Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking

Hosted by working filmmakers Liz Manashil and Alrik Bursell, Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking pulls back the curtain on the real, unglamorous work of creating films outside the studio system. This isn't a polished lecture series; it's a candid conversation from the trenches, covering the entire messy process from initial script drafts and producing logistics to the complexities of directing and life on a crew. The discussions naturally go beyond technical craft, delving deeply into the emotional and psychological toll of the work-the frequent rejection, the pervasive self-doubt, and the financial uncertainty that defines the pursuit for so many. As Liz and Alrik navigate their own paths, they bring on a variety of guests who are similarly in the thick of it, sharing stories that are equal parts instructive and commiserative. Listening to this podcast feels like grabbing a coffee with colleagues who understand exactly why the work is so difficult and, despite everything, why it remains so compelling. You'll hear practical advice, frank post-mortems of projects, and the kind of solidarity that only comes from shared struggle, all focused on the authentic reality of building a life in visual storytelling.