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British filmmaker Mike Newell discusses beginning his career working in television in the early 60's and quickly moving through the ranks to direct his first drama Dancing with a Stranger 1985. Newell says he knew it was successful because the high street pharmacist Boots brought out a make-up range inspired by it. From here he went on to make Enchanted April 1991 which also did very well. Newell describes moves on to his 'big Hollywood break' Four Weddings and a Funeral 1994, he read the fantastically funny script and put together a great cast, he also told the financiers they had to wait for Hugh Grant as he was the most by far the best actor he had auditioned. Newell relates how Grant both understood and could convey the jokes. Newell goes on to recall Four Weddings being previewed America and 'expecting a crucifixion' but much to his surprise, everyone was laughing throughout and how he then knew it was 'something out of the ordinary'. Newell says that he and Grant went straight on to making An Awfully Big Adventure 1995, Grant was eager to avoid being type cast and play a completely different character. The next film discussed is Donnie Brasco 1997 Newell was impressed by the script that had been 'knocking around for 10 years' and had been honed by talented directors before it came to him. He goes on to talk about what it was like working with Al Pacino, both the ups and downs. Mona Lisa Smile 2003 Newell discusses working with Julia Roberts and her immense strength and ability on and off screen. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 2005 he talks about his vision for the film, how he put his own unique style to the franchise, saying he wanted to make a comedy/thriller. Prince of Persia 2010 Newell unaware during the first half of the production that it was based on a video game, Newell saw it as more of a mystical story almost biblical. He discusses if there is a common thread that links his films and talks about focusing on the character, and they are more interesting if they are in a particular jam like Grant's role in Four Weddings. After working so long in America, he is aiming to come home and make smaller, home grown productions, this is his aim.

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