The Honest Filmmaker

Jim Eaves

REAL TALK FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERS Are you wrapping up your film degree or contemplating a career shift into the creative industry? The Honest Filmmaker is your go-to resource for navigating the real-world challenges of micro-budget and indie filmmaking. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Jim Eaves, the podcast delves into the nitty-gritty of independent film production. From securing funding and managing tight budgets to distribution strategies and building a sustainable career, this is unfiltered advice and practical tips from professionals who have been in your shoes.  Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or an indie filmmaker determined to make your mark, The Honest Filmmaker equips you with the tools, insights, and honest guidance to thrive in the world of independent cinema. http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

  1. Surviving Your First Indie Feature Film - From Dog Soldiers to Director with Craig Conway

    4D AGO

    Surviving Your First Indie Feature Film - From Dog Soldiers to Director with Craig Conway

    Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #indiefilmfest #moviemaking #indiefilm #movieproduction  You might know Craig Conway from Dog Soldiers, The Descent, and his long collaboration with Neil Marshall. In this conversation, we focus on something different, his move from actor to director, and what it really takes to get a first feature off the ground. Craig shares how Red Riding came together, how the film was financed, and what it meant to have Neil Marshall onboard as executive producer. We talk honestly about directing for the first time and what acting taught him about working with performers, why rehearsal time is invaluable and how to balance creative vision with the responsibility of leading a set. If you’re developing a horror project, preparing your debut feature or considering a shift into directing, this is a grounded, practical conversation about making the leap. Plus: stories from Dog Soldiers, reflections on The Descent, and insights into working with actors in heavy prosthetics. 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 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

    26 min
  2. Audience, Budget & Distribution - Building your Indie Film Career with Devon Bray

    FEB 10

    Audience, Budget & Distribution - Building your Indie Film Career with Devon Bray

    Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #indiefilm #interview #movieproduction  This week, I’m joined by filmmaker Devon Bray, a director who’s built a loyal audience across eight independent feature films. Devon shares how he made the jump from directing music videos to producing feature films, the creative skills that carried over and why understanding your audience early is one of the most important decisions a filmmaker can make. We also talk genre-hopping, working at different budget levels, navigating sales and distribution with Indie Rights, growing a following through social media and Devon’s honest perspective on using AI in 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 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

    36 min
  3. How to Sell your Movie to HBO - with Stefan Van De Graaf

    FEB 3

    How to Sell your Movie to HBO - with Stefan Van De Graaf

    Send us a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #indiefilm  This week I sit down with indie filmmaker Stefan Van De Graff to break down the real journey behind selling a first feature film. Stefan walks through how his debut thriller Simmer came together, from shaping the story and stretching a small budget to achieving a high-end look and co-directing his first feature.  We dive into the unconventional release strategy of putting the entire film on Facebook, how that led to a deal with HBO and what the sales process actually looked like behind the scenes. We talk about how genre plays a role in distribution, working with casting agents, and how Stefan went on to mount a much bigger project starring Kit Connors.  Along the way, he shares practical lessons, hard-earned advice and what he wishes he’d known when he was starting out. 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 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

    29 min
  4. Directing Your First Micro-Budget Feature Film with Jessica Boss

    JAN 27

    Directing Your First Micro-Budget Feature Film with Jessica Boss

    Send us a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #indiefilm #moviemaking #microbudget  What is it really like to direct your first micro-budget feature film? In this episode, I’m joined by first-time feature film director Jessica Boss, who breaks down the realities of making her debut feature Unnamed,  from funding and budgeting to distribution, post-production, and surviving the hardest days on set. Jessica shares honest, practical advice for independent filmmakers, especially those working with limited resources, including: How Unnamed was funded on a micro-budget The challenges of directing a first feature Lessons she wishes she’d known before starting Navigating locations, music, and post-production stress Indie Rights distribution and promoting a low-budget film Advice for filmmakers writing, shooting, and finishing their first feature We also discuss the realities of being a female director, how to tackle big subject matter with small resources, and the mindset Jessica uses to push through the inevitable challenges of indie filmmaking. If you’re developing, shooting, or finishing a micro-budget feature film, this episode is packed with real-world insights to help you avoid common mistakes and move your film forward. 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 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

