The Honest Filmmaker

Jim Eaves
  • 5.0 (3)
  • TV & Film
  • Updated Weekly

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. 2d ago

    From a £20 Short Film to a Feature: Aaron Truss on Making Films Without Permission

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to move from making short films to making a feature? This week, Jim talks to filmmaker Aaron Truss about his unconventional route into filmmaking, from being obsessed with films as a kid and discovering Batman '89, to making a £20 zombie short film at university and eventually turning that short into the feature film Employee of the Dead. Aaron talks honestly about why filmmakers often struggle to make the jump from shorts to features, the huge commitment involved in making a feature and the reality of trying to raise £50,000 through crowdfunding. We discuss the relentless work involved in promoting a crowdfunding campaign, why Aaron's team spent around £500 creating a proof-of-concept rather than simply asking people for money and how they've attracted actors including Dani Harmer, Nick Helm and Paul Casar to an independently produced project. Paul joins the conversation to explain why an established working actor is choosing to be part of a micro-budget film, what attracted him to Employee of the Dead and why he believes independent filmmakers are creating a new kind of filmmaking rebellion. We also get into casting, networking, building genuine relationships, supporting other filmmakers and why sometimes the best way to get people to help you is to help them first. An honest conversation about ambition, crowdfunding, short films, feature films, independent filmmaking and actually getting the film made. Check out the crowd funding for Employee of the Dead and be part of getting the film made: https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/q-cumber-films/employee-of-the-dead Watch the original short film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6I7PBDXPSc #Filmmaking #IndependentFilm #IndieFilmmaking #FilmFunding #Crowdfunding #FeatureFilm #ShortFilms #Filmmaker #FilmIndustry #TheHonestFilmmaker #EmployeeOfTheDead #AaronTruss 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 Support the show 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

    From a £20 Short Film to a Feature: Aaron Truss on Making Films Without Permission

  2. Aug 11

    Charlie Steeds: Making 20 Feature Films on Micro Budgets

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to make 20 feature films and turn micro-budget filmmaking into a full-time career? In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker Podcast, Jim talks to filmmaker Charlie Steeds about his extraordinary journey from making short films as a teenager to building a career making horror features. Charlie shares how he financed his first film for around $2,000, how he moved from self-financing into working with sales companies and producers and how his budgets have evolved over the course of 20 feature films. We also talk about the reality of making filmmaking your day job, including the pressure to keep producing, the compromises that come with lower budgets and how Charlie adapted when the film industry changed. Charlie explains why he has learned to do almost every job on his productions, from writing, directing and editing to sound and cinematography and why he believes sound is one of the most important areas for independent filmmakers to get right. We also get into one of the biggest problems he sees in indie filmmaking: rushing productions. Charlie argues that filmmakers often try to shoot too much, too quickly, rather than giving their films the care they need. And after making three films in just 33 days, Charlie has plenty of experience of what happens when speed becomes part of the filmmaking process. Finally, we discuss cinematography, inspiration and why filmmakers should go back to the movies that made them fall in love with filmmaking,  studying how they were shot, lit and constructed, then using those lessons in their own work. A candid conversation about micro-budget filmmaking, making a living from movies, learning your craft and finding the balance between making films for the art and making films to pay the bills. 🎙️ The Honest Filmmaker Podcast — honest conversations about independent filmmaking, careers, budgets, distribution and the realities of making movies. #TheHonestFilmmaker #CharlieSteeds #IndieFilmmaking #MicroBudgetFilmmaking #Filmmaking #IndependentFilm #Filmmaker #HorrorFilmmaking #FilmProduction #Directing #Cinematography #FilmCareer 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 Support the show 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

    Charlie Steeds: Making 20 Feature Films on Micro Budgets

  3. Aug 4

    From First Feature to Lasting Career: Rob Hollocks on Surviving the Film Industry

    Send us Fan Mail Making one film is an achievement. Making a career out of filmmaking is something else entirely. In this episode, Jim sits down with writer, director and producer Rob Hollocks to explore what happens after the excitement of making your first feature. Why do so many talented filmmakers struggle to make another film? How do you recover from rejection, navigate festivals, understand distribution and keep moving forward when projects don't go to plan? Rob reflects on his early career, working around major productions including Event Horizon, building his own feature films such as Observance and Mister Sleep and the lessons he wishes he'd known when he first started. If you're an aspiring filmmaker, film student or independent creator looking for honest advice about building a sustainable career, this conversation is full of practical insights and hard-earned experience. #Filmmaking #IndependentFilm #IndieFilmmaker #FilmDirector #FilmProducer #Screenwriting #FilmBusiness #FilmFestival #MovieMaking #TheHonestFilmmaker #IndependentCinema #FilmmakerLife #FeatureFilm #FilmPodcast #EventHorizon 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 Support the show 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

    From First Feature to Lasting Career: Rob Hollocks on Surviving the Film Industry

  4. Jul 28

    The Reality of Making Your First Feature Film with Asif Pervez

    Send us Fan Mail For many filmmakers, making a feature film feels like an impossible leap after years of producing short films. This week, Jim sits down with filmmaker Asif Pervez to explore how he made that transition with his debut feature, "Mommy, I Don't Want To." Asif discusses the creative and logistical challenges of producing a period film on a micro budget, from transforming an Airbnb into convincing locations and completing post-production in Dubai, to developing a festival strategy and navigating the world of independent film sales and distribution. The conversation also covers the lessons Asif learned from his early short films, the mistakes he would avoid if starting again, and practical advice for anyone preparing to direct their first feature. If you're an aspiring filmmaker, film student or independent producer looking for honest, real-world insight into feature filmmaking, this episode offers valuable experience from someone who's successfully made the jump. Topics include: Moving from short films to feature filmmakingBudgeting and producing a first featureLocation scouting on a micro budgetPeriod filmmaking with limited resourcesFilm festival strategySales agents and distributionLessons learned from a debut featureAdvice for emerging filmmakersWatch the trailer for "Mommy I don't want to": https://youtu.be/ixEtMpOe2h8?si=A5oUEIV_1bIW5st2 Check out Asif on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9285762/?ref_=fn_t_1 #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #FeatureFilm #MicroBudget #FilmDirector #IndieFilm #FilmFestival #FilmDistribution #FirstFeature #Screenwriting #Producer #MovieMaking #TheHonestFilmmaker #AsifPervez #MommyIDontWantTo 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 Support the show 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

    The Reality of Making Your First Feature Film with Asif Pervez

  5. Jul 21

    Building an Animation Career, AI, and the Future of the Industry with Tom Box

    Send us Fan Mail Tom Box is the founder of Blue Zoo Animation, one of the UK's most celebrated animation studios and the creative force behind hit children's shows including Numberblocks, Alphablocks, Colourblocks, The Adventures of Paddington, Love Monster and more. In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker Podcast, Tom shares the journey from studying animation at Bournemouth University to building an award-winning studio, while offering an honest assessment of where the animation industry stands today. We explore the impact of AI, the growing influence of YouTube on animation, what studios really want to see in an animator's portfolio, and why passion, initiative and problem-solving remain some of the most valuable skills in the industry. Tom also discusses the balance between creativity and commercial success, how children's audiences influence animation, Young Animator of the Year, and the advice he'd give anyone looking to break into animation today. Whether you're an aspiring animator, filmmaker, student or creative professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the realities of building a successful career in animation. Find out more about Blue Zoo Animation: https://www.blue-zoo.co.uk/ Find out more about the Young Animator of the Year Award:  https://younganimator.uk/ #Animation #AnimationCareer #BlueZoo #Animator #AnimationIndustry #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Filmmaking #CreativeCareers #Portfolio #MotionDesign #CGI #3DAnimation #2DAnimation #Podcast 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 Support the show 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

    Building an Animation Career, AI, and the Future of the Industry with Tom Box

  6. Jul 14

    From Commercial Director to Feature Filmmaker | Lessons from Making Kangaroo Island

