The Filmmakers Podcast

Filmmakers, we have an absolutely magical episode for you this week!

While Giles Alderson has been out in Bulgaria producing his latest feature film, the brilliant Conor Boru steps into the host chair to sit down with the phenomenal director Susanne Bier to discuss her massive new release, PRACTICAL MAGIC 2.

Nearly three decades after the original spellbound audiences, Susanne takes us behind the scenes of bringing the Owens sisters back to the big screen. She dives deep into the realities of directing a massive studio sequel, working with Hollywood royalty like Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, balancing practical on-set effects with visual spectacles, and why the beating heart of this film is the authentic sisterhood on screen.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT:
Before the interview, Giles is back with a massive exclusive update! He officially announces his latest producing project, The Joy of Sex, starring Academy Award winners Colin Firth and Julianne Moore!

💡 TOPIC OF THE WEEK:
Giles breaks down "The Myth of A-List Intimidation." How do you transition from micro-budget indie sets to working with literal Oscar-winning legends without losing your nerve? Listen in for the hard truths on why the job of filmmaking never changes, no matter who is on the call sheet.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

Tackling a Legacy: The immense pressure and excitement of directing a sequel to a beloved 90s classic.

Directing A-Listers: Susanne’s approach to collaborating with Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, and an incredible ensemble cast.

Practical vs. VFX: How to ground supernatural elements with practical on-set choices (and unexpected beetles!).

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: Why filmmakers must continuously embrace challenges that terrify them.

The Producer's Mindset: Giles' lessons from the trenches of producing The Joy of Sex in Bulgaria.

🍿 ABOUT PRACTICAL MAGIC 2:
Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, Practical Magic 2 returns to a world steeped in moonlit mischief and powerful ancestral magic. The Owens sisters must confront a dark curse threatening to unravel their family. Joining the cast are Joey King, Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, Xolo Maridueña, Solly McLeod, Dianne Wiest, and Stockard Channing. Directed by Susanne Bier, from a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman, Georgia Pritchett, and Kelly Marcel.

Distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. In cinemas across North America on September 10, 2026, and internationally beginning September 9, 2026.

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[From the Vault] Directing Blockbusters: Dexter Fletcher on Rocketman, Ghosted & Surviving Studio Pressure

While we prep our upcoming Business of Film Special, we are unlocking the vault to revisit one of our most popular masterclasses with the brilliant actor-turned-director Dexter Fletcher!

Having transitioned from his indie debut Wild Bill to directing massive studio hits like Eddie the Eagle, Rocketman, Bohemian Rhapsody, and the action-packed Ghosted, Dexter knows exactly what it takes to navigate every level of the filmmaking industry. In this archived special, Giles Alderson and Dom Lenoir sit down with Dexter to break down his incredible journey.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

The Pitching Process: How to clearly communicate your vision to secure the job.

Indie vs. Studio: The practical differences between directing your first indie film and helming a massive studio movie.

Directing Action & Stunts: Dexter's approach to storyboarding and executing massive set pieces.

The Importance of Rehearsals: Why making time to rehearse with your actors is non-negotiable.

Navigating Pressure & Notes: How to handle intense studio feedback and why directing can often be an incredibly lonely job.

Ghosted (2023)

Rocketman (2019)

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018 - Uncredited co-director)

Eddie the Eagle (2015)

Sunshine on Leith (2013)

Wild Bill (2011)

🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you!

👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own tees, hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠.

📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠.

🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠.

🎬 Dexter Fletcher Feature Directing Credits📲 Support, Merch & Courses
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Leveling Up the Second Feature: George Jaques on Directing, writing and producing Sunny Dancer, Bella Ramsey & Neil Patrick Harris

How do you transition from a £500k indie debut to a massive ensemble feature starring some of the biggest names in television and film? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with returning guest, writer-director George Jaques (Black Dog), to discuss his stunning second feature, Sunny Dancer.

Set against the backdrop of a summer camp for young cancer survivors, Sunny Dancer is a funny, warm, and deeply moving coming-of-age story that actively rejects hospital drama clichés. George breaks down his entire process, from pitching the script to Bella Ramsey and casting Neil Patrick Harris over Zoom, to creating an authentic, bond-filled atmosphere for his young cast on set in Scotland.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

Subverting the 'Sick Teen' Genre: How George wrote a script where illness takes a back seat to teenage angst, party culture, awkward romance, and joy.

The Power of 'Feral Takes': George's unique directing technique for unlocking spontaneous, hilarious, and uninhibited performances from his actors.

Directing an All-Star Ensemble: What it was like working with Bella Ramsey, Ruby Stokes, Jessica Gunning, James Norton, and Neil Patrick Harris—and how he tailored his notes for each actor.

Creating On-Set Rapport: Why George insists on week-long rehearsals, shared transport, and summer camp bonding activities to make his cast look like lifelong friends on screen.

The Second Feature Jump: The harsh financial realities of closing indie film equity, managing producer stress, and looking after your mental health in the edit suite.

Sunny Dancer (2026) — Director, Writer, Producer

Cast: Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), Ruby Stokes (Bridgerton), Conrad Khan (Peaky Blinders), Earl Cave (The End of the F*ing World), Jasmine Elcock, Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer), James Norton (Happy Valley), Neil Patrick Harris (Uncoupled), and James Blunt.

Black Dog (2023) — Director, Writer, Producer

Cast: Jamie Flatters (Avatar: The Way of Water), Keenan Munn-Tyson, Ruby Stokes.

🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠

A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review and every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a massive difference!

🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you!

👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own tees, hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠.

📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠.

🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠.

Big thank you to:

Serena Gardner

Mark Hammett

Lee Hutchings

Marli J Monroe

Karen Newman

Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠*Join our Patreon*⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and direct feedback on your film projects!

Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠

Logo & Banner Art by: ⁠Lois Creative⁠

Theme Music by: ⁠John J. Harvey⁠

🎬 George Jaques Feature Filmography & Credits🎥 Watch Food For Thought📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬 Credits
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The Green Day Road Movie: Lee Kirk on Directing Nimrods & Indie Hustle

This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, guest host Conor Boru (When the Screaming Starts) sits down with writer and director Lee Kirk to dive deep into the making of his latest feature, Nimrods.

Born from an idea pitched by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, Nimrods is a nostalgic, 90s-infused road trip comedy following three young punks driving across the country to reach a New Year's Eve Green Day concert. Lee shares the entire journey of getting the film off the ground, from drawing inspiration from classics like The Goonies and Risky Business to the practical realities of shooting along Route 66.

🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

The Green Day Connection: How a conversation with Billie Joe Armstrong evolved into a fully fledged feature film.

Fictional Bands & Real Music: The process of sourcing the film's soundtrack and how Billie Joe's sons wrote an entire album for the film's hilariously chaotic in-world band, Cannibal Death March.

Crafting 90s Nostalgia: Blending modern camera work with vintage camcorder footage to authentically capture the era.

Shooting on Location: The logistical hurdles and aesthetic benefits of filming a road movie in Oklahoma City.

The Editing Suite: Why a film is truly made in the edit and the absolute necessity of being ruthless with your own script.

Stop Waiting for Permission: Lee’s ultimate advice for aspiring directors on why you must take the initiative and just start creating.

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Keep an eye out for Nimrods on the festival circuit and upcoming release schedules.

🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT⁠ documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE ⁠HERE⁠

A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review and comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a massive difference!

🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you!

👕 ⁠PODCAST MERCH⁠: Get your very own tees, hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more ⁠HERE⁠.

📚 ⁠COURSES⁠: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE ⁠POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED⁠.

🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at ⁠TheFilmmakersPodcast.com⁠.

Big thank you to:

Serena Gardner

Mark Hammett

Lee Hutchings

Marli J Monroe

Karen Newman

Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? ⁠*Join our Patreon*⁠ for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and direct feedback on your film projects!

Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson ⁠@gilesalderson⁠

Guest Host: Conor Boru

Logo & Banner Art by: ⁠Lois Creative⁠

Theme Music by: ⁠John J. Harvey⁠

🎥 Watch Food For Thought📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬 Credits
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of the Filmmaker’s Podcast, host Dom Lenoir takes the reins while Giles Alderson is away in Bulgaria. We are thrilled to welcome back director Josh Greenbaum for an esteemed "hat trick" third appearance on the show, along with actor and screenwriter Sean Clements.

We dive into their new film, The Dink, a pickleball sports comedy that captures the nostalgic magic of late 90s and 2000s filmmaking. While the film brings the laughs, it also tackles universal and relatable themes like parental pressure, coaching aspirations, identity, ego, and pursuing second chances in your 40s.

Josh and Sean share their filmmaking process, discussing how to successfully direct non-actors and improvisers, the art of trimming "precious" scenes for the greater good of the movie, and what it was like collaborating with producer Ben Stiller.

What We Discuss in This Episode:

The Return of Josh Greenbaum: Celebrating Josh's third appearance on the podcast and why he was drawn to The Dink as his next project.

The World of Pickleball: Exploring the absurdity, accessibility, and real-life tennis community controversy surrounding the fastest-growing racket sport.

Nostalgic Comedy & Themes: Harking back to classic 90s/2000s comedies like Happy Gilmore, Best in Show, Dodgeball, and The Wedding Singer, while exploring universal themes of identity, ego, and parental pressure.

Screenwriting Origins: Sean Clements shares his personal journey as a former junior tennis player, his initial resistance to pickleball, and how finding an unlikely community of older players inspired the script.

Collaborating with Ben Stiller: How Ben Stiller came on board to produce, his script notes, and how he helped bring former pro tennis player Andy Roddick into the cast.

Directing Improvisers & Non-Actors: Josh’s philosophy on creating a safe set where actors aren't afraid to fail, letting comedic talents like Aaron Chen ad-lib, and guiding dramatic actors like Ed Harris and non-actors like Andy Roddick to play their roles straight for maximum comedic effect.

Kill Your Darlings (What's Good for the Movie): Sean talks about the transition from sitcom writing to feature films and a pivotal note from Josh on shortening a dramatic scene to serve the overall pacing of the film.

The Power of Music: Using needle drops (from country music to Britney Spears' "Work Bitch") and score by Dara Taylor to drive character and emotional tone.

Summer Filmmaking Advice: Dom’s closing thoughts on how filmmakers can balance taking a summer break while prepping development and location scouting for the September autumn rush.

Host: Dom Lenoir
Guests: Josh Greenbaum & Sean Clements

The DINK is our now on APPLE TV

#TheDink #JoshGreenbaum #SeanClements #Pickleball #SportsComedy #Filmmaking #Screenwriting #Directing #BenStiller #AppleTV #TheFilmmakersPodcast #IndieFilm #Podcast
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