Our first guest! Oscar-nominated writer-director Kirsten Sheridan talks growing up on film sets, Cillian Murphy, and Hulu’s Say Nothing | Ep 31

Welcome to Episode 31 to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World podcast! This episode came out a little late this week but it’s worth the wait. We have our very first guest- Oscar nominated writer director Kirsten Sheridan stops by the show.  That's right. We might just quit after this episode.  We discuss so many things, from being nominated for writing “In America”, the indie hit based on her life story immigrating to the U.S., watching her legendary director father direct Daniel Day Lewis, and directing her first feature starring a 25-year old Cillian Murphy.

The incredible actors she has worked with include Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine, Djimon Hounsou, and of course Robin Williams. She has so much wisdom to share. 

Kirsten talks about the biggest lesson she learned from her father and the one piece of advice she always gives actors. Also what on Earth is Danny Devito’s Troll Foot? And what’s a 99?

Also Kirsten's latest show "Say Nothing" on Hulu is earning rave reviews. The gripping true story spans four decades during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and we discuss the impact it's having on audiences. She and Rían also reminisce as they happened to have gone to the same high school as one another.  As if that wasn't enough, she started a filmmaking community/school in Ireland and is bringing that experience to LA this summer (info below). We talk about how she likes to work with actors and how she helps them achieve their best work, as well what she looks for in self tapes. 

Kirsten is clearly a director an actor would dream to work with but also to have as a guest. Please enjoy this episode. 

Kirsten Sheridan’s website-  www.kirstensheridan.net 

Summer workshop - www.bowstreet.ie/kirsten-sheridan-workshop 

IG: @bowstreetacademy

Time stamps

(0:00) Intro

(1:24) Kirsten Sheridan

(3:11) Seeing the flaws of your old work

(5:09) Cillian Murphy is an incredible actor

(9:27) Pitfalls learning lessons as a young director

(09:54) The big lesson Kirsten learned from her legendary director father

(11:12) The worst thing a director can do

(15:24) Growing up on film sets

(18:20) How writing helped her find her voice

(18:54) Starting a film acting school

(21:11) In America

(23:03) Imposter syndrome

(24:26) Behind the scenes of In America

(30:27) Building a community in LA

(34:43) Hulu hit “Say Nothing”

(41:11) Ireland’s tumultuous history

(44:33) How to survive in the new industry of entertainment

(49:26) Danny Devito and Troll Foot

(50:24) Teaching classes and building community

(56:07) Viciously protecting your craft like Cillian Murphy

(57:51) Directing Robin Williams

(1:00:35) How do you keep up with all the content?

(1:03:09) The one piece of advice I always give actors

(1:04:44) Finding the actors’ essence

(1:08:44) What's next for Kirsten

(1:10:49) Hidden gems