The Filmmakers Podcast

Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast!Filmmakers, today is a massive double-header. We are taking a deep dive into the survival horror sensation that everyone is talking about: Send Help.In the first half, we are joined by the architectural minds behind the film. First, he is a man who needs no introduction — the architect of modern horror and the superhero blockbuster. From the cabin in the woods of Evil Dead to the original Spider-Man trilogy and the madness of Doctor Strange, please welcome the legendary Sam Raimi!He is joined by his powerhouse producing partner and the President of Raimi Productions, Zainab Azizi. Zainab has been the driving force behind a string of recent hits, including the high-concept thriller 65, the Netflix hit Don't Move, and the upcoming Locked. Together, they break down how they navigated a grueling 11-week shoot in Australia and Thailand to bring this visceral story to life.Then, in part two, we sit down with the film’s co-lead. He’s an actor who has evolved from a YA icon in The Maze Runner into one of the most versatile performers working today — shining in everything from Love and Monsters to playing Dan Aykroyd in Saturday Night and his award-winning turn in Twinless. He is here to talk about playing the boss-from-hell turned helpless survivor: Dylan O’Brien!Grab your notebooks... let’s welcome Sam Raimi, Zainab Azizi, and Dylan O’Brien! SEND HELP is out in cinemas NOW! | TRAILER FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, we go behind the scenes of the 6-time BAFTA-nominated film I Swear (2026) with the filmmaking team! In Part 1, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with producers Piers Tempest (The Wife, William Tell) and Georgia Bayliff (Paradise Highway) from Tempo Productions. They discuss the reality of financing independent British drama in 2026, how they packaged a film about Tourette’s syndrome as a crowd-pleasing theatrical event, and the role of a producer during a busy awards season. In Part 2, Giles and Dom are joined by writer/director Kirk Jones (Waking Ned, Nanny McPhee, Everybody’s Fine). Kirk reveals why he returned to his indie roots for this passion project, the challenge of directing Robert Aramayo's transformative performance (nominated for Best Actor), and how he raised finance and balanced humor with the gritty reality of the true story. I Swear is OUT NOW on PRIME VIDEO Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The reigning Academy Award winner for Best Picture joins the show! Legendary producer Charles "Chuck" Roven (Oppenheimer, The Dark Knight Trilogy) sits down with Giles Alderson to discuss his pulsing new sci-fi thriller, Mercy (starring Chris Pratt & Rebecca Ferguson). In this masterclass on producing, Chuck breaks down his unique career path from stuntman to the founder of Atlas Entertainment. He reveals how he packages massive films independently (like American Hustle and 12 Monkeys), the challenges of producing for visionary directors like Christopher Nolan and Timur Bekmambetov, and why he believes Mercy's concept of an "AI Judge" is a terrifying glimpse into our future. We discuss: The Mercy Reunion: Bringing Chris Pratt and director Timur Bekmambetov back together 18 years after Wanted. The "Atlas" Model: How to develop and package blockbuster IP outside of the studio system. The Oppenheimer Journey: Lessons learned from producing the Best Picture winner and working with Cillian Murphy. Managing Visionaries: How to support directors like David O. Russell and Zack Snyder while protecting the budget. The Stuntman Roots: How his early days on Hawaii Five-O shaped his approach to action safety. Mercy is in CINEMAS NOW Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, host (and Executive Producer!) Giles Alderson sits down with actor/producer Tony Cook (Dune: Part Two) and director Zak Fenning to break down the making of their new British crime-comedy, A Gangster's Life. Joined by fellow filmmakers Dom Lenoir the team reveals exactly how they pulled off a low-budget feature film that spans two countries (London and Greece) without breaking the bank. They discuss the "hustle" behind casting rising stars like Jonny Weldon (One Day, House of the Dragon) and Rina Lipa (in her feature debut), and the challenges of self-distributing a genre film in 2026. We discuss: The "Two-Country" Shoot: Logistics of moving a low-budget crew from London to Greece. Casting Coups: How to attach big names (Rina Lipa, Jonny Weldon) to an indie project. Actor to Producer: Tony Cook on taking lessons from the set of Dune: Part Two into indie producing. Visual Style: How Zak used his background as a DoP to give the film a "high budget" look. The Reality of Release: Navigating the UK digital market and finding an audience. A Gangster's Life is out now on Digital Platforms. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Director Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels) joins Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir to discuss directing the massive horror sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. In this deep-dive interview, Nia breaks down the incredible pressure and privilege of taking the baton from Danny Boyle for Part 2 of the new trilogy. She reveals her journey from the Sundance Labs with Little Woods to managing massive VFX budgets, and now returning to practical, visceral horror. We discuss working with legends like Cillian Murphy and Ralph Fiennes, the "social thriller" genre. Topics discussed: Directing 28 Years Later: Part 2 immediately after Danny Boyle. Scripting and outlining. What she does when she gets stuck on a script or as a director. Advice for directors on handling "imposter syndrome" on big sets. Dealing with disappointment and feeling like a failure. Rehearsals and locations and why all directors are different. For more interviews and filmmaking chat head to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com where our main podcast chats are. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is OUT NOW Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary writer-director Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, First Reformed) joins Giles Alderson & Dom Lenoir to discuss his powerful new film, Oh, Canada. In this exclusive masterclass, Paul reveals how he shot the complex, multi-timeline drama in just 17 days and why he reunited with Richard Gere 45 years after American Gigolo. We dive deep into his screenwriting process, talking Taxi Driver, re-writing, the reherasal process and directing actors. Why he reads scenes in reverse. PLUS adapting the late Russell Banks' novel, and his unique approach to 'rewriting the film' in the edit. Paul also opens up about working with Jacob Elordi, the evolution of his 'Man in a Room' films, and why he believes filmmakers must constantly reinvent their visual language. A must-listen for anyone interested in the craft of cinema from one of its greatest living rebels. Oh, Canada , Based on the novel Foregone by Russell Banks. It follows Leonard Fife (Richard Gere), a famous leftist documentary filmmaker who fled to Canada to avoid the Vietnam draft. Now dying of cancer, he agrees to a final interview with his former students (Michael Imperioli) to confess the "truth" of his life—a truth his wife (Uma Thurman) might not be ready to hear, is out now. