The Filmmakers Podcast

Welcome to a very special takeover episode of The Filmmakers Podcast! This week, the founders of the Female Film Club, Nicole Lieberman and Liza Van Der Smissen, take over the mic from Giles and Dom!

Founded to champion films told from the female gaze, the Female Film Club is an online platform that connects female filmmakers internationally and provides a safe, dynamic space to network and collaborate.

In this packed episode, Liza (an actor and producer who researched flawed female characters in modern film) and Nicole (a producer with a background in human rights law) sit down with two incredible industry experts.

Olissa Rogers (Casting Director)
Olissa is an Emmy Award-winning casting director, honored for her work on African Queens: Njinga. Her impressive casting credits span across massive television and film hits, including Netflix's Wednesday, Apple TV's Ted Lasso, Damsel, and The Count of Monte Cristo. Olissa dives deep into the casting process, offering vital advice for independent filmmakers on how to attach the right talent to a project and what casting directors look for when building an ensemble.

Miriam Spritzer (Journalist & Philanthropist)
Miriam is a highly accomplished international journalist reporting for major media outlets across the globe, bringing South American perspectives to the U.S. and vice versa. Alongside her media work, she is an elected board member of the Golden Globe Foundation, an independent nonprofit that donates millions to support underrepresented voices in film, television, and journalism through grants and mentorships. Miriam shares her expertise on how filmmakers can successfully pitch their projects to the press, get media coverage, and navigate the world of international entertainment journalism.

Follow and Subscribe:

Learn more about the Female Film Club and join their community at their website! https://femalefilmclub.com/

Subscribe to The Filmmakers Podcast for more weekly deep-dives into the craft and business of making movies.

🎥 Watch Food For Thought

🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠

A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review and every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a massive difference!

🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you!

👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠.

📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠.

🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠.

Big thank you to:

Serena Gardner

Mark Hammett

Lee Hutchings

Marli J Monroe

Karen Newman

Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠*Join our Patreon*⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and direct feedback on your film projects!

Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠

Logo & Banner Art by: ⁠Lois Creative⁠

Theme Music by: ⁠John J. Harvey⁠

📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬 Credits

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Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast! This week, host Dom Lenoir sits down with actors Common and Alexandria Riley to discuss their complex roles in the hit Apple TV+ sci-fi series, Silo.

In this short but sweet episode, we dive deep into the intense psychological journeys of
their characters and the highly collaborative environment that brings
the massive world of Silo to life.

🎬 In This Episode We Discuss:

Dom Lenoir hosts a conversation with actors Common and Alexandria
Riley about their work on the television series Silo.

The actors discuss how their characters navigate incredibly
difficult situations during the current season.

Common explains his character's journey of breaking down his
identity after being aligned with judicial powers.

Common details his character's transition toward fighting for the
greater good.

Alexandria explores the tension of her character being placed in an
impossible position.

The actors share insights into the on-set conflicts and relationship
dynamics under pressure.

Common and Alexandria praise showrunner Graham Yost for his
excellent leadership.

The guests highlight Graham Yost's accessibility and his effort to
know everyone's names on set.

Alexandria emphasizes the strong family vibe and genuine care shared
among the cast and crew.

Watch Food For Thought

🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠

A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of
the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please
take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every
review and every comment helps us share the film’s important message
with more people. Your support makes a massive difference!

📲 Support, Merch & Courses

🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and
leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your
podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank
you!

👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water
bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠.

📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST
PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠.

🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films
at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠.

🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters

Big thank you to:

Serena Gardner

Mark Hammett

Lee Hutchings

Marli J Monroe

Karen Newman

Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on
filmmaking? ⁠*Join our Patreon*⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival
guides, and direct feedback on your film projects!
🎬 Credits

Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠

Logo & Banner Art by: ⁠Lois Creative⁠

Theme Music by: ⁠John J. Harvey⁠

Silo Apple TV+, Common Silo, Alexandria Riley, Graham Yost, The
Filmmakers Podcast, Dom Lenoir, Silo cast interview, Sci-Fi television,
acting masterclass, television production, Apple Original series.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apple's F1 Strategy: Jerry Bruckheimer & Eddy Cue on Practical Filming, Theatrical Windows, and Brad Pitt

How do you shoot a massive Hollywood blockbuster in the middle of a live Formula 1 Grand Prix? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Top Gun: Maverick) and Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, to find out.

In this special episode, we get an exclusive look under the hood of the upcoming, highly anticipated Apple Original Film, F1. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the production is rewriting the rules of practical filmmaking by placing real actors in real cars during actual race weekends.

Eddy and Jerry break down the massive technical innovations required to capture the speed and visceral intensity of the sport, Apple's steadfast commitment to the global theatrical window, and the vital role of Lewis Hamilton in keeping the film authentic.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

The Power of Practical: Why Jerry and director Joe Kosinski insisted on shooting real cars at real Grand Prix events rather than relying on CGI.

The Tech Innovation: How the production worked with Apple to develop bespoke 6K cameras small enough to fit inside the cockpits without disrupting the F1 aerodynamics.

The Apple Philosophy: Eddy Cue on building Apple Original Films from scratch and why committing to a massive theatrical release for F1 is central to their strategy.

The Expert Eye: How seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s role as a producer fundamentally changed the script and saved the production from making critical racing errors.

The Actor Preparation: The rigorous driving school Brad Pitt and Damson Idris underwent to safely handle the cars on an active track.

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Watch out for F1—coming globally to cinemas soon from Apple Original Films and Warner Bros.

🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠

A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review and every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a massive difference!

🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you!

👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠.

📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠.

🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠.

Big thank you to:

Serena Gardner

Mark Hammett

Lee Hutchings

Marli J Monroe

Karen Newman

Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠*Join our Patreon*⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and direct feedback on your film projects!

Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠

Logo & Banner Art by: ⁠Lois Creative⁠

Theme Music by: ⁠John J. Harvey⁠

🎥 Watch Food For Thought📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬 Credits
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Docs to Drama: Morgan Matthews on Directing 500 Miles & Funding Indie Films

How do you take the run-and-gun instincts of a documentary filmmaker and apply them to a highly structured narrative feature? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with the phenomenal writer and director Morgan Matthews to find out.

Morgan shares his incredible journey from studying photography to directing BAFTA-winning documentaries, and eventually transitioning into the world of feature films. We take a deep dive into the making of his latest film, 500 Miles, an ambitious road movie shot across the unpredictable landscapes of Ireland. Morgan shares the unvarnished truth about the indie hustle, from securing financing to managing the brutal logistics of shooting on ferries and in extreme weather.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:


The Documentary Foundation: How classics like 14 Days in May inspired Morgan’s early career and how his factual background informs his narrative directing style today.


Directing an Ensemble Cast: The collaborative process of working with incredible talent like Bill Nighy, Maisie Williams, and Roman Griffin Davis.


Actor Collaboration: Why Morgan believes in remaining flexible on set and actively rewriting scenes to naturally fit the actors' voices.


Financing the Indie Dream: A transparent look at pulling together the budget for 500 Miles utilizing Screen Ireland and complex international financing structures.


The Edit Room Pressure: Why editing a scripted feature feels entirely different—and often carries much more pressure—than finding the story in a documentary edit.


Surviving the Elements: The sheer chaos of filming a road movie in Ireland, where productions can face rain, fog, and bright sunshine all within a single hour.

500 Miles is OUT NOW!

Links:

🎥 Watch Food For Thought


🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠


A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review and every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a massive difference!


🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you!


👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠.


📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠.


🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠.

Big thank you to:


Serena Gardner


Mark Hammett


Lee Hutchings


Marli J Monroe


Karen Newman

Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠*Join our Patreon*⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and direct feedback on your film projects!


Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠


Logo & Banner Art by: ⁠Lois Creative⁠


Theme Music by: ⁠John J. Harvey⁠

📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Noyer on filmmaking, Tax Incentives, Folk Horror, and Directing Love is the Monster

What do you do when your folk horror film is deeply rooted in Finnish mythology, but the financing dictates you have to shoot it in Canada? You adapt, you pivot, and you get your movie made.

This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with returning guest, writer-director, and genre champion Alex Noyer (Sound of Violence) to unpack the production of his latest feature, the creature-feature folk horror Love is the Monster.

Starring Madeline Zima and Leonardo Nam, the film follows a toxic couple whose trip to a remote wellness retreat plunges them into a deadly mythological ritual. Alex strips back the curtain on the grueling reality of independent film financing, sharing the exact strategic choices that moved his production across the globe to secure the best tax rebates possible.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:


Following the Financing: Why Alex pivoted from shooting in Finland (with a 25% cash rebate) to Northern Ontario, Canada, to capitalise on up to 40% in combined tax incentives.


Directing Toxic Characters: How to keep an audience engaged when your lead characters are deeply flawed, and why Madeline Zima was the perfect collaborator to find the humanity in the horror.


The Two-Camera Rule: Why Alex insists on running two cameras simultaneously at all times to protect his coverage and buy himself freedom in the edit suite.


Language & Leadership: The unique challenge of directing an ensemble cast across three different languages (English, French, and Finnish) while maintaining complete control of the set's tone.


Protecting the Edit: Moving from the chaos of the set to sitting alongside the editor, and why the script is completely rewritten once you hit post-production.


Sending the Elevator Down: The vital importance of supporting emerging talent and fostering a collaborative, ego-free community in the independent genre space.

🔗 Links & Films Mentioned in This Episode:


Watch Love is the Monster – Out now exclusively on the Amazon/Prime store (US & Canada).


🎬 Sound of Violence – Alex Noyer’s previous neon-soaked slasher feature.


🎬 Samodiva – Giles Alderson's upcoming folk horror feature.


📱 Connect with Alex Noyer: Follow him on Instagram/X

🎥 Watch Food For Thought


🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠.


A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review & every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a difference!


🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you!


👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠.


📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠HERE⁠.


🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠.

Big thank you to:


Serena Gardner


Mark Hammett


Lee Hutchings


Marli J Monroe


Karen Newman

Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!


The Filmmakers Podcast is written, edited and produced by Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠


Logo and Banner Art by ⁠Lois Creative⁠


Theme Music by ⁠John J. Harvey⁠

📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬 Credits

Alex Noyer, Love is the Monster movie, Madeline Zima, Leonardo Nam, Folk horror movies, Indie film financing, Film tax incentives, How to produce an indie film, Directing two cameras, Giles Alderson, The Filmmakers Podcast, Independent filmmaking podcast, Canadian film tax credits, Sound of Violence, Horror film director

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices