170 episodes

Liz Manashil and Alrik Bursell discuss independent filmmaking, everything from writing, producing and directing to working as crew. But this is not just a podcast about "making it," it's also about struggling with rejection, self-doubt and everything else that comes with pursuing a career in film. Follow along as we forge our own way through the industry and talk to guests who are also making it happen.

Episodes 238-299 are available at our patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast

Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking Liz Manashil & Alrik Bursell

    • TV & Film
    • 4.9 • 196 Ratings

Liz Manashil and Alrik Bursell discuss independent filmmaking, everything from writing, producing and directing to working as crew. But this is not just a podcast about "making it," it's also about struggling with rejection, self-doubt and everything else that comes with pursuing a career in film. Follow along as we forge our own way through the industry and talk to guests who are also making it happen.

Episodes 238-299 are available at our patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast

    Making a Thoughtful First Feature with Dawn Jones Redstone!

    Making a Thoughtful First Feature with Dawn Jones Redstone!

    • 1 hr 10 min
    BONUS: Throwback Interview with Indie Filmmaking Legend Jared Hess!

    BONUS: Throwback Interview with Indie Filmmaking Legend Jared Hess!

    Here's a throwback episode from our 100th episode way back on May 8th of 2017 at the end of the 2nd year of the show! Jared Hess is the director of Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre and many others. For those who don't know Napoleon Dynamite basically became the most successful indie film ever and I don't think anything that low budget as achieved that level of success since (maybe paranormal activity). He's a working writer and a director, spending most of his time on TV and films. But the reason we wanted to talk to him was because he lived the dream we all have: making it into Sundance with our first film, winning a bunch of awards and getting whisked off to Hollywood to start a career. This conversation is a good match for Thom Harp, not because of the Sundance win but because he always works with the funniest of people in all of his movies, which is also true for Thom at the very start of his career! Enjoy!

    If you like these throwback episodes give us a shout at podcast@makingmoviesishard.com and thanks for listening!

    Check out our patreon at www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast

    Order The Alternate on Itunes Out Now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-alternate/id1640576609?ls=1

    • 1 hr 23 min
    Delivering 2 Features in One Year: Making The Donor Party with Thom Harp!

    Delivering 2 Features in One Year: Making The Donor Party with Thom Harp!

    This week, Alrik and Liz welcome filmmaker Thom Harp on the show to talk about making his move to LA, getting reps, and then after many years, making his two first features back to back during the pandemic. We focus the conversation mainly on The Donor Party starring Malin Ackerman. Enjoy!

    Order The Alternate on Itunes Out Now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-alternate/id1640576609?ls=1

    For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io

    Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org

    • 1 hr 23 min
    BONUS: Throwback Interview with Sleight Filmmaker J.D. Dillard!

    BONUS: Throwback Interview with Sleight Filmmaker J.D. Dillard!

    Here's a throwback episode from way back in the vault from episode 157 with writer/director J.D. Dillard who was famously attached to a Star Wars feature and a Superman feature and was in development on a remake of The Fly for many years. In this conversation we talk about making his first feature Sleight which ended up premiering at Sundance and being released in theaters and made over $1 million dollars in theaters alone before going to streaming/DVD on a $250k budget. This was a really fun conversation then and I think it remains a great one now!

    If you like these throwback episodes give us a shout at podcast@makingmoviesishard.com and thanks for listening!

    Check out our patreon at www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast

    Order The Alternate on Itunes Out Now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-alternate/id1640576609?ls=1

    • 1 hr 58 min
    Making Your First Feature at Blumhouse with Yoko Okumura!

    Making Your First Feature at Blumhouse with Yoko Okumura!

    This week Alrik and Liz welcome writer/director Yoko Okumura on the show to talk about the making of her first feature film Unseen, as part of a Blumhouse/MGM deal, how she landed the director role and what her experience was like directing her first feature at that scale. After that we play another round of THE GAME. Enjoy

    Order The Alternate on Itunes Out Now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-alternate/id1640576609?ls=1

    For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io

    Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org

    • 1 hr 18 min
    BONUS: Throwback Episode with Filmmaker Aleem Hossain!

    BONUS: Throwback Episode with Filmmaker Aleem Hossain!

    This week Liz and Alrik talk with indie filmmaker Aleem Hossain about the process of making his first feature film, After We Leave, which he shot across over eight years and made it on a budget under $50k. Aleem talks about his decision to make his film over a long period of time, not rush the process and make sure he got each frame just the way he wanted.

    If you like these throwback episodes give us a shout at podcast@makingmoviesishard.com and thanks for listening!

    Check out our patreon at www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast

    Order The Alternate on Itunes Out Now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-alternate/id1640576609?ls=1

    • 1 hr 12 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
196 Ratings

196 Ratings

RestlssHeart ,

Love This Podcast!!

As a filmmakers myself, I thoroughly enjoy the honest take on all things filmmaking. Keep up the great work!

John Demakas

Reighzin ,

I Love This Podcast

I listen to y’all on the way to work on my scooter. Don’t worry I’m safe. I’ve learned so much and you guys inspire me.

SharonMa'am ,

Stay With It!

We love the show, the candid interviews, and insights from the best hosts Alrik & Liz ! Keep it up! This podcast is a light in the dark for so many who just need some encouragement to know their story matters and they can, in fact, overcome the obstacles to make a film. Yes it’s hard, but with awesome people in the arena with you, it IS possible. Thank you! - Rebecca & James Casselman

Top Podcasts In TV & Film

PodcastOne
Apple TV+
Lala Kent | Cumulus Podcast Network
CBS
Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam | Wondery
Hannah Berner & Paige DeSorbo