Cinematic Alchemy

We’ve hit 50 episodes, and exactly one year since the podcast launched. This episode is a bit of a heart to heart. No guests, no case studies, just us reflecting on the wild ride of building this show, growing our careers, and learning (a lot) along the way. We talk about how the podcast helped us grow more confident, figure out what we actually want to do in the film world, and stay connected dur...

In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our latest project. We explain what an ident is (those quick sponsor clips before a TV show), why they’re harder to make than they look, and how we managed to tell a mini story in just five to ten seconds. This was also our first time working closely together on set, and it came with tight deadlines, strict rules, and a few creative challenges...

In this episode, we’re diving into the behind-the-scenes of creating promotional book trailers for Lisa Jewell’s Don’t Let Him In .  We share how our team turned this gripping crime thriller into cinematic teasers without giving away any spoilers, and the unexpected production challenges we faced - including last-minute casting changes and shooting 48 slates in one day.  We also chat abo...

This week on the podcast, we’re continuing our deep dive into short form filmmaking with Harry Norton. We talk about the emotional themes, the early writing process, and what it’s like to move from a loose idea to a fully developed pre-production phase. We also touch on how daunting it can be to get started with a creative project - especially when you know the resources, time and energy it’ll tak...

This week, we’re talking about short form filmmaking with returning guest Harry Norton. From micro shorts to five-minute narratives, we explore what makes these projects both uniquely difficult and completely essential for honing your craft. We talk about why short films are their own distinct medium, not just a smaller version of something bigger. Every second counts, so how do you write, shoot a...

In this episode, we dive into something we both love talking about mise en scène - the mood, the energy, the intention behind what we see on screen.  If you’ve ever wondered how filmmakers create a world that just feels right - this is the episode for you. We explore how visuals tell their own story: lighting, colour, wardrobe, even the way a space is designed. It’s not about having a massive...

We’re back for part two of our deep dive into the softer (but no less vital) side of filmmaking - leadership, management, and all things organisation.  If you’ve ever wondered how to strike the balance between managing a project and becoming that micromanager, this one’s for you. We unpack how trust, empathy, boundaries, and delegation can transform a chaotic set into a smooth, respectful, an...

Ever found yourself in a creative project thinking, “Wait, why is this so chaotic?” You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the behind-the-scenes magic that makes film projects actually function - communication, organisation, leadership, and yes, those so-called “soft skills”. We chat about what real leadership looks like, how communication can make or break a production, and why being hum...

This week, we’re chatting with Millan, the writer and director of Nothing But Blue , a powerful short film.  Millan takes us behind the scenes of his emotionally gripping story about two Jewish people hiding during the Holocaust, told in a beautifully subtle way that focuses on humanity and hope amidst despair. We dive into everything - from the unique filming location above a pub, to the dee...

In this episode, we’re joined by composer and filmmaker John Parr for a heartfelt conversation about storytelling, music, and representation in film.  John shares the inspiration behind his latest project Pack of Five, which brings the story of Welsh poet Hedd Wyn to life through powerful visuals and a moving choral soundtrack.  We talk about the emotional depth of Welsh music, the magic...

In this episode, we're diving into the magical - and often chaotic - world of book-to-screen adaptations.  From the faithful beauty of The Lord of the Rings to the… loosely inspired World War Z , we’re breaking down what makes an adaptation shine or flop.  We also touch on video game adaptations like The Last of Us , Super Mario Bros , and Arcane , and discuss how some shows and films ha...

Let’s talk about diversity in casting - beyond the tick boxes and token roles. In this episode, we get into what real representation actually looks like in film and TV, why it matters for storytelling, and how authenticity changes everything.  From Bridgerton to Hamilton to the backlash around Percy Jackson, we’re sharing our honest takes, casting wins, and the industry gaps that still need a...

In this week’s episode, Amber and I continue our no-fluff chat about casting - what’s working, what still needs work, and the invisible stuff no one tells you about until you're in it.  We’re talking about the emotional toll of rejection, the rise of intimacy coordinators post-Me Too, and why casting is more like matchmaking than box-ticking. We also get real about boundaries, the power of un...

