The Circle

Prolific director and all-round creative Sebastian Thiel steps inside The Circle this week. We discuss his entrepreneurial upbringing, how he managed to bring together the who's who of black talent for his debut short film 'Illegal Activity' a decade ago, the webseries renaissance, his first original TV series 'Just A Couple', directing BAFTA award-winning and International Emmy-nominated pilot 'Dreaming Whilst Black', and upcoming director attachments on ITV series 'Riches' and Netflix series 'Supacell". Honest. Funny. Introspective. We are getting good at this!

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BAFTA Award-Winning Director & Writer Nida Manzoor joins Leon & Akua this week to talk everything 'We Are Lady Parts' and 'Polite Society", as well as the importance of comedy in south asian and muslim representation. upbringing in London & Singapore, key lessons in directing, overcoming naysayers and backlash for her exploration of her culture, that BAFTA win, and more! Another fire episode, but duh!

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The multi-faceted Kirby Howell-Baptiste steps inside the circle with Leon and Akua. We talk her upbringing at Anna Scher Theatre, switching between genres for her acting roles, her working relationship and friendship with Kristin Bell, kickstarting her career in U.S, her respective roles in Netflix's 'The Sandman' and 'Mr Harrigan's phone, as well as upcoming Disney Plus series 'Culprits' - and the pending release of two children's books she has authored. Another packed and memorable episode!

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On this week's episode actress, Deborah Ayorinde steps inside the circle. We wax lyrical on her upbringing and work on both sides of the Atlantic, being part of a heralded alumni at Howard University, groundbreaking roles and lessons on Amazon Prime's 'Them' and Netflix's 'Luke Cage'. her starring lead in upcoming ITV/Amazon drama 'Riches', advice from Mahershala Ali, staying grounded in prayer and music, and so much more! Amazing chemistry between the trip this episode!

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Brand new season, same old greatness. BAFTA Award-winning Casting Director Aisha Bywaters joins Leon and Akua in The Circle. She waxes lyrical on being influenced by her mother, working with Shaheen Baig on Peaky Blinders and Black Mirror, the responsibilities and purpose that comes with casting fairly, the Daniel Kaluuya auditon that blew her away, getting the 'Everything I Know About Love' gig, and her work on BAFTA award-winning 'We Are Lady Parts'. A great way to start the season! Tune in!

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Actress and Writer Gbemisola Ikumelo steps inside The Circle with to talk career, drama school, being one of one in her community, the success of BBC Comedy series 'Famalam', resonating with her role in critically acclaimed 'The Last Tree', and her first major US production in highly anticipated Amazon series 'A League Of Their Own'. Great conversation!

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Aml Ameen, the young veteran actor, producer and director steps inside The Circle with Leon Mayne and Akua Gyamfi. As part of the specially curated insta sessions during lockdown, we spoke with Aml on the healing process after the George Floyd incident, walking away from lead roles, extending his identity in Idris Elba's directorial debut 'Yardie', why he chose to star in Michaela Coel's 'I May Destroy You' and the complex simplicity of the UK & US career path as a creative. A visceral and passionate episode topped of with great entertainment.

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Super Producer Luti Fagbenle steps inside the circle with Leon & Akua to talk about the blessings of being part of the Nigerian 'Wayans' dynasty - the Fagbeneles, producing music videos for Beyonce, Snoop Dogg. Justin Bieber, Craig David, Jay-Z, One Direction. breaking into the TV industry with his brother OT Fagbenle, and creating a future legacy of black stories. A dreamer and executer Luti brought the fire and truth to the lockdown Instagram Live Session.

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Prolific casting director Kharmel Cochrane stepped into The Circle with Leon & Akua to talk about the origins of her company, her quest to disrupt TV & Film's typical casting tropes, and her success stories which include casting for BAFTA-winning series 'The End Of The F***ing World', Oscar-nominee 'The Lighthouse', and music videos for the likes of Stormzy and Nicki Minaj. A trailblazer and West Londoner, Kharmel was a delight as part of our lockdown Instagram Live sessions.

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Paapa Essiedu steps inside the circle with us this week! The prolific actor speaks on his late introduction to theatre, preparing for his roles in television and film, set life on Sky and AMC series 'Gangs Of London', growing up in the same neighbourhood as actress Naomi Ackie, and working alongside NYT friend 'Michaela Coel' on breakout series I May Destroy You. See how he manages to get to the top of the leaderboard on Akua's impossible game!

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