
The Honest Filmmaker
Jim Eaves
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.
http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk
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Top 10 The Honest Filmmaker Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Honest Filmmaker episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Honest Filmmaker for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Honest Filmmaker episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Can You Finance an Indie Film Using Cryptocurrency?
The Honest Filmmaker
03/11/25 • 42 min
#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

Careers, Indie Filmmaking Trends and Highlights of 2024
The Honest Filmmaker
12/31/24 • 15 min
#filmpodcast #filmindustry #filmmaking
With 2025 upon us, I thought it would be a good opportunity to look back at the first full 12 months of the podcast and give you a 2024 year round up. Chat about some of lessons I've learned from speaking to industry professionals, career advice, some tips from Indie Filmmakers and also some of my recommendations from the last 12 months.
We also hear from some of the contributors to the podcast and friends of the podcast with their top recommendations from 2024. Enjoy!
Check out the episodes from contributing guests featured this week:
Watch the Cannes Vlog
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/2024/05/21/cannes-film-festival-market-report-2024-with-mark-hampton/
Lucy V. Hay
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/2024/06/11/how-to-write-a-commercial-screenplay-with-lucy-v-hay/
Corrinne Wicks
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/2024/08/13/how-to-be-a-successful-soap-actor-with-corrinne-wicks/
Jon Moore
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/2024/01/29/how-to-be-a-marvel-studios-make-up-sfx-artist-with-jon-moore/
Tom Butcher
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/2024/08/27/how-to-have-a-career-in-television-theatre-with-tom-butcher/
Ross Boyask
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/2021/10/24/how-film-sales-distribution-works/
Bev Sandford
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/2021/10/24/how-to-be-a-published-author/
Pat Higgins
https://thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk/index.php/2021/10/22/how-to-get-your-script-optioned/
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

Turn your Micro Budget Feature into a Directing Career with Joshua Caldwell
The Honest Filmmaker
12/03/24 • 48 min
#filmmaking #filmpodcast #directing
This week on the podcast I talk to Director Joshua Caldwell. After making a bunch of short films Joshua went onto make his debut micro budget feature 'Layover'. It won a bunch of awards and launched his directing career. Joshua's directed television and feature films including 'Infamous' and 'Mending the Line' for Netflix starring Brian Cox.
Joshua also runs the '6k Filmmaker Micro Budget Course', one of the students of which was James Chick, who I have previously interviewed on the podcast about his micro feature 'Feet of Death'.
I talked to Joshua about his career, how he started out, how he got that first feature film put together. He also told me why he thinks it's much better to make a feature film than lots of short films and the reasons why. We also talked about his course and some of the lessons he's learned from shooting features on low budgets - very useful stuff if you are thinking of working on your own debut feature film.
Of course, I also asked him about 'Mending the Line' and what it was like working with Brian Cox - enjoy!
The Oner from 'Infamous': https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0wXaYNOtMp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
6k Filmmaker Course: https://www.6kfilmmaker.com/
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

Genre Rebels - Telling Stories that don't fit the Formula with Lorissa & C.J. Julianus
The Honest Filmmaker
12/17/24 • 46 min
#genre #filmpodcast #filmmaking
This week on the podcast, I’m joined by filmmakers Lorrisa and C.J. Julianus, the husband-and-wife team behind the feature film The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater .
Lorrisa wrote the script and stars in the lead role, while C.J. directed the film. We dive into the challenges they faced during the release of this unique romantic comedy—a film that defies easy categorization and was at times misunderstood by audiences.
In this episode, we discuss the sales and distribution process, the difficulties of marketing a genre-bending movie, and how being “hard to define” impacted the film’s reach. Lorrisa also shares what it’s like to edit a film while critiquing her own performance as an actor, and C.J. offers valuable advice for new directors on working with actors, especially on a low-budget feature.
We also cover marketing and PR strategies, the realities of piracy in independent filmmaking, and practical tips for protecting your film from being pirated.
If you’re a filmmaker, storyteller, or film fan, this episode is packed with insights into the highs and hurdles of independent cinema. Don’t miss it!
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

How to sell your film direct to Distributors with Marc Marriott
The Honest Filmmaker
04/22/25 • 31 min
#filmmakingpodcast #moviemaking #filmmakerscommunity
How do you get your independent film into cinemas without a sales agent? In this episode, filmmaker Marc Marriottreveals how he sold his debut feature Tokyo Cowboy directly to distributors—landing theatrical releases in both the U.S. and Japan.
Marc takes us through his filmmaking journey, from working under iconic Japanese director Yoji Yamada, to creating a bilingual comedy/drama that blends cultures and language. He shares how he raised the funding, directed a film in two languages, and navigated the challenges of working internationally.
Learn how Marc approached direct-to-distributor sales, his insider festival submission tips, and why building strong industry relationships matters more than ever. Plus, he offers game-changing advice for first-time feature filmmakers on how to lead confidently as a director.
If you’re looking to sell your indie film, break into international markets, or just want to learn more about indie film distribution, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and filmmaker wisdom.
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

How to Make a Feature Film for $10,000 with Sean & Taylor King
The Honest Filmmaker
04/08/25 • 50 min
#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

What Wedding Videos taught me about Filmmaking - Insights with Victor Hughes
The Honest Filmmaker
02/25/25 • 37 min
#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

How to be a Marvel Studios Make Up SFX Artist with Jon Moore - Career Advice from Creatives
The Honest Filmmaker
01/09/24 • 38 min
#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

How to Promote your Independent Film - Marketing Strategy with Rosa Camero
The Honest Filmmaker
02/13/24 • 29 min
#filmpodcast #marketingstrategy #indiefilm
This week I spoke to Rosa Camero. Rosa has been a film publicist for over 15 years and has worked on massive productions like the Twighlight Saga, Warm Bodies and Divergent.
Rosa talked about how she got into the industry and she gave me her tips on how to market your own film, how to find out who your audience is and where to find them.
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

How to write a Kurt Cobain Biography with Kelly Catlin
The Honest Filmmaker
04/15/25 • 30 min
#podcast #nirvana #creative #writingcommunity
Have you ever wondered if you could write a book, maybe a biography? Well I spoke to Kelly Catlin who did just that. Inspired by a family tragedy she decided to write a book about Kurt Cobain and wrote "Kurt Cobain - Forever in Bloom". Her book, Kurt Cobain: Forever in Bloom, offers a fresh and sensitive take on one of music’s most iconic and misunderstood figures.
Whether you’re a Nirvana fan, an aspiring biographer, or just curious about the creative process, this episode is full of honest, heartfelt insights.
Check out Kellys book: https://a.co/d/4QeUCO3
Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide and the death of Kurt Cobain. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or calling a suicide prevention hotline in your area. You're not alone.
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
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Honest Filmmaker have?
The Honest Filmmaker currently has 79 episodes available.
What topics does The Honest Filmmaker cover?
The podcast is about Filmmaking, Sound, Film, Career, Creative, How To, Podcasts, Education, Movies, Tv, Arts, Industry, Advice and Tv & Film.
What is the most popular episode on The Honest Filmmaker?
The episode title 'How to be a Big Budget Stunt Performer with Adam Basil - To be a Stuntman or Stuntwoman' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Honest Filmmaker?
The average episode length on The Honest Filmmaker is 33 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Honest Filmmaker released?
Episodes of The Honest Filmmaker are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Honest Filmmaker?
The first episode of The Honest Filmmaker was released on Nov 5, 2023.
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