The Reel Girls Club

In this bonus episode of The Reel Girls Club, I dive into the hauntingly beautiful short film Diary of a Ghost, directed by Caroline Hajny and written by Maren Koenigs. The film, which stars Genevieve Chenneour, Mia Rodgers, and Alfie Noble, explores love, loss, and grief with a deeply atmospheric and evocative approach.

I'm joined by director Caroline Hajny and actor Alfie Noble for an insightful conversation about the creative process behind bringing this poignant story to life. They discuss how they captured the film's unique atmosphere, the challenges of telling such an intimate and emotional story, and what makes Diary of a Ghost such an important story to tell.

You'll learn about:

• How Caroline Hajny and Maren Koenigs found the perfect cast for the film.
• The process behind capturing the film’s rich atmosphere, and the artistic decisions made to evoke such a strong emotional response.
• Insights from Alfie Noble on his role in the film and the experience of working on such a moving project.

Tune in to hear all about this incredible short film and the talented women leading the charge behind it.

CherryPick Presents:

Event: Screening & Panel Discussion: Actors On Acting

An intimate screening of the short film Diary Of A Ghost followed by a Q&A with SAG-nominated actress Genevieve Chenneour (Bridgerton), Alfie Noble (Witness For The Prosecution) and Mia Rodgers (The Sex Lives Of College Girls) hosted by presenter and actress Zainab Jiwa.

07 April 2025

Clos Up Cinema London

doors: 5.30pm

start: 6pm

Follow @ReelGirlsClub on Instagram for more updates & content.

In this episode of The Reel Girls Club, I chat with costume designer Linda Muir. Known for her long-standing collaboration with director Robert Eggers, Linda takes us behind the scenes of her incredible work, particularly on the 2024 Nosferatu remake, which earned her both a BAFTA and Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design.

You’ll learn about the challenges and rewards of designing costumes for a film that blends horror with artistry, as well as Linda’s unique approach to storytelling through costume design. From collaborating with Eggers to her creative process and techniques, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone passionate about film and design.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The creative challenges and process behind designing costumes for Nosferatu
• How Linda’s collaboration with Robert Eggers began
• The importance of costume design in conveying character and atmosphere in film
• The role of research and historical accuracy in her design work
• Tips for aspiring costume designers working in the film industry

Tune in for a fascinating conversation about the intersection of art, history, and design in cinema!

In today's short but sweet bonus episode, I'm joined by Indian Film & TV actress, Radhika Apte!

We talk about her latest project, Sister Midnight. Set in Mumbai, Uma, played by Radhika, enters an arranged marriage which quickly spirals into darkness as her spineless husband watches her morph into a ruthless, feral force within their marital confines.

The film featured at the Director's Fortnight during the Cannes Film Festival 2024 and was nominated at the 78th BAFTA Awards for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Director Karan Kandhari.

Sister Midnight will hit UK cinemas on the 14th of March 2025, don't miss it!

In today's episode, I'm joined by two-time Oscar-nominated production designer Judy Becker, whose work includes Brokeback Mountain, American Hustle, Carol and her latest project, The Brutalist. Judy takes us behind the scenes of these iconic films, sharing her creative process and the challenges she faced in designing their unique worlds. We discuss how she collaborates with directors to bring their visions to life, as well as her approach to visual storytelling and 'method' production design. Judy also offers invaluable advice for aspiring production designers looking to break into the industry.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Judy approached the production design for The Brutalist and other films such as American Hustle, Carol & Brokeback Mountain
• The process behind collaborating with directors to visually shape and bring their vision to life
• What she means by 'method' production design and an organic process
• Valuable advice for aspiring production designers

Time was limited, but I've included links below to other fascinating articles and interviews with Judy if you want to dig deeper intop her remarkable career and creative process. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business!

Watch the trailer for The Brutalist here

Inside the Set | The Brutalist | Patricia Cuccia SDSA & Judy Becker - YouTube

Making The Decision To Be A Production Designer and Nothing Else by Judy Becker of CAROL - YouTube

Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold, Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and More on The Brutalist | NYFF62 - YouTube

Part 1/3 Review - Reframing “The Brutalist”: Exploring Bauhaus and Marcel Breuer’s Hidden Influence - YouTube

SBIFF 2025 - Variety Artisans Judy Becker Discussion (Production Design - The Brutalist) - YouTube

THE BRUTALIST Q&A with Mona Fastvold and Judy Becker || Sag Harbor Cinema - YouTube

Podcast edited by Christopher Breckon

In today's bonus episode, I'm joined by Audrey Diwan, the French-Lebanese filmmaker and writer behind the Venice Film Festival Golden Lion-winning Happening and now her latest film, Emmanuelle, starring Noemie Merlant. Emmanuelle will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on the 17th of January 2025, followed by a digital release on the 24th of January.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Croatian make up & hair designer, Ivana Primorac - one of the most renowned in the film industry today. From creating iconic looks in Atonement and The Hours to her work more recently on Barbie, Lee & We Live In Time, Ivana's artistry has brought countless characters to life.

We dive into her creative process, the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with artistic interpretation, and her experiences working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

Whether you're a film buff, a budding makeup artist, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes magic of movie-making, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How Ivana approaches character design and storytelling through makeup and hair
• The role of collaboration in the filmmaking process
• Stories from her career working in award-winning films alongside the likes of Margot Robbie, Kate Winslet, Greta Gerwig, Nicole Kidman & Florence Pugh
• Advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the industry
• ...and so much more!

Enjoy & thank you for listening!

In today's episode, I'm joined by British Director, Writer & Activist Ruby Phelan. Ruby trained as a dancer and worked both as a choreographer and dancer across Europe, before attending the Fontainebleau School of Acting in France. She then studied an MA in Directing & Writing at RADA. Ruby worked on several sold-out London stage productions, as well as working as a Director's Assistant on the hit Netflix series 'The Crown'.

With her producer, BAFTA-nominated & BIFA-winning, Cheri Darbon, of June & Stella Productions, she is the inaugural Activist in Residence at the Feminist Centre for Racial Justice. For their short film, The Woman In The Wardrobe (made during their residency), Ruby & Cheri have partnered with the UN to fundraise for birthing kits to be sent to labouring women and health professionals in warzones.

In today's conversation, we talk all about Ruby's days at acting school in France, to her experience on set of The Crown, what inspired the making of her short film, The Woman In The Wardrobe, her plans for the future, and much more!

You can find more info about Ruby here: Home | Ruby Phelan

TW: The following discusses themes of SA.

Today, in a BFI London Film Festival Special Bonus Episode, I'm joined by Japanese Journalist, Filmmaker & Women's Rights Activist, Shiori Ito.

In this short but insightful conversation, we discuss her recent documentary 'Black Box Diaries', which recently premiered at the BFI London Film Festival and will have it's UK cinema release on the 25th of October 2024.

Shiori is known for her role in challenging Japan's legal and cultural attitudes toward sexual violence. In 2015, Shiori accused high-profile journalist Noriyuki Yamaguchi of raping her while she was unconscious, a case that brought significant attention to issues of consent and sexual assault in Japan. After the authorities declined to prosecute, Shiori filed a civil lawsuit and won in 2019, becoming a symbol for the MeToo movement in Japan.

Her work has sparked broader conversations about gender inequality, victim-blaming, and the need for legal reforms in Japan's handling of sexual violence.

In 2020, Shiori was named one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People, recognising her bravery in confronting Japan's culture of silence around sexual violence.

Shiori is also author of 'Black Box' (2017), a memoir detailing her personal experience of sexual assault and her fight for justice.

In 2018, Shiori also directed the documentary 'Japan's Secret Shame', which aired on the BBC.

Shiori continues to advocate for survivors and raise awareness through her investigative journalism and public speaking.

If you or anyone you know is affected by the themes discussed above or in the podcast, here are some useful resources:

National Hotlines - Victim Connect Resource Center

National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential 24/7 Support | RAINN

Sexual Assault and Rape Resources | Joyful Heart Foundation

Find Help | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

Want to talk? | Rape Crisis England & Wales

Help after rape and sexual assault - NHS

The national domestic abuse and sexual violence support line - 3919 - is now available in 185 languages - Women For Women France

Information and support - Mind

Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

In today's episode of the podcast, I'm joined by Domee Shi. Domee is a Chinese-Canadian Director & VP, Screenwriter & Storyboard Artist at PIXAR Animation Studios (pinch me!)

In the interview we talk all about how Domee's childhood love of drawing, manga and anime turned into an education at Sheridan college starting out in storyboarding then finally, into a career at one of the biggest animation studios in the world.

She started out as an intern, storyboarding on Inside Out & The Incredibles 2, to name a few, and has now gone on to make her Oscar-winning short 'Bao' and has also directed her first feature length, Turning Red. She's currently co-directing on an upcoming feature-length due for release in 2025.

You can stream both Bao & Turning Red on Disney+ now!

In today's episode, I'm joined by Weronika Tofilska. Weronika is a Polish Director & Screenwriter based in London. Following studies at the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School in Poland before later graduating from the National Film and Television School in England, she's gone on to direct the hit Netflix miniseries Baby Reindeer this year. She was also recently nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her work on the series' fourth episode. Weronika also worked as co-writer alongside Rose Glass on the romantic thriller, Love Lies Bleeding, starring Kristen Stewart.

We chat about her studies both in Poland and the UK, her creative process when directing and the differences when working as a co-writer on a feature film, and much more!

You can find more info about her work on Weronika's website here

Follow Reel Girls Club on Instagram here

Thanks for listening!

In today's episode, I'm joined by Desiree Akhavan. Desiree is an Iranian-American Director & Writer,

You may have heard of Desiree from her award-winning film The Miseducation of Cameron Post starring Chloe Moretz or her critcally acclaimed Channel 4 TV series, The Bisexual - where Desiree explores identity & the queer experience.

In this episode, we talk about how her love for playwriting put her on a path towards a career in filmmaking, how music is inspiring her latest project, how she's finding her voice, what inspired her upcoming book 'You're Embarrassing Yourself: Stories of Love, Lust & Movies' & much more.

To pre-order Desiree's new book head to this link:

You're Embarrassing Yourself by Desiree Akhavan: 9780399588501 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

Praise for the memoir: 'I laughed, I cried and then I laughed again' LENA DUNHAM

'The film-maker's memoir is a smart, funny, painfully honest account of a 'loser' finding success.' THE GUARDIAN

GIVEAWAY!

• I'll be giving away one copy of Desiree's new book so follow @reelgirlsclub on Instagram to be in with a chance of winning!

Disclaimer: this episode contains some swearing and some sound issues, but overall very wholesome and inspiring content!

In today's episode, I'm joined by Louisa Connolly-Burnham. Louisa is a British Actress & Director.

She had an early start as an actress, best known her for her roles in the BAFTA-winning "Wolfblood" (BBC) and "Vampire Academy" (NBC Universal). She has made appearances in Channel 4's "Drifters", ITV's "Midsomer Murders", Sky1's "Little Crackers", BBC's "Holby City", "Doctors", "Outnumbered", "Casualty" and a lead role in Nickelodeon's "House of Anubis".

Louisa is also an award-winning writer/director and founded her production company Thimble Films in 2019 and she is a member of the female filmmaking collective Cinesisters. Her directorial debut "The Call Centre", which she also wrote, had a successful festival run including the Oscar-qualifying Foyle Film Festival with a nomination for "Best International Film".

She recently wrote, directed and starred in her new short film 'Sister Wives' starring Mia McKenna-Bruce (How To Have Sex, The Witcher) & Michael Fox (Downton Abbey, Dunkirk). Sister Wives explores a fictional relationship between two women living in a polygamous society based on the FLDS cult.

Follow Louisa on Instagram here

In today's brand new 1ST episode of season 3 of the podcast, I'm joined by Ninna Pálmadóttir.

Ninna, from Iceland, is a Film Director & Writer. Her filmography includes short films Paper Boy, which was the winner of the Edda Award for Best Short Film in 2020, & All Dogs Die. Her debut feature film Solitude, premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Solitude is a multilayered and heartfelt story about an old farmer who has to relocate to the city and forms a bond with his local paper boy and neighbor.

In this episode, we chat about Ninna's formative years in Iceland, studying at TISCH in NYU and how she came to direct her first feature and much more!

For more info check out Ninna's IMDb HERE!

In this BONUS episode, I'm joined by .Catherine Hardwicke! Catherine is an American Screenwriter, Director & Production designer, most famously known for having directed Thirteen & Twilight!

I feel very lucky and grateful to have interviewed her, even if it was only for 15 minutes! In this short but sweet conversation, Catherine tells me what inspired her to make Thirteen, how she brought her own creative vision toTwilight, what it was like having imposter syndrome when working on Vanilla Sky as a production designer for Tom Cruise plus some advice for aspiring filmmakers.

