the scenes of her six-year journey to create Thank You for Banking with Us, a bold and heartfelt film exploring gender, family, and justice in Palestine. Laila shares invaluable lessons on storytelling, navigating cultural sensitivities, and the power of collaboration in filmmaking. From her transition into the film industry to her reflections on the challenges of representing Palestinian voices on the global stage, this conversation is packed with insights for filmmakers and actors alike.

Join us for a deep dive into the creative world of award-winning writer-director Grace Alwyn Ashworth. From working at Blockbuster to crafting award-winning short films, Grace shares her journey into filmmaking, the challenges of breaking into the industry as a working-class creator, and the art of mastering dark comedy. Hear her thoughts on the importance of collaboration, why tea and biscuits matter on set, and how platforms like FILMD are changing the game for indie filmmakers. This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and invaluable advice for aspiring creators.