Indie Filmmaking Essentials - Everything I learned from making The Apocalypse Box
Send us a text#filmmaking #horror #31daysofhalloween #indie film #microbudget #filmdirectorWith Halloween right around the corner, I thought this would be the perfect time to talk about The Apocalypse Box , the last feature film I made and some of the filmmaking lessons I learned during the process. Hopefully these insights will be helpful to anyone thinking about making their first indie feature on a micro budget.The Apocalypse Box was an epic undertaking. It was released last year, and you can still check it out for free on Tubi or YouTube or download it to watch on Amazon; links belowTUBI https://tubitv.com/movies/100027122/the-apocalypse-boxYOUTUBE https://youtu.be/PnKfmd-0vVM?si=loO5kIkW_HUNfocVAMAZON https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apocalypse-Box-Jim-Eaves/dp/B0DC8QQK54Check 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_rFor regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletterhttps://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 CAREERAre 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
--------
17:02
--------
17:02
Everything you need to know about Directing Indie Film with Andrea M. Catinella
Send us a text #filmdirecting #indiefilm #filmmaking #microbudgetThis week I chat to indie film director Andrea M. Catinella about his career and his advice for directing indie film. We talk about his work on horror films like 'Piglet', 'Hook' 'Bait' and 'Houseboat Massacre'. The advantage of working on films with existing characters and how he got hired onto direct them. We also talk about the other films he makes, romantic comedies and the reasons he shifts genres. In this episode director Andrea M. Catinella joins us to dive deep into the world of indie filmmaking. From tackling both horror and romantic comedies to navigating the challenges of being a director for hire. Andrea opens up about what it’s like to work with existing characters in horror films, how that impacts distribution and why writing still feels like the toughest part of the process. We also get into the art of short films and why they matter, how they can launch your career and what Andrea looks for when judging at the London Independent Film Festival.We discuss the craft behind the camera of editing by instinct, avoiding overthinking and the common mistakes new filmmakers make. Andrea shares what he wishes he’d known starting out, his philosophy on communication under stress and the personal motto that keeps him grounded through every production. 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_rFor regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletterhttps://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 CAREERAre 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
--------
29:51
--------
29:51
How to Make a Horror Movie with Erin Aine & Kyle Valle
Send us a text#filmmakingpodcast #halloween #horrormovies #filmmaking In this weeks episode I sit down with husband and wife filmmaking team Erin and Kyle to talk about their latest indie horror project, Zombie Con Vol. 1 a blood-soaked, heartfelt, and surprisingly funny take on fandom, filmmaking, and the undead.We chat about what it’s really like to make a feature film together as a couple, the creative challenges behind the story and the nitty-gritty of getting a movie made on your own terms. From E&O insurance and copyright pitfalls to fundraising, distribution and film festival strategies, Erin and Kyle share what they’ve learned (and what they wish they knew sooner).Watch the film now on Amazon Primehttps://www.primevideo.com/detail/ZombieCON-Vol-1/0GSPOHE8MRBVZBIV1ID7F45Z85Check 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_rFor regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletterhttps://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 CAREERAre 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
--------
36:05
--------
36:05
Turn your Short into a Feature film with Hillary Shakespeare & Chris Reading
Send us a text#IndieFilm #FilmmakingTips #TimeTravelIsDangerous #ShortToFeature #IndieFilmmakers #FilmPodcastIn this episode, I sit down with filmmakers Hillary Shakespeare and Chris Reading to talk about the making of their indie sci-fi feature Time Travel Is Dangerous, the journey of turning a short film concept into a full-length movie.We dive into how they built a stellar cast and why shooting the film in sections helped them land incredible talent. The behind-the-scenes process of indie production from development to final cut. What they learned about sales, distribution, and marketing in the indie film world and practical tips and tricks for filmmakers looking to evolve a short film into a featureIf you’re an indie filmmaker (or dreaming of becoming one), this conversation is packed with real, hard-won insights about creativity, resourcefulness, and making your film happen on your own terms.Check out the film now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.596b2135-7d19-46af-9576-9037fc26939f?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wbCheck 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_rFor regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletterhttps://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 CAREERAre 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
--------
28:04
--------
28:04
Crowd Funding Masterclass with Melissa Center
Send us a text#filmmakingpodcast #crowdfunding #kickstarter #indiegogoThis week on the podcast I sit down with actor, filmmaker, and crowdfunding coach Melissa Center for a deep dive into the world of indie filmmaking and raising money for your creative projects. Melissa shares her journey from producing her very first micro-budget feature to balancing the roles of both actor and producer. Along the way, she reveals what it really takes to launch a project from scratch and why choosing between shorts or features isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.In our conversation, Melissa demystifies the crowdfunding process, tackling common fears, debunking myths, and highlighting what makes a campaign successful. We talk about whether genre plays a role in funding, what the “perfect” budget looks like and her platform of choice. From building momentum before a campaign launches to choosing the right perks (hint: story driven ones are best!), Melissa provides practical advice that can empower filmmakers at any stage.We also explore bigger questions around sustainability and community. Can you rely on previous investors? Does online advertising really work? And what’s the best timeline for running a campaign? Melissa opens up about what she wishes she had known when she started out, and we unpack the ever-present fear of asking for money. To round out the episode, Jim recommends How to Crowdfund Your Film with MJ Dixon, a perfect companion to Melissa’s invaluable insights.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_rFor regular updates and exclusive content - sign up for The Honest Filmmaker newsletterhttps://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 CAREERAre 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
REAL TALK FOR ASPIRING FILMMAKERSAre you wrapping up your film degree or contemplating a career shift into the creative industry? The Honest Filmmaker is your go-to resource for navigating the real-world challenges of micro-budget and indie filmmaking.Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Jim Eaves, the podcast delves into the nitty-gritty of independent film production. From securing funding and managing tight budgets to distribution strategies and building a sustainable career, this is unfiltered advice and practical tips from professionals who have been in your shoes. Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or an indie filmmaker determined to make your mark, The Honest Filmmaker equips you with the tools, insights, and honest guidance to thrive in the world of independent cinema.http://www.thehonestfilmmaker.co.uk