The Screen Podcast

In the sixth episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, we look at some of the strong early contenders for the event’s top award, the Golden Lion.Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s senior US critic Tim Grierson, who reveals a trio of titles that have impressed him so far on the Lido.One is May el-Toukhy’s post-Second World War drama Woman Unknown, the only title in competition solely directed by a woman. “It builds to an ending that I found incredibly effective,” says Grierson. “It’s a really impressive piece of work, and one of the strongest easily in the competition.”Grierson also explains why Lee Chang-dong’s Possible Love shares much in common with the filmmaker’s previous acclaimed work Burning, and spotlights a five-hour documentary project that is full of “beautiful small moments.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fifth episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, we delve into the press conferences for Primetime and the Oasis doc, and find out which Italian titles could make their mark this year. Host Wendy Mitchell is first joined by Screen’s senior UK and international reporter Ben Dalton to take us through the latest press conference highlights, including Robert Pattinson’s response to Chris Hansen’s Primetime criticism and Nanni Moretti’s buzzy return to the Lido.Then, Mitchell is joined by critic Lee Marshall to hear how the Italian films are going down at the festival and to make some early predictions for the Golden Lion.The Screen Podcast is running daily episodes during the Venice Film Festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fourth episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, one of our critics picks her early competition highlights while we hear what George Clooney had to say about AI.First, host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s Europe editor Tim Dams to delve into CAA and Finch & Partners’ The Future of… Creativity forum, which focused on AI and included George Clooney, Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera and jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal among its guest speakers.Then, Mitchell is joined by international critic Wendy Ide, who picks out some of her early competition highlights - and lowlights - so far. The Screen Podcast is running daily episodes during the Venice Film Festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the third episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, the team looks at what awards contenders could emerge from the event.Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s box office and awards editor Charles Gant to discuss the Venice lineup’s Oscar and Bafta chances - from Martin McDonagh’s 'Wild Horse Nine' to Lee Chang-Dong’s 'Possible Love'.The Screen Podcast is running daily episodes during the Venice Film Festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, the team breaks down the real cost of attending the event and delves into the first of the press conferences. First host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s Europe editor Tim Dams, who unpacks why mega costs might be behind the absence of studios on the Lido this year. Then, Mitchell is joined by senior UK and international reporter Ben Dalton for highlights from the first day’s press conferences - including jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal’s thoughts on the lack of women in competition and what Ink director Danny Boyle has in common with Rupert Murdoch. The Screen Podcast will be running daily episodes during the Venice Film Festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, the team picks out ten acquisition titles to look out for on the Lido.Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s senior UK and international reporter Ben Dalton to discuss the buzzy English-language and European titles that could tempt buyers.The Screen Podcast will be running daily episodes during the Venice Film Festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, two Gen Z cinemagoers share their thoughts on everything from Steven Spielberg to social media marketing. Screen’s reporter and video producer Ellie Calnan is joined by Dylan Taylor, 18, and Olivia Lawson, 23.The duo debated whether premium formats are worth the pricier ticket, if bad reviews make any difference, and what social media marketing is actually effective. They also discussed why long release windows make a difference, what the industry gets wrong about Gen Z and whether movie stars still have appeal. The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.Read more: https://www.screendaily.com/features/six-gen-z-cinemagoers-discuss-cinema-prices-release-windows-confusion-and-celebrity-interviews/5215650.article Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Screen rounds up the key industry talking points from the late summer film festivals. First host Wendy Mitchell talks to Ben Dalton, senior UK and international reporter, about their time at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). The duo discuss how the event interacts with the Fringe, Claire Binns’ “interrogation” of BFI CEO Ben Roberts and why the festival’s Trainspotting event was a certified hit. Mitchell is then joined by Europe editor Tim Dams to get the lowdown on this year’s Locarno Film Festival, from how attendees coped in the heatwave to why it was another buzzy industry programme. Finally, Mitchell speaks to Screen’s senior UK and Ireland reporter Mona Tabbara from the ground in Sarajevo. She reveals some of the films impressing festivalgoers, and why Woody Harrelson was drinking Irish whiskey and singing Elvis on stage. The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday. Read more at www.screendaily.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team delves into the future of horror films, from YouTubers to the rising talents from the UK and Ireland.  Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s reviews editor Nikki Baughan to discuss what the success of YouTuber horror films Backrooms and Obsession earlier this summer says about the future of the genre and why there is a lack of female filmmakers coming up through the social platform.The duo then discussed what has otherwise been a disappointing summer for horror releases and why upcoming festivals including Toronto and Venice might offer some hope. They also debate who the new horror talents are in the UK and Irish film industry.  The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.Read more at https://www.screendaily.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team behind new UK indie Sunny Dancer reveal how they made the tricky jump to a second feature and discuss the film’s pre-sales, budget manoeuvres and festival launch. Filmmaker and producer George Jaques, a 2022 Screen Star Of Tomorrow, and producer Ken Petrie talk to Screen’s senior UK and international reporter Ben Dalton about making their new feature Sunny Dancer, which is set at a summer camp for teenage cancer survivors. The film made a significant number of pre-sales at Cannes 2024 via Embankment.Sunny Dancer is Jaques’ second feature following his 2023 debut Black Dog, a DIY indie made on a budget of £500,000. While Sunny Dancer was a big step up, Jaques discussed how he navigated budget limitations. Read Screen's review of the film here: https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/sunny-dancer-review-bella-ramsey-heads-confident-and-upbeat-uk-teen-drama/5213822.article The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team delves into the appointment of Isabel Davis as the new head of the BFI Filmmaking Funds and what it means for the future of the UK independent film sector.First, Screen’s editor Matt Mueller checks in with senior UK and Ireland reporter Mona Tabbara, who spoke to the industry this week about the appointment.Mueller is then joined by producer Nicky Bentham of Neon Films, who is also co-chair of Pact’s Film Producers’ Group, to discuss what potential changes Davis could bring in. Finally, Wendy Mitchell speaks to producer and filmmaker Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, who shares her thoughts on Davis’s international impact.The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.Read more on this story here: https://tinyurl.com/9vmx25hh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team delves into the lineup for the 2026 Venice Film Festival, which was announced earlier today. Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s editor Matt Mueller and senior international critic Wendy Ide to discuss what themes emerged from this year’s programme, including the absence of Hollywood studios once again, the lengthy documentary section and the inclusion of just one woman in competition. Read more here: https://www.screendaily.com/news/venice-film-festival-reveals-2026-lineup/5218820.article Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, we hear about why the early summer film festivals of Transilvania, Munich, Galway and Karlovy Vary are must-attend, fun and lively events for savvy international execs.First host Wendy Mitchell talks to senior UK and Ireland reporter Mona Tabbara about her time at the Transilvania and the Galway Film Fleadh. Mitchell is then joined by senior UK and international reporter Ben Dalton to get the lowdown on the Karlovy Vary film festival and share her own thoughts on the Munich International Film Festival, including why she declined to take part in the (in)famous rafting activity. The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.Read more on https://www.screendaily.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Razor Film co-founder Roman Paul and Komplizen Film co-founder Janine Jackowski explain why the German film sector is undergoing a major transition.Host Wendy Mitchell talks to Jackowski and Paul about some of the challenges facing production in Germany at the moment and the advantages of European co-production.Paul co-founded Razor in 2002 with Gerhard Meixner, and their credits include Waltz With Bashir, The Perfect Candidate and Quo Vadis, Aida?.Jackowski founded Komplizen in 1999 alongside Maren Ade, with Jonas Dornbach joining as managing director and producer in 2010. Their output has included all of Ade’s films, plus Pablo Larrain’s Spencer and Marie Kreutzer’s recent Cannes Competition title Gentle Monster.Both companies are part of The Creatives, the alliance of nine international production companies, which is also discussed in the podcast.The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.Find out more at https://www.screendaily.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team delves into the talking points from European exhibition convention CineEurope, which took place in Barcelona last week (June 22-25).Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s box office and awards editor Charles Gant, who takes us through all the studio presentations at CineEurope, and picks out some of the key titles.He picks out Zach Cregger’s 'Resident Evil' as one of the intriguing projects on show, and explains what was said (or not said) about the Paramount-Warner Bros merger.For more on the stories mentioned this week, go to https://www.screendaily.com/Read more of Charles' insights into CineEurope below https://www.screendaily.com/features/seven-talking-points-from-cineeurope-2026/5218143.article Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team debates why open letters have become so popular in the film industry and what kind of impact they can have. Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s deputy editor Louise Tutt and Europe editor Tim Dams to discuss the latest in a growing trend of open letters - this time, two in support of Israeli-born filmmaker Nadav Lapid, who was forced to withdraw from the FID Marseille jury as part of a cultural boycott of Israel. Other film industry open letters in recent months covered topics such as Canal+ owner Vincent Bollore, the Berlinale’s stance on Gaza and the Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery deal.The trio then discussed the new deal between Netflix and France’s TF1, which will make TF1’s content available on the streaming service.The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.For more on the stories mentioned this week, go to https://www.screendaily.com.France’s CNC responds to Nadav Lapid situation https://www.screendaily.com/news/frances-cnc-responds-to-nadav-lapid-situation-by-launching-a-support-service-for-filmmakers-and-festivals/5218009.articleNetflix rolls out TF1 content in France https://www.screendaily.com/news/netflix-rolls-out-tf1-content-in-france-marking-streamers-first-tie-up-with-local-broadcaster/5217808.article Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, Aardman co-founder Peter Lord discusses 50 years of the historic UK animation company. Ahead of the Annecy film festival, senior international reporter Ben Dalton speaks to Lord about co-founding the Bristol-based company with David Sproxton over 50 years ago and their decision to become an employee-owned business in 2018.The animator, whose credits include Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, also discussed AI and how much Aardman would embrace the new technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, US producer John Sloss speaks to Wendy Mitchell about finance trends, working in Europe, and the restructuring of deal-making. Sloss is the founder and CEO of Cinetic Media and also a partner at the law firm Sloss Eckhouse Dasti Haynes LawCo. His credits include Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague, Blue Moon, Boyhood and Before Sunrise series as well as Todd Haynes’s Velvet Underground, Wonderstruck and I’m Not There. Sloss has also worked on several Oscar winners, including Boys Don’t Cry and Green Book and sold films such as Napoleon Dynamite and Little Miss Sunshine. “The process of deal-making has gotten elongated, which isn’t necessarily a good thing for the people selling films,” Sloss said. “The people buying films are controlling the market a little more and tamping down the urgency that we used to try to create.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, our senior critics share their hidden gems from the 2026 Cannes film festival. Host Wendy Mitchell speaks to Screen’s senior international critic Wendy Ide and senior US critic Tim Grierson to discuss the films from this year’s festival that didn’t come away with any prizes, and that they feel deserve more attention. The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team debriefs on Cannes Film Festival’s closing ceremony and awards; and chats to Norwegian actresses Renate Reinsve, star of Palme d’Or winner Fjord, and Marie Ulven, star of Directors’ Fortnight title Low Expectations.First, host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s France correspondent Rebecca Leffler to take us inside Cannes’ closing night activities, including the best speeches, in-the-room reactions and the afterparty.Then Mitchell speaks to Renate Reinsve and fellow Norwegian actor Marie Ulven on the ground in Cannes about their respective films in the festival. To download or subscribe to future episodes, search for ‘The Screen Podcast’, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube.The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of The Screen Podcast at Cannes, the team rounds up the key talking points from the market, including the major deals and the Dogma filmmaking boom. Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s editor-in-chief Matt Mueller and deputy editor Louise Tutt to discuss all the biggest deals from the Cannes market and what it says about the health of the industry. Then, they delve into the Dogma initiatives that were announced at this year’s festival, including German and UK iterations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the ninth episode of The Screen Podcast at Cannes, the team delves into the latest from the French film industry and the festival’s best parties so far. Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s UK and international reporter Ben Dalton and France correspondent Rebecca Leffler to discuss the mood of the French film industry, particularly in the wake of Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada’s statement that he would blacklist everyone who signed an open letter criticising main shareholder Vincent Bollore. Then, the trio debates the best parties, the best dogs and what highlights are still to come at the festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the eighth episode of The Screen Podcast at Cannes, two of our critics pick their favourite films from the festival so far.Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen critics Johnathan Romney and Lee Marshall, who each spotlight a film from the Competition and parallel sections so far. Plus, they discuss what themes are emerging from the festival and whether it has been a strong year for the Competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the seventh episode of The Screen Podcast at Cannes, the team spotlights genre titles and discusses the films causing market buzz. Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s reviews editor Nikki Baughan and Americas editor Jeremy Kay to discuss the genre highlights from the programme, the buyers circling 'Club Kid' and 'A Man Of His Time' as well as new distributor Cineverse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the sixth episode of The Screen Podcast at Cannes, host Matt Mueller is joined by Tim Grierson, our senior US critic, to discuss the current state of the Cannes Competition, including his highlights and lowlights, and why this could be the year of Sandra Huller. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fifth episode of The Screen Podcast at Cannes, the team explores Asia’s presence and what themes are emerging from the press conferences. Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s Asia editor Michael Rosser and reporter and video producer Ellie Calnan to discuss the Asian films making noise in both the festival and the market. They also delve into the weighty topics being tackled at press conferences, from politics to AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team delves into the future of Creative Europe and the history of Screen’s jury grid.Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s head of digital, Orlando Parffit, and Europe editor Tim Dams to discuss the end of Creative Europe’s Media programme and why over 4,500 filmmakers, actors and industry folk have signed an open letter calling for more support for cinema from the EU. The trio also delves into the history of Screen’s iconic jury grid, from record-breaking scores to the reason behind the four-star system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of The Screen Podcast at Cannes, the team takes a look at the UK’s presence in the market and the private equity boom. Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s editor-in-chief Matt Mueller and senior UK and Ireland reporter Mona Tabbara to debate whether UK sales agents are making a comeback and why the programme is not so light on UK presence as it first appears. The trio also discusses the increase in private equity options following the launch of the Cannes Marche’s Investors’ Circle back in 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of The Screen Podcast at Cannes, the team delves into the market from the US and French perspectives. Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s Americas editor Jeremy Kay and France correspondent Rebecca Leffler to discuss the lack of films from Hollywood studios and the shake-up in US distribution. They also delve into why the French sales agents are dominating the market more than ever. The Screen Podcast will be running daily episodes during the festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of The Screen Podcast at Cannes, the team previews the market and festival.Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s deputy editor Louise Tutt and UK and international reporter Ben Dalton to discuss the opening of the Cannes market and why buyers and sellers are arriving earlier every year. The trio also delves into Thierry Fremaux’s press conference which tackled politics, gender parity, and Oscar rule changes. The Screen Podcast will be running daily episodes during the festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fionnuala Jamison, managing director at French sales and production powerhouse mk2 Films, speaks to Screen’s editor-in-chief Matt Mueller ahead of the Cannes Film Festival.In the interview, Jamison discusses her ambitions for mk2’s Cannes festival and market slate, and her views on what the market is looking for.She also talks about mk2’s multi-year financing deal with investment fund manager IPR.VC, which kicked off in 2024; working with Justine Triet again on Fonda, the writer/director’s follow-up to Anatomy Of A Fall; and reviving Todd Haynes’ 1930s-set gay love story De Noche, which originally starred Joaquin Phoenix before he quit unexpectedly shortly before production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, Italian-UK producer Carlo Cresto-Dina advocates for protecting the role of film producers, who he says are essential for managing “complex creative processes.”Cresto-Dina, founder of the Italy- and UK-based Tempesta, is best known for producing Alice Rohrwacher’s features: Corpo Celeste. The Wonders, Happy as Lazzaro and La Chimera. His other credits include Cathy Brady’s Wildfire, Margherita Vicario’s Gloria!, Michela Cescon’s Blue Eyes, and Leonardo Di Costanzo’s Ariaferma. He is also an experienced co-producer.In the full podcast interview, Cresto-Dina also talks about how to “sniff” new talent - like helping Rohrwacher get her debut feature Corpo Celeste off the ground even before she had directed shorts.The Screen Podcast is hosted by Wendy Mitchell and produced by Ellie Calnan. New episodes are out every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Industry experts share their tips for navigating the Cannes Film Festival.Joining host Wendy Mitchell are Picturehouse Cinemas and Picturehouse Entertainment creative director Clare Binns, TrustNordisk managing director Susan Wendt, and Frederic Boyer, artistic director at both Tribeca Film Festival in New York and France’s Les Arcs Film Festival.The quartet of Cannes veterans discuss how they tackle meetings, and why sometimes turning them down is better for everyone. The experts also get into the dos and don’ts of getting party invitee, and reveal their survival tips for getting through the festival.The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan. New episodes every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, our team go in-depth on the Cannes parallel sections that were unveiled earlier this week.Screen’s France correspondent and Cannes expert Rebecca Leffler joins host Wendy Mitchell to offer her insight into the Critics’ Week and Directors’ Fortnight selections, having spoken to the heads of both sections this year.Our team also discuss Thierry Fremaux’s official selection, and what this says about the French film industry, and Leffler shares some of her Cannes survival tips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team reacts to this year’s Cannes Official Selection, which was unveiled by Thierry Fremaux and Iris Knobloch in Paris earlier today.Breaking down the list of titles with host Wendy Mitchell are Screen’s editor-in-chief Matt Mueller and senior international critic Wendy Ide.The trio picks out the films they are excited about, plus some of the trends from this year’s list.The podcast also delves into the titles that may have missed out and what still could be added by Fremaux. Plus they predict some potential future awards contenders from the selection, and explain what happened to the Brits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, Norwegian author and screenwriter Jo Nesbø discusses his Netflix series Detective Hole.Host Wendy Mitchell talks to Nesbo about how he transformed his novel into a nine-episode series and why star Tobias Santelmann almost lost out on the lead role.Nesbo also discussed his previously adapted novel The Snowman, which was made into a feature film by other writers and received poor reviews from the critics.Finally, the writer explained why the ‘Nordic Noir’ label does not bother him and whether the market for thriller series has become oversaturated.The Screen Podcast is hosted by Wendy Mitchell and produced by Ellie Calnan. New episodes every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, our team is at the Series Mania festival, which has seen leading execs from the European TV drama sector descend on Lille this week. Screen’s Europe editor Tim Dams and French correspondent Rebecca Leffler join host Wendy Mitchell to discuss the challenges faced by European drama producers in the post-‘peak TV’ era and why co-producing is now key.The team also discusses continued consolidation amongst Europe’s big players, how Europe is now luring Hollywood talent, and picks out some of the hottest new dramas at this year’s festival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team breaks down the Oscars ceremony and chats to two of the filmmakers who found themselves in a rare tie for an Academy Award.Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s Americas editor Jeremy Kay, who attended the ceremony, and box office and awards editor Charles Gant, to break down the 98th Academy Awards.They discuss what worked at the ceremony and what fell flat, who got the biggest cheers, and the food that was served at the afterparty.Then, Mitchell talks to Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh who directed Two People Exchanging Saliva - one of the two films to win the Oscar for best live-action short this year, which was just the seventh tied award ever in the history of the Oscars.They explain how it felt to experience the strange situation in real time, and having a “moment with Jay-Z” at his afterparty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, our team of critics picks out some hidden gems from the Sundance and Berlin film festivals.Host Wendy Mitchell is first joined by Screen’s reviews editor Nikki Baughan and senior international critic Wendy Ide.Titles highlighted include Sundance doc Seized and Berlinale Perspectives debut The Red Hangar by Chilean director Juan Pablo Sallato. Then, Mitchell catches up with Screen’s senior US critic Tim Grierson to discuss his favourites from Sundance which includes the “divisive” romantic drama Carousel starring Chris Pine and Jenny Slate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, we analyse three huge film industry stories from the past week: the future of the Berlin film festival and its director Tricia Tuttle, Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, and the continued fallout from the Bafta Film Awards ceremony.Screen’s contributing editor Wendy Mitchell is joined by editor-in-chief Matt Mueller and deputy editor Louise Tutt to analyse the developments.Starting with the Berlinale, they look at the outpouring of industry support for Tricia and whether open letters are helpful.The team discusses the continued fallout from the Tourettes incident at the Baftas, and what questions need to be asked by the comprehensive review launched by the arts charity.Finally, the podcast team gives their initial reaction to David Ellison and Paramount Skydance winning the battle for Warner Bros Discovery after Netflix dropped out, and what could happen next. The Screen Podcast is produced and edited by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rising UK actors David Jonsson and Tom Blyth discuss their new film Wasteman and share their insights into the state of the UK film industry. Jonsson and Blyth talk to Screen reporter and video producer Ellie Calnan about working with debut director Cal McMau on the Bafta-nominated prison thriller, distributed by Lionsgate UK. Jonsson, a former Screen Star of Tomorrow, executive-produced the project and went on to set up his own production company, greyarea, with Wasteman producer Sophia Gibber.The duo also discusses how they balance working in the UK and the US, the challenges facing young actors today and whether they worry about AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team looks back on Sunday’s controversial Bafta ceremony and the subsequent fallout. Breaking down the evening are Screen’s contributing editor Wendy Mitchell, editor-in-chief Matt Mueller and awards editor Charles Gant, who were all at the ceremony.They look at how the events unfolded on the night - when Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur whilst Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting - and the serious questions that both Bafta and the BBC need to answer after this was broadcast on UK television.The trio also discusses some of the other highlights and lowlights from the ceremony, including the emotional speeches from Sinners’ Wunmi Mosaku and I Swear casting director Lauren Evans, and the strange decision for Sam Mendes to speak first when Hamnet won the British film prize. Finally and on a lighter note, there is a recap of the post-ceremony party circuit. Which party had the best canapes, and what famous actor was wearing a bathrobe?The Screen Podcast is produced and edited by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team unpick what exactly is going on at the 2026 Berlin film festival - from politics to parties, and discuss the highlights from the programme and market so far.Screen's contributing editor Wendy Mitchell is joined by deputy editor Louise Tutt and senior UK and international reporter Ben Dalton to discuss the political row unfolding over the festival's stance on the war in Gaza and claims of censorship.Elsewhere, the team talk about the buzzy titles coming out of the festival, their future success and why so few deals are being done on the ground.The Screen Podcast is produced and edited by Ellie Calnan with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes drop every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, film financiers Alexandra Lebret of the Together Fund and Andrea Scarso of IPR.VC share their insights.Lebret is managing director of Paris-based film and TV focused investment fund, the Together Fund, in partnership with Paris based investment firm Axio Capital. The Fund has so far raised €58m to invest in European independent film and television production companies and recently made its first investment into top Belgium-based producer Caviar. Scarso is managing partner at IPR.VC, a fund management company that raises money from traditional capital markets and invests specifically in the creative sector. IPR.VC has partnered with the likes of Red Bull Studios, XYZ Films, mk2, and A24, with Scarso also serving as an executive producer on Marty Supreme.The Screen Podcast is produced and edited by Ellie Calnan with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle speaks to Screen’s deputy editor Louise Tutt about this year's festival, what she is doing differently for her second edition in charge, and her highlights from the diverse lineup of titles.They also delve into how Berlin competes with other festivals, and how Tuttle hopes to better support sales agents and buyers this year and beyond.The Screen Podcast is produced and edited by Ellie Calnan with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team delves into the 2026 Bafta and Oscar nominations.First, Screen editor Matt Mueller, deputy editor Louise Tutt and awards and box office editor Charles Gant discuss the key differences in nominations across the two awards bodies.They also explore what impact Bafta’s new jury interventions in best British film and documentary have had on this year’s results.The Screen Podcast is produced and edited by Ellie Calnan with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary producer and WMA agent Cassian Elwes looks back on his years attending Sundance Film Festival and how they helped to shape the independent film industry.Screen’s Americas editor Jeremy Kay and Elwes – whose producing credits include Blue Valentine, Dallas Buyers Club and The Butler – begin by remembering the late Robert Redford, who co-founded the festival and worked with Elwes on several occasions.The duo also discusses the Sundance Institute’s new CEO, late-night deals at the festival over the years and what the impending move to Colorado means for the event.957226 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team picks out the talking points from the Bafta longlists and last Sunday’s Golden Globes ceremony.First, Screen’s contributing editor Wendy Mitchell, editor Matt Mueller, deputy editor Louise Tutt and awards and box office editor Charles Gant go in-depth on why the Bafta longlists are really shortlists, whether it is a bad thing that smaller arthouse titles were mostly shut out of the major categories, and what impact they might have on Oscar voting.The team also looks at the Golden Globes results and how much relevance they have for the rest of the awards season. Plus, they explore date shifts for the European Film Awards and the Bafta nominations, the latter of which will come after the Oscar nominations for the first time in 25 years. ccb06d30-fc46-11f0-b621-63da90a66d7c Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team pick out 10 major film industry storylines that are set to play out next year, recommend unsung British titles for Bafta voters, and look back at the Red Sea Film Festival.Screen contributing editor Wendy Mitchell is joined by editor-in-chief Matt Mueller and deputy editor Louise Tutt look at hot 2026 topics, including potential changes to major UK bodies, streamer levies, how studios are working with AI, and the Warner Bros Discovery takeover.They also discuss how Gen Z audiences are returning to cinemas, the major changes coming to the Creative Europe programme, renewal at some of the world’s biggest festival, and the potential impact of chaotic global politics.Wendy is also joined by Screen's senior international reporter Ben Dalton to discuss his latest trip to Red Sea International Film Festival, which included serious star-power, interesting parties, and flooding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this extra edition of The Screen Podcast, we go in-depth on the Warner Bros sale with M&A expert Kim Chua, who sheds light on the views of shareholders and potential regulatory hurdles.Chua, a partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants, was speaking to Screen’s Americas editor Jeremy Kay.They discuss the different motivations behind the rival bids from Netflix and Paramount Skydance, and why many shareholders might see the Netflix bid as “more risky”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.