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#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
Lessons she wishes she’d known before starting
Navigating locations, music, and post-production stress
Indie Rights distribution and promoting a low-budget film
Advice for filmmakers writing, shooting, and finishing their first feature

We also discuss the realities of being a female director, how to tackle big subject matter with small resources, and the mindset Jessica uses to push through the inevitable challenges of indie filmmaking.

If you’re developing, shooting, or finishing a micro-budget feature film, this episode is packed with real-world insights to help you avoid common mistakes and move your film forward.

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

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HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.

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#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 festivals and why self-distribution is becoming a powerful option for independent filmmakers. 

Alex also talks about post-production, marketing your own film, using platforms like FilmHub, and finding the balance between creativity and commercial reality.

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/

Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/

HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.

Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

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#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 first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/

Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/

HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.

Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Send us 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 reached the commercial world, with campaigns for brands like Cadillac and Porsche. Before film, GuGu led Dallas-based indie label Redrumm Recordz, working with artists like UGK, Ludacris, and Steve Austin. Since moving into African cinema in 2009, he’s been widely recognised as part of a new era of African filmmaking  and I’m excited to dive into that journey with him today.

Check out Gugu's movies: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1975761/?ref_=fn_t_1

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/

Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/

HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.

Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Send us 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 Filmhub’s thinking around marketing, discoverability, data, international reach, and future platform support, while we dig into practical promotion strategies, analytics, and even the role of AI in artwork and marketing. If you’re an indie filmmaker trying to understand where streaming is heading then this conversation is for you.

Find out more about Relay https://pickrelay.com/ 

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/

Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/

HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.

Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Send us 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 now: https://www.abovethecloudsfilm.com

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/

Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/

HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.

Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Send us 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 amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/

Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/

HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.

Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Send us 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: https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/the-blade-cuts-deeper/umc.cmc.1vz5q8rdp0gfdwb16p1h8gwld

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/

Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/

HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.

Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Send us 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, Fandango, Google Play, YouTube Movies
Coming to Tubi November 16th
Watch the trailer for Killer Content https://youtu.be/x4drQkKf-hg

Follow Killer Content on Instagram: @watchkillercontent

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/

Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/

HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.

Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Send us 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 productions.

Check out Marks film here:

Watch Unlicensed on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0FSC43MVK/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r?utm_id=1344207247310791_v2_s01_e1002&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4CGNhbGxzaXRlAjE1AAGnYVrgYfJVamtsb1ei3KWFWHLiqyu_VeZwDMHTlIgRogDypEAKFMkO-s5aTbI_aem_7LpSo3chnJFXqFuA7qov2g

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/

Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/

HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.

We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.

Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk