The Honest Filmmaker Podcast
Insider Tips for Success in the Creative Industries
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Each week, award-winning south based filmmaker Jim Eaves sits down with industry professionals from film, television, and other creative sectors, as well as indie filmmakers, to share invaluable tips on working in the industry and financing, producing, and sales and distribution for Indie filmmakers. Gain honest, insider knowledge from experts who are actively working in the business. Whether you're looking to break into production, freelancing, or indie filmmaking, The Honest Filmmaker podcast provides practical advice and real-world insights to help you succeed. On all podcast platforms -Subscribe now and start your creative journey today! See recent podcasts below! |
Jim Eaves (left) at the City Eye Film Network
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Nobody Is Coming to Finance Your Film - The Truth About Self-Financing Your Micro Budget Feature
Making your first feature film feels impossible... until someone actually does it. In this episode Jim is joined by filmmaker Alex Alessi, writer and director of Homebody, to break down exactly how he self-financed his feature, convinced Richard Kind to join the cast, navigated film festivals and what he wishes he'd known before spending his own money on a movie. If you're trying to make your first feature, wondering whether to wait for funding or just start filming, this conversation is packed with practical advice from someone who's been through it.
Find previous The Honest Filmmaker episodes on the links below
Previously on The Honest Filmmaker
Why AI Faces a Filmmaker Backlash with Daniel J. Pico
Micro-Budget Filmmaking: Put Your Money ON SCREEN
Making a feature film on a micro-budget doesn't mean it has to look cheap. In this video, Jim breaks down how to stretch every pound and make sure your money actually ends up on screen.
From smart budgeting decisions to avoiding the common traps that waste cash behind the scenes, Jim shows you how to prioritise what really matters, so your film looks bigger than it is. If you're an indie filmmaker trying to do more with less, this is for you.
From smart budgeting decisions to avoiding the common traps that waste cash behind the scenes, Jim shows you how to prioritise what really matters, so your film looks bigger than it is. If you're an indie filmmaker trying to do more with less, this is for you.
Surviving Your First Feature Film
From Dog Soldiers to Director with Craig Conway
Many of you will know Craig as an actor from films like Dog Soldiers, The Descent, and his long collaboration with Neil Marshall, but today we're talking about the leap from actor to director and what it really takes to get your first feature made.
Craig breaks down how Red Riding came together, how it was funded, and what having Neil Marshall on board as executive producer meant for the project. We get into the realities of directing for the first time , what acting taught him about working with performers, why rehearsal time matters more than you think and the pressure of keeping everyone happy while still sticking to your vision.
If you're developing a horror project, trying to fund your debut feature, or navigating the jump from one role in the industry to another, this episode is packed with honest, practical insight from someone who's been there and done it.
Craig also shares stories from Dog Soldiers, memories of The Descent, and what it's like working with actors under prosthetics.
Craig breaks down how Red Riding came together, how it was funded, and what having Neil Marshall on board as executive producer meant for the project. We get into the realities of directing for the first time , what acting taught him about working with performers, why rehearsal time matters more than you think and the pressure of keeping everyone happy while still sticking to your vision.
If you're developing a horror project, trying to fund your debut feature, or navigating the jump from one role in the industry to another, this episode is packed with honest, practical insight from someone who's been there and done it.
Craig also shares stories from Dog Soldiers, memories of The Descent, and what it's like working with actors under prosthetics.
The Honest Filmmaker
What 6 Short Films Taught Me - City Eye Showcase
In December, the City Eye Film Network hosted a Regional Filmmakers Showcase, celebrating short film talent from across the region. The event featured six diverse short films, reflecting the creativity, community, and opportunity City Eye champions at every stage of a filmmaker's journey.
Jim Eaves, The Honest Filmmaker himself, attended and captured his experience of the event in a new video, "What 6 Short Films Taught Me." He also spoke with Aaron West, Head of Production at City Eye, about how the organisation supports filmmakers through training, production, networking, and exhibition—creating vital spaces to connect and grow.
Jim Eaves, The Honest Filmmaker himself, attended and captured his experience of the event in a new video, "What 6 Short Films Taught Me." He also spoke with Aaron West, Head of Production at City Eye, about how the organisation supports filmmakers through training, production, networking, and exhibition—creating vital spaces to connect and grow.
Unlock the Secrets of Successful Film Crowdfunding with Melissa Center
This month The Honest Filmmaker brings us a Crowdfunding Masterclass with Melissa Center, an award-winning filmmaker and actor who's successfully raised funds and built engaged audiences for her projects.
Whether you're prepping your first campaign or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode is packed with practical knowledge you can apply right away.
Article page: https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/2025/09/30/crowd-funding-masterclass-with-melissa-center/
Video: https://youtu.be/ni3gzt0n7fo?si=isNRWLox_PVcbfuk
Check it out!
This month The Honest Filmmaker brings us a Crowdfunding Masterclass with Melissa Center, an award-winning filmmaker and actor who's successfully raised funds and built engaged audiences for her projects.
Whether you're prepping your first campaign or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode is packed with practical knowledge you can apply right away.
Article page: https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/2025/09/30/crowd-funding-masterclass-with-melissa-center/
Video: https://youtu.be/ni3gzt0n7fo?si=isNRWLox_PVcbfuk
Check it out!
