The Sauce

How do you spot a bad deal in commercial casting? In this episode, Steph and Al dive into the major red flags actors should watch out for when it comes to fees, buyouts, and brand categories. Drawing from a recent experience, they break down why a low fee for a global brand in a competitive category is a huge industry pitfall and discuss the fine line between servicing clients and protecting the i...

In the creative arts industry, the mental and emotional toll on artists can be immense. This is where Trish Spears, the "mind mechanic," comes in. In this episode, Trish explains how most of our limiting beliefs are just old programs installed before the age of seven and how, through techniques like NLP and hypnotherapy, we can rewrite them to achieve our best. She discusses the crucial need for o...

With Donald Trump proposing new tariffs on international films, the Australian film industry is on edge, facing uncertainty and the potential for a significant disruption to the production supply chain. In this episode, Steph and Al discuss what these tariffs could mean for local filmmakers, from increased costs on imported gear to the potential for streaming services to shy away from purchasing i...

Filmmaking is a bloodsport , and no one tells you that before you sign up. This episode, we’re sitting down with Nik Kacevski—writer, director, producer, and all-around filmmaking survivor —to talk about the real shit that happens behind the scenes. Forget the glossy Hollywood version—this is about bad deals, casting nightmares, industry politics, and why filmmaking is basically organised chaos ....

Look, we barely survived January, and honestly, February wasn’t much better. School holidays dragged on for centuries , mum guilt hit an all-time high, and trying to run a business while keeping small humans alive? A shit show. But somehow, we made it. And now we’re back, caffeinated (or maybe just delirious), and deep in the ultimate reframe —because if we don’t shift our mindset, who will? This...

Dating in your 30s is a whole different beast —especially when you’re a single parent, emotionally unavailable, or just trying to dodge “The Talk” for as long as possible. In this episode, we unpack the awkward realities of modern dating , from the pressure of sending gifts too soon to the unspoken expectations lurking behind every dating app match. Is exclusivity inevitable? Are dating apps actua...

Sit down with industry expert George Konstand to explore the transformative concept of the actor’s archetype. If you’ve ever felt pigeonholed or uncertain about how to present yourself in auditions, this conversation is your key to taking control and standing out. What You’ll Learn • Archetype vs. Typecast : Understand the crucial difference and how recognising your archetype puts you in the drive...

Struggling to get noticed in the crowded acting industry? Discover how TikTok can be a game-changer for your acting career. In this episode, social media sensation Maddy MacRae shares her insider tips on leveraging TikTok to showcase your talent, build a following, and catch the eye of casting directors. Learn how to create engaging content, build your personal brand, and navigate the ever-changin...

Ever feel like someone’s trying to box you into one role? We’ve been there. In this episode, we dig into the frustrating notion of being told to “stay in your lane.” It’s advice we’ve heard too often as casting directors, and frankly, we’re not here for it. As casting directors and entrepreneurs, we’ve never been content with sticking to just one thing. We talk about why we refuse to limit ourselv...

Child acting with Todd O'Mara and Emma Jane Hyland from T&E Management. Established in 2011, T&E Management is one of the most highly regarded talent agencies in the country, representing both kids and adults in the entertainment industry. They share their expertise on what it takes for children to succeed in acting, how to support them, and how to navigate the highs and lows of the bu...

"You have to figure it out on your own!” In this episode, we talk about: • Embracing the mantra of self-reliance as single mothers • Overcoming practical challenges like electrical issues at home • Balancing the demands of business ownership and parenting • The importance of community support and asking for help • Finding personal space and autonomy amidst chaos www.chickenandchips.com.au⁠⁠⁠...

How did Brendan’s childhood dreams shape his career in the entertainment industry? Discover Brendan’s unique journey from aspiring actor to producer. Hear his humorous childhood misconceptions, insights on the financial realities of acting, and the challenges of producing a TV show. This episode is packed with inspiration and valuable lessons on adaptability and growth in the entertainment industr...

Alex Culliver and Sarah Nathan Share Their Experiences “The pandemic has really changed the dynamics in the industry, making people more accessible and breaking down hierarchical barriers.”  What led Alex Culliver and Sarah Nathan to start their own talent agency, Nathan Culliver Management?  In this episode, they share their non-linear career paths and how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped their per...

Join us for a laugh-out-loud episode where we get into the entertainment industry, single mum life and rushing woman syndrome. Get ready for a hilarious review of a baffling Romanian film we saw at Sydney Film Festival, Steph’s epic house clean-up hack, and Al's school fundraiser fiasco. Plus, hear all about how we juggle work, kids, and everything in between. Don’t miss out on the fun and cha...

This podcast is recorded on Gadigal Land, we acknowledge the traditional owners of the land in which we live and work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. The Sauce with Chicken and Chips Casting is hosted by two of Australia's leading Casting Directors for Film, TV, Commercials and Content - join Alison Fowler & Stephanie Pringle each week, as they chat with peop...

Maree is a storyteller and a collaborative story maker. She uses video, words and action to advocate for people & planet, moving in the pursuit of co-liberation and restorative reciprocity. Maree's love for planet Earth has been watched on TV and social media by millions of people across the globe and in 128 nations. Her alter-persona, dirtgirl of the international hit TV series, dirtgirlworld & G...

After Graduating from WAAPA (Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts) in 2013, media personality Matty Mills created waves by covering the Star Observer with a bold statement “Gay, Black and Proud” before cementing his role in the Entertainment Industry as a presenter, working for Channel Nine, SBS and NITV. The Deadly Award winner has hosted major national events, such as the 2018 Mardi Gras...

We talk to Simon Williams from MAPP about the importance of finding a coach that’s right for you. Proof of Concept to Feature Film - the process Authentic Networking High Performance coaching Why you need a coach Goal setting, getting your momentum Identifying your everest (purpose) The WHY Your Inner Child - nurturing it, how it relates to your work as an actor / creative The Talent Ascension Pro...

David Smith and Tania Macdonald from Smith & Macdonald Management talk to Stephanie Pringle & Alison Fowler about the importance of the agent - actor relationship.  Smith and Macdonald Management are a boutique Talent Company based in Sydney, Australia. They represent some of Australia’s most renowned and established actors and creatives including Trevor Ashely, Charmaine Bingwa & Shirley Pierce....

Vic Zerbst is an award winning comedy director, writer and performer who's comedy series and sketches have amassed more than 70 million views online.  Vic started directing comedy sketches on The Feed on SBS in 2019, where she still writes and directs.  Vic co-directed The War on 2020 including the sketch of The Contact Tracies which garnered comment from Taika Waititi and Chelsea Clinton.  We cha...

Darren Darnborough is a British-born Actor working in Hollywood. His TV & Film work includes hit US shows MacGyver, Magnum PI, 2 Broke Girls, Roots & True Blood. His upcoming projects include the films Abruptio alongside Oscar-winner Jordan Peele, and Jamojaya directed by Sundance-winner / Cannes-nominee Justin Chon. Darren is also the Co-Founder and CEO of WeAudition.com - a revolutionary video-c...

In this truly insightful talk with the beautiful Socratis Otto we went deep early and covered so many interesting topics:   Mental health, anxiety, trauma and inner child Highschool bullying His journey into acting, including NIDA The importance of saying no His journey through NIDA Tattoos and acting Learning about the audition process - developing film and tv discipline on the job Becoming an ac...

Sandy McIntyre talks to Stephanie Pringle and Alison Fowler about all things from casting to pronouns to the importance of living your truth. Sandy McIntyre is a Non-Binary queer identifying person based in the Inner-West of Sydney. They work as a television producer and found that each show they produced, there was minimal LGBTQ+ representation. Because of this, Sandy decided to start their own w...

Jo Stanley built a 20 year career in radio.  She has launched Broad Radio - a streaming radio station targeted at women,and men, addressing a market that is often forgotten, but is a key demographic.  In this bonus episode of The Sauce, Jo talks about radio, Helen Mirren's sex life, and the crowdfunding program she has to build an app for Broad Radio.  Watch the video intro here  Join the revoluti...

Shabana Azeez is one of Australia’s young rising stars. She chats to Stephanie Pringle & Alison Fowler about her unique journey into acting and building up a body of work. Shabana Azeez is an actor whose credits include TV guest roles in ABC’s The Letdown and Why Are You Like This?, and SBS’s The Hunting.  She co-won Best Female Actor at Tropfest in 2019 and has been nominated for Best Performance...