The Honest Filmmaker

Hosted by Jim Eaves

Careers Tv Film EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

148

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

REAL TALK FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERS Are you wrapping up your film degree or contemplating a career shift into the creative industry? The Honest Filmmaker is your go-to resource for navigating the real-world challenges of micro-budget and indie filmmaking. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Jim Eaves, the podcast delves into the nitty-gritty of independent film production. From securing funding and managing tight budgets to distribution strategies and building a sustainable career, this is unfiltered advice and practical tips from professionals who have been in your shoes. Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or an indie filmmaker determined to make your mark, The Honest Filmmaker equips you with the tools, insights, and honest guidance to thrive in the world of independent cinema. http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 8, 2026Episode 14933 min

From $100 to HELLMARE: Victor Gabriel on Making Micro-Budget Feature Films

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you want to make a feature film but don't have much money? Filmmaker Victor Gabriel joins The Honest Filmmaker to talk about the making of HELLMARE , his horror feature that cost roughly $10,000 and was shot in just 13 days . Victor started out by making a tiny $100 found-footage film , using friends' houses, borrowed locations and the equipment he already owned. That first experiment wasn't something he was particularly proud of, but it got distributed, made its money back and, most importantly, taught him to actually make films. For HELLMARE, Victor took things considerably further. He talks about raising money through Indiegogo, putting his own money into the production, spending six months in pre-production, finding locations for free, building a crew around friends and family, renting professional camera and sound equipment and creating practical effects on a micro-budget. We also get into the complicated world of film distribution , after HELLMARE found a home with Troma . Victor explains what it meant to sign the film away in perpetuity, why he was comfortable with that decision, how the deal helped him break even and why sometimes getting your film into the world can be more important than holding onto every single right. It's a brutally honest conversation about making feature films without much money , learning by doing, building a filmmaking team and figuring things out as you go. If you're a filmmaker trying to get your first feature made, there's plenty here to steal. Watch the trailer for HELLMARE: https://youtu.be/cjlTDfbA_kI?si=jq9vWl1kOaY4JCC0 Check out Victor on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15973777/ #MicroBudgetFilmmaking #IndieFilmmaking #IndependentFilm #LowBudgetFilm #FeatureFilm #Filmmaking #FilmFunding #HorrorFilm #FilmDistribution #Troma #Hellmare #VictorGabriel Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

September 1, 2026Episode 14825 min

From a £6K Feature to an £80K Film with Peter Stylianou

Send us Fan Mail How do you finance an independent feature film when you don't have a studio behind you? Filmmaker Peter Stylianou joins Jim to talk about his journey from making his first feature, Who Needs Enemies , for around £6,000 to his latest film, The Nice Ones , made with a budget of around £80,000. Peter explains how he self-financed his first feature with help from his family, what he learned from getting the film into distribution and why it took seven years before he made his next feature. We talk about the realities of micro-budget filmmaking, the importance of having a body of work, finding private investors, approaching production companies, building a finance plan and understanding UK film tax incentives. Peter also shares the lessons he learned from shooting The Lost in just nine days, including why time may be the most important thing you can spend money on when making a film. And we get personal about filmmaking too, including the hardest day Peter has ever experienced on set, the moment he thought about walking away and the rare moments when everything comes together and you realise this is why we make films. A candid conversation about making films, finding the money, learning from mistakes and gradually building a career as an independent filmmaker. Check out the trailer for DRAINED https://youtu.be/pMzA6y1mCfE?si=UciPXgOIGxsHCdlF Have a look at Peters IMDB page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4726444/ #IndependentFilmmaking #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #FilmFunding #FilmInvestors #MicroBudgetFilmmaking #FeatureFilm #Filmmaker #FilmProduction #FilmIndustry #FilmFinance #HorrorFilm #TheHonestFilmmaker Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

August 25, 2026Episode 14716 min

He Got 4 MILLION Views on a £500 Short… Then Made the Feature with Cathal Fitzpatrick

Send us Fan Mail Can you really make a feature film for £9,000? Filmmaker Cathal Fitzpatrick joins Jim to talk about the extraordinary journey behind Hollow Trees . The project began as a £500 proof-of-concept short film made while Cathal was at university . The short went on to attract around 4 million views online , giving Cathal the motivation to turn the idea into a feature. But the millions of views didn't suddenly bring a huge production budget. Instead, Cathal spent years saving, rewriting and developing the project before eventually making Hollow Trees for around £9,000 , with a crew of just 11 people and a two-week shoot. Cathal talks about the realities of making an ambitious feature on a micro-budget, finding locations that add production value, working with a tiny crew, the importance of lighting, film festival strategy, spending money on submissions, sales and distribution and the biggest things he'd do differently if he made the film again. It's an honest look at what it actually takes to go from short film → proof of concept → feature film without waiting for someone else to give you permission. The Honest Filmmaker Podcast explores the realities of independent filmmaking, from making your first short and feature to funding, festivals, distribution and building a sustainable filmmaking career. Watch the Hollow Trees proof-of-concept and see where the journey started. • A Hollow Tree - Skinwalker movie (Proof-of... Watch the trailer for the feature Hollow Trees • Hollow Trees [Official Trailer] 2026 Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

August 18, 2026Episode 14638 min

From a £20 Short Film to a Feature: Aaron Truss on Making Films Without Permission

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to move from making short films to making a feature? This week, Jim talks to filmmaker Aaron Truss about his unconventional route into filmmaking, from being obsessed with films as a kid and discovering Batman '89 , to making a £20 zombie short film at university and eventually turning that short into the feature film Employee of the Dead . Aaron talks honestly about why filmmakers often struggle to make the jump from shorts to features, the huge commitment involved in making a feature and the reality of trying to raise £50,000 through crowdfunding. We discuss the relentless work involved in promoting a crowdfunding campaign, why Aaron's team spent around £500 creating a proof-of-concept rather than simply asking people for money and how they've attracted actors including Dani Harmer, Nick Helm and Paul Casar to an independently produced project. Paul joins the conversation to explain why an established working actor is choosing to be part of a micro-budget film, what attracted him to Employee of the Dead and why he believes independent filmmakers are creating a new kind of filmmaking rebellion. We also get into casting, networking, building genuine relationships, supporting other filmmakers and why sometimes the best way to get people to help you is to help them first. An honest conversation about ambition, crowdfunding, short films, feature films, independent filmmaking and actually getting the film made. Check out the crowd funding for Employee of the Dead and be part of getting the film made: https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/q-cumber-films/employee-of-the-dead Watch the original short film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6I7PBDXPSc #Filmmaking #IndependentFilm #IndieFilmmaking #FilmFunding #Crowdfunding #FeatureFilm #ShortFilms #Filmmaker #FilmIndustry #TheHonestFilmmaker #EmployeeOfTheDead #AaronTruss Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

August 11, 2026Episode 14536 min

Charlie Steeds: Making 20 Feature Films on Micro Budgets

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to make 20 feature films and turn micro-budget filmmaking into a full-time career? In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker Podcast, Jim talks to filmmaker Charlie Steeds about his extraordinary journey from making short films as a teenager to building a career making horror features. Charlie shares how he financed his first film for around $2,000, how he moved from self-financing into working with sales companies and producers and how his budgets have evolved over the course of 20 feature films. We also talk about the reality of making filmmaking your day job, including the pressure to keep producing, the compromises that come with lower budgets and how Charlie adapted when the film industry changed. Charlie explains why he has learned to do almost every job on his productions, from writing, directing and editing to sound and cinematography and why he believes sound is one of the most important areas for independent filmmakers to get right. We also get into one of the biggest problems he sees in indie filmmaking: rushing productions. Charlie argues that filmmakers often try to shoot too much, too quickly, rather than giving their films the care they need. And after making three films in just 33 days, Charlie has plenty of experience of what happens when speed becomes part of the filmmaking process. Finally, we discuss cinematography, inspiration and why filmmakers should go back to the movies that made them fall in love with filmmaking, studying how they were shot, lit and constructed, then using those lessons in their own work. A candid conversation about micro-budget filmmaking, making a living from movies, learning your craft and finding the balance between making films for the art and making films to pay the bills. 🎙️ The Honest Filmmaker Podcast — honest conversations about independent filmmaking, careers, budgets, distribution and the realities of making movies. #TheHonestFilmmaker #CharlieSteeds #IndieFilmmaking #MicroBudgetFilmmaking #Filmmaking #IndependentFilm #Filmmaker #HorrorFilmmaking #FilmProduction #Directing #Cinematography #FilmCareer Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

August 4, 2026Episode 14427 min

From First Feature to Lasting Career: Rob Hollocks on Surviving the Film Industry

Send us Fan Mail Making one film is an achievement. Making a career out of filmmaking is something else entirely. In this episode, Jim sits down with writer, director and producer Rob Hollocks to explore what happens after the excitement of making your first feature. Why do so many talented filmmakers struggle to make another film? How do you recover from rejection, navigate festivals, understand distribution and keep moving forward when projects don't go to plan? Rob reflects on his early career, working around major productions including Event Horizon , building his own feature films such as Observance and Mister Sleep and the lessons he wishes he'd known when he first started. If you're an aspiring filmmaker, film student or independent creator looking for honest advice about building a sustainable career, this conversation is full of practical insights and hard-earned experience. #Filmmaking #IndependentFilm #IndieFilmmaker #FilmDirector #FilmProducer #Screenwriting #FilmBusiness #FilmFestival #MovieMaking #TheHonestFilmmaker #IndependentCinema #FilmmakerLife #FeatureFilm #FilmPodcast #EventHorizon Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

