Red Carpet Rookies

Today’s guest began her creative journey in the world of theatre before moving to Pixar where she worked in the story department of hits including Ratatouille, Up, Brave, The Good Dinosaur and Inside Out.

Having now transitioned to writing and showrunning her own projects, most recently the double Emmy nominated Tab Time as well as co-hosting mega-popular podcast The Screenwriting Life alongside fellow Red Carpet Rookies alumni, Meg LeFauve, I don’t know how she finds the time!

My guest is Lorien McKenna.

Today’s guest is an exciting first for the show, a preeminent name in the world of film and television education.
With a frankly incredible amount of qualifications and facets to his CV including a Doctorate from the University of Bristol, our guest now sits as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and the National Association of Television Production Executives, as a member of Bafta AND an advisor on education to the Royal Television Society.

But believe it or not, that’s not even his day job. That is of course as the current director of the world-renowned National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield England, alumni of which include none other than Sir Roger Deakins, Nick Park and Harry Potter Director, David Yates as well as hundreds more.
Today we discuss:
(01:56) Jon's early days
(04:19) Working on Father Ted
(06:13) His film school experience at Bournemouth
(09:42) Working as crew
(13:15) Moving to education
(17:05) The film school application process
(20.17) Should you go to film school? Both sides of the argument
(26:00) Jon's Best Advice and RCR Quickfire
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In today’s episode we’re joined by one of the world’s greatest Cinematographer’s, Jeff Cronenweth. Born into the film business, he grafted his way through the rungs of the camera department and music video scene of the 1990s and after shooting videos for the likes of George Michael and Janet Jackson, got the call from David Fincher to take the reins of Fight Club. From there it's been a run of legendary movies including, One Hour Photo and Gone Girl as well as The Social Network and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo both of which he picked up Oscar nominations.
In today's episode we discuss:
(01:25) Growing up with a famous DOP for a father.
(02:30) Did crew treat Jeff different due to his famous father?
(04:06) Jeff's thoughts on whether film school is worth it.
(09:23) Does Jeff think music videos are still a good way in for young DPs?
(13:00) Was Jeff nervous working on Fight Club with Fincher?
(15:03) Why David Fincher thought Fight Club would 'define the 90s'.
(16:54) How did Jeff find space for visuals in the dialogue heavy Social Network?
(19:18) How did the Director/DP relationship work with Aaron Sorkin on Being the Ricardos?
(22:06) How did it work on set between himself and Sorkin?
(26:07) Jeff's opinion on the 'Fincher aesthetic' that film fan boys have become obsessed by
(28:57) Is there anything that Jeff feels he's taught Fincher?
(29:35) What's a typical day of prep like for Fincher and Jeff?
(30:48) Did Jeff use reference much for Being The Ricardos?
(34:23) Quickfire Questionnaire

Jeff's 'book that everyone must read' - In The Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch.
You can also read our full book notes of In The Blink of an Eye here.
If you enjoyed this episode you'll enjoy this episode with fellow David Fincher collaborator Tim Miller.
To make sure you don't miss any future episodes sign up for our mailing list here!
If you liked the podcast, I would be very thankful if you could leave a short review on Apple podcasts! It only takes 30 seconds and really helps us grow and speak to more interesting filmmakers.
Follow Red Carpet Rookies on Instagram, Twitter or Youtube.

I am lucky to introduce today’s guest who has been at the forefront of British comedy for the last two decades.

The man behind hit shows such as Back starring Mitchell and Webb and Sky’s Breeders, his career is long and celebrated but it is his partnership with Armando Innaucci for which he is probably best known.

Together they have brought movies like In The Loop and The Personal History of David Copperfield into the world as well as the now legendary sitcom The Thick of It and its ridiculously acclaimed US cousin Veep which won seventeen Emmy awards during its run. Along the way, he picked up two of them for himself, as well as four BAFTA nominations and an Oscar nomination for In The Loop.

My guest is Mr Simon Blackwell.

Today’s guest has one of the most varied resumes of anyone in the film and TV business. Having produced everything from megahit Top Boy to winning a BAFTA for The Last King of Scotland, making documentaries and more, I can’t wait to hear his story and learn from his journey to success in the industry.

He also has one of the coolest names of any guest I’ve ever had!

My guest is Charles Steel.