In this episode of The Clap Podcast, we sit down with the crowd runner of Netflix’s breakout series Adolescence to explore the high-wire act of producing a TV show where every episode is filmed in a single take.

We dive deep into the making of Episode 2, uncover the pressure-cooker environment of coordinating background talent in real-time, and reveal what it actually takes to keep the one-shot illusion alive. Expect exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, practical breakdowns of set logistics, and a closer look at the crucial (and often unsung) role of assistant directors.

Whether you're a filmmaking nerd or just obsessed with how great TV gets made - this one’s for you.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

03:45 The Popularity of Adolescence

04:31 The Role of a Crowd Runner

06:19 Signing on to Adolescence

07:46 Meeting Stephen Graham

09:05 The Calm Before the Storm (Take 1)

10:37 Oscar's Process During a Take

12:42 Achieving the Impossible - The Drone Shot

14:51 Restarting After a Mistake

16:03 Hidden Details in Episode 2

17:14 Directing Background Actors

18:45 The Success of Adolescence

22:27 Reaction to Adolescence Episodes

23:43 Navigating the Challenges of Directing School Kids

25:18 Celebrating wrap on Episode 2

27:14 Working as an Assistant Director

31:56 Developing the Detail of Adolescence Episode 2

35:35 Outro

Please follow for more episodes like this!

Hosted by Will Frost (@will.frost_)

Guest Starring Oscar Lock

Philip Messina Volume 2 - Black Bag

In Volume 2 of our conversation with renowned production designer Philip Messina (The Hunger Games, Ocean’s Eleven), we continue our deep dive into his work on the upcoming spy thriller Black Bag. Messina discusses the creative and technical process behind designing the film’s central house - a location that carries much of the story’s emotional and psychological weight.

He also breaks down the two major dinner table sequences, explaining how subtle choices in layout, props, and lighting helped build tension and support character dynamics. We also explore the fascinating story behind the film’s original opening scene - a sequence that was ultimately cut from the final film, but went on to become the main promotional image associated with Black Bag. Messina reflects on his long-running collaboration with director Steven Soderbergh, and how their shared visual language has evolved over time. He also opens up about the films and production design work that have most inspired him throughout his career.

This episode offers a rare and detailed glimpse into the mind of one of the industry’s most thoughtful designers, and is essential viewing for anyone interested in how the spaces we see on screen are crafted to shape story and emotion.

This interview is so much fun!

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

3:26 Back in Production with Steven Soderbergh

4:58 Designing the dinner table sequences in 'Black Bag'

7:41 Designing the interior of the house in 'Black Bag'

14:15 Creating the right look for a sexy spy thriller

19:31 Re-shooting the opening scene of 'Black Bag'

24:42 The red soccer ball...(Minor Spoilers)

29:02 Bond and Moneypenny in a new spy thriller...

34:58 Designing the 'wall of screens' in 'Black Bag'

40:05 The demise of the mid-budget auteur film?

44:28 Best Production Design films of all time

49:51 Outro

Watch now on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted by Will Frost (@will.frost_)

Guest Starring Philip Messina

Please like the episode and Subscribe for more!

Join us for a conversation with Better Man’s Oscar-nominated special effects supervisor, Peter Stubbs, as we dive into the magic behind the incredible film 'Better Man'. Peter shares his experience attending the Academy Awards and the challenges of bringing this ambitious film to life.

We discuss the collaboration between special effects and visual effects, crafting stunning atmospherics, and tackling the film’s biggest technical challenges. From stage-work, weather and musical numbers, Peter dives into crafting some of the iconic sequences in the film. Peter also reflects on Better Man’s impact as the biggest film ever made in Melbourne and what it means for the future of Australian productions on the global stage. We also delve into his work on the upcoming film 'The Surfer' starring Nicholas Cage and the challenges of working with vehicles and fire.

Don't miss this fascinating behind-the-scenes look at special effects production in Australia.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

01:42 Oscar's Night

04:55 Challenges of the special effects in 'Better Man'

10:08 Transitioning locations and sequences including 'Rock DJ'

15:16 Hollywood films in Australia

19:27 'She's the One' sequence in 'Better Man'

20:50 The process of organising special effects in Hollywood films

24:42 Special Effects Supervision on 'The Surfer' with Nicholas Cage

28:12 Biggest Challenges of Peter's career (vehicle sequences, Mortal Kombat)

33:40 Outro

Thank you to Peter for joining the show! Please follow and subscribe!

Instagram/TikTok/BlueSky - @theclap_podcast

Hosted by: Will Frost (@will.frost_)

Guest Starring: Peter Stubbs