The Circle
by Leon Mayne
Hosted by award-winning duo Executive Producer/Screenwriter Leon Mayne, and journalist/media chronicler Akua Gyamfi, The Circle features the two friends waxing lyrical with the hottest Black British talent across Television and Film - discussing weekly topics, their career journeys, the creative process, and what the future of TV, Film, and Digital holds. Informal, fun, and conversational, the episodes are a way to keep you edutained, and get otherwise open and new perspectives from UK talent. Catch the original roundtable series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2onCOQiGkg&list=PLVp32ASh21hhWvQYCrasa8qXkrEB3kQym
Episodes
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Ep37: God Did w/ MICHAEL SALAMI & SHEILA NORTLEY
Not even two months from its release, and fresh off the news of a season 2, we are joined by Sheila Nortley and Michael Salami, producer and actor for Netflix fan favourite, Supacell. The duo step into the circle to talk respective journeys in the build up to joining the global no1 hit show,...
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Ep 36: Put The Work In w/ RAPMAN
Our Supa Weekender continues wIth an interview with man of the moment Rapman. The Writer/Director joins us at Acast Studios this week to speak candidly on his humble upbringings in Lewisham, finding passion and purpose in storytelling, how his viral Youtube series introduced him to Jeymes Samuel...
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Ep35: Back Yourself w/ ADELAYO ADEDAYO
This week actress Adelayo Adedayo steps inside The Circle with Leon and Akua to wax lyrical over a storied career. The East London native speaks on her love for theatre and literature, giving up law for her acting career, her breakthrough role in BBC Three's 'Some Girls', working with Tosin Cole...
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A Renegade Nell special w/ ADRIAN LESTER & ENYI OKORONKWO
In this special episode of The Circle, Leon teams up with guest co-host and actress Dani Moseley to speak with Adrian Lester and Enyi Okoronkwo - stars of Disney Plus series Renegade Nell. On the eve of it's release, we all waxed lyrical on the actors' approach to their respective roles…
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Ep34: Gotta Have A Laugh Aint Ya? w/ KIELL SMITH-BYNOE
Mid-season finale! Award-winning Actor and Writer Kiell Smith-Bynoe steps inside the circle with Leon and Akua. In between performances of his recent theatre project 'Kool Story bro' the prolific comedic juggernaut took time to wax lyrical with us over a storied career that has seen him…
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Ep33: Joyful Stress w/ NINA MALONE
IAG Talent Agent Nina Malone joins Leon and Akua in the circle. Celebrating seven years as an agent, she reminisces on her transition from modelling to managing talent. We talk demystifying the myth of pretty privilege, tips to becoming a competent agent, why she reps so many clients but never...
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Ep32: Trust Your Sauce w/ ABDOU CISSE
Director, Writer and Producer Abdou Cisse joins Leon and Akua to wax lyrical on an astonishing start to his career. From transitioning from Architecture to Advertising to Filmmaking, wanting to put the mandem on the global map, paying it forward with his crossover production company with long…
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Ep31: Plantain Forever w/ DOMINIC BUCHANAN
Executive Producer/Producer Dominic Buchanan steps inside the circle in our longest and perhaps most honest episode to date to wax lyrical on a storied journey that has seen him premiere and win awards at Tribeca and Sundance respectively. Further stories include how a deal offer from Paramount…
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Representation vs Responsibility
In between episodes, Leon and Akua discuss random but poignant topics usually reserved for their WhatsApp. This week we speak on Kenya Barris and the ongoing discourse around representation of dark-skinned women in his successful output of Film and TV.
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Ep30: The Best Bits So Far
Finally! We've landed on 30 episodes. To celebrate we have put together a few soundbites from some of our guests so far. A massive thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in. More to come! Special thanks to Theresa Ikoko, Akemnji Ndifornyen, Sherie Myers, Tahirah Sharif, Destiny Ekaragha,...
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Ep 29: Just Crack On Innit w/ KIBWE TAVARES
Director Kibwe Tavares jumps into the hot seat with Leon and Akua this week. We speak on his transition from architecture to filmmaking, starting his own production company Factory Fifteen, his love for design and how it informs his style, a storied career that spans across a sundance winning…
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Ep28: Everyone Is The Protagonist Of Their Story w/ FRANKLIN LEONARD
This week we are joined by producer, cultural commentator and founder of The Blacklist, Franklin Leonard. As we enter year 20 of his groundbreaking company which celebrates and supports screenwriters, Franklin reflects on a storied journey that brought him from Harvard all the way to stints at…
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Ep27: Always Own Your Voice w/ LAUREN SEQUEIRA
Aaaand we're back! Our Season 3 opener is with writer, showrunner, executive producer and South East London native Lauren Sequeira. Three days off the premiere of her debut original series 'Domino Day' on BBC Three, Lauren speaks with Leon & Akua on a storied journey so far including penning a...
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Season 3 Prelude: Award Season
Your favourite carpenter and plagiarist are back with a special prelude before season 3 hits the airwaves. Akua and Leon talk award season, the controversy behind the Barbie nominations, black talent making waves at the Oscars and BAFTAs, and introducing a new segment in between guest episodes....
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Ep26: Pressure Is A Privilege w/ NICÔLE LECKY
Actress, Writer, Producer, Artist...oxygen, Nicôle Lecky joins us on this week's episode. After the release of her multi award-winning drama series 'Mood' on BBC Three, Nicôle waxed lyrical with Leon and Akua, of the series' origin in theatre as the previously titled 'Superhoe', how her…
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Ep25: There Are no Rules w/ BENNETT MCGHEE
Producer Bennett McGhee steps into the hot seat with Leon and Akua as he discusses early cinema trips forging his passion for film, his love for UK garage, forming a long time friendship with his now business partner Dominic Buchanan for production company Home Team, his first ever feature lock...
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Ep24: Dreaming Whilst Black w/ DREAMING WHILST BLACK CREW
Back with a special episode as Leon and Akua are joined by the cast and crew of BBC & A24 series 'Dreaming Whilst Black'. Ahead of the series release, the duo wax lyrical with the show's creator and lead Adjani Salmon, producer Nicola Gregory, directors Joelle Mae David & Koby Adom, and lead...
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Ep23: Bringing Wealth From Abroad w/ JIMMY AKINGBOLA
Multitalented Actor, Producer and Presenter Jimmy Akingbola joins the circle to wax lyrical on a career that started playing Elvis in theatre, honing his screen skills on BBC sitcom 'The Crouches', how he has managed to stay relevant and working in the industry on both sides of the Atlantic,...
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Ep22: Trust Those Who Listen w/ THALISSA TEIXEIRA
Actress and Director Thalissa Teixeira steps inside the circle to wax lyrical on her dual British and Brazilian heritage, the positives of creativity when dealing with mental health, colourblind casting, working alongside good friend Paapa Essiedu in Anne Bolelyn, her experience in groundbreaking...
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Ep21: You Only Live Once w/ SHEILA NORTLEY
Producer and Writer Sheila Nortley joins Leon and Akua this week to speak on a storied journey which spawned award-winning short films, collaborations with talent including Aml Ameen, Shola Amoo, and Ashley Walters, gaining a three series development deal with Sky, producing two Netflix series...
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Ep20: Inner Work Is Most Important w/ SEBASTIAN THIEL
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...
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Ep19: You'll Be Dead Soon, So Just Chill w/ NIDA MANZOOR
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…
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Ep18: Live Your Life The Way That Makes You Happy w/ KIRBY HOWELL-BAPTISTE
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...
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Ep17: Be True' w/ DEBORAH AYORINDE
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…
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Ep16: Just Keep Truckin' w/ AISHA BYWATERS
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...
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Ep15: Storyteller First, Auteur Next w/ GBEMISOLA IKUMELO
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...
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Ep14: It's Just Who I Am w/ AML AMEEN
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...
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Ep13: Who Said I'm Grounded? I'm The Best! w/ LUTI FAGBENLE
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…
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Ep12: I Needed To Earn A Certain Amount Of Money, To Live The Life I Want To Live' w/ KHARMEL COCHRANE
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'…
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Ep11: Whatever You Choose, Do It Properly w/ PAAPA ESSIEDU
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...
