The Filmmakers Podcast

Filmmakers, welcome back to the podcast! Today Giles Alderson is sitting down with director Jonatan Etzler to talk about his brand new feature, Bad Apples. Now, if you want a masterclass in putting in the reps, Jonatan is your guy. He directed 17 short films that played at various festivals, including Intercourse, which screened at South by Southwest, and Swimmer, which won Best Comedy at Clermont-Ferrand. His graduation film from film school in Sweden even led to a Student Academy Award win and helped him secure a UK agent!

We talk all about the massive transition from directing shorts—which he brilliantly describes as focusing on one specific situation or idea—to building full, complex character development across a feature film.

His new film, Bad Apples, is an awkward, intoxicating ride. Jonatan breaks down his entire process, from writing a five-page English synopsis based on a book by Rasmus Lindgren to teaming up with producer Oskar Pimlott at Pulse Films and hiring screenwriter Jess O'Kane.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

The Power of Short Films: Jonatan discusses the difference between the two mediums, noting that while a short film can survive on one core idea, a feature absolutely requires character development through twists and turns.

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Filmmakers, welcome back to the pod! Today we are stripping away the craft and diving headfirst into the absolute engine room of our industry: The Business of Film.

Giles Alderson is joined by a massive powerhouse panel to dissect the current state of the market, the realities of raising cash, and how to actually get your indie film seen and sold. We have data guru Stephen Follows, brilliant producers Lucinda Rhodes Thakrar and Dom Lenoir and fantastic indie directors Hilary Shakespeare and Conor Boru.

Grab your notepads, because we are laying out the hard truths and actionable tactics you need to survive in this shifting landscape.

The Data Paradox & The UK Indie Market

Total UK spend across film and high-end TV plummeted by £2.7 billion in the first half of 2026.

However, independent film sector spend has actually surged by 20%.

Inward investment makes up about 90% of UK spend, meaning a massive amount of IP and value leaves the UK post-production.

Budget pressures are fierce, with producers squeezed to keep indie budgets under £1-1.5 million to stand a real chance of recoupment.

Sales agents warn that budgets higher than this rarely break even unless the film becomes an unexpected, massive hit.

There is a serious contraction in the labour market, causing mid-to-high level crew to take lower-tier jobs or leave the industry completely.

Distribution & Sales Strategies

Only 10.8% of released fiction feature films on IMDb actually secure a professional sales agent.

Including a reputable sales agent in your pitch deck is vital to make a project appear "safe" to equity investors.

Pre-sales (Minimum Guarantees) are smaller nowadays but remain a crucial tool to secure investor confidence.

Audiences are exhausted by algorithm-driven "soulless content" and are actively rewarding original, authentic cinema.

Theatrical Release Tactics

Cinemas frequently dump indie films into terrible time slots, like Tuesday afternoons, until the film proves it can pull an audience.

If an indie film succeeds in those early slots, it can trigger better programming and longer runs.

Major cinema chains often hit filmmakers with hidden costs, charging extra to place lobby posters or feature the film in their digital newsletters.

Preview screenings are incredibly valuable because their ticket figures feed directly into the official opening weekend box office numbers.

Targeting specific local cinemas relevant to the film's setting can generate much more profitable, sustained runs.

Box Office Reality Check

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is dominating the North American box office with a massive $900 million.

Original indie films are absolutely breaking through, with Obsession taking 7th place at $263 million and Backrooms sitting in 9th place at $197 million.

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👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own tees, hoodies, on-set gear and Hilary's Shakespeare Sisters merch ⁠HERE⁠.

📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠.

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

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:📲 Support, Merch & Courses
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Filmmakers, we have an absolutely magical episode for you this week!

While Giles Alderson has been out in Bulgaria producing his latest feature film, the brilliant Conor Boru steps into the host chair to sit down with the phenomenal director Susanne Bier to discuss her massive new release, PRACTICAL MAGIC 2.

Nearly three decades after the original spellbound audiences, Susanne takes us behind the scenes of bringing the Owens sisters back to the big screen. She dives deep into the realities of directing a massive studio sequel, working with Hollywood royalty like Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, balancing practical on-set effects with visual spectacles, and why the beating heart of this film is the authentic sisterhood on screen.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT:
Before the interview, Giles is back with a massive exclusive update! He officially announces his latest producing project, The Joy of Sex, starring Academy Award winners Colin Firth and Julianne Moore!

💡 TOPIC OF THE WEEK:
Giles breaks down "The Myth of A-List Intimidation." How do you transition from micro-budget indie sets to working with literal Oscar-winning legends without losing your nerve? Listen in for the hard truths on why the job of filmmaking never changes, no matter who is on the call sheet.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

Tackling a Legacy: The immense pressure and excitement of directing a sequel to a beloved 90s classic.

Directing A-Listers: Susanne’s approach to collaborating with Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, and an incredible ensemble cast.

Practical vs. VFX: How to ground supernatural elements with practical on-set choices (and unexpected beetles!).

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: Why filmmakers must continuously embrace challenges that terrify them.

The Producer's Mindset: Giles' lessons from the trenches of producing The Joy of Sex in Bulgaria.

🍿 ABOUT PRACTICAL MAGIC 2:
Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, Practical Magic 2 returns to a world steeped in moonlit mischief and powerful ancestral magic. The Owens sisters must confront a dark curse threatening to unravel their family. Joining the cast are Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, Solly McLeod, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing. Directed by Susanne Bier, from a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett, and Kelly Marcel.

Distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. In cinemas across North America on September 10, 2026, and internationally beginning September 9, 2026.

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[From the Vault] Directing Blockbusters: Dexter Fletcher on Rocketman, Ghosted & Surviving Studio Pressure

While we prep our upcoming Business of Film Special, we are unlocking the vault to revisit one of our most popular masterclasses with the brilliant actor-turned-director Dexter Fletcher!

Having transitioned from his indie debut Wild Bill to directing massive studio hits like Eddie the Eagle, Rocketman, Bohemian Rhapsody, and the action-packed Ghosted, Dexter knows exactly what it takes to navigate every level of the filmmaking industry. In this archived special, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with Dexter to break down his incredible journey.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

The Pitching Process: How to clearly communicate your vision to secure the job.

Indie vs. Studio: The practical differences between directing your first indie film and helming a massive studio movie.

Directing Action & Stunts: Dexter's approach to storyboarding and executing massive set pieces.

The Importance of Rehearsals: Why making time to rehearse with your actors is non-negotiable.

Navigating Pressure & Notes: How to handle intense studio feedback and why directing can often be an incredibly lonely job.

Ghosted (2023)

Rocketman (2019)

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018 - Uncredited co-director)

Eddie the Eagle (2015)

Sunshine on Leith (2013)

Wild Bill (2011)

🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you!

👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own tees, hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠.

📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠.

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

🎬 Dexter Fletcher Feature Directing Credits📲 Support, Merch & Courses
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Leveling Up the Second Feature: George Jaques on Directing, writing and producing Sunny Dancer, Bella Ramsey & Neil Patrick Harris

How do you transition from a £500k indie debut to a massive ensemble feature starring some of the biggest names in television and film? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with returning guest, writer-director George Jaques (Black Dog), to discuss his stunning second feature, Sunny Dancer.

Set against the backdrop of a summer camp for young cancer survivors, Sunny Dancer is a funny, warm, and deeply moving coming-of-age story that actively rejects hospital drama clichés. George breaks down his entire process, from pitching the script to Bella Ramsey and casting Neil Patrick Harris over Zoom, to creating an authentic, bond-filled atmosphere for his young cast on set in Scotland.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

Subverting the 'Sick Teen' Genre: How George wrote a script where illness takes a back seat to teenage angst, party culture, awkward romance, and joy.

The Power of 'Feral Takes': George's unique directing technique for unlocking spontaneous, hilarious, and uninhibited performances from his actors.

Directing an All-Star Ensemble: What it was like working with Bella Ramsey, Ruby Stokes, Jessica Gunning, James Norton, and Neil Patrick Harris—and how he tailored his notes for each actor.

Creating On-Set Rapport: Why George insists on week-long rehearsals, shared transport, and summer camp bonding activities to make his cast look like lifelong friends on screen.

The Second Feature Jump: The harsh financial realities of closing indie film equity, managing producer stress, and looking after your mental health in the edit suite.

Sunny Dancer (2026) — Director, Writer, Producer

Cast: Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), Ruby Stokes (Bridgerton), Conrad Khan (Peaky Blinders), Earl Cave (The End of the F*ing World), Jasmine Elcock, Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer), James Norton (Happy Valley), Neil Patrick Harris (Uncoupled), and James Blunt.

Black Dog (2023) — Director, Writer, Producer

Cast: Jamie Flatters (Avatar: The Way of Water), Keenan Munn-Tyson, Ruby Stokes.

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

A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review and every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a massive difference!

🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you!

👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own tees, hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠.

📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠.

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

Big thank you to:

Serena Gardner

Mark Hammett

Lee Hutchings

Marli J Monroe

Karen Newman

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Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠

Logo & Banner Art by: ⁠Lois Creative⁠

Theme Music by: ⁠John J. Harvey⁠

🎬 George Jaques Feature Filmography & Credits🎥 Watch Food For Thought📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬 Credits
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