Empire of Lies: Making an Indie Thriller on a Shoestring with Matthew Hope & Joseph Millson What happens when an established action director strips everything away to make a micro-budget thriller in just 8 days? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with director Matthew Hope (The Veteran, All the Devil's Men) and returning champion, actor/producer Joseph Millson (Casino Royale, Signs of Life), to discuss their tense new two-hander, Empire of Lies. Matthew and Joseph pull back the curtain on true guerrilla filmmaking. They break down what it is actually like to shoot a feature film in under 10 days with a crew of just 4 to 5 people, the realities of self-financing (including how Matthew pitched the investment to his wife!), and how an epiphany on the M1 motorway finally cracked the script. We also do a massive deep dive into the business side of indie film, exploring how they utilized data analytics, Instagram, and targeted ads to independently distribute a sub-£100k movie into cinemas. If you are waiting for permission or a massive budget to make your first feature, this episode will give you the kickstart you need to just go out and shoot it! 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Going Micro: Matthew’s pivot from massive budget action movies to an intimate, self-funded indie. Guerrilla Filmmaking: Shooting a feature in 8–10 days with a skeletal crew of 4-5 people (and a very obliging mother-in-law's field!). Cracking the Script: The collaborative writing process, layering clues for rewatchability, and the M1 car ride that unlocked the twist. Prep vs. Spontaneity: The "John Williams analogy" and why meticulous directorial prep gives actors the freedom to improvise. Indie Distribution Masterclass: Using data analytics, social media ads, and the strategies of Jonathan Sadler to release a sub-£100k film. Reading the Room: Experiencing live audience reactions and the unexpected themes of grief viewers took away from the film. Working with Emerging Talent: Collaborating with first-time lead Natalie Spence, composer Ryan, and DOP Elliot Millson. 🔗 Links, Mentions & Resources: Watch Empire of Lies — Available now on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Keep an eye out for Waking Slowly — The upcoming documentary about the making of Joseph Millson's directorial debut, Signs of Life. Book Recommendation: Film Marketing and Distribution: An Independent Filmmaker's Guide by Jonathan Sadler. Follow The Filmmakers Podcast on Twitter & Instagram: @filmmakerspod Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! 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 palsabout 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, edited and produced 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
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