Liz Manashil and Alrik Bursell discuss independent filmmaking, everything from writing, producing and directing to working as crew. But this is not just a podcast about "making it," it's also about struggling with rejection, self-doubt and everything else that comes with pursuing a career in film. Follow along as we forge our own way through the industry and talk to guests who are also making it happen.
Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/mmihpodcast
Latest episodes
Showing 20 · updated from the feed
Lucas Culshaw - Can AI Make Art?
This week we welcome long-time friend of the show Lucas Culshaw on the show to talk about their experience as a concept artist and how AI has impacted his world and how i
Oct 19 1 h 09 min
Steve Herold - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 148 from March 2018 featuring writer/director Steve Herold's career began roughly 18 years
Oct 15 1 h 23 min
Alejandro Zavala - From Prison to Legal Secretary to Producing Feature Films!
This week we welcome writer/producer Alejandro Zavala on the show to talk about turning his life around after spending some time in prison, becoming a legal consultant th
Oct 12 1 h 02 min
Sebastien Tobler - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 442 from September 2023 featuring writer/director Sebastien Tobler who came on the show to
Oct 9 50 min
Joel Veach - Finding Success with Feature #1 and Willing #2 into Existence!
This week we welcome writer/director Joel Veach on the show to talk about his first feature as a director, American Muscle, how he got the film made and how he achieved s
Oct 5 52 min
Joe Bob Briggs - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 292 from November 2020 featuring the Legendary Joe Bob Briggs who came on the show to talk
Oct 2 32 min
Lloyd Kaufman - Episode 600 with Lloyd Fucking Kaufman!
This week we welcome film legend and indie filmmaker hero Lloyd Kaufman on the show to help us celebrate the 600th episode of the podcast! Lloyd talks to us all things Tr
Sep 28 1 h 33 min
Bomani J. Story - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 428 from June 2023 featuring writer/director Bomani J. Story when he talked about to about
Sep 25 39 min
Sal Bardo - Directing Your First Feature Starring Name Talent!
This week we welcome writer/director/Producer Sal Bardo on the show to talk about making his first feature Out of the Woods which he wrote, directed and produced and how
Sep 21 1 h 12 min
Zoë Alyce Salnave - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 390 from September 2022 featuring writer/director Zoe Alyce Salnave! I thought this was a r
Sep 19 41 min
Ashely Villa - Aaron Alvarado - Cydney Jenks - Graduating from Film School in 2026!
This week we welcome recently graduated AMDA/Hushein filmmakers Ashely Villa, Aaron Alvarado and Cydney Jenks who talk about their thesis films, how they got them made, w
Sep 14 1 h 01 min
Josh Stifter - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 461 from January 2024 featuring writer/directorJosh Stifter who came on the show to talk ab
Sep 11 59 min
Mehran Torgoley - Making Indie Feature Number Four in Italy!
This week we welcome writer/director Mehran Torgoley on the show to talk about his fourth feature Golden, which he shot in Italy, how he funded the film, why he shot a fi
Sep 7 49 min
April Mullen - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 296 from December 2020 featuring writer/director April Mullen where she talks about making
Sep 4 57 min
Tessa Blake - Taking a Career in Television Directing into 3rd Feature!
This week we welcome writer director Tessa Blake on the show to talk about her latest feature If I Tell You, why she took such a long break from features and what she's t
Aug 31 52 min
Justin Plummer III and Martin Strauss - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 89 from Feburary 2017 featuring Justin Plummer III and Martin Strauss who are two San Franc
Aug 28 1 h 25 min
Michael Naizu and John Wilcox - Co-Directing/Writing Feature #1 Based on a Successful Short!
This week we welcome writer and directors Michael Naizu and John Wilcox on the show to talk about their first feature Bound for Glory, which Michael also stars in alongsi
Aug 24 1 h 10 min
Audrey Cummings - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 490 from August 2024 featuring director Audrey Cummings who talks about establishing hersel
Aug 20 42 min
Sophia Banks - Bringing a Love of 70s Genre Films to Tilt!
This week we welcome director Sophia Banks on the show to talk about her latest feature Tilt, her inspiration for the film and what it was like to shadow Christopher McQu
Aug 17 1 h 10 min
Omar Lopex - BONUS Throwback Interview!
On this Thursday bonus episode we are going to play the interview from episode 351 from December 2021 featuring writer/director/producer Omar Lopex who came on the show t
Aug 13 54 min
Chart trend
Position in the Film Interviews chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#51#100SepOct
#31
all-time peak
12
days in the top 50 since Sep 2026
Chart positions
Where Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 23, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
Making Movies is Hard is a daily staple for me. I’ve listened to so many episodes many times, and can’t begin to thank the team for how much it’s helped. Filmmaking is hard. Listening to others go through the same thing though is probably the best thing you can do. My last film Manifest was tough, but I’d put on an episode that fit something I was dealing with or trying to figure out, and it got me through. It’s helping me get my next project going with the inspiration too, knowing we’re all in this crazy thing together. Huge thanks again to Alrik, Liz, and Eric for what you do. Go support them on Patreon too and listen to the back catalog. Way cheaper than film school!
andr3wgibbs · Jul 2026
Alrik, Liz and Eric do an amazing job curating the show and bringing knowledge from indie filmmakers to other filmmakers. The vibe is chill and easy going and the guest get discuss their projects, issues and ways of improving. The consistency of these shows are awesome. Keep up the good work I’m here for all of it gang!!!
JasonnnnnnPa · Jan 2026
Started listening to MMIH about a year ago. Alrik, Liz, Eric, and their guests always provide great insight for the independent filmmaker. I love hearing about fundraising and distribution, which a lot of other film podcasts gloss over or omit, and I always look forward to THE GAME. Keep up the great work!
C.J. Talbott · Aug 2025
Always been my go-to filmmaking podcast. Liz and Alrik have great chemistry and makes you feel part of the community!
Captain BlackJack · May 2025
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
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Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Making Movies is HARD!!!: The Struggles of Indie Filmmaking, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