    Send us Fan Mail Writer and director Tim David joins The Honest Filmmaker Podcast to discuss the transition from directing premium commercial campaigns to making his feature film Kangaroo Island. Tim shares what years in advertising taught him about storytelling, pitching, preparation and leadership on set, before revealing the challenges of making an independent feature. We also discuss collaborating with his wife as screenwriter, working with legendary cinematographer Dean Cundey, directing actors, finding comedy through surprise, securing funding, and the lessons every first-time filmmaker should hear. This episode is packed with practical advice for directors, producers, cinematographers and anyone hoping to make their first feature film. Topics covered: Transitioning from commercials to feature filmsMaking Kangaroo IslandFilm financing and pitchingDirecting actorsWorking with Dean CundeyPreparation and leadership on setCollaborating with writersAdvice for first-time feature directorsLessons learned from independent filmmakingCheck out the trailer for Kangaroo Island here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLWdScoEaRo 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 Support the show 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

    From Commercial Director to Feature Filmmaker | Lessons from Making Kangaroo Island

  7. Jul 7

    10 Filmmaking Truths That Will Save You Years with Pat Higgins

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to survive as a micro budget filmmaker? In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker, I sit down with filmmaker Pat Higgins for an honest conversation about the realities of independent filmmaking. Together we unpack ten hard truths that every filmmaker eventually learns—usually the hard way. From discovering that making a great film doesn't automatically bring an audience, to accepting terrible first cuts, navigating networking, surviving as a producer, and building the resilience needed to keep creating, this episode is packed with practical lessons for filmmakers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're preparing your first short, developing a feature, or already deep into independent film production, these insights will help you avoid common mistakes and approach filmmaking with clearer expectations. We discuss: • Why finishing a film is only the beginning • Learning to embrace a bad first cut • The long shadow of your early work • Why networking feels awkward for almost everyone • Building a filmmaking career while platforms constantly evolve • Why great locations often beat expensive gear • The mindset required to finish films • The realities of producing on tiny budgets • Developing resilience without losing yourself • Why preparation is one of a filmmaker's greatest strengths If you enjoy honest conversations about filmmaking, independent cinema and building a sustainable creative career, follow The Honest Filmmaker for more episodes with filmmakers and industry professionals. Check out Pats IMDB here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1664081/ Watch Pat's latest movie Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead https://youtu.be/_0bKsatvf0Y?si=C1o40yFNU1yfqyE9 #MicroBudgetFilmmaking #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #FilmProduction #FilmDirector #FilmProducer #FirstFeature #Screenwriting #TheHonestFilmmaker 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 Support the show 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

    10 Filmmaking Truths That Will Save You Years with Pat Higgins

  8. Jun 30

    Don't Wait for Permission. Make the Feature Film with Alex Alessi

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to make a feature film? In this episode, filmmaker Alex Alessi joins me to discuss the journey behind Homebody, from deciding to self-finance the project to working with Richard Kind, navigating the film festival circuit, and finding distribution. We also explore the blurred line between acting and directing, profit-sharing with cast and crew, approaching agents, and the creative and financial realities of independent filmmaking. Whether you're preparing your first feature or simply curious about how independent films get made, Alex shares an honest account of the challenges, risks, and lessons that shaped Homebody. Topics include: Self-financing a feature filmMicro budget filmmakingCasting Richard KindFilm festivalsDistributionWorking with actorsLessons from a debut featureAdvice for first-time filmmakersWatch the trailer for Homebody: https://youtu.be/090gRffDc0w?si=OFmiOgZxX0nqHvLu #filmmaking #indiefilm #microbudget #featurefilm #filmfestivals #screenwriting #indiefilmmaker #producer #cinematography #thehonestfilmmaker 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 Support the show 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

    Don't Wait for Permission. Make the Feature Film with Alex Alessi
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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
    147
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Honest Filmmaker
  • Show Website
    The Honest Filmmaker

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