
The Filmmakers Podcast
A podcast about how to make film and TV by filmmakers who actually make them. Interviewing guests from the film-making world from Indie film to Hollywood and everything in between. Hosts Giles Alderson (The Dare), Dom Lenoir (Winter Ridge) Lucinda Rhodes Thakrar (Wolves of War), Tori & Matthew Butler-Hart (Two Down), Phil Hawkins (Prancer: A Christmas Tale), Stephen Follows (Film Data Analyst), Christian James (Fanged Up), Andy Rodger (Three Day Millionaire) and many others explore the world behind-the-scenes of making films and TV, talking to the actors, writers, directors and producers who make them!
Latest episodes

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 10min
Zoë Saldaña, ‘Emilia Pérez’, Juliette Welfling and Oscar-longlisted short film ‘Dovecote’ dir Marco Perego
On today's show, host Dom Lenoir sat down for two conversations with three guests. First, he chatted with the one and only Zoë Saldaña and Marco Perego all about how they made their new Oscar-longlisted short film Dovecote (2024). And then, Dom discussed how Emilia Pérez (2024) came about and what the editing process was like with Oscar-nominated editor Juliette Welfling. Epic! All this is coming up for you. Enjoy! EMILIA PÉREZ is out in cinemas NOW | TrailerEmilia Pérez follows four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness. Cartel leader Emilia enlists unappreciated lawyer Rita to help fake her death so that she can finally live authentically as her true self.DOVECOTEConfined to a seaside prison in Venice, women's final moments before release are explored. WATCH OUT YOUTUBE CHANNEL our interview with Skeleton Crew showrunners Jon Watts and Christopher Ford here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHKr20viJYM&t=33s PODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/ COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli JMonroeKarenNewmanWantyour 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 PODCASTCheckout our full episode archive onhow tomake films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonEdited by @tobiasveesLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 30, 2025 • 41min
Guy Pearce on Acting, On set tips, Working with Directors and 'The Brutalist'
The wonderful actor Guy Pearce joins us this week to talk acting and his new feature film The Brutalist.Already nominated for a BAFTA and an OSCAR for Best Supporting Actor, Giles Alderson sat down with the aforementioned nominated Guy Pearce to chat working with inspirational directors, how he creates his roles and what sparks choices in him as an Actor.Plus Guy discusses:Reading Memento for the first time,Why scripts appeal to him and why he loves rehearsals.We chat about his audition for Michael Mann's Heat and accents.Plus working with David Cronenberg, Christopher Nolan and Brady Corbet in the Brutalist and what can happen if you ask for another take!Guy's career has spanned decades and genres, showcasing his remarkable range and captivating screen presence. From his breakout role as the morally ambiguous Ed Exley in "L.A. Confidential," a performance that earned him widespread recognition, to his mind-bending turn in Christopher Nolan's "Memento," Guy has consistently delivered nuanced and unforgettable characters. He's graced our screens in period dramas like "The King's Speech," sci-fi epics like "Prometheus," and everything in between, including "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," "Ravenous," "The Count of Monte Cristo," and more recently, "Mare of Easttown.The Brutalist is in CINEMAS now. We urge you to go see it!When a visionary architect and his wife flee post-war Europe in 1947 to rebuild theirlegacy and witness the birth of modern United States, their lives are changedforever by a mysterious, wealthy client. WATCH OUT YOUTUBE CHANNEL our interview with Skeleton Crew showrunners JonWatts and Christopher Ford here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHKr20viJYM&t=33s PODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/ COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli JMonroeKarenNewmanWantyour 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 PODCASTCheckout our full episode archive onhow tomake films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Brutalist writer-director Brady Corbet & production designer Judy Becker on making an Oscar-nominated epic
This is the first of two episodes of our chats centred around the Oscar-nominated epic The Brutalist. First, Dom Lenoir sits down with writer-director Brady Corbet. Starting out as an actor, he seamlessly transitioned into a highly successful career behind the camera. Some of his acclaimed works include The Childhood of a Leader (2015) and Vox Lux (2018). Today, he talks all about:
Writing and directing The Brutalist
Putting the cast together
Storyboarding and rehearsals
The challenges of making a 3.5-hour epic with a budget of under $10 million
Next, Giles Alderson chats with production designer Judy Becker. You might recognise her incredible work from films like Brokeback Mountain (2005), Shame (2011), Silver Linings Playbook (2012), American Hustle (2013), and Carol (2015), just to name a few. She shares insights on:
