The Filmmakers Podcast

Our brand new Business of Film SPECIAL: Join Enfys Dickinson, Dom Lenoir, Stephen Follows and Giles Alderson, as we talk Cannes, Festivals, Indie Films, AI and What Makes an American Film. Plus we do the QUIZ! On this special MASSIVE BUMPER episode we are joined by the wonderful Stephen Follows who's website stephenfollows.com is a must read by an indie filmmaker. PLUS we are also joined by the wonderful Enfys Dickinson who has more than 250 productions under her belt incl: HIGH FIDELITY, CHOCOLAT, THE POLAR EXPRESS and 102 DALMATIANS before moving to Warner Bros to work on films such as HARRY POTTER, BATMAN BEGINS, CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and OCEAN’S 12. Enfys then left the studios to set up WonderLust Pictures. Listen and Enjoy. LINKS DIRTY BOY Premiere at Raindance tickets https://raindance.eventive.org/schedule/dirty-boy-68234eda5e47ea122831f7f4 FILM FORGE FILM COURSES info here. FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world.  And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rateit on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helpsus share the film’s important message with more people. Your supporttruly makes a difference! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset 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 film-making? 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, edited and produced 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

This week, Giles Alderson is absolutely thrilled to be joined by one of the most influential and respected producers in independent cinema today: the visionary Ken Kao! As the co-founder and President of Waypoint Entertainment, Ken Kao has been the driving force behind an incredible slate of diverse and thought-provoking films and has recently formed a strategic partnership with the acclaimed distributor Neon. Ken has produced a dozen feature films, with an impressive filmography that includes working with cinematic titans like Martin Scorsese on the powerful drama Silence, and Terrence Malick on his contemplative films Song to Song and Knight of Cups. He also produced the action-comedy The Nice Guys, starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, and The Glass Castle, adapted from the bestselling book by Jeannette Walls and starring Brie Larson and Woody Harrelson. His work also extends to the intense Western Hostiles starring Christian Bale, the suspenseful Tau, and the gritty police drama Rampart. His recent projects include the highly anticipated Project Hail Mary, again starring Ryan Gosling, and the horror film Cuckoo. It's worth noting that Ken also co-founded a production company with his frequent collaborator, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker Ryan Gosling, a partnership dedicated to developing a wide range of unique material for film and television. Ken's dedication to diverse and impactful storytelling truly sets him apart. Join Giles and Ken as they delve into the intricate world of film producing. We'll be discussing the art of identifying compelling stories, the challenges of navigating financing and distribution in the independent sector (especially with Waypoint's recent partnership with Neon), the collaborative process with visionary directors and talented casts like Ryan Gosling, and Ken's philosophy on fostering creativity while bringing ambitious projects to fruition. This is an unmissable conversation for anyone aspiring to produce, passionate about independent film, or simply curious about the crucial role of a producer in shaping cinematic masterpieces. Let's welcome the extraordinary Ken Kao to The Filmmakers Podcast! LINKS DIRTY BOY Premiere at Raindance tickets https://raindance.eventive.org/schedule/dirty-boy-68234eda5e47ea122831f7f4 https://raindance.eventive.org/schedule/dirty-boy-68234eda5e47ea122831f7f4 FILM FORGE FILM COURSES info here. FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world.  And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rateit on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helpsus share the film’s important message with more people. Your supporttruly makes a difference! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset 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 film-making? 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, edited and produced 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

Joining us this week are Feature film producers Rosie Fellner & Ross Clarke to chat to Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir on their latest indie feature starring Walton Goggins, Elizabeth Reaser, Lois Smith and Pedro Pascal. Directed by Nadia Connors. They talk the intricacies and difficulties of Indie Film-making. Financing a feature film. What comes first, cast or money? Being a parent while trying to create movies. Sales & Cinema Distribution of their produced feature The Uninvited. The Uninvited will be available on demand from 11th June! Go Support! ---- FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it HERE A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world.  And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rateit on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helpsus share the film’s important message with more people. Your supporttruly makes a difference! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset 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 film-making? 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, edited and produced 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

Making an indie feature on a shoe string budget and getting it released around the world with today's guests director, writer and producer Mitchell Tolliday, producer and actress Lauren Cornelius and producer and writer Neil Rickatson on Murder Ballads: How to Make it in Rock and Roll. Host Giles Alderson talks with Mitchell, Lauren and Neil about how they made 'Murder Ballads', how they went from Short to Feature. How their raised finance and Crowdfunded the movie. How 'issues' on set can create magic. Sales and Distribution and Festivals. And they give you some brilliant practical advice so you can go and make your own indie feature. MURDER BALLADS: HOW TO MAKE IT ROCK AND ROLL is out NOW FOOD FOR THOUGHT is finally out NOW | Watch it HERE A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world.   And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support truly makes a difference! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset 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 film-making? 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, edited and produced 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

Gareth Evans - 'Havoc', 'The Raid' and 'Gangs of London' Director and writer on his process.Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast, where we delve deep into the world of cinema with the artists who bring unforgettable stories to the screen. This week, your host, Giles Alderson, is beyond excited to welcome a true master of action and suspense, the phenomenal director Gareth Evans!Gareth Evans isn't just a director; he's a cinematic force. He exploded onto the global stage with his groundbreaking martial arts epics: the bone-jarring and genre-redefining The Raid: Redemption, and its critically acclaimed, relentless sequel, The Raid 2. These films, with their breathtakingly brutal and intricately choreographed action sequences, have left an indelible mark on filmmaking worldwide, inspiring countless others. Beyond the Raid saga, Gareth also helmed the atmospheric and unsettling folk-horror Apostle for Netflix, showcasing his impressive range. Furthermore, his incredible work as a creator, writer, and director on the critically acclaimed and intensely visceral TV series Gangs of London has further solidified his reputation for crafting compelling narratives and delivering impactful action on any scale.Now, Gareth returns to the big screen with his highly anticipated action-thriller, Havoc, featuring the immense talent of Tom Hardy. Hardy, a powerhouse performer known for his captivating and intense roles in films like Mad Max: Fury Road, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, and Peaky Blinders, takes center stage in this gripping story. Joining Hardy in the stellar cast of Havoc are the incredibly talented Forest Whitaker (Oscar winner for The Last King of Scotland), Timothy Olyphant (known for his roles in Justified and Deadwood), Justin Cornwell (Training Day TV series), and Luis Guzmán (Boogie Nights, Narcos). Join Dom Lenoir and Gareth for an in-depth conversation about the making of Havoc. They'll explore the collaborative process of working with a talent like Tom Hardy and the rest of the impressive cast, the evolution of Gareth's signature action choreography within a new narrative framework, the challenges and rewards of bringing such a high-stakes thriller to life, and his insights gained from his remarkable journey in film and television, including his groundbreaking work on Gangs of London. This is an absolute must-listen for anyone passionate about action cinema, the craft of directing, the art of performance, or the genius of Gareth Evans. Let's welcome the extraordinary Gareth Evans to The Filmmakers Podcast!"HAVOC is OUT in CINEMAS now.----FOOD FOR THOUGHT is finally out NOW | Watch it HEREA documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support truly makes a difference!PODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/ COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli JMonroeKarenNewmanWant your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show, we’re joined by the brilliant James Hawes - director of Slow Horses, Black Mirror, and One Life - alongside the wonderfully talented Caitríona Balfe, acclaimed for her Golden Globe-nominated performance in Outlander and her standout role in Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast. They each sat down with host Dom Lenoir to dive into their latest feature film, The Amateur (2025), an edge-of-your-seat espionage thriller starring Rami Malek, Jon Bernthal, and Rachel Brosnahan. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore: How the project came together The challenges and logistics of shooting a globe-trotting action thriller Finding the right tone: balancing emotional depth with high-stakes genre storytelling Directing and acting insights from two masters of their craft Collaborating under pressure ...and so much more. Enjoy!THE AMATEUR is out NOW | TrailerWhen his supervisors at the CIA refuse to take action after his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack, a decoder takes matters into his own hands.FOOD FOR THOUGHT is finally out NOW | Watch it HEREA documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support truly makes a difference!PODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/ COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli JMonroeKarenNewmanWant your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonEdited by @tobiasveesLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She's an actress who commands the screen with her intelligence, intensity, and undeniable presence, bringing complex characters to life with remarkable depth. Please welcome the incredibly talented Natalie Dormer!Known for her unforgettable roles as the cunning Anne Boleyn in "The Tudors," the politically astute Margaery Tyrell in "Game of Thrones," the rebellious Cressida in "The Hunger Games" franchise, and her captivating performances in films like "Picnic at Hanging Rock," "The Professor and the Madman," and her recent work in "Penny Dreadful: City of Angels," Natalie has consistently delivered powerful and nuanced performances across film, television, and even video games. We'll be discussing her diverse career, her meticulous approach to character development, her work as a screenwriter and producer, and her latest projects, delving into the nuances of her craft and exploring the stories that resonate with her.Ami Mann is an award-winning TV and film writer/director and fiction writer. Her most recent film, Audrey’s Children, was released theatrically on March 28, 2025.  Set in 1969 Philadelphia, the film stars Natalie Dormer as Dr. Audrey Evans, the revolutionary pediatric oncologist who gained worldwide recognition for her groundbreaking work in treating children with neuroblastoma.   