Red Carpet Rookies

Mike Battle

Every great film and TV maker began as a Red Carpet Rookie. In this podcast each episode you’ll learn from the life and career story of someone who’s grown to the top of the entertainment business, hearing how they mastered their craft with lessons you can apply to harness your own creative talent in your own career and everyday life.

From lessons given by Spielberg to Oscar-winners tips on imposter syndrome, and some pretty crazy on-set anecdotes thrown in for good measure…

My name is Mike Battle a film crew member turned screenwriter and I’ll be your host…and this is Red Carpet Rookies.

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53 episodes
Updated Apr 29, 2024

Episodes53

Newest first

Nov 1, 2022 · 26 min
#31 - Lisa Beroud: Creating Benjamin Button’s VFX With David Fincher, De-aging Arnold Schwarzenegger, How to Be A Good Intern, and The Massive Scale of Black Panther
Today's guest is a first for the show - someone at the top of the game in the field of VFX production. Starting her career producing commercials she transitioned to James Cameron's famous VFX house digital domain, where she worked on titles including 47 Ronin, Her and a multitude of David Fincher projects including zodiac and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Since leaving DD, she has progressed to be a VFX producer of hits such as Black Panther Terminator, dark fate, and Sonic the Hedgehog to our guests is Lisa Beroud.
Oct 11, 2022 · 23 min
#30 - Jeremy Swift: Acting For Robert Altman, Ted Lasso, Downton Abbey, Meeting Dick Van Dyke and The Music of Comedy
Today’s guest is A SAG Award winning / emmy nominated actor and musician. With an extensive career featuring parts in iconic films such as Robert Altman’s Gosford Park, you will likely know him best from turns in Downtown Abbey, Mary Poppins Returns and most recently as the loveable Higgins in Apple TV’s smash hit - Ted Lasso. If that wasn’t enough, he also finds the time to make music with previous album Everything’s A Joke and more on the way soon. My guest is Jeremy Swift.
Oct 6, 2022 · 59 min
#29 - Kirk Wise: Directing Beauty & The Beast, The Emergency Lion King Story Room, Fear, Caricatures, and The Secret to Hunchback of Notre Dame
Today’s guest is a multi-hyphenate animator, director, writer, and storyboard wizard. Gaining an early directing credit working on Disneyland's Cranium Command he was soon thrust into feature direction on historic classics such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Atlantis: The Lost Empire and of course, Beauty and the Beast, the first animated movie to ever be nominated for best picture. My guest is Mr Kirk Wise.
Sep 5, 2022 · 26 min
#28 - Lucy Bevan: Casting The Batman, Meetings with Spielberg, Dustin Hoffman, Audition Advice, Secret Scripts in Safes and How Lily James Nearly Missed Cinderella
Today’s guest is another first for the show and it’s an exciting one. The fabled role of Casting Director. Beginning her career in production working on films such as Tim Roth’s The War Zone, she made the move to Casting where she has flourished to one of the world’s most successful casting directors working on projects including Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One, Venom Let There Be Carnage and recently the much lauded Matt Reeves Batman. Along the way she has developed a longstanding relationship with Sir Kenneth Branagh having worked on 9 projects together as well as cultivating a key role as casting director for Disney on movies including, Maleficent, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Cruella...Our guest is Lucy Bevan.
Aug 25, 2022 · 22 min
#27 - Baltasar Kormákur: Directing Idris Elba, Being an Icelandic Movie Star, Horse Riding, Bergman, Choosing Your Path, and Calling Iñárritu For CGI Lion Advice
Today’s guest is quite the jack of all trades - a director, producer, writer, actor, and even studio owner, he is one of the rare people to have straddled both a career in his native language, all the while succeeding in Hollywood. Beginning with Icelandic home grown faire, he has since directed the likes of 2 Guns with Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington, Everest with Jake Gyllenhaal and most recently, Idris Elba vs a fully grown lion in Beast. Our guest is Baltasar Kormákur.
Apr 22, 2022 · 31 min
#26 - Dr Jon Wardle: Managing One of The World’s Top Film Schools, Working on Father Ted, Career Strategy, and Carving Your Own Niche
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 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
Apr 13, 2022 · 23 min
#25 - Charlie Fremantle: Managing The World’s Oldest Film Studio, Finding Dancing Elephants, The Importance of Hustle, and The Worst Moment of His Career
With a varied career that has spanned both post-production, advertising and production company management, Charlie sits today as the Studio Manager of the world’s oldest film studio at Ealing in London, home to historic productions such as 1955’s The Ladykillers, as well as more recent fare like Oscar-winning Darkest Hour, Shaun of the Dead, and of course, Downton Abbey. Today we discuss: (01:46) Charlie's early days (05:13) Working as a runner (07:23) Falling in and out of the industry (09:40) How do you set up a production company? (13:34) What does a studio manager actually do? (17:44) Film studio problems (19:32) How is Ealing coping during the UK's content boom? (20:58) Charlie's Best Advice and RCR Quickfire 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
Mar 30, 2022 · 24 min
#24 - Duncan Hayes: Discovering Ricky Gervais, The Early Days of The Office, Relationship Building, Star Quality, Finding Talent on YouTube, and The Psychology of Agenting
With beginnings running clubs within London’s late night comedy scene, today’s guest has weaved his way through a multifaceted career becoming Senior Partner at United Agents where he shepherds the careers of none other than Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Sharon Horgan and many more. In addition to his agenting, he has Executive Produced projects including Emmy nominated hit Derek, and a multitude of high profile stand up specials. I’m very excited to hear from the (rarely heard) perspective of one of the people behind the scenes holding the industry together. Today we discuss: (01:13) Duncan's early years (03:34) Working the comedy club scene (05:55) What does an agent do? (08:09) What skills make the ideal agent? (10:36) Advice for would-be agents (13:11) Are actors and comedians still 'discovered'? (14:39) Advice for screenwriters contacting agents (15:51) Meeting Ricky Gervais for the first time (17:10) The making of The Office (UK) (20:01) Working as an Agent/Executive Producer (21:23) Duncan's Best Advice and RCR Quickfire 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
Mar 23, 2022 · 44 min
#23 - Seamus McGarvey: Creating The Avenger’s Famous 360 Shot, Filming With Laurence Olivier, Collaboration with Joe Wright, Persistence, The Greatest Showman, and The Surprising Importance of...Bladder Control?
Today's guest is master of colour and image, Cinematographer, Seamus McGarvey. With beginnings in Northern Ireland, Seamus has traversed the world crafting the look of an incredible array of work from Rolling Stones documentaries and emotive dramas like Nocturnal Animals to blockbuster faire like Avengers Assemble and The Greatest Showman. Along the way he picked up two Oscar nominations for Joe Wright’s Atonement and Anna Karrenina, as well as a nod from our mutual friend Julie as one of the nicest guys in Hollywood! Today we discuss: (01:55) Seamus' early years (08:09) Early short films (10:18) Should would-be cinematographers learn with a stills camera? (12:49) How to stand out in a world of iPhones (15:53) Working with Laurence Olivier (17:02) Do provocative short films get you noticed? (20:32) Lessons taken from low budget to blockbusters (22:46) Growing up with Joe Wright (27:04) Avengers Assemble chat (29:03) The famous Avengers 360 shot (31:56) Working on musicals (35:55) Seamus' Best Advice and RCR Quickfire If you enjoyed this episode you'll enjoy this episode with Social Network Cinematographer, Jeff Cronenweth. 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
Mar 14, 2022 · 28 min
#22 - Sam Taylor Johnson: Directing Al Pacino, Imposter Syndrome, The Life of An Artist, Advice from Anthony Minghella, and Why You Should Always Change Your Socks
Today's guest is BAFTA and Turner prize nominated multi hyphenate Director - Writer - Producer - Photographer and Artist , Sam Taylor Johnson OBE. Starting her creative life as an art student in London, Sam rose to prominence as part of the Young British Artists movement of the 1990s alongside the likes of Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, exhibiting memorable works such as a video portrait of David Beckham sleeping and her collection 'Crying Men' which depicted Hollywood icons in their most vulnerable state. From there, she turned her hand to directing with 2009's Nowhere Boy, followed by Fifty Shades of Gray and much more. Today we discuss: (04:53) How Anthony Minghella mentored Sam into filmmaking (07:36) Why short films are still the way to go for emerging Directors (08:52) Sam's imposter syndrome with Al Pacino (10:31) How to approach directing actors with example of Helen Mirren (14:07) Filming intimate scenes in 50 Shades of Grey (15:29) How to crew up a film on a low budget (23:27) Quickfire Questionnaire If you enjoyed this episode you'll enjoy this episode with Deadpool Director, 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
Feb 25, 2022 · 31 min
#21 - Sandy Powell, Renowned Costume Designer on 20 Years With Scorcese, Costuming Daniel Day-Lewis, Ideation, Confidence of Age, and The Pressure to Create a Modern Mary Poppins
