Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking
Liz Manashil and Alrik Bursell discuss independent filmmaking, everything from writing, producing and directing to working as crew. But this is not just a podcast about "making it," it's also about struggling with rejection, self-doubt and everything else that comes with pursuing a career in film. Follow along as we forge our own way through the industry and talk to guests who are also making it happen.
Episodes 238-299 are available at our patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast
- Update frequency
- every 3 days
- Average duration
- 71 minutes
- Episodes
- 621
- Years Active
- 2016 - 2025
Finishing What You Started with Asif Akbar!
This week, Alrik and Liz talk with filmmaker Asif Akbar about their latest, The Commando, starring Micheal Jai White and Mickey Rourke! Asif talks about how he got his films made, why he produces as …
01:07:06 |
Mon 03 Jan 2022
The Importance of Process with Omar Lopex!
This week, Alrik and Liz chat with artist Omar Lopex about his first feature, Ana, Who They Pulled Out of the River, which he shot on film in Tijuana. We also talk about industry activism and a very …
01:11:07 |
Mon 27 Dec 2021
Destined to be a Cinematographer with Alice Brooks!
In our 350th episode, we welcome DP Alice Brooks to talk about lensing IN THE HEIGHTS, TICK, TICK... BOOM! and her partnership with John M Chu. We also chat about the recent blowback from Austin Film…
01:12:54 |
Mon 20 Dec 2021
Making Impact-Driven Movies Using the Non-Profit Model with KT Curran!
Alrik and Liz chat with filmmaker KT Curran about her second feature, Surviving Lunch, working within the nonprofit model, and her focus on impact-driven films. After that, we talk about life after s…
01:13:15 |
Mon 13 Dec 2021
The Power of Positive Thinking with Allen C Gardner!
This week Alrik and Liz talk with Allen C. Gardner about making 16 features as either a lead actor, director, writer or producer. They also chat about diversity trends and tough moments on set. Enjoy…
01:18:04 |
Mon 06 Dec 2021
Learning When to Say 'No' as a Director with Jenn Page!
This week Liz and Alrik welcome producer/writer/director Jenn Page on the show to talk about how she first got hired as a director, when she decided to start turning down opportunities and how that a…
01:14:40 |
Mon 29 Nov 2021
Directing Yourself in Your First Feature with Bill Crossland!
Alrik and Liz talk to filmmaker Bill Crossland about making his debut feature CATCHING UP after the short premiered at Sundance. We also talk about film festivals and the feedback process during post…
01:11:45 |
Mon 22 Nov 2021
Fighting for What You Deserve with Sujata Day!
Alrik and Liz chat with filmmaker and actress Sujata Day about her feature debut, DEFINITION PLEASE. We also chat about AMC's interim CEO's new business model. Enjoy!
The Alternate is at the Studio C…
01:02:11 |
Mon 15 Nov 2021
Uniting Film Festivals with The Film Festival Alliance!
This week Alrik and Liz welcome the Film Festival Alliance to talk about what the alliance is, how it got started and how they like to partner with film festivals. We also talk about the American Fil…
01:18:25 |
Mon 08 Nov 2021
Writing, Directing, and Acting in See You Next Christmas with Christine Weatherup!
This week we have Christine Weatherup on the show to talk about making her first feature film, See You Next Christmas, which she shot on a 'three days on, four days off' schedule. We also talk about …
01:03:32 |
Mon 01 Nov 2021
From Homeless to Filmmaking Hero with Edward Green!
Alrik and Liz chat with Marine Edward Green about his move from the military to filmmaking and how his life experiences helped him shoot his first feature during the pandemic.
International Screenwr…
01:21:47 |
Mon 25 Oct 2021
Film Criticism vs. Film Reviews with Tim Cogshell!
Alrik and Liz chat with Liz's favorite film critic, Tim Cogshell (of NPR's FilmWeek amongst other publications) They also chat about Hollywood and vaccine mandates as well as Heartland International …
01:15:54 |
Mon 18 Oct 2021
The Audacity of Making Your First Feature with The Filmmakers Behind WHAT SHE SAID!
Alrik and Liz chat with filmmakers and stars of the new film What She Said, Jenny Lester and Juliana Jurenas, about the making of the film and the pure determination and grit they called upon to get …
01:01:49 |
Mon 11 Oct 2021
Waiting for the Right Budget for Your First Feature w/ Rebecca Eskreis!
This week Alrik and Liz chat with friend of the show, Rebecca Eskreis, about the patience, determination and resources it took to get her first feature, WHAT BREAKS THE ICE, off the ground. We also c…
01:30:55 |
Mon 04 Oct 2021
Unlikely Collaborations with Nick Scown and Julie Seabaugh!
This week Alrik and Liz chat with directing duo Nick Scown and Julie Seabaugh about their new documentary, Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11. This show investigates how two near-strangers can find they are…
01:23:46 |
Mon 27 Sep 2021
Earning Respect on Your First Feature Film Set with Veronica McKenzie!
Writer turned filmmaker Veronica Mckenzie graces us with her presence on the show to talk about the making of her first feature film, NINE NIGHTS. Alrik and Liz also chat about the premiere screening…
01:22:19 |
Mon 20 Sep 2021
Fundraising for Indie Films with Serial Feature Filmmaker Ben Hickernell!
Alrik and Liz chat with filmmaker Ben Hickernell about his latest film, WHAT WE FOUND, as well as his overall strategy for financing and putting work out into the world. We cap off the show with a di…
01:40:23 |
Mon 13 Sep 2021
Successfully Pitching Slaxx at Fantasia with Elza Kephart!
This week Alrik has a solo interview with writer/director Elza Kephart about her new horror/comedy Slaxx which hits VOD & DVD today! Elza talks about how she had the idea for the film twenty years ag…
01:26:08 |
Tue 07 Sep 2021
Besties Make Movies!
This week Alrik and Liz chat with filmmakers and real life besties, Stacey Maltin and Margarita Zhitnikova, who talk about their company Besties Make Movies, and their latest feature, TRIPLE THREAT. …
01:34:49 |
Thu 02 Sep 2021
Birth and Death on MAKING MOVIES IS HARD!!!
This week, Liz and Alrik have a completely open chat about major personal milestones that are impacting their careers including a new baby on the way for Alrik!
01:01:52 |
Fri 27 Aug 2021
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