The Filmmaker’s Playbook
The Filmmaker’s Playbook is a podcast hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan. In each episode, he talks with filmmakers and above-the-line talent about the craft, business, and realities of making films. Guests share their experiences and practical insights from different roles in the industry. The show is aimed at aspiring and working filmmakers who want to learn from professionals.
Episodes
#34 Darcia Martin: Director
Welcome to episode #34 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is director, Darcia Martin. Darcia’s credits include Call The Midwife, Queen Charlotte, Casualty, The Chelsea Detective, Riches, Three Little Birds and more.
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Today, we talk about how Darcia moved from documentary to drama, making short films, pitching to JJ Abrams' production comp
#38 Jo Spain and Dave Logan: Screenwriters & Producers
Welcome to episode #38 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guests this week are Jo Spain and Dave Logan. Jo and Dave are writers and producers. Together they write and executive produce Harry Wild, which stars Jane Seymour in the title role. Other credits as collaborators include the widely acclaimed adaptation of The Boy That Never Was. Outside of their co
#37 Waris Islam: Writer/Director
Welcome to episode #37 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is writer and director, Waris Islam. Waris's directing credits include TV shows like The Bay, Vera, Holby City and EastEnders. He also wrote and directed on the BBC series, Bishaash and has multiple feature films in development.
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Today, Waris and I discuss how he got started in th
#35 Baz Black: Actor & Filmmaker
Welcome to episode #35 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is actor and filmmaker, Baz Black. As an actor, Baz has starred in Brassic, KIN, Swing Bout, and Dublin Crust, amongst others. As a writer, director and producer he has made award-winning short films, but is most well known for his indie-feature, Dublin Crust, which hit #1 on Amazon
#36 Gráinne Humphreys: Executive Director, Dublin International Film Festival
Welcome to episode #36 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is Gráinne Humphreys. Gráinne is the Executive Director of the Dublin International Film Festival. Today, we talk about how Gráinne got started in film programming, how programming a major festival like DIFF works, submissions tips for filmmakers, the importance of Gala screening spa
#33 Wayne Linge: Casting Director
Welcome to episode #33 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is Casting director, Wayne Linge. Wayne started his career as an actor and theatre maker before moving into casting. He worked extensively for the BBC before setting up Crampsie Linge Casting. Some of Wayne’s credits include We Hunt Together, EastEnders, Father Brown, Shakespeare and
#32 Alex Jones: Producer
Welcome to episode #32 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is producer, Alex Jones. Alex started her career in the AD department where she worked on shows like Game Of Thrones, Penny Dreadful and Vikings. Her most recent work is producing high-end television drama such as Penance, Witness Number 3 and The Night Caller. Her latest show, The H
#31 Tony Kearns: Editor
Welcome to episode #31 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is editor, Tony Kearns. Throughout his career Tony has edited iconic music videos for artists like Prodigy, Blur, The Chemical Bothers, Coldplay, Radiohead, Paul McCartney and more. His film and TV credits include Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Smother, and Black Mirror, including Bander
#30 Lauren Kelly: Production Designer
Welcome to episode #30 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to production designer, Lauren Kelly. Lauren was the production designer on the internationally acclaimed feature film 'You Are Not My Mother’. Other feature films include Claire Dix’s ‘Sunlight’, Damian McCarthy’s ‘ODDITY’ and Marian Quinn's 'TWIG’. Upcoming releases include ‘VI
#29 Louise V. Say: Producer
Welcome to episode #29 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to producer, Louise Say. Louise has 25 years experience across high end drama and landmark documentaries. Some of Louise's credits include iconic BBC series' like Shetland, Dracula and Les Miserables. Other credits include Air Ambulance ER, How The Universe Works and Titanic: Bir
#28 Natalia Kostrzewa: Actor
Welcome to episode #28 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to actor, Natalia Kostrzewa. Some of Natalia’s credits include Line of Duty, Krypton, Rosie, The Cured and one of Netflix’s biggest TV shows, Fool Me Once. She also runs Owning It Acting Studio in London and she’ll next appear in BBC’s Casualty and ITV’s Out There.
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In our conv
#27 Daniel O'Hara: Director
Welcome to episode #27 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to director, Daniel O’Hara. Some of Daniel’s credits include Harlan Coben's SAFE and The Stranger for Netflix, Brassic, Doctor Who, Silent Witness, The Game, Being Human and most recently, The Red King.
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In our conversation we discuss how Daniel got started in magazine TV and s
#26 Phil Hawkins: Writer/Director
Welcome to episode #26 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to writer and director, Phil Hawkins. Some of Phil’s credits include his epic Star Wars fan film, Star Wars: Origins, Prancer: A Christmas Tale for Universal Studios and the family, action-adventure film Robin and The Hoods for Sky Studios, starring Oscar-nominee, Naomie Harris.
