Half the Picture’s guest this episode is British national filmmaking treasure Mike Leigh, the man behind such social-realist classics as Secrets & Lies, Naked, Another Year, Vera Drake and Life is Sweet.

Known for his improvisational method of devising his films with a murderer's row of British actors, Mike’s approach to filmmaking is organic and utterly unique, resulting in works that are unflinchingly honest, deeply poignant and often hilarious. Join us as we chat to Mike in depth about his method as well as his casting process, the 20th anniversary of his unsung gem ‘All or Nothing’ and the implicit politics of his films. Also joining us for a surprise guest appearance is Mike’s partner and collaborator, actress Marion Bailey who breaks down her working relationship with Mike as well as her experience playing Carol in ‘All or Nothing.’

If you'd like to watch our interview with Mike, check out the episode on YouTube at the link below!

https://youtu.be/v_PpvcWqOs8

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Note: This interview was recorded on August 3rd 2022

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Timecodes:

00:00 - Intro

02:17- Mike Leigh Interview Begins

03:38 - All or Nothing’s 20th Anniversary

06:03- All or Nothing’s Conception

06:48 - Mike’s Casting Process

08:27 - Marion’s Experience Working with Mike

17:21 - Mike’s Improvisational Filmmaking Method

21:53 - How Mike Shoots His Movies

26:37 - The Implicit Politics in Mike’s Films

28:59 - Mike’s Movies Remaining Untitled Until Release

30:04 - Mike’s Editing Process

35:04 - Secrets & Lies

37:05 - Music in Mike's Films

40:56 - The Beatles and A Hard Days Night

42:17 - Naked

45:12 - Mike's Advice to Filmmakers

45:46 - Outro

'MIKE LEIGH talks Improvisation, Never Compromising & All or Nothing's Anniversary (ft MARION BAILEY)' is a non-profit project intended for educational purposes only. No copyright laws were intended to be broken. All rights to any material used remain courtesy of their respective owners.