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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
Independent Filmmaking
Filmmaking
Film Festivals
Crowdfunding
Film Production
Filmmaking Challenges
Distribution
Covid-19
Independent Film
Austin Film Festival
Indie Film
Horror Genre
Film Distribution
Sundance
Documentary Filmmaking
Kickstarter
Short Films
Youtube
Budgeting In Film

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 weeklyEpisodes601Founded11 years ago
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TV & FilmFilm ReviewsFilm Interviews

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

Latest Episodes

This week we welcome writer/director Anthony Lucero on the show to talk about his 2nd feature Paper Bag Plan, how he got the film made and why he wrote this story and made this film. After that we play another round of the GAME, enjoy! Don’t forget t... more

On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 363 from March 2022 featuring editor/director Roger Nygard who came on the show to talk about directing the documentary Trekkies in the late 90s and his rise as a premiere... more

This week we welcome writer/director/actor and comedy mastermind David Wain on the show to talk about his latest feature Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass which he wrote with the equally great Ken Marino. David talks about how they got the mov... more

On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 350 from December 2021 featuring Cinematographer Alice Brooks who talks about lensing the studio feature In the Heights among other films and how she got to where she was ... more

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Recent Guests

Alice Brooks
Cinematographer
Filmmaking/Indie Cinema
Episode: Alice Brooks - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Julia Swain
Cinematographer, Director of Photography for Voicemails for Isabelle
Independent film; Vancouver/LA based
Episode: Julia Swain - From Shooting Indie Films to Studio Features!
Naveen Chathapuram
Writer-Director of The Last Victim
Independent Filmmaker
Episode: Naveen Chathapuram - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Joe Zentil
Writer, director, and producer of Born to Lose
Born to Lose / Strange Customs
Episode: Joseph Zentil - Taking a Chance on Your First Feature!
T. Arthur Cottam
Writer and director featured in Carbunckle interview segment
Episode: T. Arthur Cottam - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Michael Kellman
Writer, director, editor, and producer of Say Less
Say Less (Filmmaker)
Episode: Michael Kellman - Distributing Your First Feature in 2026!
Laura Moss
Writer and director of Birth, Rebirth
Birth, Rebirth (film)
Episode: Lee Moss - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Madison Young
Writer-Director-Producer of By the Roots
Empress in Lavender Media
Episode: Madison Young - Writing and Directing a First Feature Based on a Memoir!
Katie Aselton
Writer, director, actor of Magic Hour
Hypothetical/indie filmmaker
Episode: Katie Aselton - Making a Movie for Yourself!

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 287 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 States6 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 States10 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 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 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.

Community-focused and consistently helpful for indie filmmakers.
Listeners appreciate the no-nonsense approach and actionable tips.
Guest variety keeps content fresh and highly educational.
Hosts are candid and practical, delivering honest industry insights.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

T. Arthur Cottam - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Q: How long did Carbunckle take to make and what were the shooting days like?
It was shot over about two and a half years, mostly on weekends with eight-hour days, using a flexible, collaborative approach rather than a conventional schedule.
T. Arthur Cottam - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Q: What was the elevator pitch for Carbunckle?
Carbunckle centers on a director making a film about a developmentally disabled woman that ultimately prompts the director to confront his own limitations and identity, explored through a micro-budget, independent production process.
Naveen Chathapuram - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Q: What is the role of Mezzanine financing in the project, and how does it fit with other funding instruments?
Mezzanine financing sits between equity and senior debt, providing a crucial bridge to complete production. It complemented equity investors and tax credit financing, helping to finalize the budget and enable the completion of the film after production wrapped.
Naveen Chathapuram - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Q: How did you convince financiers you could direct a project at that budget level, given it was your first feature?
Confidence came in stages: securing Todd Berger as producer, demonstrating progress with casting and script, and leveraging the credibility of established collaborators to reassure investors. A key turning point was when a major actor expressed interest after meetings, followed by a director's transition that was supported by mentorship and a clear plan.
Naveen Chathapuram - BONUS Throwback Interview!
Q: What was the plan to finance and make the initial production version of The Last Victim, and how did that evolve?
The initial plan relied on Doc's half‑million dollars to bootstrap a script, a line producer, a budget, and a small location plan. As the project grew, additional producers joined, a casting director was engaged, and Mezzanine and tax credit financing were layered in along with equity investors, allowing the budget to rise beyond the original amount and enabling completion.

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?

A long-running show focused on the realities of independent filmmaking, from concept through distribution. Episodes regularly feature directors, writers, producers, and collaborators who share practical lessons on fundraising, budgeting, casting, crew management, and getting projects in front of audiences via festivals, VOD, and streaming. A distinctive edge is the emphasis on transparency and community—hosts frequently lean into the hard truths of making movies with limited resources, while incorporating actionable strategies and real-world anecdotes. The format often includes a mix of guest interviews, behind-the-scenes tales, and recurring segments that spotlight pathways from concept to release, appealing to aspiring and established ind... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The No Film School Podcast
2. Scriptnotes Podcast
3. The Screenwriting Life with Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna
4. IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit
5. The Director’s Cut - A DGA Podcast

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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. Alice Brooks
2. Julia Swain
3. Naveen Chathapuram
4. Joe Zentil
5. T. Arthur Cottam
6. Michael Kellman
7. Laura Moss
8. Madison Young

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