The Crimson Engine: A Creative Filmmaking Podcast

A podcast exploring the art, craft, and philosophy of filmmaking, with emphasis on independent writer/directors bringing their stories to life.

Episodes

Nov 17, 2025

15 min

Filmmaking is a tough and expensive practice - few people get to do enough of it to get good at it fast. But there are other things you can do with your life that will teach you skills that come in handy in filmmaking, like patience, courage under fire and creative problem solving. You can learn these in other aspects of your life and apply those to filmmaking. More in-depth filmmaking lessons at www.canonmasterclass.com

Nov 17, 2025

15 min

Nov 12, 2025

15 min

If you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to find a element of filmmaking that you can focus on and make something that will really grab people. In todays episode, we look at examples of this in famous filmmakers and how you can find your own unique angle. more at www.canonmasterclass.com

Nov 12, 2025

15 min

Nov 7, 2025

18 min

There is infinite discussion around what makes something "cinematic" , but breakdown in Hollywood production and you'll see it's much more than lenses and lighting.
 
More filmmaking lessons at www.canonmasterclass.com

Nov 7, 2025

18 min

Nov 3, 2025

15 min

Story isn't easy. Most people go wrong if they don't understand what makes story tick. Storydna.org

Nov 3, 2025

15 min

Oct 31, 2025

11 min

It's not gear, techniques or some new AI - it's storytelling. The ancient Greeks knew how to tell stories that lasted for thousands of years - most of the ones told now disappear without a trace. What did they know that we have forgotten? Unless you can upgrade your storytelling skills, you're doomed to failure. See StoryDNA.org for more

Oct 31, 2025

11 min

Oct 27, 2025

18 min

In Filmmaking, there is a ton of contradictory advice. Should you get a big team or stay small? Should you collaborate or dictate your vision? Should you stick to the script or improvise on the spot?In this weeks video I talk about how success in filmmaking is finding something that works for you. www.canonmasterclass.com

Oct 27, 2025

18 min

Oct 24, 2025

24 min

The film world is full of stories of the unknown script that sold for millions, or the scrappy indie film that wins a major festival and launches the director to fame and fortune. While these fairy tails and great motivation to get you started, it is far more sustainable to plan your career around events within your control. Today we talk about what you can do even if you or your film don’t win the cinematic lottery. www.canonmasterclass.com

Oct 24, 2025

24 min

Oct 17, 2025

20 min

Director/Cinematographer’s are having a moment since Alfonso Cuarón won 2 oscars in one night, with Paul Thomas Anderson and Zach Snyder taking on both roles. This week we look at the upsides and downsides of picking up the camera and 'Painting with Light’. www.canonmasterclass.com

Oct 17, 2025

20 min

Oct 13, 2025

22 min

There is big trouble in the studios and the streamers, as people turn away from traditional entertainment options. Today we're talking about how the downfall of Hollywood might be a golden opportunity for independent creatives, and how to best capitalise on this once-in-a-generation chance.

Oct 13, 2025

22 min

Oct 10, 2025

23 min

If you want filmmaking to be more than a hobby, you need to make money from it. In this weeks episode, we discuss the hard truth of how filmmakers make money, and how you can make more of it.

Oct 10, 2025

23 min

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