The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast Ep 276 - From 48 Hour Films to Apple TV: William McGregor on Directing The Buccaneers
Jul 7, 2025
08:58
In this episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey chats with director William McGregor (His Dark Materials, Lockwood & Co., Gwen) about helming Season 2 of The Buccaneers. They discuss how the show evolved in tone, finding a cinematic voice within period dramas, and William’s journey from 48 Hour Film Festivals to international prestige projects. They also dive into pitch decks, visual storytelling, and how his background in commercials shaped his dynamic approach to directing.
✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
00:41 – Evolving tone from Season 1 to Season 2
01:34 – Pitching his visual take with Sofia Coppola and Joe Wright influences
03:28 – Treating key scenes like stylized commercials
04:50 – Reflections on Lockwood & Co. and collaboration with Joe Cornish
05:41 – Directing with intent vs. using a 'oner' for show
07:02 – Transitioning from indie film (Gwen) to high-end TV
07:30 – Off-mic: Starting with 48 Hour Film Fests and the hustle it takes
👤 About the Guest: William McGregor is an acclaimed director known for his work on His Dark Materials, Lockwood & Co., The Buccaneers, and his gothic feature debut Gwen. He began his career in the 48 Hour Film Project and brings a visually bold style shaped by both commercial and narrative work.
🎙️ About the Host: With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.
🔗 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
🌐 Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:
#ScreenwritingPodcast #WilliamMcGregor #TheBuccaneers #Filmapalooza #IndieToIndustry
Explore Free Resources & Membership
👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.
Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.
Connect with Geoffrey
📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod
▶️ YouTube: The Successful Screenwriter
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!
✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How to pitch a strong visual take as a TV director
- Why tone shifts matter across seasons
- The cinematic influences behind The Buccaneers
- How William blends commercial and narrative directing
- Breaking in through the 48 Hour Film Project
00:41 – Evolving tone from Season 1 to Season 2
01:34 – Pitching his visual take with Sofia Coppola and Joe Wright influences
03:28 – Treating key scenes like stylized commercials
04:50 – Reflections on Lockwood & Co. and collaboration with Joe Cornish
05:41 – Directing with intent vs. using a 'oner' for show
07:02 – Transitioning from indie film (Gwen) to high-end TV
07:30 – Off-mic: Starting with 48 Hour Film Fests and the hustle it takes
👤 About the Guest: William McGregor is an acclaimed director known for his work on His Dark Materials, Lockwood & Co., The Buccaneers, and his gothic feature debut Gwen. He began his career in the 48 Hour Film Project and brings a visually bold style shaped by both commercial and narrative work.
🎙️ About the Host: With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.
🔗 Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
🌐 Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:
- Podcast Website
- Instagram @screenwriterpod
- TikTok @screenwriterpod
#ScreenwritingPodcast #WilliamMcGregor #TheBuccaneers #Filmapalooza #IndieToIndustry
Explore Free Resources & Membership
👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.
Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.
Connect with Geoffrey
📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod
▶️ YouTube: The Successful Screenwriter
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!