The Circle Podcast

Not even two months from its release, and fresh off the news of a season 2, we are joined by Sheila Nortley and Michael Salami, producer and actor for Netflix fan favourite, Supacell. The duo step into the circle to talk respective journeys in the build up to joining the global no1 hit show, including a 13-year gap between their first project together 'Illegal Activity' created by Supacell director Sebastian Thiel, the misconceptions both had getting into the industry, Michael giving it all up if he never got the call from Rapman, Sheila having to decided between Supacell and another show to produce, the keys to gaining respect to the industry and more. Join us for our final traditional episode of Season 3 as we gear up for a new season this autumn,

Our Supa Weekender continues wIth an interview with man of the moment Rapman. The Writer/Director joins us at Acast Studios this week to speak candidly on his humble upbringings in Lewisham, finding passion and purpose in storytelling, how his viral Youtube series introduced him to Jeymes Samuel and Jay-Z/Roc Nation, music videos being the gateway into directing, what happened to that remake of Un Prophet he was attached to, how the success of Blue Story got him free dinner at Novikov with Netflix Execs, and the success of his number 1 series on global Netlfix 'Supacell'. A great episode if we do say so ourselves!

In this special episode of The Circle, Leon teams up with guest co-host and actress Dani Moseley to speak with Adrian Lester and Enyi Okoronkwo - stars of Disney Plus series Renegade Nell. On the eve of it's release, we all waxed lyrical on the actors' approach to their respective roles, navigating accuracy and sensitivities of black citizens in the historical backdrop, merging genres and themes including action, supernatural, adventure, period, family, patriarchy and slavery, what's next for both talent at different stages of their career, and working with the talented writing and directorial team. After you listen to the episode, tune straight in to Disney Plus to catch the series.

Mid-season finale! Award-winning Actor and Writer Kiell Smith-Bynoe steps inside the circle with Leon and Akua. In between performances of his recent theatre project 'Kool Story bro' the prolific comedic juggernaut took time to wax lyrical with us over a storied career that has seen him seamlessly slide through cultural webseries classics including 'Hood Documentary' and 'Diary Of A Bad Man', to reputational comedy including 'Enterprice' and 'Man Like Mobeen', to institutions such as 'Death In Paradise' and 'Friday Night Dinner' to BAFTA royalty projects 'Stath Lets Flats' and 'Ghosts'. Kiell is a one-stop shop for eclectic comedy series, and he has no plans of slowing down. A fun episode to say the least! Sound issues from the game onwards but we've drawn you in by then! Enjoy!

IAG Talent Agent Nina Malone joins Leon and Akua in the circle. Celebrating seven years as an agent, she reminisces on her transition from modelling to managing talent. We talk demystifying the myth of pretty privilege, tips to becoming a competent agent, why she reps so many clients but never discloses how many, her working relationship with Femi Oguns, a love for tap dancing and the dos and don'ts of acting talent. Tune in!

Director, Writer and Producer Abdou Cisse joins Leon and Akua to wax lyrical on an astonishing start to his career. From transitioning from Architecture to Advertising to Filmmaking, wanting to put the mandem on the global map, paying it forward with his crossover production company with long time friend Akwasi Poku, shadowing on Season 2 of Gangs Of London, writing and directing award winning shorts including 'Serious Tingz', his key to pitching himself as a director for a project, gaining his first television director credit for BBC3 series 'Grime Kids', being BAFTA nominated for his film 'Festival Of Slaps' and more! Another inspirational episode - we're giving you gold here! Enjoy!

Executive Producer/Producer Dominic Buchanan steps inside the circle in our longest and perhaps most honest episode to date to wax lyrical on a storied journey that has seen him premiere and win awards at Tribeca and Sundance respectively. Further stories include how a deal offer from Paramount let him know his worth, the origin story of his multi-award winning series 'The End Of The F***ing World, what led him to team up with a previous guest Bennett McGhee to form his production company Home Team, why he was ready to give on the industry as recent as last year, the hardships that come with being a black-led indie, the BAFTA debacle that nearly cost him a much deserved award and so much more! A special episode that will lead a lasting impression. Tune in!

In between episodes, Leon and Akua discuss random but poignant topics usually reserved for their WhatsApp. This week we speak on Kenya Barris and the ongoing discourse around representation of dark-skinned women in his successful output of Film and TV.