I've never really interviewed someone so quickly before, in such a rapid-fire style, but I really hope you enjoy it and find the conversation inspiring and helpful.

PS. At the 11.34/35 time mark, Catherine showed me some of her story boarding/photographs for future film projects, incase there's any confusion to what we're referring to! I also think I may ask the same (ish) question twice as I'm clearly quite excited and nervous sorry!

In today's episode, I'm joined by Evgenia Alexandrova. Evgenia is a Russian cinematographer (or called director of photography/DOP) and is the cinematographer for both feature films by French actress Noemie Merlant, Mi Iubita Mon Amour, and The Balconettes (Les Femmes au Balcon) which will be premiering at the Cannes Film Festival this month!

Evgenia gives an insight into the application process for studying at La Femis, advice for future cinematographers, stories from working on set, her future projects and much more!

You can see more of Evgenia's work on her website here

In today's episode, I'm joined by Sophia Hardman. Sophia is a Foley Editor and Mixer from the UK who has worked on blockbuster films such as 1917 by Sam Mendes, House of Gucci by Ridley Scott and No Time To Die by Cary Joji Fukunaga as well as TV shows like Black Mirror and The Tourist.

We chat about Sophia's career beginnings at Twickenham studios, what some of the most common props used in a foley studios are, her advice for people wanting to work in foley and much more.

Disclaimer: ironically (while interviewing an expert sound person) my sound is not so great (mic gain issues) and you may also hear the odd motorbike passing my house, a car, birds tweeting...etc etc. No I was not experimenting with my own foley art. But that's the last time I record downstairs in my living room...but you can still hear the interview fine, so let's just say it adds some atmosphere!

You can check out her impressive resume on IMdb here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6830147/

Mubi Profile: https://mubi.com/en/cast/sophia-hardman

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophiahardman?original_referer=

In today's episode, I'm joined by Mary Harron. Mary is a Canadian Director & Screenwriter of major feature films such as, I Shot Andy Warhol, American Psycho, Charlie Says, Daliland & The Notorious Bettie Page.

In this interview, we talk about Mary's childhood growing up between Hollywood & Ontario, her student years in London, her first steps into the film world in New York, what it was like working as a music journalist for PUNK magazine and as a director on set with Christian Bale.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Mariayah Kaderbhai, of British Asian heritage, who is Head of Programmes at BAFTA. While you all may know BAFTA for the awards ceremony, it's also a membership organisation and charity that supports, develops, and promotes the arts of film, television and video games in the UK.

BAFTA also has an international programme of events and initiatives offering access to talent through workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures, and mentoring schemes in the United Kingdom and the United States.

In this episode, we talk about Mariayah's career beginnings at the BFI and Al Jazeera English, she also shares her advice for interviewing film stars and documentary filmmakers as well as what BAFTA offers for those interested in working in the film industry, and much more,

Links for information mentioned in podcast:

Podcast: Countdown To The BAFTAs | BAFTA

BAFTA Connect Membership | BAFTA

About BAFTA Membership | BAFTA

Job Vacancies | BAFTA

BAFTA - Opportunities @ Creative Access

Disclaimer: podcast episodes are recorded on Zoom therefore the audio quality may reflect this. The episode was recorded in January 2024 so when I say next month for the BAFTAS, I mean February.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Charlotte Finlay. Charlotte is a British costume supervisor and has worked on some of the most major film productions you've definitely heard of: Harry Potter, Mission Impossible, Indiana Jones, Love Actually and much more (you can check out her full, impressive, IMDb resume here!).

Charlotte also worked most recently alongside costume designer Jacqueline Durran and with director Greta Gerwig for the biggest blockbuster of 2023 - BARBIE!

We talk all about her career beginnings in Paris, what kind of challenges a costume supervisor encounters on set, advice and tips for succeeding in the industry and much more.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Doroteya Droumeva. Doroteya is a Bulgarian screenwriter and director who now resides in Berlin.

Her debut feature film 'The Vagabonds' featured at the International Cannes Film Festival last year following the success of her short-film 'The Letter' which won the Cinefondation prize in 2011.

In this conversation, we talk about how she got into filmmaking, what inspired her to make 'The Vagabonds' and what she would like to see better representation of in cinema and much more.