

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

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/

Sep 20, 2021 • 1h 22min
Earning Respect on Your First Feature Film Set with Veronica McKenzie!
Writer turned filmmaker Veronica Mckenzie graces us with her presence on the show to talk about the making of her first feature film, NINE NIGHTS. Alrik and Liz also chat about the premiere screening of Alrik's first feature, THE ALTERNATE, and we read a listener letter. ENJOY
International Screenwriters Association: https://www.networkisa.org/
The Alternate Teaser: https://vimeo.com/600062844

Sep 13, 2021 • 1h 40min
Fundraising for Indie Films with Serial Feature Filmmaker Ben Hickernell!
Alrik and Liz chat with filmmaker Ben Hickernell about his latest film, WHAT WE FOUND, as well as his overall strategy for financing and putting work out into the world. We cap off the show with a discussion about film festivals and audience building. Enjoy!
The Alternate Teaser Trailer: https://vimeo.com/600062844
International Screenwriting Association: https://www.networkisa.org/

Sep 7, 2021 • 1h 26min
Successfully Pitching Slaxx at Fantasia with Elza Kephart!
This week Alrik has a solo interview with writer/director Elza Kephart about her new horror/comedy Slaxx which hits VOD & DVD today! Elza talks about how she had the idea for the film twenty years ago, how it was developed and how she was able to successfully pitch the film at the Frontières Film Market at the Fantasia Film Festival! Alrik and Liz also talk more about film festival strategy.Check out the International Screenwriters’ Association @https://www.networkisa.org/Last chance to get tickets to the world premiere of The Alternate on Saturday 9/11 @ https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf24-the-alternate--zero-one-zero

Sep 2, 2021 • 1h 35min
Besties Make Movies!
This week Alrik and Liz chat with filmmakers and real life besties, Stacey Maltin and Margarita Zhitnikova, who talk about their company Besties Make Movies, and their latest feature, TRIPLE THREAT. A & L follow up the conversation with some thoughts on film festival promotion. Enjoy!Check out the ISA at: https://www.networkisa.org/Grab your tickets for the world premiere of The Alternate in LA: https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf24-the-alternate--zero-one-zero