Today, I am lucky to be joined by one of the world’s most influential costume designers. She's designed the iconic looks of Cinderella, Mary Poppins Returns, and Shakespeare in Love, as well as forging a lasting relationship with Martin Scorsese, with whom she collaborated to design the Wolf of Wall Street, Gangs of New York, and many more. Along the way, she has picked up the small sum of 15 Oscar nominations, winning three. Thank you again to Sandy for joining us. It was a pleasure. Today we discuss: (02:48) Sandy's journey into the business (04:30) How Sandy went about choosing her college courses (06:09) Sandy's first jobs in fashion (07:33) How to go about contacting Costume Designer or other HODs (09:29) The 'trial by fire' of Sandy's first film job (10:50) Lessons taken from low budget filmmaking (13:24) Working with Directors & why it's helpful they can draw (15:00) Sandy's costume design process (17:10) Working in the fitting room with actors - does Daniel Day Lewis stay in character? (19:21) Actor entrances and Margot Robbie's in The Wolf of Wall Street (21:03) Who was responsible for Jonah Hill's penis in The Wolf of Wall Street? (21:52) How Sandy went about approach loved characters like Mary Poppins and Cinderella (23:48) Sandy on imposter syndrome and working on The Irishman (26:06) Does Sandy draw her designs or photoshop them? How do they really get made? (28:19) Quickfire Questionnaire If you enjoyed this episode you'll enjoy this episode with Lord of The Rings Costume Designer Ngila Dickson and this episode with A Star is Born Costume Designer Erin Benach. 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
Feb 15, 2022 · 1 hr 9 min
#20 - Joe Haidar on The Insane World of 1990s Disney: Animating Aladdin, Meeting Spielberg in the Dreamworks Animation Wars, $500,000 Phone Calls, Recording With Robin Williams, and Pitching The Idea for Hercules
Our first animator on the show, Joe Haidar tells us how he got into the animation industry, as well as, incredible stories from his time in the business. He tells us how he pitched the idea of Disney's Hercules, why some animators got paid millions of dollars in the 90s and what it was like to animate Robin Williams' Genie on Aladdin! This episode's key moments: (03:48) Joe's journey into the animation business (09:40) Joe's advice for those looking to get into animation (13:58) Joe's experience working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit (32:27) The amazing story of Joe pitching Hercules to the heads of Disney (42:57) What it was like attending Genie recording sessions with Robin Williams on Aladdin (47:20) The inside story of the Disney/Dreamworks animation wars and why some animators got paid millions of dollars in the 90s (1:00:56) Quickfire Questionnaire Check out Joe's incredible animated short Animated American here. Joe's 'book that everyone must read' - Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. If you enjoyed this episode you'll enjoy this episode with Aladdin Concept artist Dominic Lavery. 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.
Jan 31, 2022 · 38 min
#19 - Jeff Cronenweth: Shooting The Social Network, His Fight Club Meeting With Fincher, Taylor Swift, Creative Freedom, Film Bro Copycats and His Christmas Present to Aaron Sorkin
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.
Oct 28, 2021 · 1 hr
#18 - Peter Lamont, Legendary Set Designer on Building Titanic & 18 James Bond Movies, James Cameron, Teamwork, Smuggling Props Across The Mexican Border, and Getting Hijacked by Terrorists on a Real Plane
What you’re about to listen to is a piece of film history. This episode’s guest Peter Lamont was recognized as one of the world’s greatest Production Designers helping to design the sets of 18 James Bond movies, James Cameron’s aliens and even Titanic for which he was awarded an Oscar. He was known by all he interacted with for his gentlemanly demeanour, fairness to crew and genuine creative mastery. When I recorded this episode in November last year, Peter was 91 years old, and the following month, he very sadly passed away. This podcast stands as his last recorded interview. I’d like to thank my friend and Peter’s daughter, mads for her help in making it happen. Though I only spent a short time with Peter, I could tell that all the stories I’d heard of his kindness were true. I hope this interview does you and your family proud. Now please enjoy lessons for life and stories of Hollywood from a verified cinema legend. Thank you for your time, Peter. It was an honour. In today's episode we discuss: (02:51) How Peter came into the film business (06:52) What the industry was like when Peter started (07:54) What Peter would tell that 20-year-old version of himself. (09:43) How the the industry is changing (11:19) How to be a great department head and leader (14:15) Peter's advice for those wanting to join the art department (16:45) What it was like working with the James Bond crew and legendary Producer Cubby Broccoli. (18:21) What made Cubbby Broccoli such an incredible producer (22:53) Peter's experience designing the sets of James Bond Goldfinger (30:54) The crazy real story of Peter being caught on a hijacked plane! (36:04) How Peter met James Cameron (37:29) Why James Cameron has something special (41:38) Working on Titanic with Jim Cameron (45:15) The lunacy of building Titanic (47:22) Peter's experience winning an Oscar (51:24) Building Leavesden Studios on James Bond (52:48) Quickfire questionnaire If you enjoyed this episode you'll enjoy this episode with Lord of The Rings Production Designer, Grant Major. 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.
