The Screen Podcast

Epizode

• 
  Was TIFF: The Market a success? 17.09.2026 46min

  On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team reflects on TIFF: The Market and picks out some festival highlights.  Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s Americas editor Jeremy Kay and senior US critic Tim Grierson to delve into the Toronto Film Festival, which launched its inaugural market this year. Grierson picked out a few highlights from the programme so far including Mike Leigh’s Tender Loving Care and Jessie Eisenberg’s The Debut. Then, Screen’s Europe editor Tim Dams talks to critic Jonathan Romney about what to expect from this year’s San Sebastián Film Festival, which runs September 18-26. This week’s episode is sponsored by the Spain Film Commission which works to showcase Spanish talent, locations, and incentives to the international audiovisual industry. To find out more about their latest study, click here.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  TIFF 2026 preview: Are buyers changing how they spend at markets? 10.09.2026 29min

  On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, a leading buyer and seller share their thoughts on the first ever edition of TIFF: The Market, which kicks off as part of the Toronto International Film Festival this week. Screen’s Americas editor Jeremy Kay is joined by Arianna Bocco, SVP global distribution and acquisitions at Mubi, and Zach Glueck, co-founder of the international sales agency Manifest Pictures. The trio discuss how TIFF: The Market could stand out from the likes of Cannes, Berlin and the AFM, why many buyers have “decoupled their budgets from individual markets”, and what they are looking forward to in the festival lineup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Venice day 6: The early frontrunners for the Golden Lion 07.09.2026 21min

  In the sixth episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, we look at some of the strong early contenders for the event’s top award, the Golden Lion.Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s senior US critic Tim Grierson, who reveals a trio of titles that have impressed him so far on the Lido.One is May el-Toukhy’s post-Second World War drama Woman Unknown, the only title in competition solely directed by a woman. “It builds to an ending that I found incredibly effective,” says Grierson. “It’s a really impressive piece of work, and one of the strongest easily in the competition.”Grierson also explains why Lee Chang-dong’s Possible Love shares much in common with the filmmaker’s previous acclaimed work Burning, and spotlights a five-hour documentary project that is full of “beautiful small moments.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Venice day 5: Which Italian films could make a splash? - The Screen Podcast 06.09.2026 20min

  In the fifth episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, we delve into the press conferences for Primetime and the Oasis doc, and find out which Italian titles could make their mark this year. Host Wendy Mitchell is first joined by Screen’s senior UK and international reporter Ben Dalton to take us through the latest press conference highlights, including Robert Pattinson’s response to Chris Hansen’s Primetime criticism and Nanni Moretti’s buzzy return to the Lido.Then, Mitchell is joined by critic Lee Marshall to hear how the Italian films are going down at the festival and to make some early predictions for the Golden Lion.The Screen Podcast is running daily episodes during the Venice Film Festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Venice day 4: Early competition highlights and George Clooney takes on AI 05.09.2026 18min

  In the fourth episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, one of our critics picks her early competition highlights while we hear what George Clooney had to say about AI.First, host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s Europe editor Tim Dams to delve into CAA and Finch & Partners’ The Future of… Creativity forum, which focused on AI and included George Clooney, Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera and jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal among its guest speakers.Then, Mitchell is joined by international critic Wendy Ide, who picks out some of her early competition highlights - and lowlights - so far. The Screen Podcast is running daily episodes during the Venice Film Festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Venice day 3: Which awards contenders will emerge from the festival? 04.09.2026 18min

  In the third episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, the team looks at what awards contenders could emerge from the event.Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s box office and awards editor Charles Gant to discuss the Venice lineup’s Oscar and Bafta chances - from Martin McDonagh’s 'Wild Horse Nine' to Lee Chang-Dong’s 'Possible Love'.The Screen Podcast is running daily episodes during the Venice Film Festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Venice day 2: Are high costs putting off the studios? 03.09.2026 18min

  In the second episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, the team breaks down the real cost of attending the event and delves into the first of the press conferences. First host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s Europe editor Tim Dams, who unpacks why mega costs might be behind the absence of studios on the Lido this year. Then, Mitchell is joined by senior UK and international reporter Ben Dalton for highlights from the first day’s press conferences - including jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal’s thoughts on the lack of women in competition and what Ink director Danny Boyle has in common with Rupert Murdoch. The Screen Podcast will be running daily episodes during the Venice Film Festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Venice day 1: The hot acquisition titles to look out for 02.09.2026 15min

  In the first episode of The Screen Podcast at the Venice Film Festival, the team picks out ten acquisition titles to look out for on the Lido.Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s senior UK and international reporter Ben Dalton to discuss the buzzy English-language and European titles that could tempt buyers.The Screen Podcast will be running daily episodes during the Venice Film Festival, dropping each morning at 7:30am CET.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Why Gen Z cinemagoers are tired of "overused" actors 27.08.2026 43min

