Always on Film is back for Season 2 and this time Louelle, Kitty and Imogen talk all things women in film and their own journeys in building their own production company. With guest spanning creative director Clare Binns and actress Delainey Hayles, join them in chatting all things film and the industry.
S2 Ep4: Always on: Delainey Hayles - Inside Interview with the Vampire & the World of Women in Horror
Join Immi, Kitty and Lou for another episode, this time sitting down with the wonderful Delainey Hayles.
From an early love of theatre to training at the prestigious BRIT School and National Youth Theatre, Delainey has had a whirlwind few years, taking her from London’s West End to the big screen and beyond.
We chat to Delainey about everything from her self-tape audition techniques and the wild audition story behind her role as Claudia, to filming some of those unforgettable standout scenes in Interview with the Vampire. We also hear about her journey so far, the lessons she’s picked up along the way, and what it’s like navigating the industry as a young actor.
Tune in to hear Delainey’s journey through film…
1 Oct 2026
S2 Ep3: Always on: Clare Binns - The Ritzy, Sandra Hüller & Picturehouse
Join Immi, Kitty and Lou for another episode, this time chatting to the incredible Clare Binns, Creative Director of Picturehouse.
From starting out as an usher at the Ritzy Cinema to becoming one of the most influential voices in UK cinema, Clare’s journey is one of passion, community and an unwavering love for film, culminating in her receiving a BAFTA for Outstanding Contribution to Cinema.
We chat to Clare about her love of international film, the power of cinema to bring people and communities together, and her work championing the next generation of filmmakers through initiatives such as Picturehouse Create.
Tune in to hear Clare’s journey through film...
17 Sept 2026
S2 Ep2: Always on: Caris Rianne - Founding BAFTA-Qualifying Women X Fest & Creating Space for Women
Join Immi, Kitty and Lou for another conversation, this time with the brilliant Caris Rianne.
From growing up with a love of film and the escapism it offered, while often feeling like she didn’t quite belong, to founding Rianne Pictures and the now BAFTA-qualifying Women X Film Festival, Caris has carved out a career built around creating space, opportunity and connection through film.
In this episode, we chat to Caris about her journey so far: the power of championing women and underrepresented voices, the empowerment that can come from saying no, and the importance of building meaningful film opportunities beyond London.
Tune in to hear Caris’ journey through film…
10 Sept 2026
S2 Ep1: Always on: The History of Women in Film
Welcome back for Season 2! We’re so happy to have you with us for another season.
To kick things off, Immi, Kitty and Lou are taking you through some of the key female figures who have shaped the film industry, from Alice Guy-Blaché, widely recognised as the first recorded female film director, and her groundbreaking film La Fée aux Choux (The Cabbage Fairy), all the way to Kathryn Bigelow’s history-making Oscar win and the influential women making their mark today.
We’ll be exploring their stories, achievements and the barriers they broke along the way, celebrating the women who have helped shape film as we know it.
Watch La Fée aux Choux (The Cabbage Fairy) here: https://youtu.be/-Ewo-jcNYRI?si=QClFB__SA7sUDlkn (https://youtu.be/-Ewo-jcNYRI?si=QClFB__SA7sUDlkn) , and find our research resources below:
Immi’s Section:
BFI Article
https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/female-gaze-100-overlooked-films-directed-by-women (https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/female-gaze-100-overlooked-films-directed-by-women)?
AFI Article
https://www.afi.com/news/alice-guy-blache-afi-catalog-spotlight/ (https://www.afi.com/news/alice-guy-blache-afi-catalog-spotlight/)
Harvard Gazette Article
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2003/11/radcliffe-fellow-explores-early-female-film-pioneers/ (https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2003/11/radcliffe-fellow-explores-early-female-film-pioneers/)?
Science Institute Article
https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/where-are-my-children-public-health-in-the-movies/ (https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/where-are-my-children-public-health-in-the-movies/)?
AFI Catalog
https://catalog.afi.com/Film/14392-WHERE-ARE-MY-CHILDREN?cp=1&pos=0&sid=ee081118-cfbe-423f-86f6-f88b70537736&sr=4.887564& (https://catalog.afi.com/Film/14392-WHERE-ARE-MY-CHILDREN?cp=1&pos=0&sid=ee081118-cfbe-423f-86f6-f88b70537736&sr=4.887564&)
BFI Article
https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/where-begin-with-early-women-filmmakers (https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/where-begin-with-early-women-filmmakers)?
BFI Player
https://player.bfi.org.uk/rentals/film/watch-the-marvellous-mabel-normand-the-leading-lady-of-film-comedy-2018-online (https://player.bfi.org.uk/rentals/film/watch-the-marvellous-mabel-normand-the-leading-lady-of-film-comedy-2018-online)
AFI Article
https://www.afi.com/news/mabel-normand-afi-catalog-spotlight/ (https://www.afi.com/news/mabel-normand-afi-catalog-spotlight/)?
UCLA Article
https://cinema.ucla.edu/touring-series/directed-by-dorothy-arzner-tour-2003/ (https://cinema.ucla.edu/touring-series/directed-by-dorothy-arzner-tour-2003/)
Harvard Article
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2003/11/radcliffe-fellow-explores-early-female-film-pioneers/ (https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2003/11/radcliffe-fellow-explores-early-female-film-pioneers/)?
Kitty’s section:
Bechdel Test Online
https://bechdeltest.com (https://bechdeltest.com/)
Alison Bechdel interview on the origins of the test
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jul/02/alison-bechdel-test-dykes-to-watch-out-for-cartoonist-interview (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jul/02/alison-bechdel-test-dykes-to-watch-out-for-cartoonist-interview)
Lou’s section:
The Celluloid Ceiling - 28th Edition
https://womenintvfilm.sdsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Celluloid-Ceiling-Report.pdf (https://womenintvfilm.sdsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-Celluloid-Ceiling-Report.pdf)
USC Annenberg - 2024 was a historic year for women in film
https://annenberg.usc.edu/news/research-and-impact/2024-was-historic-year-women-film (https://annenberg.usc.edu/news/research-and-impact/2024-was-historic-year-women-film)
USC Annenberg - DEI is DOA: Hollywood’s lack of progress toward inclusion
https://annenberg.usc.edu/news/research-and-impact/dei-doa-hollywoods-lack-progress-toward-inclusion (https://annenberg.usc.edu/news/research-and-impact/dei-doa-hollywoods-lack-progress-toward-inclusion)
USC Annenberg - Was 2023 the year of the woman director? Survey says… no
https://annenberg.usc.edu/news/research-and-impact/was-2023-year-woman-director-survey-says%E2%80%A6-no (https://annenberg.usc.edu/news/research-and-impact/was-2023-year-woman-director-survey-says%E2%80%A6-no)
1 Sept 2026
12: Season 2 is here!
7 Apr 2026
11: Always on: BFI Flare (2) - From 20-Day Shoot to World Premiere: Inside Lunar Sway with Cast & Crew
In our second episode from the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, we present two engaging conversations around Lunar Sway, a striking feature that celebrated its world premiere at the festival. We’re joined by writer-director Nick Butler, who reveals how the script came together in just a week and was brought to life in an ambitious 20-day shoot, alongside lead actors Noah Parker and Liza Weil, who star as Cliff and Marg. A dark comedy, the film follows Cliff, a lonely drifter in a desert town whose fragile routine is upended by the arrival of his con-artist birth mother. Across both conversations, we explore the intensity of the fast-paced production, the film’s dreamlike surrealism and its impact on Cliff’s sense of identity, and what it meant for the team to experience the energy of a live audience at its world premiere for the very first time.
Check out https://www.cloudypicturesinc.com/ (https://www.cloudypicturesinc.com/) to track all movement and updates on Lunar Sway!
*Emily Atef is the director of More Than Ever, the film Liza mentions at 37:22.
31 Mar 2026
10: Always on: BFI Flare (1) - Alex Burunova on Women, Truth & the Making of Satisfaction
Always on Film had the immense privilege of covering press at this year’s BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, where we spoke with the brilliant Alex Burunova about her debut feature, Satisfaction.
The film traces the relationship between Lola (Emma Laird) and Philip (Fionn Whitehead) across two timelines and locations, as questions of identity, truth, and credibility are gradually unearthed.
In our conversation, Alex reflects on the dedication behind bringing the project to life, why Emma and Fionn were the perfect pairing for these roles, and the importance of women owning their truth, their art, and their story.
10 Mar 2026
9: Always on: Your Hosts – Our Film Hot Takes, Early Film Crushes and Favourite London Cinemas
This week it’s just your Always on Film hosts, Louelle, Immi, and Kitty, chatting all things movies, snacks, and cinema crushes. We kick things off with the ultimate salty versus sweet popcorn debate and share our go-to snacks for a perfect film night. From Kitty’s love of the Prince Charles Cinema and the Everyman on the Canal to Immi’s soft spot for Dog Day Afternoon at the Curzon, we talk about the places that make watching films feel special.
We dive into our hottest takes, debating what’s over or underrated and how early 2000s films were marketed compared to how they might be promoted today. We also revisit big franchises like Jurassic Park and discuss well-known movies that seem to have slipped from memory.
Things get nostalgic as we share our first celebrity crushes, from Hayden Christensen to Immi’s animated love for Kovu. We chat about recent watches, including the anniversary screening of The Sound of Music, and catch up on the latest film news, from the end of The Conjuring universe to the future of Downton Abbey.
We also talk about how more TV shows are wrapping up with a final film, Erik Kripke bringing back the Supernatural cast for The Boys season 5, and Kitty’s review of Le Bonheur at the Prince Charles Cinema. To finish, we look ahead to upcoming releases we cannot wait to see, including Stephen King’s The Long Walk, Guillermo del Toro’s new Frankenstein, and Robert Eggers’ mysterious Werewolf.
So grab your popcorn, sweet or salty, and join us for a fun, film-filled catch-up.
2 Mar 2026
8: Always on: BAFTAs – Mid-Awards Season Reflections and Our Oscar Predictions
Join us for a mid-awards season catch-up as we break down and debrief the recent BAFTA Awards — covering the big wins, standout nominations, and key categories. We’ll also be looking ahead to the approaching Actors Awards and next month’s Academy Awards, sharing our predictions and where we think the top honours will land.
Films mentioned: Marty Supreme, Sinners, One Battle after Another, I Swear, Sentimental Value, Ice Age, The Testament of Anne Lee, Shrek, Hamnet
24 Feb 2026
7: Always on: Lucy-Rose Leonard - From The Artful Dodger Season 2 to Working Across Australia and London
Have you been enjoying Season 2 of The Artful Dodger?
Join us for a conversation with the actress behind Fanny herself, Lucy-Rose Leonard. She shares insights into Fanny’s development into a series lead for Season 2, her filming experiences, the differences between working in Australia and London, and her incredible journey breaking into the film and TV industries in two different countries.
18 Feb 2026
6: Always on: London Short Film Festival – Why Short Films are So Important and Changing the Industry
Join us for an in-depth conversation about the significance of short films in the industry as we shine a lens on the BAFTA-qualifying London Short Film Festival.
In this episode, we had the privilege to interview two key names behind LSFF: Artistic Director and Co-founder, Philip Ilson, and film programmer and curator, Lucy Peters.
10 Feb 2026
5: Always on: George Somner - On Starting Production Company ‘13:8 Films’ and Finding the Balance
This week, we’re joined by the brilliant George Somner for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, filmmaking, and the journey of finding your voice in the industry.
We start by sharing what we’ve all been watching this year, chatting about the difference between scary films and slashers, and diving into Kitty’s surprising new love for Cars. George talks about some of his favourite films from both a technical and performance perspective, including how he once tweeted producers just to get access to certain movies. We explore underrated films, our fascination with director Ruben Östlund, and the many layers that make storytelling so compelling.
George opens up about how he began his career and how patience and persistence helped him find his footing as an actor. He reflects on how his approach to creativity has evolved, the balance between control and surrender in acting, and the lessons that have shaped him as both an artist and a producer.
We also talk about 13:8 Films, the production company George founded, and his experiences working on short films such as Peter, Man Code, and Starboy. He shares insights into funding, collaboration, and what it means to build something with other creatives who share your passion. The conversation touches on finding a healthy balance between acting and producing, how to approach pre-production and production with intention, and the importance of feeling safe and supported within the industry.
We finish by discussing the power of short films, their role in storytelling, and why short film festivals continue to matter so much for emerging voices.
3 Feb 2026
4: Always on: Meghan Treadway - on Teaching the Next Generation of Actors, Trusting the Process and Why Crime is such a Timeless Staple in the Industry
This week, we’re joined by the brilliant Meghan Treadway for a rich and honest conversation about creativity, resilience, and the life of an artist. We chat about what we’ve all been watching lately, the films that have stayed with Meghan, and her love for good television. She shares her favourite cinema hot takes, along with the moments that shaped her career and the lessons that continue to guide her.
Meghan opens up about the early days of her journey, from drama school to her time on the West End in Witness for the Prosecution, and her experience on screen in Murder Before Evening Song. We explore how those two worlds differ beyond just stage versus screen, and how she prepares and stays grounded through each process.
We also talk about rejection and setbacks, how to keep going when things get hard, and how to reconnect with the joy of creating. Meghan shares her thoughts on what art truly means to artists, what she’s learned from teaching young actors, and why it’s so important to step back from pressure and comparison.
She reflects on her experiences within the UK’s crime genre, the types of characters she hopes to portray next, and gives a special mention to playwright Ava Pickett as one to watch. The episode closes with advice for any creatives finding their way in the industry and a reminder that comparison really is the thief of joy.
27 Jan 2026
3: Always on: Yali Topol-Margalith - On Doubt, Discovery, and the Joy of Storytelling (giveaway)
This week, we’re joined by the wonderful actor Yali Topol Margalith for a thoughtful and inspiring episode all about acting, storytelling, and finding your place in the industry. Yali takes us through her journey from theatre to film, sharing what it was like stepping into her roles in The Tattooist of Auschwitz and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.
We talk about her favourite movies, what she’s been watching lately, and the lasting impact of Stephen King’s The Long Walk. Together, we dive into the comfort of revisiting old favourites like Juno, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and 10 Things I Hate About You, and explore our shared admiration for Sean Baker and his iPhone-shot masterpiece Tangerine.
Yali also opens up about life on set, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she approaches her characters with empathy and honesty. We chat about the balance between doubt and bravery as an actor, how to carry characters with you once filming wraps, and the advice that continues to shape her career. She shares what it was like bringing book adaptations to life, working with authors and fans, and her excitement for her new project Alice and Steve. To top it off, we have a special giveaway for two signed books, so tune in to find out how to take part!
20 Jan 2026
1: Always on: Your Hosts - Welcome to our Safe Space with Lou, Immi and Kitty
Tune in with your Always on Film hosts Lou, Immi, and Kitty as we dive into our favourite films and the latest on our watchlists. Each week, we’re building our own film-centered space where we can laugh, debate, and celebrate the stories that move us. From timeless classics to hidden gems and everything in between, we’ll explore what makes cinema so endlessly fascinating and personal.
In this week’s episode, we discuss our most recent watches and our Top 4 films, diving into what makes each of them stand out. We also chat about new upcoming Jane Austen adaptations, Darren Aronofsky’s part in Caught Stealing, the early 2000s trend of talking dogs, Immi’s love for musical biopics, how well some older films have aged, and the best way to watch Star Wars.
New episodes drop weekly, so grab your headphones, settle in, and join the conversation.
20 Jan 2026
2: Always on: Christmas - Favourite Christmas Films, Nostalgia and What’s Coming in 2026…
In this episode, we discuss our recent watches and dive into all our favourite Christmas movies, including a debate about which films truly deserve the top spot during the festive season.
We also reflect on our favourite films of 2025 and talk about the biggest movies and shows from late 2025.
Thank you so much for tuning in, and keep an eye on all major platforms for access to our Season 1 episodes, coming weekly very soon. In the meantime, follow us on social media at @alwaysonfilm.pod
Happy New Year!
9 Jan 2026
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