In the inaugural episode of our brand new series, The Academy Masterclasses, Dom Lenoir sits down with director, writer and…
Filmmakers, welcome to the podcast! We’ve got a brilliant episode for you today. Dom Lenoir and Conor Boru are sitting…
Welcome back to the podcast! This week, host Dom sits down with returning guest and powerhouse filmmaker David Ayer (Fury,…
Today we have an absolute treat for you, especially if you love fiercely authentic, character-driven British cinema.
We are sitting down with BAFTA-winning director Molly Manners and powerhouse producer Sarah Brocklehurst to talk about their brilliant new coming-of-age film, Extra Geography, which is out in UK cinemas right now via Vertigo Releasing.
Now, you will definitely know Molly’s work from directing the massive Netflix global hit One Day, as well as the BAFTA-winning series In My Skin. Extra Geography marks her feature film directorial debut, and what a debut it is. Alongside her, we are thrilled to welcome back to the pod the founder of Brock Media, Sarah Brocklehurst—the producer behind phenomenal indies like Animals, Black Pond and the multi-BIFA-nominated The Outrun.
On this special bonus mini-episode, we sit down with the incredible George MacKay (1917, Femme, Captain Fantastic) to talk about his latest role as Edward Ferrars in Georgia Oakley’s stunning adaptation of Sense and Sensibility.
George gives us a rapid-fire masterclass in acting, collaboration, and how to survive the intense, high-pressure environment of a major period drama set.
🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
The Trouser Incident: George hilariously recounts the moment his period costume ripped during a pivotal romantic scene, and how the resulting laughter actually helped cement his chemistry with Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Building Chemistry: The specific, character-driven techniques he uses to build rapport with his co-stars before the cameras even roll.
The Power of Silence: George discusses how the best directors understand that holding space and not giving notes can be the most effective way to help an actor find the emotional truth of a scene.
Trusting the Vision: Why a director’s clear, unwavering vision—even in the unsaid details—is crucial for making the cast feel safe enough to take big creative risks.
Filmmakers, welcome back to the podcast! Today we are tackling a literary masterpiece, but we are looking at it through a completely fresh, vibrant, and fiercely cinematic lens.
We are joined by the phenomenally talented director Georgia Oakley and the absolute acting titan, Fiona Shaw.
Georgia is fresh off the massive success of her BAFTA-nominated debut feature, Blue Jean, which won the Venice People’s Choice Award. She cut her teeth making brilliant short films like Little Bird and coming up through the BFI Flare mentorship, and now she has stepped up to direct a stunning new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.
Filmmakers, welcome back to the podcast! Today Giles Alderson is sitting down with director Jonatan Etzler to talk about his brand new feature, Bad Apples. Now, if you want a masterclass in putting in the reps, Jonatan is your guy. He directed 17 short films that played at various festivals, including Intercourse, which screened at South by Southwest, and Swimmer, which won Best Comedy at Clermont-Ferrand. His graduation film from film school in Sweden even led to a Student Academy Award win and helped him secure a UK agent!
We talk all about the massive transition from directing shorts—which he brilliantly describes as focusing on one specific situation or idea—to building full, complex character development across a feature film.
The Business of Film. Giles Alderson is joined by a massive powerhouse panel to dissect the current state of the market, the realities of raising cash, and how to actually get your indie film seen and sold. We have data guru Stephen Follows, brilliant producers Lucinda Rhodes Thakrar and Dom Lenoir and fantastic indie directors Hilary Shakespeare and Conor Boru.
Grab your notepads, because we are laying out the hard truths and actionable tactics you need to survive in this shifting landscape.
Directing PRACTICAL MAGIC 2: Susanne Bier on Magic, Studio Sequels & A-List Casts + Giles Announces his latest proje
Directing Blockbusters: Dexter Fletcher on Rocketman, Ghosted & Surviving Studio Pressure
While we prep our upcoming Business of Film Special, we are unlocking the vault to revisit one of our most popular masterclasses with the brilliant actor-turned-director Dexter Fletcher!
Having transitioned from his indie debut Wild Bill to directing massive studio hits like Eddie the Eagle, Rocketman, Bohemian Rhapsody, and the action-packed Ghosted, Dexter knows exactly what it takes to navigate every level of the filmmaking industry. In this archived special, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with Dexter to break down his incredible journey.