The Filmmakers Podcast

Joanne Mitchell on Broken Bird, Directing in Serbia, and the Actor-Director Journey

How do you take a story set in the rolling hills and local pubs of Northern England and shoot it entirely in Belgrade, Serbia?

This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with actor, producer, and director Joanne Mitchell to discuss her incredible feature directorial debut, Broken Bird. Originally developed from her award-winning short film Sybil, the film was an opening night selection at FrightFest and is now available on all major VOD platforms!

Joanne pulls back the curtain on her amazing journey from producing gritty, micro-budget indies with her partner Dominic Brunt, to landing a $2 Million ($1.5M GBP) budget through Catalyst Studios as part of an incredible all-female slate. She breaks down the massive logistical challenges of shooting in Serbia, including navigating brutalist architecture, 85-degree heat, and the language barrier of working with a local crew.

We also dive deep into the actor-director dynamic. Drawing from her own extensive acting career, Joanne shares her philosophy on why directors must protect an actor's rhythm, the importance of private notes, and how she cast her incredible lead, Rebecca Calder. Plus, we hear the amazing story of how she hired her brilliant cinematographer, Igor Marovic, purely on gut instinct over a Zoom call!

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:


Catching the Directing Bug: Transitioning from learning on micro-budget sets to directing shorts (Sybil, The Outing) and her debut feature.


The Catalyst Studios Deal: Securing a $2M budget as part of an all-female slate of six films.


Shooting in Serbia: The intense challenge of doubling Belgrade for Northern England, and how a disused royal palace kitchen became her mortuary set.


Hiring on Gut Instinct: Choosing cinematographer Igor Marovic without a showreel via a Zoom call (he has since worked with Martin Scorsese!).


Leading a Foreign Crew: Overcoming language barriers, using literal look-books, and earning the trust of a Serbian crew as a British female director.


Directing Actors: Why Joanne's background as an actress makes her hyper-empathetic to performers, the danger of actors absorbing each other's energy, and the power of private notes.


Producing vs. Directing: Why Joanne prefers the director's chair, but how her producing background gave her a realistic understanding of budget constraints.

🔗 Links, Mentions & Resources:


Watch Broken Bird — Available now on all major VOD and streaming platforms!


Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod


Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! New episodes every Tuesday!

Links:

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

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

Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!

⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠

Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠

 

⁠COURSES⁠

Want to learn how to finish your film?

Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠

 

⁠PATREON⁠

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!

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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

 

CREDITS

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

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

Directing The Devil Wears Prada, Studio Pressures, and Trusting Your Cast with David Frankel

How do you adapt when a major studio cuts your post-production schedule by six weeks? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with Oscar-winning director David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada, Sex and the City, The Morning Show). Fresh off the mix stage for his latest film, David pulls back the curtain on navigating massive studio pressures and the magic of true collaboration.

David reveals the intense reality of an accelerated edit after his studio pushed his release date to May 1st to replace an delayed Avengers film. He also takes us behind the scenes of The Devil Wears Prada. He explains why he originally rejected the script because it framed Miranda as a villain, how he successfully pitched her as a heroine aiming for excellence, and what it was like discovering a young Emily Blunt on a bad VHS tape.

Whether you are a student filmmaker learning the importance of clean audio, or a seasoned director wondering how to manage a massive set redesign in the courtyards of Milan, this episode is packed with unfiltered industry truth!

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:


The Accelerated Edit: How the studio's decision to move the release date to May 1st shortened post-production by at least six weeks.


The Egalitarian Set: Why David prefers to walk onto the set pretending he doesn't know what he's doing, allowing actors like Meryl Streep to organically find their own blocking.


Pivoting on the Fly: The terrifying but empowering decision to drop coverage and shoot a complex pop-star backstage scene as a single take.


Production Design Under Pressure: Redesigning a massive fashion show set for the Brera Academy courtyard with just two weeks' notice after realizing the streets of Milan offered too little control.


The Devil Wears Prada Origins: Why David originally hated the script's revenge focus, and how pitching Miranda as a heroine got the studio and Meryl Streep on board.


Casting Magic: Meeting Anne Hathaway first, and casting Emily Blunt despite her initially being unavailable due to a dragon movie.


TV vs. Film Autonomy: The stark contrast between having a "peanut gallery" of writers on Sex and the City versus the lonely autonomy of directing a feature film.


Advice for Students: The absolute importance of trusting your actors, getting proper coverage, and prioritizing perfect sound to preserve your edit.

🔗 Links & Resources:


Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

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

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

Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!

⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠

Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠

 

⁠COURSES⁠

Want to learn how to finish your film?

Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠

 

⁠PATREON⁠

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!

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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

 

CREDITS

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

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

Empire of Lies: Making an Indie Thriller on a Shoestring with Matthew Hope & Joseph Millson

What happens when an established action director strips everything away to make a micro-budget thriller in just 8 days?

This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with director Matthew Hope (The Veteran, All the Devil's Men) and returning champion, actor/producer Joseph Millson (Casino Royale, Signs of Life), to discuss their tense new two-hander, Empire of Lies.

Matthew and Joseph pull back the curtain on true guerrilla filmmaking. They break down what it is actually like to shoot a feature film in under 10 days with a crew of just 4 to 5 people, the realities of self-financing (including how Matthew pitched the investment to his wife!), and how an epiphany on the M1 motorway finally cracked the script.

