DiscoverThe Filmmakers PodcastHow to write and direct comedy features with ‘Poor Things’ Writer Tony McNamara & ‘Austin Powers’ Director Jay Roach: 'The Roses'
How to write and direct comedy features with ‘Poor Things’ Writer Tony McNamara & ‘Austin Powers’ Director Jay Roach: 'The Roses'

How to write and direct comedy features with ‘Poor Things’ Writer Tony McNamara & ‘Austin Powers’ Director Jay Roach: 'The Roses'

Update: 2025-09-01
Share

Description

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:




  • the creative messiness of writing




  • the value of collaboration




  • choosing the right ideas to pursue




  • directing comedies




  • producing your own films




  • tips and tricks for emerging filmmakers




  • 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.




OTHER LINKS


FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE.


A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan
lifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take a
moment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review
& every comment helps us share the film’s important message with
more people. Your support makes a difference!




PODCAST MERCH


Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCHhttps://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/


 


COURSES


Want to learn how to finish your film?


Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/


 


PATREON


Big thank you to:


Serena Gardner


Mark Hammett


Lee Hutchings


Marli J Monroe


Karen Newman


Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects!


 


SUPPORT THE PODCAST


Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com


 


CREDITS


The Filmmakers Podcast is written and produced by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson


Edited by @tobiasvees


Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative 


Theme Music by John J. Harvey

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comments 
loading
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
1.0x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

How to write and direct comedy features with ‘Poor Things’ Writer Tony McNamara & ‘Austin Powers’ Director Jay Roach: 'The Roses'

How to write and direct comedy features with ‘Poor Things’ Writer Tony McNamara & ‘Austin Powers’ Director Jay Roach: 'The Roses'

Giles Alderson