Louise Brealey on her previous life as a film journalist, slapping Benedict Cumberbatch and that scene in Such Brave Girls

Louise Brealey is the first BIFA podcast guest of 2026!A bonafide Independent film champion, before moving into acting Louise began as a journalist for multiple film magazines including Total Film and Wonderland.We talked all about how she switched up her career, a hilarious misunderstanding while getting cast in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, slapping Benedict Cumberbatch in the face while filming Sherlock and a particular scene in Such Brave Girls no one will be forgetting in a hurry.Listen to the Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts and watch the filmed version on the BIFA Youtube channel.FOLLOW BIFA ON SOCIALInstagram - @BIFA_film TikTok - @BIFA_film X - @BIFA_filmABOUT THE BIFA PODCASTEach week hosts Karis Aldridge and Joy Hunter chat to a new guest from the world of independent film about their journey into the industry, their most inspiring cinema going experiences, and what makes independent cinema so special.ABOUT BIFAThe British Independent Film Awards celebrate, promote and support the best of British independent filmmaking. Since 1998, BIFA has discovered and championed bold, original stories and the talent behind them – from Florence Pugh and John Boyega to Steve McQueen and Lynne Ramsay. BIFA’s annual awards spotlight the year’s most outstanding films and filmmakers, and their work year-round connects diverse stories to diverse audiences, with a focus on young film lovers. BIFA is at the heart of the British film industry, and they respond to its changing needs, from EDI training to promoting fair practice, building towards a sustainable, inclusive future for British independent film. Find out more at www.bifa.film— CREDITSHosted by Karis Aldridge and Joy HunterProduced by Daniel Audritt, Kat Butterfield and Joy HunterAssistant Producer: Bruno AtkinsonProduction company: Audacious Productions DOP: Louis Hudd & Jude O'Connor Audio Engineers: Nathan Cooper and James Gibbons McGregor Recorded at Fiction Studios Special thanks to the BIFA teamMusic: “Make It Happen” Performed by Laura Welsh Written by Jimmy James and Laura Welsh Licensed courtesy of Nothing Standard/Screenwrk Published by Universal Music Publishing Ltd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.