Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking
Liz Manashil & Alrik BursellLiz Manashil and Alrik Bursell discuss independent filmmaking, everything from writing, producing and directing to working as crew. But this is not just a podcast about "making it," it's also about struggling with rejection, self-doubt and everything else that comes with pursuing a career in film. Follow along as we forge our own way through the industry and talk to guests who are also making it h... more
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 601 | Founded | 11 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Film ReviewsFilm InterviewsTV & Film | |||
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Latest Episodes
This week we welcome writer and directors Michael Naizu and John Wilcox on the show to talk about their first feature Bound for Glory, which Michael also stars in alongside Jamie King, Christ Kattan and Blake Jenner. They also talk about how they wor... more
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 490 from August 2024 featuring director Audrey Cummings who talks about establishing herself as a genre director. I thought Audrey was a good match for Sophia Banks from M... more
This week we welcome director Sophia Banks on the show to talk about her latest feature Tilt, her inspiration for the film and what it was like to shadow Christopher McQuarrie, among other things. You may remember our episode with Arwen Elys Dayton w... more
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 351 from December 2021 featuring writer/director/producer Omar Lopex who came on the show to talk about directing, Ana who they pulled from the river, and his process as a... more
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- The best filmmaking podcast (or anything really) you can listen to.
Making Movies is Hard is a daily staple for me. I’ve listened to so many episodes many times, and can’t begin to thank the team for how much it’s helped. Filmmaking is hard. Listening to others go through the same thing though is probably the best thing you can do. My last film Manifest was tough, but I’d put on an episode that fit something I was dealing with or trying to figure out, and it got me through. It’s helping me get my next project going with the inspiration too, knowing we’re all in ... more
Apple Podcasts5andr3wgibbs
United Statesa month ago - Best Indie Film Podcast PeriodTaaa!!!!
Alrik, Liz and Eric do an amazing job curating the show and bringing knowledge from indie filmmakers to other filmmakers. The vibe is chill and easy going and the guest get discuss their projects, issues and ways of improving. The consistency of these shows are awesome. Keep up the good work I’m here for all of it gang!!!
Apple Podcasts5JasonnnnnnPaUnited States8 months ago - Essential for indie filmmakers!
Started listening to MMIH about a year ago. Alrik, Liz, Eric, and their guests always provide great insight for the independent filmmaker. I love hearing about fundraising and distribution, which a lot of other film podcasts gloss over or omit, and I always look forward to THE GAME. Keep up the great work!
Apple Podcasts5C.J. TalbottUnited Statesa year ago - The best filmmaking podcast
Always been my go-to filmmaking podcast. Liz and Alrik have great chemistry and makes you feel part of the community!
Apple Podcasts5Captain BlackJackUnited Statesa year ago - An indispensable resource for filmmakers
The path to becoming a filmmaker sometimes feels like you’re alone in the jungle, struggling to move in a direction, while you’re holding what might be an out of date map. This podcast is a fantastic resource to tap into the experience of other filmmakers, to listen their successes and failures, all guided by the passion of Alrik and Liz as they continue their own journey as filmmakers.
Apple Podcasts5Nathan_BlackwellUnited States2 years ago
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Apple Podcasts | #143 | United States/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #147 |  Australia/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #201 |  Germany/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #42 |  Chile/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #97 |  Sweden/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #118 |  Finland/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A practical, founder-friendly show focused on the realities of independent filmmaking. Conversations span fundraising, rights negotiations, distribution strategies, festival paths, and the daily grind of making features and shorts with a strong emphasis on transparency, hands-on lessons, and sustainable career-building. Unique strengths include candid anecdotes from varied guest backgrounds (filmmakers, cinematographers, producers) and a recurring emphasis on community, mentorship, and practical steps beyond “getting started.” Listeners can expect actionable guidance on crowdfunding, self-distribution, and collaborating across departments, all delivered in an approachable, frank tone.
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. The No Film School Podcast
2. IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit
3. Team Deakins
4. Scriptnotes Podcast
5. The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 11 years ago and published 601 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on this podcast?
Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Omar Lopex
2. Glenn Garrabrant
3. Chevonne O'Shaughnessy
4. Savannah Bloch
5. Joshua Porter
6. Lucas Kitchen
7. Eli Shell
8. Jane Schoenbrun
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