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 cinema!

Music: Loyalty Freak

Another Round: Thomas Vinterberg in conversation with Paolo Sorrentino

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 parents

We hope you enjoy the podcast!

Music: Loyalty Freak

The Hand of God — Paolo Sorrentino in conversation with Joe Wright

Welcome to the Directors UK podcast!

In this episode we welcomed BAFTA-nominated director and Directors UK member, Will Sharpe, who spoke to us about his latest Television series, Landscapers. Joining him in the conversation was BAFTA-winning director and fellow Directors UK member Armando Iannucci.

In this conversation we hear Will speak about placing the audience in the frame, finding the characters in the rehearsal process and how the working contributions from costume designer Charlotte Walter helped build the intricate world for the series.

Our Directors UK podcast series elevates the conversation around the craft of directing, and if you've been enjoying our series so far, please do rate the podcast, leave a review and share with your friends!

Music: Loyalty Freak

Landscapers: Will Sharpe in conversation with Armando Iannucci

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast!

This episode comes from our Career Development masterclass with the amazing Isabelle Sieb, whose TV work includes Episodes 4-6 of the BAFTA-nominated BBC series Vigil, and Shetland for the BBC.

Isabelle joined fellow director Samantha Harrie to discuss key career decisions, the way she uses social media to engage with her audiences, and to dissect some fantastic scenes she directed.

Heads up, there are spoilers in this podcast for Shetland and Vigil – so make sure you’re all caught up before you listen.

If you like what you hear, please subscribe and leave us a review!

Music: Loyalty Freak

Career Case Study Masterclass With Isabelle Sieb and Samantha Harrie

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast!

This episode comes from our member event with Charlotte Wells, director of the critically acclaimed debut feature Aftersun — which has been nominated for multiple British Independent Film Awards, including for Best Debut Director. 

Charlotte spoke to fellow filmmaker Barry Jenkins, also a producer on the film, about portraying the father-daughter relationship, getting her visual style across, and her experiences from prep through to the edit. 

We hope you enjoy the show!

Aftersun: Charlotte Wells in conversation with Barry Jenkins

Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast!  

This episode comes from our in conversation event with Baz Luhrmann, director of the Oscar nominee for Best Picture, Elvis. 

Baz spoke to fellow director Reinaldo Marcus Green about directing an incredible performance from his leading man Austin Butler, his writing process, and so much more.  

Music: Loyalty Freak
Photo: Christopher Andreou

Elvis: Baz Luhrmann in conversation with Reinaldo Marcus Green

This episode comes from our members’ masterclass with acclaimed director Anthony Byrne and director of photography Mathieu Plainfossé, discussing their work on the sixth and final series of Peaky Blinders.  

Moderated by Directors UK member William McGregor, in this episode Anthony and Mathieu cover everything from preparation, lighting and lenses, to the importance of discussing ideas collaboratively.  

We hope you enjoy the podcast! 

Just a note; there is some strong language in this podcast!

Music: Loyalty Freak

Working with a DoP on Peaky Blinders with Anthony Byrne, Mathieu Plainfossé & William McGregor

Welcome to the latest episode of the Directors UK podcast!

This new episode comes from the first Directors UK In Conversation member event for 2023, where Barbie director and Academy Award nominee Greta Gerwig joined us In Conversation with fellow director Academy Award-winner Alfonso Cuarón. Tune in and join us in Barbie Land, where Greta explores her approach to her craft and her influences, how she created and executed her specific vision for the film, and the language of filmmaking.

Photo: Christopher Andreou
(Please note; this podcast contains some strong language).

In Conversation: Greta Gerwig and Alfonso Cuarón on Barbie

Welcome to the latest episode of the Directors UK podcast!

As part of our In Conversation season, we were joined by Zach Braff for a deep dive into A Good Person. Speaking to BFI programmer Rowan Woods via Zoom, Zach explores his approach to his craft and working with actors, his visual language as a director, and how he creates the tone for his films with his cinematographers and Heads of Department in pre-production.

This was a fantastic conversation, with brilliant insight into Zach's work as a director — we hope you enjoy the episode!

Please note: this podcast includes some strong language.

In Conversation: Zach Braff on A Good Person

This episode of the Directors UK podcast was recorded at our masterclass with Emmy-nominated director Peter Hoar, who gave us insight into his critically acclaimed episode of HBO's The Last of Us.

Peter was joined by fellow director and his Directors UK Inspire mentee Stephen Gallacher for a deep dive into the making of Episode 3, 'Long, Long Time', discussing the importance of collaboration with everyone on set and breaking down key scenes to explore Peter's approach to his craft.

A lively conversation between mentee and mentor, Peter and Stephen also explored tackling imposter syndrome and understanding your responsibility as a director. 

In this episode of the Directors UK podcast, Peter and Stephen discussed three scenes from The Last of Us, Episode 3 'Long, Long Time', with a brief overview of two of these scenes included in the podcast. 

