The Filmmaker’s Playbook
In this podcast series writer-director Jason Branagan has conversations with filmmakers and above-the-line talent about all things filmmaking.
In this podcast series writer-director Jason Branagan has conversations with filmmakers and above-the-line talent about all things filmmaking.
Episodes

Mar 21, 2025
Mar 21, 2025
1hr 40 min
Welcome to episode #39 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guests this week are Jo Spain and Dave Logan. Jo and Dave are writers and producers. Together they write and executive produce Harry Wild, which stars Jane Seymour in the title role. Other credits as collaborators include the widely acclaimed adaptation of The Boy That Never Was. Outside of their collaborations, they each have successful solo careers as screenwriters and Jo’s new series 'Mixtape' just won the Audience Award for the TV Spotlight at SXSW.
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The purpose of this podcast is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process and to make real-world, educational information about filmmaking and film careers accessible to everyone at zero-cost. Whether you're a casual film fan, an aspiring filmmaker, or a seasoned professional, I hope you enjoy today's episode and learn something interesting in the process.
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If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider sharing it with a friend and rating us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. It's a great cost-free way to support the show.
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Follow The Filmmaker's Playbook on instagram @thefilmmakersplaybookpodcast
Follow Jason on instagram @jasonbranagandirector

Feb 6, 2025
#38 Seamus McGarvey: Cinematographer
Feb 6, 2025
Feb 6, 2025
1hr 13 min
Welcome to episode #38 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is two time Academy Award Nominated Cinematographer, Seamus McGarvey. Seamus was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his work on Atonement in 2007 and Anna Karenina in 2012. Other credits include The Avengers, The Greatest Showman, Nocturnal Animals, Godzilla, and much more.
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The purpose of this podcast is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process and to make real-world, educational information about filmmaking and film careers accessible to everyone at zero-cost. Whether you're a casual film fan, an aspiring filmmaker, or a seasoned professional, I hope you enjoy today's episode and learn something interesting in the process.
--
If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider sharing it with a friend and rating us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. It's a great cost-free way to support the show.
--
Follow The Filmmaker's Playbook on instagram @thefilmmakersplaybookpodcast
Follow Jason on instagram @jasonbranagandirector
Follow Seamus on instagram @seamiemc

Feb 4, 2025
#37 Waris Islam: Writer/Director
Feb 4, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
1hr 2 min
Welcome to episode #37 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is writer and director, Waris Islam. Waris's directing credits include TV shows like The Bay, Vera, Holby City and EastEnders. He also wrote and directed on the BBC series, Bishaash and has multiple feature films in development.
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Today, Waris and I discuss how he got started in the industry, breaking into television, the pros and cons of shadowing as a training mechanism, working with agents, the writing process versus the directing process and much, much more.
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The purpose of this podcast is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process and to make real-world, educational information about filmmaking and film careers accessible to everyone at zero-cost. Whether you're a casual film fan, an aspiring filmmaker, or a seasoned professional, I hope you enjoy today's episode and learn something interesting in the process.
--
If you're enjoying the podcast, please consider sharing, following and rating us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. It's a great cost-free way to support the show.
--
Follow The Filmmaker's Playbook on instagram @thefilmmakersplaybookpodcast
Follow Jason on instagram @jasonbranagandirector
Follow Waris on instagram @warisislam

Feb 4, 2025
#34 Baz Black: Actor & Filmmaker
Feb 4, 2025
Feb 4, 2025
1hr 44 min
Welcome to episode #34 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is actor and filmmaker, Baz Black. As an actor, Baz has starred in Brassic, KIN, Swing Bout, and Dublin Crust, amongst others. As a writer, director and producer he has made award-winning short films, but is most well known for his indie-feature, Dublin Crust, which hit #1 on Amazon Prime in Ireland upon it’s release.
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Today, we discuss acting, indie-filmmaking and the exceptional marketing campaign Baz led to ensure Dublin Crust found an audience and secure a cinema release for the film.
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The purpose of this podcast is to give a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the filmmaking process and to make real-world, educational information about filmmaking and film careers accessible to everyone at zero-cost, so whether you're a casual film fan, an aspiring filmmaker, or a seasoned professional, I hope you enjoy today's episode and learn something interesting in the process.
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If you're enjoying the podcast, please share, follow and rate the show.
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If you have comments, questions or topics you'd like covered on the podcast follow us and leave a comment on instagram @thefilmmakersplaybookpodcast
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Follow Jason on instagram @jasonbranagandirector
Follow Baz on instagram @bazblackpiercer