    35 min
  5. How to Self-Distribute a Micro-Budget Feature Film with Alex Srednoselac

    JAN 20

    How to Self-Distribute a Micro-Budget Feature Film with Alex Srednoselac

    Send us a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #movieproduction #microbudget  This week I chat to indie filmmaker Alex Srednoselac who breaks down what it’s really like to make, finish, and self-distribute a micro-budget feature film. Alex shares his journey from creating his first feature film Cashing Out to navigating film festivals, promotion, social media, and independent distribution.  We dive into how micro-budget films get funded, what filmmakers should know before entering festivals and why self-distribution is becoming a powerful option for independent filmmakers.  Alex also talks about post-production, marketing your own film, using platforms like FilmHub, and finding the balance between creativity and commercial reality. 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 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

    36 min
  6. How to Fund a Micro-Budget Movie: 5 Practical Financing Strategies

    JAN 13

    How to Fund a Micro-Budget Movie: 5 Practical Financing Strategies

    Send us a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmakingtips #indiefilm With 2026 just getting started, a lot of filmmakers are asking the same question: how do I finance my first (or next) indie feature? This week, I’m breaking down five practical ways to fund your film, drawing from both my own experience and methods I’ve seriously considered. I’ll also share two bonus tips for navigating conversations with private investors and getting them over the line and invested. 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 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

    15 min
  7. How to be a full time Filmmaker - Building a Micro Budget Movie Career with Gugu E. Michaels

    JAN 6

    How to be a full time Filmmaker - Building a Micro Budget Movie Career with Gugu E. Michaels

    Send us a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #moviemaking #microbudget #indiefilm  This week on the podcast I’m chatting with filmmaker GuGu E. Michaels, an award-winning director and cinematographer whose work spans North American and African cinema. Since the late ’90s, GuGu has directed and shot feature films including Dangerous Men, UNGE’S WAR, Jacob’s Eye, and Best Served Cold, earning multiple awards for cinematography, editing, and best film along the way.  His work has also reached the commercial world, with campaigns for brands like Cadillac and Porsche. Before film, GuGu led Dallas-based indie label Redrumm Recordz, working with artists like UGK, Ludacris, and Steve Austin. Since moving into African cinema in 2009, he’s been widely recognised as part of a new era of African filmmaking  and I’m excited to dive into that journey with him today. Check out Gugu's movies: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1975761/?ref_=fn_t_1 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 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

    31 min
  8. Is Filmhub's Relay the future of Indie Film Streaming? With Chad Wittman

    12/23/2025

    Is Filmhub's Relay the future of Indie Film Streaming? With Chad Wittman

    Send us a text #filmmakingpodcast #filmhub #relay #filmmaking  This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Chad Wittman from Filmhub to break down their new streaming platform, Relay, and what it could mean for indie filmmakers navigating today’s crowded distribution landscape. We talk honestly about how Relay works for audiences, how filmmakers get paid compared to traditional AVOD platforms, and whether directing viewers to a single platform actually makes financial sense. Chad also shares Filmhub’s thinking around marketing, discoverability, data, international reach, and future platform support, while we dig into practical promotion strategies, analytics, and even the role of AI in artwork and marketing. If you’re an indie filmmaker trying to understand where streaming is heading then this conversation is for you. Find out more about Relay https://pickrelay.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 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

    38 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

REAL TALK FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERS Are you wrapping up your film degree or contemplating a career shift into the creative industry? The Honest Filmmaker is your go-to resource for navigating the real-world challenges of micro-budget and indie filmmaking. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Jim Eaves, the podcast delves into the nitty-gritty of independent film production. From securing funding and managing tight budgets to distribution strategies and building a sustainable career, this is unfiltered advice and practical tips from professionals who have been in your shoes.  Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or an indie filmmaker determined to make your mark, The Honest Filmmaker equips you with the tools, insights, and honest guidance to thrive in the world of independent cinema. http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Eaves
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    121
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Honest Filmmaker
  • Show Website
    The Honest Filmmaker

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