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

    1d ago

    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

    31 min
  2. Building The Lonely Crowd: A First Feature Film Journey

    Jun 23

    Building The Lonely Crowd: A First Feature Film Journey

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to make a first feature film? In this episode, writer-director David St. Clair joins The Honest Filmmaker to share the journey behind his debut feature, The Lonely Crowd. David discusses moving from short films to feature filmmaking, raising finance, working with investors, designing a film around a realistic budget, surviving challenging night shoots, navigating festivals, and ultimately securing distribution on Amazon Prime. Along the way, he shares the best and worst advice he's received, what he learned from making his first feature, and how his approach is changing for future projects. If you're an aspiring director, producer, or independent filmmaker looking to make your first feature, this conversation offers an honest look at the creative and business realities of modern filmmaking. Topics include financing, budgeting, production, marketing, audience building, distribution, film festivals, and the future of low-budget independent cinema. Watch the Trailer for The Lonely Crowd: https://youtu.be/z14IHr1RdMY?si=PLGYr_NQBn3hZLlF David on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9656299/ #Filmmaking #IndependentFilm #FeatureFilm #FilmDirector #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

    25 min
  3. AI, Copyright and the Future of Filmmaking with Jonathan Yunger

    Jun 16

    AI, Copyright and the Future of Filmmaking with Jonathan Yunger

    Send us Fan Mail AI is rapidly changing filmmaking — but what are the real implications for artists, copyright and the future of creative work? This week, Jim sits down with Jonathan Yunger, Co-President of Millennium Media and Co-Founder & CEO of Arcana Labs. Jonathan has spent years producing major Hollywood films including titles in The Expendables and Has Fallen franchises, before stepping into the world of AI-powered filmmaking tools. In a conversation designed to ask the hard questions rather than avoid them, we discuss how AI is trained, the concerns many filmmakers have around copyright, what protections independent artists should expect, whether AI risks undermining creative experience, and how close Hollywood really is to convincing AI-generated films. We also talk about environmental concerns, misconceptions around AI, and where these tools may genuinely help filmmakers rather than replace them. Whether you’re excited by AI, sceptical of it, or somewhere in between, this episode aims to explore the questions seriously  and hear the answers directly from someone building in the space. More about Arcana Labs AI: https://www.arcanalabs.ai  Jonathan's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2551411/?ref_=fn_t_1  #JonathanYunger #Filmmaking #AI #Hollywood #artificialintelligence #IndieFilm #Artists #Copyright #CreativeIndustry #AI 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

    41 min
  4. From No Film School to a 5 Day Feature Film | Evan Marcewicz

    Jun 9

    From No Film School to a 5 Day Feature Film | Evan Marcewicz

    Send us Fan Mail What does it actually take to make a feature film on a micro budget? Filmmaker Evan Marcewicz joins the podcast to share how he went from skipping film school to shooting a feature film in just five days. We discuss financing an indie film, choosing the Sony FX6, the realities of filming in difficult locations like cars and the financial risks involved — including loans and maxed-out credit cards. Evan also breaks down one of the toughest stages of independent filmmaking: sales and distribution, why he's going directly to distributors and what he believes is the current state of micro budget cinema. If you’re thinking about making your first feature film, this episode is full of practical advice, money-saving tips and hard-earned lessons from the front lines of indie filmmaking. #Podcast #FilmmakingPodcast #IndependentFilm #MicroBudgetFilm #FeatureFilm #Filmmaker #SonyFX6 #MovieMaking #FilmDistribution #IndieFilm 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

    23 min
  5. Why AI Faces a Filmmaker Backlash - Micro Budget Horror and Film Financing with Daniel J. Pico

    Jun 2

    Why AI Faces a Filmmaker Backlash - Micro Budget Horror and Film Financing with Daniel J. Pico

    Send us Fan Mail Filmmaker Daniel J. Pico joins the podcast to unpack the realities of making independent horror films on a micro budget. We discuss the pitch behind The Withering, why horror remains one of the strongest genres for indie creators, how film financing actually works behind the scenes and what is involved in getting projects funded. The conversation then turns to the growing role of AI in filmmaking, where Daniel shares why he believes many companies have misunderstood the creative community  and why younger filmmakers could ultimately reject it. If you're interested in indie filmmaking, horror cinema, film finance, or the future of AI in movies, this episode is just for you. Watch the trailer for Daniels film THE WITHERING https://youtu.be/oDQtFVvkoGQ?si=HMQ0E8ifXsFKKyrB #Podcast #FilmmakingPodcast #IndependentFilm #MicroBudgetFilm #HorrorPodcast #FilmFinance #AIDebate #IndieFilmmaker #CreativeIndustry #DanielJPico 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

    33 min
  6. Making a Micro Budget Horror Film: Black & White, Filmhub & Indie Film Survival | Zoe Carol & Daya Dodds

    May 26

    Making a Micro Budget Horror Film: Black & White, Filmhub & Indie Film Survival | Zoe Carol & Daya Dodds

    Send us Fan Mail Director Daya Dodds and actor/writer/producer Zoe Carroll join the podcast to discuss the making of Witches of God — a micro budget black and white horror feature created with extremely limited resources. In this conversation, we explore the realities of making independent films on low budgets, including production compromises, camera choices, film festival strategy, marketing through Meta advertising and distribution through Filmhub. Zoe also shares insights into balancing writing, acting and producing on the same project, while Daya reflects on lessons learned from the filmmaking process and what he’d do differently next time. We also discuss the wider state of indie filmmaking, streaming, audience building and the growing conversation around AI in film. Trailer for Witches of God: https://youtu.be/622071l24cg?si=Q-6Uu4vGgt1beMCh IMDB for Witches of God: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14104376/  #FilmmakingPodcast #MicroBudgetFilm #IndieFilm #HorrorPodcast #FilmProduction #IndependentFilmmaker #LowBudgetFilm #Filmhub #BlackAndWhiteFilm #IndieHorror #MoviePodcast  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

    25 min
  7. Can Micro Budget Films Still Work? Funding, Profit & Distribution

    May 19

    Can Micro Budget Films Still Work? Funding, Profit & Distribution

    Send us Fan Mail Filmmaker Jason Morris joins the podcast to discuss the realities of micro budget filmmaking in today’s industry. Including film funding, distribution, profitability and the changing landscape for independent filmmakers. From producing films at different budget levels to releasing projects through distributors and aggregators, Jason shares practical insight into what actually works, what filmmakers should avoid in contracts and why audience-building matters more than ever. We also discuss his $3,000 monster movie Space Rodent, the role of AI in film production, physical media and the lessons he wishes he knew when starting out. If you're making independent films — or planning your first feature — this episode is packed with advice. #Podcast #FilmmakingPodcast #MicroBudgetFilm #IndieFilm #FilmDistribution #IndependentFilmmaker #CreativeBusiness #FilmProduction #JasonMorris #MoviePodcast 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

    30 min
  8. Indie Film Distribution, Micro Budget Horror & Surviving Independent Filmmaking with Austin Galante

    May 12

    Indie Film Distribution, Micro Budget Horror & Surviving Independent Filmmaking with Austin Galante

    Send us Fan Mail #moviemaking #filmmaking #indiefilm  #filmmakingpodcast #filmmaking #moviemaking #microbudget #indiefilm  Filmmaker, actor and producer Austin Galante talks about the grind of making independent films in today’s market, from shooting music videos and working with major recording artists to directing feature-length horror films and navigating distribution deals. Austin shares the story behind Sanguine Teeth on a Driftless Road, including the budget realities, marketing challenges, sales reporting, subtitles, distributors and what happens after your movie is finally finished. The conversation also dives into why many indie filmmakers end up handling directing, producing, cinematography, editing and promotion themselves — and the lessons Austin learned from releasing films back to back. Austin’s background includes collaborations with Cee Lo Green, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, Sid Wilson, and Slimkid3, alongside his work directing films and music videos. Whether you're making your first feature or trying to understand the business side of indie cinema, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to get a film made and released independently. Austin is currently developing his next feature film, “What Have We Won,” starring Robert LaSardo. 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

    33 min
See All (140)

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
    140
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Honest Filmmaker
  • Show Website
    The Honest Filmmaker

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