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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 reject it.

If you're interested in indie filmmaking, horror cinema, film finance, or the future of AI in movies, this episode is just for you.

Watch the trailer for Daniels film THE WITHERING https://youtu.be/oDQtFVvkoGQ?si=HMQ0E8ifXsFKKyrB

#Podcast #FilmmakingPodcast #IndependentFilm #MicroBudgetFilm #HorrorPodcast #FilmFinance #AIDebate #IndieFilmmaker #CreativeIndustry #DanielJPico

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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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 and what he’d do differently next time.

We also discuss the wider state of indie filmmaking, streaming, audience building and the growing conversation around AI in film.

Trailer for Witches of God:
https://youtu.be/622071l24cg?si=Q-6Uu4vGgt1beMCh

IMDB for Witches of God: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14104376/ 

#FilmmakingPodcast #MicroBudgetFilm #IndieFilm #HorrorPodcast #FilmProduction #IndependentFilmmaker #LowBudgetFilm #Filmhub #BlackAndWhiteFilm #IndieHorror #MoviePodcast 

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 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 media and the lessons he wishes he knew when starting out.

If you're making independent films — or planning your first feature — this episode is packed with advice.

#Podcast #FilmmakingPodcast #MicroBudgetFilm #IndieFilm #FilmDistribution #IndependentFilmmaker #CreativeBusiness #FilmProduction #JasonMorris #MoviePodcast

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 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 handling directing, producing, cinematography, editing and promotion themselves — and the lessons Austin learned from releasing films back to back.

Austin’s background includes collaborations with Cee Lo Green, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, Sid Wilson, and Slimkid3, alongside his work directing films and music videos.

Whether you're making your first feature or trying to understand the business side of indie cinema, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to get a film made and released independently.

Austin is currently developing his next feature film, “What Have We Won,” starring Robert LaSardo.

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 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 conversation is full of practical insights for filmmakers at every level.

We also get into the business side of indie film ,  including how distribution works, what sales agents actually do and whether making a series is financially sustainable. Are you trying to figure out how to move from passion projects into professional filmmaking?  Well there’s a lot here you can apply straight away.

We cover:

• How Beasy Jones got into filmmaking without formal training
• Transitioning from DOP to Director (and avoiding common traps)
• Making films look cinematic on a microbudget
• Working with actors and building authentic performances
• The difference between directing a feature vs a TV series
• Budget realities and how to shoot fast without sacrificing quality
• What really happens with film sales, distribution, and profits
• Marketing your indie film and managing promotion costs

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR PILLOW TALK 2
https://youtu.be/FLjJojPFlS4?si=VNI9prOIDSFry3zU

Follow Beasy on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/dirxbeasyjones/

Beasy Jones link tree: https://linktr.ee/dirxbeasyjones?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnWt5AlBjlT7jPnBNZ_UXBIqd1rX3OMZsnyYN2D9gfDdV-cXLXm0aFoH7EwOQ_aem_-4xefKUJ02tVuz2aUq3rfw

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 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 VOD and streaming.

This episode offers an honest and practical look at the balance between creative ambition and commercial reality in today’s indie film landscape.

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 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 who don’t have martial arts training and navigate the realities of producing and distributing independent films.

From stunt work to sales strategy, this conversation covers both the creative and business sides of indie action filmmaking.

About Bruce Fontaine:
Bruce Fontaine is a stunt performer, martial artist and filmmaker known for his work in action cinema, including experience in Hong Kong’s film industry working closely with the likes of Jackie Chan. His career bridges physical performance and independent film production, with a focus on grounded, practical action.

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 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 concept, navigating the festival circuit and what he learned about genre, sales, and distribution along the way.

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 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 the highs, lows and lessons learned along the way.

If you’re into filmmaking or trying to create your own indie feature, this episode is for you.

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 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 an aspiring creator or a seasoned professional.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Becoming “The Film Machine”
• Lessons from early films
• Budgeting and scaling productions
• Contracts, actors and power dynamics
• Sales, distribution and marketing
• Art vs commerce in filmmaking

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