Nov 20, 2024
Nov 20, 2024
1hr 25 min
Welcome to episode #36 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is Gráinne Humphreys. Gráinne is the Executive Director of the Dublin International Film Festival. Today, we talk about how Gráinne got started in film programming, how programming a major festival like DIFF works, submissions tips for filmmakers, the importance of Gala screening spaces and much more.
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The purpose of this podcast is to give a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the filmmaking process and to make real-world, educational information about filmmaking and film careers accessible to everyone at zero-cost, so whether you're a casual film fan, an aspiring filmmaker, or a seasoned professional, I hope you enjoy today's episode and learn something interesting in the process.
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If you're enjoying the podcast, please share, follow and rate the show.
--
If you have comments, questions or topics you'd like covered on the podcast follow us and leave a comment on instagram @thefilmmakersplaybookpodcast
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Follow Jason on instagram @jasonbranagandirector
Follow DIFF on instagram @dublinfilmfestival

Nov 13, 2024
#35 Darcia Martin: Director
Nov 13, 2024
Nov 13, 2024
1hr 25 min
Welcome to episode #35 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is director, Darcia Martin. Darcia’s credits include Call The Midwife, Queen Charlotte, Casualty, The Chelsea Detective, Riches, Three Little Birds and more.
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Today, we talk about how Darcia moved from documentary to drama, making short films, pitching to JJ Abrams' production company BAD ROBOT and, she shares incredible insights and actionable advice for aspiring directors.
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The purpose of this podcast is to give a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the filmmaking process and to make real-world, educational information about filmmaking and film careers accessible to everyone at zero-cost, so whether you're a casual film fan, an aspiring filmmaker, or a seasoned professional, I hope you enjoy today's episode and learn something interesting in the process.
--
If you're enjoying the podcast, please share, follow and rate the show.
--
If you have comments, questions or topics you'd like covered on the podcast follow us and leave a comment on instagram @thefilmmakersplaybookpodcast
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Follow Jason on instagram @jasonbranagandirector
Follow Darcia on instagram @darciamartindirector

Oct 30, 2024
#33 Wayne Linge: Casting Director
Oct 30, 2024
Oct 30, 2024
1hr 26 min
Welcome to episode #33 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is Casting director, Wayne Linge. Wayne started his career as an actor and theatre maker before moving into casting. He worked extensively for the BBC before setting up Crampsie Linge Casting. Some of Wayne’s credits include We Hunt Together, EastEnders, Father Brown, Shakespeare and Hathaway, Our Girl and more.
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Today, we discuss how Wayne came to work in casting, his top tips for actors, misconceptions about casting and much more.
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The purpose of this podcast is to give a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the filmmaking process and to make real-world, educational information about filmmaking and film careers accessible to everyone at zero-cost, so whether you're a casual film fan, an aspiring filmmaker, or a seasoned professional, I hope you enjoy today's episode and learn something interesting in the process.
--
If you're enjoying the podcast, please share, follow and rate the show.
--
If you have comments, questions or topics you'd like covered on the podcast follow us and leave a comment on instagram @thefilmmakersplaybookpodcast
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Follow Jason on instagram @jasonbranagandirector
Follow Wayne on instagram @waynelinge
Follow Crampsie Linge Casting on instagram @crampsielinge
Follow Electric Palace Cinema on instagram @electricpalaceharwich
Learn more about casting with Casting Director's Guild

Oct 23, 2024
#32 Alex Jones: Producer
Oct 23, 2024
Oct 23, 2024
51 min
Welcome to episode #32 of The Filmmaker's Playbook, hosted by writer-director Jason Branagan.
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My guest this week is producer, Alex Jones. Alex started her career in the AD department where she worked on shows like Game Of Thrones, Penny Dreadful and Vikings. Her most recent work is producing high-end television drama such as Penance, Witness Number 3 and The Night Caller. Her latest show, The Hardacres, is currently airing on Channel 5.
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Today, Alex takes us through her career to date, and talks all about producing great telly.
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The purpose of this podcast is to give a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the filmmaking process and to make real-world, educational information about filmmaking and film careers accessible to everyone at zero-cost, so whether you're a casual film fan, an aspiring filmmaker, or a seasoned professional, I hope you enjoy today's episode and learn something interesting in the process.
--
If you're enjoying the podcast, please share, follow and rate the show.
--
If you have comments, questions or topics you'd like covered on the podcast follow us and leave a comment on instagram @thefilmmakersplaybookpodcast
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Follow Jason on instagram @jasonbranagandirector
Follow Alex on instagram @msalexjones

Welcome to The Filmmaker's Playbook
The purpose of this podcast is to make information on filmmaking accessible to everyone, to provide unique insights into the filmmaking process from filmmakers who are working in the industry, outputting high end content and as a means of building community and providing encouragement and inspiration to film and television lovers.






