Making It in Film: Lessons, Laughter, and BAFTA Dreams with Hayder Hoozeer

Introduction: Lights, Camera… Real Talk!

How do you really “make it” in film? Ask that question at any creative corner of the internet, in local coffee shops, or on buzzing festival floors, and you’ll get a hundred different answers. The truth is, there’s no magic door or single blueprint. Yet, there are some epic roadmaps out there—hidden in real conversations with those who have truly blazed a trail, scraped their knees, and left a few fingerprints on the lens along the way.

Recently on the Make It Podcast, Chris, Nick, and Producer Papa Bear welcomed BAFTA-winning British filmmaker Hayder Rothschild Hoozeer. Together, they cracked open the doors to filmmaking progression, storytelling’s pure power, the art of creative risk, and what it means to “arrive” in an industry that’s constantly changing. From deep laughs about set mishaps to tackling the weight of storytelling in a noisy world, their conversation strikes at the heart of what it means to dream, hustle, and—ultimately—create.

Below, we unpack this inspiring chat so you can soak up its wisdom, enjoy its stories, and maybe even see a bit of your own journey reflected in its mirror. And when you’re done? Well, trust us: you’ll want to listen in full—and join the moviemaking community that’s tuning in each week.

Part One: Meet Hayder Hoozeer—From Runner to BAFTA Dreams

Film careers don’t usually start at red carpet galas. They start with coffee runs and odd jobs that feel like "grunt work".

Enter: Hayder Hoozeer, a filmmaker whose rise from humble beginnings to BAFTA-winning producer isn’t just impressive, it’s relatable.

As a British film producer working out of London, Hayder’s story isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about grit. He started as a runner—a role that many outside the industry often misunderstand. “You’re making tea, you’re clearing set, you’re running (literally) from department to department. You learn with your hands and your heart, not just your head,” Hayder shares. For ambitious creatives in their 20s or 30s, this might sound familiar. Breaking in isn’t glamorous; it’s sweaty, it’s awkward, and it’s humbling.

But as Hayder proved, every coffee poured and every bag carried on set builds not just experience, but relationships—the kind that last. As he moved from runner to production assistant, then coordinator, and eventually to the producer’s helm, every step brought new skills, wider perspectives, and bigger responsibilities.

One project that showcases his journey is Rock Paper Scissors, a powerful short film following a young man and his father as they set up a makeshift hospital on the front lines of war. Rooted in truth, grit, and the sweat of creative collaboration, the film has garnered festival buzz, a BAFTA win, and even Oscar aspirations.

Part Two: Story Is King—Why Narratives Matter More Than Ever

If filmmaking is an adventure, then story is the map everyone clings to. For Hayder, and the Make It team, the mantra “Story Is King” reigns unchallenged.

But what really sets a story apart? In the episode, the hosts and Hayder wander into the age-old debate: documentary vs. narrative. Audience polls revealed a surprising split, but the real lesson was beneath the numbers: it’s about connection. A documentary can move us to action, providing facts, numbers, and shocking real-life moments that stick. But a well-told narrative, even one based on truth, can transport us, helping us empathize and walk in someone else’s shoes for just a moment.

Hayder’s Rock Paper Scissors is a perfect example. While set against the backdrop of conflict, it never loses sight of its human core—a single family’s struggle and the moral dilemmas they face. “Tell a big story, but do it through small, honest moments,” Hayder challenges. “That’s what people remember.”

This isn’t just technical advice; it’s a defense of authenticity. In a world overflowing with content, honesty and vulnerability shine through. As evidence, the team shares personal favorites—from The Princess Bride’s life-shaping magic to the tear-jerking lessons of Coco, it’s clear that the films that teach, surprise, and invite us to feel are the ones that last.

Part Three: The Journey—Climbing the Creative Ladder

For every filmmaker dreaming of “making it,” the hidden chapters often go unread: the relentless grind, the string of entry jobs, the hustle nobody posts about on Instagram.

Hayder’s breakdown of his career path is refreshingly practical:

• Runner: The entry-level role, doing anything and everything, with a front-row seat to the entire filmmaking process.
• Production Assistant (PA): More responsibility, more cross-departmental communication, and the first taste of administrative tasks.
• Production Coordinator/Manager: The engine room of a shoot—solving logistical problems, managing people, and slowly stepping into creative decisions.
• Producer: The ultimate collaborator—balancing budgets, building teams, guiding projects from pitch to premiere, and sometimes, doing every job along the path when necessary.

