The Directors’ Take Podcast

E234 - The Season 2 Finale with Marcus & Oz

This is episode 34 and the FINAL EPISODE in our second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
In this week’s episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad do a round up of their 2024 highlights, lowlights and their favourite episodes from the second season of the podcast, before throwing out some optimistic feels for the year ahead. 
It’s been a tough year, but we are here to bring you some positivity for 2025 with a little help from our friends and guests of past episodes. 
Our wonderful sponsor for this episode is THE NATIONAL FILM and TELEVISION SCHOOL.
We’ve also partnered with SCRIPTATION to offer our listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their software, which you can find on the link below… 
http://scriptation.com/thedirectorstake 
 
Nugget of the week
 
Marcus: The Telepathy Tapes by Ky Dickens
Oz: The Actors Guide to Success by Michaela Longden
 
Our Favourite Episodes of Season 2
Marcus: 
Episode 1 - How I Directed Baby Reindeer with Weronika Tofilska
Episode 17 - Demystifying VFX with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s Angus Bickerton
 
Episode 8 - Showrunning BBC’s Domino Day with Lauren Sequeira 
 
Episode 19 - Demystifying the road to BAFTAs & Oscars with Flair PR’s Catherine Lyn Scott
 
Episode 31 - How we created EMILIA PÉREZ with Jacques Audiard & Thomas Bidegain
 
Oz:
Episode 1 - How I Directed Baby Reindeer with Weronika Tofilska
Episode 15 & 16 - The Journey to Directing PRESUMED INNOCENT with Greg Yaitanes
Episode 9 - How I Directed HOUSE OF THE DRAGON with Clare Kilner
Episode 13 & 14 - The Journey to Directing SUPACELL with Sebastian Thiel
Episode 6 - Is Perfectionism Killing Your Creativity? With Dr. Thomas Curran
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Oz: Twitter (X) & Instagram
 
If you have any questions relating to the episode or have topics you would like covering in future releases, reach out to us at TheDirectorsTake@Outlook.com

E233 - Directing Continuing Drama to Apple TV Series with Jim O'Hanlon

This is episode 33 in the second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
In this week’s episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad are joined by Director Jim O’Hanlon, whose directorial work has been nominated for BAFTAs, Golden Globes and Emmy’s. Jim began his career working in continuing Drama on Coronation Street and has since gone on to direct Inside Number 9, 100 Streets with Idris Elba, Netflix’s The Punisher, Catastrophe with Sharon Horgan & Rob Delaney and also on Apple TV’s hit show Trying. 
 
Jim is a fountain of knowledge and in this episode we get right down into his process of what being a working director is to him. This chat includes:
-What is directing?
-How did you begin your career and enter the industry? 
-What is tone?
-How do you pick projects? 
-How does he work between mediums and genres?
-What is his directing playbook after getting hired? 
-What is your approach to blocking? 
-How do you communicate and work with actors of varying levels of experience? 
 
Our wonderful sponsor for this episode is THE NATIONAL FILM and TELEVISION SCHOOL.
We’ve also partnered with SCRIPTATION to offer our listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their software, which you can find on the link below… 
http://scriptation.com/thedirectorstake 
 
Nugget of the week
Jim: The Holdovers Directed by Alexander Payne - Directors UK Podcast
Marcus: Raging Bull Directed by Martin Scorsese
Oz: Oz was inspired by a recent conversation we had with students at Oxford University.
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
Jim O’Hanlon: Twitter (X) & Instagram
The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Oz: Twitter (X) & Instagram
 
If you have any questions relating to the episode or have topics you would like covering in future releases, reach out to us at TheDirectorsTake@Outlook.com

E232 - A Conversation with NFTS Director of School Dr. Jon Wardle

This is episode 32 in the second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
In this week’s episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad are joined by the Director of the National Film & Television School, Dr. Jon Wardle. In this episode we demystify exactly what the NFTS is to give you all of the information necessary to understand how it can fit into your pathway into the industry. 
 
This episode covers:
 
-What is the NFTS? 
-What is the NFTS’ mission statement? 
-Is the NFTS the only way for someone to get into the industry nowadays? 
-What are the challenges faced by those attending and graduates? 
-The responsibility they have in an ever shifting industry. 
-We discuss listener questions and recent controversies.
 
Our wonderful sponsor for this episode is THE NATIONAL FILM and TELEVISION SCHOOL.
We’ve also partnered with SCRIPTATION to offer our listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their software, which you can find on the link below… 
http://scriptation.com/thedirectorstake 
 
Nugget of the week
Jon: The World of Tim Burton at The Design Museum
Marcus: Steve McQueen interviewed by Danny Leigh | BFI London Film Festival Screen Talk 2024
Oz: GNX by Kendrick Lamar
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
Jon Wardle: Twitter (X) 
The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Oz: Twitter (X) & Instagram
 
If you have any questions relating to the episode or have topics you would like covering in future releases, reach out to us at TheDirectorsTake@Outlook.com

E231 - How we created EMILIA PÉREZ with Jacques Audiard & Thomas Bidegain

This is episode 31 in the second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
In this week’s special episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad are joined in conversation by legendary French Director Jacques Audiard (A Prophet, Rust and Bone) and his long-time Writer and Artistic collaborator Thomas Bidegain to discuss their latest project in partnership with Netflix, the musical crime comedy film EMILIA PÉREZ.
This live conversation which was conducted as part of a NFTS masterclass covers the following:
 
-What is Directing? 
-How did they have to adjust their process to create a musical? 
-How did the casting process shape the journey of creating the story? 
-What is your relationship with tone and genre during the writing process? 
-What was the learning curve like in creating the musical sequences? 
-How did you go about creating the world in a very intentional way to marry the use of a soundstage and real world locations? 
-Audience questions.
Our wonderful sponsor for this episode is THE NATIONAL FILM and TELEVISION SCHOOL. The NFTS run a range of Masterclasses such as this one you can listen to today, with filmmakers from all across departments and the filmmaking spectrum.
We’ve also partnered with SCRIPTATION to offer our listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their software, which you can find on the link below… 
http://scriptation.com/thedirectorstake 
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Oz: Twitter (X) & Instagram
 
If you have any questions relating to the episode or have topics you would like covering in future releases, reach out to us at TheDirectorsTake@Outlook.com

E230 - The Journey to Directing ONE PIECE with Marc Jobst - Part 2

This is episode 30 in the second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
In this week’s episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad are joined by High-End TV Director Marc Jobst for the second part of our conversation. Marc began his career working in continuing drama on Casualty and Eastenders before working his way up to creating exceptional work on Hannibal, Daredevil, The Witcher and most recently as the lead director on the hit Netflix show One Piece.
This conversation covers the following:
 
-What’s the first thing you do after being hired on a job?
-The importance of casting. 
-Remaining flexible with your plans to adapt to different actors methods.
-The use of camera plans.
-How schedule minded do you need to be as a director? 
-How do you honour beloved IP when working in HETV.
-What is Marc’s approach to action?
 
Our wonderful sponsor for this episode is THE NATIONAL FILM and TELEVISION SCHOOL.
We’ve also partnered with SCRIPTATION to offer our listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their software, which you can find on the link below… 
http://scriptation.com/thedirectorstake 
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Nugget of the Week
Marcus: Script Apart - Andrew Haigh All of us Strangers
Oz: Marc Jobst’s Blog
Marc: This Cultural Life - Interview with Alejandro Iñárritu
 
Socials
Marc Jobst: Twitter (X) & Instargam
The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Oz: Twitter (X) & Instagram
 
If you have any questions relating to the episode or have topics you would like covering in future releases, reach out to us at TheDirectorsTake@Outlook.com

E229 - The Journey to Directing ONE PIECE with Marc Jobst - Part 1

This is episode 29 in the second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
In this week’s episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad are joined by High-End TV Director Marc Jobst. Marc began his career working in continuing drama on Casualty and Eastenders before working his way up to creating exceptional work on Hannibal, Daredevil, The Witcher and most recently as the lead director on the hit Netflix show One Piece.
 
This conversation covers the following:
 
-How did you become a director?
-What does collaboration mean to you? 
-What were the big obstacles you faced in working in High-End TV?
 
Our wonderful sponsor for this episode is THE NATIONAL FILM and TELEVISION SCHOOL.
We’ve also partnered with SCRIPTATION to offer our listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their software, which you can find on the link below… 
http://scriptation.com/thedirectorstake 
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
Marc Jobst: Twitter (X) & Instargam
The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Oz: Twitter (X) & Instagram
 
If you have any questions relating to the episode or have topics you would like covering in future releases, reach out to us at TheDirectorsTake@Outlook.com

E228 - TDT LIVE PODCAST: Filmmaker Pathways with Actor, Writer, and Director Charlotte Hamblin

This is episode 28 in the second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
In this week’s episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad are joined by Award winning  actor, writer and director Charlotte Hamblin.
This conversation was recorded at the Norwich Film Festival 2024.
 