The third and final scene discussed by Peter and Stephen appears approximately an hour and 10 minutes into the episode and takes us through to the final shot of ‘Long, Long Time’. 

Please note: this podcast contains some strong language.

(Image credit: Sky/HBO)

The Last of Us: A Masterclass with Pete Hoar on the creation of 'Long, Long Time'

For our final In Conversation members event of 2023, Andrew Haigh sat down with Sandra Hebron to discuss his latest film All Of Us Strangers, a beautiful and poignant film about love and loss.

Andrew spoke about capturing vulnerable performances from his cast, including Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, and creating a calming environment on set. He also dived into how approaches his craft as a director, such as his decision to shoot on 35mm for the film.

Please note: this podcast contains some strong language.

(Image credit: Christopher Andreou)

In Conversation: Andrew Haigh on All of Us Strangers

Sofia Coppola sat down with fellow director Emerald Fennell to discuss her latest film Priscilla, a biopic of Priscilla Presley.

Hear the two award-winning directors discuss the challenges of portraying a household name, translating Priscilla’s 1985 memoir to the big screen, and conveying the worlds of teenage girls.

In Conversation Sofia Coppola And Emerald Fennell On Priscilla

This episode features director Alexander Payne, who joined us to discuss the making of his latest feature film The Holdovers.

Alexander spoke to film journalist Wendy Mitchell about his approach to shooting to establish a strong sense of place, how he found the visual tone for the 1970s setting, and getting the balance right between creating a period piece and building a lived-in authentic tone.

In Conversation: Alexander Payne On The Holdovers

The latest episode of the Directors UK podcast comes from our members’ masterclass with BAFTA-award winning multi-camera director Nikki Parsons. 

We take a deep dive into Nikki's work directing Strictly Come Dancing and the Eurovision Song Contest, exploring how the full process from rehearsals to live performances comes together.

Moderated by award-winning live entertainment and multi-camera director Tim van Someren, we also discuss how multi-camera directors manage creative leadership on set, collaborate with crew and talent, and work with new technology such as CuePilot to help them navigate complex live broadcasts.

Watch Layton and Nikita's performance on Strictly Come Dancing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTEoUFtTp8k&t=34s 

Watch the Strictly Come Dancing group dance in Blackpool:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-klD_VVve6g

Music: Loyalty Freak

Directing Live Entertainment: a multi-camera masterclass with Nikki Parsons

Listen to the latest episode of the Directors UK podcast!

From a special preview screening and In Conversation event in October 2024. Jacques Audiard speaks to Greta Gerwig about the making of his latest film, Emilia Pérez.

Jacques shares his experience directing a musical outside of Hollywood, working in a foreign language, and more.

(Image credit: Christopher Andreou)

In Conversation: Jacques Audiard and Greta Gerwig on Emilia Pérez

Recorded live at our In Conversation event in October 2024, Academy Award-winning director Steve McQueen speaks to Jessica Hobbs about his latest film, Blitz, on the Directors UK Podcast.

Steve shares what goes into making a British epic, how he brought the cosmopolitan London of the past to life, and why he enjoys taking risks as a filmmaker.

(Image credit: Christopher Andreou)

In Conversation: Steve McQueen and Jessica Hobbs on Blitz

Recorded live at our In Conversation event in November 2024, Lyttanya Shannon spoke to Board member Zoe Hines about her newest documentary Sweet Bobby.

Lyttanya shares what it was like adapting a hugely popular podcast to the screen, how she approached interviewing the documentary’s subjects, and more.

In Conversation: Lyttanya Shannon and Zoe Hines on Sweet Bobby

In this special bonus In Conversation discussion, Coralie Fargeat speaks to fellow director Ti West on her latest film, The Substance.

The two speak about the importance of trusting your vision as a director, the huge effort that goes into getting visual effects right, and so much more.

In Conversation: Coralie Fargeat and Ti West on The Substance

In this episode of the Directors UK Podcast, Nightbitch director Marielle Heller speaks to fellow director Tinge Krishnan on the film’s surreal visuals, making a successful novel your own as a director, and working with children.

Please note there is strong language in this episode.

(Image credit: Christopher Andreou)

In Conversation: Marielle Heller and Tinge Krishnan on Nightbitch

Recorded live at our In Conversation event in November 2024, director Jon M. Chu speaks to Josie Rourke on his latest film Wicked. Jon shares how his upbringing informed his approach to storytelling, directing music on screen, and his experience casting the film.

In Conversation: Jon M. Chu and Josie Rourke on Wicked

Recorded live at our In Conversation members event in November 2024, director Edward Berger speaks to Susanna White on his latest film Conclave.

(Image credit: Christopher Andreou)

In Conversation: Edward Berger and Susanna White on Conclave

Recorded live at our In Conversation member event in November 2024, Robert Eggers speaks to Sandra Hebron about what went into directing his latest film Nosferatu.

Robert talks about the evolution of his distinctive style, working with collaborators to craft a dark gothic nightmare, and how his love of the 1920’s classic led to this terrifying reimagining.

(Image credit: Christopher Andreou)

In Conversation: Robert Eggers on Nosferatu

On the Directors UK Podcast, journalist and filmmaker Shiori Itô discusses her debut feature documentary Black Box Diaries, In Conversation with Jeanie Finlay.

Shiori shares how the documentary format gave her more freedom to tell her own story, and helped facilitate her own investigation into her sexual assault in an effort to prosecute her high-profile offender.

In Conversation: Shiori Itô and Jeanie Finlay on Black Box Diaries

Recorded live at our In Conversation members event in December 2024, Jesse Eisenberg is on the Directors UK Podcast speaking to Sandra Hebron about his latest film A Real Pain.

Jesse shares his process, how his work as an actor prepared him for directing, and the risks he’s glad to have taken as a filmmaker.

In Conversation: Jesse Eisenberg on A Real Pain

Ellen Kuras speaks about what went into directing her latest film Lee, which tells the true story of American photographer Lee Miller on her quest to document the truth of the Nazi regime.

Ellen discusses what sparked her interest in Lee Miller’s work, her approach to telling a story through images, and her commitment to telling this story from a woman’s perspective. 

In Conversation: Ellen Kuras on Lee

Greg Kwedar shares the work that went into directing his latest film Sing Sing.

A stirring true story featuring an ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors, Greg talks about how he worked with the cast to translate real experiences into powerful scenes, and how he practised filmmaking “in community” on the set.

In Conversation: Greg Kwedar on Sing Sing

Brady Corbet is on the Directors UK Podcast, In Conversation with Sam Mendes on what went into directing The Brutalist.

Brady reflects on the importance of a director’s creative vision, and his journey bringing this epic story to screen.

In Conversation: Brady Corbet and Sam Mendes on The Brutalist

John Crowley is on the Directors UK Podcast speaking to Anna Bogutskaya on what went into directing We Live In Time.

John shares his experience in the edit, his approach to rehearsals, as well as what challenges come from working on a non-linear story.

In Conversation: John Crowley on We Live In Time

Sean Baker is In Conversation with Ian Haydn Smith on directing Anora. Sean shares his experience casting and working with Mikey Madison, what it was like shooting on a tight budget,  and how the story grew from the film's locations.

Image credit: Christopher Andreou

In Conversation: Sean Baker on Anora

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the casting process behind Channel 4 series, Queenie, in the latest episode of the Directors UK Podcast.

Recorded live at our career development masterclass last Autumn, Director (episodes 1-4) Joelle Mae David, Casting Director Aisha Bywaters, and lead actor Dionne Brown, explore the show’s approach to casting. Director James Kent hosts their conversation.

Listen to the discussion wherever you get your podcasts.

Working with a Casting Director: A Masterclass on Queenie

Recorded live at a Directors UK members event, in partnership with Illuminatrix and FOMO House, director Shannon Murphy and DoP Annika Summerson explore their recent collaboration on BBC drama Dope Girls, in a live discussion moderated by DoP Susanne Salavati.

Shannon and Annika share how their creative partnership evolved during filming.

Image Credit: BBC/Bad Wolf/Grant Royce

Shannon Murphy and DoP Annika Summerson on Dope Girls, with Illuminatrix and FOMO House

Film-lovers rejoice! It's the Phantom Thread podcast, where the legendary Sir Alan Parker sits down to talk to director Paul Thomas Anderson about his new film - which has recently been nominated for 6 Oscars, including best picture and best director.

The audio comes from our December Phantom Thread screening and Q&A event. Topics discussed include how the film started out very differently, the way the script developed on set, and the way he works with actors.

As always, if you like what you hear then leave us a review!

Music: Loyalty Freak

Podcast: Phantom Thread Q&A with Paul Thomas Anderson and Sir Alan Parker

Quentin Tarantino in conversation with Danny Boyle — what more can you say? This episode, recorded at our November event at the Prince Charles Cinema, is a feast for film lovers.

In front of a packed-out audience, Quentin spoke to Danny about casting, improvisation, his writing process and so much more. We hope you enjoy the podcast. 

(P.S. This might not come as a surprise, but there’s a bit of strong language in this one.)

Music: Loyalty Freak

PODCAST: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Q&A with Quentin Tarantino and Danny Boyle

Available on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your pods.

The Directors UK Podcast allows the listener to attend our member events with top directors. Hear what directors have to say when they speak to a room of their peers, and gain exclusive insight into their creative process.

Directors UK is the professional association for UK screen directors. With over 8,500 members, we represent directors’ rights and concerns, promote excellence in the craft of direction and champion change to the current landscape to create an equal opportunity industry for all.

Directors UK

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks