Tea Time - Fullisick Filmmaking Podcast

In this episode we are joined by writer and director David Ward, whose feature film Lenore is currently doing its festival rounds. Lenore is a psychological thriller- “When a controversial influencer suddenly disappears, a terminally online sycophant goes hunting for answers, but comes face-to-face with the monstrosity of his own sins.” If you’re listening to this episode before the 15th of May 2026, you can catch Lenore at its Australian premiere, at Fantastic Film Festival, with screenings in Sydney and Melbourne- we touch more on this towards the end of the episode. My favourite parts of this episode was our discussion on private investors, test screenings, and literary genesis of the screenplay- these are topics we haven’t yet spoken about on the podcast before and is so useful for emerging filmmakers.Grew up an actor, went to film school Film school - character shaping vs craft shaping Camaraderie & collaboration - fundamental skills built through film schoolThe reality of being a director nowadays- the need to be multihyphenate Directing and Editing LenoreTrifecter - Good, Fast and Cheap16mm unit at Swinburne - benefits of learning the discipline of shooting on film How Lenore began as a stageplayVFX, screen replacements, in-camera effects Genre - Thriller or Horror? Creative genesis - Edgar Allen Poe Co-writing the screenplay How the HODs got attachedCasting Lenore - the challenges of casting such an intense roleChallenges and restrictions during filmingEthics and morality of directing Financing the film - private investorsPrivate investing for feature films - how to find private investors Budget - and budget for genre Test screening - the benefits of doing Feedback on films - how to take it Finishing the film & festival runs Fantasporto - winning the audience choice awardFantastic film festival - Australia premiere Advice for emerging filmmakers Check out Lenore's screenings at Fantastic Film FestivalFollow the podcast on instagram: ⁠⁠@teatimefilmpodcast⁠⁠ Follow Tea on instagram: ⁠⁠@teavandeburgt⁠⁠ Follow David on instagram: @davidjsward ⁠⁠To leave the podcast feedback ⁠⁠follow this link

Today we have the second half of the podcast with Melbourne-based cinematographer Tavis Pinnington. In this part of the episode we talk about Westgate, the process, scheduling, and film festivals of the film, as well as Tavis’ other narrative works that he has completed recently. We delve into the importance of creating genuine ongoing relationships with other filmmakers, advice for cinematographers, and much more. Scheduling of Westgate Opportunities films can lead toScreening your films in cinemaBeing perceived in the industryGoal setting Growing with films Life experience turning into your artVulnerability in films The worth of films - and how people perceive your workLetterboxd reviews and peer feedback Shooting ‘Boys Club’Visual style and colour choicesHow different films can open up to different experiencesShooting with an intimacy coordinator Danaë’s producing style- how generosity and kindness creates the best setsLa Petite MortOngoing working relationships and the benefitsAmerican Society of Cinematographers MentorshipAdvice for cinematographersMentioned: WestgateAdrian OrtegaLetterboxd Marty Supreme Boys ClubDanaë GrieefMarissa Faith BensonDaniela FinkDaniel AgarVictor TikhanovLiam MollicaMary GavriilidouDimas SujonoIndi SandwellData CreepChristopher Nolan Follow the podcast on instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@teatimefilmpodcast⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tea on instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@teavandeburgt⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tavis on instagram: ⁠@⁠tpdop⁠To leave the podcast feedback ⁠⁠⁠follow this link

Today we’re joined by Melbourne-based cinematographer Tavis Pinnington. For part one of the chat with Tavis, we discuss film school, the transition from sound department to cinematographer. We touch on first paid jobs, and the reality of making a living as a cinematographer. We look at pitching, commercials, spec ads, and all the creative documentation, specifically delving into his recent campaign work for Up There Store x Adidas, particularly talking about references and treatments, lighting, shooting, you name it. More on Tavis’ narrative work will be coming in the next episode! ​Film school at Swinburne ​Sound department to cinematographer ​First paid job ​The reality of making a living from being a cinematographer​Pitching - knowing your worth ​Commercials ​Spec ads ​Working with brands ​Levelling up- international jobs, worldviews and experiences ​Adidas Online Advertisement ​References and treatments​Shooting naturally​Colour Grade for Adidas ​Creating in Melbourne​The future of creatives in Melbourne​Camera Assisting​Anuk - First Feature Film​First film in MIFFMentioned:Cinematographer Rina YangAdidasWilhelm PhilippCrayonWestgate Caleb RibatesFollow the podcast on instagram: ⁠⁠@teatimefilmpodcast⁠⁠ Follow Tea on instagram: ⁠⁠@teavandeburgt⁠⁠ Follow Tavis on instagram: ⁠@tpdopTo leave the podcast feedback ⁠⁠follow this link

In today’s episode we are joined by Melbourne-based writer, director and producer Adrian Ortega, the director of feature films Westgate and Cerulean Blue, both of which were in MIFF and had decorated festival runs and award wins globally. He is the founder of Proud Wing Films, an Australian production company, where he also produces short films, championing debut and emerging filmmakers. Throughout this episode, we touch a lot on the details of feature filmmaking, talking about the challenges of both features- and every step of the process. Gaining experience in many roles- particularly ADing, can help you become a better director How living in isolated societies made film seem like an unattainable dreamThe importance of film school in Melbourne/Australia vs America The importance of doing volunteer work and upskilling before doing HOD rolesTransition into making his first feature filmBudgets for independent features Using the volume screen Car scenes in films Immense pre-production planning Proud Wing - Starting a production company, supporting first-time directorsFestival strategy- is it even a thing? Writing plans and creating deadlinesCasting process How important Instagram is for actors Madman Distribution - how it came to be MIFF Premiere Fund Period Films - making films set in the 1990s VFX for period pieces Budget towards locations Good vs bad charactersAustralian Cultural Fund - CrowdfundingRehearsals “If something goes wrong, then it’s supposed to happen.” - Greta Gerwig's advice that changed both of our perspectivesThe Happy Place & Cerulean Blue anecdote - working through when things go wrongAdvice for up and coming filmmakers Westgate still has select screenings and Q&As- keep an eye on Adrian's instagram for more info!Cerulean Blue is available to watch on Stan!Follow the podcast on instagram: ⁠@teatimefilmpodcast⁠ Follow me on instagram: ⁠@teavandeburgt⁠ Follow Adrian on instagram: ⁠@adrian.movTo leave the podcast feedback ⁠follow this linkOther media mentioned:The Belie - Sarah Nicolazzo (Proud Wing's New Short Film)The Happy Place - Tea Van de Burgt & Harrison RookThe Eulogy  - Natalie Cicciarelli The Florida Project - Sean Baker

Today we are joined by the talent of short film, Once Ethereal- Director, Writer, Editor and lead actor Matthew Higgs, and co-star and former Neighbours actor, Majella Davis. Throughout this episode, we touch on Once Ethereal, how it came to be- all the way up until its festival run. But we also talk about non-linear pathways into acting and directing, we focus a lot on acting training, studios, and courses, and their benefits. We delve into Majella’s time on Neighbours, and how she got the big role, and we discuss Matt’s previous films and acting experience, including some projects that we’ve collaborated on together over the years.Non-linear pathways into acting and directing- rejections & no film school  How working with non-actors can help your directing Acting training: What to take and what to leave Brave studios & other acting courses in Melbourne Networks made through short coursesControl vs collaboration as a directorHow Majella got her start on Neighbours- filming 427 episodes The making of Once EtherealHow to make your own work as an actorDirecting actors as an actor- benefits and challengesThe benefits of meticulous pre-productionRehearsals for short films Anecdotes from Once Ethereal Filming in Australian weather conditionsMatt’s Festival strategy for Once EtherealMajella on Neighbours vs Short Films and her processesJobs in between the dream roles Matt’s new short film ‘Model’Advice for actors Self tape advice for actors - the real truth to self-tapingLink to watch Once Ethereal on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9ojc3e9ueYMatt's Instagram: @_matthiggsMajella's Instagram: @majella.davisMentioned:Link to watch For The Dear Leader on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9UMioorNsc Cinematographer & Fullisick Co-Founder Darcy Michell 

Today we’re joined by Melbourne-based writer, director and producer Gabriel Carrubba, who discusses his debut feature film Sunflower, that was officially selected for MIFF, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Cinefest, and also had a buyers screening at Cannes.Gabriel talks about his transition from acting to directing, the many industry jobs he’s worked between projects, and the writing, casting, budget and challenges behind Sunflower. We also cover the film’s festival journey, producing Zane Borg’s upcoming feature River, Screen Australia development funding, and much more.Note: This episode was recorded in July 2025, and dates mentioned may be outdated. All future episodes were recorded in 2026.Key Topics:​Transition from acting to directing​Working as a lecturer​Short films before making a feature​Jobs after directing Sunflower - Time Addicts, Late Night with the Devil​Writing Sunflower​Casting Sunflower - how the leads landed their roles​Budget for Sunflower - making a feature film under $20k​Sunflower festival strategy - the reality of getting into Australian film festivals ​Going to Cannes - buyers screening experience​Producing Zane Borg’s River​Screen Australia development fundingSunflower is available to watch on SBS on Demand (in Australia): Follow the podcast on instagram: ⁠@teatimefilmpodcast⁠ Follow Tea on instagram: ⁠@teavandeburgt⁠ Follow Gabriel on instagram: @gabrielcarrubba_To leave the podcast feedback ⁠follow this link

Today we are joined by writer, director, producer and stuntman Will Jones, who recently created the pilot episode of his web series “Queer Custodians”. Within the podcast, we talk about Will’s career in stunts, including his experiences with Margot Robbie and Liam Neeson, and being Master Chief in the trailer of Halo. We talk about his experience doing film studies on exchange with the New Columbo Grant. We also discuss film school, stunt license and training, as well as his progression into establishing himself as a writer director. Then we touch on Queer Custodians, the development and casting of the webseries, as well as the importance of Queer representation in film and television.Key Topics:​Early Career in Stunts​Stunt license and training​Australian Stunt career highlights​New-Colombo Plan with a filmmaking focus​Film School - Honours at Deakin University​Progression from stunts into writing and directing​Queer Custodians - Superhero webseries​Development and Casting the webseries​Queer representation in film and televisionFollow the podcast on instagram: @teatimefilmpodcast Follow me on instagram: @teavandeburgt Follow Will on instagram: @thereisonlyonewillTo leave the podcast feedback follow this link