The Filmmakers Podcast

Legendary writer-director Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, First Reformed) joins Giles Alderson & Dom Lenoir to discuss his powerful new film, Oh, Canada. In this exclusive masterclass, Paul reveals how he shot the complex, multi-timeline drama in just 17 days and why he reunited with Richard Gere 45 years after American Gigolo.

We dive deep into his screenwriting process, talking Taxi Driver, re-writing, the reherasal process and directing actors. Why he reads scenes in reverse. PLUS adapting the late Russell Banks' novel, and his unique approach to 'rewriting the film' in the edit. Paul also opens up about working with Jacob Elordi, the evolution of his 'Man in a Room' films, and why he believes filmmakers must constantly reinvent their visual language. A must-listen for anyone interested in the craft of cinema from one of its greatest living rebels.

Oh, Canada , Based on the novel Foregone by Russell Banks. It follows Leonard Fife (Richard Gere), a famous leftist documentary filmmaker who fled to Canada to avoid the Vietnam draft. Now dying of cancer, he agrees to a final interview with his former students (Michael Imperioli) to confess the "truth" of his life—a truth his wife (Uma Thurman) might not be ready to hear, is out now.

Links

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 pals about 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, produced and edited 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

Director Hikari (Beef, Tokyo Vice) joins The Filmmakers Podcast to discuss her new film Rental Family and working with Brendan Fraser.

In this inspiring interview, Hikari breaks down her unique journey with Dom Lenoir to chat her journey from stunt extra to award-winning director. She discusses the process of crafting the visual language for the hit Netflix series Beef (directing the pilot), working with Michael Mann on Tokyo Vice, and the emotional journey of making Rental Family. We dive deep into directing actors across different languages, the "fake family" rental phenomenon in Japan, and how she transitioned from her indie breakout 37 Seconds to major studio projects.

Topics discussed:


Directing Brendan Fraser in his first major role since The Whale.


How she set the visual tone for Netflix's Beef.


The cultural differences between filming in Tokyo vs. Hollywood.


Writing Rental Family during the pandemic.


Advice for filmmakers on finding their unique voice.

Rental Family is OUT in CINEMAS NOW

PLUS Giles and Dom discuss this years awards season contenders and the dark horses who might just get a nod.

We are primarily an audio podcast so for more interviews like thisplease head to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com.

Do subscribe and give a nice review. Why not.

Links

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 pals about 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, produced and edited 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

It's 2026! Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast!

The legendary James L. Brooks (Creator of 'The Simpsons', Director of 'As
Good as It Gets') sits down with Conor Boru and Francis Annan to discuss
his first film in 15 years, 'Ella McCay'.

In this exclusive interview, the 3-time Oscar winner breaks down his
return to the director's chair, working with Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee
Curtis, and his unique process for finding the "truth" in comedy. We
dive deep into his screenwriting craft, how he produces for other
directors (like Wes Anderson), and the lessons he's learned from a
career that defined the "dramedy" genre.

Topics discussed:

Why he chose Ella McCay as his return to directing.

The challenge of writing dialogue that is both funny and
heartbreaking.

Directing an ensemble cast (Woody Harrelson, Jaime Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri,

The legacy of Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News.

Producing advice for young filmmakers.

We are primarily an audio podcast so for more interviews like this
please head to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com.

Do subscribe. Why not.

Links

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 pals about 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, produced and edited 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

In this regular festive episode of The Filmmakers Podcast, the hosts and guests engage in light-hearted banter, share personal updates, and discuss the joys and challenges of filmmaking, the TOP TEN podcast episodes of the year AND they compete in the ANNUAL QUIZ! Who will win (again?)

Our hosts are: Giles Alderson, Dom Lenoir, Lucinda Rhodes Thakrar, Phil Hawkins, Stephen Follows, Tobias Vees and Matthew Butler-Hart who all share their experiences and insights, highlighting the collaborative nature of the film industry and the importance of community among filmmakers. As they reflect on their projects and future plans, the episode captures the essence of creativity and camaraderie in the filmmaking world. In this engaging conversation, the hosts reflect on the past year in filmmaking, sharing insights from their experiences and the lessons learned through their podcast. They discuss the importance of perseverance, finding a supportive community, and the joy of creating films. The conversation also touches on market trends for 2026 and the future of filmmaking, emphasizing the need for originality and creativity in a changing industry. The episode features a fun Christmas quiz, adding a light-hearted element to the discussion. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of film funding, the challenges faced in casting and securing equity investment, and the importance of passion in filmmaking. They explore how the indie film industry is adapting to new financing strategies and the growing significance of genre films in attracting investors. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of filmmaking.

We reflect on the importance of storytelling, the challenges faced in the film industry, and share personal insights and advice for aspiring filmmakers.

Thank you for listening. Have a wonderful XMAS and see you in the NEW YEAR!

Links

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 pals about 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, produced and edited 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

Filmmakers, we have the creators of the biggest show on the planet. The masterminds who took 80s nostalgia, Dungeons & Dragons, and a group of kids on bikes, and turned it into a global empire. I am talking, of course,
about Matt and Ross Duffer—The Duffer Brothers!

Now, you know them as the creators of Stranger Things,
the show that literally breaks the internet every time a new season
drops. But what we love about this conversation is that we go right back
to the start. We talk about their 2015 low-budget horror thriller, Hidden—a film that got caught in studio limbo but taught them the vital lessons of directing and how they pitched Stranger Things around various studios and TV execs getting rejections along the way.

We dive into how they work as a duo, how they pitch to networks (and deal with rejection!), and the absolute mountain of work it takes to land
the final season of the most popular show in the world.

From the Upside Down to the top of Hollywood, this is a masterclass in long-form storytelling and sticking to your vision.

Grab your Eggos and turn up the volume. Let’s welcome... The Duffer Brothers!"

STRANGER THINGS s5 is OUT NOW on NETFLIX!

Links

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 pals about 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 and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson

Edited by @tobiasvees

Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative 

Theme Music by John J. Harvey
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices