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Artwork for Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking

Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking

Liz Manashil & Alrik Bursell
Indie Filmmaking
Crowdfunding
Independent Filmmaking
Comedy
Dick Bunny
Little Lucha and the Big Deal
Motherhood
Filmmaker Mental Health
Entertainment Marketing
Trailer Editing
Pre-Production
Josh Stifter
Scream
Pet Cemetery
Starry Eyes
Sundance
A Holiday I Do
Film Distribution
Visual Effects
Black Comedy

Liz 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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes600Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Film InterviewsFilm ReviewsTV & Film

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Artwork for Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking

Latest Episodes

On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 320 from May 2021 featuring writer/director Anna Elizabeth James! Alrik thought this was a good match for our episode with Natasha from Monday because they are both multip... more

This week we welcome director/writer Natasha Kermani on the show to talk about her latest feature The Dreadful, how she’s managed to consistently make features and why it’s not always about the size of the budget that matters when making a feature. A... more

On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 262 from April 2020 featuring brother directing duo Brett and Drew Pierce, talking about directing their 2nd feature, The Wretched. I thought this was a good match for our... more

This week we welcome director/writer team Kevin and Matthew McManus on the show to talk about how they got into directing, directing their older sister Michaela in their films and how they got their latest film Redux Redux made. After that I’m going ... more

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Recent Guests

Natasha Kermani
Writer, director, producer of The Dreadful
Episode: Natasha Kermani - Sustainably Directing Budgeted Feature Films!
Brett Pierce
Co-director of The Wretched
Episode: Brett and Drew Pierce - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Drew Pierce
Co-director of The Wretched
Episode: Brett and Drew Pierce - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Marisa Guterman
Director, writer, and producer, one half of Double G Films.
Double G Films
Episode: Marisa Guterman and Keith Gerchak - Discovering You're a Filmmaker While Making Your First Feature!
Keith Gerchack
Director, writer, and producer, the other half of Double G Films.
Double G Films
Episode: Marisa Guterman and Keith Gerchak - Discovering You're a Filmmaker While Making Your First Feature!
Dawn Jones Redstone
Producer, writer, and director of the film Mother of Color
Episode: Dawn Jones Redstone - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Jesse Kuba
Writer, Director, Producer, and Editor of The Moon is in Aquarius
Episode: Jesse Kuba - Putting It All On The Line for Your Feature!
Lindsay Serrano
A producer primarily working in horror films with 14 years of experience.
Master Pictures
Episode: Listener Calls - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Jeff Palmer
A filmmaker and listener of the podcast, currently enrolled in a master's program at Boston University.
Episode: Listener Calls - BONUS Throwback Interview!

Hosts

Alrik Bursell
Founding host of the podcast and a sci-fi horror filmmaker. Alrik shares insights into the challenges of indie filmmaking and serves as a voice for aspiring filmmakers.
Liz Manashil
Co-host, writer, director, and producer with experience in indie filmmaking. Liz emphasizes the importance of distribution and the struggles in the indie film scene.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 284 ratings
  • 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 Podcasts
    5
    JasonnnnnnPa
    United States2 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 Podcasts
    5
    C.J. Talbott
    United States6 months 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 Podcasts
    5
    Captain BlackJack
    United States10 months 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 Podcasts
    5
    Nathan_Blackwell
    United States2 years ago
  • An honest peephole into the realities of the world of indie filmmaking

    Liz and Alrick are in the trenches reassuring creative folks that if you’re doing it your doing it, even with a whole other Clark Kent existence to support your Super-Person secret identity. Or something to that effect… Cheers Team!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mohosapien
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the hosts for their engaging and supportive approach to discussing the realities of indie filmmaking.
The podcast is noted as a great resource for both aspiring filmmakers and established professionals looking to navigate the complexities of the industry.
Many appreciate the authenticity and transparency of the content, highlighting the honest sharing of struggles and successes.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Kevin and Matthew McManus - From Home Movies to Writers Rooms and Feature Films!
Q: How do you navigate disagreements during filming?
More often than not, we come to a consensus on decisions; if not, we'll just shoot another take.
Kevin and Matthew McManus - From Home Movies to Writers Rooms and Feature Films!
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting in filmmaking?
Don't be so paranoid; be open and talk to people about your projects.
Kevin and Matthew McManus - From Home Movies to Writers Rooms and Feature Films!
Q: What was the rough budget of the film?
It was full union in Los Angeles and it was like tier zero, which I think is like 3 million and under, so well under that.
Kevin and Matthew McManus - From Home Movies to Writers Rooms and Feature Films!
Q: How long did you spend working on this film from when you originally had this idea to now it being released to the world?
Probably about 10 years.
Natasha Kermani - Sustainably Directing Budgeted Feature Films!
Q: Why did you choose this time period to set the story?
I wanted the rawness of the past where if you were living alone, you needed someone able-bodied with you.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Conversations often center on the multifaceted journey of independent filmmaking, emphasizing the personal and professional challenges faced by creators. Expect candid discussions about writing, producing, directing, and working as crew members, along with the emotional hurdles of rejection, self-doubt, and the ongoing quest for success in a demanding industry. Episodes are enhanced by guest insights that shed light on the struggle to navigate the film landscape, making it relatable and insightful for aspiring and established filmmakers alike. This content not only shares technical expertise but also fosters a supportive community atmosphere, which is especially appreciated by those in the indie filmmaking space.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Scriptnotes Podcast
2. The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast
3. The Business
4. Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking
5. The Town with Matthew Belloni

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 11 years ago and published 600 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. Natasha Kermani
2. Brett Pierce
3. Drew Pierce
4. Marisa Guterman
5. Keith Gerchack
6. Dawn Jones Redstone
7. Jesse Kuba
8. Lindsay Serrano

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