Mann’s passion for filmmaking comes through her body work across both the big and small screen. Her debut feature film Morning won several festival awards, and her follow-up Texas Killing Fields, starring Jessica Chastain, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Chloe Grace Moretz, was nominated for the Golden Lion at the 68th Venice International Film Festival. Additionally, her film Jackie and Ryan, starring Ben Barnes and Katherine Heigl was nominated for the Orizzonti at the 71st Venice International Film Festival. Her feature film   In television/streaming, Mann’s pilot episode block of the Netflix series In From the Cold reached Netflix’s Top 10 in the US and internationally. Other series directing work includes House of Cards, Shots Fired and Sneaky Pete. Her episode of Friday Night Lights, “I Can’t”, received a Television Academy Honors Award for Television with a Conscience. And we’re lucky to chat with her today about how she brought her latest indie film, Audrey’s Children, to life.AUDREY'S CHILDREN is out NOW | Trailer1969. Dr. Audrey Evans joins a world-renowned children's hospital and battles sexism, medical conventions, and the subterfuge of her peers to develop revolutionary treatments and purchase the first Ronald McDonald House, impacting millions.FOOD FOR THOUGHT is finally out NOW | Watch it HEREA documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support truly makes a difference!PODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/ COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli JMonroeKarenNewmanWant your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonEdited by @tobiasveesLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s special episode, we welcome not one but two incredible guests to the show: Nicholas Stoller, writer-director of the comedy film You're Cordially Invited (2025), starring Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon, and Seth Gordon, writer-director of the action-comedy Back in Action (2025), starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. They each sat down individually with Dom Lenoir to chat about their movies, including: Writing and directing a successful comedy The actor-director collaboration on a comedy Making comedies in 2025 The challenges of shooting action scenes And much more! Tune in for an insightful and entertaining conversation with two masters of comedy and action!YOU'RE CORDIALLY INVITED is out NOW | TrailerWhen two weddings are double-booked at the same venue, the father of one bride and the sister of the other bride try to preserve the wedding weekend.BACK IN ACTION is out NOW | TrailerFormer CIA spies Emily and Matt are pulled back into espionage after their secret identities are exposed.FOOD FOR THOUGHT is finally out NOW | Watch it HEREA documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support truly makes a difference!PODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/ COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli JMonroeKarenNewmanWant your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonEdited by @tobiasveesLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we welcome the brilliant creative team behind the highly entertaining and thought-provoking feature film Companion (2025): writer-director Drew Hancock and editors Brett W. Bachman & Josh Ethier. They sat down with our hosts, Giles Alderson & Dom Lenoir, for a fantastic conversation about the filmmaking process - diving deep into: How the script evolved from idea to screen Finding one’s unique voice as a filmmaker The challenges and rewards of directing a debut feature Mastering the delicate balance of tone and genre The collaboration between editors And so much more! COMPANION is out NOW | TrailerA weekend getaway with friends at a remote cabin turns into chaos after it's revealed that one of the guests is not what they seem.FOOD FOR THOUGHT is finally out NOW | Watch it HEREA documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support truly makes a difference!PODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/ COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli JMonroeKarenNewmanWant your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonEdited by @tobiasveesLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, our primo host Dom Lenoir sits down with the team behind Netflix’s latest hit, Adolescence – a groundbreaking mini-series where every episode is shot in a single take. It’s an incredible achievement from the entire cast and crew, and we couldn’t wait to find out how they pulled it off. Joining us for this fascinating conversation are:Stephen Graham & Erin Doherty (actors)Philip Barantini (Director)Jack Thorne (Writer)Together, they dive into: How Stephen, Jack, and Philip developed the concept The process of writing a one-take script The challenges and techniques behind filming without cuts The current state of drama in film and TV And so much more! We had an amazing time chatting with these incredibly talented creatives – now it’s your turn to sit back, relax, and enjoy.ADOLESCENCE is out on Netflix NOW | TrailerWhen a 13-year-old is accused of the murder of a classmate, his family, therapist and the detective in charge are all left asking what really happened.FOOD FOR THOUGHT is finally out NOW | Watch it HEREA documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support truly makes a difference!PODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/ COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli JMonroeKarenNewmanWant your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonEdited by @tobiasveesLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices