Making Zak The Ripper

About Making Zak The Ripper

Making Zak The Ripper Podcast takes you behind the scenes of the new British comedy murder mystery, Zak The Ripper. Hosted by Co Producers of the film, Writer/Director Warren Dudley and Director of Photography Matt Cotton, the podcast follows the journey from script to screen through interviews, production updates and candid conversations. Featuring cast, crew and industry guests, it offers an honest, entertaining look at independent filmmaking. Follow the story of bringing a feature film to life. Sign up for exclusive content at ZakTheRipperMovie.com

Publisher

Zak The Ripper Movie

Category

tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Jun 2026

Latest episode

21 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Sept 2026

   Episode 12 - navigating filming challenges

   In Episode 12 of the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast, Producer and Director of Photography Matt Cotton and Producer, Writer and Director Warren Dudley reflect on the second week of filming Zak The Ripper. With two weeks of the shoot complete, they talk about some of the challenges that come with making an independent feature film, from potentially losing a location and quickly finding a Plan B to reshoots, problem solving on set and keeping the production moving when plans change. They also discuss finding the right workflow, the value of quieter moments when decisions need to be made and the importance of creating a collaborative environment where everyone can contribute to solving problems. With week three approaching, the conversation turns to maintaining energy, preparing for another busy week and keeping the whole team connected to the progress being made. In this episode: • Navigating unexpected location challenges • Finding a Plan B when filming plans change • The importance of reshoots • Problem solving on set • Finding the right workflow during production • Creating a collaborative environment • Keeping the team motivated and connected • Maintaining energy through a feature film shoot • Preparing for week three Subscribe and follow as we continue documenting the journey through filming, post production and release.

2. 

   14 Sept 2026

   Episode 11 - week one of filming

   In Episode 11 of the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast, Producer and Director of Photography Matt Cotton and Producer, Writer and Director Warren Dudley reflect on the first week of filming Zak The Ripper. After months of planning and pre production, the cameras are finally rolling and the film is starting to come to life. Warren and Matt talk about the excitement and nerves of stepping onto set, beginning the shoot with Richard Herring and seeing Sy Thomas bring Zak to life. They also reflect on finding their flow as a crew, watching everyone work together to solve problems, dealing with the physical and mental stamina of a busy shooting week and the adrenaline that keeps an independent film production moving. In this episode: • The first week of filming Zak The Ripper • Starting the shoot with Richard Herring • Seeing Sy Thomas bring Zak to life • Moving from pre production into production • Finding a rhythm as a film crew • Problem solving and collaboration on set • The stamina needed for a feature film shoot • The excitement of seeing the movie take shape Subscribe and follow as we continue documenting the journey through filming, post production and release.

3. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Episode 10 - The Emotional Journey of Filmmaking

   With production about to begin, Warren Dudley and Matt Cotton reflect on the journey that has brought Zak The Ripper to this point. They talk about the emotional highs and lows of filmmaking, the challenges of collaboration and scheduling, the sheer volume of work involved and the self-doubt that can creep in along the way. They also look at what they’ve learned from the process so far, why reflecting on a project matters and why, despite all the stress and challenges, creative people somehow finish one thing and immediately want to make another.

4. 

   31 Aug 2026

   Episode 9 - What could possibly go wrong?

   What could possibly go wrong when you’re about to shoot an independent feature film in just 20 days? In Episode 9 of the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast, Matt and Warren look at some of the things that could derail production before the cameras even start rolling. Bad weather. An actor dropping out. Crew problems. Equipment failures. Locations falling through. A schedule that suddenly gets away from you. With no budget for pickups or reshoots, preparation and contingency planning are everything. “One day of horrid rain can kill it.” Zak The Ripper is an independent British comedy feature, heading into principal photography in September 2026. In this episode: Introduction to Production Challenges Actor and Crew Reliability Location Lock Ins and Roadblocks Conclusion and Future Insights Subscribe to follow the journey from script to screen.

5. 

   17 Aug 2026

   Episode 8 - compromises and rewriting

   In Episode 8 of the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast, Producer and Director of Photography Matt Cotton and Producer, Writer and Director Warren Dudley discuss the constant process of compromises and rewriting that comes with taking a film from script to screen. Warren has spent years with the whole film in his head, but bringing it to life means adapting that original vision as the pieces fall into place. Locations may not be exactly as imagined, actors bring their own qualities to characters and practical challenges can force scenes to change. Some rewrites happen because they have to. Others happen because a new location, performance or idea offers an opportunity to make the film better. In this episode: • Why compromise is an inevitable part of independent filmmaking • Rewriting as locations and cast are confirmed • Adapting characters to suit the actors playing them • Making creative changes when challenges arise • Knowing when a compromise can actually improve the film • Protecting the comedy through the rewriting process • Balancing the script with the realities of production • Scheduling a film down to the second Subscribe and follow as we continue documenting the journey from pre production through filming and release.

6. 

   10 Aug 2026

   Episode 7 - building the crew

   In Episode 7 of the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast, Producer, Writer and Director Warren Dudley and Producer and Director of Photography Matt Cotton go behind the camera to explore the people who make a feature film possible. The conversation covers the many roles within a film crew, how they recruit the right people, why attitude and communication are just as important as technical ability, and how creating a calm, collaborative environment helps everyone perform at their best. They also discuss budgeting, hiring local talent and the importance of building a team that shares the same vision for the production. In this episode: • The key roles behind the camera • Building the right crew • Why soft skills matter • Recruiting and hiring locally • Budgeting for production • Creating a calm film set • Team culture and communication • Preparing for production Subscribe and follow as we continue documenting the journey from pre production through filming and release.

7. 

   3 Aug 2026

   Episode 6 - finding the perfect locations

   In Episode 6 of the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast, Producer and Director of Photography Matt Cotton and Producer, Writer and Director Warren Dudley take you behind the scenes of one of the biggest challenges in pre-production: location scouting. The conversation explores how the right locations shape the story, the practical and technical considerations involved in filming in real homes and businesses, and why building trust with property owners is essential. They also discuss the importance of planning ahead, solving logistical challenges and why finding the perfect location is about much more than what appears on screen. In this episode: • Why location scouting is so important • Finding the perfect locations for Zak The Ripper • Working with homeowners and businesses • The logistics of filming on location • Creative and technical planning • Preparing locations for production • Collaboration and problem solving • Five weeks to filming Subscribe and follow as we continue documenting the journey from pre production through filming and release.

8. 

   20 Jul 2026

   Episode 5 - crafting the look of the film

   In Episode 5 of the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast, Producer and Director of Photography Matt Cotton and Producer, Writer and Director Warren Dudley explore the creative thinking behind the film's visual style. The conversation covers visual references, storyboarding, camera movement, lighting and the collaborative relationship between Director and Director of Photography. They discuss how careful planning, trust and intentional creative choices help shape every scene while keeping the story moving with energy and pace. In this episode: • Developing the visual style of Zak The Ripper • The Director and Director of Photography relationship • Visual references and inspiration • Storyboarding and pre production • Camera movement and pacing • Intentional cinematography • Creative collaboration • Preparing for production Subscribe and follow as we continue documenting the journey from pre production through filming and release.

9. 

   13 Jul 2026

   Episode 4 - building the film before filming

   In Episode 4 of the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast, Producer and Director of Photography Matt Cotton and Producer, Writer and Director Warren Dudley take listeners behind the scenes of pre production. They discuss storyboarding with modern 2D and 3D tools, scheduling a large cast, preparing shot lists and breaking down the script ahead of filming. The conversation also explores costumes, props, catering and the countless creative and logistical decisions that shape a feature film before cameras roll. In this episode: • Storyboarding Zak The Ripper • Using PreViz Pro • Scheduling a feature film • Shot lists and script breakdowns • Creating costumes and props • Production planning • Catering and crew logistics • Preparing for principal photography Subscribe and follow as we continue documenting the journey from pre production through filming and release.

10. 

    6 Jul 2026

    Episode 3 - the art of casting

    In Episode 3 of the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast, Co-Producers, Writer & Director Warren Dudley and Director of Photography Matt Cotton take a deep dive into the casting process behind the film. From reviewing self-tapes and working with agents to balancing schedules and preparing for rehearsals, they discuss the realities of finding the right people for every role. The conversation explores how casting has evolved, the overwhelming volume of applications filmmakers now receive and why trust between filmmakers and actors is so important. Matt and Warren also explain why every role matters, regardless of screen time, and share their excitement as the cast comes together ahead of production. In this episode: • How the Zak The Ripper casting process worked • The rise of self-tape auditions • Working with actors and agents • Why every role matters • Scheduling and casting challenges • Protecting performers through contracts • Discovering new talent • Preparing for rehearsal day • Bringing the cast together for production Subscribe and follow as we continue documenting the journey from pre-production through filming and release.

11. 

    29 Jun 2026

    Episode 2 - show me the money

    In Episode 2 of the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast, Producer and Director of Photography Matt Cotton and Producer, Writer and Director Warren Dudley discuss one of the biggest challenges facing any independent film: financing. With Zak The Ripper moving towards production, Matt and Warren share how they approached raising a £250,000 budget, building investor confidence and turning the project into something far more substantial than a script and an idea. The conversation covers teaser trailers, budgeting, planning, casting developments, location scouting and the realities of preparing a feature film for production. They also discuss the lessons learned along the way and why persistence, preparation and professionalism are essential when seeking investment. In this episode: • Financing an independent feature film • Raising a £250,000 production budget • Building confidence with investors • Why the Zak The Ripper teaser was so important • Budgeting and production planning • Recent casting and location updates • Lessons learned from the fundraising process • The realities of getting a film made Subscribe and follow as we continue documenting the journey from pre-production through filming and release.

12. 

    15 Jun 2026

    Episode 1 - where it all began

    Welcome to the very first episode of the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast. Join the Producers of the movie, Writer & Director Warren Dudley and Director of Photography Matt Cotton, as they introduce Zak The Ripper, the brand new British comedy murder mystery currently in production. In this episode, Warren and Matt discuss their filmmaking journey, how they first started working together, the making of their previous feature film Fright, and the experience of screening at FrightFest. They also reveal where the original idea for Zak The Ripper came from and how a simple concept grew into a feature film. Whether you're a film fan, aspiring filmmaker or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this is your chance to join us at the beginning of the journey. In this episode: • Meet Warren Dudley and Matt Cotton• The story behind their previous feature film Fright• Getting selected for FrightFest• The origins of Zak The Ripper• What to expect from the Making Zak The Ripper Podcast• A behind the scenes look at independent filmmaking Subscribe and follow as we document the making of Zak The Ripper from production through to release.

13. 

    12 Jun 2026

    Something is coming ...

    Something is coming... Zak The Ripper is currently in production, and we're busy behind the scenes. With filming fast approaching, podcast episodes, behind the scenes content and plenty more surprises on the way, we thought we'd share this teaser scene to get you in the mood.