Haute Honnah presents: Empty Talk

✨Episode 8: British actress Grace Saif joins us for a searching conversation about acting, identity and the structures shaping British film and theatre. We dig into colorblind casting, representation, class, and how economics and fear are stalling bold stories. Grace speaks about her Kenyan roots, voice work, the indie game world, and what real cultural storytelling could look like when artists o...

✨ Episode 7: You can’t make a great show without a great cast but how do you actually find them when you don’t have a studio, a casting director, or endless budget? In this episode, Michael and Imeldha break down how they cast an entire ensemble from scratch: thousands of self-tapes, no gatekeepers, and a whole lot of belief. 💡 Back our show: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1593674721/unwri...

Join us for Episode 6 of Empty Talk as host Imeldha and Michael sit down with producer Ana Garanito — whose credits include Hijack (Apple TV+), Concrete Cowboy (Netflix), In the Long Run (Sky) — to uncover what it really takes to get your show seen in 2025. ➤ We dig into: the changing TV landscape, budgets & streamers vs broadcasters, how to build audience before greenlight, why marketing beco...

✨ Episode 5: How to Get People to See Your Work Everyone says “put yourself out there” but what if no one’s watching? In this episode, Michael & Imeldha get brutally honest about why so many creatives feel invisible, how the TV industry lost touch, and why the internet is now the real frontier for artists, filmmakers, and weirdos trying to make their own lane. They talk about the fall of comm...

✨ Episode 4: How to Find Your Voice as a Writer Everyone says “find your voice” as a writer… but no one really explains how. In this episode, Imeldha & Michael break it down honestly and answer some of the biggest questions we've been asked about creativity, storytelling and working together as a couple? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment sharing how YOU found your voice! 🎙 H...

✨ Episode 3: How to Find Your Voice as a Writer Struggling to find your unique voice as a creative? You’re not alone. In this episode, Amanda and Michael dive deep into the challenges and joys of writing with authenticity. From battling self-doubt to embracing cultural identity, they share personal stories and practical advice for anyone trying to stand out in a crowded creative world. If you’re...

In this episode, Michael & Imeldha sit down with actor, writer, and comedian Benjamin Sarpong-Broni. From the hustle of auditions to the grind of creating his own work, Benjamin opens up about the real highs, lows, and unexpected turns of carving out a career in film and comedy. It’s a candid, funny, and honest chat about what it really takes to keep going in the industry. If you’ve ever wonde...

We’re Back! After a 2 year break, the podcast returns with a new goal, mission and question. How To Make A TV Show Without A Studio? We’re Imeldha and Michael. Best friends, writing partners, business partners… and husband and wife. After years working with BBC, Netflix, Amazon, and even Idris Elba and Lenny Henry, the industry chewed us up and spat us out. Two years ago, we were flying. Jobs line...

Imeldha and Michael look back at all of the great moments of season 1. They also give us an insight into what's to come next season.

In this episode, Michael and Imeldha discuss the journey of the film that introduced them to the film industry - PRPL. They discuss how the journey burnt them, rocked them and made them lose their way but also the wonders that have come from it! VIOLET TRAILER IS OUT NOW! Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWtSqfzInWE&t=2s

In a solo episode, Michael reviews the critically acclaimed and mind-bending 'Everything Everywhere All At Once.' by The Daniels. He breaks down his initial thoughts and feelings. 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' gets an A-. Listen to find out what two rocks on a mountain, a racoon and hot dog fingers have to do with the human condition. Let's also wish Imeldha a speedy recovery from the dastar...

In this episode, Michael and Imeldha go deep. Jumping off Daniel Kaluuya’s glass ceiling interview, they talk about questioning and dismantling capitalism, and how it relates to their careers and the British film and media industry.

In this episode, Michael and Imeldha interview actress and writer Hannah Tarrington. They discuss confidence, friendships and play 'who wants to be a millionaire' the film edition! Check out the COMMON book launch! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/common-book-launch-tickets-331363145087?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

In this episode, Imeldha reviews season two of critically acclaimed and major popular Netflix show Bridgerton! She breaks down what she liked, disliked and thought was missing in season two compared to season one! Bridgerton season two gets a C. Listen to find out why!

In this episode, Michael and Imeldha are back with another audio story called Lovebite! Lovebite is a thriller set in the apocalypse that follows Adam and Melissa as they attempt to get to a safe zone in Wales, only Melissa has been bitten by a mysterious creature and both are worried about what it may mean. Starring Benjamin Sarpong-Broni and Emily Dilworth Special guests include Michael Honnah a...

In this episode, Michael and Imeldha invite practitioners in the industry to discuss and explore the topic of diversity, what it means to them and how they can move forward and still create freely! Haute Honnah would like to thank Birmingham City University and DSMN for this!

In this episode, Michael reviews Matt Reeves' take on Batman starring Robert Pattinson, Zoe Kravitz and Paul Dano. They discuss the state of politics, white entitlement, Will Smith (again) and the iconic take of Matt Reeves' autership.

In this episode, Imeldha and Michael talk about award season! They discuss intersectionality, black feminism and THE slap, what it means and the culture behind it.

In this episode, Imeldha and Michael are back with a new audio story called 'Ebb & Flo'. Ebb & Flo is a romantic drama that follows a conversation between two exes meeting up for the first time 6 months after their breakup. Jamie and Akira have a deep and complex history but Jamie's new life causes things to get a little haywire. Starring Sarah Alexandra Marks and Benjamin Sarpong-Broni

In this episode, Michael and Imeldha interview Ackley Bridge star Yasmin Al-Khudhairi. They discuss Yasmin's journey as an actress, why practice makes perfect and diversity in casting. They also laugh... a lot.

In this episode, Imeldha reviews the second season of Sam Levinson's critically acclaimed Euphoria. They discuss the buzz around the second season; where it meets the mark and where they feel it falls.

In this episode, Michael and Imeldha ask each other questions in relation to film and tv and answer honestly. They discuss their film influences, their career, futures and being a struggling artist.

In this episode, Michael and Imeldha introduce their new audio story 'The Palest Of All Lights'. The Palest Of All Lights is an offbeat musical comedy. Heartbroken Ethan has an album deadline. When struck with a bad set of writers block, he looks to some strong brownies which lead him straight to the cause of his heartbreak - his ex girlfriends. Starring Yasmin Al-Khudhairi, Megan Purvis, Lorraine...

In this episode, Michael and Imeldha interview actor, Sam Ebner-Landy. They discuss Jewish representation; anti-semitism; the complexity of being a minority and tokenism. ** We apologise for the audio difficulties in this podcast episode

In this episode, Michael reviews Tony Kushner's remake of West Side Story directed by Steven Spielberg. They discuss cultural missteps i.e blackface/brownface; diversity in films and their love for all things musicals!