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...

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 i...

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 A...

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...

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 f...

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...