The Filmmakers Podcast

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

This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, hosts Conor Boru and Francis Annan welcome two icons of the filmmaking world: producer, writer and director Chris Columbus, and Academy Award-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley. Chris Columbus – the creative force behind classics such as Home Alone, Mrs Doubtfire and the first two Harry Potter films – shares his experiences of working with visionary directors like Robert Eggers, his approach to shaping scripts as a director, and the importance of collaboration with actors. He also reflects on the role of rehearsals, the unique magic of making films for the big screen, the movies that continue to inspire him, and why he believes there is so much to learn from the new generation of filmmakers. Sir Ben Kingsley – whose career spans over five decades with landmark performances in Gandhi, Schindler’s List and Sexy Beast – discusses the inspirations that continue to fuel his craft. He speaks about his Shakespearean roots, the nuances of performing for stage versus screen, and offers invaluable insights for emerging actors looking to build their careers. An unmissable conversation with two true legends of cinema. The Thursday Murder Club is out now! Four irrepressible retirees spend their time solving cold case murders for fun, but their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands. 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

This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with none other than Ari Aster – the acclaimed writer-director behind Hereditary (2018), Midsommar (2019) and Beau is Afraid (2023). They dive deep into the making of his latest feature film, Eddington (2025). With a stellar cast including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone and Austin Butler, Eddington was/is one of the most anticipated films of 2025. In their conversation, Ari also discusses his writing process, the origins of his ideas, his approach to the horror genre, shot-listing, his short films, and even shares his one key piece of advice for aspiring filmmakers. Whether you’re a fan of Ari Aster’s work, a lover of cinema, or a filmmaker seeking inspiration, this episode is not to be missed. EDDINGTON is out now! In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico. 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

Today’s episode of The Filmmakers Podcast takes a slightly different turn. Instead of focusing on a particular film, this conversation dives deep into a topic that affects all creatives - mental health. Host Dom Lenoir is joined by director Conor Boru and former filmmaker Matt Follows for an open, honest, and insightful discussion on what it means to take care of your mind while navigating the challenges of the creative industries. After 20 years as an award-winning creative director and writer at agencies like Wieden + Kennedy and M&C Saatchi, Matt transitioned from advertising to filmmaking, directing commercials and branded content for Nike, MG, and Gymbox, among others. He also wrote screenplays, sitcoms, and a sports documentary featuring Paralympic champions Ade Adepitan and Stacy Kohut. Realising the production life wasn’t quite paradise, he retrained in NLP, Clinical Hypnotherapy, and advanced psychotherapies, becoming a Complex Trauma Specialist in Harley Street. Today, he’s a sought-after coach, trainer, and speaker for major brands like FOX, Bentley, and Toyota, helping top creatives unlock performance and resilience. In this episode, Dom, Conor, and Matt explore why mental health is just as important as talent or hard work, share practical strategies for getting through tough times, and even offer simple tricks - like how to put your phone away to focus on creative projects. Get in touch with Matt here: Matt Follows Peak Performance Psychologist & Coach For Creative Brains Find Conor Boru's work here: Conor Boru | Director | London 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

On this weeks The Filmmakers Podcast we chat with the team behind Protein, a brilliant indie made for pretty much nothing with a fabulous ensemble. Join host Giles Alderson as he chats with director and writer Tony Burke and actor and exec producer Craig Russell all about their experiences making their indie film. The talk, investment and dealing with rejection, why movies take years to get made and why you should not wait for the cavalry. You have to do it yourself! Protein is OUT now and still in select cinemas around the UK. 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 a moment 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, 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 on The Filmmakers Podcast we are LIVE from The Funny Life Film Festival - Join Giles Alderson & Dom Lenoir as they are chat How to Make a Feature with writer, director Hillary Shakespeare (Much Ado), Director and writer Mitchell Tolliday (Murder Ballads), Director Holger Borggrefe (Once and for Real) , Actress, Writer, Producer Mel Harris (Brighton) and Director, writer and producer Stephen Cookson (Arthurs Whiskey) ! A real treat for you as we discuss how to make a comedy feature film. Thanks to Louise Ann Munro and all at Funny Life Film Festival. Recorded at Hen and Chickens Theatre 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 a moment 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, 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

A FANTASTIC episode this week as we welcome Fantastic 4: First Steps director Matt Shakman and actor Ralph Ineson!! Guest hosts Conor Boru (When the Screaming Starts) and Francis Annan (Escape From Pretoria) sit down with both Matt and Ralph to talk working for Marvel, Directing tips and techniques and why to act on a green screen. Matt Shakman. With a remarkable career spanning some of the most iconic television series and highly anticipated films, Matt has consistently demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences. His extensive television credits include critically acclaimed episodes of the Emmy-winning 'WandaVision,' 'Game of Thrones,' 'Succession,' 'The Great,' 'Fargo,' 'House M.D.,' 'Psych,' and a significant number of episodes for 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.' On the feature film side, Matt directed 'Cut Bank' and is at the helm of Marvel's upcoming 'Fantastic Four. Ralph Ineson. You'll recognize him from his memorable roles as Amycus Carrow in the Harry Potter films, William in Robert Eggers' acclaimed The Witch, Dagmer Cleftjaw in Game of Thrones, and Chris Finch in the original British series The Office. He also starred as the title character in The Green Knight, and his voice work includes characters in video games like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XVI. Most recently, he's set to appear as Galactus in the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Dr. Wilhelm Sievers in Nosferatu Fantastic 4: First Steps is out in cinemas now! OTHER LINKS FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE 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 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 we are joined by actor Toby Kebbell and directors Bjorn Franklyn and Jonny Marchetta to talk about 'Salvable' and how they made their amazing debut movie with Toby starring with Shia LaBeouf in the film Salvable is about an aging boxer struggles to escape the grasp of a small town while battling a fractured relationship with his teenage daughter and is in CINEMAS now. Toby Kebbell has starred in the movies Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Warcraft, Rock n Roller and Dead Man's Shoes . Bjorn and Jonny come from a music video background and teamed up with Lowkey Films and Featuristic to get their movie made. Enjoy this weeks episode of The Filmmakers Podcast. OTHER LINKS FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE 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 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 today is the directing great Neil Marshall (Dog Soildiers, The Decent) and the inspiring actress and producer Liz Farahadi to talk about SHORT film making, the things that can go wrong, why they are important, why planning is vital and how you always need to be ready to adapt. AND their short film Keep Young and Beautiful. We also talk applying for film festivals, why you might or might got get selected, producing short films, what goes into them and the difference between shorts and features for directors. Neil burst onto the scene and punched us all in the face with the cult werewolf action-horror classic "Dog Soldiers" and then, he plunged us into true claustrophobic terror with "The Descent" a film that won critical acclaim and cemented his status as a master of modern horror. He then unleashed the post-apocalyptic action mayhem of "Doomsday" and the brutal historical epic "Centurion,". More recently, he directed the period horror "The Reckoning" and the creature feature "The Lair." And it's not just features! He's brought his distinctive, cinematic vision to some of the biggest TV shows out there, directing two of the most epic battle episodes in "Game of Thrones" history – "Blackwater" and "The Watchers on the Wall" – which earned him an Emmy nomination. He's also helmed episodes of "Black Sails," "Constantine," "Hannibal," "Westworld," and "Lost in Space. And also joining us today, we have an incredible talent in Liz Farahadi, who truly embodies the spirit of independent filmmaking: an accomplished actress and a dedicated producer who champions diverse voices and impactful stories. You might know her from her acting roles in compelling independent films like "Losing Grace" (where she also served as a producer) and "Wild Bones," as well as various theatre productions and commercials. She's also had roles in the well-loved British soaps, "EastEnders" and "Coronation Street," along with other dramas like "Two Thousand Acres of Sky," "Miss Marple," and "Doctor Who. She's a passionate advocate for filmmakers, recognizing the need for support, especially for those from marginalized backgrounds. This drive led her to found and direct The Soho London Independent Film Festival (SohoLIFF), a fantastic platform dedicated to creating opportunities and celebrating films with social and environmental impact. She's currently in post-production on new short films like "Losing Grace" and "Daughter," and developing features like "Xenos" and "Polly." Her latest film as an actress and producer, "Keep Young & Beautiful," delves into the darker world of beauty standards with a powerful and humorous edge. Check out Soho London Independent Film Festival here https://soholiff.co.uk/ OTHER LINKS FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE 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 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

When your last name is Spielberg, there's naturally a certain legacy, but our guest today is Destry Allyn Spielberg, a talented director and actor who's confidently stepping into her own light, proving her unique voice and vision away from her famous father Steven Spielberg. You might know Destry from her acting roles, including her memorable performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's critically acclaimed "Licorice Pizza," as well as her work in the HBO limited series "I Know This Much Is True." She's also appeared in independent films like "Mass Hysteria." But it's in the director's chair where she's really been making waves. Destry's demonstrated a keen eye for storytelling with her striking short films "Rosie" (which she also acted in) and "Let Me Go the Right Way," which premiered at Tribeca and earned praise for its compelling narrative and performances. And now, she's made her highly anticipated feature directorial debut with the chilling psychological thriller, "Please Don't Feed the Children." This film, written by Paul Bertino, plunges us into a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly virus has targeted adults, leaving a group of orphans searching for safety. The cinematography, handled by Shane Sigler, the cast include Michelle Dockery from "Downton Abbey" in a uniquely villainous role, alongside the brilliant Giancarlo Esposito from "Breaking Bad," and a talented young ensemble including Zoe Colletti, Andrew Liner, Dean Scott Vazquez, Regan Aliyah, Emma Meisel, Joshuah Melnick, and Vernon Davis. Destry Allyn Spielberg is an exciting new voice, building a remarkable body of work that stands on its own merits, while undeniably carrying that incredible filmmaking DNA. Please give a huge Filmmakers Podcast welcome to the talented director and actor, Destry Allyn Spielberg! WATCH: Please Don't Feed the Children on TUBI now OTHER LINKS 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 & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support 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