CUT! The Podcast

Discover the artistry and strategic thinking behind creating immersive worlds in film and television as Virginia Mesiti shares insights from her 20-year career. Learn how her design choices influence storytelling and how the industry is evolving. Nothing is left out from the impact of cross-role experience on her leadership in art departments to how large-scale projects like  3000 Years of Lo...

In this episode, Max Bennett Kelly shares his journey of creativity, vulnerability, and the art of blending performance, music, and storytelling to explore themes of love, loss, and authenticity. Dive into his innovative approach to multimedia art and his reflections on navigating identity as an artist. Max delves into his time in the True Modern Romance universe, which explores the concept of per...

In this episode Dianna La Grassa Chief Operating Officer and Head of Screen for Bus Stop Films sits down with host Amanda Browne and discusses the merit of inclusive filmmaking. Drawing on Bus Stop's first feature film production: BossCat and how to storytell authentically with differently abled characters in mind, and create an inclusive environment on set to her broader aspirations for building...

This episode we are fortunate to have a guest who some might refer to as a unicorn of comedic production experience. Eleanor Winkler is an Australian who cut her teeth locally before flying the coop to pursue bigger comedy dreams. In this episode we dive deep into how a career like Eleanor's has been shaped. From stints on US Comedy Franchise: Funny or Die, being a showrunner for Will Arnett'...

Are you curious about the life of a producer? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Valerie Stadler, a seasoned producer with films that have screened at Sundance, Tribeca, TIFF, and more and expert in the dual nature of producing: balancing creativity and business. Valerie shares her insights on navigating the creative and business sides of filmmaking, industry opportunities, and the truth a...

In this insightful interview, filmmaker Natalie Erika James shares her journey from film school to Sundance success, exploring her unique approach to horror, industry insights, and the evolution of her voice across two Sundance films, Relic and Saccharine . Discover how her cross-cultural background influences her storytelling and what’s next in her career. Keep the conversation going: Instagram -...

This episode explores how creators (filmmaking duo) Luke Morgan and Georgia Eyres behind the film One Day, Five Years are redefining the filmmaking landscape by leveraging social media, building audiences early, and maintaining creative freedom outside traditional systems. Their journey highlights innovative approaches to making, sharing, and distributing films in the digital age. Follow and find...

In this episode, Josie Fite shares her journey from making films with just a DSLR and cardboard in her living room to developing her feature film, "I'm Your Baby." She discusses the importance of instinct, personal storytelling, and the power of community and collaboration in indie filmmaking. Fundraising party RSVP link: https://partiful.com/events/neEVcFljWQdP90TqUNaQ/edit IYB website: imyourbab...

In this episode, Amanda's longtime Hollywood pal and publicist to the stars, Chris Rossi shares his unfiltered journey from stage dancer, teenage talent agent to a force for good in LA PR circles. From hustling in talent and product placement in his early days to navigating today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, Chris breaks down what it takes to stay relevant—and indispensable. Spoiler al...

Here's a career journey we all want to hear! Get to know Hollywood rising star - actress Shannon Gisela! In this episode she gives us the inside story to being cast in brand new Peacock Original series M.I.A, her experiences with independent filmmaking, Sundance, and the evolving landscape of the industry. This episode offers valuable perspectives on authenticity, community building, and strategie...

Discover how vertical storytelling is revolutionizing content creation, production efficiency, and industry opportunities through the insights of producer and innovator/founder of short reels co: Reelarc, Guy Chachkes. Learn about the patterns and techniques that make vertical drama compelling and how creators can harness this format for long-term success. Follow @a_producer_guy or @reelarc or che...

In this engaging conversation, Dane Cody, a seasoned production sound mixer, shares insights into the intricacies of sound recording in film. He discusses his experiences working on various projects, including the recent blockbuster film Anaconda starring Hollywood's comic elite Jack Black and Paul Rudd, and emphasizes the importance of building rapport with crew members. Dane elaborates on the te...

Amanda says goodbye to previosus co-host Nell Nakkan as they reflect on the past 2 seasons that build the foundation of CUT the Podcast as we know it today. Ashlee Russell is introduced as Amanda's cofounder of Undertow (the company behind CUT!) and together the two preview what the foundations of Undertow as a production company is about as well, we tease a few of the international gues...

Steph Troost is back on CUT! - Joining Amanda for a comprehensive debrief on her recent trip to the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, together they recall the industry insights, market dynamics, and practical tips that can help filmmakers and producers aiming to succeed in international markets.  Here's a few of the topics covered: What is EFM Berlin and how does it differ from Berlinale...

In this episode, Amanda and Ashlee discuss the recent announcement that South by Southwest Sydney will not continue after three years due to a "changing global environment". They reflect on the festival's impact on the creative community, particularly for emerging filmmakers, and explore the reasons behind its cancellation, including financial challenges, audience engagement, and logistical issues...

In this S2 finale of "CUT! The Podcast," hosts Amanda Browne and Neil Nakkan dive into a comprehensive recap of SXSW Sydney, sharing insights and reflections on the festival's panels and the evolving film industry. They discuss the importance of community building, the challenges of creative risk-taking, and the role of AI in filmmaking. Join them as they celebrate their producing wins, acknowledg...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Elaine Beckett , General Manager of Trackdown Studios - the largest scoring stage in the Southern Hemisphere. Elaine shares her 21-year journey from work experience student to industry leader, and what it takes to manage one of Australia’s most iconic creative spaces. In this episode, Elaine talks about wearing many hats - score coordinator, producer, pr...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Gabrielle Brady, a visionary filmmaker, known for her unique approach to storytelling. Gabrielle shares her journey from acting in Sydney to studying film in Cuba, now based in Berlin and how her experiences have shaped her career in documentary and hybrid filmmaking. Discover her insights on maintaining creative integrity, the challenges of funding, and...

From the surprising end of long-standing Australian programs like "The Project" and "Q&A" to the abrupt halts of international streaming hits, let's explore the intricate balance between viewership metrics, production costs, and creative dynamics. Are the  data-driven decisions to axe shows premature? We share personal reflections on beloved shows that met an untimely end. Join the c...

In this Launchpad episode of the Undertow Content podcast, we meet filmmaker Ray Taylor , a passionate director dedicated to authentic, character-driven stories that normalise LGBTQ+ and disabled communities without centring trauma. Ray shares his journey from theatre to film, creating 12 short films in 12 months during COVID, and becoming the only Academy Gold Rising intern to complete both the p...

In this episode, we delve into the vibrant world of the Australian film and TV ecosystem through the lens of festival making. Discover how SXSW Sydney’s Screen Festival is cultivating fresh voices, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and smarter festival strategies - fuelling creative careers, audiences, and industry momentum. Join us as Screen Festival Director Jordan Bastian lifts the curtain on c...

In this episode, we delve into the vibrant world of the Australian film and TV industry, exploring its profound cultural impact and substantial economic contributions. Discover how Australian storytelling captivates global audiences, while also fueling local economies and creating jobs. Join us as we uncover the unique elements that make this industry a powerhouse of creativity and innovation. Rea...

Dive into the captivating world of costume design in film and television with Vanessa Loh! A brilliant character designer working across film and television in both Australia and the UK. Vanessa is a first-generation Chinese Australian whose work is grounded in authenticity, collaboration, and a deep respect for story. She’s passionate about projects that explore identity, race, gender and sexuali...

In this episode, we dive into the world of filmmaking with award-winning producer Stephanie Troost. Discover how a little bit of delusion and grit fuel the creative process, as Stephanie shares her journey from childhood performer to co-founder of Spectacle. Learn about the many no's and triumphs of producing debut feature Birdeater, and the importance of perseverance in the ever-evolving film ind...

Join us as we ask if free to air still has the stronghold over streaming? A question triggered by a report that was released at the time of recording this episode from a company called Oztam and the consistent conversations around the projections that free to air TV is dying. Amanda and Nell explore the report and their own viewing habits making a little more sense of it all or coming to the concl...