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 recently graduated AMDA/Hushein filmmakers Ashely Villa, Aaron Alvarado and Cydney Jenks who talk about their thesis films, how they got them made, what they think about AI and how they are attacking their careers and films after... more
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 461 from January 2024 featuring writer/directorJosh Stifter who came on the show to talk about directing his latest short film, how he managed to make three features (at t... more
This week we welcome writer/director Mehran Torgoley on the show to talk about his fourth feature Golden, which he shot in Italy, how he funded the film, why he shot a film in Italy and how he has written and directed four feature films. After that I... more
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 296 from December 2020 featuring writer/director April Mullen where she talks about making her feature Wander and her incredible career in television directing. I thought ... 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 | #224 | United States/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #61 |  Italy/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #126 |  Germany/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #218 |  Australia/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #46 |  Chile/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #103 |  Sweden/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. Scriptnotes Podcast
3. Show Don't Tell: Micro-Budget Filmmaking
4. The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna
5. The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast
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. Mehran C. Torgoley
2. April Mullen
3. Tessa Blake
4. Justin Plummer III
5. Martin Strauss
6. John Wilcox
7. Michael Naizu
8. Sophia Banks
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