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 [email protected] 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices