We Interrupt This Broadcast

** This is a special video masterclass, so make sure you watch on video to get the full benefit of seeing Dawid share his screen.**In this special masterclass episode, Kirsty Stark chats to Dawid Naude, CEO & Founder at Pathfindr, and an award-winning AI innovator and educator.Dawid takes Kirsty through the Claude AI platform, offering in depth insights into how to set it up for maximum efficiency in her day-to-day tasks as a producer. There is a huge wealth of knowledge in this episode and the lessons he shares are transferable to other AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. They are focused on admin and workflow outcomes, rather than using AI to generate creative work.Whether you’ve been using AI regularly, or want to know what’s possible beyond basic prompting, this is an episode that can benefit anyone working in the screen industry. Watch as Dawid shares his screen and teaches:AI team members: your Assistant, Thinker and CreatorInterviewing AI to craft a plan for how it can help youTask management and prioritisationIntegrating AI with your email, notetaker and other toolsData privacy and security Preparing for meetings and keeping track of production informationUsing AI for deep researchPersonalising your AI interactionsCreating and managing Projects in ClaudeCreating AI Skills for repeated tasks Creating and managing AI policies for your teamClaude Cowork and using pluginsCreating websites and presentations directly from ClaudeAutomating tasks with browser controlWatch Episode 56 on Spotify or YouTube.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.Links mentioned in the episode:Claude: https://claude.aiPathfindr: https://www.pathfindr.aiStart Learning AI (Dawid & Pathfindr’s monthly masterclass): https://startlearning.aiFollow Dawid on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawidnaudeThis Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Kirsty Stark.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a comment or rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

Have your own thoughts to share about this episode, Screen Forever, or anything else happening in the industry? Join Loani, Aven, Robbie and Kirsty this Thursday 7th May at 8:30pm for our first ever Instagram Live: https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast---Screen Forever turned 40 on the Gold Coast last week, and there’s a lot to unpack!Kirsty and Loani reflect on the big conversations coming out of Screen Forever, from funding pressures and private investment to the risks of Australia becoming a service economy. They also dive into the growing conversations around AI in the sector, and what it means for authorship, voice and the future workforce.Plus feature film distribution challenges, major inbound productions shooting now, and why the National Cultural Policy consultation is a crucial moment for the industry.---Links mentioned in this episode:AACTA Proof Recipients: https://www.aacta.org/our-news/media-room/aacta-and-gold-coast-film-festival-announce-the-three-proof-finalistsScreen Australia funds 91 Narrative Projects: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/screen-australia-announces-narrative-content-funding-for-91-projects-including-four-short-films-paired-with-industry-mentors/Australia’s National Cultural Policy - Have Your Say (Closes May 24, 2026) https://www.arts.gov.au/have-your-say/new-national-cultural-policyDeep Dive: Right-Sizing Your Screen Production Business (Ep 051)https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes?grid1-dialog=recGSZhWj4oxIhvrZDeep Dive: Why Nobody Saw Your Film at the Cinema (Ep 054)https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes?grid1-dialog=recGSZhWj4oxIhvrZDeep Dive: Inventing a New Financing Model for Indie Features (Ep 034)https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes?grid1-dialog=rec9998Xpoi4tYfyWProduction Infrastructure and Capacity Analysis (PICA) report:https://www.o-spi.com/projects/production-infrastructure-and-capacity-analysis-pica-for-australias-screen-production-sector---If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.This episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast was hosted by Kirsty Stark and Loani Arman.Join the conversation about Episode 55 on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, or submit your own Big Idea to shape the industry at ⁠⁠⁠http://weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au⁠⁠⁠.---Have industry news, upcoming events or productions to share? Want to sponsor the podcast? Let us know at [email protected]

** We’re postponing our regular monthly wrap-up episode to next week so that we can cover all of the conversations and discussion from Screen Forever. If you’ll be with us on the Gold Coast, make sure you say hello! **In this episode, Aven Yap chats to Kate Separovich, Producer at Lake Martin Films and creator of the Australia in Cinemas newsletter that dives into Australian box office numbers and the current situation for Australian films in Australian cinemas.(If you haven’t already subscribed, it’s a must read!) https://australiaincinemas.substack.comKate has just produced and released Proclivitas, written and directed by Miley Tunnecliffe, and shares some of her experience releasing the film, as well as what actually needs to change if we want Australian films to thrive in Australian cinemas.With the National Cultural Policy Review coming up, this conversation couldn’t be more timely.---Listen to hear Kate discuss:Why box office data is important for producersUnderstanding audience engagementCinemas as cultural infrastructure and their role in supporting Australian filmsFrance’s model for supporting local filmsWhy awareness, availability and habit all matter when ensuring Australian films get seen in cinemasThe upcoming National Cultural Policy review and why it’s importantInsights from producing ProclivitasWhat you can do to support Australian filmsListen to Episode 54 on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.Make your own submission to the new National Cultural Policy: https://www.arts.gov.au/have-your-say/new-national-cultural-policyFollow Kate and her work:Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateseparovichLake Martin Films: https://lakemartinfilms.comAustralia in Cinemas newsletter: https://australiaincinemas.substack.comProclivitas trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtgkX5oHCVIThis Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Aven Yap. https://www.linkedin.com/in/avenyapIf you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcastYouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@weinterruptpodcast⁩ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcastDon’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

In this episode, Loani Arman speaks with Katrina Irawati Graham, co-director of the Stan series Bali 2002, about cultural safety in the screen industry - what it looks like in practice, and who is safe.They explore how cultural safety is shaped by systems of racism and power embedded in screen production, why racial literacy is necessary to recognise harm, and how harm is dangerously normalised in everyday industry practice.They also examine what it would take to move towards genuine cultural safety as a human right for all, grounded in collective responsibility, accountability, and care across the screen production pipeline.Listen to hear Katrina discuss:Cultural safety as a human rightThe impact of cultural safety on productionsWhy racial literacy is importantWhy cultural safety is a shared responsibility, and what you can doImplementing Cultural Safety PlansIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.Further information after listening to the episode:Dear White Screen Industry: https://www.screenhub.com.au/news/opinions-analysis/dear-white-screen-industry-261832-1429042/Birthing and Justice with Dr Ruth De Souza: https://www.ruthdesouza.com/podcast/Deb Verhoeven’s Australian film industry producer networks diagram https://debverhoeven.com/women-arent-the-problem-in-the-film-industry-men-areSuara Indonesia Dance: https://suara.danceDiversity in Australian Media Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14c8LNNKYXU/Follow Katrina and her work:Katrina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-irawati-graham-2299122/Katrina’s Biography: https://www.bmegonline.com/screenwriters/katrina-iriwati-grahamWatch Bali 2002 on Stan https://www.stan.com.au/watch/bali-2002This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Loani Arman.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Robbie chats to Karina Libbey, screen culture specialist and festival director of the Capital Film Festival about what festival curation and audience engagement looks like from a programmer's perspective.They discuss what filmmakers may not know about how to engage with festivals, how a festival entry should read like a resume for your film, and the more you know about your audience the easier it is to program and market your film.Listen to hear Karina discuss:Audience-first programming as a guiding philosophyDefining, building, and challenging a festival audienceProgramming as curation, not just selectionThe role of trust in shaping audience behaviourWhy great films don’t always make the programWhy filmmakers must know who their film is for (and who it isn’t for)The unique power of shared cinema experiencesIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.Follow Karina and her work: https://www.karinalibbey.com.au This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Robbie Miles.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating or review, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Kirsty chats to David Court, founder of Compton School, about how to right-size your screen business in the current Australian production landscape.They discuss why it’s important to take a step back and consider the way your business is structured, and the advantages and disadvantages of ‘going big’ vs. ‘going small.’ Listen to hear David discuss:Industry shifts, and where we currently sit in the market cycleGuiding principles for producers when considering the size of your companySmall vs. large business modelsCreating engagement in the marketplaceThe importance of momentum in getting your projects financedFinancing challenges in the industryExploring the value of your intellectual propertyThe need for private capital in productionListen to Episode 51 on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.Follow David and his work:Compton School: https://compton.school David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-court-058965/Episode 23 of We Interrupt This Broadcast: Mentoring Can Change the Shape of our Industry, with David Court and Julie Eckersley: https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes?grid1-dialog=recGSZhWj4oxIhvrZThis Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Kirsty Stark.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

We’re already at the end of March, and there’s lots to talk about this month!Robbie Miles and Loani Arman round up all of your Australian - and global! - screen industry news, from actors being resurrected with AI, to legal cases around credits and authorship, to Australian success stories at the Oscars, AIDC, Tropfest and more.Plus: all of your March screen industry news, opportunities and opinions from around the country...Subscribe and get every episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast in your inbox.⁠Subscribe now00:00 What we’ve been up to this month01:32 Vale Rhoda Roberts01:58 Val Kilmer resurrected in AI (article)02:20 The importance of credits in film02:47 Audience trust and AI in storytelling04:26 The future of acting and AI (article)08:12 The impact of industry consolidation09:54 Celebrating Australian filmmakers10:50 Industry movements and appointments13:12 Grants and opportunities15:43 What have we been watching?17:29 What’s in production around the country22:12 Wrap-up & what’s coming up this monthIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.This episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast was hosted by Robbie Miles and Loani Arman.Join the conversation about Episode 50 on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, or submit your own Big Idea to shape the industry at ⁠⁠http://weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au⁠⁠.Have industry news, upcoming events or productions to share? Want to sponsor the podcast? Let us know at [email protected]

In this episode, Aven chats to Pauline Chan, an award-winning director, writer, and producer with a storied career spanning art-house cinema and international productions, featuring talent such as Jackie Chan, Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett.She famously made history by mounting the first two Australia-China official treaty co-productions, and over the past two years has been actively producing vertical series with titles including Divorced to be the Top Heiress for ShortMax and Alpha King, Your Pregnant Luna Escaped for NetShort.Aven and Pauline discuss the business model and production structure Pauline uses on these series, how they fit into her production company’s overall remit, and the ways they might be filling a gap in talent development, providing opportunities for emerging crew.Listen to hear Pauline discuss:How much audiences are paying to subscribe to a microdramaWhy the market for microdramas can be lucrative compared to film or televisionThe structure Pauline’s team puts in place for production and post, to make lower budgets work on their vertical seriesHow vertical series can support emerging talentWhy it makes sense to produce microdramas in AustraliaBuilding cliffhangers into each 1-3 minute episodeThe difference between producing microdramas and working in production servicingPauline’s Big Idea to shape the future of the industryListen to Episode 49 on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.Follow Pauline and her work:Pauline on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauline-chan-b041b540Pauline on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1298625Roaring Pictures: https://roaringpictures.com.auRoaring Pictures Productions: https://roaringpictures.com.au/#productionsThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by Aven Yap and edited by Aven and Kirsty Stark.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, YouTube or LinkedIn.Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

In this episode, Loani chats to Hannah Diviney, an author, screenwriter, actor, disability advocate, and media personality who isn’t afraid to call out big names and big systems.Hannah gained international attention for a 2020 petition demanding Disney create its first princess with a disability AND for calling out ableist lyrics in songs by Lizzo and Beyonce - which saw each artist change their lyrics.Her debut essay collection, I’ll Let Myself In, was published in 2023, and she was named Advocate of the Year at Marie Claire Australia’s 2023 Women of the Year Awards.Loani and Hannah chat about how Hannah made Australian TV history as the first disabled person to appear in a sex scene in the SBS Digital Original series Latecomers, and how she’s developing her own screen projects that put romance and representation front and centre.Listen to hear Hannah discuss:The importance of representing disabled characters as full humans on screenHow her advocacy and storytelling are intertwinedPetitioning Disney, and calling out Lizzo and Beyonce for their ableist lyricsJacob Elordi calling her beautifulDisabled representation and desirability in romanceHow the industry (and you!) can support and advocate for more unheard storiesHer big idea to shape the industryFollow Hannah and her work:Hannah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahthewildflowerHannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-diviney-464239a4Hannah’s published essay collection, I’ll Let Myself In: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Hannah-Diviney-I’ll-Let-Myself-In-9781761069710Jacob Elordi told me I looked beautiful?! https://www.instagram.com/p/DUtp4qBk9NRLatecomers on SBS on Demand: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/latecomersAudrey trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgMNlAC6GjwThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by Loani Arman and edited by Kirsty Stark.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Search all past episodes and read our guests' big ideas to shape the future of the screen industry at https://weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.auFollow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcastDon’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox: https://weinterruptthisbroadcast.substack.com

In this episode, Kirsty chats to Leela Varghese, a writer and director, most recently of Lesbian Space Princess, which she co-wrote and co-directed with Emma Hough Hobbs, winning Best Indie Film at the AACTA Awards and the Teddy Award for Best Feature at Berlinale. Leela also wrote and directed the short film I’m the Most Racist Person I Know, which won the Special Jury Award at SXSW and the AACTA Award for Best Short Film.Kirsty and Leela discuss her career trajectory, including the strategies she applied on both recent films to try to build her profile as a director.Listen to hear Leela discuss:strategically aligning project ideas with grant criteria or historical festival programming to give them the best chance of successthe importance of building relationships with festival programmershow bold titles have played a role in her films’ success, and the way they’ve been seen by audiencesworking with distributors and sales agents as part of your festival strategythe relevance of film festivals in an age of social media and streaminghow to pivot and give your project the best chance of market success, while holding onto your creative vision why you should be thinking about distribution as you develop your projectsFollow Leela and her work:Leela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leelavargoose Lesbian Space Princess: https://lesbianspaceprincessmovie.comLesbian Space Princess on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesbianspaceprincessfilmLesbian Space Princess: Official Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nra14aUNYS8This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Kirsty Stark.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

In this episode, Robbie chats to Alexander Jeffery, a filmmaker based in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he co-owns production company Bespoke Works LLC with his friend and longtime collaborator, Paul Petersen.After moving to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams of acting and filmmaking, Alexander returned to the south to make low-budget, independent films with his friends, including his short film The Bespoke Tailoring of Mister Bellamy, which won the $50,000 Grand Prize at the Louisiana Film Prize, and his first feature, A Chance Encounter, which was released by Samuel Goldwyn Films after winning the audience choice award at Heartland Film Festival.Robbie and Alexander discuss the pros and cons of working outside a major film and television hub, and how he has built a sustainable career as an independent filmmaker. Listen to hear Alexander discuss:his reasons for choosing to work outside of LAwhat makes his projects resonate with an audiencehow to gain an insight into filmmaking trends as a screener for film festivalswhy creating work within a collaborative community can be an advantagehis strategy for creating profitable indie filmshow to find distribution and get your projects in front of an audiencehis new experiments in independent TVwhy low budgets are sometimes bestListen to Episode 46 on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.Follow Alexander and his work:Alexander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderjefferyAlexander on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderjefferyAlexander on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexanderjefferyBespoke Works LLC website: https://bespokeworksllc.comThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by Robbie Miles and edited by Robbie Miles and Kirsty Stark.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au

It’s been a huge start to the year for the Australian screen industry, with lots to cover in this episode!Kirsty Stark and Aven Yap discuss their time at AACTA Festival, including all of the big winners from the AACTA Awards. We talk about Universal Studios International’s decision to close Matchbox Pictures, and what it means for our local industry.Plus: all of your February screen industry news, opportunities and opinions from around the country...Subscribe and get every episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast in your inbox.Subscribe now00:00 Happy Lunar New Year!00:42 AACTA Award Winners, AACTA Festival Highlights, and what we heard on the ground08:38 Matchbox Pictures closes13:01 SPA Seeks ACCC Authorisation for Collective Bargaining 14:47 Streaming Quotas in place & the ABC’s plans for its additional funding16:25 Screen Australia’s New Market & Audience Programs18:10 Minimum License Fees for TV Production Increase18:26 Brad Pitt Fights Tom Cruise & Darren Aronofsky Dabbles in AI20:54 SXSW Sydney Ends & Tropfest is Resurrected23:38 Industry Opportunities24:40 What We’re Watching: Iron Lung + Aussie Festival News & Selections27:37 What’s in production around Australia28:33 One year of We Interrupt This Broadcast, and thank you AFTRS!30:15 Acknowledgement of CountryIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.This episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast was hosted by Kirsty Stark and Aven Yap, and edited by Kirsty Stark.Thank you to AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, for sponsoring this episode. Applications for the 2026 mid-year intake of the AFTRS Master of Arts Screen Business, their postgraduate course on screen business and creative leadership, are now open until June 2.Head to aftrs.edu.au/award-course/master-of-arts-screen-business-mid-year for more information about , or listen to past student Fiona Kelly talk about her AFTRS experience in last week’s episode, Ep. 44.Join the conversation about Episode 45 on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠, or submit your own Big Idea to shape the industry at ⁠http://weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au⁠.Have industry news, upcoming events or productions to share? Want to sponsor the podcast? Let us know at [email protected]

In this episode, Kirsty chats to screenwriter, story producer and script editor Fiona Kelly, about her 30 years’ experience writing for Australian television.Fiona has over 280 episodes of Australian drama to her name on shows including Home and Away, All Saints, Sea Patrol, and recently Scrublands Silver S2 and NCIS Sydney S3.Fiona shares her journey as a screenwriter from her early days to returning to study through a Master of Arts in Screen Business at AFTRS, including her tips for those wanting to forge a writing career today.Listen to hear Fiona discuss:Her initial journey into screenwritingThe changing landscape of televisionThe difference between a writer, story producer and script editorWhy she decided to pursue further studyThe Master of Arts in Screen Business at AFTRSAdvice for aspiring screenwritersHer big idea to change the shape of the industryListen to Episode 44 on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help the show find more listeners.Follow Fiona and her work:Fiona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-kelly-16002056 Fiona on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1282210If you’re interested in the Master of Arts Screen: Business at AFTRS, applications for the 2026 mid-year cohort (commencing August this year) are open now, until the 2nd of June. Designed for a new generation of screen leaders, AFTRS’ Master of Arts Screen: Business is Australia’s foremost creative screen business course. You can find out more at the links below:https://www.aftrs.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MASB-Course-Guide-2025.pdfhttps://www.aftrs.edu.au/award-course/master-of-arts-screen-business/This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Kirsty Stark.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Head to aftrs.edu.au to find your course and enrol.Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

In this episode, Kirsty chats to Director, Writer & Producer Sophie Hyde, whose work includes 52 Tuesdays, Animals, Good Luck to You Leo Grande and Jimpa. Sophie shares insights into her process of collaborating with cast and crew, including internationally renowned performers like Emma Thompson, Alia Shawkat, Olivia Colman and John Lithgow. ---Listen to hear Sophie discuss:How she started as a director, and why it felt like the right role for herThe way she balances writing, directing and producing across her projectsThemes of freedom and intimacy across her projectsThe process of casting A list actorsSome of the ways she builds trust with cast and crewHow the body can serve as a way to access greater intimacy in storytellingCreating a supportive and collaborative culture on setHer big idea to shape the future of the industryFollow Sophie and her work:Sophie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophhydeCloser Productions: https://closerproductions.com.auJimpa (in Australian cinemas from February 19th):https://www.instagram.com/jimpa_filmTrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LucqCU5y_-8This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠Kirsty Stark⁠ and edited by Brandon Boyer and Kirsty Stark.This episode is sponsored by ⁠AFTRS⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Head to aftrs.edu.au to find the right course for you.Join the conversation about Episode 43 on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠, or submit your own Big Idea to shape the industry at ⁠http://weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au⁠.Have industry news, upcoming events or productions to share? Want to sponsor the podcast? Let us know at [email protected] you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

In this episode, Kirsty chats to Screen industry consultant Dan Fahy about the evolving global marketplace for television, focusing on revenue trends, the importance of community, and the impact of data analysis on content creation.Dan outlines the opportunities for producers in a changing market with an emphasis on adaptability and innovation.Plus, the five realities buyers are facing that you should check your content against if you’re involved in the creation of stories.Listen to hear Dan discuss:His work for Paramount, BBC Studios and Nine, and why data analysis is crucial for understanding market trends.The slowing in revenue, leakage of revenue and concentration of revenue that are affecting content buyers globally.How children’s content presents great opportunities that we aren’t capitalising on in Australia.The five ways producers can adapt to make their content more favourable to buyers.Why the future of the industry relies on innovation and adaptability.Follow Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfahy100 This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Kirsty Stark and edited by Brandon Boyer and Kirsty Stark.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Head to aftrs.edu.au to find your course and enrol.

