How I made it (Somehow)

In this episode of How I Made It (Somehow), directing duo XOXO - Tessa and Paula - join the podcast to talk about what it really means to create as two.Working across global campaigns for brands like Meta, Sephora, Coca-Cola, Ikea and McDonald’s, they’ve developed a distinctive voice that blends bold visuals with emotional storytelling. Together, they share how they balance their different instincts, build a shared creative language, and navigate the industry as a duo.We talk about collaboration, trust, and the realities of co-directing - from shaping ideas together to making decisions under pressure, and why having fun in the process still matters.A sharp, honest conversation about partnership, authorship, and finding your voice - not alone, but together.

Francesco Coppola racconta il suo percorso nel mondo del cinema, dei videoclip musicali e della pubblicità.Francesco inizia la sua carriera nella produzione cinematografica, collaborando con Francesco Lettieri e il collettivo Cazzimma Brothers durante l’ascesa della scena indie italiana, lavorando a videoclip iconici per artisti come Calcutta. Parallelamente, fa esperienza su set di alto livello, lavorando accanto al premio Oscar Paolo Sorrentino in produzioni come The New Pope e È stata la mano di Dio, e con Gabriele Salvatores in Il Ragazzo Invisibile 2.Oggi lavora come regista tra videoclip, spot pubblicitari e contenuti branded, dirigendo progetti per artisti come Margherita Vicario, Loredana Bertè, Vinicio Capossela, Calcutta e Franco126, e per brand internazionali come Netflix, Ikea e MSC.In questo episodio parliamo di:– come iniziare una carriera nel cinema– cosa si impara lavorando sui set professionali– il passaggio dalla produzione alla regia– dirigere videoclip e lavorare con artisti– costruire una carriera creativa tra cinema, musica e pubblicitàUn episodio per registi, filmmaker e creativi che vogliono entrare nel settore e sviluppare il proprio linguaggio visivo.

In this episode of How I Made It (Somehow), Mischa Andreski joins the podcast to talk about her transition from Production Manager at Adventure Pictures, working alongside Sally Potter, to stepping into her own path as a writer-director.Having built her career behind the scenes - managing budgets, logistics, teams and creative problem-solving - Mischa shares what it really means to understand filmmaking from the inside out. We talk about learning the craft through production, supporting other directors’ visions, and the moment she realised it was time to back her own.A grounded, honest conversation about timing, authorship, and the courage it takes to shift from making films happen for others to creating your own.

In this episode of How I Made It (Somehow), producer-director Charlie Williams joins the podcast to talk about his journey through British factual television.Having worked across BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and Channel 4, Charlie shares what it really means to build a career in documentaries and unscripted TV — from fast-turnaround productions to long-form storytelling. We talk about editorial judgement, working under pressure, interviewing contributors on sensitive subjects, and navigating every stage of production from commission to delivery.A grounded, honest conversation about making factual TV, finding your voice, and staying calm while juggling multiple stories at once.

Director of Photography on iconic series such as Game of Thrones, The Crown, House of the Dragon, and Sherlock, Fabian Wagner has shaped some of the most recognisable imagery in modern television. In this episode, he reflects on his journey, the craft behind large-scale international productions, and the challenge of creating a distinct visual language that moves seamlessly between epic battles and intimate, character-driven drama.

A young yet already established Danish director, Anna Sørrig has built her career in advertising, working on campaigns for major brands such as McDonald’s and collaborating with the production company Holy Ravioli. In this episode, she reflects on balancing commercial work with fiction, sharing her journey, creative challenges, and her ongoing search for a distinct personal voice in today’s audiovisual landscape.

As a Visualization Editor at Framestore, Beatriz Amaral Teixeira is deeply involved in shaping the cinematic language of some of the biggest films in Hollywood — from Deadpool & Wolverine and Barbie to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Matrix Resurrections.In this episode, Beatriz explains what it really means to be a visualization editor, a role that bridges previs and postvis — crafting the visual foundation in pre-production and refining the story through post. With a background in editing and a sharp eye for storytelling, she shares how she carved out her path in the industry, the creative collaboration behind blockbusters, and the evolving role of visualization in modern filmmaking.🎧 Listen to How I Made It (Somehow) — stories of creative persistence, career pivots, and making it in the film industry... somehow.

In this episode of How I Made It (Somehow), Uruguayan cinematographer Nicolás Lejtreger shares his journey from Montevideo to London and beyond — working across more than 15 countries on commercials, music videos, documentaries, and narrative films.Nico opens up about the challenges of building an international career, the importance of collaboration, and how he crafts evocative visuals across different formats. A conversation full of insight, inspiration, and real stories from behind the camera.🎧 Listen to How I Made It (Somehow) for real stories from behind the scenes.

Maja Diedenhofen went from outsider to industry insider, working as Cast & Music Liaison , Producers' and Director’s Assistant and 1st AD on major films like Maria - directed by Pablo Larraín, the Oscar-nominated EO - directed by Jerzy Skolimowski, and the BAFTA and Oscar winner Conclave - directed by Edward Berger. She’s worked alongside talents like Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci and Angelina Jolie. In this episode, she shares how she broke into the industry without connections, what she’s learned on high-pressure sets, and the realities of climbing the filmmaking ladder. 🎧 Listen to How I Made It (Somehow) for real stories from behind the scenes.

What happens when a failing diner, a mysterious bag, and a crew of lovable misfits collide on screen? Greek writer-director Alexandros Tsilifonis takes us deep behind the scenes of his debut feature film, CAFE 404, revealing the wild ride of bringing his unique vision to life.From the first draft to the final take, Alexandros shares the real struggles of making a first feature, how he navigated the chaos of indie filmmaking, and what he learned about storytelling, persistence, and finding your voice in the industry.🎥 Whether you're a filmmaker, film student, or just curious about how movies actually get made—this one’s for you.🎧 Listen now to How I Made It (Somehow)—and get inspired by the journey behind the scenes.