Oct 10, 2021 · 59 min
#17 - Bonnie Curtis on 15 Years With Spielberg, Creating D-Day for Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List, Life Paths, $300,000 Explosives, Communication, and The Crazy A-List Cast of Her First Indie Movie
From Texas to the side of Steven Spielberg, Bonnie Curtis has had a journey. Known as one of the most regarded Producer's in the film industry, Bonnie worked her way from Steven Spielberg's Assistant, all the way through to his Producer and now runs her own film production partnership with previous podcast guest Julie Lynn. In this episode which I think may be my favourite I've ever made Bonnie gives a masterclass in how to open doors in your career, advice she's received from Steven for life and business and how to get back on the path you were always destined for. What you'll learn: - How does a famous director hire an assistant - What gets you noticed by prominent executives - THE REAL STORY of what happened on the beach during the Saving Private Ryan shoot - how to move from studio film making to indie movies and so much more.
Oct 5, 2021 · 44 min
#16 - Donald Mowat: Designing James Bond’s Makeup, Friendship With Eminem, Empathy, Hard Work, and Secret Talks With Daniel Craig & The Queen for The 2012 Olympics
From Dune to Skyfall, Prisoners and 8 Mile, today’s guest is one of the best in the business. In this episode, Donald discusses watching the Queen act at the 2012 Olympics, how he became one of Eminem’s entourage and gives a look behind the curtain at the problems of the industry. Tune in to hear a masterclass of lessons for the business with a side order of Hollywood tales. Though this was recorded many months ago, many of Donald’s points resonate with the current strike movement fighting to stop the toxic working rules and culture of the film and TV industries. Find out more about the cause at @ia_stories
Sep 22, 2021 · 33 min
#15 - Julian Clarke: Editing Aliens on District 9, Creating the Tone of Handmaid’s Tale, Differentiating Yourself, and Choosing The Funniest Ryan Reynolds Line on Deadpool
From short film maker, to Oscar nominated Editor, Julian Clarke's story is one that many Red Carpet Rookies would like to follow. In this conversation we learn how he transitioned from low budget Canadian content editing to District 9, the turning point that changed everything. Julian explains what is what like to edit aliens you can't see on the screen yet (hint: a guy holding a big stick!), why editing it like a documentary was difficult and how Peter Jackson brought a rag tag team of unknowns together for something special. We also get into the building of the edit in A Handmaid's Tale and Deadpool, two titles that you wouldn't think are related in their creation but share a dark humour to them both.
Sep 7, 2021 · 42 min
#14 - Meg LeFauve: Writing Inside Out With The Pixar Brain Trust, Producing For Jodie Foster, Bravery, Taking The Leap, and Superhero Storytelling With Captain Marvel
It's not every day you get to sit down with a Pixar storyteller but in this episode we did just that. With a clear passion for writing, Meg LeFauve dives into her process with many pearls of wisdom along the way. It's simply a must listen for anyone wanting to finally finish that script they've been working on and get out there!
Sep 2, 2021 · 37 min
#13 - Erin Benach: Designing Ryan Gosling’s Famous ‘Drive’ Jacket, Costume Meetings at Lady Gaga’s House, Being Yourself, and Creating Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn
Today's interview with esteemed Hollywood Costume Designer Erin Benach was an awful lot of fun. Hearing about her journey from book design, to movie making was super inspiring and proves that anyone can make it in Hollywood if they have the drive. Of course, we had to show she builds her characters like Ryan Gosling's Driver in....duh - Drive, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in a Star is Born and Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey as well though, and Erin discusses her process at length with plenty of great stories along the way.
Aug 24, 2021 · 39 min
#12 - Michael White: Cutting Tom Cruise’s Hair on the World’s Tallest Building, Growing Up With the Jackson 5, Persistence, and The Time David Fincher Warned Him About Brad Pitt
I've been excited about releasing this episode. Not only is Michael a world renowned hair stylist and designer, he grew up with the JACKSON 5. Through today's chat we discuss Michael's beginnings in the business, cutting hair for the likes of Brad Pitt, Sharon Stone and Tom Cruise and hear the story of why David Fincher (jokingly) nearly ended his career!