We’re back! Today we’re speaking to John Yorke, former Head of Drama at Channel 4 and BBC Controller of Drama Series, founder of the BBC Writers’ Academy, and author of the bestselling Into the Woods.

We explore the deep mechanics of story, the comfort and power it gives us, and even its role in politics, showing why storytelling isn’t just entertainment, but a fundamental part of being human.

John Yorke’s new book, Trip to the Moon, is out now: https://amzn.eu/d/01SHk6nD

Host: Emile Sherman

Guest: John Yorke

Producer: Sabrina Organo & Jonah Primo

Composer: @Adiescar

Artwork: @studiostromberg

A See-Saw Films Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does a writer decide an idea is worth dedicating years of their life to? And how do you structure a story which is layered with the complexities of how lies are told and how we believe them? Emile speaks with writer and executive producer Samantha Strauss, and See-Saw’s Head of television and film in Australia Liz Watts, about a true story based on a lie, Apple Cider Vinegar. They discuss the similarities between ballet dancing and film making, when sentimentality works, and the allure of the wellness industry in a world coming to grips with the power of social media. 

Host: Emile Sherman

Guests: Samantha Strauss and Liz Watts

Executive Producer: @Sam_Joly_

Producer: Sabrina Organo

Composer: @Adiescar

Artwork: @studiostromberg

A See-Saw Films Production 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you create the world for a story that sits right on the edge of reality? And how do you know you’ve struck the right tone when combining the dark with the comedic? Emile speaks with lead actor and executive producer Ella Purnell, director and executive producer Ella Jones and executive producer for See-Saw and fanboy Patrick Walters, about the comedic thriller, Sweetpea. They discuss walking the tightrope of moral ambiguity, the technical complexities of on-camera performance, and the joy of finding one's dream collaborator.

Host: Emile Sherman

Guests: @ella_purnell, @ellasjones and

@patwalters__

Executive Producer: @Sam_Joly_

Producer: Sabrina Organo

Composer: @Adiescar

Artwork: @studiostromberg

A See-Saw Films Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does a producer support an author turned first-time screen writer, and how do you bring together the right team for the material? Emile speaks with creator, writer and executive producer Alice Oseman and executive producer for See-Saw Patrick Walters about the beloved series Heartstopper. They discuss representing a diversity of young voices, the challenges of shooting the series, and the complexity behind bringing a beloved teen universe to the screen.

Host: Emile Sherman

Guests: @aliceoseman and @patwalters__

Executive Producer: @Sam_Joly_

Producer: Sabrina Organo

Composer: @Adiescar

Artwork: @studiostromberg

A See-Saw Films Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you turn a hit series of novels into a show that honours its source material? And how do you stay true while building out 6 hours of television for each season? Emile speaks with executive producer and writer Will Smith and executive producer for See-Saw Julian Stevens, about the landmark series Slow Horses. They discuss the challenges of genre-crossing, the critical role of actors in the writing process, and how Mick Jagger was convinced to sing the theme song.

Host: Emile Sherman

Guests: @willsmithwriter and Julian Stevens

@see_saw_films

Executive Producer: @Sam_Joly_

Producer: Sabrina Organo

Composer: @Adiescar

Artwork: @studiostromberg

A See-Saw Films Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does a director who cut his teeth in the world of commercials, translate that experience into feature films? And how does a production house define and maintain their creative vision? Emile speaks with producer Samantha Lang and director Garth Davis about See-Saw's partnership with Garth, I Am That. They discuss how to use rehearsal time to achieve truth in performance, and the importance of bringing the whole crew along with a project’s creative vision.

@see_saw_films

Host: Emile Sherman

Guests: Garth Davis and Samantha Lang

Executive Producer: @Sam_Joly_

Producer: Sabrina Organo

Composer: @Adiescar

Artwork: @studiostromberg

A See-Saw Films Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does a project make its way onto a See-Saw slate? And to what extent is the creative integrity of a film influenced by the commercial imperatives of the industry? Emile speaks with See-Saw’s development producer Bill Bowring and director Kitty Green, about her psychological thriller The Royal Hotel. They discuss cross-continental script writing, how to fit a seven-week shoot into five, and the fine line between light and dark when building character and tension.

@see_saw_films

Host: Emile Sherman

Guests: @KittyGreen and @BillyBowring

Executive Producer: @Sam_Joly_

Producer: Sabrina Organo

Composer: @Adiescar

Artwork: @studiostromberg

A See-Saw Films Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does a director with decades of television experience approach his first theatrical feature? And what challenges does honouring a true story, told across decades, bring? Emile chats with See-Saw’s Iain Canning and director James Hawes about the long and winding road that led to the much loved film One Life. They discuss the skill and instinct needed to navigate a tight schedule while wrangling children, trains, history and the legendary talents of Sir Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter.

@misterjameshawes

@see_saw_films

Host: Emile Sherman

Executive Producer: @Sam_Joly_

Producer: Sabrina Organo

Composer: @Adiescar

Artwork: @studiostromberg

A See-Saw Films Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did See-Saw Films come into being? And how, with the two founders running offices on opposite sides of the world, has it managed to keep such a clear and consistent creative vision? Emile Sherman speaks with See-Saw's Co-MD Iain Canning, and creative director Helen Gregory about beginnings, holding the creative flame, playing the long game, and balancing a vision with the realities of business.

@see_saw_films

Host: Emile Sherman

Executive Producer: @Sam_Joly_

Producer: Sabrina Organo

Composer: @Adiescar

Artwork: @studiostromberg

A See-Saw Films Production

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.