Variety Australia

A Walkley award-winning journalist, documentary maker, and the creative mind behind the acclaimed series and podcast ‘Stuff the British Stole’, Fennell’s career is a masterclass in versatility and perseverance. Marc Fennell has a ‘natural nervous energy’. At least, that’s how he describes what otherwise comes across as an unlimited source of dedication and work ethic. ”I have a natural anxiousness about what comes next,” Fennell shares on a recent episode of the Variety Australia podcast, recorded at JMC Academy’s Sydney campus. It’s why, in large part, he’s created such a multi-hyphenate career . “If you put all of your hopes and dreams on a singular project, it's a very dangerous thing to do to your mental health. My solution to that has been to do lots of different things.”

Jack Clark and Jim Weir, the creative minds behind the psychological thriller "Birdeater," are using their directorial debut feature to confront Australian culture head-on. The film, which made waves at SXSW Austin, MIFF, and Cinefest Oz, and is now showing in Australian cinemas, explores the complexities of toxic masculinity and emotional abuse through the story of a bride-to-be being invited to her own fiancé's bucks party, when things turn “feral”.

When Darren Ashton first saw Michael Theo on “Love on the Spectrum,” he knew he had the ‘it factor’. “He just had a great charismatic presence, that’s the bottom line,” Darren tells host Poppy Reid on the Variety Australia Podcast at JMC Academy’s Sydney campus. It didn’t take long before Darren approached Theo about a project of their own, an eight-part Australian-British comedy-drama series on ABC iView called “Austin,” which premiered on June 9th to rave reviews and is loosely based on Theo’s personality.

Bushfires, floods, overzealous cops, sniffer dogs and a multi-speed economy. The myriad challenges facing Australia’s festival-land are as deep and complex as any small-stage lineup. Not every fest will survive; those that do will be built to succeed.

Recorded and produced by JMC Academy students studying Entertainment Business Management, Film & TV, and Audio Engineering, in front of a live audience of JMC Acting students, the podcast episode dives into Madon and Weatherall’s acting careers, how they got started, and how they manage the inevitable self-doubt that comes with putting yourself out there for audiences. 

Speaking with Variety editor-in-chief Poppy Reid for ‘The Variety Podcast’, Director David Leitch and producer Kelly McCormick explained their underlying mission for “The Fall Guy” and other films from their 87North production house – to make movies that you need to see on the big screen, films with a “beating heart."

In the episode, composer, writer, singer, actor and comedian Tim Minchin explores the winding paths of his career, from his early days of piano bars and record label rejection to his groundbreaking work on the Matilda musical – a massively successful project he puts down to timing, collaboration and good dose of luck.

Shaping Stardom with Mark Klemens: Managing Director of Profile Talent Management. Join host Poppy Reid with this episode, recorded live at JMC Academy. When it comes to the biggest names in Australian entertainment, we often only see the highlight reel – the big announcements, new book deal, prime time TV spots, and award shows. But what really goes on behind the scenes? And who is the mastermind helping these stars succeed?

Behind the Lens with Jeffrey Walker: Australia’s Most exciting Screen Director. Join host Poppy Reid in this special episode, recorded live at JMC Academy. Amidst a backdrop of aspiring creatives, we dive into real-world learning experiences from some of the most celebrated and accomplished figureheads in the film TV and media industries. Poppy will kick things off with an illuminating chat with filmmaker Jeffrey Walker.

Gary Vee provides insightful responses to a series of intriguing marketing questions during the Variety Australia CMO Dinner. These include how marketers need to use AI, the concept of "and" vs "or" in marketing, and the right balance between math and art in marketing. Gary also shares his thoughts on the Barbie campaign and the Twitter rebrand.

Seven Network’s chief marketing officer, Melissa Hopkins and Suzanne Stretton-Brown, Director Of Marketing ANZ at Universal Pictures International Australasia, joined Variety AU/NZ for a spurring conversation at the publisher’s inaugural CMO dinner. Speaking with Variety AU/NZ’s Editor in Chief Poppy Reid, Stretton-Brown discussed how Barbie became a cultural phenomenon, and while Hopkins outlined Seven’s new strategic partnership with Gary Vee’s VaynerMedia.