  On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, two Gen Z cinemagoers share their thoughts on everything from Steven Spielberg to social media marketing. Screen’s reporter and video producer Ellie Calnan is joined by Dylan Taylor, 18, and Olivia Lawson, 23.The duo debated whether premium formats are worth the pricier ticket, if bad reviews make any difference, and what social media marketing is actually effective. They also discussed why long release windows make a difference, what the industry gets wrong about Gen Z and whether movie stars still have appeal. The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.Read more: https://www.screendaily.com/features/six-gen-z-cinemagoers-discuss-cinema-prices-release-windows-confusion-and-celebrity-interviews/5215650.article Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Could other festivals emulate Edinburgh’s ‘Trainspotting’ club night? 20.08.2026 43min

  Screen rounds up the key industry talking points from the late summer film festivals. First host Wendy Mitchell talks to Ben Dalton, senior UK and international reporter, about their time at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). The duo discuss how the event interacts with the Fringe, Claire Binns’ “interrogation” of BFI CEO Ben Roberts and why the festival’s Trainspotting event was a certified hit. Mitchell is then joined by Europe editor Tim Dams to get the lowdown on this year’s Locarno Film Festival, from how attendees coped in the heatwave to why it was another buzzy industry programme. Finally, Mitchell speaks to Screen’s senior UK and Ireland reporter Mona Tabbara from the ground in Sarajevo. She reveals some of the films impressing festivalgoers, and why Woody Harrelson was drinking Irish whiskey and singing Elvis on stage. The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday. Read more at www.screendaily.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  The future of horror: YouTubers, female filmmakers and UK hopes 13.08.2026 31min

  On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team delves into the future of horror films, from YouTubers to the rising talents from the UK and Ireland.  Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s reviews editor Nikki Baughan to discuss what the success of YouTuber horror films Backrooms and Obsession earlier this summer says about the future of the genre and why there is a lack of female filmmakers coming up through the social platform.The duo then discussed what has otherwise been a disappointing summer for horror releases and why upcoming festivals including Toronto and Venice might offer some hope. They also debate who the new horror talents are in the UK and Irish film industry.  The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.Read more at https://www.screendaily.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  From pre-sales to distribution: inside UK indie filmmaking with ’Sunny Dancer’ team 06.08.2026 46min

  On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team behind new UK indie Sunny Dancer reveal how they made the tricky jump to a second feature and discuss the film’s pre-sales, budget manoeuvres and festival launch. Filmmaker and producer George Jaques, a 2022 Screen Star Of Tomorrow, and producer Ken Petrie talk to Screen’s senior UK and international reporter Ben Dalton about making their new feature Sunny Dancer, which is set at a summer camp for teenage cancer survivors. The film made a significant number of pre-sales at Cannes 2024 via Embankment.Sunny Dancer is Jaques’ second feature following his 2023 debut Black Dog, a DIY indie made on a budget of £500,000. While Sunny Dancer was a big step up, Jaques discussed how he navigated budget limitations. Read Screen's review of the film here: https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/sunny-dancer-review-bella-ramsey-heads-confident-and-upbeat-uk-teen-drama/5213822.article The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What should Isabel Davis’s priorities be as new head of BFI Filmmaking Funds? 30.07.2026 45min

  On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team delves into the appointment of Isabel Davis as the new head of the BFI Filmmaking Funds and what it means for the future of the UK independent film sector.First, Screen’s editor Matt Mueller checks in with senior UK and Ireland reporter Mona Tabbara, who spoke to the industry this week about the appointment.Mueller is then joined by producer Nicky Bentham of Neon Films, who is also co-chair of Pact’s Film Producers’ Group, to discuss what potential changes Davis could bring in. Finally, Wendy Mitchell speaks to producer and filmmaker Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, who shares her thoughts on Davis’s international impact.The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.Read more on this story here: https://tinyurl.com/9vmx25hh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  First reactions to the Venice film festival lineup 23.07.2026 29min

  On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team delves into the lineup for the 2026 Venice Film Festival, which was announced earlier today. Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s editor Matt Mueller and senior international critic Wendy Ide to discuss what themes emerged from this year’s programme, including the absence of Hollywood studios once again, the lengthy documentary section and the inclusion of just one woman in competition. Read more here: https://www.screendaily.com/news/venice-film-festival-reveals-2026-lineup/5218820.article Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  What the Karlovy Vary, Galway, Munich and Transilvania film festivals do best 16.07.2026 34min

