This week, Alrik and Liz welcome filmmaker and film festival director Melanie Addington to talk about getting into the film festival game, making the switch from the Oxford Film Festival to Tallgrass and to hear all about what an Executive Director of a film festival does! We also discuss an article about California, taxes and the streamers and read a listener question. Enjoy! For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org This week's article: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/netflix-hulu-beat-california-city-that-aimed-to-tax-streaming-platforms-1235130559/

This week Alrik and Liz welcome writer and director Riley Stearns on the show to talk about his latest feature Dual, starring Karen Gillan. Riley talks about how he wrote the movie on spec, how the film got financed and how his career has grown. After that we talk about Method Acting and how it shouldn’t be used as an excuse for bad behavior and we read a listener email. Enjoy! For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org This week's article: https://www.indiewire.com/2022/04/will-poulter-method-acting-excuse-inappropriate-behavior-1234715779/

This week we welcome Jane Schoenbrun onto the show to talk about making their first feature 'We're All Going to the World's Fair', getting into Sundance and then creating a bidding war over their second feature film, which is being produced by A24. After that Alrik and Liz talk about what they are trying to DO as filmmakers! For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org

This week Alrik and Liz chat with Caitlin Gold, one of the founders of the 51 Fund. We chat with her about being an independent producer, what it takes to create a film fund, and how she collaborates with directors. We also chat about the infamous Oscar slap. Enjoy! For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org This week's article: https://www.indiewire.com/2022/03/inside-oscars-ceremony-will-smith-drama-1234712155/

This week Alrik and Liz talk with filmmaker Tarik Saleh about his latest feature, The Contractor. We also discuss an article from the Hollywood Reporter about a grant for development tv content, and answer a listener question. Enjoy! For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org This week's article: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/beta-group-series-mania-seriesmakers-tv-grant-1235115598/

This week, Alrik and Liz chat with filmmaker and editor Roger Nygard about his feature documentary Trekkies and howhis evolved to include fiction filmmaking, comedy editing, and writing books. We also discuss the Distributor ReportCards from The Film Collaborative. Enjoy! For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org This week's article:

This week Alrik and Liz welcome filmmaker Meg Swertlow on the show to talk about making her first short films and her process as a writer. We also chat about an article from Buzzfeed that details an overlap of conservative financiers and liberal artists and then we answer a listener question. Enjoy! For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org This week's article: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/josephbernstein/peter-thiel-anti-woke-film-festival-trevor-bazile

This week Alrik and Liz welcome filmmaker Chris Makoto Yogi to talk about his experience going through the Sundance Labs, making his first feature film August at Akikos and how that led to him making his second feature I was a Simple Man that premiered at Sundance in 2021! After that, we discuss an article about how a new NFT platform is hoping to boost indie filmmakers. Enjoy! For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org This Weeks Article: https://www.indiewire.com/2022/01/sundance-filmmakers-direct-blockbusters-1234692811/

This week Alrik and Liz welcome TV literary agent Jeff Greenberg on the show to tell us exactly what a TV Lit agent does, what he looks for in a client or a project and what it takes to be a successful writer/director in television. We also chat about an article from Filmmaker Magazine. Enjoy! For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org This Weeks Article: https://www.indiewire.com/2022/01/sundance-filmmakers-direct-blockbusters-1234692811/

This week Alrik and Liz talk with tv writer and creator/showrunner of the Starz show Hightown about working in both TV and indie film. We also have a short interview with filmmaker Donavan Edwards about his short film, Sunday Dinner, made by the Utah Jazz. Enjoy! Sunday Dinner from the Utah Jazz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oGG6j9xh1w For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org This Weeks Article: https://www.indiewire.com/2022/01/sundance-filmmakers-direct-blockbusters-1234692811/

This week Alrik and Liz chat with producer Milan Chakraborty about his company Marginal Media Works and how he works in the independent film scene. We also have a bonus interview with filmmaker and actress Erika Longo about the short her and Liz worked on that was just released- LINA. Enjoy! For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.org This Weeks Article: https://www.indiewire.com/2022/01/sundance-filmmakers-direct-blockbusters-1234692811/

This week, Alrik and Liz chat with Rebecca Windsor and Elly Lachman, who are running the WB Television Workshop. After that, we talk about an article about virtual production spaces as well as what makes a great director. Enjoy!For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.ioCheck out the ISA at: www.networkisa.orgThis Weeks Article: https://www.indiewire.com/2022/01/sundance-filmmakers-direct-blockbusters-1234692811/

This week Liz and Alrik welcome Vietnamese Writer/Director Le Van Kiet to the show to talk about his latest film, The Requin which started as a Vietnamese film which he ended up translating to English. Kiet talks about why he made a shark movie, his life as a writer/director in Vietnam, making the top grossing box office film in Vietnam Furie (at the time) and how he got approached by Hulu/Disney to direct the upcoming action movie The Princess which is coming out in 2022! After that Liz and Alrik talk about an article from Eric Kohn over at Indie Wire about how Sundance Directors shouldn't direct Marvel movies as their second films and Liz asks Alrik about how to best set up the rules of your genre film.For 20% off your Jambox subscription use code MMIH @ jambox.io Check out the ISA at: www.networkisa.orgThis Weeks Article: https://www.indiewire.com/2022/01/sundance-filmmakers-direct-blockbusters-1234692811/

This week, Alrik and Liz chat with writer and showrunner (Halt & Catch Fire) Christopher Cantwell. We follow that up with a conversation about the regional film festival crisis as well as the reception to our work. Enjoy! www.jambox.io use code MMIH for a 20% discount! www.networkisa.org

This week we welcome director Luis Prieto on the show to talk about directing his latest film Shattered and how he made the jump from directing comedies in Italy to directing thrillers in Hollywood. After that we discuss an article about the Golden Globes not being aired as well as a listener email.Contact Liz & Alrik Send us an emailYou can find Liz Manashil @ www.lizmanashil.comYou can find Alrik @ www.alrikbursell.comMMIH is now in video and on Youtube @ www.youtube.com/c/MakingMoviesisHARDPodcastYou can now find MMIH @ mmihpodcast on instagram!Find us on our Facebook Community PageContact us on Twitter and Facebook

This week Alrik and Liz chat with filmmaker Talia Lugacy about her second feature, This is Not a War Story, and how she produced it with a model similar to a worker co-op. We also discuss an article Talia wrote about the making of her film, and read a listener email. Enjoy! International Screenwriters Association: www.networkisa.org

This week, Alrik and Liz talk with filmmaker Asif Akbar about their latest, The Commando, starring Micheal Jai White and Mickey Rourke! Asif talks about how he got his films made, why he produces as well as directs and how he has found partners and distribution for his films. We also chat about an article regarding the Dizzying Uncertainty of 2021 and our their plans for 2022! Check out the International Screenwriters Association at www.networkisa.org and use our code MMIH2021 for a 20% discount!

This week, Alrik and Liz chat with artist Omar Lopex about his first feature, Ana, Who They Pulled Out of the River, which he shot on film in Tijuana. We also talk about industry activism and a very specific acting class Liz took. Enjoy! Jump over to check out the ISA @ www.networkisa.org and use our code MMIH2021 for a discount on a yearly ISA Connect membership!

In our 350th episode, we welcome DP Alice Brooks to talk about lensing IN THE HEIGHTS, TICK, TICK... BOOM! and her partnership with John M Chu. We also chat about the recent blowback from Austin Film Festival script coverage. Enjoy! www.networkisa.org use code: MMIH2021 till January 15th 2022!

Alrik and Liz chat with filmmaker KT Curran about her second feature, Surviving Lunch, working within the nonprofit model, and her focus on impact-driven films. After that, we talk about life after signing a distribution contract and the state of the box office. Enjoy! Follow the ISA @ https://www.networkisa.org/

This week Alrik and Liz talk with Allen C. Gardner about making 16 features as either a lead actor, director, writer or producer. They also chat about diversity trends and tough moments on set. Enjoy! Check out the international screenwriters association: www.networkisa.org

This week Liz and Alrik welcome producer/writer/director Jenn Page on the show to talk about how she first got hired as a director, when she decided to start turning down opportunities and how that all lead to directing her newest film, Playing with Beethoven! They also discuss an article from the Hollywood reporter about Cinemark playing Netfilx films in the theater and Liz asks Alrik about networking! This Week's News Article: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/cinemark-netflix-films-1235050880/ For more on the International Screenwriters Association: www.networkisa.org Buy Tickets to The Alternate at The SOHO Horror Film Festival in the UK: https://www.sohohorrorfest.com/sohome-virtual-horror-fest-dec-2021/the-alternate Buy Tickets to The Alternate at The Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival: https://tbuff2021.eventive.org/films/617d567aca3d87005b7280d6 Buy Tickets to The Alternate at The Other Worlds Film Festival: https://otherworldsfilmfest.com/film-guide

Alrik and Liz talk to filmmaker Bill Crossland about making his debut feature CATCHING UP after the short premiered at Sundance. We also talk about film festivals and the feedback process during post-production. We hope you enjoy! International Writers Association: www.networkisa.org The Alternate at The Studio City Film Festival Until 11/24: https://xerb.tv/channel/studiocityfest/virtual-events/2768

Alrik and Liz chat with filmmaker and actress Sujata Day about her feature debut, DEFINITION PLEASE. We also chat about AMC's interim CEO's new business model. Enjoy! The Alternate is at the Studio City International Film Festival this weekend starting 11/18 here is the link: https://www.studiocityfest.com/2021-schedule Check out the International Screenwriters Association at www.networkisa.org and use code MMIH 2021 for a discount on a yearly membership!

This week Alrik and Liz welcome the Film Festival Alliance to talk about what the alliance is, how it got started and how they like to partner with film festivals. We also talk about the American Film Market and Liz and Alrik spin into an improvised rant session on growing a career in this industry.on a rabbit hole conversation about what Indie Filmmaking actually is and how it is so often mislabeled by the media. The International Screenwriters Association: www.networkisa.com Use code: mmih2021 for a discount off of a year membership! The Alternate Cinejoy Spotlight Event: https://creatics.org/cinejoy/premiere/more-info/165342/The-Alternate-w-Hey,-It's-Me

This week we have Christine Weatherup on the show to talk about making her first feature film, See You Next Christmas, which she shot on a 'three days on, four days off' schedule. We also talk about the tragedy on the set of Rust and we finally answer a listener question. Enjoy! International Screenwriters Association: www.networkisa.org

Alrik and Liz chat with Marine Edward Green about his move from the military to filmmaking and how his life experiences helped him shoot his first feature during the pandemic. International Screenwriters Association: https://www.networkisa.org/ The Alternate Film at Atlanta Sci-Fi FIlm Festival: https://www.atlantascififilmfestival.com/2021-films/the-alternate-2

Alrik and Liz chat with Liz's favorite film critic, Tim Cogshell (of NPR's FilmWeek amongst other publications) They also chat about Hollywood and vaccine mandates as well as Heartland International Film Festival. Enjoy! ISA:https://www.networkisa.org/ The Alternate Tickets at Scarefest: https://thescarefest.com/the-films-of-the-scarefest-2021-film-festival/alternate/

Alrik and Liz chat with filmmakers and stars of the new film What She Said, Jenny Lester and Juliana Jurenas, about the making of the film and the pure determination and grit they called upon to get the film in the can. They also have a conversation re: ‘deepfake’ casting and connect about Liz's short film pre production process. Enjoy! Check out the ISA: https://www.networkisa.org/ The Alternate is playing at Heartland International till 10/17, check it out and vote the film for best horror film: https://watch.eventive.org/hiff2021/play/61392371cf7b2b00a8ed2df4

This week Alrik and Liz chat with friend of the show, Rebecca Eskreis, about the patience, determination and resources it took to get her first feature, WHAT BREAKS THE ICE, off the ground. We also chat about iphone filmmaking! Enjoy! ISA: https://www.networkisa.org/

This week Alrik and Liz chat with directing duo Nick Scown and Julie Seabaugh about their new documentary, Too Soon: Comedy After 9/11. This show investigates how two near-strangers can find they are compatible enough to make a movie together over several years, and how they each used their strengths to grow the film from a sticky idea to a larger, supported and successful commercial film. Check out the International Screenwriters Association @ https://www.networkisa.org/

