EXCLUSIVE: Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me is headed to BBC Two. The one-off doc follows the titular British star as she enjoys a career renaissance. It was made by BAFTA-winning director Simon Draper who filmed Margolyes on his phone over two years. The resulting 60-minute film has now landed with BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer in the UK.
The film started out as an idea for a podcast. Draper (Rob & Rylan’s Grand Tour) wanted to make an audio show about his longtime collaborator and friend Margolyes, capturing her characteristically honest reflections on her life and career.
But Draper effectively becomes Margolyes’ sidekick as he films her, and what started out as a freelancer’s attempt to make a podcast was transformed into a documentary film and a chaotic exploration of friendship.
The original podcast was conceived as Margolyes’ final act. Margolyes was, however, experiencing a surge in popularity and sidetracked by engagements including a book tour to Australia, a mission to reunite with old friends before they die, and a visit to the Queen, all of which Draper captured.
“I thought getting Miriam Margolyes to make a podcast would be easy, after all, everyone’s doing them, but Miriam’s lifestyle is bonkers,” Draper said. “In two years, we made just five episodes, but hanging out with her was life-changing. Mim’s a woman with strong opinions and a weak bladder, and I feel lucky to have been able to capture all the chaos and sparkle of the bravest, most honest person I know.”
Rex TV boarded the project as it morphed from podcast to a full-fledged doc. “When I started Rex I wanted to make TV with heart and humor, so when Simon brought me this project I knew I had to help get it finished and in front of an audience,” said Lana Salah, Creative Director, Rex TV. “We all love Miriam, but what Simon managed to capture is something rare, moving and hilariously funny.”
Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me was acquired for the BBC by Jo Lapping, Head of Factual Acquisition. It will air on BBC Two and iPlayer in the spring. Rex TV is part of production and distribution group Zinc Media. Internationally, it will be sold by Zinc Distribution and be part of its lineup for MIP London later this month.
Margolyes can currently be seen in Oscar-nominated short film A Friend of Dorothy and talked to Deadline about the film earlier this week.