We also do a massive deep dive into the business side of indie film, exploring how they utilized data analytics, Instagram, and targeted ads to independently distribute a sub-£100k movie into cinemas. If you are waiting for permission or a massive budget to make your first feature, this episode will give you the kickstart you need to just go out and shoot it!

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:


Going Micro: Matthew’s pivot from massive budget action movies to an intimate, self-funded indie.


Guerrilla Filmmaking: Shooting a feature in 8–10 days with a skeletal crew of 4-5 people (and a very obliging mother-in-law's field!).


Cracking the Script: The collaborative writing process, layering clues for rewatchability, and the M1 car ride that unlocked the twist.


Prep vs. Spontaneity: The "John Williams analogy" and why meticulous directorial prep gives actors the freedom to improvise.


Indie Distribution Masterclass: Using data analytics, social media ads, and the strategies of Jonathan Sadler to release a sub-£100k film.


Reading the Room: Experiencing live audience reactions and the unexpected themes of grief viewers took away from the film.


Working with Emerging Talent: Collaborating with first-time lead Natalie Spence, composer Ryan, and DOP Elliot Millson.

🔗 Links, Mentions & Resources:


Watch Empire of Lies — Available now on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.


Keep an eye out for Waking Slowly — The upcoming documentary about the making of Joseph Millson's directorial debut, Signs of Life.


Book Recommendation: Film Marketing and Distribution: An Independent Filmmaker's Guide by Jonathan Sadler.


Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod


Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

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

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

Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!

⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠

Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠

 

⁠COURSES⁠

Want to learn how to finish your film?

Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠

 

⁠PATREON⁠

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!

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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

 

CREDITS

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

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

Brian Cox on Directing Glenrothan, Trusting Your Collaborators, and the Magic of the Edit

Filmmakers, you are in for an absolute treat today. We are joined by a true titan of the industry, the legendary Brian Cox. After decades of delivering iconic performances on stage and screen, Brian sits down with us to discuss stepping behind the camera for his highly anticipated feature directorial debut, Glenrothan.

Fresh off a phenomenal premiere at TIFF (complete with a massive standing ovation!), Brian breaks down his deeply egalitarian approach to filmmaking. He shares the brilliant story of how his producer, Neil Zegler, flat-out told him he was the only person who could direct this movie, and how he leaned heavily on his DP to bring the vision to life.

We dive into the nitty-gritty of the craft: why Brian prioritizes script, story, and actors over rigid shot lists and storyboards, the delicate art of directing yourself and "staying out of your own way," and how assembling a powerhouse cast—including Alan Cumming, Shirley Henderson, and brilliant young talent—elevated the entire production. Plus, he shares some invaluable lessons from the cutting room, including why they had to switch editors and dramatically restructure a crucial waterfall scene.

Topic of the Week: Make sure you stick around for the outro, where we break down Brian's philosophy in our Topic of the Week: The Egalitarian Set: Why the Best Directors Don't Micro-Manage. We discuss why letting go of control and trusting your Heads of Department is actually an indie director's greatest superpower.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

The Push to Direct: How producer Neil convinced Brian he had to take the helm of Glenrothan.

The TIFF Premiere: The emotional experience of screening the film and receiving a standing ovation.

The Egalitarian Set: Why Brian threw out rigid storyboards to focus entirely on the script, the story, and the actors.

Directing Yourself: The secret to acting in your own movie and learning how to "stay out of your own way."

Casting Magic: Working with heavy hitters like Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson alongside rising young stars.

The Realities of the Edit: Navigating post-production hurdles, switching editors, and the brilliant decision to move a crucial waterfall scene to later in the film.

Brian’s Ultimate Advice: Why a director’s greatest superpower is trusting their department heads and valuing everyone's creative contribution.

Links & Resources:

Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod

Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify—it really helps us keep bringing you these incredible masterclasses!

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

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

Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!

⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠

Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠

 

⁠COURSES⁠

Want to learn how to finish your film?

Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠

 

⁠PATREON⁠

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!

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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

 

CREDITS

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

"The ultimate indie film success story! Writer and director Ian Tuason joins Giles Alderson to discuss his massive breakout horror hit, Undertone.

Made for just $500,000, Undertone sparked a bidding war at Fantasia Fest, was acquired by A24 in a 7-figure deal, and is now crushing the global box office ($20M and counting).

Ian breaks down how he crafted 'the scariest movie you'll ever hear' by making an audio-driven horror film where only one speaking character (Nina Kiri) is ever shown on screen.

We dive deep into the emotional reality of indie filmmaking, as Ian reveals what it was like to shoot the film in his childhood home where he previously cared for his terminally ill parents. We also discuss his background in 360-degree VR horror and how this massive indie hit led to him being hired by Jason Blum and James Wan to write and direct Paranormal Activity 8.

A truly inspiring masterclass in utilizing your limitations!

Links & Resources:


Go see Undertone in cinemas now!


Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod


Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

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

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

Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify,or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your palsabout this podcast. Thank you!

⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠

Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more ⁠MERCH⁠. ⁠https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/⁠

 

⁠COURSES⁠

Want to learn how to finish your film?

Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/⁠

 

⁠PATREON⁠

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!

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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

 

CREDITS

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

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