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. High Concept, Micro Budget: Making Bears on a Ship with Eduardo Castrillo

    4D AGO

    High Concept, Micro Budget: Making Bears on a Ship with Eduardo Castrillo

    Send a text #filmmaking  #filmmakingpodcast #moviemaking #indiefilm #movieproduction  How do you scale a big idea on an indie budget? Director Edward Castrillo joins the show to discuss his new film, Bears on a Ship. While the title promises a wild ride, the process of making it is a masterclass in independent production. Edward shares his "honest" experiences in the director's chair, dealing with the unique challenges of genre filmmaking. Highlights include: The "Why": What drew Edward to this specific project.The Director’s Mindset: The toughest times on setPractical Tips: Edward’s top advice for emerging filmmakers.Whether you're a fan of creature features or a filmmaker looking for your next spark of inspiration, Edward’s insights are pure gold. Connect with Edward: https://www.bearsonaship.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

    33 min
  2. From First Film to Franchise: Ramon “Swift” Sloan on Indie Filmmaking

    MAR 10

    From First Film to Franchise: Ramon “Swift” Sloan on Indie Filmmaking

    Send a text #indiefilm #filmmaking #indiefilmmaking #filmmaker #filmpodcast  What does it take to build a real career in independent filmmaking? In this episode, I talk with filmmaker Ramon “Swift” Sloan about the realities of making and releasing indie films today. Swift shares how he got started, the first movie he made and why focusing on a specific genre can be a powerful strategy for independent filmmakers. We also discuss building a recognisable filmmaking brand, why sequels often make sense in the indie world and how to think about budgets when you’re working outside the Hollywood system. The conversation covers marketing, sales and distribution, early mistakes Swift made in his career and the creative problem-solving that happens on set when resources are limited. If you’re trying to figure out how to make films that actually get seen and make money — this episode is for you. 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

    34 min
  3. Making a Feature on Weekends: Tobias Jon on Gifted Pain

    MAR 3

    Making a Feature on Weekends: Tobias Jon on Gifted Pain

    Send a text #indiefilm #filmmaking #indiefilmmaking #filmmaker #filmpodcast In this week's episode, I’m joined by filmmaker Tobias Jon to break down the making of his debut feature, Gifted Pain. We talk about how the film came together, how he shoot a feature on weekends, navigating funding delays and what Tobias wishes he’d known before starting.  We also dive into music, editing, stock footage, sales agents, physical releases, and partnering with Indie Rights, an honest, practical look at getting a first feature made and released. 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

    39 min
  4. How to make money from your short films with ZB Siwek

    FEB 24

    How to make money from your short films with ZB Siwek

    Send a text #filmmakingpodcast #podcast #indiefilm #shortfilms  #shortfilm #shortfilmmakers  This week on the podcast, I’m joined by producer ZB Siwek, who shares how he’s monetising short films by packaging them into anthology features for streaming platforms like Tubi and Amazon. ZB walks me through the process behind his first anthology release, Merge, which went on to reach number six on the Amazon charts. 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

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

    FEB 17

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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 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
  8. Directing Your First Micro-Budget Feature Film with Jessica Boss

    JAN 27

    Directing Your First Micro-Budget Feature Film with Jessica Boss

    Send 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
See All (125)

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
    125
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Honest Filmmaker
  • Show Website
    The Honest Filmmaker

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