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 vegan
lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a
moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review
& every comment helps us share the film’s important message with
more 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 vegan
lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a
moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review
& every comment helps us share the film’s important message with
more 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

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 vegan
lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a
moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review
& every comment helps us share the film’s important message with
more 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

OTHER LINKS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.

A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan
lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a
moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review
& every comment helps us share the film’s important message with
more 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.

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 vegan
lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a
moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review
& every comment helps us share the film’s important message with
more 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.

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:

Find Conor Boru's work here:

OTHER LINKS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.

A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan
lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a
moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review
& every comment helps us share the film’s important message with
more 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

On this weeks The Filmmakers Podcast we chat with the team behind Protein, a brilliant indie made for pretty much nothing with a fabulous ensemble.

Join host Giles Alderson as he chats with director and writer Tony Burke and actor and exec producer Craig Russell all about their experiences making their indie film.

The talk, investment and dealing with rejection, why movies take years to get made and why you should not wait for the cavalry. You have to do it yourself!

Protein is OUT now and still in select cinemas around the UK.

OTHER LINKS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.

A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan
lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a
moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review
& every comment helps us share the film’s important message with
more people. Your support makes a difference!

PODCAST MERCH

Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset 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 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 on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com

CREDITS

The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson

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 we are LIVE from The Funny Life Film Festival - Join Giles Alderson & Dom Lenoir as they are chat How to Make a Feature with writer, director Hillary Shakespeare (Much Ado), Director and writer Mitchell Tolliday (Murder Ballads), Director Holger Borggrefe (Once and for Real) , Actress, Writer, Producer Mel Harris (Brighton) and Director, writer and producer Stephen Cookson (Arthurs Whiskey) !

A real treat for you as we discuss how to make a comedy feature film.

Thanks to Louise Ann Munro and all at Funny Life Film Festival.

Recorded at Hen and Chickens Theatre

OTHER LINKS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.

A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan
lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a
moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review
& every comment helps us share the film’s important message with
more people. Your support makes a difference!

PODCAST MERCH

Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset 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 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 on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com

CREDITS

The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson

Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative 

Theme Music by John J. Harvey

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A FANTASTIC episode this week as we welcome Fantastic 4: First Steps director Matt Shakman and actor Ralph Ineson!!

Guest hosts Conor Boru (When the Screaming Starts) and Francis Annan (Escape From Pretoria) sit down with both Matt and Ralph to talk working for Marvel, Directing tips and techniques and why to act on a green screen.

Matt Shakman. With a remarkable career spanning some of the most iconic television series and highly anticipated films, Matt has consistently demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences. His extensive television credits include critically acclaimed episodes of the Emmy-winning 'WandaVision,' 'Game of Thrones,' 'Succession,' 'The Great,' 'Fargo,' 'House M.D.,' 'Psych,' and a significant number of episodes for 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.' On the feature film side, Matt directed 'Cut Bank' and is at the helm of Marvel's upcoming 'Fantastic Four.

Ralph Ineson. You'll recognize him from his memorable roles as Amycus Carrow in the Harry Potter films, William in Robert Eggers' acclaimed The Witch, Dagmer Cleftjaw in Game of Thrones, and Chris Finch in the original British series The Office. He also starred as the title character in The Green Knight, and his voice work includes characters in video games like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XVI. Most recently, he's set to appear as Galactus in the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Dr. Wilhelm Sievers in Nosferatu

Fantastic 4: First Steps is out in cinemas now!

OTHER LINKS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.

A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan

PODCAST MERCH

Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset 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 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 on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com

CREDITS

The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson

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 are joined by actor Toby Kebbell and directors Bjorn Franklyn and Jonny Marchetta to talk about 'Salvable' and how they made their amazing debut movie with Toby starring with Shia LaBeouf in the film

Salvable is about an aging boxer struggles to escape the grasp of a small town while battling a fractured relationship with his teenage daughter and is in CINEMAS now.

Toby Kebbell has starred in the movies Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Warcraft, Rock n Roller and Dead Man's Shoes .

Bjorn and Jonny come from a music video background and teamed up with Lowkey Films and Featuristic to get their movie made.

Enjoy this weeks episode of The Filmmakers Podcast.

OTHER LINKS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.

A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan

PODCAST MERCH

Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset 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 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 on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com

CREDITS

The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson

Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative 

Theme Music by John J. Harvey

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices