Now Then Talks

In this conversation, we speak to writer and director Brook Driver. We talk about his new upcoming feature mockumentary, 'Swede Caroline,' the process of getting the film made, and his approach to writing and comedy. This episode is sponsored by Smoke and Mirrors. Hope you enjoy.

In this conversation, we speak to director Tina Bull, AKA - Tiny Bullet. We discuss her love of dark comedy, working with diverse crews, and bringing commercial scripts to life. Originally from the UK she built up a reputation as one of the world's most awarded and sought-after Motion and Animation Designers before trying her hand at directing humans. Known for being unafraid in taking large creative risks, Tiny's films are celebrated for their creative and cultural influence. This episode is sponsored by Smoke & Mirrors See all Tiny's work HERE

In the conversation we speak to Director, Chris Thomas. We discuss his love of chasing storms, how the weather inspires his work and how to install discipline into your life. This episode is sponsored by Smoke & Mirrors. Chris Thomas is an award winning director, known for his ability to merge cinematic visuals with authentic performances, resulting in a harmonious blend of poetic and immersive storytelling. Deeply intrigued by the human experience, the essence of landscapes, and the captivating forces of meteorology, he explores these realms through a lens that is both thoughtful and evocative, seamlessly weaving together intimate character journeys with breathtaking natural backdrops. Website - https://www.clthomas.co.uk Lets Roll short film - https://www.clthomas.co.uk/lets-roll

In this conversation we speak to Toby Tomkins, senior colourist and founder of the post production studio, CHEAT. We discuss the language of colour, digital verses film and choosing the right projects. Hope you enjoy. Over a decade of experience has earned Toby high-profile commercial clients; from BMW and Aston Martin to Lloyds and Amstel, as well as a significant role in award-winning TV shows such as the hugely successful BAFTA winning, Emmy nominated Netflix/Channel 4 series ‘The End of the F***ing World’, Channel 4's BAFTA winning 'We Are Lady Parts', Netflix's multi-EMMY-winning 'Heartstopper', and AMC/BBC’s critically acclaimed 'This Is Going To Hurt'. He just completed ‘Great Expectations’ for FX/BBC, Netflix’s ‘Obsession’, and is now working on ‘Eric’, also for Netflix.

In this conversation we speak to casting director, Hannah Ashby Ward. We discuss working with actors, industry ignorance and how to prepare for auditions. Hannah is a London based Casting Director who runs LANE Casting in the UK, and is a partner in the International Company. Committed to authentic storytelling, diversity and representation, each project is sensitively approached by Hannah to ensure inclusive casting, subverting expectations and ensuring talent feel comfortable and respected during the casting process. Her work ranges from long form narrative and TV series to short films, commercials, music videos, stills and special projects - https://www.lane-casting.com

Sam is a highly acclaimed editor who has demonstrated unparalleled talent in the realm of commercials and music videos over the past few years. Working with some of the biggest directors out there, such as Ian Pons Jewell, Henry Scholfield and The Sacred Egg, to name a few. He is currently represented by Final Cut in London. In this conversation, we discuss how he manages egos, how to gain trust as an editor and his path into the industry. https://www.finalcut-edit.com/uk/editors/sam-bould/featured/ https://www.sambouldediting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sambouldedit/

Andzej Gavriss is a multi award-winning director originally hailing from Northern Europe - Latvia. Graduated from the University of Audio Visual Arts in 2015, Director has already cultivated a strong body of work that showcases his incredible appetite for experimental filmmaking. Gavriss work has won a Grand Prize at CLIO, GOLD for Direction at CLIO, Silver at Cannes Lions, Gold Screen at YDA 2020, Wooden Pencil for Direction at D&AD, Gold at Cresta Awards for outstanding direction, Gold at UKMV. In this conversation we discuss his artistic process, discover his sources of inspiration, and explore the stories he's passionate about sharing. Familiarise yourself with Andzej’s work here - https://www.andzejgavriss.com/ Work discussed: MALARIA - https://vimeo.com/432240051 UPROOTED | UNHCR - https://vimeo.com/719828405 AIGEL - You’re born - https://vimeo.com/397187405

In this conversation we speak to the head of talent at Rogue films, Charlie Roberson. We discuss his journey into the industry, finding talent and making yourself visible as a director.

In this conversation we speak to producing duo Katie Lambert and Martha McGuirk AKA MrMr Films. We discuss their journey as producers, developing talent and the value of surrounding yourself with the right people. From what we’ve heard - MrMr have a damn good time. As a rosterless production company they collaborate with freelance directors, develop original content, work directly with artists and musicians, and service jobs for non-UK companies. They are also freelance producers, available to make dreams a reality. They are based in London but highly experienced in bidding and shooting globally. https://www.mrmrfilms.com/

In this conversation we speak to Harvey Ascott, co-founder and executive producer at Dog Eat Dog. We discuss the world of feature films, finding the right directors for the right job and starting your own production company. https://www.dogeatdog.co/ Discussed work: Shok (short film) - https://vimeo.com/564100836

In this conversation, we talk to Greg Hackett. Founder and director of the UK production company, Spindle. We discuss his obsession with story telling, why it’s important for directors to be vulnerable and the internal battles of running your own production company. Greg’s award-winning work spans commercials, original documentaries, and brand films. His sharp eye and natural pace give his films a rare level of cinematic quality. Discussed work: Experiments In Speed: https://vimeo.com/70921986 TAM TAM: https://vimeo.com/305827033 Find the rest of Greg's work here: https://www.spindle.co/directors/greg-hackett/

In the conversation we talk to Flo Clive, head of production at Havas studios. We discuss how she finds new talent, email introductions, her transition from production to agency and the ever changing landscape of advertising.

In this conversation we talk to writer/director Koby Adom. We discuss the power of short films, how he came to direct episodes of British crime drama series Top Boy. And his new venture in to the commercial landscape. Koby Adom is a Ghanaian-British film director, writer & executive producer who was born in Ivory Coast but raised in South London from childhood. He is also the CEO and founder of DBK Studios. Graduating with a Masters Degree from the London Film School in 2017, Koby went on to write and direct his breakthrough short film: Haircut (https://vimeo.com/281079824) the following year, finishing the film in May 2018. Haircut screened at the London Film Festival and a few places, racked up 900,000 views online and earned Koby a spot on the 2018 Screen Daily Stars of Tomorrow list as well as the Broadcast Hotshot list for 2019. By November 2018, Koby was in Cape Town preparing to shoot three episodes of BBC 1 drama Noughts and Crosses at the age of 28. Between September 2020 till now, Koby has directed two episodes of Top Boy Season 4 for Netflix, the entire 4-part season 2 of Noughts and Crosses for BBC 1 as well as Executive producing 5 short films from black filmmakers through DBK Studios, funded by Sky Studios, airing on Sky Arts. Find the rest of Koby's work here -https://www.kobyadom.com/

In this conversation we talk to music video commissioner Kim Jarrett. We discuss her process of finding new talent, the importance of originality and the benefits of consuming things you hate.

In this conversation we speak to director and photographer Libby Burke Wilde. We discuss her fears of becoming a mother, being pigeon-holed as a director and pursuing a career in narrative film making.

In this conversation with Director Dumas Haddad, we discuss the value of making your own work, developing your own material and discrimination within the industry.

In this conversation, we discuss the impact of social media, reinventing your image and being a signed director.

In this conversation, we discuss the advantages of being an independent director, the importance of structure and the constant battle of staying relevant.

In this conversation we discuss how director and photographer Molly Burdett transitioned from music videos into commercials, the harsh realities of the pitching process and her fears as a director.