Directors UK Podcast

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! In this episode, we hear from Adam McKay, director of the climate crisis satire Don't Look Up — which is nominated for Best Picture at both the BAFTA and Academy Awards. Adam spoke to fellow director Sarah Gavron about how he wrote the film, assembling his incredible cast, improvisation, VFX, and so much more... If you like what you hear, please subscribe and l...

In this episode, we flash back to our recent event covering the outstanding, Oscar-nominated documentary Writing with Fire. We spoke to the film’s directors, Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh just hours after they found out about their nomination. The evening’s host, For Sama director Waad Al-Kateab, shared her own experiences of the awards circuit – and together they discussed ideas of collaboration...

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! In this insightful episode we hear from director Claire McCarthy, as she shares her experience directing her feature, The Colour Room. Joined by Directors UK Board Member Tinge Krishnan, Claire speaks about her rigorous shooting schedule, working with actors and the power of the right edit. We hope you enjoy the podcast - and if you do like what you hear, leave...

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! The tables are turned this episode as we see Edgar Wright discuss his film, Last Night in Soho, with fellow director Rose Glass. A while ago, Rose was interviewed by Edgar about her debut feature Saint Maud – and you can hear that conversation by scrolling back in our podcast feed. But back to Last Night in Soho… Edgar spoke to Rose about coordinating complex s...

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! This episode captures and in-depth conversation with Paolo Sorrentino as he discusses his semi-autobiographical feature, The Hand of God with fellow director Joe Wright. We hear Paolo speak on his decision to make the film in two acts, how he achieved the film's beautiful opening sequence, his longstanding collaboration with Daria D'Antonio and his love for his...

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! This episode is a directing grand slam, as Reinaldo Marcus Green discussed his latest film, King Richard, with fellow director Yann Demange. In a fascinating conversation, Reinaldo spoke to Yann about how he first got involved with the film, getting engaged in the writing process, and about how to capture tennis, period detail and family dynamics on screen. We...

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! In this episode, we’re treated to a conversation with a master filmmaker. The double Oscar-winning Asghar Farhadi spoke to us about the making of his powerful latest film, A Hero. In a conversation hosted by Jonathan Romney, Asghar discussed his lengthy rehearsal process, the way he strives for realism, and finding the right pitch of emotion and complexity. Tra...

It's the first Directors UK Podcast of 2022! This episode follows an insightful and exhilarating conversation between two directors, as Maggie Gyllenhaal discusses her debut feature, The Lost Daughter, with Amma Asante. In a fascinating conversation, Maggie spoke to Amma about how she approached her source material, her process of working with actors, and about the sisterhood of directing. We hope...

The Directors UK Podcast is back! In this fascinating episode, Peter Hoar, the RTS Award-winning director of It's A Sin, talks to fellow director Christine Lalla about how he crafted some of his favourite moments from the series. Breaking down specific scenes, Peter gave our members a look at how he took a fantastic script to screen. We hope you enjoy the show! Music: Loyalty Freak

In her latest film, CODA, Sian Heder tells a poignant story of communication, family and coming of age. At our recent member event, fellow director Emerald Fennell spoke to Sian about the experience of directing the film – from working with both Deaf and hearing cast and crew, to casting, editing, music and more. We hope you enjoy the show! A full transcript of this podcast can be found at the Dir...

This is episode of the Directors UK Podcast is an absolute blast, as director Jeymes Samuel spoke about the making of his star-studded Western, The Harder They Fall. Jeymes was joined by fellow director Rapman to talk about the power of music, rounding up an A+ cast, broadening perspectives of the Old West, and the importance of following your crazy. This is an in-depth discussion of the film, so...

The Directors UK Podcast is back! This week is all about Dune, the spectacular sci-fi vision from director Denis Villeneuve. At a recent Directors UK event, Denis spoke to fellow filmmaker David Oyelowo about his love of Frank Herbert’s original novel, the joys and challenges of shooting in the desert, filmmaking on a grand scale, and the emotional life of directing. Music: Loyalty Freak Photo: Ch...

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! This episode is an engrossing conversation on an urgent topic, as we dive into the making of the outstanding climate documentary, The People vs Climate Change. We were lucky enough to be joined by the show’s director Harriet Bird and producer Steve Smith, as well as the Doc Society’s Jessica Edwards, and Mike Harris from impact agency 89 up. With Edward Watts’...

Welcome the Directors UK Podcast! In this episode, Paul Sng joins fellow director Jeanie Finlay to provide an X-Ray view of his documentary Poly Styrene: I am a Cliché. Paul and Jeanie discuss the act of portraying punk icon Poly Styrene, collaborating with her daughter Celeste Bell, and the importance of trust in documentary filmmaking. Music: Loyalty Freak

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! This episode is a fascinating deep dive into the making of the groundbreaking drama, The Third Day. Host Emma Cox is joined by producer Adrian Sturges and directors Philippa Lowthorpe and Marc Munden, as they discuss creating the show’s dreamlike aura, working with its unique location, and the references that inspired them. We hope you enjoy the show! Music: Lo...

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! This episode comes from our White Tiger Q&A, where Ramin Bahrani spoke to Gurinder Chadha about the making of his acclaimed film. Ramin spoke to Gurinder about acting and improvisation, his camera set ups, and the cultural experiences and differences he felt shooting the film. We hope you enjoy the show! Music: Loyalty Freak

Welcome the Directors UK Podcast! This episode is all about TV Drama magic, as directors Coky Giedroyc and Jim Loach join Jessica Hobbs to discuss their acclaimed series, Save Me Too. Together, Coky and Jim discuss collaborating with amazing talent, portraying a sense of community, and taking risks as a director. We hope you enjoy the show!

The Directors UK Podcast returns! This episode is an absolute treat, as J Blakeson spoke to fellow director Jessica Hobbs about his dark comedy-drama, I Care A Lot. In a fascinating discussion, J spoke to Jess about creating unsympathetic characters, directing incredible performers, and mastering his shooting schedule. We hope you enjoy the show! Music: Loyalty Freak

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! This episode is something special, as the amazing Steve McQueen joins Asif Kapadia to discuss his stunning Small Axe anthology. In a wide-ranging conversation, Steve and Asif cover everything from writing, shooting and editing, music, food and history. This is a fascinating deep dive into a landmark of British filmmaking. Just a heads up, there is some strong l...

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! In this episode we’re treated to a fantastic conversation between George C. Wolfe, director of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and fellow director Stephen Daldry. George spoke to Stephen about how he created his multi-oscar-nominated film, from the importance of hair and makeup, directing the snappy dialogue, and working with Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman...

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! In this episode, we were joined by the amazing Billie Piper to discuss her directorial debut, Rare Beasts. Billie spoke to Mia Bays about the first-time filmmaking process, from writing to production and editing, and on how she developed her own unique style. We hope you enjoy the episode! Music: Loyalty Freak

The Directors UK Podcast is back! In this episode, we’re joined by Darius Marder, director of the multi Oscar-nominated film, Sound of Metal. In a fascinating discussion, Darius talks to fellow director Beeban Kidron about what he would and wouldn’t compromise on, collaborating with Riz Ahmed, and nailing a rare and formidable sense of first person perspective. We hope you enjoy! Music: Loyalty Fr...

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! This episode is a fascinating exploration of factual filmmaking, as director Alexander Nanau is joined by Orlando von Einsiedel to discuss his masterful documentary, Collective. Orlando quizzed Alexander about his approach to storytelling, the reaction to the documentary, and whether film has the power to create change. This episode was recorded on the very day...

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! This episode is a true filmmaking treat, as the Oscar-nominated director Lee Isaac Chung spoke to Roger Michell about his beautiful film, Minari. Isaac spoke to Roger about assembling a terrific global cast, nailing period detail, his strategic use of cameras and – of course – about farming the land. Enjoy! Music: Loyalty Freak

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! Spirits are high in this episode, as the freshly Oscar-nominated director Thomas Vinterberg discusses his latest film, Another Round, with Paolo Sorrentino. In a wide-ranging conversation, Paolo probes Thomas on the subjects of ageing, dancing, writing, camerawork and – of course – drinking. We hope you enjoy this discussion between two masters of European cine...