Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast that goes behind the scenes and speaks to the crew that help make these productions.

If you’ve worked in the world of costume it is likely you have come across the name. ‘Hopkins’. Alan and Vanessa Hopkins turned their knowledge and skills of fabric and clothing to the creation of the Hopkins Fabric shop, selling unique fabrics and trimmings. They’ve also been collecting historical British clothing, textiles and accessories for over 50 years, which in 2019 culminated in the creation of the Hopkins Costume Trust. I spoke to them about how their collection started, what it is like working together and the series of books they’ve created about items in their collections.

Recommendations:

Sense and Sensibility (1995 film)

Topsy Turvy (film)

Gentlemen Jack (TV show)

Links to the Hopkins website where you can see their collection and purchase their books .

https://hopkinscostumetrust.org/

https://hopkinscostumetrust.org/shop/

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast that goes behind the scenes and speaks to the crew that help make these productions.

Have you ever been to the theatre and wondered about the music you're hearing? Who composed it? Where is the orchestra sitting? Who's conducting them? To answer these questions and more, Musical Director Greg Arrowsmith joined me on the podcast to discuss all things music - from conducting an orchestra and running rehearsals to arranging music and beyond!

Credits as a Musical Director include:

The Rocky Horror Show (World Tour 21/26)

Strictly Ballroom (Piccadilly Theatre)

Sleeping Beauty/Robin Hood/Peter Pan (London Palladium)

Reccomendations:

Michel Camilo and All Star New York Big Band

John Adams – Dr Atomic (Opera)

Elvis performing at Madison Square Gardens 1972

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast that goes behind the scenes and speaks to the crew that help make these productions.

In this episode, I had a lovely chat with costume designer Ruka Johnson. We discussed being thrown into the deep end at work, her design process, why contemporary costume is viewed differently, and so much more. Credits include: Rocks, Bloods, The Red King and Lazarus.

Recommendations:

Severance

The Flats – documentary

Muna

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast that goes behind the scenes and speaks to the crew that help make these productions.

Have you ever wondered about the sound of footsteps echoing in a hallway, the rhythmic trot of a horse, the rustle of clothing, or even the clatter of a wand in your favourite film or TV show? Those sounds don’t just happen—they’re created by Foley artists. And in this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Foley artist, Pete Burgis, who is so passionate about the craft. We talked about what Foley involves, how he found his way into this fascinating world, some of the strangest props he’s ever used, and he even recreated some sounds just for us!

Credits include: Blood Brothers, Paddington 1 &2, Batman Begins, Harry Potter films from Chamber of Secrets - Deathly Hallows part2

Pete's Recommendations:

Twin Peaks

Shaun of the Dead

Gladiator 2

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast that goes behind the scenes and speaks to the crew that help make these productions.

One of my favourite shows on television is Call the Midwife, especially at this time of year. I have always been curious about the babies on set, whether they are real or prosthetic, how old they are, how they cry on cue and more. So I was incredibly excited to speak to Sarita Montagu, who is midwife consultant on the show as well as other productions. We discussed how Sarita became a midwife, which led to her work as a midwife consultant for TV, what an average day on set looks like, the intricacies of working with new born babies, parents and actors and more. Also please excuse my voice during the conversation, I was under the weather at the time of recording.

Reccomendations:

-Out of Africa

-Hamnet (book)

-Spiritual Midwifery(book)

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast that goes behind the scenes and speaks to the crew that help make these productions.

When it comes to working as a freelancer, one certainty looms large: taxes! But what exactly does this mean for you? In this episode, we’ll explore the ins and outs of tax for freelancers. With guests, Kirsty Hargrave and Liz Knapp of Hammonds, who provide accountancy and payroll services, we delve into essential topics such as tax thresholds, national insurance, PAYE, Self-Assessment versus limited company, expenses, and more!

Useful Links:

Hammonds Accountancy & Payroll Services Ltd

https://www.hammondsaccounts.com/

Personal tax

https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account

Making tax digital

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-tax-digital

VAT increase

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-increasing

Personal tax

https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast that goes behind the scenes and speaks to the crew that help make these productions.

For episode 70, I’m joined by Hand Embroiderer, Hattie McGill. For centuries, hand embroidery has enriched clothing, linens, décor, and even conveyed political messages through its artistry. Hattie applies this art form to costumes for film and TV as well as running her own business. Join us as we explore the world of hand embroidery in film and TV and learn more about Hattie’s process and inspirations.

Hattie’s credits include: Firebrand, Bridgerton S2, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Murder on the Orient Express.

Hattie’s Recommendations:

-Hunt for the Wilderpeople

-The Casketeers

-The Bear

Imagine this -you’re at a concert, listening to your favorite band, when suddenly, a song comes on that takes you back to the first time you ever heard it. That feeling, of being transported back in time—is one that Audio Engineer Thomas Woolsey knows well. His job involves trying to recreate that feeling for thousands of people. In this episode, I chat with Thomas about sound design, front of house mixing, life on tour, interacting with performers and audiences, and much more!

Thomas's credits include: UB40 tour, Manic Street Preachers (2021), Louis Tomlinson (2019), Sheringham Little Theatre, Download Festival (2024)

Thomas's Recommendations:

-Go to see a band live

-A Quiet Place

-Lord of the Rings Trilogy book

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast that goes behind the scenes and speaks to the crew that help make these productions.

For episode 68, we delve into the world of Costume Design with Vin Burnham. From discussing the unique challenges of designing costumes for both human characters and creature characters, to exploring Lady Gaga’s Living Dress and discussing Vin’s upcoming book about entering into a career in costume and lots more!

Vin's credits include The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, Batman (1989), The Fifth Element & The Wind in the Willows.

Recommendations:

-Paddington

-The alien

-Big Lebowski

-Beatrix potter take of the tales

-Orlando

-The Draughtsman's Contract

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast that goes behind the scenes and speaks to the crew that help make these productions.

For today’s episode I spoke with Composer for film and TV Blair Mowat. We dive into the world of composing, discussing the vital role music plays in storytelling, the technical wizardry behind the scenes, and how composers like Blair know when they’ve struck the perfect chord. Plus, we unravel the mystery behind all that baton waving!

Blair's credits include: Lot NO.249, Black Dog, McDonald & Dodds & Nolly

Recommendations:

-The Leftovers

-Dr Who

-Men Up

-After the Flood

-Nolly