Writer turned filmmaker Veronica Mckenzie graces us with her presence on the show to talk about the making of her first feature film, NINE NIGHTS. Alrik and Liz also chat about the premiere screening of Alrik's first feature, THE ALTERNATE, and we read a listener letter. ENJOY International Screenwriters Association: https://www.networkisa.org/ The Alternate Teaser: https://vimeo.com/600062844

Alrik and Liz chat with filmmaker Ben Hickernell about his latest film, WHAT WE FOUND, as well as his overall strategy for financing and putting work out into the world. We cap off the show with a discussion about film festivals and audience building. Enjoy! The Alternate Teaser Trailer: https://vimeo.com/600062844 International Screenwriting Association: https://www.networkisa.org/

This week Alrik has a solo interview with writer/director Elza Kephart about her new horror/comedy Slaxx which hits VOD & DVD today! Elza talks about how she had the idea for the film twenty years ago, how it was developed and how she was able to successfully pitch the film at the Frontières Film Market at the Fantasia Film Festival! Alrik and Liz also talk more about film festival strategy.Check out the International Screenwriters’ Association @https://www.networkisa.org/Last chance to get tickets to the world premiere of The Alternate on Saturday 9/11 @ https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf24-the-alternate--zero-one-zero

This week Alrik and Liz chat with filmmakers and real life besties, Stacey Maltin and Margarita Zhitnikova, who talk about their company Besties Make Movies, and their latest feature, TRIPLE THREAT. A & L follow up the conversation with some thoughts on film festival promotion. Enjoy!Check out the ISA at: https://www.networkisa.org/Grab your tickets for the world premiere of The Alternate in LA: https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf24-the-alternate--zero-one-zero

This week, Liz and Alrik have a completely open chat about major personal milestones that are impacting their careers including a new baby on the way for Alrik!

Alrik and Liz start the show but Liz takes the interview with Nicholas Bruckman solo as they talk about Nicholas' new documentary on activist Ady Barkan. After that, A+L come back together to talk about Constellation Incubator, and answer a listener email. We hope you enjoy!    Buy Your Tickets to The Alternate Premiere Now!: https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf24-the-alternate--zero-one-zero

This week Alrik and Liz connect with Widmyer and Kolsch on their journey from indie Starry Eyes to the remake of Steven King's Pet Sematary, to directing tv. This episode is a celebration of the indie spirit and pulls back the curtain on the processes of studio development. We also highlight Luke Zwanziger's short film "Gwen." Enjoy!  Get Shorty link: https://vimeo.com/532406451/71aa9fff7e Buy Your Tickets to The Alternate Premiere Now!: https://danceswithfilms.ticketspice.com/dwf24-the-alternate--zero-one-zero

This week Liz and Alrik chat with storyteller Joslyn Rose Lyons about her career thus far. Joslyn inspired us to no end about the importance of process, her philosophy of filmmaking, and the value of representation. Our GET SHORTY this week is Sid Penrose, by Drew Dull, and our listener email comes to us from Brendan Thatcher.  Enjoy!  Get Shorty Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXpMqXZmEho

This week we welcome back filmmakers Brett and Drew Pierce to talk about the pandemic release of their film, The Wretched.  The movie thrived and was number one in the country week after week, grossing over a million dollars in drive-ins alone. Fast forward one year later, we catch up with Brett and Drew to see how their careers have changed since this massive success, what they have learned and what takeaways they have once you find yourself in a position where projects are being brought to you to pitch on. This is a very interesting conversation filled with lots of great nuggets and tough realizations about how films get made and it’s a must listen for anyone who’s making a feature in hopes of it launching their career. We also have another Get Shorty featuring The Parable of Amos Moses by filmmakers Dylan Varella and Mason Beals and we read another listener email, plus Alrik drops a big update on The Alternate!  Get Shorty Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf5jggDNbkI

This week Liz and Alrik welcome writer/director T. Arthur Cottam on the show to talk about the re-release of his feature film Carbuncle which is now out on Amazon Prime, Plex and Vimeo on Demand. T. talks to us about finding success with short films and how that lead to making Carbuncle for four thousand dollars which was completely funded from film festival prize money. We also talk about his latest feature film One Hour Outcall, how that project came together and how T. balances making his art and paying the bills. This is really great conversation about how you can make a life for yourself as an artist and how there is no one way to make that happen. We also have filmmaker and listener Earl Martin on Get Shorty to talk about his short film LISTEN and Liz and Alrik read a listener letter from a friend of the show!  Get Shorty Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjuU12sUqZY

Alrik and Liz have a wonderful, substantive and vulnerable conversation with filmmaker Tom Putnam about the trajectory of his career (from massively popular shorts to a razzie nominated feature, to his most recent award-winning film, THE DARK DIVIDE). We also feature Nicole De Meneses' latest short, BLOOD BOND.  

This week Liz and Alrik chat with writer/director Craig Moss about his latest feature, LET US IN. This film was a bit of a departure from his previous films, and Craig goes into taking on producerial duties as well as how he made a career by NOT going to film school. Also, Liz is in the hot seat for GET SHORTY while Alrik and Ritesh Mehta discuss her short, THIS IS SHORT WE'RE SUBMITTING TO FILM FESTIVALS. Finally, we read a brand new iTunes review. Enjoy! 

This week, Liz and Alrik chat with screenwriter and comedian Mishna Wolff. Mishna talks a lot about process, how enjoyable this specific project was, and goes into her love of genre films. We also have a special GET SHORTY where Liz and Ritesh Mehta review Host Alrik Bursell's short film, CONFLICT. Finally, we read a letter from editor of the show, Cameron Caves! Enjoy!

This week Liz and Alrik invite editor of the musical, In The Heights, Myron Kerstein on the show to talk about his two years editing the film, re-opening the edit during the pandemic to make some key changes to the film and how making this film with a 50 million dollar budget felt like a big studio crew making a movie on an indie budget. Myron gets into a lot of details with us, including the amount of VFX shots that are in the film, the challenges of editing a musical that was shot on location and what he and director Jon M. Chu changed when they reopened the edit. Don’t go away after the interview, because we have another Australian filmmaker on the show to talk about their short film, I’m Your Fool, and Liz and Alrik talk about the Get Shorty segment and what purpose they hope it’s serving!

This week Liz and Alrik welcome star and co-director Kate Forsatz and editor Meredith Veach to come on the show to talk about their first feature, Threebound which they shot in NYC in eleven days with a large amount of locations and a pretty sizable crew. Kate and Meredith talk about how they originally spent $14k on a teaser trailer that they were hoping to raise a million dollar budget with and when that didn’t work out, they pivoted to making the whole film for around $70k. This is a great conversation about perseverance and really making sure you bring the right group of people together to make a film. We also have filmmaker Roy Ellis IV on the show to talk about his short film POME (Product of My Environment) and Liz and Alrik read an Itunes review and some youtube comments!

This week we have documentary filmmaker and director Michelle Boyaner on the show to talk about making her latest: It’s Not a Burden, about adult children taking care of their elderly parents. Michelle talks about why she decided to make this film, how they raised the funds and her process of getting this story onto the screen. This is Michelle’s third feature doc and she talks about why she keeps returning to documentaries, the struggle to raise funds and how she is able to live off of storytelling. We also have another Australian filmmaker Ambrosia Miller on the show to talk about his first short film, Banana Peel Man which is really a lot of fun. Liz and Alrik read a listener email, Alrik gives an update on The Alternate and Liz and Alrik discuss pitch decks for features, if you need them and how to present them at and/or after meetings!

 This week Liz and Alrik welcome Writer/Producer Hudson Phillips and Director/Editor Jordan Noel on the show to talk about their feature film This World Alone which they made out in Atlanta on a budget of $30k. They talk about how they came up with the idea for the film, how production was prepped in a very short amount of time and how they were able to make the film happen with such a small budget. This is a great conversation if you want to hear about a team who decided to stop asking for permission and just went out and made their film. We also have Australian filmmaker Jennifer Gareski on the show to talk about her short film ‘The Non-Love Story’, we read another listener's letter and Liz and Alrik continue their deep conversation about being filmmakers.