Film Stories with Simon Brew

In a very special episode of Film Stories, writer/producer/showrunner/novelist Chris Chibnall joins Simon for a long chat about his work and career. Topics covered? Glad you asked. They chat about Death At The White Hart, Chris' first novel, that's now available in paperback, and also heading towards televison. They talk about Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, heading to Netflix in January. And other topics? Old computer games, Jasper Carrott LPs, and a good chunk of Doctor Who as well... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You want a Christmas movie? Look no further than Rocky IV, surely the raging highlight of the Rocky saga. Written and directed by Sylvester Stallone, and with montages coming out of its armpits, the movie was not without a few challenges (and injuries.) Not least: how do you follow up the relentlessness of Mr T's Clubber Lang from Rocky III? The answer arrived in the sizeable shape of Dolph Lundgren, a one-time guest on this very show. But then, decades later, Sylvester Stallone decided that he had problems with Rocky IV. And a very different cut was born... The stories are told in this very episode.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now in UK cinemas is the spoof movie Fackham Hall, which crosses the likes of Airplane! with Downton Abbey. But how do you write a spoof movie? And what are the challenges? We've brought together 66.6% of the writing team The Dawson Brothers to tell us more, and explain why a CG house was required to make a sex scene involving pigs... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was originally a plan to bring the much-loved Christmas book The Polar Express to the big screen in live action, with Rob Reiner potentially directing. But eventually, the project ended up with Robert Zemeckis. Looking for something between live action and animation, a different kind of technology was to be used for the film - but would audiences respond to it? Especially when they tried to look the characters in the eye... The second part of this episode is a return to the podcast for writer/producer/director James L Brooks, chatting about his new film, Ella McCay. Plus, getting films for grown-ups made, Mike Nichols, previewing his movies and a whole lot more. Ella McCay is in UK cinemas from 12th December 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Cadan may not be a name familiar to too many, but he's had quite the career. In this special Film Stories episode, he tells his tale of how the lad growing up in Huddersfield went on to work with Guy Ritchie (including writing a remake of The Wild Geese), Stephen Graham, Madonna and more. Then, getting a film made, the sole UK release from the Fox International label, Walk Like A Panther. He takes us into the highs and lows of that, his letter about it to Kermode & Mayo, and what mischief he's up to now. Quite the story this... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices