Derren Lawford - Founder of Dare Pictures

Derren’s spent years working in creative development, helping ideas grow from rough early concepts into fully-formed projects out in the world. He’s worked across brand, media, and digital spaces, developing original ideas, shaping creative direction, and supporting teams as they turn strategy into actual work that connects with audiences. 

His most recent project This Is Soho, narrated by the wonderful Stephen Fry, explores the struggles within the legacy and future of the LGBTQ+ community where it recently made its premiere it Mipcom Cannes 2025

He’s someone who really understands how to take an idea and make it real, and we’re excited to have him on the show.

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Isabel Ion - Writer + Director

Isabel Ion is London-based writer + director and creative voice in film and video. Her most recent short film Can’t A Girl? A short film showing the life of a hopeless romantic diving into her surreal world of dating. I loved this film and connected with it so much both the story and style

Isabel has worked across music videos and visual projects with a strong focus on actor performance and striking visual style. Her work reflects a thoughtful blend of storytelling and authentic flair, and I’m really excited to hear about her creative journey.

I worked with Isabel on the 1st season of Hear Me Out for 4.0 and was so pleased to connect with her again after all this time to find out what she's been up to.

Speaking so openly about her anxiety and being introverted was so insightful, and I loved that Isabel doesn't let that bring her down. She acknowledges so much when she needs to find balance for her mental health to be able to keep steering her career.

The incredible steps she's taken to get to where she is inspiring, I learnt so many methods from our conversation and just made me so excited to see what's next to come for her!

Isabel's work: https://isabelion.com/work / https://vimeo.com/isabelion

Isabel instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabel.ion/?hl=en

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Matt Cullum - Film Director + Editor

Matt Cullum is an award-winning film director and editor whose impressive career includes collaborations with major platforms such as Netflix, MTV, Buzzfeed, the BBC, Sky, and Spotify.

He began his journey in radio production before transitioning into television and film, a move that led him to discover his true creative calling. Throughout his work, Matt places a strong emphasis on diversity, ensuring that everyone both behind and in front of the camera feels represented and valued on his sets.

Starting out as an editor gave Matt a unique perspective on the entire creative process from filming and editing to final delivery. It’s an experience that shaped his deep appreciation for the craft and the collaborative effort that brings every project to life, skills and values he continues to carry into his work today.

I will note there were a number of technical issues this day, the audio will change half was through so please stick with us as the conversation is a great vibe 

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Episode 4 with Mekel Bailey - Stylist and Costume Designer  

Mekel began his career in the music industry at just 19 years old, starting out as a runner and working his way up through sheer passion and dedication. Over the years, he’s contributed to more than a hundred music videos, styling and dressing some of the biggest names in the industry  from Nicki Minaj and Nick Jonas to Kelly Rowland, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, KSI, Olivia Colman, and Virgil van Dijk.

Most recently, Mekel brought his creative vision to the acclaimed Netflix Original series Baby Reindeer, which went on to receive 11 Emmy nominations  including Outstanding Contemporary Costume for a Limited or Anthology Series.

I was very excited to have Mekel as my first guest for this podcast. With every project, Mekel brings a powerful sense of storytelling through his designs, creating looks that deepen our connection to the characters and the worlds they inhabit.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mekel speaks openly about his experiences with imposter syndrome, a topic that resonates deeply with so many people, both personally and professionally.

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Episode 3 with Trent Williams-Jones 

Such a joy to chat with Executive Producer, Trent Williams-Jones, who has always been a driving force for representation in production. His impact on the industry has been felt for years.Trent was one of the early leaders who transitioned from TV into the digital space, seeing the potential long before most others did, and he has continued to prove how powerful that move was.

With an already outstanding career on BAFTA-nominated projects such as Race Around Britain, and collaborations with talent including Munya Chawawa, Nella Rose and Michael Dapaah, Trent has played a massive role in showing the industry that these voices were never “just YouTubers.”He continues to bring people into new projects, recognising potential and creating environments where collaboration and craft can thrive. 

Make sure you tune in to hear just how diversity and representation remain at the forefront of everything he does.

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Georgina began her production career at just 17, and over the last 18 years has built a dynamic portfolio across music videos, television, film, and commercials, working with both boutique teams and major studios.

Her first breakthrough came on the launch of The X Factor USA, a role that led her to WAG Entertainment and truly set her career in motion.

Today, Georgina is an award-winning Production Manager and the founder of her own creative coaching enterprise, where she empowers emerging talent entering the industry. She brings a mentorship-first mindset to every project using each production as a chance to teach, connect, and celebrate the vibrant community that keeps this industry thriving. 

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The Art Of The Graft, is a podcast dedicated to creating a safe and open space for people from all backgrounds to share their stories. Each episode explores the highs and lows of their journeys within the world of production, offering honest reflections on what it means to navigate this industry as a minority. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the diverse voices shaping the craft.

On todays episode we have the wonderful Producer Director, Mani D-Whyte.

Mani’s career is filled with incredible milestones. At just 16, Mani founded a non-profit organization called Turn Up Broadcasting that continues to thrive today  creating opportunities for young people eager to break into production. Through this work, he’s built an inspiring network that supports and develops TV projects written and led by emerging creatives.

He worked as a runner on Britain's Got Talent, where he first learnt about the role Producer Director which pushed him to want to pursue a career in and later had his big break working behind the scenes as a PD for The KSI Show. That experience opened the door to even bigger projects, including I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Big Brother, Married at First Sight, and most recently, Netflix’s Building a Band.

In our conversation, Mani shares how preparation, continuous learning, and a commitment to growth have been the driving forces behind his success and what you put into your craft truly determines what you get back. At the time of recording Mani was off the next day to do I’m A Celeb, the man is truly non stop, the graft just keeps grafting. 

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