JDH the Podcast

JDH - The Podcast
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Welcome to JDH the Podcast — an unfiltered deep dive into filmmaking, entertainment, and the creative process from every angle imaginable. Hosted by John David Harris, writer/director of the independent feature film HOSTAGE, this podcast goes beyond surface-level conversations to explore the realities of storytelling, independent film production, directing, writing, acting, industry politics, streaming culture, marketing, controversy, and everything in between. No topic is off limits. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a film fanatic, or someone fascinated by the entertainment world behind the curtain, JDH the Podcast delivers honest conversations, behind-the-scenes insight, and raw discussions you won’t hear anywhere else. 🎬 Filmmaking. Entertainment. Culture. Creativity. Chaos. This is JDH the Podcast.

  1. 4d ago

    JDH talks with Tatiana Paris - Independent Filmmaker Spotlight

    In this conversation, filmmaker Tatiana Paris shares her journey from acting to directing and producing, discussing the challenges and changes in the film industry. The dialogue explores the complexities of filmmaking, including budgeting, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of film distribution. The conversation delves into the intricacies of filmmaking, focusing on dialogue crafting, improvisation, co-directing, and the horror genre. Tatiana Paris shares her experiences and aspirations as a filmmaker, highlighting the collaborative nature of the industry and her passion for creating impactful films. Takeaways Filmmaking requires adaptabilityCollaboration enhances creativity Embrace improvisation in scenesCollaboration is key in filmmaking Chapters 00:00 Tatiana's Journey into Filmmaking02:58 The Challenges of the Industry06:09 Navigating the New Landscape of Filmmaking08:50 The Evolution of Film Distribution12:00 The Art of Writing and Budgeting14:57 Balancing Creativity and Practicality17:48 Collaboration and Compromise in Filmmaking21:04 The Actor-Director Dynamic27:03 Crafting Dialogue and Scene Dynamics29:32 The Art of Improvisation in Acting31:16 Navigating Actor-Director Relationships33:49 Co-Directing: A Collaborative Journey38:12 Exploring the Horror Genre46:29 Future Aspirations in Filmmaking#TatianaParis #IndieFilmmaking #HorrorMovies #Filmmaking #JDHThePodcast

  2. Nov 3

    JDH - talks with Warren Badinski - Independent Filmmaker Spotlight

    How He Got a Micro-Budget Horror Film on Netflix | Warren Badenski Filmmaker Warren Badenski made his first feature, Simon, on a tiny budget with DSLRs and friends. It later reached Netflix in Europe and Prime Video. He joins JDH to share how he financed it, found distribution and kept going when plans fell apart.In this indie filmmaking interview: • How Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford and Winnie the Pooh pushed him toward film • Writing process: from notebook story beats to letting the characters lead • Shooting Simon with a few friends, a basement and a failed Indiegogo campaign • Finding distribution, and how Netflix licensing really works for indie films • Dead Name, its Blu-ray release, and the third film, Love and Vengeance • Why horror is a great genre for indie filmmakers • Advice for first-time filmmakers: find your people, be upfront, listen to your actors⏱ Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:10 How Warren got into filmmaking 3:10 Nerves, acting and directing 5:22 His writing process 9:05 Writing around your budget 10:58 Making his first feature, Simon 14:52 Financing and the failed crowdfunding campaign 18:14 Teaching himself to edit 20:44 Finding distribution 24:20 How Netflix pays indie films 26:40 Dead Name and Dark Side Releasing 34:42 Love and Vengeance 35:40 Favorite genres and falling for horror 44:30 Advice for new filmmakers 49:24 Where he sees himself in 3–5 yearsSubscribe for more conversations with independent filmmakers. #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #HorrorFilm #FilmPodcast #NetflixMovie #LowBudgetFilm #london #jdhthepodcast #warren Warren Badenski, Simon movie, Dead Name movie, Love and Vengeance, indie horror, indie filmmaker interview, filmmaker interview, film podcast, how to get a movie on Netflix, low budget filmmaking, micro budget film, first feature film, independent film distribution, self-financed film, indie film crowdfunding, horror filmmaker, filmmaking advice for beginners, Dark Side Releasing, Netflix indie film, JDH podcast

