Red Carpet Rookies
Mike Battle
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Every great film and TV maker began as a Red Carpet Rookie. In this podcast each episode you’ll learn from the life and career story of someone who’s grown to the top of the entertainment business, hearing how they mastered their craft with lessons you can apply to harness your own creative talent in your own career and everyday life.
From lessons given by Spielberg to Oscar-winners tips on imposter syndrome, and some pretty crazy on-set anecdotes thrown in for good measure…
My name is Mike Battle a film crew member turned screenwriter and I’ll be your host…and this is Red Carpet Rookies.
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5 days ago
#45 - Julian Caldow: Designing Tim Burton’s Batmobile, World Building Game of Thrones, Bond Gadgets, Proof of Work, & The James Cameron KY Jelly Incident
Today’s guest began his career working as a runner on James Cameron’s legendary action movie Aliens but found his home in the art department where he honed the skill of concept art becoming one of the foremost illustrators in the business.
With a resume that includes movies such as Star Wars Rogue Rogue, The Martian, Gravity, Casino Royale, Tim Burton’s Batman, Game of Thrones and even a few Harry Potters thrown in for good measure, I’m looking forward to delving into his creative process.
My guest is Julian Caldow.
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Oct 16, 2023
#44 - Charles Steel: Producing Top Boy, Meetings With Drake, Importance of Hustle, Finding Your Why, & Putting Jude Law on a Russian Submarine
Today’s guest has one of the most varied resumes of anyone in the film and TV business. Having produced everything from megahit Top Boy to winning a BAFTA for The Last King of Scotland, making documentaries and more, I can’t wait to hear his story and learn from his journey to success in the industry.
He also has one of the coolest names of any guest I’ve ever had!
My guest is Charles Steel.
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Sep 26, 2023
#43 - Adam Epstein: Editing The Bear's Best Episode, The Addictive Life of Saturday Night Live, Compounding Relationships & The Music of Editing
Hello and welcome to Red Carpet Rookies.
Today’s guest is a first for a the show. Someone who began his career in the world of comedy editing. With eight years at the legendary Saturday Night Live to his name, he’s been in the cutting room for skits featuring Margot Robbie as a murderous librarian, Ed Norton in a Wes Anderson themed horror movie parody, Andrew Garfield as a Beyonce Fan on the run and so many more.
Whilst there he picked up two primetime emmy nominations before moving onto more recent shows including Tina Fey’s Mr Mayor and breakout culinary hit, The Bear. My guest is Adam Epstein.
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Sep 12, 2023
#42 - Juliet Taylor: Legendary Casting Director on Taxi Driver & The Exorcist, Discovering Meryl Streep, Spielberg's Pot Smoking 80s Crew, Career Luck, Woody Allen, & Collaborating With A Holocaust Survivor on Schindler’s List
Today’s guest is one of the most notable casting directors in the history of movie making.
Beginning her career under the tutelage of legendary casting director Marion Doughtery, our guest then transitioned to making a name for herself and by *god* did she.
Now retired, during her epic career she was responsible for the casting of films including but not limited to, DEEP BREATH NOW - Taxi Driver, Schindler’s List, The Exorcist, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Network, Terms of Endearment, Big, The Killing Fields, Dangerous Liaisons, The Mission and Sleepless in Seattle. Not to mention her longstanding collaboration of over 40 movies with Woody Allen including Annie Hall and Manhattan AND finally she was also the woman to cast Meryl Street in her first motion picture.
My guest is Juliet Taylor.
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Jul 2, 2023
#41 - Andy Horwitz: Assisting Christopher Nolan's Producer on The Dark Knight, Getting Kathryn Bigelow into Brazil, Producing American Hustle & How A Movie Script Gets Bought
Today’s guest began his filmmaking career under the tutelage of legendary Producer Charles Roven where he was a producer’s assistant on Hollywood blockbusters such as Get Smart, The International and of course, Christopher Nolan’s, The Dark Knight.
Following his apprenticeship, he was swiftly promoted through the ranks of Atlas Entertainment, soon becoming a leading producer for the company working on projects such as American Hustle, Triple Frontier and Suicide Squad.
Now heading up his own exciting new venture, Big Swell Entertainment it’s a pleasure to have him here.
My guest is Andy Horwitz.
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Jun 26, 2023
#40 - Ali Plumb: Life as BBC Radio 1's Film Critic, Career Authenticity, Creating Great Media and How to Interview Harrison Ford
Today’s guest earned his early entertainment industry stripes working as a journalist for publications including Digital Spy and Empire before gaining what must be one of the world’s most fun jobs as Radio 1’s very own film critic, a position he has held since 2016.
Since then, his career has only risen with recent projects such as hosting the red carpet of a little-known awards show called the BAFTAS and the BBC’s new series ‘The Film Fans Guide’.
My guest is Ali Plumb.
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Jun 19, 2023
#39 - Chris Lang: Writing Record-Breaking TV with Unforgotten, Screenwriting Rituals, Finding Humanity in Murderers, and Dealing With Failure in the Entertainment Business
Today’s guest is the king of British detective drama writing. Having discovered his talent for the written word whilst in a comedy troupe with a pre-movie star Hugh Grant, my guest later transitioned to drama where he has produced over 100 hours of primetime television including a multitude of hits including Innocent, which pulled in EIGHT MILLION viewers on ITV, The Thief His Wife and the Canoe which was watched by TEN million in 2022 and picked up our guest a BAFTA nomination as well as a pick of the year slot in The New York Times and of course his soon to be 6th series of record-breaking detective drama Unforgotten.
Along the way, according to his IMDB at least, he also appears to have had a stint as a voice actor in the Harry Potter video game series. What can’t he do?! My guest is Mr Chris Lang
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Jun 12, 2023
#38 - Fassa Sar: How I Became One of Sony Pictures Youngest Executives (And Why I Left To Change Hollywood Networking)
Today’s guest began her career as one of the youngest ever executives at Sony where she was part of the team that brought the now iconic ‘fully onscreen’ movie Searching to our screens, as well as many other projects such as Broken Hearts Gallery, executive produced by none other than Selena Gomez. Since then, like a young Reed Hastings she’s made the move into the world of media and technology with her film and tv networking company, Callo. My guest is Fassa Sar.
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May 2, 2023
#37 - Anna Smith, BBC Film Critic on Interviewing A-Listers, Cultivating Taste, YouTube Film Critics and the Power of Networking
Today’s guest is something new for the show, our first film critic! Beginning her career in the world of music magazine editing, she soon transitioned to freelance writing on her favourite topic: movies. In the years since she’s graced every publication and TV channel you can imagine from the likes of Deadline Hollywood, Sight & Sound, the BBC, Sky News and many more.
In addition to her day job, she is also co-founder and host of the chart-topping interview podcast ‘Girls on Film’ and former president of the UK Critics Circle. My guest is Anna Smith.
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Apr 6, 2023
#36 - Ed Guiney, 'Normal People' Producer on Finding Your People, Childhood with Lenny Abrahamson, Hollywood Moguls, and Being An Advocate for Yourself
Today’s guest is one of Ireland’s most notable film producers.
Beginning his life in the Irish capital, he pursued his passion into movie production during his time at Trinity College Dublin where he set up a film society with a certain Lenny Abrahamson.
Today, he and his company Element Pictures have come a long way from those days though, having produced the likes of Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Favourite, and Lenny’s very own movie Room, both of which our guest picked up Oscar nominations for (and a BAFTA win for The Favourite).
He’s also the man behind the international phenomenon of Normal People that exploded recent best actor nominee Paul Mescal onto our screens.
I reached out to him after watching the amazing Calm with Horses that he produced with our mutual friend Kate and I’m very happy to have him here today. My guest is Mr Ed Guiney
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Feb 25, 2023
#35 - Set Design Special | James Chinlund (The Batman), Luke Hull (Andor), Neil Lamont (Secrets of Dumbledore), Jim Clay (House of the Dragon), Sarah Greenwood (Cyrano) - Live from the BFDG Awards
Today's podcast is something a little different.
This weekend I was honoured to attend this year's British Film Designers Guild awards to speak to some of the very decorated production designers nominated. I managed to get a little time with the likes of six-time Oscar nominee Sarah Greenwood, who attended the awards with her recent film Cyrano. James Chinland who was there for The Batman, Luke Hull with Star Wars' Andor, Jim Clay with House of the Dragon and our second Lamont to grace the show, Neil Lamont who was nominated for Fantastic Beasts Secrets of Dumbledore.
Yes, it's a pretty crazy list, I know. Naturally, I wasn't sitting down in 30-minute stints with these guys to go through their full careers at an awards event, but I did manage to get a few quick-fire questions in largely centring around how to make it in the art department.
I'm sure they'll be on the show in the future to dig into their full stories, but for now, that's enough from me.
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Feb 13, 2023
#34 - Stuart Craig, Legendary Set Designer on Creating Hogwarts, Surprising David Lynch, The Power of Teamwork and Crafting The Largest Movie Scene of All Time
Today’s guest is one of the most accomplished production designers in the world today. Starting his career under the tutelage of Star Wars designer John Barry, he worked his way through the art department on 1970s classics such as the original Christopher Reeve Superman and Richard Attenborough’s A Bridge too Far.
Here he began a multi-decade collaboration with Attenborough which produced the likes of Gandhi, for which he picked up his first Oscar. As his career moved into the late 80s and 90s he added many other legendary works to his CV including Steven Frears Dangerous Liaisons and Anthony Minghella’s The English Patient, both of which he picked up Oscars for.
It was in the 2000s though that he was introduced to his most famous project, designing Hogwarts. A job that he has done since 2001 on all 8 Harry Potter and 3 fantastic beast films.
