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

We are joined this week by Mark Hampton, who has not only written, produced, directed and edited his British Independent Boxing Drama Thriller (described as "Rocky meets Wall Street") but starred in it too. Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit and chat with Mark about how he made Unlicensed. How he raised the money, sales and distribution, why you have to push your own film out in the world. How he had been burnt and learnt from it, how he wrangled locations, worked with his great DP and crew and crew, why it so difficult for indie filmmakers and how the film went from concept to wrapping principal photography in an unusually fast three months. Unlicensed is about a disgraced, white-collar ex-con and former City broker, Danny Goode (played by Mark Hampton), is unable to return to his old life. Struggling with a secret gambling addiction and trying to reconnect with his estranged wife and son, he seeks a quick cash fix by entering an unlicensed, high-stakes boxing match. Unlicensed won the Jury Award for Best Feature at the London Independent Film Festival. Unlicensed is now available in the UK and Ireland on  Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0FSC43MVK/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_rhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0FSC43MVK/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r AppleTV:https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/unlicensed/umc.cmc.56mt07mknw8lwaikymxif3sz7 And youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgJ3UVtZDcw 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

This week we are joined by Sales Agent Itzchak Maghen! Itzchak has works on indie gems to studio movies including THE ABSENCE OF EDEN starring Zoë Saldana and Adria Arjona, DREAMIN' WILD with Casey Affleck and Zooey Deschanel, THE CUT featuring Orlando Bloom and John Turturro, and MASERATI: THE BROTHERS with Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Alba. He talks to Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir about why he picks projects, what filmmakers should do when speaking to sales agents. They also talk: Does your project suck? Industry Changes. Ask and Takes. Sales Estimates. If concept art and promos are good (or not). His consulting AND working in Cannes with 'Quantify'. Why you should ask questions to your sales agent before signing. Why 'networking' is building friendships. Itchak Maghen can be contacted for consultancy work here https://www.consultingim.com FILM FORGE FILM COURSES info here. SUPPORT new indie film Fairy Dust's crowdfunder here. Stage32 CANNES 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

Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with writer/director (and actor) Kristen Stewart and actor Imogen Poots to discuss Kristen's highly anticipated feature directorial debut, The Chronology of Water. The director, acclaimed for her Oscar-nominated role in Spencer, breaks down the challenge of adapting Lidia Yuknavitch's raw memoir and her choice to shoot on 16mm film. Imogen Poots (The Father, Vivarium) shares her actor's process for embodying the difficult role and how the unique Stewart-Poots collaboration helped bring this complex, emotional story to life. A must-listen masterclass on craft, vulnerability, and the transition from actor to director. Kristen, known for the Twilight films who became the first American actress to win a French César Award and earned an Oscar nomination for Spencer, makes her highly anticipated feature directorial debut with The Chronology of Water. This is an emotionally fearless, non-linear look at the trauma and ultimate triumph of writer Lidia Yuknavitch, a film that blew up at the Cannes Film Festival where it received a huge ovation. Joining her is the incredible Imogen Poots—a chameleon of the screen, known for her intense work in films like The Father, Green Room, All of You and Vivarium. As Lidia, Imogen carries the immense weight of this memoir, earning massive praise for her raw, committed performance. We’re going to dive deep into The Chronology of Water's production: the 8-year journey to bring this 'unadaptable' memoir to the screen, and the unique, vulnerable challenge of an actor-turned-director working with her lead star. This is a must-listen on resilience, adaptation, and finding your voice in cinema. Let’s welcome Kristen Stewart and Imogen Poots! The Chronology of Water is playing in select theatres before it's release early next 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 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

On this weeks episode with have Director and Writer Noah Baumbach. Dom Lenoir (Dombach meets Baumbach!!) sits down with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach (Barbie, The Squid and The Whale, Marriage Story) to dive into his stunning new film, Jay Kelly. The director explains his intimate writing process for building emotionally complex characters, the challenge of directing superstars like George Clooney and Adam Sandler, and how he uses Hollywood fame as a device for poignant dramedy. Baumbach shares exclusive insight on his unique collaborative relationships, the film's visual style, and the lessons learned from Marriage Story to Jay Kelly. A masterclass in screenwriting and auteur filmmaking. "Jay Kelly" is a dramedy that follows famous movie actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) as he embarks on an unexpected, profound journey through Europe with his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler). The film is a self-reflective look at celebrity, legacy, regret, and the toll a public life takes on family. Jay Kelly 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,Podbean 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