  3. Oct 29

    JDH talks with Robert Reed Altman - Independent Filmmaker Spotlight

    Robert Reed Altman: Growing Up on Robert Altman Sets, AI & Indie Film Cinematographer and director Robert Reed Altman, son of legendary director Robert Altman, joins JDH. He tells how a two-week visit to the set of Nashville at age 14 turned into a career in the camera department, including 17 of his father's films. He also shares what it was like to be the focus puller on The Player. They also cover: • Film vs. digital cameras, and what filmmakers still need to know • How streaming and shrinking budgets are changing crews and jobs • Vertical series: shooting 16:9 and vertical at once, and building a new platform • Using AI for backgrounds on the sci-fi film Extinction Crew, and why he says AI actors "don't have a soul" • Why work has left Los Angeles • Robert's next project, a true-story drama he's co-writing to direct⏱ Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:33 Growing up on Robert Altman's sets 4:22 From cinematographer to director on Extinction Crew 6:13 Film vs. digital 11:28 Streaming and the changing industry 16:12 Vertical series 19:41 AI in filmmaking 25:53 Crew size and why work left LA 27:50 Finding jobs after COVID 29:20 The film he's writing 33:18 The Player and its opening shot 35:47 How Robert Altman got his films made 39:49 Why he wants to direct 44:05 Long takes in modern films 47:20 Where he sees himself in 3–5 years Subscribe for more conversations with filmmakers. #RobertAltman #Cinematography #IndieFilm #FilmPodcast #Filmmaking #AIinFilm

  4. Oct 27

    JDH talks with Tom Byrne - Independent Filmmaker Spotlight

    Tom Byrne on Directing My Son the Mummy 4: Indie Film Funding Secrets Director Tom Byrne joins JDH to talk about My Son the Mummy 4, the first film in his planned five-part "quintology". He covers how a percussionist became a video director and why he's raising a $235K budget for an experimental horror musical comedy. He also explains how he plans to release it in five acts.In this indie filmmaking interview: • From touring musician to editor and music video director • Film vs. digital: Avid, hard drives and how production has changed • Directing your first feature: preparation, crew and the first AD • Self-financing a soundtrack, and plans A, B and C for the budget • Crowdfunding: Kickstarter vs. Seed&Spark vs. GoFundMe • A five-act release, a website treasure hunt, midnight showings and a drive-in band tour⏱ Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:43 How Tom got into filmmaking 4:19 Avid, hard drives and old-school editing 8:07 Film vs. digital, and why preparation still matters 13:23 Crew camaraderie and first ADs 21:41 The five-part "quintology" 23:32 Writing the screenplay 25:26 Financing the $235K budget 29:27 Plans A, B and C 31:21 How crowdfunding works 40:15 Chasing money and distribution 43:50 Making an experimental "gonzo comedy" 47:20 Streaming and low-budget access 49:15 The five-act release strategy 52:32 Midnight movies and the band tour 55:25 The low-budget "sweet spot" 1:00:43 The open mic story 1:03:44 Where Tom sees himself in 3–5 years 1:07:33 Behind-the-scenes plans and wrap-upSubscribe for more conversations with independent filmmakers. #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #IndependentFilmmaker #FilmFunding #Crowdfunding #FilmPodcast

  5. Oct 22

    JDH talks with Clay Guiltner - Independent Filmmaker Spotlight

    The conversation explores Clay Giltner's journey from theater to film, discussing the differences in rehearsal processes, the impact of digital technology on filmmaking, and the challenges of making a career in the arts. Giltner shares insights on directing, writing, and teaching, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and adaptability in the evolving landscape of the film industry. The conversation explores the journey of filmmaker Clayton Guiltner, focusing on his experiences with film distribution, the relevance of film festivals, and the evolving landscape of filmmaking. Guiltner shares insights on budgeting, networking, and the importance of understanding the business side of filmmaking while discussing his own projects and future aspirations. Takeaways Theater vs. Film DynamicsImportance of Collaboration Importance of film festivalsUnderstanding film distributionChapters 00:00 From Theater to Film: A Journey03:02 The Script: Adhering vs. Ad-libbing05:56 Rehearsal Processes: Theater vs. Film08:58 Digital Filmmaking: A New Era11:54 Writing and Directing: Finding Your Voice14:59 Theater Industry: Challenges and Opportunities18:01 Teaching Filmmaking: Bridging Theory and Practice21:13 The Impact of Streaming on Filmmaking24:00 Navigating the Film Industry: Lessons Learned26:59 Building a Creative Team: The Role of the DP30:02 Distribution: Getting Your Film Out There30:24 Navigating Film Distribution31:59 The Role of Film Festivals34:37 Experiences with Distribution Deals39:58 The Changing Landscape of Distribution42:23 Genres and Audience Targeting44:50 Budgeting for Success46:44 Networking in the Film Industry49:14 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers51:36 Exploring Vertical Storytelling54:25 Future Aspirations in Filmmaking

  6. Oct 16

    JDH talks with Adam Kennedy - Independent Filmmaker Spotlight

    In this conversation, Adam Kennedy discusses his journey into filmmaking, starting from his early inspirations to his current projects. He shares insights on the challenges of transitioning from short films to feature films and the complexities of film distribution. Takeaways Filmmaking journey is non-linearImportance of understanding contractsChapters 00:00 The Beginning of a Filmmaking Journey13:40 Transitioning to Feature Films28:31 Distribution Challenges and Experiences

  7. Oct 10

    JDH talks with Vlad Chesa - Independent Filmmaker Spotlight

    The conversation features filmmaker Vlad Chesa discussing his journey in filmmaking, from his early experiences on set in Romania to his current work in the UK. He shares insights on storytelling, collaboration, and the challenges of finding investors and distribution for films. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of independent filmmaking, focusing on distribution methods, the impact of digital platforms like YouTube, and the challenges and opportunities faced by filmmakers today. Vlad Chesa shares insights on his current projects, including a series he is developing, and discusses the significance of resilience and creativity in navigating the industry. Takeaways Filmmaking is a collaborative artStorytelling is central to filmmaking Independent filmmaking is thrivingResilience is key to success Chapters 00:00 Vlad Chesa's Filmmaking Journey10:57 The Art of Storytelling in Film16:59 Collaboration and Roles in Filmmaking23:14 Navigating Film Distribution Challenges25:19 Evolving Distribution Methods29:30 The Power of YouTube and Social Media32:31 Creative Freedom in Writing35:55 The 48-Hour Film Challenge44:10 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers46:26 Future Aspirations in Filmmaking#JDHthepodcast #Romania #london #indiefilm #48hourfilmcontest #filmmaker #writer #director #producer #editor #crew #spotlight #podcast #UK #UKfilm #romaniafilm

  8. Oct 6

    JDH talks with Emmett Loverde - Independent Filmmaker Spotlight

    The conversation features Emmett La Verde discussing his journey in filmmaking, from his early experiences with Super Eight film in high school to his current projects, including his latest film 'Without a Name'. He shares insights on the evolution of filmmaking technology, the challenges of distribution, and the importance of collaboration on set. The conversation delves into Emmett Loverde's experiences as an indie filmmaker, discussing the financial aspects of filmmaking, the challenges of distribution, and his future projects. Emmett shares insights on working with actors, the evolution of the film industry, and his passion for creating diverse films. Takeaways Filmmaking has evolved significantlyDistribution challenges persist for indie filmmakers Indie filmmaking requires strategic budgetingDistribution channels are evolving rapidlyChapters 00:00 The Journey Begins: Early Filmmaking Experiences11:57 Transitioning to Feature Films: The Road Ahead23:54 Navigating Distribution: Lessons Learned29:30 Budgeting for Indie Films31:01 Navigating the Changing Film Industry32:59 Working with Established Actors36:54 Adapting Stage Plays to Film38:57 The Journey of 'Without a Name'39:50 Distribution Challenges and Strategies47:06 Future Projects and AspirationsIndependent filmmaker Emmett Loverde joins JDH to discuss his journey from shooting on Super 8 film and VHS cameras to writing and directing feature films. Emmett shares the stories behind films including Santa’s Letters, She’s Out of His Mind, Beauty, Brains and Personality, and Without a Name. They also get candid about the realities of independent film distribution—from film markets and difficult contracts to streaming platforms, Tubi, FilmHub, and Indie Rights. They also discuss financing indie films, working with actors and crews, the shift from film to digital production, and Emmett’s upcoming comedy The Maginot Line and punk-rock documentary project. If you’re an independent filmmaker, actor, or film fan interested in what it really takes to make and release movies, this conversation is for you. #IndependentFilm #IndieFilmmaker #FilmDistribution #Tubi #FilmHub #Filmmaking #FeatureFilm #MovieMaking #FilmDirector #IndependentCinema #Screenwriting #FilmIndustry #PodcastInterview #EmmettLoverde

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About

Welcome to JDH the Podcast — an unfiltered deep dive into filmmaking, entertainment, and the creative process from every angle imaginable. Hosted by John David Harris, writer/director of the independent feature film HOSTAGE, this podcast goes beyond surface-level conversations to explore the realities of storytelling, independent film production, directing, writing, acting, industry politics, streaming culture, marketing, controversy, and everything in between. No topic is off limits. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a film fanatic, or someone fascinated by the entertainment world behind the curtain, JDH the Podcast delivers honest conversations, behind-the-scenes insight, and raw discussions you won’t hear anywhere else. 🎬 Filmmaking. Entertainment. Culture. Creativity. Chaos. This is JDH the Podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    JDH - The Podcast
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 JDH - The Podcast
  • Show Website
    JDH the Podcast