If you can believe it in amongst all of that he also found time to design David Lynch’s seminal film, The Elephant Man and much loved…
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Dec 10, 2022
#33 - Colleen Atwood, Iconic Costume Designer on Crafting Hannibal Lecter’s Mask, Tim Burton, Sofia Loren, Influencing Pop Culture and Working Her Way Up From A French Fry Factory
Today’s guest is one of the most accomplished costume designers in the world today.
Starting out on features including Michael Mann’s Manhunter she has since travelled the world designing tens of the our most beloved films including The Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia and the Fantastic Beasts Series.
Most notable about her career though, is her longstanding relationships with Directors Tim Burton and Rob Marshall which produced the likes of Edward Scissorhands, Chicago, Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo, Memoirs of a Geisha and next year, Disney’s Live action Little Mermaid.
On that journey, she picked up 4 Oscars and 3 BAFTA wins making her one of the most decorated people we’ve ever had on the show, my guest is Colleen Atwood.
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Nov 28, 2022
#32 - Ellen Lewis: Casting Goodfellas (& Dinner with the Real Mafia), Finding Forrest Gump, The Importance of Mentors, Scorcese, and Margot Robbie’s Wolf of Wall Street Audition
Go and grab your shine box people because today is a big one!
Today's guest is one of the key creative decision-makers behind a number of the world's most well-loved movies. Beginning her career casting under the legendary Juliet Taylor, she later went out alone, casting beloved titles including Forrest Gump, The Devil Wears Prada, Mamma Mia and Scent of A Woman.
It has been her collaborations though that have made up a bulk of her incredible career, notably her three films with Steven Spielberg, and a collaboration with Martin Scorsese, that runs all the way back to the 80s including Goodfellas, Casino, The Departed and many, many more. My guest is Ellen Lewis.
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Nov 1, 2022
#31 - Lisa Beroud: Creating Benjamin Button’s VFX With David Fincher, De-aging Arnold Schwarzenegger, How to Be A Good Intern, and The Massive Scale of Black Panther
Today's guest is a first for the show - someone at the top of the game in the field of VFX production.
Starting her career producing commercials she transitioned to James Cameron's famous VFX house digital domain, where she worked on titles including 47 Ronin, Her and a multitude of David Fincher projects including zodiac and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Since leaving DD, she has progressed to be a VFX producer of hits such as Black Panther Terminator, dark fate, and Sonic the Hedgehog to our guests is Lisa Beroud.
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Oct 11, 2022
#30 - Jeremy Swift: Acting For Robert Altman, Ted Lasso, Downton Abbey, Meeting Dick Van Dyke and The Music of Comedy
Today’s guest is A SAG Award winning / emmy nominated actor and musician.
With an extensive career featuring parts in iconic films such as Robert Altman’s Gosford Park, you will likely know him best from turns in Downtown Abbey, Mary Poppins Returns and most recently as the loveable Higgins in Apple TV’s smash hit - Ted Lasso.
If that wasn’t enough, he also finds the time to make music with previous album Everything’s A Joke and more on the way soon. My guest is Jeremy Swift.
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Oct 6, 2022
#29 - Kirk Wise: Directing Beauty & The Beast, The Emergency Lion King Story Room, Fear, Caricatures, and The Secret to Hunchback of Notre Dame
Today’s guest is a multi-hyphenate animator, director, writer, and storyboard wizard. Gaining an early directing credit working on Disneyland's Cranium Command he was soon thrust into feature direction on historic classics such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Atlantis: The Lost Empire and of course, Beauty and the Beast, the first animated movie to ever be nominated for best picture. My guest is Mr Kirk Wise.
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Sep 5, 2022
#28 - Lucy Bevan: Casting The Batman, Meetings with Spielberg, Dustin Hoffman, Audition Advice, Secret Scripts in Safes and How Lily James Nearly Missed Cinderella
Today’s guest is another first for the show and it’s an exciting one. The fabled role of Casting Director.
Beginning her career in production working on films such as Tim Roth’s The War Zone, she made the move to Casting where she has flourished to one of the world’s most successful casting directors working on projects including Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One, Venom Let There Be Carnage and recently the much lauded Matt Reeves Batman.
Along the way she has developed a longstanding relationship with Sir Kenneth Branagh having worked on 9 projects together as well as cultivating a key role as casting director for Disney on movies including, Maleficent, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Cruella...Our guest is Lucy Bevan.
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Aug 25, 2022
#27 - Baltasar Kormákur: Directing Idris Elba, Being an Icelandic Movie Star, Horse Riding, Bergman, Choosing Your Path, and Calling Iñárritu For CGI Lion Advice
Today’s guest is quite the jack of all trades - a director, producer, writer, actor, and even studio owner, he is one of the rare people to have straddled both a career in his native language, all the while succeeding in Hollywood.
Beginning with Icelandic home grown faire, he has since directed the likes of 2 Guns with Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington, Everest with Jake Gyllenhaal and most recently, Idris Elba vs a fully grown lion in Beast.
Our guest is Baltasar Kormákur.
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Apr 22, 2022
#26 - Dr Jon Wardle: Managing One of The World’s Top Film Schools, Working on Father Ted, Career Strategy, and Carving Your Own Niche
Today’s guest is an exciting first for the show, a preeminent name in the world of film and television education.
With a frankly incredible amount of qualifications and facets to his CV including a Doctorate from the University of Bristol, our guest now sits as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and the National Association of Television Production Executives, as a member of Bafta AND an advisor on education to the Royal Television Society.
But believe it or not, that’s not even his day job. That is of course as the current director of the world-renowned National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield England, alumni of which include none other than Sir Roger Deakins, Nick Park and Harry Potter Director, David Yates as well as hundreds more.
Today we discuss:
(01:56) Jon's early days
(04:19) Working on Father Ted
(06:13) His film school experience at Bournemouth
(09:42) Working as crew
(13:15) Moving to education
(17:05) The film school application process
(20.17) Sho…
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Apr 13, 2022
#25 - Charlie Fremantle: Managing The World’s Oldest Film Studio, Finding Dancing Elephants, The Importance of Hustle, and The Worst Moment of His Career
With a varied career that has spanned both post-production, advertising and production company management, Charlie sits today as the Studio Manager of the world’s oldest film studio at Ealing in London, home to historic productions such as 1955’s The Ladykillers, as well as more recent fare like Oscar-winning Darkest Hour, Shaun of the Dead, and of course, Downton Abbey.
Today we discuss:
(01:46) Charlie's early days
(05:13) Working as a runner
(07:23) Falling in and out of the industry
(09:40) How do you set up a production company?
(13:34) What does a studio manager actually do?
(17:44) Film studio problems
(19:32) How is Ealing coping during the UK's content boom?
(20:58) Charlie's Best Advice and RCR Quickfire
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Mar 30, 2022
#24 - Duncan Hayes: Discovering Ricky Gervais, The Early Days of The Office, Relationship Building, Star Quality, Finding Talent on YouTube, and The Psychology of Agenting
With beginnings running clubs within London’s late night comedy scene, today’s guest has weaved his way through a multifaceted career becoming Senior Partner at United Agents where he shepherds the careers of none other than Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Sharon Horgan and many more.
In addition to his agenting, he has Executive Produced projects including Emmy nominated hit Derek, and a multitude of high profile stand up specials. I’m very excited to hear from the (rarely heard) perspective of one of the people behind the scenes holding the industry together.
Today we discuss:
(01:13) Duncan's early years
(03:34) Working the comedy club scene
(05:55) What does an agent do?
(08:09) What skills make the ideal agent?
(10:36) Advice for would-be agents
(13:11) Are actors and comedians still 'discovered'?
(14:39) Advice for screenwriters contacting agents
(15:51) Meeting Ricky Gervais for the first time
(17:10) The making of The Office (UK)
(20:01) Working as an Agent/Executive…
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Mar 23, 2022
#23 - Seamus McGarvey: Creating The Avenger’s Famous 360 Shot, Filming With Laurence Olivier, Collaboration with Joe Wright, Persistence, The Greatest Showman, and The Surprising Importance of...Bladder Control?
Today's guest is master of colour and image, Cinematographer, Seamus McGarvey. With beginnings in Northern Ireland, Seamus has traversed the world crafting the look of an incredible array of work from Rolling Stones documentaries and emotive dramas like Nocturnal Animals to blockbuster faire like Avengers Assemble and The Greatest Showman. Along the way he picked up two Oscar nominations for Joe Wright’s Atonement and Anna Karrenina, as well as a nod from our mutual friend Julie as one of the nicest guys in Hollywood!
Today we discuss:
(01:55) Seamus' early years
(08:09) Early short films
(10:18) Should would-be cinematographers learn with a stills camera?
(12:49) How to stand out in a world of iPhones
(15:53) Working with Laurence Olivier
(17:02) Do provocative short films get you noticed?
(20:32) Lessons taken from low budget to blockbusters
(22:46) Growing up with Joe Wright
(27:04) Avengers Assemble chat
(29:03) The famous Avengers 360 shot
(31:56) Working on musicals
(35:55) S…
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Mar 14, 2022
#22 - Sam Taylor Johnson: Directing Al Pacino, Imposter Syndrome, The Life of An Artist, Advice from Anthony Minghella, and Why You Should Always Change Your Socks
Today's guest is BAFTA and Turner prize nominated multi hyphenate Director - Writer - Producer - Photographer and Artist , Sam Taylor Johnson OBE. Starting her creative life as an art student in London, Sam rose to prominence as part of the Young British Artists movement of the 1990s alongside the likes of Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, exhibiting memorable works such as a video portrait of David Beckham sleeping and her collection 'Crying Men' which depicted Hollywood icons in their most vulnerable state.
From there, she turned her hand to directing with 2009's Nowhere Boy, followed by Fifty Shades of Gray and much more.
Today we discuss:
(04:53) How Anthony Minghella mentored Sam into filmmaking
(07:36) Why short films are still the way to go for emerging Directors
(08:52) Sam's imposter syndrome with Al Pacino
(10:31) How to approach directing actors with example of Helen Mirren
(14:07) Filming intimate scenes in 50 Shades of Grey
(15:29) How to crew up a film on a low budget
(23:…
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Feb 25, 2022
#21 - Sandy Powell, Renowned Costume Designer on 20 Years With Scorcese, Costuming Daniel Day-Lewis, Ideation, Confidence of Age, and The Pressure to Create a Modern Mary Poppins
Today, I am lucky to be joined by one of the world’s most influential costume designers. She's designed the iconic looks of Cinderella, Mary Poppins Returns, and Shakespeare in Love, as well as forging a lasting relationship with Martin Scorsese, with whom she collaborated to design the Wolf of Wall Street, Gangs of New York, and many more. Along the way, she has picked up the small sum of 15 Oscar nominations, winning three.
Thank you again to Sandy for joining us. It was a pleasure.
Today we discuss:
(02:48) Sandy's journey into the business
(04:30) How Sandy went about choosing her college courses
(06:09) Sandy's first jobs in fashion
(07:33) How to go about contacting Costume Designer or other HODs
(09:29) The 'trial by fire' of Sandy's first film job
(10:50) Lessons taken from low budget filmmaking
(13:24) Working with Directors & why it's helpful they can draw
(15:00) Sandy's costume design process
(17:10) Working in the fitting room with actors - does Daniel Day Lewis stay i…
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Feb 15, 2022
#20 - Joe Haidar on The Insane World of 1990s Disney: Animating Aladdin, Meeting Spielberg in the Dreamworks Animation Wars, $500,000 Phone Calls, Recording With Robin Williams, and Pitching The Idea for Hercules
Our first animator on the show, Joe Haidar tells us how he got into the animation industry, as well as, incredible stories from his time in the business. He tells us how he pitched the idea of Disney's Hercules, why some animators got paid millions of dollars in the 90s and what it was like to animate Robin Williams' Genie on Aladdin!
This episode's key moments:
(03:48) Joe's journey into the animation business
(09:40) Joe's advice for those looking to get into animation
(13:58) Joe's experience working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit
(32:27) The amazing story of Joe pitching Hercules to the heads of Disney
(42:57) What it was like attending Genie recording sessions with Robin Williams on Aladdin
(47:20) The inside story of the Disney/Dreamworks animation wars and why some animators got paid millions of dollars in the 90s
(1:00:56) Quickfire Questionnaire
Check out Joe's incredible animated short Animated American here.
Joe's 'book that everyone must read' - Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert…
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Jan 31, 2022
#19 - Jeff Cronenweth: Shooting The Social Network, His Fight Club Meeting With Fincher, Taylor Swift, Creative Freedom, Film Bro Copycats and His Christmas Present to Aaron Sorkin
In today’s episode we’re joined by one of the world’s greatest Cinematographer’s, Jeff Cronenweth. Born into the film business, he grafted his way through the rungs of the camera department and music video scene of the 1990s and after shooting videos for the likes of George Michael and Janet Jackson, got the call from David Fincher to take the reins of Fight Club. From there it's been a run of legendary movies including, One Hour Photo and Gone Girl as well as The Social Network and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo both of which he picked up Oscar nominations.
In today's episode we discuss:
(01:25) Growing up with a famous DOP for a father.
(02:30) Did crew treat Jeff different due to his famous father?
(04:06) Jeff's thoughts on whether film school is worth it.
(09:23) Does Jeff think music videos are still a good way in for young DPs?
(13:00) Was Jeff nervous working on Fight Club with Fincher?
(15:03) Why David Fincher thought Fight Club would 'define the 90s'.
(16:54) How…
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Oct 28, 2021
#18 - Peter Lamont, Legendary Set Designer on Building Titanic & 18 James Bond Movies, James Cameron, Teamwork, Smuggling Props Across The Mexican Border, and Getting Hijacked by Terrorists on a Real Plane
What you’re about to listen to is a piece of film history. This episode’s guest Peter Lamont was recognized as one of the world’s greatest Production Designers helping to design the sets of 18 James Bond movies, James Cameron’s aliens and even Titanic for which he was awarded an Oscar. He was known by all he interacted with for his gentlemanly demeanour, fairness to crew and genuine creative mastery. When I recorded this episode in November last year, Peter was 91 years old, and the following month, he very sadly passed away. This podcast stands as his last recorded interview. I’d like to thank my friend and Peter’s daughter, mads for her help in making it happen. Though I only spent a short time with Peter, I could tell that all the stories I’d heard of his kindness were true. I hope this interview does you and your family proud. Now please enjoy lessons for life and stories of Hollywood from a verified cinema legend. Thank you for your time, Peter. It was an honour.
In…
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Oct 10, 2021
#17 - Bonnie Curtis on 15 Years With Spielberg, Creating D-Day for Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List, Life Paths, $300,000 Explosives, Communication, and The Crazy A-List Cast of Her First Indie Movie
From Texas to the side of Steven Spielberg, Bonnie Curtis has had a journey. Known as one of the most regarded Producer's in the film industry, Bonnie worked her way from Steven Spielberg's Assistant, all the way through to his Producer and now runs her own film production partnership with previous podcast guest Julie Lynn.
In this episode which I think may be my favourite I've ever made Bonnie gives a masterclass in how to open doors in your career, advice she's received from Steven for life and business and how to get back on the path you were always destined for.
What you'll learn:
- How does a famous director hire an assistant
- What gets you noticed by prominent executives
- THE REAL STORY of what happened on the beach during the Saving Private Ryan shoot
- how to move from studio film making to indie movies
and so much more.
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Oct 5, 2021
#16 - Donald Mowat: Designing James Bond’s Makeup, Friendship With Eminem, Empathy, Hard Work, and Secret Talks With Daniel Craig & The Queen for The 2012 Olympics
From Dune to Skyfall, Prisoners and 8 Mile, today’s guest is one of the best in the business. In this episode, Donald discusses watching the Queen act at the 2012 Olympics, how he became one of Eminem’s entourage and gives a look behind the curtain at the problems of the industry. Tune in to hear a masterclass of lessons for the business with a side order of Hollywood tales. Though this was recorded many months ago, many of Donald’s points resonate with the current strike movement fighting to stop the toxic working rules and culture of the film and TV industries. Find out more about the cause at @ia_stories
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Sep 22, 2021
#15 - Julian Clarke: Editing Aliens on District 9, Creating the Tone of Handmaid’s Tale, Differentiating Yourself, and Choosing The Funniest Ryan Reynolds Line on Deadpool
From short film maker, to Oscar nominated Editor, Julian Clarke's story is one that many Red Carpet Rookies would like to follow.
In this conversation we learn how he transitioned from low budget Canadian content editing to District 9, the turning point that changed everything. Julian explains what is what like to edit aliens you can't see on the screen yet (hint: a guy holding a big stick!), why editing it like a documentary was difficult and how Peter Jackson brought a rag tag team of unknowns together for something special.
We also get into the building of the edit in A Handmaid's Tale and Deadpool, two titles that you wouldn't think are related in their creation but share a dark humour to them both.
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Sep 7, 2021
#14 - Meg LeFauve: Writing Inside Out With The Pixar Brain Trust, Producing For Jodie Foster, Bravery, Taking The Leap, and Superhero Storytelling With Captain Marvel
It's not every day you get to sit down with a Pixar storyteller but in this episode we did just that. With a clear passion for writing, Meg LeFauve dives into her process with many pearls of wisdom along the way. It's simply a must listen for anyone wanting to finally finish that script they've been working on and get out there!
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Sep 2, 2021
#13 - Erin Benach: Designing Ryan Gosling’s Famous ‘Drive’ Jacket, Costume Meetings at Lady Gaga’s House, Being Yourself, and Creating Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn
Today's interview with esteemed Hollywood Costume Designer Erin Benach was an awful lot of fun. Hearing about her journey from book design, to movie making was super inspiring and proves that anyone can make it in Hollywood if they have the drive. Of course, we had to show she builds her characters like Ryan Gosling's Driver in....duh - Drive, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in a Star is Born and Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey as well though, and Erin discusses her process at length with plenty of great stories along the way.
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Aug 24, 2021
#12 - Michael White: Cutting Tom Cruise’s Hair on the World’s Tallest Building, Growing Up With the Jackson 5, Persistence, and The Time David Fincher Warned Him About Brad Pitt
I've been excited about releasing this episode. Not only is Michael a world renowned hair stylist and designer, he grew up with the JACKSON 5.
Through today's chat we discuss Michael's beginnings in the business, cutting hair for the likes of Brad Pitt, Sharon Stone and Tom Cruise and hear the story of why David Fincher (jokingly) nearly ended his career!
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Aug 3, 2021
#11 - Asha Michelle Wilson: Writing Archer, Brainstorming Murders for American Horror Story, Accidental Networking, How To Sell A TV Show, and The Magic of Hollywood
Our first writer! Today's episode we sit down with the wonderful Asha Michelle Wilson. As a young writer, Asha is the perfect person to learn from and we delve into all things writers want to know from how the writing department functions, to fitting in the room and even how to sell a show to Netflix! Along the way we hear stories of her crazy time at American Horror Story, what it's like to put voices to the characters of Archer and more.
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Jul 27, 2021
#10 - Jim Plannette: Lighting the Set of E.T & Braveheart, Meeting Jimmy Stewart, Basketball With Clooney on Ocean’s 11, and Lessons from Steven Spielberg
This week brings another verified legend of the business to the Red Carpet Rookies studio. Having worked with pretty much every iconic director from Spielberg to Coppola 'Gentleman' Jim Plannette stands at the top of the movie industry.
In the episode we discuss Jim growing up in a film business family as son to gaffer, Homer Plannette. He tells us the story of meeting Jimmy Stewart at the It's a Wonderful Life wrap party, why Steven Spielberg took his advice on E.T. and the real story behind that famous final shop of Ocean's 11.