#25 Helena Walsh: Acting Coach
Welcome to episode #25 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to Acting Coach, Helena Walsh. Helena is an International Voice, Acting and Empowerment and Resiliency Coach and has worked with some of my favourite actors. She is the Founder of Helena Walsh Empowerment Studios; an Organic Intelligence® Coach, a Fitzmaurice Voicework® teacher a
#24 JJ Rolfe: Cinematographer
Welcome to episode #24 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to cinematographer, JJ Rolfe. JJ’s feature film credits include Dublin Old School, The Bright Side and Deadly Cuts. His TV works includes KIN, Smother, Blackshore, Witness Number 3, The Night Caller, and Harry Wild, amongst others.
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In our conversation we discuss JJ’s time at
#23 Jade Jordan: Actor and Writer
Welcome to episode #23 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to actor and writer, Jade Jordan. Jade’s credits include Blackshore, TWIG, You Are Not My Mother, KIN, Northern Lights and more. She wrote and starred in the IFTA nominated short film, The Color Between and in 2021 published her first book, Nanny, Ma and Me.
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In our conversati
#22 Des Doyle: Filmmaker & Creative Consultant
Welcome to episode #22 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to creative consultant and filmmaker, Des Doyle. Des started his career in the camera department working on films like Reign of Fire, The Ringer, Ordinary Decent Criminal before making his acclaimed feature length documentary, Showrunners. He also works extensively as an educator
#21 Edward Zwick: Director, Writer, Producer
Welcome to episode #21 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to Academy-award and Emmy-award winning director, writer and producer, Edward Zwick. Ed’s credits include Glory, Legends of the Fall, The Siege, Courage Under Fire, Blood Diamond, The Last Samurai and Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, amongst many others.
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In our conversation we di
#20 Carley Armstrong: Script Supervisor
Welcome to episode #20 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to Script Supervisor and emerging Producer, Carley Armstrong. Carley’s credits as a script supervisor include Slow Horses, Boiling Point, Brassic, The Red King, Ferrari and more. She is a BAFTA Connect Producer, an RTS Nominated Rising Star Producer, and an alumnus of BFI Network
#19 Conor Morrissey: Director
Welcome to episode #19 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to Director, Conor Morrissey. Conor’s credits include documentary series like MacIntyre’s Underworld and TV drama series such as Red Rock, Hollyoaks, BBC’s EastEnders and Casualty.
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In our conversation we discuss Conor’s background as an actor, how he got his first directing j
#18 John Wallace: Producer
Welcome to episode #18 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to Producer, John Wallace. John’s credits include acclaimed feature films like Rialto, Lola, Ballywalter and Songs for While I’m Away. TV credits include dramas such as Redemption, Too Good To Be True and the upcoming Dead and Buried.
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In our conversation we discuss how John be
#17 Sarah Lucas: 1st Assistant Director
Welcome to episode #17 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to 1st Assistant Director, Sarah Lucas. Sarah's credits include A Gentleman in Moscow, Boiling Point, Malpractice, Midsomer Murders, Father Brown and Doctors, among many others.
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In our conversation we discuss how Sarah got started in the industry, how she climbed the AD ladder
#16 Nadine Flynn: Development Executive
Welcome to episode #16 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to Writer, Script Editor and Development Executive, Nadine Flynn. Nadine currently works in Development with Galway based Danú Media where she heads up their slate. Other work includes script editing on TV series like EastEnders and Fair City, as well as writing her own scripts.
#15 Rob and Ronan Burke: Directors
Welcome to episode #15 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to directors Rob and Ronan Burke. Rob and Ronan direct as a duo and individually and their credits include Red Rock, Harry Wild, Netflix's Free Rein, Find Me In Paris and the feature films Standby and Damo & Ivor: The Movie.
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In our conversation we discuss how they started
#14 Jermain Julien: Director
Welcome to episode #14 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to director, Jermain Julien. Jermain has directed TV series like Grantchester, Death in Paradise, Casualty, Holby City, Wolfblood, Vera and more.
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In our conversation Jermain shares how he transitioned from 2nd ADing to directing some of the UK's most well-known TV series, the
#13 Ger Duffy: 1st AD / Director
Welcome to episode #13 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to 1st Assistant Director, Ger Duffy. Ger’s credits include KIN, Game of Thrones, Normal People, Witness Number 3, Smother, Blackshore and much more.
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In our conversation we talk about the importance of a good 1st AD, what the role actually involves and how an AD solves the pu
#12 Amanda Abbington: Actor
Welcome to episode #12 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to actor, Amanda Abbington. Amanda’s credits include BBC’s 'Sherlock', the Netflix Number 1 series 'Desperate Measures', Harlan Coben’s smash hit original series, 'SAFE', 'Mr. Selfridge', 'Wolfe' and more.
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In our conversation Amanda shares her advice for young actors and we d
#11 Julie Ryan: Producer
Welcome to episode #11 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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On today’s show I talk to producer Julie Ryan. Julie’s work includes feature films like 'The Young Offenders', 'Christmas Perfection', 'A Bend in the River', 'Finding You' and 'I Never Cry'. Her television credits include Netflix number one shows like 'Desperate Measures' and 'Maxine' as well as acclai
#10 Elva Trill: Actor
Welcome to the The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
My guest today is actor Elva Trill. Since we recorded this episode Elva has been nominated for a Best Actress IFTA (TV Drama) for her performance as Áine in Stephen Jones’ 'Northern Lights'. Some of Elva’s other credits include 'Red Rock', 'Line of Duty' and 'Jurassic World Dominion'.
In our conversation we discuss
#9 Stephen Jones: Actor/Writer
Welcome to the The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
My guest today is actor and writer Stephen Jones. Stephen’s television series, Northern Lights, in which he plays the lead, Lloyd, has just been nominated for 4 IFTAs including Best Drama, and Best Script for Stephen himself. Some of Stephen’s other credits include Love/Hate, KIN, Nowhere Fast and Red Rock as well a
#8 Emmett J. Scanlan: Actor
Welcome to the The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
My guest today is actor Emmett J. Scanlan. Emmett has just been nominated for an IFTA for his performance as Jimmy Kinsella in the AMC drama series, 'KIN'. Other credits include Netflix’s smash hit, ‘Fool Me Once’, ITV’s ‘The Tower’, Harlan Coben’s ‘Safe’, ‘Peaky Blinders’ and ‘The Fall’ amongst others.
On today’s s
#7 Steve Hughes: Director
Welcome to the The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
Today, my guest is HETV director Steve Hughes. Steve has directed some amazing TV series. Some of his credits include 'Doctor Who', 'Casualty', 'Midsomer Murders', 'Miss Scarlet and the Duke', 'Death in Paradise' and 'Creeped Out'.
On today’s show we talk about the benefits of his background in editing, the importan
#6 Laurence O'Fuarain: Actor
Welcome to the The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
This episode features an interview with actor Laurence O'Fuarain. Laurence led Netflix's 'The Witcher' prequel series, 'The Witcher: Blood Origin' playing the axe-wielding warrior, Fjall. Other credits include 'Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope' and RTÉ's 'Rebellion'. Laurence can currently be seen starring in Guy Ritchie’s 'T
#5 Megan K. Fox: Director
Welcome to the The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
This episode features an interview with Megan K. Fox. Megan's work includes the award-winning short films 'The Shift' and 'Cailín Álainn' as well as RTÉ's 'Fair City', BBC's 'Eastenders' and the brand new Channel 5 thriller, 'Too Good To Be True' starring Allen Leech and Kara Tointon.
In today's episode we discuss t
#4 Maurice O'Carroll & Sinead O'Riordan: Writer/Director and Actor/Producer
Welcome to the The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
This episode features an interview with Maurice O'Carroll and Sinead O'Riordan. Maurice is a writer-director-editor and Sinead is an actor-producer and they have been collaborating together for over 10 years. Both Maurice and Sinead have been nominated for the prestigious Discovery Award at Dublin International Film
#3 Rob Higgins & Paddy McGivney: Writer/Director Duo
Welcome to the The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
This episode features an interview with Rob Higgins and Paddy McGiveny. Rob and Paddy and two of Ireland's most exciting filmmakers. Their debut feature film, Lakelands won Best Irish Feature at the Galway Film Fleadh, was nominated for 4 IFTA Awards, won Best Narrative Feature at Kerry Film Festival and was named B
#2 Stephen Shields: Screenwriter
Welcome to the The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
This episode features an interview with Stephen Shields. Stephen is an acclaimed screenwriter. After winning RTÉ's Storyland in 2010 with his webseries 'Zombie Bashers' Stephen went on to write on RTÉ's flagship comedy show 'The Republic of Telly', where he was the longest-serving writer. He was nominated for two Ir
#1 Diarmuid Goggins: Director
Welcome to the premiere episode of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
This episode features an interview with Diarmuid Goggins, an award-winning director renowned for his work on popular TV shows like 'Casualty', 'Silent Witness', 'Bulletproof', AMC's crime drama series 'KIN' and the number 1 Netflix series, 'Witness Number 3'. Diarmuid shares insights into his jou