What sets Hayder’s story apart is his willingness to ask for more. “No one’s going to hand you your next gig,” he says. “You have to show value, and then you have to ask for it. If you’re not pushing for your next level, you’ll end up pigeonholed.”

The hosts echo this, highlighting that consistent value, paired with visibility and relationship-building, is what opens doors. In an industry that sometimes feels impossibly competitive, learning to embrace both the grind and the climb is half the battle.

Part Four: Tech and Trends—AI, CGI, and the Changing Landscape

No great industry conversation is complete without a look at the future. For today’s filmmakers, that means grappling with the rise of CGI, the democratization of AI, and the reality that anyone—with the right tools—can now shape worlds on a laptop.

But does that make things harder or easier? On the show, Hayder and the team take a balanced approach. They acknowledge CGI’s controversial arrival (“Should actors win awards for CGI performances?” was once a hot topic!) and now see the same debates happening around AI-generated content.

The truth? Technology is a tool, not a replacement for creativity. Animation, CGI, or AI can widen the palette—but without a beating heart at its core, movies risk becoming hollow. As Hayder notes, “Nothing replaces the perspective of a real filmmaker—the intent, the emotion, the courage to choose what’s real and what’s fabricated.”

The discussion also raises ethical questions—about credit, contracts, and the value of human storytelling. For filmmakers raising their first funds or writing their first scripts, it’s a crucial reminder: lean into what makes your viewpoint unique, and use technology to amplify, not replace, your creative voice.

Part Five: The Festival Circuit—Winning, Losing, and Learning

Film festivals: the promised land for many indie creators. But what’s it really like screening your film for strangers, chasing prizes, and building buzz from LA to London to Mauritius?

Hayder pulls the curtain back. Festivals, he explains, are more than just prestige—they’re strategy. Knowing where your movie fits, what kind of audiences particular fests attract, and how to build a campaign that puts your film in front of the right eyes is as much a science as it is luck.

With Rock Paper Scissors, the approach was global yet focused—targeting both BAFTA and Oscar-qualifying fests, leveraging social media, and networking relentlessly. The payoff? Not just awards and recognition, but connections—other filmmakers, distributors, new tricks, and fresh inspiration.

The takeaway for aspiring festival-goers? Don’t just chase the big names. Find the festivals where your story resonates, your style fits, and your tribe is waiting. Winning is great, but making an impact, starting conversations, and opening new doors are more important. And sometimes, as Hayder proves, those doors lead all the way to BAFTA glory.

Part Six: Rapid Fire—Q&A, Trivia, and Honest Inspiration

What’s the difference between a runner and a PA? Which BAFTA winner was the first to emerge from the National Film and Television School? What film are you almost embarrassed you haven’t seen?

We wrap this episode with candid, sometimes hilarious Q&As, pop quizzes, and “Clear the Set” revelations. The rapid-fire format exposes what makes their guests tick—favorite movies (Inception, Babylon, Coach Carter), industry gripes, guilty pleasures, and sources of creative fire.

The answers are gold for filmmakers at every stage. Hayder, like many others, admits to always learning, never arriving. He lists books like Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog as key inspirations—a reminder that creativity is everywhere, even in the journey behind a global brand like Nike.

For every newcomer wondering if they’re “doing it right,” these Q&As offer permission to be vulnerable. Haven’t seen a classic? You’re not alone. Still figuring out your creative voice? Everyone is. Inspired by unlikely sources (cheat day burgers, anyone)? You’re in good company.

Conclusion: The Real Meaning of “Making It” (And Why You Should Tune In)

So what does it mean to “make it” in film? For Hayder Hoozeer, it’s about presence—recognizing how far you’ve come, appreciating the grind, and staying open to the lessons of every new project. For the Make It team, it’s about authenticity, hustle, community, and sharing honestly—on and off the mic.

But most of all, it’s about action. Whether you’re the first on set or the last to leave, whether you’re wrangling cables or negotiating festival deals, the film industry rewards courage, creativity, and connection above all else.

Want more?

If these stories, lessons, and laughs lit a fire under your creative ambition, don’t miss the full episode. The conversation goes even deeper—offering advice, laughter, and inspiration straight from the creative trenches.

Listen to or watch this episode of the Make It Podcast now on your favorite podcast app or catch the full conversation (and more exclusive content) on YouTube. Subscribe, share with your film-loving crew, and join the ongoing conversation. Your seat is waiting—so why not dive in?