Kate Winslet's 'Regime' is not a dictatorship — behind the scenes, at least

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kate Winslet is running things — on and off the set of her new TV show, “The Regime.” In the HBO show premiering Sunday, she plays Elena Vernham — also known as The Chancellor, the ruler of a fictional country in Europe, possibly near Poland. Winslet, who is also an executive producer on the show, says she's never been offered a character like this “in her life.” “I’ve never read a script like this before. And she’s a lot of fun to work with.” “The Regime” directors Stephen Frears and Jessica Hobbs both agree that a Winslet set is more like a welcoming theater company. "As she says, you know, learn your lines, focus and deliver.” Winslet says that she takes being number one on the call sheet very seriously and tries to lead by example, to “lift the energy every day and just deliver it and show up and, and really be there for everybody.” “As I’m getting older I feel responsibility and gratitude, you know, both simultaneously,” Winslet explains.