

Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking
Liz Manashil & Alrik Bursell
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
Episodes 238-299 are available at our patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 10, 2022 • 1h 18min
Making Movies Full of Integrity and Conviction with Talia Lugacy
This week Alrik and Liz chat with filmmaker Talia Lugacy about her second feature, This is Not a War Story, and how she produced it with a model similar to a worker co-op. We also discuss an article Talia wrote about the making of her film, and read a listener email. Enjoy!
International Screenwriters Association: www.networkisa.org

Jan 3, 2022 • 1h 7min
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 well as directs and how he has found partners and distribution for his films. We also chat about an article regarding the Dizzying Uncertainty of 2021 and our their plans for 2022!
Check out the International Screenwriters Association at www.networkisa.org and use our code MMIH2021 for a 20% discount!

Dec 27, 2021 • 1h 11min
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 specific acting class Liz took. Enjoy!
Jump over to check out the ISA @ www.networkisa.org and use our code MMIH2021 for a discount on a yearly ISA Connect membership!

Dec 20, 2021 • 1h 13min
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 Festival script coverage. Enjoy!
www.networkisa.org use code: MMIH2021 till January 15th 2022!

Dec 13, 2021 • 1h 13min
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 signing a distribution contract and the state of the box office. Enjoy!
Follow the ISA @ https://www.networkisa.org/

Dec 6, 2021 • 1h 18min
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!
Check out the international screenwriters association: www.networkisa.org

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