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Ep10: When The Work Stops, Who Am I? w/ NAOMI ACKIE
BAFTA award-winning actress Naomi Ackie steps inside The Circle with Leon & Akua. She talks through her holistic journey during lockdown, writing projects that centre black women, her dream role in Lady Macbeth, working with John Boyega to push a Janna & Finn 'will they, won't they' in Star Wars,...
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Ep9: As Long As You Remember Where You Came From, You'll Always Have A Home w/ DAMSON IDRIS
Damson Idris joins The Circle in a special lockdown insta live session. He waxes lyrical on auditioning for FX series Snowfall, life-changing words from the late great John Singleton, his process for his role in Farming, experience on set with John Boyega in Attack the Block, a hilarious…
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Ep8: Be Comfortable With Not Being Promoted Before Your Time w/ DANIELLE SCOTT-HAUGHTON
We step inside the circle with television executive and screenwriter Danielle Scott-Haughton as she discusses her journey from post-production worker to web series creator and development executive. Danielle gives Akua insight into the screenwriting process and how to get your project greenlit…
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Ep7: Positive Mental Attitude w/ JADE ANOUKA
Actress Jade Anouka steps inside the circle this week as she speaks on her love for the stage, breaking expectations in the television and film projects she chooses, auditioning for Steve McQueen and clinching a role in critically acclaimed anthology Small Axe, and her starring roles in ITV Drama...
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Ep 6: It Came From Somewhere w/ ZACKARY MOMOH
A sitdown with Zackary Momoh, star of Seven Pounds, Harriet, and Doctor Sleep. We discuss old school sweets and chocolates, the similarities and differences in acting in the UK vs the US, being inspired by Regina King, having an industry support system, and the status of the previously highly...
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Ep 5: As Long As There's Snacks w/ DESTINY EKHARAGA
We sit down with BAFTA award-winning director Destiny Ekharaga to talk about her new love for landscaping during lockdown, becoming one of only six black British female directors to have UK cinema distribution, her perseverance in choosing and fighting for her respective television and film…
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Ep 4: Shut Out The Noise w/ TAHIRAH SHARIF
Step inside The Circle with Tahirah Sharif. In this week's podcast Leon and Akua speak with the actress on her starring roles in Netflix hit 'The Haunting Of Bly Manor', BBC series 'Waterloo Road' and the rights of passage soap 'Casualty'. We also unpack the booksmart talent's experiences on set,...
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Ep3: How Can I Present Myself As A Bad Bitch And Call Myself Professional? w/ SHERIE MYERS
This week we wax lyrical with Development Producer Sherie Myers, whose career so far has seen her as script editor on Sky and CW series 'Bulletproof', story consultant on her friend Michaela Coel's critically acclaimed HBO & BBC series 'I May Destroy You', and development edit for new Netflix and...
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Ep2: Leave Your Place Nicer Than You Found It w/ AKEMNJI NDIFORNYEN
BAFTA Award-Winning Writer, Producer & Actor Akemnji Ndifornyen. steps into the studio to speak on an illustrious career so far from being an extra on Eastenders to starring in breakout Netflix series The Queen's Gambit. We go in-depth with audience perception on his BBC shows 'Famalam' and 'The...
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Ep1: I Can't Come & Die w/ THERESA IKOKO
Fresh off the success of her Theatrical and Netflix release of indie film 'Rocks', Leon and Akua speak to screenwriter Theresa Ikoko about her journey, background, and creative teachings as she reminds us to work smart not hard.
About this show
Hosted by award-winning duo Executive Producer/Screenwriter Leon Mayne, and journalist/media chronicler Akua Gyamfi, The Circle features the two friends waxing lyrical with the hottest Black British talent across Television and Film - discussing weekly topics, their career journeys, the creative process, and what the future of TV, Film, and Digital holds. Informal, fun, and conversational, the episodes are a way to keep you edutained, and get otherwise open and new perspectives from UK talent. Catch the original roundtable series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2onCOQiGkg&list=PLVp32ASh21hhWvQYCrasa8qXkrEB3kQym
Hosted by
Leon Mayne
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