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Director Hikari (Beef, Tokyo Vice) joins The Filmmakers Podcast to discuss her new film Rental Family and working with Brendan Fraser. In this inspiring interview, Hikari breaks down her unique journey with Dom Lenoir to chat her journey from stunt extra to award-winning director. She discusses the process of crafting the visual language for the hit Netflix series Beef (directing the pilot), working with Michael Mann on Tokyo Vice, and the emotional journey of making Rental Family. We dive deep into directing actors across different languages, the "fake family" rental phenomenon in Japan, and how she transitioned from her indie breakout 37 Seconds to major studio projects. Topics discussed: Directing Brendan Fraser in his first major role since The Whale. How she set the visual tone for Netflix's Beef. The cultural differences between filming in Tokyo vs. Hollywood. Writing Rental Family during the pandemic. Advice for filmmakers on finding their unique voice. Rental Family is OUT in CINEMAS NOW PLUS Giles and Dom discuss this years awards season contenders and the dark horses who might just get a nod. We are primarily an audio podcast so for more interviews like thisplease head to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com. Do subscribe and give a nice review. Why not. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's 2026! Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast! The legendary James L. Brooks (Creator of 'The Simpsons', Director of 'As Good as It Gets') sits down with Conor Boru and Francis Annan to discuss his first film in 15 years, 'Ella McCay'. In this exclusive interview, the 3-time Oscar winner breaks down his return to the director's chair, working with Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis, and his unique process for finding the "truth" in comedy. We dive deep into his screenwriting craft, how he produces for other directors (like Wes Anderson), and the lessons he's learned from a career that defined the "dramedy" genre. Topics discussed: Why he chose Ella McCay as his return to directing. The challenge of writing dialogue that is both funny and heartbreaking. Directing an ensemble cast (Woody Harrelson, Jaime Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri, The legacy of Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News. Producing advice for young filmmakers. We are primarily an audio podcast so for more interviews like this please head to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com. Do subscribe. Why not. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this regular festive episode of The Filmmakers Podcast, the hosts and guests engage in light-hearted banter, share personal updates, and discuss the joys and challenges of filmmaking, the TOP TEN podcast episodes of the year AND they compete in the ANNUAL QUIZ! Who will win (again?) Our hosts are: Giles Alderson, Dom Lenoir, Lucinda Rhodes Thakrar, Phil Hawkins, Stephen Follows, Tobias Vees and Matthew Butler-Hart who all share their experiences and insights, highlighting the collaborative nature of the film industry and the importance of community among filmmakers. As they reflect on their projects and future plans, the episode captures the essence of creativity and camaraderie in the filmmaking world. In this engaging conversation, the hosts reflect on the past year in filmmaking, sharing insights from their experiences and the lessons learned through their podcast. They discuss the importance of perseverance, finding a supportive community, and the joy of creating films. The conversation also touches on market trends for 2026 and the future of filmmaking, emphasizing the need for originality and creativity in a changing industry. The episode features a fun Christmas quiz, adding a light-hearted element to the discussion. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of film funding, the challenges faced in casting and securing equity investment, and the importance of passion in filmmaking. They explore how the indie film industry is adapting to new financing strategies and the growing significance of genre films in attracting investors. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of filmmaking. We reflect on the importance of storytelling, the challenges faced in the film industry, and share personal insights and advice for aspiring filmmakers. Thank you for listening. Have a wonderful XMAS and see you in the NEW YEAR! Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Filmmakers, we have the creators of the biggest show on the planet. The masterminds who took 80s nostalgia, Dungeons & Dragons, and a group of kids on bikes, and turned it into a global empire. I am talking, of course, about Matt and Ross Duffer—The Duffer Brothers! Now, you know them as the creators of Stranger Things, the show that literally breaks the internet every time a new season drops. But what we love about this conversation is that we go right back to the start. We talk about their 2015 low-budget horror thriller, Hidden—a film that got caught in studio limbo but taught them the vital lessons of directing and how they pitched Stranger Things around various studios and TV execs getting rejections along the way. We dive into how they work as a duo, how they pitch to networks (and deal with rejection!), and the absolute mountain of work it takes to land the final season of the most popular show in the world. From the Upside Down to the top of Hollywood, this is a masterclass in long-form storytelling and sticking to your vision. Grab your Eggos and turn up the volume. Let’s welcome... The Duffer Brothers!" STRANGER THINGS s5 is OUT NOW on NETFLIX! Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film’s important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/   COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/   PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com   CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Edited by @tobiasvees Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative  Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices