The War Below – Making High Concept Indie Films with debut feature director JP Watts

Today on the show, Giles Alderson and co-host Tobias Vees welcome the amazing writer-director JP Watts to talk about his debut feature film, The War Below (2021).

During World War I, a group of British miners are recruited to tunnel underneath no man’s land and set bombs from below the German front in hopes of breaking the deadly stalemate of the Battle of Messines.

JP talks about how the movie came about, how he co-wrote the film, how he got producers on board, and why connections in the film industry are vitally important. He discusses how he directs actors, how he collaborates with his DOP, and the importance of a good casting agent and a good crew. He also dives deep into VFX, how he did it and what you should know.

We had an inspiring conversation with tons of tips and tricks for you lovely filmmakers out there! An absolute masterclass! So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode with JP Watts.

 

EPISODE LINKS

Watch THE WAR BELOW now | TRAILER

Follow JP Watts on INSTAGRAM

Learn How to write Movies with JP's Course on screenwriting https://learntowritemovies.com/

 

Pre-order REPEAT here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/movie/repeat/id1593393555

 

Rebellion Studios https://rebellionfilmstudios.com/

 

PATREON

Big thank you to:

Sasha Latoya

Marli J Monroe

Kevin Pybus

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! Our new 4 tier structure is in place. Come join the community!

https://www.patreon.com/thefilmmakerspodcast

 

MERCH

Spread the Word with Our Merch T-Shirts, Hoodies, Mugs, Masks and Water Bottles all now available in some very cool designs.

CHRISTMAS SALE: Use the code “XMAS” to get 15% off!

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Read & Sign Up for The Wrap Up – Our weekly Newsletter with news and information from the world of film

Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Podbean, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Help us out and write us a review (a good one!), tell your friends and CHOOSE FILM.

Get in touch? Email us thefilmmakerspodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Twitter Facebook and Instagram

Check out our full episode archive at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com

 

CREDITS

The Filmmakers Podcast is hosted, produced and written by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson

Edited by @tobiasvees

Social Media by Kalli Pasqualucci @kallieep

Marketing Huw Siddle

Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative 

Theme Music by John J. Harvey

Part of the www.podfixnetwork.squarespace.com

 

WATCH OUR FILMS

The Dare UK | Trailer

The Dare Canada and USA

A Serial Killers Guide to Life | Trailer

Arthur & Merlin: Knights of Camelot

Winter Ridge UK

The Isle

Fanged Up

The Marker

Star Wars: Origins

 

MORE FROM OUR FRIENDS

Follow our Regular Hosts @LucindaRhodes @DirDomLenoir @35mmdop @philmblog @IanSharp1 @Cjamesdirect @dan710ths

Follow Make Your Film for Live Events @makeyourfilm20 

Follow our Movies @thedaremovie @Food4ThoughtDoc @FangedUpFilm

Raindance events www.raindance.org

The Filmmakers Podcast recommends Performance Insurance

Music from musicbed.com

Giles Alderson’s website