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

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 MERCH . https://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