In this episode, we are pulling back the curtain on the casting process - warts, wonders, awkward self-tapes, and all.  From open casting calls that start at 4am to the power of a well-timed chemistry read, we’re sharing what we’ve learned from sitting on both sides of the table: actor and director. We talk about why the energy you bring to a self-tape really matters, what makes a performance...

In this nostalgic-meets-nerdy episode, we go all in on one of our favourite filmmaking obsessions: practical effects.  From the animatronic shark in Jaws to painted backdrops, set illusions, and that iconic roller-skating moment from Chaplin - we explore how filmmakers have been bending reality long before VFX took over. We also share stories from our own sets, from space ships made of staple...

Ever wondered how actors make stage fights look so real without actually getting hurt? In this episode, we chat with fight and intimacy director Robin Hellier, who pulls back the curtain on what really goes into choreographing physical storytelling. Robin breaks down how character, story, safety, and collaboration all come together in fight scenes - and why planning ahead is key.  We talk abo...

What happens when the police stop using scare tactics and start using humour?  In this episode, we break down New Zealand’s “Legend” campaign, an anti-drink driving ad that ditched the doom and gloom for Kiwi comedy - and actually worked.  The ad took a fresh approach by leaning into relatability, social pressure, and self-aware humour to connect with young drivers instead of lecturing t...

In this week’s episode, we break down the infamous Snickers Super Bowl commercial that digitally resurrected Marilyn Monroe - except this time, she’s hangry and played by Willem Dafoe.  It’s a bold, bizarre, and undeniably memorable ad, but does it cross the ethical line of “digital necromancy”? We explore how the ad successfully ties nostalgia, humour, and product messaging together, while a...

The Oscars are more than just a night of glitz and glamour—they’re a reflection of the ever-evolving film industry.  In this episode, we unpack the highlights of the 97th Academy Awards, from surprise wins to historic moments. With ITV hosting for UK audiences and Jonathan Ross adding his own spin, this year’s show felt different, and we’re breaking down what worked and what didn’t. We also e...

What makes a great social awareness campaign actually work?  In this episode, we break down Hindustan Unilever’s award-winning short film, "The Shower", the first advertisement to win a National Film Award in India.  Through stunning visuals and powerful storytelling, this film highlights water scarcity in Rajasthan without resorting to guilt-driven narratives. But does it truly create i...

What happens when one of the most iconic TV shows of all time gets turned into a Super Bowl ad? In this episode, we break down the Breaking Bad x PopCorners commercial, featuring Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Raymond Cruz, all under the direction of Vince Gilligan himself.  But does it work as an ad, or is it just a fun nostalgia trip? We analyse how this commercial masterfully recreates th...

La La Land is one of those films that looks like a classic romance on the surface-but then flips everything you expect on its head.  In this episode, Amber is back and we’re unpacking what makes this movie so visually stunning, emotionally charged, and genre-bending. From its vibrant old-Hollywood aesthetics to that bittersweet ending that left audiences torn, we’re breaking down how La La La...

What makes an ad unforgettable? In this episode, we break down the brilliance of Life is Short , a HBO commercial featuring the legendary James Gandolfini channeling his iconic Tony Soprano energy.  With dark humour, masterful cinematography, and an ironic life-insurance message, this ad blurs the line between satire and marketing genius. We analyse how the ad balances comedy and crime drama,...

What happens when you put a comedic legend like Eugene Levy in the driver’s seat of a high-octane action film?  In this episode, we dissect Nissan’s thrilling Super Bowl ad, Thrill Driver , starring Levy and a powerhouse cast including Catherine O’Hara, Dave Bautista, and Brie Larson.  We break down how the ad flips traditional car commercial tropes by using Levy’s everyman charm to crea...

What makes an ad iconic—or forgettable? In this episode, Baltasar Cuellar joins me to break down Amazon’s “Alexa Lost Her Voice” Super Bowl commercial.  We explore the impact of its star-studded cast, the production value, and whether playing it safe was a missed opportunity.  From Gordon Ramsay to Cardi B, the ad uses humour and celebrity personas to engage viewers, but does it leave a...