As a former detective and a former resident of Edinburgh, respectively, we jumped at the chance to sit down with the Writer and Director of the new Netflix crime drama 'Dept. Q' for our first ever in-person interview. In this episode, we chat with Scott Frank about filming in Scotland and mastering the local slang, his research into real life detectives (and how it's illegal to make a police show without a crime board), and which department he'd have worked on had he not been in charge of the wh...
Jun 03, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In our first ever emergency episode, we unpick Donald Trump's 'tweet-bomb' from last week in which he announced a 100% tariff on all movies made in "foreign lands." This left a lot of us asking what this announcement might mean for the film industry in the UK and the US, so in this episode we try to make sense of the madness with the help of some experts on both sides of the Atlantic. We're joined by Production Designer and former chair of the British Film Designers Guild, Blair Barnette, and fo...
May 14, 2025•49 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Talk about ‘Severance’ on your podcast enough and you might just get invited to a screening Q&A. That’s what happened to us anyway when we got to go to the season finale event at Everyman Cinemas in London and mingle with the cast and crew. To kick off Season 5 we're finally fulfilling our dream of becoming a 'Severance' podcast, for one episode at least, by debriefing the latest season, revealing what goes on at these swanky showbiz events, and telling you all about our chats with Ben Still...
Apr 03, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 1
'Tis the season finale, so our now traditional Pod Quiz is back with a festive twist! Once again, we’ve spared all expense to make fancy dress costumes (this time as the Wet Bandits themselves, Harry and Marv) for our end-of-season Christmas party. Join us for a special episode stuffed with the best bits from the past 10 weeks as Laura get’s grilled on what she remembers about the guests, and some bonus 'Home Alone' trivia for good measure. Spoiler: she’s more forgetful than Kevin’s mum. So, gra...
Dec 20, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Let’s prepare for Paddington! Laura has returned from digging in the credits of ‘Paddington in Peru,’ having successfully unearthed the Production Designer, Andy Kelly, and the famous bear’s biggest fans have turned out in force to ask him about the movie. Standby for cuteness as the kids put their questions to Andy, and we find out the answers to very important things like what happened to Paddington’s magical coin, and who is his favourite Paddington baddie? Andy spills the marmalade on his ow...
Dec 11, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Joe Barton is the writer and creator of the brand new festive Netflix spy series, 'Black Doves,' starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw. Steve managed to grab a chat with Joe in between his busy schedule to ask him not only about his work on the show, but also about his job as a writer. In this episode, Joe takes us into the writer's room to tell us about the team effort of bringing 'Black Doves' from the page to the screen, where he gets his inspiration from, and his advice to aspiring screen...
Dec 04, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 8
We know a lot of you work in the film industry, or are looking to get into it. We also know that it's been a tough year for film crew due to a seemingly never-ending work drought. So, we thought who better to have on than the chair of the British Film Designers Guild to ask whether this is the new normal, or if things can only get better. Jonathan Green is a Production Designer with over 35 years experience, and is somewhat of a British institution having designed such iconic quiz shows as, 'QI,...
Nov 27, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 7
It's finally happening, we're actually going to talk about opening credits on OPENING CREDITS®. So, if you're one of the few people who have been sorely disappointed that this podcast isn't actually about title sequences, today's your lucky day! We're joined in this episode by William Lebeda, Creative Director at Picturemill, the studio behind some of the most memorable movie and tv show intros, including ‘Panic Room,’ ‘Sonic the Hedgehog,’ and ‘Transformers One.’ William, alongside Executive Pr...
Nov 20, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Don't listen with your parents, this week is all about sex (scene) education. David Thackeray was one of the first ever Intimacy Coordinators; a relatively new role in filmmaking introduced to help the cast and crew tackle (whoops) those more delicate scenes. He’s also one of the most in demand, having worked on ‘The Crown,’ ‘Heartstopper,’ and ‘Sex Education.’ In this episode, David tells us what his job actually involves (and more importantly, what it doesn’t ), how he gets past the awkwardnes...
Nov 13, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 5
We're heading Stateside this week, but don't worry, we're talking movies, not politics. We're joined in this episode by not one, but two guests; Jeremy Lasky and Danny Gonzalez, Co-Founders of Perception, an Emmy-nominated design and visual effects studio based in New Jersey, USA. If you've ever seen a superhero movie, chances are you've seen their work in the interfaces, heads-up-displays and holograms of the MCU. From Tony Stark's J.A.R.V.I.S. in 'Iron Man 2,' to the futuristic lab in 'Black P...
Nov 06, 2024•51 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Keep your wigs on, Emmy and BAFTA-winning Hair & Makeup Designer Erika Ökvist is on the podcast this week to tell us how she balanced aesthetics with authenticity when crafting the stunning looks in 'Bridgerton.' In this episode, Erika shares her industry secrets, like how she created the look for Penelope's striking transformation, and tells us how she evolves the style and fashion with every season of the show. She also addresses her critics by giving us a lesson in real period make up (oi...
Oct 30, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 3
We may have peaked... we have our first Director on the show this week! Georgi Banks-Davies joins us to talk about the modern-day Greek mythology that is 'KAOS' on Netflix - "Blessed Olympia!" Forget what you think you know about what a Director does, Georgi is here to bust some myths of her own and tell us what the job really involves, and whether you even need to direct the God himself, Jeff Goldblum. From the world of commercials and Sundance-listed short films, to starting a creative partner...
Oct 23, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 2
And we're back! Steve and Laura are kicking off Season 4 by meeting the Costume Designer of the hit Netflix show 'The Gentlemen.' Loulou Bontemps joins us this week to tell us how she created the looks of the toffs, the gangsters and everyone in between in Guy Ritchie's action comedy series, including that now infamous chicken suit. She also talks us through the workings of the costume department, how she got started in the industry, and gives us some hints as to what she has in store for Season...
Oct 16, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 1
For the Season 3 finale we've brought back the Pod Quiz, but this time it's Laura's turn to ask the questions. Listen to Stephen squirm as his knowledge of the past 10 episodes is put to the test, and hear some of the best bits from this Season's guests. This time there's a Ted Lasso fancy dress theme for absolutely no reason, but make sure you check out the socials to see the all expense spared Ted and Rebecca costumes... FOLLOW US! Instagram www.instagram.com/openingcredits TikTok www.tiktok.c...
Jul 24, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 10
We were in the dark about film set lighting, so we had the bright idea to track down a Practical Electrician, aka a Prac Spark, aka Danny Fealey, to illuminate us. Danny joins us fresh from the set of 'Deadpool 3' to shed some light on watt those bright Sparks get up to... What's the difference between a Spark, a Gaffer and a Rigger? How much of it is real, and how much of it is fake? Do they still work on films that are set before electricity existed? Also this week, there's a triple helping of...
Jul 17, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 9
The double-whammy of Covid and the actors' strikes in recent years has had a significant impact on the crew in the film & TV industry, so this week we're putting the focus on mental health to find out what is being done about it. Matt Longley from 6ft From The Spotlight joins us to talk about his job as a Wellbeing Facilitator - a relatively new role that's being introduced on more and more film sets. Matt explains what he is doing to help, and highlights various ways that crew members can g...
Jul 10, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this second and final part of our VFX special with Territory Studio, we meet the Founder and Creative Director; David Sheldon-Hicks. David talks us through his journey into filmmaking, via the music industry, and how he came to set up the worldwide VFX studio. He tells us about the favourite projects he's worked on, from his first Marvel movie 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' to this year's epic 'Dune: Part Two'. We also discuss how the Apple Vision Pro headset is making science fiction a reality, ...
Jul 03, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Discover how visual effects are made in the first of our 2-part special with Territory Studio. If you've seen any major movies in recent years then you would've definitely seen their work; 'Guardians of the Galaxy' , 'Blade Runner 2049' , 'Ready Player One' ; anything you saw on a screen was made by the magicians at Territory Studio. In this episode, join Stephen as he goes on a behind-the-scenes tour of their London studio and meets some of the team, including the Graphic Designer who made the ...
Jun 26, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 6
You are cordially invited to join our chat with this week’s guest of honour; the Art Director of 'Bridgerton' Season 3, Adam Grant! Adam takes us behind-the-scenes in this episode by talking us through the incredible sets he designed for the hit Netflix show, including the ballrooms, the Cowper residence and that iconic Penelope staircase (IYKYK). He also tells us about his work on other period dramas including 'Victoria' and 'The Irregulars' . Meanwhile, we have another hilarious made up movie ...
Jun 19, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 5
The role of Art Department Assistant is a common entry point into the film industry, so we decided to meet one to find out more about it. This week, we chat with Ant Hall about her route into film & TV. From army-crawling through mud on the set of 'Masters of the Air,' to working for Tim Burton on the upcoming 'Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice,' Ant shares what she's learned so far, and tells us how there's so much more to the job than just making tea. Also in this episode, Steve has a new lead in h...
Jun 12, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 4
This week, Laura has a catch up with the Senior Art Director she worked with on 'Marvel's Secret Invasion,' the hugely experienced Su Whitaker, who has also worked on MASSIVE films like 'The Dark Knight Rises,' 'Les Misérables,' 'Paddington,' and 'The Fifth Element.' Su tells us about her long and varied career, and gives her advice to anyone looking to get started in the film industry. Meanwhile, we get an update on the 'Steve Investigates' case as he tries to track down the designer of 'Fallou...
Jun 05, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 3
We're joined this week by our first guest of the season; Sustainability Coordinator Brendan Duffy. Brendan tells us how he works with BAFTA's Albert initiative to minimise a film productions' carbon footprint, and how new technologies, alternative fuels and innovative use of materials are all helping to reduce waste in the industry. Listen out for the 3 simple changes that you can make to do your bit! We also chat with Brendan about his own James Bond podcast, and we go through the first batch o...
May 28, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 2
The podcast returns for season 3, so this week Steve and Laura decide to reintroduce themselves and have a general catch-up about what's been going on in the world of film & TV while we've been away. As well as chatting about what they've each been up to, they also discuss Bridgerton, Baby Reindeer, Fallout and Dune: Part Two. You can also hear a preview of what's coming up this season, and how you can get involved in our new segment: Crew Confessions (Shh!) Follow us! INSTAGRAM www.instagra...
May 21, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 1
The OPENING CREDITS® podcast takes you behind-the-scenes of film & TV to explore the unseen world of filmmaking. Join Graphic Designers Stephen Nutley and Laura Whitehouse as they meet the creatives who bring your favourite movies and shows to life. Whether you’re a movie buff who wants to learn more about film production, or a casual fan who is curious to know what goes on behind the camera, this podcast is a new way for you to meet the crew who are hidden in the credits. FOLLOW US! Instagr...
May 14, 2024•1 min
In a special episode to round off Season 2, Stephen decides to spring a surprise pop quiz on Laura - or, as it's about the podcast, a pod quiz. Play along to test your own knowledge of the previous episodes, and hear some of the best bits from our guests this season. The podcast will return for Season 3 in the Spring, so make sure you're following on the socials to be the first to know when we're back! Socials links: www.instagram.com/openingcredits www.tiktok.com/@weareopeningcredits Hosted on ...
Feb 27, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 10
We're opening up another one of the big Art Department credits this week: the Art Director. Ayden Millar chats with us about what the job involves, shares her advice to anyone who wants to follow in her footsteps, and speaks frankly about the importance of mental health in the film & TV industry. Ayden will be joining us for a LIVE Q&A on Instagram very soon, so stick around to the end to hear how you can send your questions in, and make sure you're following on the socials! Socials link...
Feb 20, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Tim Simpson is the Creative Director at Plunge Creations, who are best known for making those crazy costumes on 'The Masked Singer' (UK). Settle in for a bit of workshop ASMR as Tim takes Stephen on a tour of Plunge to meet some of the crew and see how the costumes are brought to life. Tim then joins us to share some of the secrets of the show, and tells us about the other weird and wonderful things that he and his team are asked to make. Head over to our socials to see a video tour of the works...
Feb 13, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Laura has returned from her first credits-digging expedition having successfully found the Graphic Artist for 'Hello Tomorrow!' Max joins us from Austin, Texas, to not only tell us about creating the retro-futuristic world of Apple TV's sci-fi series, but also how he worked on HBO's 'Succession' and designed the famous logo for Logan Roy's company, Waystar Royco . Make sure to follow us on the socials to see some of Max's designs! Socials links: www.instagram.com/openingcredits www.tiktok.com/@w...
Feb 06, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The podcast heads to Scotland this week to meet Glaswegian scenic painter and prop maker, Gary Loughran. In this episode, Gary tells us why he loves making stuff look like other stuff for the big screen, using paint to turn rubber into wood, foam into marble, and polystyrene into stone. Hear how Gary has brought props and sets to life on 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves', 'Outlander,' and the cancelled 'Batgirl' movie. Meanwhile, Laura gives an update on her first 'Laura Goes Diggin...
Jan 30, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 6
This week, we meet the head of the Art Department; the Production Designer. And WHAT a Production Designer we have for you. Tom Bowyer is a hugely experienced, award-winning designer, with over 34 credits including ' Misfits ,' ' Harlots ' and ' The Capture .' In this episode, Tom breaks down how an Art Department works, talks through his creative process, and answers some of your questions, giving his honest and practical advice to anyone looking to get into the film and television industry. An...
Jan 23, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 5