If you'd like to keep to date with the show and Mike's please head to www.redcarpetrookies.com and sign up for our mailing list!
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Jul 20, 2021
#9 - Julie Lynn, Producer on Putting Ryan Reynolds into Zero Gravity, The Creative Wonderland of Pixar, Partnership, Curiosity, and Discovering Pre Movie Star Chris Pine
We're back! And what a way to return with one of the loveliest, most talented people in the business.
Today's guest is Film and Television Producer Julie Lynn. With beginnings as a First Amendment Lawyer, Julie soon transferred her skills to the movies, first producing small independent works such as Mike Nichols' Wit and Rodrigo Garcia's Nine Lives.
In the years since forming Mockingbird Pictures in 1999, Julie has covered all manner of genres from the Oscar nominated Albert Nobbs, to Netflix's hard hitting To The Bone and even sci fi-horror in the Jake Gyllenhal led blockbuster Life. Julie graciously answered my regular questions when we worked together in 2018 and she has kindly agreed to do it again!
If you'd like to keep up to date with both Mike and the show - head over to www.redcarpetrookies.com and sign up for our newsletter!
Thank you for listening!
Mike
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Jun 30, 2021
Series 2 Trailer - What's On The Way
Hello hello. Sorry it's been a while. It hasn't been easy to secure another series as good as the last but we've bloody done it. Coming soon Red Carpet Rookies Series 2 featuring the makers of film including Casino Royale, Ocean's 11, Drive, Aliens, Saving Private Ryan, Braveheart, Archer, A Star is Born, Birds of Prey, District 9, E.T, To The Bone, American Horror Story, The Artist, Life, Minority Report, Captain Marvel and even...Titanic
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Oct 28, 2020
#8 - Graham Robinson on The Bizarre World of Props: Slicing Flies with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Spray Painting Cows for Ridley Scott, Building a Thick Skin, and Filming Fast & Furious
In the final episode of series one, Mike has a relaxed chat with his friend and standby prop man, Graham Robinson. Graham shares amazing tales of his journey from music to the film business with discussions of rockstar nights out, spray painting cows and a multi-million dollar film unit watching him drop a dead fly!
Graham's 'book that everyone must read' - 'Mr Tickle' by Roger Hargreaves
You can support the show by signing up for a 2 month free trial of online course database Skillshare with this link. Skillshare is a creative's dream with courses on all manner of pursuits from photography, video production, musical instrument lessons and hundreds more. If you want to start screenwriting Mike even has a top-rated course for professional scriptwriting software Final Draft!
If you like the podcast, it would be awesome if you could leave a short review on Apple podcasts! It only takes 30 seconds and really helps us win over interesting guests for you to hear.
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Oct 21, 2020
#7 - Grant Major: Set Designing The Lord of The Rings & King Kong, Working With Jane Campion, Advice From Peter Jackson, and New Zealand’s 1980s Wild West
This week Mike sits down with Oscar-winning Lord of The Rings set designer, Grant Major! Grant eloquently tells of his journey from young graphic designer to one of the world's leading Hollywood creatives, what he learned from Peter Jackson and how it feels to have influenced culture with his set designs.
Grant's 'book that everyone must read' - 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Hurari
You can support the show by signing up for a 2 month free trial of online course database Skillshare with this link. Skillshare is a creative's dream with courses on all manner of pursuits from photography, video production, musical instrument lessons and hundreds more. If you want to start screenwriting Mike even has a top-rated course for professional scriptwriting software Final Draft!
If you like the podcast, it would be awesome if you could leave a short review on Apple podcasts! It only takes 30 seconds and really helps us win over interesting guests for you to hear.
Follow Mike on Instagram or Linked In…
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Oct 14, 2020
#6 - Simon Crook, Location Manger on Shooting Mad Max Fury Road With No Script, Closing Korean Bridges for The Avengers, Set Politics, and Racing to The Israeli Border During Spy Game
This week Mike chats to Simon Crook about his journey from on-set driver to one of the business' most in-demand international Location Managers! Simon shares how walking past a Clint Eastwood movie first gained his interest in the industry, as well as tales of Tom Cruise and what it's like to race 50 cars across the desert for Mad Max!
Simon's 'book that everyone must read' - 'Close Encounters of The Third Kind' by Steven Spielberg
You can support the show by signing up for a 2 month free trial of online course database Skillshare with this link. Skillshare is a creative's dream with courses on all manner of pursuits from photography, video production, musical instrument lessons and hundreds more. If you want to start screenwriting Mike even has a top-rated course for professional scriptwriting software Final Draft!
If you like the podcast, it would be awesome if you could leave a short review on Apple podcasts! It only takes 30 seconds and really helps us win over interesting guest…
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Oct 7, 2020
#5 - Bill Corso, Makeup Designer on How He & Jim Carey Manifested Their Dreams, The Pressures of Working for Spielberg, Enthusiasm, and Goosebumps Inside The Millennium Falcon
This week Mike chats to one of the nicest and most talented guys in the business, Bill Corso! As personal makeup designer to Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, Harrison Ford and more Bill has certainly seen it all. He shares stories of Jim Carrey writing himself a cheque for $10 million, advice for junior make up artists and how he visualised winning his Oscar!
Bill's 'book that everyone must read' - 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman
You can support the show by signing up for a 2 month free trial of online course database Skillshare with this link. Skillshare is a creative's dream with courses on all manner of pursuits from photography, video production, musical instrument lessons and hundreds more. If you want to start screenwriting Mike even has a top-rated course for professional scriptwriting software Final Draft!
If you like the podcast, it would be awesome if you could leave a short review on Apple podcasts! It only takes 30 seconds and really helps us win over interesting guest…
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Sep 30, 2020
#4 - Dom Lavery, Concept Artist on Designing James Bond Gadgets, Pitching Godzilla with Gareth Edwards, Generating Ideas, Star Wars Rogue One, and Stresses of The Fifth Element
Today's guest is a concept artist who has worked on most blockbusters you've ever heard of! Mike sits down for an in-depth chat on creativity and originality and Dom shared his experiences of pitching Godzilla with Gareth Edwards, as well as being one of the first people on the ground for Star Wars Rogue One. On top of that, Dom recounts his amazing first film experience on The Fifth Element and explains why concept art might be going the wrong way...and how to fix it!
Dom's 'book that everyone must read' - 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson
You can support the show by signing up for a 2 month free trial of online course database Skillshare with this link. Skillshare is a creative's dream with courses on all manner of pursuits from photography, video production, musical instrument lessons and hundreds more. If you want to start screenwriting Mike even has a top-rated course for professional scriptwriting software Final Draft!
If you like the podcast, it would be awesome if you could…
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Sep 23, 2020
#3 - Tim Miller: Directing Deadpool, Being Pranked by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fearlessness, Love Dead & Robots, and Friendship with David Fincher
An exciting week on Red Carpet Rookies as Mike sits down with Deadpool Director Tim Miller! Tim discusses his beginnings in animation, how he only got to direct his first movie at 50 and why he's glad that for all the challenges that came along the way. If that wasn't enough, Tim shares thoughts on his Netflix collaboration with David Fincher and why film studios will be 'fossils' if they don't keep up with the streamers! Thank you to US producer Zack Hardy for this episode.
Tim's 'book that everyone must read' - 'The Sea Wolf' by Jack London
You can support the show by signing up for a 2 month free trial of online course database Skillshare with this link. Skillshare is a creative's dream with courses on all manner of pursuits from photography, video production, musical instrument lessons and hundreds more. If you want to start screenwriting Mike even has a top-rated course for professional scriptwriting software Final Draft!
If you like the podcast, it would be awesome if you coul…
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Sep 14, 2020
#2 - Ngila Dickson: Costume Designing The Lord of the Rings, The Untold Story of Ryan Reynolds’ Infamous Green Lantern Outfit, Imposter Syndrome, and Crafting Samurai Armour for Ken Watanabe
This week Mike chats with Oscar winning Lord of The Rings Costume Designer, Ngila Dickson. Ngila tells Mike of her fashion business beginnings in New Zealand before losing it all and ultimately pushing through to her Hollywood successes. Ngila shares why she chose to do Lord of The Rings, discusses 'low-grade' sexism against the costume department and why the Green Lantern suit famously turned out as it did!
Ngila's 'book that everyone must read' - 'Apeirogon' by Colum McCann
You can support the show by signing up for a 2 month free trial of online course database Skillshare with this link. Skillshare is a creatives dream with courses on all manner of pursuits from photography, video production, musical instrument lessons and hundreds more. If you want to start screenwriting Mike even has a top rated course for professional script writing software Final Draft!
If you like the podcast, it would be awesome if you could leave a short review on Apple podcasts! It only takes 30 seconds a…
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Sep 7, 2020
#1 - Sonja Klaus: Set Decorating Gladiator & Collaboration with Ridley Scott, Borrowing A Helicopter on X-Men First Class, and The Importance of Building Confidence
In this first episode of Red Carpet Rookies, Mike sits down with Set Decorator turned Production Designer, Sonja Klaus. Sonja discusses her beginnings in the industry including early days with Andy Serkis, her rise to become Ridley Scott's go to Set Decorator and her thoughts on the future of the business. She even shares an anecdote about taking the X-Men First Class helicopter for a personal errand!
Sonja's 'book that everyone must read' - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
If you like the podcast, it would be awesome if you could leave a short review on Apple podcasts! It only takes 30 seconds and really helps us win over interesting guests for you to hear.
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Note: Red Carpet Rookies guests are recorded over Zoom. All efforts are made to get the best quality possible but we are victim to the connection! Links above are affiliates.
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Sep 3, 2020
Red Carpet Rookies Trailer
Welcome to Red Carpet Rookies, a new podcast that demystifies and democratises the film, TV and content creation industries.
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