Crew Chats Poonam Thanki

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast that goes behind the scenes and speaks to the crew that help make these productions.
For episode 66, I chatted with Costume Designer, Lauren Miller. We explore a range of topics, including the challenges of designing costumes for different genres and periods, the important conversation around ownership of costume designers’ work, and more. Join us as we dive into Lauren’s unique insights and experiences.
Lauren's Credits include: Top Boy S2, Sanditon S2 &3, Treason & Bulletproof
Lauren's’ Recommendations:
-Supacell
-Boarders (Series BBC3)
-The Bear
-Succession

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast that goes behind the scenes and speaks to the crew that help make these productions.
Ever wondered about what goes on for casting your fav actor in a film or tv show? Well for this episode I spoke to Casting Director, Kate Rhodes James, we chatted about the emotions of her job, how the casting process works, why she loves what she does, that feeling when the actor gets the job and lots more!
Credits include: House of Dragon, Napoleon, Line of Duty, Bodyguard and Sherlock
Kate’s Recommendations:
Chun king express
Railway children
Walkabout
Past lives

AD Details, Links to the school : www.themanchesterschoolofcostume.co.uk
www.instagram.com/jaburniston/?hl=en

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, tv shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast going behind the scenes and chatting to the crew that help make these productions.

The writers and actors strikes in America ended in September and November 2023 respectively, however work in the UK has been slow to return to pre - strike levels. So, for episode 64, I caught up with BECTU Costume and Wardrobe committee members, Charlotte Sewell, Poli Kyriacou and Nici Young. We spoke about the ongoing impact of the strikes in the UK, when the industry may pick up, future proofing the UK industry and what BECTU has and does to help crew. We spoke about links to useful resources and help which I have linked in the show notes.
BECTU - Broadcasting Entertainment Communications and Theatre Union
IATSE - International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artist and Allied Crafts of the United States and Canada, AFL-CIO, CLC
SAG/AFTRA - Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
WGA - Writers Guild of America
PACT – Producers Alliance of Cinema and Television
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
https://www.bectucostume.com/the-commitee
https://bectu.org.uk/
https://prospect.org.uk/money/
https://bectu.org.uk/about/earlybird/
Fabain Society Manifesto
https://www.screenskills.com/
https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/
24hr Support Line -0800 054 0000

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, tv shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast going behind the scenes and chatting to the crew that help make these productions.
For episode 63, I had the pleasure of speaking with Costume Designer Lindy Hemming and Costume Supervisor Dan Grace, who not only share a familial relationship of mother and son but also a professional one, having worked together on several films. Having previously interviewed them separately on episodes 30 and 34 (linked in the show notes), I spoke to them both together for this episode. Our discussion ranged from, the dynamics of working together when you are family, the advantages this affords you, as well as touching on topics such as Artificial Intelligence and the future of the film industry in the UK. This was a sprawling conversation where we spoke about all sorts!
AD Details, Links to the school : www.themanchesterschoolofcostume.co.uk
www.instagram.com/jaburniston/?hl=en

Lindy Hemming's interview: https://soundcloud.com/crewchats/lindy-hemming-costume-designer
Dan Grace's interview:
https://soundcloud.com/crewchats/ep34-dan-grace-costume-supervisor

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, tv shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast going behind the scenes and chatting to the crew that help make these productions.
For episode 62, I chatted to Jonathan Burniston, who after working in the film, TV and theatre industry as a costume cutter, maker and freelance designer, is now embarking on the exciting new venture of creating The Manchester School of Costume, where he will be teaching a range of costume making courses. We spoke about why he set up the school, how it’s progressing, what he thinks we could improve in the costume department and more!
Credits include: Cruella, Nutcracker and the Four Realms and Aladdin
Jonathan's Recommendations:
-Hook
-Matilda
-Little Miss Sunshine
Links to the school : www.themanchesterschoolofcostume.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/jaburniston/?hl=en

Ever wondered what the creative process is behind the films, TV shows and theatre productions you watch? Well, Crew Chats is a podcast going behind the scenes and chatting to the crew that help make these productions.
Episode 61 is all about focus! Something you may not have even thought about when watching a TV show or film but something that is integral to the story telling on screen. I chatted with First Assistant Camera, also known as Focus Puller, Ben Brown about the nuances of focus, from what it involves, how to go about focusing and where he sees the future of it.
Credits include: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Heart of Stone and The Witcher: Blood Origin
Ben’s Recommendations:
Past Lives
Good Time
After Sun
AD details : Manchester School of Costume
www.themanchesterschoolofcostume.co.uk