How to Make Your First Feature Film with Jim Eaves

In this episode, I open up about making my first feature film, The Witches Hammer. With guest host Michael Marco asking the questions, I share how the project came together—from its vampire and witch-inspired story to the challenges of bringing a period-set supernatural world to life on a micro budget. It was my very first solo directorial feature, and it became the foundation of everything I’ve learned about indie filmmaking.

Financing and Filming Challenges

One of the biggest hurdles for any debut feature is raising money. I talk about the process of securing funding and why I chose to shoot the film on 35mm film stock, even though it was a huge challenge at the time. From writing the script to adapting as the vision changed during production, I explain how resourcefulness and persistence carried the project forward.

Special Effects and Distribution

Visual effects can be intimidating for indie filmmakers, but they were essential to The Witches Hammer. I share how we created CGI on a budget, how distribution was secured for the film, and why the industry’s landscape of finance and salesis so tricky for newcomers. Later, I also explain why I decided to re-release the film with a new sound mix to give it fresh life for today’s audiences.

On-Set Lessons and Tough Days

Making a feature film for the first time comes with plenty of surprises. From casting the right team to handling stunts with lead actors, there were moments of real pressure. I describe the hardest days on set, what it was like working with a single camera setup, and how collaboration with the director of photography shaped the final film. These lessons remain relevant for any filmmaker tackling their debut project.

Reflection and Advice for First-Time Filmmakers

Looking back, The Witches Hammer opened the door to future projects and taught me invaluable lessons about filmmaking under pressure. In the episode, I also share how I feel about the film today, the realities of dealing with distribution, and what I’d tell any filmmaker preparing to shoot their first feature. For anyone starting their indie film journey, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and candid insights.