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
Latest episodes
Nov 29, 2021 • 1h 15min
Learning When to Say 'No' as a Director with Jenn Page!
This podcast episode explores director Jenn Page's journey in indie filmmaking, from turning down opportunities to creating her latest film. They discuss Cinemark playing Netflix films, the challenges of networking, and the struggles of balancing parenthood with directing. Learn about the joys and chaos of indie film shoots, the importance of perseverance in the industry, and the benefits of specialization in directing.
Nov 22, 2021 • 1h 12min
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-production. We hope you enjoy!
International Writers Association: www.networkisa.org
The Alternate at The Studio City Film Festival Until 11/24: https://xerb.tv/channel/studiocityfest/virtual-events/2768
Nov 15, 2021 • 1h 2min
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 City International Film Festival this weekend starting 11/18 here is the link: https://www.studiocityfest.com/2021-schedule
Check out the International Screenwriters Association at www.networkisa.org and use code MMIH 2021 for a discount on a yearly membership!
Nov 8, 2021 • 1h 18min
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 Film Market and Liz and Alrik spin into an improvised rant session on growing a career in this industry.on a rabbit hole conversation about what Indie Filmmaking actually is and how it is so often mislabeled by the media.
The International Screenwriters Association: www.networkisa.com
Use code: mmih2021 for a discount off of a year membership!
The Alternate Cinejoy Spotlight Event: https://creatics.org/cinejoy/premiere/more-info/165342/The-Alternate-w-Hey,-It's-Me
Nov 1, 2021 • 1h 4min
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 the tragedy on the set of Rust and we finally answer a listener question. Enjoy!
International Screenwriters Association: www.networkisa.org
Oct 25, 2021 • 1h 22min
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 Screenwriters Association: https://www.networkisa.org/
The Alternate Film at Atlanta Sci-Fi FIlm Festival: https://www.atlantascififilmfestival.com/2021-films/the-alternate-2
Oct 18, 2021 • 1h 16min
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 Film Festival. Enjoy!
ISA:https://www.networkisa.org/
The Alternate Tickets at Scarefest: https://thescarefest.com/the-films-of-the-scarefest-2021-film-festival/alternate/
Oct 11, 2021 • 1h 2min
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 the film in the can. They also have a conversation re: ‘deepfake’ casting and connect about Liz's short film pre production process. Enjoy!
Check out the ISA: https://www.networkisa.org/
The Alternate is playing at Heartland International till 10/17, check it out and vote the film for best horror film: https://watch.eventive.org/hiff2021/play/61392371cf7b2b00a8ed2df4
Oct 4, 2021 • 1h 31min
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 chat about iphone filmmaking! Enjoy!
ISA: https://www.networkisa.org/
Sep 27, 2021 • 1h 24min
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 compatible enough to make a movie together over several years, and how they each used their strengths to grow the film from a sticky idea to a larger, supported and successful commercial film.
Check out the International Screenwriters Association @ https://www.networkisa.org/