From Zodiac to Nuremberg: James Vanderbilt's Masterclass in Psychological Conflict. Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast, the place where we talk to the world’s most dynamic directors and actors about how they get films made! This week, we have an absolute heavyweight episode for you. We are diving deep into history with the new psychological thriller, Nuremberg. Joining hosts Dom Lenoir and Conor Boru are the film’s writer and director, James Vanderbilt, and the incredible, Oscar-nominated actor, Michael Shannon. They’ll reveal the 13-year fight to bring the story of the infamous Nazi trials to the screen, the craft behind playing the unflinching US Chief Prosecutor, and the moral weight of balancing entertainment with historical trauma. This is a powerful, unmissable conversation about truth, justice, and the very nature of evil. Let's get to it! The new film Nuremberg is a high-profile historical drama, and the combination of Michael Shannon (an actor known for intense, committed roles) and James Vanderbilt (a writer-director with major credits like Zodiac and Truth) is fantastic. 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,Podbean 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

This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, host Dom Lenoir welcomes the team behind Netflix’s Train Dreams: Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, Clint Bentley, and Joel Edgerton. Felicity Jones – celebrated for her roles in The Theory of Everything and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – & Kerry Condon – Academy Award-nominated actor known for The Banshees of Inisherin and Better Call Saul discuss the actor-director relationship, rehearsals, and what it was like working on the project. Clint Bentley – acclaimed filmmaker behind Jockey and now director of Train Dreams – shares his perspective on shaping performances, cinematography, music, nature and how this project got made. Joel Edgerton – actor & producer – joins the conversation to discuss acting, modern technology, and the human condition. Together, they explore the making of Train Dreams. An inspiring and thought-provoking look behind the scenes of one of Netflix’s most anticipated films of the year. TRAIN DREAMS 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,Podbean 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

On this week's episode, we sit down with the visionary writer and director, Edgar Wright—the man who invented Baby Driver's musical choreography and perfected the genre-bending Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World's End). Edgar discusses his philosophy of feature film writing, the meticulous craft of kinetic editing, and the process behind his latest, highly-anticipated action-thriller, The Running Man. Dom Lenoir sits with Edgar over a hot chocolate and breaks down the bold decisions that define his career, this is a masterclass in visual storytelling and technical filmmaking. If you are an aspiring filmmaker looking to inject rhythm, precision, and unique style into your projects, this episode is essential listening. The Running Man is RELEASED in cinemas on 12th November. Edgar Wright, Directing, Screenwriting, The Filmmakers Podcast, Baby Driver, The Running Man, Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, Cornetto Trilogy Film, Editing, Visual Storytelling. 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,Podbean 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

On this weeks The Filmmakers' Podcast we are joined by the one-of-a-kind Riz Ahmed—Oscar winner, Actor, producer, and activist. Riz dives deep into his critically acclaimed performance as Ash, the elusive corporate 'fixer' in David Mackenzie’s tense new thriller, Relay. He discusses the unique challenges of playing a protagonist who uses silence and a telecommunications relay service as his only shield. Inside the Episode with Riz, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir: The Weight of Silence: How Riz communicated paranoia and emotional depth using only micro-expressions and physical action, given his character is deliberately "voiceless." Art as Disruption: His philosophy on choosing roles that challenge preconceptions, and how the moral complexity of Ash's job—working for and against corporate power—fits his vision for "disruptive" storytelling. The Actor/Director Connection: We ask how his meticulous craft as and actor to working with David Mackenzie and other directors on the rhythmic, measured performance of a hyper-organized character like Ash. Don't miss this candid conversation on film, identity, and the price of survival in the age of total surveillance. Relay is OUT this FRIDAY. 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,Podbean 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 Riz Ahmed, Relay, David Mackenzie, Sound of Metal, Riz MC, actor interview, corporate thriller, anonymity, Oscar winner, acting process, Lily James, The Night Of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to sustain a film career across vastly different genres? Director David Mackenzie sits down to discuss his evolution, from his early independent Scottish films (Young Adam, Red Road, Perfect Sense) to major studio productions. We focus on his signature style: building intense, character-driven narratives under extreme pressure. David shares insights into the filmmaking behind his new thriller, Relay, including how he captured the paranoia of corporate espionage, the creative freedom of his production company Sigma Films, casting and working with Riz Ahmed and Lily James and the challenges of directing a character who relies entirely on anonymity. David Mackenzie’s Relay is a tense, modern thriller starring Riz Ahmed as Ash, an elite, off-the-grid 'fixer' who brokers secret payoffs between corrupt corporations and whistleblowers. Ash maintains absolute anonymity by communicating exclusively through a telephone relay service for the deaf, never meeting his clients. The system is threatened when his latest client, scientist Sarah Grant (Lily James), forces him to break his strict rules, pulling him into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game against corporate assassins and risking the exposure of his entire operation. Relay is OUT this FRIDAY. David Mackenzie, Relay, filmmaking craft, director interview, genre-bending, Starred Up, character-driven storytelling, Independent film, Sigma Films. Links FILM MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION Filmmaking Book - Jonathan Sadler https://www.amazon.co.uk/Film-Marketing-Distribution-Independent-Filmmakers/dp/085730612X 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,Podbean 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

Welcome to The Filmmakers Podcast! We are thrilled to host two phenomenal actors, Channing Tatum (Magic Mike, Foxcatcher) and Kirsten Dunst (Fargo, The Virgin Suicides), to discuss their new film, ROOFMAN (Directed by Derek Cianfrance). In this exclusive interview, Channing and Kirsten open up to Dom Lenoir about: The Cianfrance Method: Working with visionary director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines) and his unique approach to intimacy—including keeping them apart until their first scene, filmed at a Red Lobster. Star Nerves & Chemistry: Channing Tatum confesses why he was "so intimidated" to work with the Oscar-nominated Kirsten Dunst, and Kirsten shares her sweet reaction, calling him "magic to work with." The Body of a Dancer, The Face of a Boxer: Channing Tatum details the intense physicality required to play Jeffrey Manchester, squeezing into tight spaces and the emotional challenge of embodying the former Army Ranger. From Set to Screen: How the bizarre, stranger-than-fiction true crime story was handled with "grace" by the director to explore themes of redemption and human connection. Roofman tells the bizarre, true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former soldier turned "polite criminal" who lived hidden inside a Toys “R” Us after escaping prison, where he falls for a single mom (Dunst) and is OUT now in CINEMAS. Subscribe to The Filmmakers Podcast for more insights on screenwriting, directing, and the best talent in film and TV! #channingtatum #kirstendunst , #ROOFMAN, #JeffreyManchester, #DerekCianfrance, #TrueCrime, #ToysRUs, #thefilmmakerspodcast #Podcast, #MagicMike, #Foxcatcher, #TheVirginSuicides #Acting 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,Podbean 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

Join us for this bumper edition of The Filmmakers Podcast as we chat with the actors and showrunner behind The Last Frontier. Actors Dominic Cooper, Haley Bennett and Jason Clarke as well as showrunner Jon Bokenkamp chat with Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir about filming in snowy terrains, Acting choices and name changes and Jon talks about developing, story ideas and showrunning TV series. The Last Frontier is on AppleTV + 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, Podbean or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell you pals about this podcast 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

This week we dive deep into indie filmmaking with Joseph Millson and his debut movie as director Signs of Life. Giles Alderson, Dom Lenoir and Phil Hawkins talk to Joseph about writing his script, awards, directing, inspiration, financing his movie, getting the right people involved, why it worked for him, setting a date, what got him his 20 cinema screening run and distribution deal and what drove him to direct and they have a right laugh as well. Joseph has acted in films including: The Amateur, River of Blood, Hard Home, War Blade, Fyre Rises, Christmas at Plumhill Manor, Dragonheart: Vengeance, Angel Has Fallen, All the Devil's Men, Tango One, I Give It a Year, Casino Royale and our very own Phil Hawkins' movie Prancer: A Christmas Tale. Signs of Life is OUT NOW in cinemas and on Digital 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! 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

Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, The Curse) joins this weeks The Filmmakers Podcast to discuss the challenging process of directing his solo feature debut, the gritty sports biopic The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson as MMA legend Mark Kerr. Fellow filmmakers Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit with Benny and dive into the Safdie style, his approach to directing actors and making raw, kinetic cinema. As one half of the acclaimed Safdie Brothers duo, Benny co-directed, co-wrote, and edited films that make your heart pound out of your chest. We’re talking about the incredible, neon-drenched chase thriller "Good Time," and the anxiety-inducing, chaotic masterpiece "Uncut Gems," starring Adam Sandler. These films established a gritty, naturalistic style, full of propulsive energy, often focusing on outsiders desperately struggling in the urban landscape of New York. But he’s not just a master behind the camera! As an actor, he has completely transformed and disappeared into roles, giving incredible performances like the troubled Nick Nikas in "Good Time," the compassionate Joel Wachs in Paul Thomas Anderson’s "Licorice Pizza," and the brilliant physicist Edward Teller in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster, "Oppenheimer." He’s even popped up in TV like "Obi-Wan Kenobi" and co-created, wrote, directed, and starred in the critically praised Showtime series, "The Curse." And now, he’s stepped out as a solo director, writer, and editor with the highly anticipated film, "The Smashing Machine." This intense biographical sports drama, which premiered to acclaim at the Venice Film Festival, stars a completely transformed Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as pioneering MMA fighter Mark Kerr, alongside the brilliant Emily Blunt and other great actors. It's a grittier, unflinching look at a champion struggling with addiction and the pressures of the sport. He's a true filmmaking polymath who brings a raw, authentic urgency to everything he touches. It's the brilliant Benny Safdie! OTHER LINKS DIRTY BOY cinema listings 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! 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 For more interviews on filmmaking like this go to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com #Director #creative #BennySafdie, #JoshSafdie, #SafdieBrothers, #directing #interview #thefilmmakerspodcast #filmmakerspodcast, #screenwriting, #editing, #directingstyle, #A24. #thesmashingmachine , #UncutGems, #GoodTime, #TheCurse, #Oppenheimer, #Licorice Pizza. #DwayneJohnson, #MarkKerr, #MMAmovie, sports biopic, acting vs directing, The Smashing Machine #behindthescenes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the latest episode of The Filmmakers Podcast, the show that takes you behind the scenes of making feature films and TV. This week, we are privileged to host the brilliant creative team behind Brides, an urgent and empathetic feature film that tackles one of the most complex and heartbreaking social issues of our time. First, we welcome our Oscar-nominated producer, Nicky Bentham. Known for critically acclaimed and diverse films like the sci-fi hit Moon starring Sam Rockwell, the drama The Duke with Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren, and the Oscar-qualified short film The After, Nicky is here to discuss her latest powerful project Brides. Joining her is the film’s celebrated screenwriter, Suhayla El-Bushra. A renowned playwright and television writer with credits including the TV series Ackley Bridge and a stage adaptation of The Suicide for the National Theatre, Suhayla is the precise and compassionate writer who penned this complex story directed by Nadia Fall. They are here to discuss Brides, a film inspired by real-life events. It follows two disillusioned teenage best friends, Doe and Muna, as they run away from their troubled lives in the UK, making a perilous journey towards Syria. The film, a thought-provoking road drama that stands for empathy and understanding, exploring the vulnerability and desperation that drives marginalized young women to seek identity and belonging in radical choices. The film challenges dominant narratives, insisting that we look at the choices of young people through a lens of compassion rather than condemnation. Let's dive into their conversation about this gripping and vital film. This is The Latest Filmmakers Podcast. OTHER LINKS DIRTY BOY cinema listings 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! 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

Join us for this weeks The Filmmakers Podcast as we chat to director and writer Bizhan Tong and screenwriter Stephen Belber to talk about their latest feature film TAPE. Tape is an adaption of Stephen's written feature (also called TAPE) back in 2001, directed by Richard Linklater. They chatted with Giles Alderson about how they collaborated and made TAPE, They talked about Regrets, Not forgetting those who helped you along the way. Why you need to ask for favours Getting the rights to remake a movie, Adapting a Linklater movie and getting his blessing. Raising finance, Rehearsals, Releationships, Trauma in filmmaking and around it and why it is very important to keep an open mind to ideas on a film set. TAPE is released on digital this Friday 19th September. OTHER LINKS DIRTY BOY cinema listings 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! 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

Welcome back to The Latest Filmmakers Podcast, the show that takes you behind the scenes of the most anticipated films with the creative minds who make them. This week, we're honored to have a pair of brilliant artists to discuss their new psychological thriller, a film that explores the chilling depths of history, identity, and the burden of legacy. It's a short one but a good one as Dom Lenoir hosts. First, we have an actor whose illustrious career spans decades and genres, from his iconic portrayal of the Green Goblin in Spider-Man to his voice work as Gill in Finding Nemo and his Oscar-nominated roles as Sgt. Elias in Platoon, Max Schreck in Shadow of the Vampire, and Vincent van Gogh in At Eternity's Gate. He is, of course, the legendary Willem Dafoe. Joining him is a phenomenal talent making her feature film directorial debut. Known for her impactful work in theater and powerful short films like White Girl, she also co-wrote the screenplay for their new movie. Please give a warm welcome to director and writer Nadia Latif. They are here to discuss their new film, The Man in My Basement, an unnerving adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Walter Mosley. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, tells the story of a down-on-his-luck man in Sag Harbor who finds his life and his family's hidden history turned upside down by a mysterious tenant. Let's dive in. This is The Latest Filmmakers Podcast. OTHER LINKS DIRTY BOY cinema listings 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! 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

This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, returning hosts Conor Boru and Francis Annan are joined by writer Tony McNamara and producer/director Jay Roach to discuss their latest feature film The Roses (2025), starring Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Andy Samberg, to name a few. Tony McNamara – Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of The Favourite, Poor Things and creator of The Great – is known for his sharp wit, inventive storytelling and fresh take on historical drama. Jay Roach – acclaimed director of Austin Powers, Meet the Parents, Bombshell and the Emmy-winning Game Change – has built a career spanning studio comedies, political dramas and award-winning television. In this conversation, they discuss: the creative messiness of writing the value of collaboration choosing the right ideas to pursue directing comedies producing your own films tips and tricks for emerging filmmakers dealing with pre-production anxiety … and much more. THE ROSES is out now! A tinderbox of competition and resentments underneath the façade of a picture-perfect couple is ignited when the husband's professional dreams come crashing down. OTHER 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! 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