The Filmmakers Podcast How to write and direct comedy features with ‘Poor Things’ Writer Tony McNamara & ‘Austin Powers’ Director Jay Roach: 'The Roses'
This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, returning hosts Conor Boru and Francis Annan are joined by writer Tony McNamara and producer/director Jay Roach to discuss their latest feature film The Roses (2025), starring Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Andy Samberg, to name a few.
Tony McNamara – Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of The Favourite, Poor Things and creator of The Great – is known for his sharp wit, inventive storytelling and fresh take on historical drama.
Jay Roach – acclaimed director of Austin Powers, Meet the Parents, Bombshell and the Emmy-winning Game Change – has built a career spanning studio comedies, political dramas and award-winning television.
In this conversation, they discuss:
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the creative messiness of writing
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the value of collaboration
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choosing the right ideas to pursue
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directing comedies
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producing your own films
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tips and tricks for emerging filmmakers
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dealing with pre-production anxiety
… and much more.
THE ROSES is out now!
A tinderbox of competition and resentments underneath the façade of a picture-perfect couple is ignited when the husband's professional dreams come crashing down.
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Big thank you to:
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Mark Hammett
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CREDITS
The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson
Edited by @tobiasvees
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