George MacKay on Sense and Sensibility, Wardrobe Malfunctions & an Acting Masterclass | TFP Mini-Ep

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.

Continue Reading →

Directing Sense and Sensibility: Georgia Oakley & Fiona Shaw on the BIG 2nd Feature, the Reality of Period Filmmaking & Cinematic Rigour

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.

Continue Reading →

Dexter Fletcher on Indie Debuts to Studio Blockbusters: Rocketman, Bohemian Rhapsody, Wild Bill, Ghosted & Directing Actors and action [From the Vault]

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.

Continue Reading →

Writing, Producing & Directing Bella Ramsey & Neil Patrick Harris: George Jaques on ‘Sunny Dancer’ & The Second Feature Hustle

Leveling Up the Second Feature: George Jaques on Directing Sunny Dancer, Bella Ramsey & Neil Patrick Harris

How do you transition from a £500k indie debut to a massive ensemble feature starring some of the biggest names in television and film? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with returning guest, writer-director George Jaques (Black Dog), to discuss his stunning second feature, Sunny Dancer.

Set against the backdrop of a summer camp for young cancer survivors, Sunny Dancer is a funny, warm, and deeply moving coming-of-age story that actively rejects hospital drama clichés. George breaks down his entire process, from pitching the script to Bella Ramsey and casting Neil Patrick Harris over Zoom, to creating an authentic, bond-filled atmosphere for his young cast on set in Scotland.

Continue Reading →

Actors Common & Alexandria Riley talk Silo, On-Set Collaboration, Identity, Conflict, & Show Runner Graham Yost

Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast! This week, host Dom Lenoir sits down with actors Common and Alexandria Riley to discuss their complex roles in the hit Apple TV+ sci-fi series, Silo.

In this short but sweet episode, we dive deep into the intense psychological journeys of
their characters and the highly collaborative environment that brings
the massive world of Silo to life.

Continue Reading →

The Making of RIVALS: Mega-Episode with Alex Hassell, Nafessa Williams, Katherine Parkinson, Bella Maclean & diretor Elliot Hegarty & writer Laura Wade on the Disney+ Hit

The Making of RIVALS: Cast & Creators on the Disney+ Smash Hit Grab your shoulder pads and pour a glass…

Continue Reading →

How to Self-Finance & Distribute an Indie Thriller you shot in 8 days – ‘Empire of Lies’ with Matthew Hope & Joseph Millson

Empire of Lies: Making an Indie Thriller on a Shoestring with Matthew Hope & Joseph Millson
What happens when an established action director strips everything away to make a micro-budget thriller in just 8 days?
This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with director Matthew Hope (The Veteran, All the Devil’s Men) and returning champion, actor/producer Joseph Millson (Casino Royale, Signs of Life), to discuss their tense new two-hander, Empire of Lies.
Matthew and Joseph pull back the curtain on true guerrilla filmmaking. They break down what it is actually like to shoot a feature film in under 10 days with a crew of just 4 to 5 people, the realities of self-financing (including how Matthew pitched the investment to his wife!), and how an epiphany on the M1 motorway finally cracked the script.

Continue Reading →

Brian Cox: The Acting Legend on Directing His Debut Feature Glenrothan, Acting, Directing and Editing Secrets & Trusting Your Crew

Brian Cox on Directing Glenrothan, Trusting Your Collaborators, and the Magic of the Edit. Filmmakers, you are in for an absolute treat today. We are joined by a true titan of the industry, the legendary Brian Cox. After decades of delivering iconic performances on stage and screen, Brian sits down with us to discuss stepping behind the camera for his highly anticipated feature directorial debut, Glenrothan.

Continue Reading →

Episode 500 Special! Filmmaking Advice: Audience Q&A, IndieFilm Determination & Director Secrets with Giles Alderson, Dom Lenoir and Phil Hawkins

We made it to Episode 500! 🎉
After 9 years, over 600 hours of audio, and interviews with hundreds of the greatest directors, writers, actors and producers in the world, The Filmmakers Podcast is celebrating its 500th episode the best way we know how: by turning the microphones over to YOU.

Continue Reading →

Steven Knight & Hannah Walters: Creating A Thousand Blows, Peaky Blinders & Boiling Point

On this weeks The Filmmakers Podcast are legendary creator Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders) and powerhouse actress/producer Hannah Walters (Boiling Point) who join Dom Lenoir (Winter Ridge) to discuss their hit Disney+ series, A Thousand Blows (2026).

Continue Reading →