Team Deakins PULLING A FILM TOGETHER - with Paula McGann
19 snips
Jul 2, 2025 In this conversation with Paula McGann, a film producer known for her impressive work on films like 1917 and Darkest Hour, she shares the complexities of bringing a film together. She discusses navigating a turbulent industry, the essential role of mentorship, and the challenges of managing budgets and schedules. Paula recounts a story of resilience when a project was pulled from her, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and determination in filmmaking. Listeners get a deep dive into the realities of independent filmmaking, networking, and maintaining creative vision amidst investor demands.
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Early Life and Film Passion
- Paula McGann grew up in rural Ireland with no film industry exposure, inspired mainly by her father's love of classic films.
- She persisted through uncertain and unrelated careers until breaking into film, illustrating resilience.
First Film Assistant Job
- Paula landed her first assistant job on a small film thanks to networking on an industry Facebook group.
- She was an assistant to director Terry Jones, learning directly from him, setting a strong foundation in film.
Creative Job Hunting
- Paula got involved with Star Wars production by creatively sending a CV with a Darth Vader watermark to stand out.
- Though she didn't get the AD job, she secured a role in the art department, gaining valuable experience.
