Leveling Up the Second Feature: George Jaques on Directing, writing and producing Sunny Dancer, Bella Ramsey & Neil Patrick Harris How do you transition from a £500k indie debut to a massive ensemble feature starring some of the biggest names in television and film? This week on The Filmmakers Podcast, Giles Alderson sits down with returning guest, writer-director George Jaques (Black Dog), to discuss his stunning second feature, Sunny Dancer. Set against the backdrop of a summer camp for young cancer survivors, Sunny Dancer is a funny, warm, and deeply moving coming-of-age story that actively rejects hospital drama clichés. George breaks down his entire process, from pitching the script to Bella Ramsey and casting Neil Patrick Harris over Zoom, to creating an authentic, bond-filled atmosphere for his young cast on set in Scotland. 🎬 IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Subverting the 'Sick Teen' Genre: How George wrote a script where illness takes a back seat to teenage angst, party culture, awkward romance, and joy. The Power of 'Feral Takes': George's unique directing technique for unlocking spontaneous, hilarious, and uninhibited performances from his actors. Directing an All-Star Ensemble: What it was like working with Bella Ramsey, Ruby Stokes, Jessica Gunning, James Norton, and Neil Patrick Harris—and how he tailored his notes for each actor. Creating On-Set Rapport: Why George insists on week-long rehearsals, shared transport, and summer camp bonding activities to make his cast look like lifelong friends on screen. The Second Feature Jump: The harsh financial realities of closing indie film equity, managing producer stress, and looking after your mental health in the edit suite. Sunny Dancer (2026) — Director, Writer, Producer Cast: Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), Ruby Stokes (Bridgerton), Conrad Khan (Peaky Blinders), Earl Cave (The End of the F*ing World), Jasmine Elcock, Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer), James Norton (Happy Valley), Neil Patrick Harris (Uncoupled), and James Blunt. Black Dog (2023) — Director, Writer, Producer Cast: Jamie Flatters (Avatar: The Way of Water), Keenan Munn-Tyson, Ruby Stokes. 🌱 FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE A feature documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the vegan lifestyle around the world. If you enjoyed the film, please take a moment to share and rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review and every comment helps us share the film’s important message with more people. Your support makes a massive difference! 🎧 Subscribe, Listen & Review: Help us out by subscribing and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—but more importantly, tell your pals about this show. Thank you! 👕 PODCAST MERCH: Get your very own tees, hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs, and more HERE. 📚 COURSES: Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE POST PRODUCTION DEMYSTIFIED. 🌐 ARCHIVE: Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com. 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 direct feedback on your film projects! Written, Edited & Produced by: Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo & Banner Art by: Lois Creative Theme Music by: John J. Harvey 🎬 George Jaques Feature Filmography & Credits🎥 Watch Food For Thought📲 Support, Merch & Courses🧡 Our Brilliant Patreon Supporters🎬 Credits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
