A Brit in LA

Nikoletta Skarlatos is an award-winning make-up artist and special effects designer who's worked on huge movies like The Hunger Games franchise, The Pirates of The Caribbean franchise, Spider-man and Thor. Her A-list client list includes the likes of Johnny Depp, Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence and in this episode, she shares with Lauren how she broke into this industry and what it takes to survive! She also shares her go-to skincare products and just how much makeup she has at home.

Katie Cleary broke onto our screens in the first season of Americas Next Top Model and has gone on to have a dazzling career in Hollywood. Over recent years she has turned her attention to animal advocacy and last year directed her second documentary ‘Why On Earth' staring Clint Eastwood. In this episode Katie chats about her big break into the entertainment industry as a 'Briefcase Beauty' alongside Meghan Markle on Deal or No Deal, landing roles in huge movies like The Break Up and Iron Man, and launching her non-profit welfare organisation Peace For Animals.Learn more: peace4animals.net / worldanimalnews.com 

Dee Dee Sorvino certainly knows a bit about entertaining! As an Emmy Award winning TV host, comedian, and actress she sits down with host Lauren Samuels to talk about her fascinating life and career in Hollywood. From staring opposite her late husband, acting legend, Paul Sorvino, to creating a cook book and wine brand with him. If this episode doesn't leave you hungry and thirsty we don't know what will!Learn more: www.sorvinovino.com 

Johnathan Pach is a celebrity TV and red carpet host who has interviewed everyone from Angelina Jolie to Daniel Radcliffe. Most recently Johnathan has turned his talents to selling million dollar homes in Hollywood. In this energetic episode he shares with Lauren how he remains calm when interviewing such huge names, what its really like being a relator to the rich and famous and how he stays so positive in almost any situation. Learn more about Johny: www.johnypach.com & www.johnathanpach.com 

Megan Dorty Aseme is a trauma recovery coach who specialises in healing from high-conflict relationships. In this insightful episode Lauren and Megan delve into what exactly trauma recovery coaching is, the subject of love bombing, steps to aid your own recovery and how to identify different types of narcissists. Learn more about Megan: www.lovebombedmd.com 

Maryanne Parker is a leading etiquette expert who helps brands, businesses and celebrities learn stellar elegance and etiquette. In this fascinating and informative discussion, Maryanne shares her techniques with Lauren, as well as her big ‘no-no's' when it comes to manners!Learn more about Maryanne: www.manorofmanners.com

Graham Shiels is certainly no stranger to our screens. Having appeared as a network guest star in over 30 shows, including 'True Blood', 'Lioness', 'Truth Be Told' and 'Star Trek:Picard'. In 2013 Graham founded 'The Graham Shield Studio'; coaching actors to book those big roles and stay employed. In this episode Graham shares the importance of training and the main techniques that he teaches. He also shares stories from throughout his lucrative career, and what not to do on those huge TV and movie sets!Learn more about Graham: www.grahamshielsstudios.com

Welcome to Season 3 of a A Brit in LA!In the season premiere, Leo Richardson joins Lauren to discuss his work as a writer and producer on the phenomenal Netflix series 'YOU '. Prior to this he was a lead writer on the Fox series 'Star', Warner Brothers series 'Katy Keene' and back in England, the much loved British soap 'Eastenders'. Leo shares the pivotal moments in his career, as well as how he approaches creativity in the work he does. He gives advice for aspiring writers, what a day in the life of a Hollywood writer looks like and what its really like writing for such a huge Netflix show.  

Things are very different on this special episode of 'A Brit in LA' as, for the series two finale, Lauren Samuels is the one answering the questions.She is joined by her best friend, fellow actor and singer Noel Sullivan, who asks her a selection of questions sent in by listeners. By the end of this show, you'll know a lot more about Lauren and how she spends her time pursuing the Hollywood dream in between recording episodes of this hot pod.You'll also learn which guest has taught her the most about show business, what she misses most from home, and what her own burning dream is.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Catherine Lyn Scott was an actress for 16 years before finding her greatest talent came in helping others shine - first as a publicist for British performers in Los Angeles and then leading hugely successful Oscar campaigns.She has helped clients to 21 Oscar nominations and scored five Oscar wins in just the last seven years. No wonder she's so in demand by ambitious and talented filmmakers.In this revealing interview with Lauren Samuels, Catherine reveals how she gets movies seen by voters and the press to build the all-important buzz that can power projects to award glory. She also discusses her work representing actors from hit shows like Ted Lasso and Downton Abbey and shares her secrets for success.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Kimberley Kates made her big screen debut as one of the princess babes alongside Keanu Reeves and co in much-loved movie classic ‘Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure'.She went on to star in a string of other films and had TV roles in the likes of ‘Seinfield', ‘The Larry Sanders Show' and ‘Murder She Wrote'. Then she moved behind the camera becoming a producer of several films including comedy ‘Dirty Love' and horror pic ‘Babysitter Wanted' and now she's CEO of Big Screen Entertainment Group, a film production and distribution company with its own streaming channel.Kimberley has co-authored a new book, ‘Avenger Field', telling the little known story of America's female pilots in WWII, and has launched a lifestyle brand and retail business, The Princess Network.In this entertaining interview she talks to Lauren Samuels about everything from ageism to sexism in Hollywood and reveals her secrets for success.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

David Treatman is a Broadway and West End producer behind a string of hit projects ranging from the Harry Potter parody ‘Puffs' to the Tony Award winning play ‘Angels in America'.He is revolutionizing the stage industry and its economics by finding new revenue models, such as making top-quality films of stage performances and taking advantage of the full range of digital media opportunities.In a wide-ranging chat with Lauren Samuels, David talks about how innovations like these can give a much longer life and wider reach to theatre productions. He also shares stories of how working behind the scenes on school plays put him on the path to being one of the youngest producers in Broadway history.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Ever since being established in 1894, the Royal Society of Saint George - current patron King Charles III - has looked to spread the best of British around the world through good deeds and good manners.The California branch is chaired by Princess Karen Cantrell, an American philanthropist and descendent of nobility, whose lifetime of charitable works has seen her honored by world leaders.In this entertaining interview, she tells host Lauren Samuels how everyone can live like a princess and explains America's fascination with the royals and British people. She also shares her admiration for the late Queen while being somewhat less enthusiastic about Harry and Meghan.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Donelle Dadigan first built up her Hollywood contacts list by selling luxury houses to A-list stars. With the money she made from that, she bought the iconic Max Factor building - where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde and Lucille Ball was turned into a redhead - and re-launched it as the Hollywood Museum.Filled with Tinseltown treasures like the time-traveling car from ‘Back to the Future,' the Batmobile, and countless props and costumes, it's a magnet for tourists.Donelle shares stories about the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame with host Lauren Samuels about her many years on the committee. She's also a radio host and friend of the stars who understands more than most of the special magic that makes up Hollywood.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Alexa Jago produces award-winning films and finds funding for them too. The LA-based Brit brings great experience to her work, having started off as an actress, making her movie debut alongside Kevin Costner in ‘Waterworld.'She's a member of the board of directors at BAFTA North America and devotes herself to many more charities in between movie-making. In this enlightening interview with Lauren, Alexa explains how she found success and how you can too.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Laura O'Donnell's typical day will see her jumping off a building, swinging from a horse or crashing through a window. That's because she's a film and TV stuntwoman who has worked on everything from ‘Game of Thrones' to ‘Casualty'.As if that's not impressive enough, she's also a single mother of five kids! As she tells Lauren Samuels in this engrossing and inspiring chat, her children are all action too. Laura has also written a book about her amazing life, which is being developed into a movie!She talks about the importance of mentorship in showbiz careers, explaining how she has been helped by everyone from Arnold Schwarzenegger to John Cleese, and is now on a mission to help and inspire others. It's a mission she's winning. Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Filmmaker Frank Mannion was described by the Los Angeles Times as “so charming and crafty that he could probably talk a mortuary attendant out of a corpse.” But as he tells Lauren Samuels in this wildly entertaining episode, it takes more than sweet talking to succeed in Hollywood.It also takes money; Frank calls his production company Swipe Films because he once maxed out ten credit cards for $75,000 credit to keep one of his early films on track.Things became easier with success and his latest successful film is the documentary Quintessentially British celebrates everything great and British, from royalty to classic cars and fashion to classic stars, including Ian McKellen and Judi Dench who share their thoughts with Frank in the film.For anyone looking to learn about the ups and downs and do's and don'ts of moviemaking, this is the episode for you. Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Elizabeth Blake-Thomas has quickly become one of Hollywood's most in-demand and admired movie directors. The Brit has already worked on six films this year - the latest being ‘Hunt Club,' starring Mickey Rourke and Mena Suvari.She has both, a book and a podcast called ‘Filmmaking Without Fear,' designed to help independent movie makers find their creative path. She also runs a production company called ‘Mother & Daughter Entertainment' with her actress daughter Isabella Blake-Thomas.In this inspirational and informative discussion, Elizabeth tells Lauren how she has shattered the patriarchy to succeed in a male-dominated sector of the movie business, and why she always follows the motto “make content that matters.” Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Max Brallier couldn't make a breakthrough as an author until he decided to write the stories he would've wanted to read as a kid. The result was the 10 million-selling zombie apocalypse saga ‘The Last Kids On Earth.'The series became so popular it spun off into an Emmy-winning Netflix series which features Max's childhood hero and Star Wars icon – Mark Hamill, who turned out to be everything the lifelong Luke Skywalker fan hoped he would be.Max continued his franchise building with a video game and a toy line inspired by the books, and has had success beyond his wildest dreams. In this episode, he shares how he did it all.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Do you need the help of a career coach to land that dream job, secure a promotion or recover from a setback? Well, this is the episode for you!Octavia Goredema is the go-to expert for career advancement and reveals the secrets for success in her hit book ‘Prep, Push, Pivot,' as well as in this engrossing interview with Lauren Samuels.In this episode, she discusses her work with leaders at major companies like Google, Nike and Tinder. The brilliant Brit has been on a mission to help underrepresented professionals climb the career ladder. Octavia has been awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II and shares advice that can help all of us reach crowning achievements.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Bonnie Zane is a leading Hollywood casting director who knows talent when she sees it, having cast a string of hits from The Larry Sanders Show to Mad About You, and many more. Perhaps her greatest casting coup was putting Meghan Markle in her star-making role in Suits – as Bonnie tells Lauren, she saw 300 other actresses for that part before Meghan “lit up the room.”In an interview that plays like a masterclass for actors, Bonnie advises what to do to give yourself the best chance of landing the role, as well as the things to avoid. She also gives some rather surprising advice for British performers chasing parts as Americans.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Noel Sullivan rose to fame on TV show ‘Popstars', became part of chart-topping group Hear'Say, and has since starred in stage musicals such as ‘Grease', ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' and ‘We Will Rock You'. Noel has also appeared on TV in the likes of ‘Gavin & Stacey', ‘Years and Years' and ‘Call the Midwife'.Having lived and worked in Los Angeles in the past, he adds his own perspective to this lively and laugh-filled discussion with his best friend Lauren about her new life among the palm trees.Normally on ‘A Brit in LA', we hear briefly from Noel in the intro and the final few minutes of the podcast but for this first season finale, we are devoting the whole show to the multi-talented performer, who reveals a great deal of wisdom as well as wit.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

One of the best comedy directors in the business, Declan Lowney, is currently behind the camera on the global smash hit – ‘Ted Lasso'. He previously directed comedy classics like ‘Father Ted,' ‘Little Britain' and ‘Cold Feet,' as well as the ‘Alan Partridge' movie.Moreover, he's the director behind the star-studded Warburtons commercials starring Sylvester Stallone, Robert DeNiro, and George Clooney. In this episode of A Brit in LA, he tells host Lauren Samuels how it all started, recalling when he got the job directing the Eurovision Song Contest, of all things.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Despite seeing only one film in a cinema growing up (Grease), David A. R. White has built a successful Hollywood career as a movie mogul. Inspired by his religious background, he makes faith-based films, such as ‘God's Not Dead' – one of the ten most profitable films of all time.He discusses with host Lauren Samuels that churchgoers are an underserved market and explains how connecting with that audience has changed his life. David shares his own strategies for success and touches on why keeping the faith is important in all careers.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Today's guest is a pop culture legend. Burt Ward played Robin to Adam West's Batman in the original Batman TV series back in the sixties, and the show continues to entertain new generations of viewers all these years later.Burt shares memories of his years as the Caped Crusader's sidekick, and gives his take on the darker tone taken by recent Batman movies. He reveals the major movie role he was made to reject and discusses his delight at being awarded a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.He also tells Lauren about his new role in life as a superhero to animals, rescuing thousands of dogs and launching a nonprofit pet food company (www.gentlegiantspetfood.com), which helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

If you're interested in The Beatles, branding, or business success stories, then this episode is ideal for you, as mother and daughter entrepreneurs, Angie and Ruth McCartney describe their journey from Merseyside to Los Angeles. It was in 1964 when Paul McCartney's widowed dad Jim married Angie, who, along with her young daughter, Ruth, went to live with him at his Liverpool home, where members of The Beatles were frequent visitors.They share with Lauren memories from those days and explain how years later, they are running a business empire in LA, in between touring the world talking about The Fab Four. This hilarious duo really are themselves, The Fab Two.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Producer Jason Haigh-Ellery is possibly the hardest working man in show business. He has his fingers in many pies and has found the recipe for success in theatre, film, TV, and audio drama. He has produced many West End and touring stage shows, including ‘Footloose,' ‘Rock of Ages,' ‘The Wedding Singer,' and ‘Bonnie and Clyde.'In this episode, the entertainment entrepreneur tells Lauren, a longtime friend, how theatre is bouncing back from the pandemic, and discusses the economics and strategy behind a multi-faceted showbiz career, focusing on what it takes to make it big in Hollywood.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Trish Kinane knows talent when she sees it. As executive producer of American Idol and America's Got Talent, having previously been in charge of the US version of X Factor USA, this British showrunner is one of the leading executives in American television. She describes how she got there in this engrossing chat with Lauren, who made her own breakthrough to fame as a TV talent show contestant. In this episode you will learn how such shows come together, why the talent pool never dries up, and what kind of support contestants get with press, social media and the psychology of fame.

With millions of social media followers, Darcy Donavan is the kind of modern celebrity who understands the importance of building a brand. This multi-talented guest is a film and TV actress with credits including ‘Anchorman', ‘Entourage' and ‘Modern Family'; she's also a platinum-selling recording artist and an inspirational author, philanthropist and entrepreneur. As if that wasn't enough, the former beauty pageant winner is now a leading light in the cryptocurrency community.In this outspoken, bubbly, and highly amusing episode, Lauren talks to Darcy about branding, beauty, memories from her favorite roles, building a huge social media following, and how she got the title “the crypto queen”.

James Corden has been a huge hit on American television as host of ‘The Late Late Show' on CBS for the past seven years, and a key factor in his triumph has been the show's executive producer James Longman, a two-time Emmy Award winner for his work shaping the series.Starting out working in Waitrose before moving to jobs in British television on shows like ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks' and ‘Alan Carr: Chatty Man', James Longman has made a huge success of his move to the United States, his other credits have included being part of the production team on ‘Friends: The Reunion'.In this episode, Lauren talks to him not only about working with James Corden, but also about superstar guests like Tom Cruise, Paul McCartney and Prince Harry, and how he copes with being so far away from his beloved West Ham United.

