The Directors Take Podcast

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

E224 - How Do We Direct Actors?

This is episode 24 in the second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
In this week’s episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad get candid about directing actors and building trust on set. From early mistakes to big lessons, they share stories about casting, blocking, and working with actors to elevate on-screen moments. Drawing on experiences from their respective works, they break down the craft of guiding performance.
This episode covers:
First experiences directing actors
The role of blocking and “business” on set
The impact of blocking and micro-blocking
How to collaborate through trust and clarity
Lessons learned from working with experienced actor
What they learnt from watching other directors
Effective casting and rehearsals
Adapting to surprises on the day
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
 
Oz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QU9qZgodWw&ab_channel=FilmCourage
Judith Weston
Marcus: Life 
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
Socials
The Directors' Take: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Marcus: Twitter (X) & Instagram
Oz: Instagram (Oz is off Twitter)
 
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
 

E223 - Acting in Netflix's 3 BODY PROBLEM with Jess Hong

This is episode 23 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 Jess Hong a New Zealand actor who since graduating from Drama School landed the lead role in Showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss Game of Thrones follow up, the Multi-Emmy award nominated show 3 BODY PROBLEM, which was also created by Alexander Woo.
In this episode we break down her early journey, successes and learnings in order to help demystify what the actor and director relationship can look like. This conversation covers:
 
-What is acting? 
-How did you get into acting in the first place?
-How did you land the job on 3 Body Problem?
-How did you begin to prepare for the job of a life time?
-How do you embody a character that is distant from yourself? 
-How did the individual directors approach Director’s Rehearsals?
-How do you like receiving notes from Directors?
-How do you create trust between yourself and collaborators on set? 
-How do you navigate working on such a large production?
-What does the future look like for you?
 
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
 
Jess: Make more good memories with family and friends. That’s what people will remember.
Marcus: The Hitchcock and Truffaut interviews
Oz: The Making of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
Jess Hong: 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
 

E222 - Acting in A24's A Different Man with Adam Pearson

This is episode 22 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 Adam Pearson who is an actor and star of the new A24 feature film, A Different Man alongside Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World) and is written & directed by Aaron Schimberg.
Adam got his first acting break in Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin starring Scarlett Johansson and he has used his platform to become an award-winning disability rights campaigner, public figure and presenter. 
 
This chat covers:
 
-What is acting? 
-How he ended up working on Under the Skin.
-What was his first experience like on a film set?
-How did he end up being cast in A Different Man? 
-What did he learn from his A-List Co-Stars? 
-How he felt seen by this film’s narrative.
-How confidence plays a part in acting. 
-Learning to manage a disability and access in the industry.
 
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
Adam: Four Favourites with Sebastian Stan, Adam Pearson, and Aaron Schimberg (A Different Man)
Oz: Nobody wants to buy this Abadoned $10.5million Mansion - Luxury Cars inside!!!
 
Marcus: In Proximity | Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler on Genre, Fear and Filmmaking 
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
Adam Pearson: 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

E221 - The Art of Sound Design with Paul Davies

This is episode 21 in our second season of The Directors Take Podcast.
In this week’s episode your hosts Marcus Anthony Thomas and Oz Arshad are joined by Paul Davies, the legendary Sound Designer who is best known for being one of Director Lynne Ramsay’s closest collaborators, with their relationship spanning all the way back to her first feature film, Ratcatcher. He is exceptional in his own right however and his unique style has landed him work with directors such as Stephen Frears, Yann Demange, Rose Glass, Steve McQueen and Guillermo Del Toro amongst countless others. 
Sound is as important if not more so than the image itself, so we are super excited to bring you a conversation with one of the absolute best in the business. This conversation covers:
 
-What is Sound Design?
-What was his journey into the industry like? 
-The importance of mentors? 
-How did he come to meet Lynne Ramsay and build that relationship? 
-Why do people keep coming back to him? 
-How to sync up the process between sound and the edit? 
-How does he approach character and perspective with sound? 
-What are the mistakes that directors make when working with sound designers? 
 
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 
 
Paul’s Bio
With a background in music recording and composition, Paul Davies graduated from the sound department at the National Film and Television School (UK) in 1993. After graduation Paul worked as a freelance sound record recordist, sound editor and re-recording mixer on a variety of feature, broadcast, and corporate projects. In 1995 Paul joined the sound post production company VideoSonics as a sound editor, rising to become head of the sound editorial department. Whilst with VideoSonics Paul continued to hone his craft on a large range of feature film and television dramas. In 2000 Paul left VideoSonics to become a freelance supervising sound editor and Sound Designer and continues to work in these roles to this day. Notable directors he has with with include Stephen Frears, John Hillcoat, Lynne Ramsay, Guillermo Del Toro, Steve McQueen, Hideo Nakata, Rose Glass, Bart Layton, Anton Corijn, Saul Dibb, Julian Jarrold, Nick Broomfield and Julien Temple amongst many others, on films such as The Queen, Kinky Boots, You Were Never Really HEre, American Animals, Hunger, Mrs HEnderson Presents, The American, The Proposition, We need to Talk about Kevin, Saint Maud and Mogul Mowgli. 
 
In addition to his work in sound production, Paul is a regular visiting tutor at the National Film and Television School in the UK The Baltic Film School in Estonia and the IFS in Cologne. Paul has also held Sound Design workshops at the School of sound, BAFTA, CPH Dox Festival-Denmark and The Sound of Story in Brighton UK. Paul is a voting member of BAFTA and AMPAS and a past chair of AMPS the UK’s film and television sound craft guild. Paul has received nominations from BAFTA and The Royal Television Society for his sound design work in 2018, and won a BIFA for his Sound Design in You Were Never Really Here. 
 
Nugget of the week
 
Paul: Beth Gibbons - Portishead lead singer & the strength of performance.
Oz: Godzilla Minus One
Marcus: How Liquid Death’s Founder Started a $700million Water Brand | Found Effect
 
Credits
Music by Oliver Wegmüller
 
Socials
Paul Davies: 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