Unique Lens - The Podcast

I chat with first time filmmaker, writer/director/actor Harvey Zielinski about his gorgeous gem Sweet Milk Lake. Shot in Australia, Sweet Milk Lake tells the story of Jake a trans man who heads to his father's home in the countryside after hearing he is ill. There here is mistaken for his alpha cis male brother, comedy, heartbreak and reality follow. We discuss what belonging means. How directing...

In this episode, I chat with Lena, the owner of the Craeve Committee handle who is a longtime fan of Shortland Street. Lena shares her insights, favorite moments, and theories. We chat character dynamics, plot twists, and fan engagement, and deep dive into the show's storytelling and community. Pay attention - Lena's Craeve edit over William Philipson's score is also featured in this episode.

In this episode of Unique Lens: The Podcast I chat with Shortland Street composer and all round lovely man, William Philipson. He shares how he joined the show, the impact the arrival of Dr Crane had on the audience, and how glad he is folks are connecting with the storyline.

This episode was a beast to edit but here it is! On March 31st, 2026 Tania Nolan aka Dr Crane arrived on Shortland Street and garnered an unexpected international audience! I chat to composer William Philipson about Crane’s arrival and the score he composed for her. In this episode I also breakdown the genius of 2 pivotal scenes share some of ‪@tanianolancoaching‬ brilliant 2hr live (check out her...

For this episode I take a deep dive into the representation and storytelling in Shortland Street and the arrival of Dr Crane, played by Tania Nolan. I call out it's insane international appeal and the reasons why I think this is. I catch up with Shortland Street composer William Philipson who shares his insights on writing music for Crane. And shares her leitmotifs. Craeve Committee account owner...

In this episode, I chat to my friend and playwright extraordinaire Amy Dellagiarino about her journey from acting to writing, her creative process, and the life of a playwright.

I join Emma and Mark Cameron the filmmaker couple behind the John Hughes inspired teen flick Detention. We discuss shooting in Washington, writing, music, and much more. Detention stars an incredible young cast, Emma Cameron as their Saturday detention therapist. Elizabeth Mitchell provides the pathos and depth we expect from her. I cannot recommend finding a screening near you enough! Yes, my acc...

In this episode of Unique Lens, I sit down with Claire Sara of @themcsaras who started a content about IVF with her wife that has turned into a safe space for queer people.

Thanks to the programming team at Frameline 50, I sit down and chat with writer director Xiaodan He about her latest and truly heartwarming film Montreal, My Beautiful (Montreal, ma belle). We talk about being multi-lingual, immigrants, and the incredible Joan Chen who leads this film.

In this episode of Unique Lens: The Podcast, I am joined by my friend and programmer extraordinaire Kathleen Mullen to discuss the incredible line up of Frameline 50. The San Francisco LGBTQ+ film festival is celebrating its 50th year. Kathleen and I look back at some of our favorites and discuss the festival's legacy and line up.

After technical issues and a loss of voice, here is episode 1 of Unique Lens: The Podcast where I chat with two brilliant new filmmakers - Megan Rico and Kade Atwood - about their debut film Edie Arnold is a Loser. Catch this film at a festival near you.