What do Eminem and Celine Dion have in common? They have both recorded songs written by Michael Jay. This prolific and versatile Grammy-winning songwriter has over 35 years of experience in the music business. He got his big break writing a song for Gloria Estefan on the soundtrack of the original ‘Top Gun' film and has gone on to create hits for a string of stars, including Kylie Minogue, Debbie Harry, and Steps. His songs have sold more than 75 million records worldwide.In this episode, Lauren talks to Michael about how to find stardom in the modern music industry. He shares how his own style of song creation has had to adapt to the latest trends, beats, and genres to make hits in all four decades of working in the business. Michael discusses all things social media, as well as how to make money from a music career, how to deal with writer's block, and what makes Celine Dion so special.

Chase Masterson is an actress and activist. She's appeared in ER, Sliders, The Flash, and perhaps most memorably in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, where her out of this world performance as Leeta saw her voted TV's favorite sci-fi actress. But it's right here on Earth where she's having a significant impact now, heading up Pop Culture Hero Coalition, a nonprofit she co-founded that is dedicated to stamping out bullying and other forms of discrimination.In this episode, Lauren talks of her own experience with cyberbullying during her time on the BBC talent show ‘Over The Rainbow', and Chase shares the horrific story of a Star Trek fan who put her pictures on a dating site and pretended to be her. She admits that everyone who becomes a public figure will face cyberbullying, saying: “It's going to happen, and it's going to hurt. But you have to treat it like a mosquito and flick it off.”Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

This episode's guest really puts the accent on success. She is a top dialect coach who has helped performers find the right voice for Oscar-winning films and TV hits like ‘The Crown,' ‘Doctor Who,' and ‘American Horror Story.' An Olivier Award winner, Gaby Santinelli also teaches voiceover acting at the University of Southern California. As an acclaimed actress and singer, she has performed on the soundtrack for some of the world's most famous films, including ‘La La Land,' ‘Star Wars,' ‘Harry Potter,' and ‘Lord of the Rings.' Furthermore, she's been in a string of London's West End shows, including ‘The Phantom of the Opera.'In this episode, Lauren and Gaby explore why she decided to pursue a career in dialect and acting coaching and her motivation to help Americans and Brits master accents. Together, they delve into how to work effectively with an actor and a script to achieve the best possible accent outcome. Gaby highlights the challenges that arise in trying to quantify how someone takes in sound and discusses the perceptions around the differences in acting education on both sides of the pond. Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

As well as being a creative force behind TV shows such as So You Think You Can Dance and stage hits like Footloose and The Wedding Singer, writer, and producer Kris Lythgoe has spent the last few years bringing traditional British pantomime to American theatre audiences – oh yes he has -; attracting star-studded names to the cast such as Ariana Grande and Neil Patrick Harris.In this first episode, Lauren and Kris explore how the magic of British pantomime is being brought to American audiences and compares the shows to “Disney fairytales.” They delve into the comedic differences found on both sides of the Atlantic. Kris explains how humor reflects their respective cultures and the challenges in balancing a script that engages people of all ages in the live experience. What is it that attracts us - young and old - to this bizarre medley of fairytales, dance, jokes, and songs?Kris shares his tips and tricks with Lauren on maximizing opportunities that she will gain in Hollywood and chews over perceptions around actors who try to diversify in the entertainment industry. Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: a-brit-in-la.fmCreated & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

British stage and screen star Lauren Samuels has just moved to Los Angeles to continue her showbiz career. Her podcast, A Brit in LA, is for anyone who shares her fascination with Hollywood and ambition to succeed on the silver screen. Each week, Lauren interviews inspirational figures who explain how they are achieving their own Hollywood dreams.