The Honest Filmmaker

Send us a text

#filmmakingpodcast #moviemaking #filmmakerscommunity

This Week on the Podcast: Making Feature Films for Under $10K with Sean and Taylor King

On this episode, I sit down with father-son filmmaking duo Sean and Taylor King, who have been consistently creating feature films on micro-budgets of under $10,000. Since starting in 2015, they’ve developed a streamlined production process that allows them to quickly move from one project to the next — and they’re currently working on their 20th feature film.

In addition to films, they've also produced TV shows that are distributed on Tubi via Filmhub and Amazon via Video Direct.

We dive into how they’ve built such a prolific body of work, how they maintain momentum, and what it’s like working together as a father and son team in the indie film world.

If you're interested in making your first feature film, learning more about low-budget filmmaking, or exploring the family dynamics of creative collaboration, this episode is for you.

Find out more about Sean and Taylor: https://newzealandsonfilms.com

Marketing Matters: Posters, Titles, and Trailers

The Kings explain why your film’s poster and title are just as important as the movie itself. They use platforms like YouTube to test what visuals and names perform best—often before filming even starts. Strong artwork can attract attention, build intrigue, and boost your film’s streaming success.

Where to Release Your Film: Amazon, Tubi & More

Distribution doesn’t have to be a mystery. Sean and Taylor share their real-world experience using Filmhub and Amazon Video Direct to get their work on platforms like Tubi and Prime Video. They break down earnings, pricing strategies, and how to navigate the world of VOD as an indie creator.

Low-Budget Filmmaking Tips from the Trenches

From gear selection to casting choices, and even how they handle creative disagreements on set, this episode is loaded with advice. Whether you're starting your first film or looking to improve your DIY process, these lessons are must-hear. Sean and Taylor prove that with the right mindset, micro-budget films can reach big audiences.

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/
Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/
HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER
Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.
We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.
Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Send us a text

#filmpodcast #creative #career
This week on the podcast I'm chatting to Sam, one of the founders of the ERIC Creative Careers App. The App is aimed at people from ages 16-25 - once registered the app will serve up thousands of internships, bootcamps, events, courses, podcast and anything else that will help you kickstart your creative career.
We chatted about the App, who it's for, how it can help you, some of the opportunities, success stories and CV tips. I also asked if Sam thinks it still worth going to University.
Find out more about the ERIC App here: https://www.meet-eric.com
Read the BFI report: https://www.bfi.org.uk/industry-data-insights/reports/bfi-eric-screen-careers-research

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/
Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/
HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER
Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.
We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.
Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Send us a text

#filmmakingpodcast #weddingvideo #moviemaking

This week on the podcast I talk to filmmaker and podcaster Victor Hughes. Vic is a freelance filmmaker making his day to day income filming and editing wedding videos commercials and music videos. He also hosts the Psychocinematic podcast where he interviews filmmakers and talks about the process of filmmaking and storytelling.
He's recently shot his first short film "Desert Trip". I talked to Vic about what it's like shooting wedding videos, how that can potentially be a good way to earn money if you are just leaving university. Also how stressful it can be capturing the most important day of someone's life. We talked about shooting commercials, his short film and of course the podcast and some of the amazing guests he's had on. Enjoy!

More about Vic's podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@BigVicMedia

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/
Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/
HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER
Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.
We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.
Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Send us a text

#marvel #guardiansofthegalaxy #makeupsfx
This week I chatted to special effects make up artist Jon Moore.
It was difficult for me not to geek out on this one as Jon as worked on Marvel Cinematic Universe movies like Captain America the First Avenger, Avengers Infinity War, Avengers Endgame and all of the Guardians of the Galaxy Movies as one of the team that makes up Dave Bautista as Drax.
Jon’s also worked on The Witcher, Doctor Who, Red Dwarf, Game of Thrones, check out his IMDB profile and you’ll see most of the biggest shows of the past 10 years.
This is a great one if you are interested in special effects make up and want to find out how Jon got into the industry and his advice to help you do the same. He also gave me some great tips on the practicalities of working on big productions. It’s also a fascinating look behind the scenes on some of Marvels biggest hits. Enjoy!

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/
Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/
HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER
Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.
We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.
Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk

Send us a text

#CryptoFilmFunding #IndieFilmFinance #BlockchainHollywood
Can You Finance an Indie Film Using Cryptocurrency? Here's How One Filmmaker Did It;
With countless filmmakers struggling to secure funding, could cryptocurrency be the game-changer indie cinema needs? To find out, I sat down with filmmaker Stuart Daly, who successfully leveraged crypto to finance his feature film.
Stuart began his career as an actor, working on big-budget productions, before diving deep into the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Determined to fund his own projects, he spent countless hours researching digital assets—turning an initial $2,000 investment into an impressive $800,000 in just 10 months. This capital became a crucial part of his film’s budget.
Beyond financing, Stuart strategically targets a "truth-seeking" audience—similar to those drawn to Mel Gibson’s The Sound of Silence. He also recently executive produced James McAvoy’s directorial debut, California Schemin’.
In our conversation, Stuart shares how he raised his funds, landed meetings with top studio executives, and his ambitious plans for the future of indie filmmaking. Could crypto-backed film financing be the next big trend in Hollywood? Read on to find out.
🚨 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Always conduct your own research and consult with professionals before making financial decisions. 🚨

Check out the re-release of Jim's first solo directing feature The Witches Hammer - out now on amazon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0F235F4T8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

For regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletter
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/e-newsletter/
Join The Honest Filmmaker community on our Facebook Group or Discord
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/join-the-community/
HONEST, OPEN ADVICE ABOUT YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER
Are you about to leave Uni with a filmmaking degree? Or want to change careers and work in a creative industry? We want to give you the tools you need to enter the real world of production or freelancing. Honest and open career advice from people in the business.
We also talk to those in other creative industries to discuss their careers, the potential cross over with film production and practical tips for a successful and fulfilling career.
Join the community: http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk