The Filmmakers Podcast

Directing Nimrods: Indie Filmmaking Realities with director and writer Lee Kirk on his Punk Rock Road Trip movie

The Filmmakers Podcast

Show Notes

The Green Day Road Movie: Lee Kirk on Directing Nimrods & Indie Hustle

This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, guest host Conor Boru (When the Screaming Starts) sits down with writer and director Lee Kirk to dive deep into the making of his latest feature, Nimrods.

Born from an idea pitched by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, Nimrods is a nostalgic, 90s-infused road trip comedy following three young punks driving across the country to reach a New Year's Eve Green Day concert. Lee shares the entire journey of getting the film off the ground, from drawing inspiration from classics like The Goonies and Risky Business to the practical realities of shooting along Route 66.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

The Green Day Connection: How a conversation with Billie Joe Armstrong evolved into a fully fledged feature film.

Fictional Bands & Real Music: The process of sourcing the film's soundtrack and how Billie Joe's sons wrote an entire album for the film's hilariously chaotic in-world band, Cannibal Death March.

Crafting 90s Nostalgia: Blending modern camera work with vintage camcorder footage to authentically capture the era.

Shooting on Location: The logistical hurdles and aesthetic benefits of filming a road movie in Oklahoma City.

The Editing Suite: Why a film is truly made in the edit and the absolute necessity of being ruthless with your own script.

Stop Waiting for Permission: Lee’s ultimate advice for aspiring directors on why you must take the initiative and just start creating.

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Keep an eye out for Nimrods on the festival circuit and upcoming release schedules.

🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠

A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review and comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a massive difference!

🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you!

👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own tees, hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠.

📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠.

🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠.

Big thank you to:

Serena Gardner

Mark Hammett

Lee Hutchings

Marli J Monroe

Karen Newman

Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠*Join our Patreon*⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and direct feedback on your film projects!

Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠

Guest Host: Conor Boru

Logo & Banner Art by: ⁠Lois Creative⁠

Theme Music by: ⁠John J. Harvey⁠

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