  On this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, we hear about why the early summer film festivals of Transilvania, Munich, Galway and Karlovy Vary are must-attend, fun and lively events for savvy international execs.First host Wendy Mitchell talks to senior UK and Ireland reporter Mona Tabbara about her time at the Transilvania and the Galway Film Fleadh. Mitchell is then joined by senior UK and international reporter Ben Dalton to get the lowdown on the Karlovy Vary film festival and share her own thoughts on the Munich International Film Festival, including why she declined to take part in the (in)famous rafting activity. The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.Read more on https://www.screendaily.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Komplizen, Razor heads talk German funding changes, streaming obligation 09.07.2026 42min

  Razor Film co-founder Roman Paul and Komplizen Film co-founder Janine Jackowski explain why the German film sector is undergoing a major transition.Host Wendy Mitchell talks to Jackowski and Paul about some of the challenges facing production in Germany at the moment and the advantages of European co-production.Paul co-founded Razor in 2002 with Gerhard Meixner, and their credits include Waltz With Bashir, The Perfect Candidate and Quo Vadis, Aida?.Jackowski founded Komplizen in 1999 alongside Maren Ade, with Jonas Dornbach joining as managing director and producer in 2010. Their output has included all of Ade’s films, plus Pablo Larrain’s Spencer and Marie Kreutzer’s recent Cannes Competition title Gentle Monster.Both companies are part of The Creatives, the alliance of nine international production companies, which is also discussed in the podcast.The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.Find out more at https://www.screendaily.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  The titles that had cinema owners buzzing at CineEurope 2026 02.07.2026 46min

  In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team delves into the talking points from European exhibition convention CineEurope, which took place in Barcelona last week (June 22-25).Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s box office and awards editor Charles Gant, who takes us through all the studio presentations at CineEurope, and picks out some of the key titles.He picks out Zach Cregger’s 'Resident Evil' as one of the intriguing projects on show, and explains what was said (or not said) about the Paramount-Warner Bros merger.For more on the stories mentioned this week, go to https://www.screendaily.com/Read more of Charles' insights into CineEurope below https://www.screendaily.com/features/seven-talking-points-from-cineeurope-2026/5218143.article Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Do film industry open letters make a difference? 25.06.2026 30min

  In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, the team debates why open letters have become so popular in the film industry and what kind of impact they can have. Host Wendy Mitchell is joined by Screen’s deputy editor Louise Tutt and Europe editor Tim Dams to discuss the latest in a growing trend of open letters - this time, two in support of Israeli-born filmmaker Nadav Lapid, who was forced to withdraw from the FID Marseille jury as part of a cultural boycott of Israel. Other film industry open letters in recent months covered topics such as Canal+ owner Vincent Bollore, the Berlinale’s stance on Gaza and the Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery deal.The trio then discussed the new deal between Netflix and France’s TF1, which will make TF1’s content available on the streaming service.The Screen Podcast is produced by Ellie Calnan, with Wendy Mitchell serving as editorial director. New episodes every Thursday.For more on the stories mentioned this week, go to https://www.screendaily.com.France’s CNC responds to Nadav Lapid situation https://www.screendaily.com/news/frances-cnc-responds-to-nadav-lapid-situation-by-launching-a-support-service-for-filmmakers-and-festivals/5218009.articleNetflix rolls out TF1 content in France https://www.screendaily.com/news/netflix-rolls-out-tf1-content-in-france-marking-streamers-first-tie-up-with-local-broadcaster/5217808.article Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  Aardman’s Peter Lord on his love of physical production in the age of AI 18.06.2026 36min

  In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, Aardman co-founder Peter Lord discusses 50 years of the historic UK animation company. Ahead of the Annecy film festival, senior international reporter Ben Dalton speaks to Lord about co-founding the Bristol-based company with David Sproxton over 50 years ago and their decision to become an employee-owned business in 2018.The animator, whose credits include Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, also discussed AI and how much Aardman would embrace the new technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 
  US producer John Sloss on building finance plans for indie projects 11.06.2026 28min

  In this week’s episode of The Screen Podcast, US producer John Sloss speaks to Wendy Mitchell about finance trends, working in Europe, and the restructuring of deal-making. Sloss is the founder and CEO of Cinetic Media and also a partner at the law firm Sloss Eckhouse Dasti Haynes LawCo. His credits include Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague, Blue Moon, Boyhood and Before Sunrise series as well as Todd Haynes’s Velvet Underground, Wonderstruck and I’m Not There. Sloss has also worked on several Oscar winners, including Boys Don’t Cry and Green Book and sold films such as Napoleon Dynamite and Little Miss Sunshine. “The process of deal-making has gotten elongated, which isn’t necessarily a good thing for the people selling films,” Sloss said. “The people buying films are controlling the market a little more and tamping down the urgency that we used to try to create.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.