In this chat we cover:-
The importance of preparation in development
Developing an idea
Preparation Meets Improvisation: Rehearsals and Blocking
Navigating vulnerability.
The creative grind of development.
Problem-Solving on Set: From Challenges to Creativity
Moments of Magic: When Everything Clicks
The Development Process: Polishing the Diamond
Our wonderful sponsor for this episode is THE NATIONAL FILM and TELEVISION SCHOOL.
We’ve also partnered with SCRIPTATION to offer our listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their software, which you can find on the link below… 
http://scriptation.com/thedirectorstake 
 
Nugget of the Week
Charlotte - Song by Tom Rassmussen - There’s a lot to be happy about
https://open.spotify.com/track/3dG4ESSkfeytc0DH7cJOsg?si=e71d9e408e604136
Oz is a lyric from the song Eye of the Tiger : 
https://youtu.be/btPJPFnesV4?si=MokAVPDr1Q1b8Tk3
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
Charlotte Hamblin: Profile& Instagram
The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Oz:  Instagram
 
If you have any questions relating to the episode or have topics you would like covering in future releases, reach out to us at TheDirectorsTake@Outlook.com
 

E227 - The Production Diaries Space Plug & Opening Up

This is episode 27 in the second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
In this week’s episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad take you behind the scenes of their short films, Space Plug and Opening Up. 
Recorded in June 2023, the episode gives you their fresh thoughts on the wins and challenges of production one week after they wrapped on set. 
This conversation covers: 
- We break down the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and what it takes to bridge the gap between short films and long-form projects. Expect insights on:
- Applying what we learned on House of the Dragon to the challenges we faced
- Tackling the sci-fi spectacle of Space Plug while balancing visual storytelling and technical hurdles.
- How Oz pivoted Opening Up from the north to London. 
- Last-minute location changes & Police on set.
- Managing technical complexity and tight schedules on a limited budget.
- Thoughts and conclusions before going into production
Our wonderful sponsor for this episode is THE NATIONAL FILM and TELEVISION SCHOOL.
 
We’ve also partnered with SCRIPTATION to offer our listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their software, which you can find on the link below… 
http://scriptation.com/thedirectorstake 
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Oz: Twitter (X) & Instagram
 
If you have any questions relating to the episode or have topics you would like covering in future releases, reach out to us at TheDirectorsTake@Outlook.com
 

E226 - TDT LIVE PODCAST: Demystifying Producing 2 with BAFTA Winner Chris Hees

This is episode 26 in the second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
In this week’s episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad are joined by BAFTA winning producer Chris Hees, who works across both animation and live-action. 
This conversation was recorded at the Spirit of Independence Film Festival in Sheffield alongside a bunch of other industry talks, as we aim to demystify producers.
In this chat we cover:-
 
-What is producing?
-What opportunities did a BAFTA win and an Oscar nomination bring?
-How have you sustained yourself whilst pursuing a producing career? 
-How does he choose the stories that he works on? 
-What short-sighted decisions do directors make when working with producers?
-What are the key challenges in going from shorts to longform? 
 
Our wonderful sponsor for this episode is THE NATIONAL FILM and TELEVISION SCHOOL.
We’ve also partnered with SCRIPTATION to offer our listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their software, which you can find on the link below… 
http://scriptation.com/thedirectorstake 
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
Chris Hees: Website & Instagram
The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Oz: Twitter (X) & Instagram
 
If you have any questions relating to the episode or have topics you would like covering in future releases, reach out to us at TheDirectorsTake@Outlook.com

E225 - The Insider's Guide to Notes, Script Editing & Development with Venetia Hawkes

This is episode 25 in the second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
 
In this week’s episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad discuss the process of giving and receiving notes as a Writer & Director. We were joined in this conversation by Venetia Hawkes, who is the author of the book We Have Some Notes… The Insider’s Guide to Notes, Script Editing and Development. This book is an excellent resource and features chapter interviews from some of the finest Writers & Directors in the UK such as Edgar Wright, Lynne Ramsay, Russell T Davies, Sally Wainwright and many, many more. 
 
So as ever we get right into it to help demystify the notes process for you all! This conversation covers:
 
-What inspired her to write this book?
-What did she discover about the notes process that went against her expectations? 
-What are the do’s and don’ts when giving and receiving notes? 
-How should you deliver notes?
-What makes a bad note?
-How specific should notes be? 
-How do you navigate communicating and dealing with notes around tone?
-When are notes not useful? 
-The notes process for women and people from a global majority.
-How did her research inform her own writing process when putting the book together?
 
Our wonderful sponsor for this episode is THE NATIONAL FILM and TELEVISION SCHOOL.
We’ve also partnered with SCRIPTATION to offer our listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their software, which you can find on the link below… 
http://scriptation.com/thedirectorstake 
 
Nugget of the Week
Venetia: Climate spring - Organisation - Climate Spring harnesses the storytelling power of the screen to shift how society perceives and responds to the climate crisis.
Oz: We Have Some Notes… by Venetia Hawkes
Marcus: Ancient Apocalypse: The Americas 
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
Venetia Hawkes: Twitter (X) & Instagram 
The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Oz: Twitter (X) & Instagram
 
If you have any questions relating to the episode or have topics you would like covering in future releases, reach out to us at TheDirectorsTake@Outlook.com