Exploring a Unique Journey in “Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me”
The documentary “Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me” chronicles the adventures of its eponymous character, Miriam Margolyes, as she travels from London to Australia, engaging in various activities including meeting old friends, performing on stage, and even rubbing shoulders with royalty.
Simon Draper, a BAFTA-winning director, captured Margolyes using his mobile phone over a span of two years. Initially, Draper’s intention was to create a podcast featuring Margolyes, who is renowned in the UK and internationally not only for her acting but also for her vibrant and often colorful presence on television and talk shows. However, as Margolyes revealed to Deadline, the transition from a podcast to a film was somewhat unintentional.
“I had no idea what was happening,” Margolyes commented on the early days of the project. “There were times I’d just be going about my business, and there was Simon, camera in hand, filming. I was always game, but truthfully, I was quite clueless about the direction things were heading.”
As the project progressed, it became clear that what began as preliminary research for a podcast was evolving into a cinematic piece. The documentary has since been acquired by the BBC and is set to be aired on iPlayer and BBC Two.
The film not only delves into Margolyes’s life but also sheds light on Draper’s experiences. Despite his extensive credentials, Draper, like many freelance professionals in the British television industry, struggled with employment before this documentary took shape. His narrative is likely to resonate with many of his peers.
“I naturally gravitated towards keeping busy in the field I was trained,” Draper explains. “The idea was initially to gather enough material for a podcast with Miriam.”
Gwyn Jones, the editor, played a pivotal role in shifting the project’s direction. “You don’t have a podcast; you’ve got a film on your hands,” he told Draper after reviewing the material. “It slowly dawned on me that this was a story about how Miriam touches lives, including my own,” Draper added.
In the documentary, Margolyes shines whether she is interacting with royalty, celebrities, or director Simon Draper himself. The film includes both humorous and poignant moments, like her visit to an ailing school friend. Margolyes’s effortless presence on camera comes from her genuine interactions, rather than performing for the lens. “I thrive on being around people—I genuinely value and take friendships seriously,” she says.
Currently featured in the Oscar-nominated short “A Friend of Dorothy,” Margolyes shares, “Being myself comes naturally to me. I respond to questions with honesty and care. I might be playful or somber at times, reflective of the human experience, but I always strive to express my feelings and thoughts openly.”
During a Zoom interview, Draper directly addresses Margolyes, acknowledging the unique opportunity the documentary presented: “You allowed me to simply explore and see where things would lead,” he reflected.
Returning to his conversation with Deadline, Draper noted the advantages of using a phone for filming. “The unpredictability added an element of excitement—quite different from the often predictable outcomes in traditional TV and films,” he mused.
“Miriam’s openness allowed for a genuine depiction of our relationship and friendship,” Draper continued. “The documentary is infused with humor and depth, capturing the authenticity that Miriam embodies.”
Draper emphasized the creative freedom he enjoyed, not being confined by the usual documentary norms. “I was learning and discovering new aspects of Miriam’s character with every meeting, which kept the process dynamic and insightful,” he added.
Lana Salah, Creative Director at Rex TV, saw potential in the project, and the independent label Rex, part of the Zinc Media production and distribution group, took it on. With a deal from the BBC already secured, “Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me” is now being offered to international markets by Zinc Distribution.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
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