How I made it (Somehow)

🎬 Ep. 10 - XOXO: Co-Directing, Shared Vision & Building a Creative Duo

In this episode of How I Made It (Somehow), directing duo XOXO - Tessa and Paula - join the podcast to talk about what it really means to create as two. Working across global campaigns for brands like Meta, Sephora, Coca-Cola, Ikea and McDonald’s, they’ve developed a distinctive voice that blends bold visuals with emotional storytelling. Together, they share how they balance their different instincts, build a shared creative language, and navigate the industry as a duo. We talk about collaboration, trust, and the realities of co-directing - from shaping ideas together to making decisions under pressure, and why having fun in the process still matters. A sharp, honest conversation about partnership, authorship, and finding your voice - not alone, but together.

🎬 Ep. 9 – (IN ITALIANO) – Francesco Coppola: Costruire una carriera tra cinema, musica e advertising

Francesco Coppola racconta il suo percorso nel mondo del cinema, dei videoclip musicali e della pubblicità. Francesco inizia la sua carriera nella produzione cinematografica, collaborando con Francesco Lettieri e il collettivo Cazzimma Brothers durante l’ascesa della scena indie italiana, lavorando a videoclip iconici per artisti come Calcutta. Parallelamente, fa esperienza su set di alto livello, lavorando accanto al premio Oscar Paolo Sorrentino in produzioni come The New Pope e È stata la mano di Dio, e con Gabriele Salvatores in Il Ragazzo Invisibile 2. Oggi lavora come regista tra videoclip, spot pubblicitari e contenuti branded, dirigendo progetti per artisti come Margherita Vicario, Loredana Bertè, Vinicio Capossela, Calcutta e Franco126, e per brand internazionali come Netflix, Ikea e MSC. In questo episodio parliamo di: – come iniziare una carriera nel cinema – cosa si impara lavorando sui set professionali – il passaggio dalla produzione alla regia – dirigere videoclip e lavorare con artisti – costruire una carriera creativa tra cinema, musica e pubblicità Un episodio per registi, filmmaker e creativi che vogliono entrare nel settore e sviluppare il proprio linguaggio visivo.

🎬 Ep. 8 – Mischa Andreski: From Production Manager to Writer-Director - Now or Never

In this episode of How I Made It (Somehow), Mischa Andreski joins the podcast to talk about her transition from Production Manager at Adventure Pictures, working alongside Sally Potter, to stepping into her own path as a writer-director. Having built her career behind the scenes - managing budgets, logistics, teams and creative problem-solving - Mischa shares what it really means to understand filmmaking from the inside out. We talk about learning the craft through production, supporting other directors’ visions, and the moment she realised it was time to back her own. A grounded, honest conversation about timing, authorship, and the courage it takes to shift from making films happen for others to creating your own.

🎬 Ep. 7 - Charlie Williams: Making Reality Compelling - A Life in British TV

In this episode of How I Made It (Somehow), producer-director Charlie Williams joins the podcast to talk about his journey through British factual television. Having worked across BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and Channel 4, Charlie shares what it really means to build a career in documentaries and unscripted TV — from fast-turnaround productions to long-form storytelling. We talk about editorial judgement, working under pressure, interviewing contributors on sensitive subjects, and navigating every stage of production from commission to delivery. A grounded, honest conversation about making factual TV, finding your voice, and staying calm while juggling multiple stories at once.

🎬 Ep. 6 – Fabian Wagner: Lighting the Epic — From Game of Thrones to The Crown

Director of Photography on iconic series such as Game of Thrones, The Crown, House of the Dragon, and Sherlock, Fabian Wagner has shaped some of the most recognisable imagery in modern television. In this episode, he reflects on his journey, the craft behind large-scale international productions, and the challenge of creating a distinct visual language that moves seamlessly between epic battles and intimate, character-driven drama.