The Honest Filmmaker

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This week on the podcast I break down some of the lessons I've learned working with actors on Low Budget and Micro Budget film productions. I talk about blocking, bad acting, then power of a good lead actor, the power shift on set and when to bend the rules. I also talk about working with Doctor Who actor Colin Baker and how my preconceived notions of how he'd behave on set were flipped upside down. 

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.

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

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#filmmakingpodcast #blackmirror #moviemaking #indiefilm 

This week on the podcast I'm talking to Director Carl Tibbetts. Carl started his career editing before writing and directing his debut feature 'Retreat' starring Cillian Murphy, Thandie Newton and Jamie Bell. Carl then went on to direct two monumental episodes of Black Mirror as well as several other high profile shows like 'Humans', 'Hemlock Grove' and 'The Lazarus Project'.

I talked to Carl about how he got his debut feature off the ground, how he turned that into a career directing television and some of his tips for you to do the same.

Check out Carl's website: https://carltibbetts.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

Support the show

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

#filmmakingpodcast #filmmakersfamily #moviemaking #movieproduction #indiefilm 

This week on the podcast I talk to indie director Ian Diaz. Ian has had a similar trajectory as me having shot his first feature films on film. I talk to Ian about some of the lessons shooting on film gives you during production, how he went from features to his series Rebecca Gold and his plans for the future. 

Check out Rebecca Gold on Amazon Prime : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebecca-Gold/dp/B07KMPCQVV

Check out Rebecca Gold on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebeccaGold

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

Support the show

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

#filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #moviemaking

This week on the podcast I'm talking to DOP Vincent Wrenn. Vincent has worked on an absolute ton of projects having started at a young age working with his father who was also a Director of Photography. Learning lots of lessons from his dad he went onto work on tv, shorts, feature films and high profile documentaries including The Defiant Ones with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog. We talked about what it's like being a working DOP, working on micro budget films, short films, we also talked about networking and finding the next job. Enjoy! 

Links to find out more about Vincent:

Vimeo

vimeo.com/vincentwrenn

Website

framelinescreative.com

Instagram 

@framelines_creative

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

Support the show

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

#filmmakingpodcast #moviemaking #indiefilm 

In this episode, I reflect on 20 key lessons I wish I'd known when I started making feature films over 20 years ago. Whether you're gearing up for your first shoot or deep into your filmmaking journey, these practical insights can save you time, money, and stress. From creative strategies like "writing what you have" and "editing on paper," to on-set realities like casting dynamics, power shifts, and packed lunches — this is the no-fluff advice I wish someone had told me. Think of it as your filmmaking cheat sheet, shaped by experience, missteps, and the occasional miracle.

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

Support the show

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

#filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #moviemaking 

This week on the podcast, I sit down with French-American filmmaker Michael Marco to delve into his gripping indie thriller, Blind Blood—a film that’s been making waves on Amazon Prime and Tubi in the US, UK, and Australia.

Michael, who wrote, directed, edited, and even acted in the film, shares the remarkable journey of bringing Blind Blood to life. From its origins as a haunting idea in the mid-1990s to its realization decades later, the film explores the story of Jack, a man grappling with his violent past and a burgeoning conscience. Shot on a modest $250,000 budget, the production faced numerous challenges, including tight resources and intense shoot days. Yet, Michael and his team, including cinematographer Richard Krall and producer Mark Hanson, managed to craft a tense, character-driven crime drama that resonates with audiences.

In our conversation, Michael opens up about his early influences—from classic American and French cinema to his formative experiences with a local video group in France. He discusses the transition from acting to filmmaking, the collaborative process behind Blind Blood, and the strategies employed to navigate the competitive indie film landscape. The film’s success on streaming platforms and its positive reception at film festivals underscore the dedication and passion poured into the project.

For those interested in the intricacies of independent filmmaking, the evolution of a creative vision, and the resilience required to see a project through, this episode offers valuable insights.

You can watch Blind Blood now on Amazon Prime and Tubi

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

Support the show

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

The Cold, Hard Truth About Film Distribution

In this week's episode I share the tough lessons I've learned over the past two decades of making films. From dealing with competition and sales agents to the harsh reality of piracy and review bombing. I talk about how difficult it can be to find and grow an audience, why promotion is essential, and why the film industry can often feel like no one cares about your work like you do.

How things like artwork and titles play a huge role in sales, why your friends and family might not be your biggest fans, and why you may have to dig into your pocket to get your film out there. 

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating the ruthless competition in film distribution
• The truth about sales agents, piracy, and review bombing
• The importance of promotion and audience engagement
• Why your friends and family might not support your film
• The financial realities of indie 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

Support the show

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

#indiefilm #filmhub #filmpodcast 

So if you've ever thought about getting your film up on Film Hub then you've probably come across the name Jason Horton, he's definitely the filmmaker to talk to about Film Hub, he's got over 40 films on the platform, a mixture of documentaries and genre features.  He's also recently finished and released his film A' A Hard Place'  on streaming and he's got another one in pre-production called 'The Apex Predators Club'. I spoke to Jason about a year ago so I thought it would be great to have an update, talk about things that may have changed on Film  Hub, trends he may have seen in micro budget and talk about what he's doing now. 

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

Support the show

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

#filmmakingpodcast #composer #moviemaking #musiccareer #minecraft 

Are you interested in becoming a composer? or hearing from a successful one? This week I speak to Crispin Hands; he's a multiple award winning composer, producer, audio director, sound designer and 
music supervisor for video games , movies and television. He's worked on games like Gears of War, Minecraft Legends and for Disney on the Mirrorverse. This is a really interesting chat if you're interested in finding out how those game soundtracks get put together. If you're interested in a  career as a composer then this is the person you need listen to.  

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

Support the show

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

#tubi #filmmaker #filmhub #microbudget

Ready for a Micro-Budget Movie Masterclass?
This week’s guest, Jason Park, is a true indie filmmaking powerhouse. He’s made and released multiple feature films—often appearing in them—and takes on nearly every role in production and post. In our conversation, we dive into topics like self-distribution, generating ad revenue through YouTube, and smart strategies for marketing your films.

Whether you’re working on your first feature or already a few projects in, this episode is packed with practical insights on sales, planning, and saving money during production. If you're looking to build a sustainable micro-budget filmmaking career, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Find out more about Jason and his movies https://www.instagram.com/hypatude

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

Support the show

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