In this special bonus episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, we're joined by Sam Buckland, the Programming and International Engagement Director at AACTA.With the AACTA Awards and AACTA Festival kicking off next week on the Gold Coast, we wanted to share a preview of some of the events that will be happening alongside the Awards.It's an incredible line-up, and the full We Interrupt This Broadcast team will be there, ⁠hosting a panel⁠ at 5:30pm on Thursday (register and say hi!), and running a special activation to capture your big ideas about the future of the industry. If you can't be at the Festival, you'll still have a chance to contribute, so make sure you follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for more details once the Festival kicks off.https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcastTune in to hear all of Sam’s highlights for the Festival, from the Awards and screenings to panels, special events and even karaoke!-----AACTA Festival takes place from Wednesday 4th to Sunday 8th of February on the Gold Coast. See the full program and register for the sessions you want to attend at https://www.aactafestival.com. We Interrupt This Broadcast is an official Media Partner for this year's event.

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026!With Julie Eckersley departing We Interrupt This Broadcast for her new role at Screen Queensland, we’re excited to welcome Loani Arman, Aven Yap and Robbie Miles, who will be joining Kirsty Stark as hosts.We’re thrilled to expand the WITB team with a great mix of people and personalities who all have the best interests of the industry at heart - and we have big plans for the podcast this year!Tune in to this episode to hear more about who we are and what we’re excited about.Plus, we announce our upcoming first appearance as a team at AACTA Festival, where we’ll be hosting a panel (register and say hi!), and running an activation to capture your big ideas about the future of the industry (more news in the episode!). ---Loani Arman is a writer, director, and screen executive with over 20 years in the Australian screen industry, including her AIDC Award winning documentary My Body Says and as executive producer of the AACTA-winning series Latecomers. She most recently co-wrote a feature film adaptation of a hugely popular horror title.Aven Yap is a producer, writer, content creator working across Australia and Asia, and founder of Nimbus Creative. His credits span scripted and documentary projects for ABC, Nine, Disney+/NatGeo, and his award-winning short Piano Mums has a feature adaptation in development with investment from Screen Queensland and Screen Australia.Robbie Miles is a producer, educator and screen industry strategist with a deep interest in how creative work actually gets made. He currently leads industry engagement at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and develops projects across film, television and digital platforms through Miles Ahead Productions.Kirsty Stark is an Emmy award-winning producer at Epic Films with a strong commitment to industry support, particularly in areas that promote career sustainability for freelancers and industry growth. She is the founder of CrewHQ, a nationwide crew database, and CrewCon, a conference for freelance crew. Kirsty is also Deputy Chair of The Mercury, and a host of We Interrupt This Broadcast.---Our podcast schedule for 2026:Last Tuesday of the month - Monthly round-up episodeAll other Tuesdays - Deep Dive interviewsNext week’s episode will be a special bonus AACTA Festival preview with Sam Buckland, with our regular schedule kicking off in February.Listen on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.---Links for your enjoyment:Aven crashes out in Sunnybank Plaza: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTJ5xttDI_KRobbie Miles in The Guardian: What It’s Like Winning Mastermind Australia: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jul/19/mastermind-australia-sbs-winner See you in February, and don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list to get all of our episodes in your inbox when they’re released!---If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by Kirsty Stark, Loani Arman, Robbie Miles and Aven Yap. This episode was edited by Kirsty Stark.This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Head to aftrs.edu.au to find an AFTRS course that’s made for you.

In this final episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast for 2025 (and Julie’s last episode as a host), Julie and Kirsty wrap up the month’s industry news, including the new streaming quotas legislation, the Screen Australia Drama Report, the Netflix / Paramount / Warner Brothers Discovery saga, and our Spotify Wrapped stats for the year.Plus: all of your December screen industry news headlines from around the country...This episode is sponsored by ⁠AFTRS⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code SUMMER2026 for a 15% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all summer short courses. Head to aftrs.edu.au/shortcourses to find your course and enrol.00:00 Intro00:41 Kirsty’s Japan Prize Trip & Julie Starts at Screen Queensland02:45 Our Spotify Wrapped Results for 202504:27 Streaming Quotas05:58 Screen Australia Drama Report10:06 U16 Social Media Ban12:51 Warner Brothers Discovery + Netflix or Paramount17:36 Letterboxd’s Video Store19:32 Industry news, key appointments & opportunities25:10 What we’ve been watching28:32 What’s in production around Australia29:03 Farewell, Julie & see you all in 2026!30:28 Outro & Acknowledgement of CountryLinks:Our Spotify Wrapped for 2025: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7402212521182744576 Streaming Quotas: https://deadline.com/2025/11/australia-streaming-quotas-sworn-into-law-1236630348Screen Australia Drama Report: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/sa/media-centre/news/2025/12-02-drama-report-2024-2025Warner Bros. Discovery + Netflix or Paramount: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-13/warner-bros-discovery-paramount-skydance-netflix-battle/106126968U16 Social Media Ban: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/09/australia-under-16-social-media-ban-begins-apps-listed Letterboxd’s Video Store: https://letterboxd.com/video-storeAACTA Nominees: https://www.aacta.org/aacta-awards/winners-and-nominees AACTA Wake In Fright Recipient: https://www.aacta.org/aacta-development-initiatives/wake-in-fright-development-initiativeAACTA Reg Grundy Award: https://www.aacta.org/our-news/media-room/top-5-finalists-announced-for-the-aacta-reg-grundy-award ASSG Awards: https://if.com.au/better-man-narrow-road-to-the-deep-north-lead-winners-at-assg-awardsASE Ellie Awards: https://if.com.au/the-order-apple-cider-vinegar-win-at-ellie-awardsACS State Awards: https://cinematographer.org.au/state-and-territory-awards Cameraimage Golden Frog: https://www.filmink.com.au/public-notice/australian-cinematographer-benjamin-bryan-takes-home-the-golden-frog-at-camerimage-2025-for-feature-documentary-iron-winter If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by Julie Eckersley and Kirsty Stark. This episode was edited by Kirsty Stark.

In this episode, Producer Daren Smith returns to share more about his production fund for independent features. Daren was previously a guest on Episode 34 and is back to answer all of the questions you submitted after listening to the episode.He shares insights on marketing, building relationships with investors and understanding market needs, how each film's finance structure works, and how to manage the uncertainty of the industry.---This episode is sponsored by ⁠AFTRS⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code SUMMER2026 for a 15% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all summer short courses. Head to aftrs.edu.au/shortcourses to find your course and enrol.---Listen to hear Daren discuss:Brotherhood: A Cinematic Musical, the first film being greenlit under Producer Fund 1why you need to start marketing on Day 1finance plans for independent films, and why they shouldn't be 100% equitywhy he's chosen to release his films theatricallyhow to reach out to investors and the importance of continued outreach over timetracking progress and analysing your numbersFollow Daren and his work:Daren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darentsmithDaren on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2743912Craftsman Films: https://www.craftsmanfilms.coGet your free copy of Daren's book, Blockbuster: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/blockbuster Follow Brotherhood - Producer Fund One's first film:https://newsletter.craftsmanfilms.co/posts/brotherhood-update-composer-sessions-social-media-now-liveInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brotherhoodmusical/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brotherhoodmusicalYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrotherhoodMusicalSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2qxWEdMELDtPnr5qvq7Rsq This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by ⁠⁠⁠Kirsty Stark⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode, Kirsty chats to Enzo Tedeschi, a director, producer, and writer at Deadhouse Films, and how he’s sustained a thriving indie production company through significant industry changes.Enzo has often been at the forefront of experimental production models made possible through changes in technology, from his early crowdfunded feature film The Tunnel, which now has an audience of over 25 million, to work across genre projects and documentary. He discusses audience building, the differences in audience building between documentary and narrative projects, evolving business models and the role of technology in shaping the future of indie filmmaking.Listen to hear Enzo discuss:How the traditional industry prevented Enzo and his team from their planned distribution rollout for The TunnelWhy crowdfunding isn’t the right move for 90% of projectsHow to cast a project in a way that increases its likely pathway to audienceThe importance of recognising - and leveraging - the story behind your projectHow Enzo is using AI on his latest project And much more!Follow Enzo and his work:Enzo Tedeschi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enzo-tedeschiEnzo Tedeschi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enzotedeschiDeadhouse TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/deadhousetvEnzo’s website: https://www.enzotedeschi.com.auDeadhouse Films: https://www.deadhousefilms.comThe Tunnel: https://www.thetunnelmovie.netThis Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Kirsty Stark.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code SUMMER2026 for a 15% discount⁠⁠⁠ on all summer short courses. Head to aftrs.edu.au/shortcourses to find your course and enrol.Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

In this episode, Julie Eckersley dives into the fast-evolving world of the creator economy with Keith Quinn, founder of Engine Room - a new kind of studio helping independent creators turn their data into strategy, growth, and sustainable income.Keith’s career has spanned 25 years at the intersection of entertainment, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship. From Project Greenlight with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, to running Paramount’s original digital content division, he’s watched the media landscape expand, contract, and re-invent itself multiple times.Now, with Engine Room, Keith is giving creators the kind of analytical and financial support once reserved for Hollywood studios. He explains how data can empower creative growth, why YouTube has quietly become the biggest player on TV screens, and what the next five years hold for creators, streamers, and the screen industry at large.Listen to hear Keith discuss:The evolution of entertainment: From the streaming boom to the rise of independent, open-platform creators.The creator economy as small business: Why data and audience insight are the new creative superpowers.Inside Engine Room: How the company helps creators understand and act on their analytics - with real examples of how simple insights doubled reach and revenue.The new model for creator growth: Subscription tools, sponsorship data, and how Engine Room connects like-minded creators to help build ‘creative clusters’ to leverage their successPlus: Keith’s big idea to change the future of our industryFollow Keith and his work:Keith Quinn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnkeith/Engine Room: https://www.engineroom.com.auThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠ and edited by Brandon Boyer.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code SUMMER2026 for a 15% discount⁠⁠⁠ on all summer short courses. Head to aftrs.edu.au/shortcourses to find your course and enrol.

In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month’s industry news, including a summary of the streaming quotas bill that’s just been introduced to parliament, a wrap-up of the Australian International Movie Convention (AIMC), and what’s happening in AI.Plus: all of your November screen industry news headlines from around the country...This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code SUMMER2026 for a 15% discount⁠⁠⁠ on all summer short courses. Head to aftrs.edu.au/shortcourses to find your course and enrol.00:00 Intro00:40 Julie’s new role at Screen Queensland02:10 AACTA Festival’s 2026 line-up 03:15 Streaming Quotas update07:40 AIMC wrap-up & what’s happening in the feature space11:57 AI update: copyright laws & OMNI AI film festival14:30 Industry news, key appointments & opportunities19:25 What we’ve been watching20:22 What’s in production around Australia21:13 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of CountryPodcast News:Julie’s new role at Screen Queensland: https://screenqueensland.com.au/sq-news/media-centre/screen-queensland-appoints-julie-eckersley-as-executive-director-screen-content/2026 AACTA Festival Program Launch: https://www.aactafestival.comStreaming Quotas:https://www.screenproducers.org.au/media/release/?id=SPA-01860https://deadline.com/2025/11/australia-streaming-quota-analysis-1236607691https://www.saveaustralianstories.com.auAIMC:https://cinemaassociation.asn.au/members-events/2025-aimcAI Updates:https://if.com.au/industry-commends-government-for-ruling-out-tdm-exception-in-copyright-lawshttps://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jun/27/deepfakes-denmark-copyright-law-artificial-intelligencehttps://omnifilmfestival.comThe Cinema That Never Was: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfludfofQGwAwards & Announcementshttps://www.screenhub.com.au/news/news/natalie-miller-fellowship-awards-dual-recipients-with-2025-grant-2684678https://if.com.au/cornel-wilczek-jed-kurzel-meg-washington-on-top-at-screen-music-awardshttps://cinematographer.org.au/state-and-territory-awardshttps://if.com.au/screen-nsw-selects-daniel-king-for-first-nations-screen-fellowship https://if.com.au/spa-announces-pitch-on-demand-shortlist-for-2025https://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/2025/10/29/sbs-nitv-and-screen-australia-announce2025-digital-originals-shortlisthttps://www.aacta.org/our-news/media-room/strawflower-wins-the-2025-aacta-pitch-focus-initiativeIndustry opportunitieshttps://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/narrative-content-production/finance-attraction/international-initiatives/talent-gatewayhttps://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/narrative-content-production/finance-attraction/international-initiatives/global-producers-exchange https://if.com.au/whos-the-next-big-thing-submit-your-picks-for-ifs-2026-rising-talent-listhttps://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/2025/11/04/sbs-calls-for-bold-thought-provoking-factual-ideas-up-to-50000-in-development-funding-available https://www.screenproducers.org.au/spa-awards Race Around the World: https://if.com.au/abc-opens-applications-for-race-around-the-world-revival/Creator Economy Masterclass: https://www.screenproducers.org.au/events/details/?id=cdc82e50-50a7-4aee-b8f0-a7d9c14bbf57Wrap-UpJapan Prize: https://www.nhk.or.jp/jp-prize/english/index.htmlDaren Smith Episode (submit your questions to [email protected]): https://open.spotify.com/episode/38P6KVO39ekPEqlmw1C2dxIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by Julie Eckersley and Kirsty Stark. This episode was edited by Brandon Boyer.

* Could you be our next We Interrupt This Broadcast co-host? *Read more and fill out an EOI here: https://forms.gle/oQgAoJXgnQpejfej9In this episode, Julie Eckersley chats to Amelia Darmawan, Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Totem, a company that’s quietly reimagining what a digital-first entertainment business can be.The company designs next-gen content businesses for media companies, brands, and creators, helping great IP reach millions more online.As Director of Strategy & Content, Amelia helps drive innovation across original content, revenue expansion, brand partnerships, and AI-powered workflows.She shares some of what she’s learnt while shaping the next generation of entertainment brands. Listen to hear Amelia discuss:The shift she’s seen across the screen and creative industries over the last 10 yearsHow the benefits can go both ways as we move into true collaborations between traditional media creators and the creatorsphereHow to maximise your IP and reach new audiences onlineHow to understand and work with the algorithmsThe importance of staying nimble as things continue to change and evolveFollow Amelia and her work:Amelia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-darmawan-8a5b2541 Totem: www.totem.globalBondi Rescue on YouTube: www.youtube.com/bondirescueTwisted Lunchbox on YouTube: www.youtube.com/twistedlunchboxPeking Duck on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pekingduk Try Guys on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tryguys This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠ and edited by Brandon Boyer.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠AFTRS⁠⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year.

Could you be our next We Interrupt This Broadcast co-host? Read more and fill out an EOI here: https://forms.gle/oQgAoJXgnQpejfej9---What does it take to build a thriving, sustainable creative business in the new media landscape?In this episode, Julie Eckersley dives into the fast-evolving world of digital creators with Farhad Meher-Homji, Co-Founder and Head of Strategy at Changer Studios - an organisation that’s helped tens of thousands of creators in over 40 countries turn passion into profession.Farhad breaks down how the creator economy has matured from the fringes of entertainment into a powerful mainstream force and why the smartest creators now think like entrepreneurs. He unpacks how to build a content strategy that actually works, how to read audience data beyond the vanity of subscriber counts, and why psychographics - understanding why your audience connects - is the secret weapon of modern storytelling.---This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠AFTRS⁠⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year. https://www.aftrs.edu.au/---Listen to hear Farhad discuss:The shift from attention as a metric to attention as a business modelHow creators are turning audiences into communities, and communities into media businessesWhy “audience ownership” is a key step for long-term sustainabilityWhat burnout looks like in the creator economy, and how to build for longevityHow authenticity, not production value, is now the ultimate marker of qualityThe rise of “human-led, AI-assisted” creativity, and the value of real human connectionFollow Farhad and his work:Farhad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farhadmh/Changer Studios: https://www.changerstudios.comChanger on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changerstudios-----This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Julie Eckersley⁠ and edited by Brandon Boyer and Kirsty Stark.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠---This episode is sponsored by ⁠AFTRS⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year. https://www.aftrs.edu.au/

In this episode, Kirsty talks to Daren Smith of Craftsman Films, a Utah-based independent producer with four features and multiple seasons of TV under his belt. Daren shares how he set up Craftsman Films, as an independent studio, and the new $10 million dollar film fund he’s raising, with the goal of producing ten profitable “blockbuster indies.”He also discusses the challenges of independent filmmaking, including financing, development and distribution, and how he’s addressing these issues through a new model inspired by venture capital structures.---This episode is sponsored by ⁠AFTRS⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year.---Listen to hear Daren discuss:The five key challenges of independent filmmakingCraftsman Films’ new model for indie film financingHow to approach a pitch so that private investors will listenThe importance of building your personal brandHow reaching out on LinkedIn beats cold emailingWhy it’s important for a film fund to have a clear thesisThe difference between asking ‘what’ questions and ‘why’ questionsFollow Daren and his work:Daren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darentsmithDaren on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2743912Craftsman Films: https://www.craftsmanfilms.coGet your free copy of Blockbuster: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/blockbuster ---This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Kirsty Stark and edited by Brandon Boyer.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠---This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount⁠⁠⁠ on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year.

In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month's industry news, from distributors making AI edits and Tilly Norwood's debut through to shifting audience habits and some great industry opportunities to apply for.Plus: all of your October screen industry news headlines from around the country...This episode is sponsored by ⁠AFTRS⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.00:00 Intro00:41 Exciting news! Our new sponsor & a new partnership.03:01 Critters - a $30m "AI-integrated" animated feature film05:39 AI "actress" Tilly Norwood07:40 Tropfest's stance on AI08:20 Trump, Tiktok & Tariffs09:46 Gen Z watching TV through social clips14:23 Do fans move from YouTube to TV?17:46 Industry news, key appointments & opportunities09:20 Opportunities & upcoming events20:17 What we've been watching22:43 What’s in production around Australia23:24 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of CountryPodcast NewsSay hello to our new podcast sponsor AFTRS and use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount⁠ on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year: https://www.aftrs.edu.au Learn more about the upcoming AACTA Festival. We'll be there as official media partners: https://www.aacta.org/p/2025-aacta-festival AI Round-Up⁠⁠Deep Dive with Clayton Jacobson: https://weinterruptthisbroadcast.substack.com/p/ep-30-reimagining-filmmaking-with Critterz "AI-integrated" Feature Animationhttps://www.critterz.tv/ https://www.screendaily.com/news/ai-integrated-animation-critterz-in-production-for-uks-vertigo-films/5208690.article Unauthorised AI Editinghttps://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7376751430831079425-t5Yg/https://deadline.com/2025/09/together-china-gay-scene-ai-edit-neon-1236554804/ https://variety.com/2025/film/news/ai-actress-tilly-norwood-talent-agents-zurich-summit-1236533454/ Tilly Norwoodhttps://variety.com/2025/film/news/tilly-norwood-ai-eline-van-der-velden-1236543362/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/tilly-norwood-ai-actress-betty-gilpin-guest-essay-1236396217/https://www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-statement-synthetic-performerAI "not out of the question" at Tropfest⁠https://www.screenhub.com.au/news/interviews/tropfest-founder-john-polson-says-ai-not-out-of-the-question-in-2026-festival-return-2678406/⁠Trump, TikTok & Tariffshttps://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/25/trump-approves-tiktok-deal-through-executive-order.html https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/10/barron-trump-tipped-top-tiktok-jobhttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-30/fears-trump-film-tariff-could-hurt-australian-film-industry/105834582Audience ShiftsGenZ only watches TV through social clips: https://theankler.com/p/gen-z-only-watches-your-show-through Do Creator Fans Move from YouTube to TV? https://businessoftv.substack.com/p/do-creator-fans-move-from-youtube Industry News & Opportunities⁠AACTA Screen Careers Expo⁠AACTA Young Stars ⁠Reg Grundy AwardAIF Insider Sessions: Writers RoomAGSC Scoring SummitIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by Julie Eckersley and Kirsty Stark.

