10 Must Listen Podcasts for Aspiring Filmmakers
Because some of the best film schools come with headphones.
Podcasts have become a significant communication, education, and entertainment platform. From in-depth interviews with top directors to behind-the-scenes breakdowns of indie films, they offer something no classroom can: honest, real-world filmmaking conversations.
Whether you’re commuting, editing, or looking for inspiration, these 10 podcasts will sharpen your craft, deepen your understanding of cinema, and remind you why you fell in love with filmmaking in the first place.
1. Director’s Cut - DGA Podcast
By: Directors Guild of America
Best for: Director interviews, episode commentaries, craft discussions
What makes this podcast stand out is that it doesn’t feel like a formal interview, but genuine craft-focused talks. You’ll hear some of the biggest names in the industry like Greta Gerwig, Bong Joon-ho, and Denis Villeneuve discuss their process, prep, and production journeys.
Must-listen episode: Greta Gerwig on Lady Bird
2. Scriptnotes
By: John August & Craig Mazin
Best For: Screenwriting, script breakdowns, industry advice
If you write or want to write this one’s a goldmine for learning. Hosted by the screenwriters behind both the Big Fish and Chernobyl, Scriptnotes breaks down everything from building strong scenes to pitching. It’s smart, practical, with humor and honesty.
Must-listen episode: “How to Write a Scene”
3. Indie Film Hustle
By: Alex Ferrari
Best For: Indie filmmaking, low-budget hacks, motivation
If you’re shooting films with pure passion and a tight budget, this is your go-to podcast. Alex does not hold back in sharing raw advice on what it takes to survive in the industry, from low-budget hacks to hard truths about distribution and burnout.
Must-listen episode: “Shooting a Feature Film with a $500 Budget”
4. No Film School Podcast
By: NoFilmSchool.com
Best For: Gear reviews, indie filmmaking insights, filmmaker interviews
This one’s for the DIY filmmakers who are figuring things out as they go. This podcast blends interviews with working directors, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and gear insights that actually matter to beginners. Great for students and creators new to their film sets.
Must-listen episode: “How I Made My Debut Film at Sundance with Zero Connections”
5. The Business - KCRW
By: Kim Masters
Best For: Understanding the film industry, distribution, and money
Not your typical “how to make movies” podcast rather tells you the actual workings of Hollywood. The Business dives into the economic dynamics that shape the industry. Kim Masters covers everything from box office trends, studio deals, legal battles, and what it takes to make and sell a movie today.
Must-listen episode: “Netflix, The Strike, and the Future of Streaming”
6. Team Deakins
By: Roger Deakins & James Deakins
Best For: Cinematography, visual storytelling, DOP insights
Hosted by the legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins (1917, Skyfall), this podcast this podcast is like a personal masterclass in cinematography, plus interviews with editors, directors, and other department heads.
Must-listen episode: “How We Shot the Long Takes in 1917”
7. The A24 Podcast
By: A24
Best For: Honest conversations between filmmakers & artists
The vibe of The A24 Podcast is less like an interview and more of a hangout . Each episode is a free-flowing conversation about the art and chaos of creating, think Barry Jenkins talking to Greta Gerwig, or Ari Aster chatting with Robert Eggers. It’s less technical, more philosophical.
Must-listen episode: “Bo Burnham & Ayo"
8. Filmspotting
By: Josh Larsen & Adam Kempenaar
Best For: Film analysis, criticism, cinephile conversations
This podcast is like a book club for films. It’s got the energy of a college film club, but the knowledge of two seasoned critics who know how to dissect a film without killing the fun.
Must-listen episode: “The Power of the Dog + Top 5 Western Performances”
9. The Cinematography Podcast
By: Ben Allan & Illya Friedman
Best For: Lighting, lenses, gear, visual design
Perfect for anyone working (or dreaming of working) in camera and lighting. Interviews with top cinematographers unpack how lighting choices, camera moves, and lens selections shape story.
Must-listen episode: “Greig Fraser on Dune and Naturalistic World-Building”
10. The Treatment - KCRW
By: Elvis Mitchell
Best For: Filmmaker & actor interviews, storytelling focus
One of the most respected interview-style podcasts out there. Elvis Mitchell talks to directors, writers, and actors about the process, intention, and the creative choices behind the work. Focusing on bringing their experiences into their work.
Must-listen episode: “Chloé Zhao on Nomadland”
Final Thought: Plug In and Level Up
As a filmmaker, you are always learning and one of the most available and free resource are podcasts. They give you direct access to the know-how of filmmaking straight from masters of the craft, authentic indie struggles, and insider views. And you can listen and learn these concepts while you you edit, clean, commute, or chill.
So plug in, tune in, take notes.
You never know which episode will unlock your next scene, shot, or script.