Welcome to the Directors UK Podcast! 

For this episode we were joined by Michael Pearce to discuss his film Encounter, starring Riz Ahmed. Joining Michael was fellow director Yann Demange!

Michael and Yann discuss working with kids on production, his approach to developing a connection between the actors, creating a visual language, and so much more. 

We hope you enjoy the show! Help us to reach more film lovers by reviewing and rating us wherever you get your pods. 

Music: Loyalty Freak

Encounter: Michael Pearce in conversation with Yann Demange

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

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.