In this episode, Kirsty talks to Creative Producer Nicholas Colla from LateNite Films in Melbourne about how he and his business partner Chris Hocking have built a slate of work that balances great storytelling with highly accomplished VFX and animation.Nick shares their approach to production, including integrating post production workflows and using technology in their planning and development process, plus the lessons they've brought into live action from their animation work.Listen to hear Nick discuss:Why planning in pre-production is crucial when making ambitious projects on lower budgetsHow LateNite approached Wizards of Oz and its 1200 VFX shotsThe technology that can assist with planning your shoot with a small team in development and preThe lessons LateNite has taken from animation into their live action workWhy the Australian screen industry needs to rethink development.Follow Nick and his work:LateNite Films: https://latenitefilms.com/Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-colla-07865790Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickcollaLateNite on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@latenitefilmsRebooted: https://youtu.be/1Rkn6rnsgc4?si=MI_iKFy2-KjREu1FThe Wizards of Aus: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJSMFXYSojXotCa_NrjYM54ICmSmmCygg&si=Za3YlDg327mjyycRThe Future of Everything: https://youtu.be/cD2jXqBFaIQ?si=oLo32b-jNjm-yjevDeadbeat Ends Meet: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJaZsLppUqpzk4tjJxcnBJunVHITREyTz&si=2xp5r9TkDpH1M69hVideo reference in the episode: I Am Mother VR Storyboarding: https://youtu.be/M4Xy9vvpLvE?si=L6ovF7pmv99c0273This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠Kirsty Stark⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

In this episode, Julie talks to prolific producer Steve Jaggi, founder of Jaggi Entertainment, about how he has built one of Australia’s busiest independent studios. Steve unpacks his cradle-to-grave business model - spanning development, financing, production, post, VFX and distribution - and why being relentlessly audience-focused has been key to his global success.He shares candid insights into why legacy systems are struggling, how micro dramas and influencer-led casting are reshaping the industry, and why Australian producers must urgently rethink cost structures and audience engagement. Steve also reflects on AI, direct-to-consumer models, and what kind of leadership is needed to stop the industry’s “slow-moving train” from derailing.Listen to hear Steve discuss:The rise of vertical drama and mobile-first storytelling.Why influencer-driven casting is transforming audience definitions of quality.Rethinking cost, scale and sustainability in production.Preparing for disruption from AI, D2C models, and shifting global power.What kind of leadership the Australian industry needs right now.Follow Jaggi Entertainment:Jaggi Entertainment: https://www.jaggientertainment.com IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1863720You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaggi_entertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaggi_entertainmentFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaggientertainmentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jaggientertainment/This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

In this episode, Julie talks to award-winning filmmaker Clayton Jacobson, best known for Kenny, about his pioneering work with AI in film. Clayton shares how AI is helping him bypass traditional gatekeepers, transform creative workflows, and unlock decades of unrealised ideas. He speaks candidly about the opportunities and challenges of this rapidly evolving technology, how it can democratise creativity, and why he believes it will change the way we make and experience stories.Listen to hear Clayton discuss:How AI is transforming filmmaking and creative workflows.The future of storytelling beyond traditional gatekeepers.Iterative creative processes using AI tools.Rethinking collaboration, production, and budgets in screen content.The broader cultural impact of AI on creativity and human connection.Follow Clayton and his work:LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/clayton-jacobson-13453841Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clayton.jacobson.79Youtube (portfolio): https://www.www.youtube.com/@GUNSHYCOWBOYS-285Escape AI: https://escape.ai/profile/gunshycowboys285 Dreamscreen Australia: https://www.dreamscreenaustralia.com/This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠Julie Eckersley, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode, Julie Eckersley talks to Lee Naimo, Head of Creative for Grouse House at Haven’t You Done Well Productions, about the growth of online screen businesses in Australia and how to build a sustainable business model that works for you and your audience.Previously managing the Online and Games Unit at Screen Australia, Lee worked with Australian producers, writers, directors and gamemakers to elevate their projects and careers, and has great insight into how they’re succeeding in the marketplace.Even for those companies working in traditional media, online opportunities will need to make up at least one component of your future business strategy, so this is an episode not to miss!Listen to hear Lee discuss:The evolution of online content in AustraliaInnovative companies in the online spaceHow Grouse House is building opportunities for comedians to get their work in front of audiencesHow revenue stacking leads to sustainable business modelsWhy you should repurpose your existing content to find new audiencesWhat’s happening in the games space in AustraliaPlus, his big idea for the Australian industryFollow Lee, Grouse House and their work:⁠Haven’t You Done Well’s website: https://www.haventyoudonewell.com Grouse House’s website: https://www.haventyoudonewell.com/grouse-houseGrouse House on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNuaFLcbAeycQAIAW5s7T0QLee Naimo on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-naimo-689084233This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Kirsty Stark, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month's industry news, from the announcement of Tropfest 2.0 and an audience shift back to cinemas, through to Netflix's new staff announcements and some international successes for Australian work.Plus: all of your September screen industry news headlines from around the country...00:00 Intro00:41 Julie on Stake Out & Kirsty on holidays!03:46 Tropfest is back!05:49 The re-emergence of cinema 08:18 Industry news & key appointments09:20 Opportunities & upcoming events11:04 Netflix releases AI guidelines12:37 Australian successes overseas: The Emmys & Hollow Knight: Silksong17:03 What we've been watching19:13 What’s in production around Australia21:11 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of CountryWhat We've Been Up ToStake OutDeep Dive with Jonathon DuttonDeep Dive with Sam JockelScreen Well’s Psychosocial Safety courseAudience TrendsDeep Dive with Sam JenningsAdelaide Film FestivalMelbourne Is Getting Another Independent CinemaA24 Buys Cherry Lane TheaterThe MercuryCan Gen Alpha Save the Box Office?Aunty Donna / Grouse House’s New Streaming ServiceHow Dropout went from College Humor to multi-media powerhouseIndustry News & OpportunitiesNetflix AppointmentsLeanne Tonks appointed WIFT Chair AACTA Entries Now Open AACTA Young Stars CinefestOZ Feature WinnerCinefestOZ Shorts WinnersNetflix AI GuidelinesNetflix Clipping Feature Aquarius Films to Close Love on the Spectrum Wins Two EmmysScreenrights Cultural Fund RecipientsScreen Forever Session Call Out SPA GENR8 ConferenceHollow Knight: SilksongTeam CherryWhat We're WatchingLesbian Space Princess: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nra14aUNYS8 Went Up the Hill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ngflg43TKUI Top End Bub: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDIbYTsWSqw Pasa Faho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZQln1EvjeA CEEBS: https://www.tiktok.com/@ceebsseries HOOPS: https://www.tiktok.com/@transathletica.series Kangaroo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvmaXOvLJNc Mystery Road: Origin S2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zETZw4w-Hbs What's in ProductionStake Out: https://deadline.com/2025/08/brenton-thwaites-charlee-fraser-horror-stake-out-1236500324/ The Dispatcher: https://vicscreen.vic.gov.au/news/new-thriller-series-the-dispatcher-wraps-in-victoria Dog Park: https://www.filmink.com.au/public-notice/sit-stay-laugh-abcs-new-comedy-dog-park-begins-filming/ Happy House & Caper Crew: https://www.abc.net.au/about/media-centre/publicity-media-room/abc-unveils-two-new-original-children-s-series/105702130 Her Aussie Romance - Jaggi Entertainment:  https://if.com.au/colin-budds-her-aussie-romance-sets-melbourne-backdrop-with-mallory-jansen-ryan-corr-dannii-minogue/ Prima Facie: https://www.screendaily.com/news/prima-facie-starring-cynthia-erivo-gearing-up-to-shoot-at-londons-story-works-studios SXSW Sydney: https://www.sxswsydney.com/ Sony Scenescape: https://scene.sonyanz.com/sne-hub/explore-all/scenescape If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by Julie Eckersley and Kirsty Stark.This episode is proudly brought to you by Expanding Media & CrewHQ.

In this episode, Kirsty Stark talks to Jonathon Dutton, Managing Partner of Screen Well, about mental health and wellbeing in the Australian screen industry.Screen Well's mission is to improve the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of the Australian Screen industry - not an easy task when their recent survey in partnership with Griffith University found that 25% of our workforce is looking to leave the industry within the next 6 months!This is a must-listen episode for anyone wanting to better look after our people - on an individual, production / workplace and industry-wide level. Listen to hear Jonathon discuss:The structural challenges in our industry that make wellbeing so much harder to maintainWhat you can do to manage your own mental health and wellbeing, or 'put your own life jacket on first.'How Town Hall meetings on productions can help to shift the culture on set and make policies 'real.'Mental Health First Aid Training and the impact it makes when people are trained across a production.Why you should have the Support Act number on your callsheets.Psychosocial safety, and your responsibility as an employer under new legislation.Screen Well's Mental Health Summit, and upcoming Mental Health Action PlanFollow Screen Well and their work:Screen Well's website: ⁠https://www.screenwell.com.auPsychosocial Safety training: https://www.screenwell.com.au/creative-workplaces Mental Health First Aid training: https://www.screenwell.com.au/mhfa-training Screen Well on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screenwell.com.auJonathon Dutton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-duttonBonus:Support Act (put this info on your callsheet!): https://supportact.org.au/individual-support/wellbeing-helplineThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠Kirsty Stark⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode, Kirsty Stark talks to Sam Jockel, Producer of Australian parenting documentary Seen, which has reached over 30,000 audience members and gone into profit within 4 months of release.Sam comes from outside the film industry, as a serial entrepreneur with expertise in community building across multiple businesses. Seen is her first feature film, and she used her business background to build a hybrid release model, working with distributor Bonsai Films.This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in building audiences and community around a project. Sam openly shares her experience, including how difficult the process was, and whether it was worth it to challenge the norms of distribution.Listen to hear Sam discuss:Why someone needs to be working on audience building from the moment a film is conceivedHow much she raised at the film’s first fundraising event, and why it was so importantHer choice to build a distribution plan around community screenings, instead of targeting individual ticket salesHer initial reaction to the distribution models she was presented withThe difficulty of managing an impact campaign alone, and whether it was worth itHow Seen planned and managed their release, including the tools and platforms they used, how they ran events and the benefit of their websiteWhat she would pitch to the film industry as an outsider, to make it better for everyoneSam Jockel is an award-winning entrepreneur and content producer with over 15 years of experience, known for founding ParentTV, an innovative parenting platform, and building ALDI Mum and School Mum, online communities with over 650,000 members. Recognised by the World Summit Awards Globally winning the Learning and Education category for the Quality Education SDG, she has also taken on the role of producer tackling the tricky topic of parenting in modern times with the recently released documentary Seen.Follow Sam and her work:Seen’s official website: https://seenthefilm.comSeen Resources: https://seentheresources.comSeen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seendocumentarySam Jockel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samjockelParentTV: https://parenttv.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentTVOfficial Trailer:This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Kirsty Stark, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode, Kirsty Stark talks to Samantha Jennings, Producer at Causeway Films - whose credits include Talk to Me, Cargo, Buoyancy and Of An Age.Sam breaks down the commitment that she and fellow Causeway producer Kristina Ceyton have to nurturing new Australian talent, and supporting them to direct internationally successful feature films.From the importance of authenticity in storytelling to the common traits amongst the diverse group of feature directors that Causeway has worked with, Sam’s advice is invaluable for anyone looking to build a career as a director in the screen industry.Key Takeaways:The importance of building relationships over timeHow to approach casting and packaging for featuresThe ideal budgets for feature films that Causeway will look to take onThe detail to which the directors they work with understand the audiences for their projectsWhy proof of concept shorts aren’t always the best pathway to directing featuresWhy you should build your own community of collaboratorsWhy the Australian industry needs to invest in building our next generation of cinemagoersSamantha Jennings and Kristina Ceyton co-founded Causeway Films with globally acclaimed THE BABADOOK in 2014, and produced Jennifer Kent’s follow up THE NIGHTINGALE. Causeway has launched many debuts on the global stage over the last decade, including Netflix Original CARGO starring Martin Freeman, Berlinale prize winner BUOYANCY by Rodd Rathjen, and Goran Stolevski’s YOU WON’T BE ALONE, OF AN AGE and HOUSEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS, all released by Focus Features. In 2023, Causeway premiered Danny and Michael Philippou’s TALK TO ME at Sundance, which went onto become A24’s highest grossing genre release to date and earn over $140 million international box office. This year saw the release of the Philippous’ sophomore feature BRING HER BACK starring Sally Hawkins, distributed worldwide by A24 and Sony Pictures. Causeway is currently completing Dario Russo’s THE FOX starring Jai Courtenay and Emily Browning, and Adrian Chiarella’s LEVITICUS starring Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen and Mia Wasikowska.Follow Sam and her work:Causeway Films: http://www.causewayfilms.com.auCauseway Films on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/causeway_films Samantha Jennings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-jennings-89674621/Samantha Jennings on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1209992 This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Kirsty Stark, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month's industry news, from the Future Vision Summit, The Logies and Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian Songs of All Time, through to YouTube's inclusion in the under 16 social media ban, and AI "showrunners."Plus: all of your August screen industry news headlines from around the country...00:00 Intro00:59 Julie’s production & Kirsty’s First Day UK launch2:01 Future Visions, The Logies & the Hottest 100 8:20 YouTube in the under 16 social media ban12:10 AI Updates: Productivity Commission, Netflix uses AI to cut costs in post; Amazon invests in Fable14:48 Industry news round-up: SBS, Netflix gossip & new Screen Australia guidelines16:48 Short film renaissance & other opportunities 17:41 Vale David Stratton18:02 What we've been watching21:15 What’s in production around the country22:08 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of CountryWhat We've Been Up ToFirst Day (now on YouTube in the UK): https://www.firstdayseries.comFuture Vision Summit, The Logies and the Hottest 100The Logies Winners List: https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/08/logie-awards-2025-winners.html Ruari Elkington's LinkedIn post about a Hottest 100 Australian Films of All Time: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ruarielkingtonallaboutcinema_cinema-love-pride-activity-7355369755404296192-dnXPUnder 16 Social Media BanAustralia adds YouTube to Kids Social Media Ban: https://www.c21media.net/news/australia-adds-youtube-to-kids-social-media-ban-due-to-predatory-algorithms/The Atlantic: What Kids Told Us About How to Get Them Off Their Phones: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/08/kids-smartphones-play-freedom/683742/AI UpdatesProductivity Commission Considers a Copyright Exception for AI Companieshttps://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/arts-in-30/productivity-tdm-exception-apra-amcos-aava-natsiaa-rudi-bremer/105588574Netflix uses AI effects for first time to cut costs: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vr4rymlw9oAmazon Invests in Fablehttps://variety.com/2025/digital/news/netflix-of-ai-amazon-invests-fable-showrunner-launch-1236471989/Industry NewsJames Taylor Departs SBS: https://mumbrella.com.au/sbs-managing-director-james-taylor-steps-down-884978 Kristen Hodges' Summaries of the Screen Australia Guidelines: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/everything-producers-need-know-new-screen-australia-kristen-hodges-vnbsc/OpportunitiesScreen Queensland Short Film Fund: https://screenqueensland.com.au/investment-support/short-film-fund/Screen NSW Short to Feature Fast Track Initiative: https://www.screen.nsw.gov.au/funding-support/short-to-feature-fast-track-initiativeAACTA Pitch Focus: https://www.aacta.org/aacta-development-initiatives/2025-aacta-pitch-focus/SPA Ones to Watch: https://www.screenproducers.org.au/events/details/?id=6412031e-a1f9-43f2-9ca1-5639baf0c887SPA Pitch on Demand: https://www.screenproducers.org.au/events/details/?id=35134e97-9c55-42cc-a217-10a1f224a375Vale David Strattonhttps://if.com.au/vale-david-stratton-beloved-australian-film-critic-and-writer/What We've Been WatchingMIFF 2025: https://miff.com.au/Together: https://if.com.au/box-office-together-opens-at-no-6-in-both-australia-and-us/Ryan Trahan's 50 States in 50 Days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTYbvU-aSf4What's in ProductionMosquito Bowl: https://screenqueensland.com.au/sq-news/media-centre/filming-begins-the-mosquito-bowl/Forever Young: https://if.com.au/josh-mullins-and-ulysses-olivers-forever-young-springs-to-life-in-the-hawkesbury-with-travis-jeffrey-socratis-otto/Screenworks (become a member to access their production list): https://screenworks.com.au If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kirsty Stark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.This episode is proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Julie Eckersley talks to Dr. David Court  - founder of Compton School, and one of the most influential champions of emerging screen talent in Australia.From the early days of his career in finance and policy to his work advising governments, structuring production deals, and founding Australia’s first business school for creatives, David has seen the screen industry from every angle.This is a conversation about the art of mentoring - why it matters, how it shapes the creative community, and the ripple effects it has long after the advice is given.Key Takeaways:Why mentoring is more than just giving advice.Why the wider screen industry not only benefits from but needs mentoring in order to thrive.Key advice for how to approach a mentor.How to make the most of the mentor/mentee relationship.Whether you’re a filmmaker, a creative entrepreneur, or a leader in any field, this conversation is about connection, guidance, and how the creative industries can thrive through structured knowledge transfer between generations.Follow David and his work:Compton School: https://compton.schoolRAINMAKERS: https://compton.school/rainmakers David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-court-058965/This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠Subscribe and get weekly episodes in your inbox: https://weinterruptthisbroadcast.substack.com

In this episode, Julie Eckersley sits down with commercial and narrative filmmaker Michael V. Brown, whose mobile-first micro-dramas have racked up more than 60 million views on platforms like ReelShort and PocketFM.Michael shares his journey from indie filmmaking to mastering the vertical storytelling format - and why the rise of mobile-native content is one of the biggest opportunities for screen creatives today.Whether you’re a filmmaker, producer, or content strategist, this episode reveals what it takes to succeed in the fast-growing world of short-form, vertical drama, and why this format may be the future of global entertainment.Key Takeaways:Vertical Is a Format, Not a Limitation - Michael explains how vertical storytelling demands new creative muscles, but rewards them with massive audience reach.Treat Micro-Dramas Like Mini Features - Each short-form series is designed with tight structure, emotional hooks, and clear stakes, using traditional storytelling principles.Audiences Want Drama on the Go - With millions tuning into high-stakes, bite-sized stories, Michael sees mobile-first storytelling as a major opportunity for filmmakers to monetise and build audience.The Democratisation of Storytelling - Short-form vertical drama opens the door for underrepresented voices, new genres, and agile production models. It’s a playground for creators willing to experiment and iterate quickly.More about Michael V. Brown:Michael V. Brown is a commercial and narrative filmmaker who’s directed and/or produced campaigns for Merrell, CAT Footwear, Cisco, and Hershey’s, plus a growing slate of mobile-first micro-dramas that have pulled in over 60 million views across platforms like ReelShort and PocketFM.He produced the indie feature Hayseed, now streaming on Tubi and Amazon Prime, and available for rent or purchase on Apple, Vudu, and Google Play.Originally from Michigan, Michael was a film nerd and terrible athlete who didn’t realise making movies was a real job until college. Since then, he’s built a career blending intentional storytelling with sharp execution  - whether on set or in a Google Sheet.He’s currently developing filmmaker-focused tools to help indie creators forecast financial performance and avoid bad distribution deals, because he believes transparency shouldn't be a luxury in this industry.Follow Michael and his work:Website: www.michaelvbrown.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvincentbrown/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/im.mvb Lose You to Love Me:https://pocketfm.com/episode/4b2de7f6c1e34bdab8e57ddb49f39b2f?campaign_name= More Information on vertical dramas and jobs in the space:Maple Studios: https://apply.workable.com/crazymaplestudio/Pocket FM Jobs: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/pocket-fm-jobs-worldwide/?currentJobId=4239056060Fast Company: Netlflix  to add vertical video: https://www.fastcompany.com/91330227/netflix-app-ui-tiktokThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn

In Part 2 of this insightful interview, Jen Topping dives deeper into the strategic shifts shaping the future of media - from the decline of traditional commissioning models to the rise of audience-first thinking, and why producers must build with the platform in mind, not in spite of it.She also shares a passionate vision for helping creators understand where the money is, how to leverage transparency, and why it’s never been more important to treat your career like a creative business.This is part 2 of a two-part interview. Go back to last week's episode if you missed the first half!Key Takeaways:The Commissioning System Is Broken - So Let’s Build Alternatives. Jen explores why producers must stop waiting for gatekeepers and start exploring new commercial models, from branded content to IP ownership to creator-led ecosystems.Know Your Audience - Or You’ll Lose Them. It’s not enough to make great content. Producers must understand who they’re making it for, where they live online, and how to engage them meaningfully before release.Tech Fluency Is No Longer Optional. Jen urges producers to understand the platforms, data, and tools that shape how content is discovered, watched, and monetised - without becoming a slave to the algorithm.Forecast. Measure. Iterate. Drawing from her consultancy work, Jen gives practical advice on how to bring financial clarity and transparency to your projects.Your Career Is a Creative Asset. Jen’s parting message? Build a career you own, not just jobs you do. Be strategic. Be entrepreneurial. And don’t be afraid to pivot into what’s next.Follow Jen and her work:Subscribe to Jen’s newsletter – The Business on TV: ⁠businessoftv.substack.com⁠Want to work with Jen? You can find Jen’s consulting site here: ⁠jentopping.co.uk⁠This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn

In Part 1 of this rich and honest conversation, Julie Eckersley speaks with consultant and media commentator Jen Topping, whose career spans journalism, Channel 4, Microsoft’s interactive TV studio, and now helping hundreds of indies future-proof their screen businesses.Jen reflects on how producers and content creators must shift their mindset to stay relevant in a time of ongoing disruption—and shares deeply practical insights on navigating the emotional and structural challenges that come with change.This is part 1 of a two-part interview. Come back next week for the second half!Key Takeaways:Fragmentation, Convergence and the Rise of Audience Choice. Jen explains how these elements have increase completion for audience attention and why they are here to stay.What the media changes mean for producers and how you can thrive in the new media landscape. Jen talks about the skills you need to develop.Don’t Wait for Stability - Build for Change. Disruption is no longer a phase—it’s the environment. Jen challenges producers to become more adaptive, agile, and audience-savvy in how they develop and deliver stories.The Future Belongs to the Curious. The most valuable producers aren’t the ones with all the answers—they’re the ones asking better questions and staying open to reinvention.The Opportunity and the Challenge. The desire for great content has not changed, but how we make money through them has. Jen talks about the challenge of getting projects financed in this new model and how to own the D2C (direct to consumer) model.All About YouTube. Part 1 of this interview ends with Jen giving an overview of You Tube and why it is becoming an increasingly important platform.Follow Jen and her work:Subscribe to Jen’s newsletter – The Business on TV: businessoftv.substack.comWant to work with Jen? You can find Jen’s consulting site here: jentopping.co.ukThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month's industry news, from the Regional to Global conference, to AI challenges, to niche vs. mainstream content.Plus: all of your July screen industry news headlines from around the country...00:00 Intro00:38 Regional to Global Summit Highlights03:50 AI Opportunities and Concerns08:33 Digital Futures Summit & the Future of Content12:10 Industry Updates from Around the Country14:52 What we've been watching17:22 What’s in production around the country18:23 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of CountryLinks to further info:We Interrupt This Broadcast on social media:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠Regional to Global Summit:Deirdre Brennan's Opening AddressAIPast Episode - Jessie HughesDoug Shapiro Presentation - AI on the LotDisney & Universal Sue Midjourney for Copyright InfringementChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills (MIT Study)News in BriefScreen Australia's New GuidelinesNSW's $380m screen and digital games support packageNine overhauls Streaming and Broadcast divisionWhat We're WatchingMoonbird | Warm Props | Moni | Pasa Faho | Mix TapeIn Production:My Brilliant Career | Goolagong | Two Years Later | Reckless | The Postcard Bandit series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Screen Australia Upcoming Productions⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠IF In Production⁠Upcoming EventsFuture Vision Summit⁠If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.Plus: don’t forget to stop by ⁠⁠our Instagram⁠⁠ on Wednesday evening (the day after each episode is released) to join the conversation in our Stories.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kirsty Stark⁠⁠⁠⁠.This episode is proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠.

In this episode, Julie Eckersley sits down with filmmakers and digital content creators Lachlan & Austin Macfarlane, whose work spans YouTube (973K subscribers), TikTok (673K followers) and Instagram (196K followers). The brothers discuss how they have built a sustainable business model by regularly posting 15-second VFX-heavy clips, and how they have strategically created broader filmmaking opportunities for themselves through an online pathway.Whether you’re looking to greenlight your own career or interested in learning more about finding an audience on digital platforms, this episode is full of great insights.Listen to this episode if you are interested in:Crafting short-form content that resonates with audiencesWhy you should post your work across multiple platformsThe importance of storytelling, even in short videosHow they come up with ideas and know what will resonateWhy consistency and authenticity are crucial for building an audienceWhen to transition from a traditional job to full-time content creationWhich data is useful when building your channelsHow to leverage an online presence to create opportunities to work in traditional mediaFollow Lachlan and Austin and their work:Website: https://www.macfarlanemedia.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@macfarlanebros TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@macfarlanebrosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/macfarlanebrosThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode, Julie Eckersley sits down with world-renowned writing teacher and story consultant Corey Mandell, whose students include Oscar winners and leading showrunners. Known for his groundbreaking approach to screenwriting, Corey unpacks why formulas are failing today’s writers and what you need to do instead.Whether you're a screenwriter, producer, or development executive, this episode is a masterclass in how to write truly original and emotionally resonant stories that sell, and why so many talented writers fail to break through.---Listen to this episode if you are interested in:The two levels of a great screen story.Why formulas fail, and how to avoid them.Talent is not a gift, it’s a muscle.Creative integration: the core of Corey Mandell's screenwriting method, and how to develop both your "hammer" and your "straw"Story design vs. plotting, and how to deliver an emotional experience for your audienceWhy your relationship with writing mattersThe new reality of the global screen industryA bold idea to improve the industry---Follow Corey and his work:Website & free resources: https://coreymandell.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreymandellworkshops/ X: https://x.com/coreymandell Facebook: Corey Mandell Professional Screenwriting Courses: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063888732536 Resource:The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle: https://www.amazon.com.au/Talent-Code-Greatness-born-grown/dp/1847943047/ ---This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠Spotify⁠ or ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!---Follow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105338177/

In this episode we talk to Jessie Hughes, Senior Creative Technologist at Leonardo.Ai. Jessie is an internationally-recognised new media artist, technologist, scholar and screenwriter, her works having exhibited most notably at Sundance, SXSW, Cannes and the Tate Modern. In her role at Leonardo.Ai, she has been instrumental in leading global education, evangelism, community engagement, and industry-wide adoption for one of the world’s fastest-growing generative AI platforms. Jessie talks about the ways generative AI can play a role in the future of the screen industry, and why she’s particularly excited for emerging creatives and the Australian screen industry.Listen to this episode if you are interested in:The ways generative AI is being used on current productionsWhy Australia is leading the way with AI from a technology perspectiveHow creative experience is the key to creating great AI contentWhy collaboration still leads to better outcomesThe ways democratisation of creativity allows more diverse voices to be heardWhat you should do if you want to upskill with AI toolsBonus: Pair this episode with an AI Cheat Sheet put together by Scott Dickson from Bold Digital Media.The cheat sheet is a look at a variety of AI tools that may help speed up tasks, reduce costs, and unlock new creative possibilities across different points of the production process.https://www.bolddigitalmedia.com.au/aitoolspdf Scott Dickson works with creative teams to explore practical ways AI tools can support production workflows without giving up any creativity.Follow his work:www.linkedin.com/in/thatscottdicksonbolddigitalmedia.com.au Follow Jessie and her work:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-hughes-050138b1Leonardo.ai: https://leonardo.ai/Announcement: Google’s Veo 3 on Leonardo.AiLeonardo.Ai Training:Leonardo LearnCreating Detailed Concept Designs for PresentationsCreating Cinematic Storyboards with AICreating Concept Art and Posters for Your Film⁠How to Ideate with Flow State⁠⁠How to Use Flow State⁠Other Links & Presentations:Top 50 Women in AI: Leonardo.Ai News | Forbes ArticleLeonardo.Ai at AWS Sydney SummitLeonardo.Ai at Canva Create 2025Meta Festival 2025 — Jessie Hughes, Leonardo.AiEmerging Media Programming AI Toolkit Series: Leonardo.aiFlow Issue No 01: Agency Storyboarding & Development Edition Spill Issue No. 01: Advertising & Marketing EditionLeonardo 104: Transform Your Business with Leonardo for TeamsThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!

In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month's industry news, from short film funding and Screen Australia's new guidelines to Google's Veo 3.Plus: International news, Screenwest increases its PDV Offset, Creative Australia's new website, and more screen industry news from around the country...00:00 Intro00:38 Short films, microbudget features & safety concerns03:24 Screen Australia's new short film guidelines06:17 Screen Well hosts wellbeing roundtables06:37 Creative Australia releases new website07:33 Google launches Veo 311:01 Mr Beast hits 400 million subscribers11:35 Mountainhead's streamlined production process13:08 Screenwest increases PDV rebate13:48 Ausfilm leads Australian contingent at Annecy14:16 What we've been watching15:50 What’s in production around the country17:04 Upcoming Industry Events 19:09 Remembering Liz Tomkins20:02 Acknowledgement of CountryLinks to further info:We Interrupt This Broadcast on social media:LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeShort Film FundingPrevious episode: Melanie Rowland and FlunkSA's Film Lab: New Voices initiative & its films: Monolith & Lesbian Space PrincessRobert Rodriguez book - Rebel Without a CrewScreen Australia Webinars - New GuidelinesNarrative - with Louise GoughDocumentary - with Richard HuddlestonCreative Workplaces New websiteAI & Google's Veo 3Official pageExample AI generated videosClayton Jacobson's perfume adOpinion: The film industry is about to get Blockbuster'd by AI and nobody sees it comingLeonardo AI Scott Dickson - Bold Digital MediaWant to sponsor We Interrupt This Broadcast?Reach out to [email protected]. Beast hits 400 million subscribersMountainhead's production process: Hollywood Reporter | IndiewireNews in BriefScreenwest increases PDV rebate to 20%Stan extends multi-year partnership with Sony Pictures TelevisionStan to present at Content LondonAusfilm leads an Annecy contingentWhat We're WatchingThe Survivors | Bring Her Back | Hacks | Sunday Too Far AwaySAFC 50th anniversary screeningIn Production:Tenzing | ⁠Gnomes | Play Dead⁠⁠Screen Australia Upcoming Productions⁠ | ⁠IF In Production⁠Simtrav behind the scenes footage from The SurvivorsUpcoming EventsScreenworks Regional to Global | Australians in Film Future Vision Summit | AFTRS Digital Futures SummitVale Liz TomkinsWIFT Announcement If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.Plus: don’t forget to stop by ⁠our Instagram⁠ on Wednesday evening (the day after each episode is released) to join the conversation in our Stories.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Kirsty Stark⁠⁠⁠.This episode is proudly brought to you by ⁠CrewHQ⁠ & ⁠Expanding Media⁠.

In this episode we talk to Writer and Game Director Sam Cable. Sam specialises in bringing humanity and emotion into games. She is Co-Founder and Game Director of Spoonful of Wonder. Their debut game - Copycat - won Best International Game at the SEA Game Awards in 2024.Sam talks about how to create an emotional connection when building the story for a game. She discusses scripting for games and using branching narratives, as well as new trends in gaming and how audiences can impact games.Listen to this episode if you are interested in:Creating emotional connections in gaming.What a branching narrative is, and how to build player agency.How to intertwine storytelling with game mechanics.The growing role of the writer in gaming and how screenwriters can transfer their skills.A unique proposal that looks at mental health and interactive storytelling.Follow Sam Cable and her work:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacableCompany: https://spoonfulofwonder.comCopycat:Trailer: https://youtu.be/QfODF74EPzITwitter/X: https://x.com/GameCopycatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/copycat.game/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@copycat.indie.gameYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CopycatGameDevlogSteam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1622350/Copycat/This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!

Julie chats with emerging screen talent Ally Morgan, creator of the 15-part TikTok musical series Girl Crush. Originally envisioned as a TV series, Girl Crush became a groundbreaking short-form series that reached and resonated with queer audiences online.Ally opens up about how she greenlit herself, the creative and logistical pivot from television to TikTok, and what the project taught her about episodic structure, vertical storytelling, and building an audience from scratch in the digital age.Listen to this episode if you’re interested in:Why Girl Crush pivoted from long-form TV to a 15-part TikTok musical seriesHow Ally mastered writing hooks and sustaining story over one-minute episodesThe creative constraints—and unexpected freedoms—of vertical storytellingLessons in crafting for short-form platforms, from writing to visual styleHow to cultivate a micro-niche audience instead of chasing viral fameMarketing strategies that actually worked (and what didn’t)Why authentic, unpolished content often outperforms glossy production on TikTokThe power of starting today—even without a green lightWhat every production company can learn from creators like AllyTop Takeaways:Start early and start raw — audiences value authenticity over polishEvery second counts — grab attention in under 1 second on TikTokCraft still matters — shorter doesn't mean easier, it means sharperFind your people — lean into specificity to build a loyal audienceMarketing is not optional — plan content and community alongside storyGo cross-platform — TikTok is powerful, but don't skip Instagram and YouTube ShortsWatch Girl Crush:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlcrushseriesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlcrushseries/Trailer: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3WdAt9PfPx/Connect with Ally Morgan:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/allymorgan1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allykmorgan/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allykaymorganWebsite: https://allymorgan.squarespace.com/---This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!

In this episode, Melanie Rowland, co-founder of Lilydale Films, shares how she and her business partner have built a successful independent production company that is totally sustainable, without relying on streamers or broadcasters to greenlight them.They’ve created seven series, six feature films, and built a loyal audience with no investors, meaning all revenue flows directly to them.Their flagship show, Flunk, has garnered over 200 million views globally to date, all while operating on a minimal budget. In this episode Melanie discusses Lilydale’s unique approach to self-funding, building community engagement, optimising for YouTube’s algorithm, and creating new content within their highly engaged niche.Listen to this episode if you are interested in:How to build a sustainable production company in the new media landscape.How to build and grow a story universe.Gaining insights into how to have a truly audience centric approach to screen storytellingUnderstanding sustainable revenue streams that don’t rely on traditional gatekeepers.Being inspired to create high quality on a low budget.Exploring business models that leverage You Tube, social media and direct-to-audience.Follow Melanie and her workWebsite: ⁠https://www.lilydalefilms.com⁠Social MediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-rowland-producer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flunkseries/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FLUNKSERIESYou Tube:: https://www.youtube.com/flunkseriesWatch Flunk here:Website: https://www.flunk.com.auYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/flunkseriesThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!

In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast we wrap up Screen Forever - including Screen Australia’s new strategic direction, discuss the recent federal election and its likely impact on the screen industry, and touch on the Trump tariff announcement.Plus: Que Minh Luu steps down from Netflix, Hugh Marks speaks out on his role at the ABC and more screen industry news from around the country...00:00 Intro00:58 Reflecting on our time at Screen Forever03:17 Sustainable screen businesses and putting people first 06:15 Feedback on the podcast & where we want to take it07:09 Screen Forever’s programming focus on the online and digital space08:36 YouTube as a platform for long-form content & multiple forms of IP use10:22 Screen Australia’s new strategic direction - the five Es18:29 Hugh Marks speaks publicly on his new role as Managing Director at the ABC 22:47 Final takeaways from Screen Forever23:33 Federal election wrap-up & what it means for content quotas24:32 Trump and his 100% screen content tariffs 26:17 Industry movements & brief news updates27:07 What’s in production around the country27:40 Episode wrap-up 28:33 Acknowledgement of Country & Podcast CreditsLinks to further info:Deep Dive Episodes:Amanda Lotz - Our changing media landscapeNatalie Lynch - Cinch MediaJasmine Yang - Glitch ProductionsFuture-Proofing Your Screen Business by Putting People FirstMeet the Screen Industry Organisations Putting People FirstBullying in the WorkplaceScreen Australia’s new strategic direction:Screen Australia Chair announces new strategic direction for the agencyMichael Ebeid AM presents Screen Australia’s Future Focus (session video from Screen Forever)Content Quotas:We Interrupt This Broadcast bonus episode: Streaming Quotas 101Screen Producers Australia’s Parliamentarian Meeting Kit: how to email your MPTrump TariffsDonald Trump announces 100 per cent tariffs on movies 'produced in foreign lands'Screen Wars: Trump vs Global Trade (session video from Screen Forever)Industry Movements:Tim Phillips named Managing Director of Werner Film ProductionsMike Jones to BBC Studios as Development Executive, Scripted ProductionDrew Grove to Screen Australia as Head of ProductionQue Minh Luu steps down from Netflix Director of Content roleWētā FX establishes permanent Melbourne headquartersLana Greenhalgh named Commissioner of the Year at the SPA AwardsIn Production:Penny Lane is Dead | GnomesScreen Australia Upcoming Productions | IF In ProductionIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.Plus: don’t forget to stop by our Instagram on Wednesday evening (the day after each episode is released) to join the conversation in our Stories.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by ⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Kirsty Stark⁠⁠.This episode is proudly brought to you by CrewHQ & Expanding Media.

In this episode Julie speaks to acclaimed producer, Imogen Banks, best known for the wildly popular Network Ten series OFFSPRING which, over seven seasons, garnered multiple Logie, AFI, and AACTA wins. With John Edwards, Imogen developed and produced the Showtime showcase series TANGLE; PUBERTY BLUES and PARTY TRICKS for Network Ten; and GALLIPOLI for the Nine Network. For the ABC, Imogen developed the mini-series PAPER GIANTS and produced THE BEAUTIFUL LIE. Through her drama division at Endemol Shine, Imogen co-created and produced SISTERS for Network Ten, and RFDS for the Seven Network. Banks also developed and ran an initiative for emerging female writers, in collaboration with Alice Bell. Imogen recently founded independent production company, Kindling Pictures. Its debut project, the critically acclaimed mini-series SAFE HOME premiered on SBS in May 2023 and HULU in the US. Most recently, FAKE, a gripping series starring Asher Keddie and David Wenham, premiered on Paramount + in 2024. It has been the streamer’s most successful Australian drama launch to date. In this episode Imogen talks about what she has learnt about the post process and the difference it can make to the quality of the story. She gives great insights on seeing the role of the producer, who she likes to work with and how she chooses projects for her company, Kindling Pictures. Listen to this episode if you are interested in:Learning about the art of producing from one of the best in the business.Mastering post production and practical tips on how to improve this part of the creative process.The importance of finding the right visual and sound language to bring characters emotional journey’s to life.The role of producer as the defender of the creative vision.Fostering strong collaborations and finding the people you want to work withFlexibility and growth as a producer WebsiteKindling Pictures: https://www.kindlingpictures.com/

In this episode, we speak with media scholar, professor, and industry consultant Amanda Lotz, whose expertise includes media industries, internet distribution, the future of television, and the business of media.She discusses the evolution of media, focusing on the shift from scarcity to abundance in content availability and its implications for audience behaviour. Listen to this episode if you're interested in:What motivates audiences to consume contentWhy fragmented audiences mean that cultural moments are no longer shared as widelyWhy data shouldn't dictate creative decisionsThe power of niche audiencesHow to future-proof your work in an ever-changing industryFollow Amanda and her work:https://www.amandalotz.com/https://www.qut.edu.au/about/our-people/academic-profiles/amanda.lotzBook: Media Industries in the Digital Age https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=media-industries-in-the-digital-age-how-media-businesses-work-today--9781509565900Book: After Mass Media: Storytelling for Microaudiences in the 21st Century https://nyupress.org/9781479833900/after-mass-media/Australian Screen Stories Viewing Report survey [2023]Part 1: Watching Series and Movies in the 21st CenturyPart 2: Streaming Behaviour and Content DiscoveryPart 3: Viewing PracticesPart 4: Why We Watch What We Watch