Breaking into the industry
Working on The Brutalist
Workflow and mood boards
Sit back, relax, and enjoy our epic conversations with Brady Corbet and Judy Becker. And don’t miss part two with Guy Pearce, coming this Friday! THE BRUTALIST is out in cinemas NOW! | TrailerWhen a visionary architect and his wife flee post-war Europe in 1947 to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of modern United States, their lives are changed forever by a mysterious, wealthy client. WATCH OUT YOUTUBE CHANNEL our interview with Skeleton Crew showrunners Jon Watts and Christopher Ford here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHKr20viJYM&t=33s PODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onset water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/ COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli JMonroeKarenNewmanWantyour name in the show notes or some great bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonEdited by @tobiasveesLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 21, 2025 • 53min
From 'Director Jail' to Blockbuster Movies with Nick Hamm, director & writer of William Tell, White Lines and The Hole
He launched the career of Keira Knightley with the cult classic thriller The Hole. He explored the complexities of Northern Ireland in The Journey. He took us on a wild ride with the crime drama Driven, and unraveled a sun-drenched mystery in White Lines. Now, Nick Hamm takes aim at a timeless legend with his latest film, William Tell.Join Giles Alderson as we sit down with the acclaimed filmmaker, Nick Hamm. We'll delve into his diverse career, from his early days in theater with the Royal Shakespeare Company to his captivating work in film and television. We'll discuss his knack for discovering talent, his passion for bringing complex stories to life, and the challenges of directing everything from intimate dramas to historical epics.And of course, we'll discuss his bold new take on the iconic story of William Tell, starring Claes Bang and Ben Kingsley. How do you re-imagine a classic tale for a modern audience? What does it take to film that legendary apple scene? And what message does this timeless story hold for today's world?Get ready for a conversation with a master storyteller and our guest today is Nick Hamm.WILLIAM TELL is out in CINEMAS NOW!WORLD PREMIERE of Food For Thought – Giles’ documentary. Tickets for 24th Jan in London here https://tinyurl.com/3ssnpj94 WATCH OUT YOUTUBE CHANNEL our interview with Skeleton Crew showrunners Jon Watts and Christopher Ford here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHKr20viJYM&t=33sPODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onsetwater bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSEhttps://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli J MonroeKaren NewmanWant your name in the show notes or somegreat bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on yourfilm projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive onhow to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited andproduced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 14, 2025 • 58min
From Editing to Making Amazon Prime Directorial Debut with 'Unstoppable' director William Goldenberg
Renowned editor William Goldenberg (Argo, Transformers, Air, Zero Dark Thirty, The Imitation Game) joins us talk making his directorial debut, the Jennifer Lopez starring Unstoppable!William chats with Dom Lenoir about working with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, creating long term relationships in the film industry.Editing and working with Michael Mann on Heat.Talks the process of cutting, mood and tone of his film.Directing ad working with Jennifer Lopez.and making a real life true story sports movie Unstoppable.Dom then chats with fellow filmmaker Giles Alderson about the editor director relationship, what it means to them and how editing helped them become better filmmakers.Plus our film term of the week!Unstoppable stars Jharrel Jerome as championship wrestler Anthony Robles, the film’s cast includes Jennifer Lopez, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Don Cheadle and Anthony Robles himself, and is directed by William Goldenberg in his directorial debut.Unstoppable is RELEASED on Friday 16th Jan on Amazon Prime.WORLD PREMIERE of Food For Thought – Giles’ documentary. Tickets for 24th Jan in London here https://tinyurl.com/3ssnpj94 WATCH OUT YOUTUBE CHANNEL our interview with Skeleton Crew showrunners Jon Watts and Christopher Ford here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHKr20viJYM&t=33sPODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onsetwater bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSEhttps://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli J MonroeKaren NewmanWant your name in the show notes or somegreat bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on yourfilm projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive onhow to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited andproduced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 17min
Coralie Fargeat on making The Substance - A body horror psychological thriller starring Demi Moore and Margret Qualley.