July 28, 2026Episode 14321 min

The Reality of Making Your First Feature Film with Asif Pervez

Send us Fan Mail For many filmmakers, making a feature film feels like an impossible leap after years of producing short films. This week, Jim sits down with filmmaker Asif Pervez to explore how he made that transition with his debut feature, "Mommy, I Don't Want To." Asif discusses the creative and logistical challenges of producing a period film on a micro budget, from transforming an Airbnb into convincing locations and completing post-production in Dubai, to developing a festival strategy and navigating the world of independent film sales and distribution. The conversation also covers the lessons Asif learned from his early short films, the mistakes he would avoid if starting again, and practical advice for anyone preparing to direct their first feature. If you're an aspiring filmmaker, film student or independent producer looking for honest, real-world insight into feature filmmaking, this episode offers valuable experience from someone who's successfully made the jump. Topics include: Moving from short films to feature filmmaking Budgeting and producing a first feature Location scouting on a micro budget Period filmmaking with limited resources Film festival strategy Sales agents and distribution Lessons learned from a debut feature Advice for emerging filmmakers Watch the trailer for "Mommy I don't want to": https://youtu.be/ixEtMpOe2h8?si=A5oUEIV_1bIW5st2 Check out Asif on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9285762/?ref_=fn_t_1 #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #FeatureFilm #MicroBudget #FilmDirector #IndieFilm #FilmFestival #FilmDistribution #FirstFeature #Screenwriting #Producer #MovieMaking #TheHonestFilmmaker #AsifPervez #MommyIDontWantTo Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

July 21, 2026Episode 14226 min

Building an Animation Career, AI, and the Future of the Industry with Tom Box

Send us Fan Mail Tom Box is the founder of Blue Zoo Animation, one of the UK's most celebrated animation studios and the creative force behind hit children's shows including Numberblocks , Alphablocks , Colourblocks , The Adventures of Paddington , Love Monster and more. In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker Podcast , Tom shares the journey from studying animation at Bournemouth University to building an award-winning studio, while offering an honest assessment of where the animation industry stands today. We explore the impact of AI, the growing influence of YouTube on animation, what studios really want to see in an animator's portfolio, and why passion, initiative and problem-solving remain some of the most valuable skills in the industry. Tom also discusses the balance between creativity and commercial success, how children's audiences influence animation, Young Animator of the Year, and the advice he'd give anyone looking to break into animation today. Whether you're an aspiring animator, filmmaker, student or creative professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the realities of building a successful career in animation. Find out more about Blue Zoo Animation: https://www.blue-zoo.co.uk/ Find out more about the Young Animator of the Year Award: https://younganimator.uk/ #Animation #AnimationCareer #BlueZoo #Animator #AnimationIndustry #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Filmmaking #CreativeCareers #Portfolio #MotionDesign #CGI #3DAnimation #2DAnimation #Podcast Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

July 14, 2026Episode 14130 min

From Commercial Director to Feature Filmmaker | Lessons from Making Kangaroo Island

Send us Fan Mail Writer and director Tim David joins The Honest Filmmaker Podcast to discuss the transition from directing premium commercial campaigns to making his feature film Kangaroo Island . Tim shares what years in advertising taught him about storytelling, pitching, preparation and leadership on set, before revealing the challenges of making an independent feature. We also discuss collaborating with his wife as screenwriter, working with legendary cinematographer Dean Cundey, directing actors, finding comedy through surprise, securing funding, and the lessons every first-time filmmaker should hear. This episode is packed with practical advice for directors, producers, cinematographers and anyone hoping to make their first feature film. Topics covered: Transitioning from commercials to feature films Making Kangaroo Island Film financing and pitching Directing actors Working with Dean Cundey Preparation and leadership on set Collaborating with writers Advice for first-time feature directors Lessons learned from independent filmmaking Check out the trailer for Kangaroo Island here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLWdScoEaRo Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

July 7, 2026Episode 14039 min

10 Filmmaking Truths That Will Save You Years with Pat Higgins

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to survive as a micro budget filmmaker? In this episode of The Honest Filmmaker , I sit down with filmmaker Pat Higgins for an honest conversation about the realities of independent filmmaking. Together we unpack ten hard truths that every filmmaker eventually learns—usually the hard way. From discovering that making a great film doesn't automatically bring an audience, to accepting terrible first cuts, navigating networking, surviving as a producer, and building the resilience needed to keep creating, this episode is packed with practical lessons for filmmakers at every stage of their journey. Whether you're preparing your first short, developing a feature, or already deep into independent film production, these insights will help you avoid common mistakes and approach filmmaking with clearer expectations. We discuss: • Why finishing a film is only the beginning • Learning to embrace a bad first cut • The long shadow of your early work • Why networking feels awkward for almost everyone • Building a filmmaking career while platforms constantly evolve • Why great locations often beat expensive gear • The mindset required to finish films • The realities of producing on tiny budgets • Developing resilience without losing yourself • Why preparation is one of a filmmaker's greatest strengths If you enjoy honest conversations about filmmaking, independent cinema and building a sustainable creative career, follow The Honest Filmmaker for more episodes with filmmakers and industry professionals. Check out Pats IMDB here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1664081/ Watch Pat's latest movie Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead https://youtu.be/_0bKsatvf0Y?si=C1o40yFNU1yfqyE9 #MicroBudgetFilmmaking #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #FilmProduction #FilmDirector #FilmProducer #FirstFeature #Screenwriting #TheHonestFilmmaker Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r Support the show For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/ Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/ HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business. We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career. Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk