This week, we’re chatting with Millan, the writer and director of Nothing But Blue, a powerful short film.

Millan takes us behind the scenes of his emotionally gripping story about two Jewish people hiding during the Holocaust, told in a beautifully subtle way that focuses on humanity and hope amidst despair.

We dive into everything - from the unique filming location above a pub, to the deep research Milan did to honour the story authentically, including drawing inspiration from Anne Frank’s diary.

Millan also opens up about the challenges and emotions on set, the process of pitching and funding this film, and how he learned to trust himself as a filmmaker along the way.

If you love thoughtful, heartfelt cinema and stories that remind us why humanity matters, this episode is for you.

Here are the highlights:

Overview of "Nothing But Blue" (2:03)

Research and Preparation Process (3:58)

Challenges and Lessons Learned (7:21)

Festival Experience and Pitching to Producers (16:17)

Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers (22:32)

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Website: www.gunpowderhouse.co.uk

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This Podcast is proudly produced by Wavemakers Audio

In this episode, we’re joined by composer and filmmaker John Parr for a heartfelt conversation about storytelling, music, and representation in film.

John shares the inspiration behind his latest project Pack of Five, which brings the story of Welsh poet Hedd Wyn to life through powerful visuals and a moving choral soundtrack.

We talk about the emotional depth of Welsh music, the magic of sincerity on screen, and how creative choices leave lasting impressions.

John also opens up about his experience as a disabled filmmaker, the importance of authentic representation, and his take on emerging tools like AI in storytelling.

From childhood plays to award-winning shorts, this is a rich, reflective chat on what it really means to tell the truth through art.

Here are the highlights:

Inspiration and Challenges in Film and Music (2:37)

A Pack of Five (6:19)

Premiere and Cultural Significance of "A Pack of Five" (11:53)

John's Experience as a Disabled Filmmaker (13:42)

Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers and Musicians (21:45)

Judging at the Kamata Festival (26:18)

More about John:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Connect with us here:

Website: www.gunpowderhouse.co.uk

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/cinematicalchemypodcast

www.instagram.com/gunpowderhouse

www.instagram.com/srishq

www.instagram.com/amberlillianpayne

LinkedIn:

Gunpowder House LinkedIn

Srishti LinkedIn

Amber LinkedIn

In this episode, we're diving into the magical - and often chaotic - world of book-to-screen adaptations.

From the faithful beauty of The Lord of the Rings to the… loosely inspired World War Z, we’re breaking down what makes an adaptation shine or flop.

We also touch on video game adaptations like The Last of Us, Super Mario Bros, and Arcane, and discuss how some shows and films have outshined their original source material entirely.

Here are the highlights:

Faithful vs. Interpretative Adaptations (2:11)

Video Game Adaptations (10:17)

Super Mario Bros. Film: A Mixed Reception (13:59)

Films More Popular Than the Books (24:23)

Disney's Live-Action Adaptations (34:23)

Connect with us here:

Website: www.gunpowderhouse.co.uk

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/cinematicalchemypodcast

www.instagram.com/gunpowderhouse

www.instagram.com/srishq

www.instagram.com/amberlillianpayne

LinkedIn:

Gunpowder House LinkedIn

Srishti LinkedIn

Amber LinkedIn