We are delighted to welcome on director and writer Coralie Fargeat.The award winning director of Revenge joins us to chat about her latest feature, the much hyped The Substance.The Substance stars Demi Moore, who won the Golden Globe best actress award this week, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid and is a stunning sophomore feature from Coralie. A truly award winning film that is remarkable achievement.Coralie chats to us about how she got the film made:Why it s 'Never Give up' kind of business.How she had a champion in Eric Fellner from Working Title.Making a intense and visceral watch.Repeating theme, tone and getting the cast you want.Demi Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading Hollywood star who loses her job due to her age.Desperate to reclaim her youth and fame, she turns to a mysterious black market drug called "The Substance."This drug promises to create a younger, more perfect version of herself.If you're a fan of body horror or psychological thrillers with a thought-provoking edge, "The Substance" will be up your alley. Just be prepared for some disturbing and intense scenes!The Substance is OUT NOW!WORLD PREMIERE of Food For Thought - Giles' documentary. Tickets for 24th Jan in London here https://tinyurl.com/3ssnpj94 WATCH OUT YOUTUBE CHANNEL our interview with Skeleton Crew showrunners Jon Watts and Christopher Ford here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHKr20viJYM&t=33sPODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onsetwater bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSEhttps://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli J MonroeKaren NewmanWant your name in the show notes or somegreat bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on yourfilm projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive onhow to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited andproduced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 31, 2024 • 1h 4min
Showrunning, Directing and writing on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew with Jon Watts and Christopher Ford
Skeleton Crew showrunners Christopher Ford & Jon Watts chat with Dom Lenoir about their ace 'Goonies in Space' Star Wars spin off series.They chat how they pitched the series, working on a Star Wars show and getting the tone right.Phil Hawkins joins Giles Alderson and Dom for the intro and outro as they discuss the topics on today's show, working with,casting and directing children and the Film Term of the Week.Skeleton Crew now on DISNEY +WATCH our interview with Jon and Christopher here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHKr20viJYM&t=33sPODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onsetwater bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSEhttps://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli J MonroeKaren NewmanWant your name in the show notes or somegreat bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on yourfilm projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive onhow to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited andproduced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 34min
FILMMAKING QUIZ 2024, XMAS Special with hosts Giles Alderson, Phil Hawkins, Lucinda Rhodes Thakrar, Andrew Rodger and Stephen Follows!
Join us as your hosts of 2024 compete in the annual Christmas QUIZ.Who will be victorious? Who will take the filmmaking quiz crown from Dom Lenoir,which actual guest was the most played episode of the year in our top 9 rundown, what do we expect for 2025, why has Giles' voice gone and why does Phil get two answers? Find out this and more on this last episode of 2024!Thank you all for listening to the podcast this year. If you like any guest episodes mentioned go to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com and type their names in the search bar and have a listen.Big love to you to so you can rise up and send the elevator back down in 2025!GRAB TICKETS to the WORLD PREMIERE of Giles Alderson and Dan Richardson' feature documentary Food For Thought in London on the 24th Jan 2025 tinyurl.com/ycyxr99jREAD Stephen Follows' The Horror Movie Report https://genrereports.com/WATCH our interview with Wicked director Jon M Chu on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epEKxXs8F2APODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onsetwater bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSEhttps://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli J MonroeKaren NewmanWant your name in the show notes or somegreat bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on yourfilm projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive onhow to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited andproduced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 20, 2024 • 44min
Tyler Perry and Nicole Avant on making 'The Six Triple Eight' for Netflix
The incredible one man studio Tyler Perry joins us to chat about The Six Triple Eight his latest written and directed feature film as well as his inspiration producer Nicole Avant!!Tyler and Nicole sit with Giles Alderson about how they made their true story WW2 epic.They discuss:Finding ideas and sizzle reels.Pitching to studios and not waiting for anyone to tell you that you can't.How Nicole pitched the idea, inspiration and Netflix.Directing, Producing movies, Quincy Jones and Ted Serandos.The Six Triple Eight (aka The 6888) is out now on NETFLIX!!WATCH our interview with Wicked director Jon M Chu on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epEKxXs8F2APODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onsetwater bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSEhttps://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli J MonroeKaren NewmanWant your name in the show notes or somegreat bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on yourfilm projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive onhow to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited andproduced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 28min
A24's HERETIC writers & directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods on crafting a modern day masterpiece
Hello and welcome! This show’s guests: the writer-director duo Scott Beck & Bryan Woods. You might know them from movies like A Quiet Place (2018) or The Boogeyman (2023). Today, however, they’re here to talk about their latest film, Heretic (2024), starring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East. In their honest conversation with hosts Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir, they discuss
the challenges of directing Heretic
working with Hugh Grant & A24
how the edit can shape a movie
the importance of test screenings
celebrating mistakes
and so much more!
HERETIC is out now | TrailerTwo young religious women are drawn into a game of cat-and-mouse in the house of astrange man. WATCH our interview with Wicked director Jon M Chu on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epEKxXs8F2APODCAST MERCHGet your very own Tees, Hoodies, onsetwater bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/COURSESWant to learn how to finish your film?Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSEhttps://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREONBig thank you to:Serena GardnerMark HammettLee HutchingsMarli J MonroeKaren NewmanWant your name in the show notes or somegreat bonus material on film-making? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on yourfilm projects! SUPPORT THE PODCASTCheck out our full episode archive onhow to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITSThe Filmmakers Podcast is written andproduced by Giles Alderson @gilesaldersonEdited by @tobiasveesLogo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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