To mark the release of the forthcoming period drama Serena – starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence – we had the pleasure of sitting down with screenwriter Christopher Kyle, and Oscar-winning director Susanne Bier to discuss their recent collaboration.

We asked Bier what it was like directing such esteemed, talented performers – with a cast also consisting of the likes of Rhys Ifans and Toby Jones – and the joys that come with shooting a period piece. We spoke to Christopher about the process of adapting the popular Ron Rash novel this film is based on – and finally spoke to Bier about another of her upcoming projects, the harrowing drama A Second Chance.

Serena is released on October 24th.