We Interrupt This Broadcast

In this episode, Julie talks to prolific producer Steve Jaggi, founder of Jaggi Entertainment, about how he has built one of Australia’s busiest independent studios. Steve unpacks his cradle-to-grave business model - spanning development, financing, production, post, VFX and distribution - and why being relentlessly audience-focused has been key to his global success.He shares candid insights into why legacy systems are struggling, how micro dramas and influencer-led casting are reshaping the industry, and why Australian producers must urgently rethink cost structures and audience engagement. Steve also reflects on AI, direct-to-consumer models, and what kind of leadership is needed to stop the industry’s “slow-moving train” from derailing.Listen to hear Steve discuss:The rise of vertical drama and mobile-first storytelling.Why influencer-driven casting is transforming audience definitions of quality.Rethinking cost, scale and sustainability in production.Preparing for disruption from AI, D2C models, and shifting global power.What kind of leadership the Australian industry needs right now.Follow Jaggi Entertainment:Jaggi Entertainment: https://www.jaggientertainment.com IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1863720You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaggi_entertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaggi_entertainmentFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaggientertainmentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jaggientertainment/This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

In this episode, Julie talks to award-winning filmmaker Clayton Jacobson, best known for Kenny, about his pioneering work with AI in film. Clayton shares how AI is helping him bypass traditional gatekeepers, transform creative workflows, and unlock decades of unrealised ideas. He speaks candidly about the opportunities and challenges of this rapidly evolving technology, how it can democratise creativity, and why he believes it will change the way we make and experience stories.Listen to hear Clayton discuss:How AI is transforming filmmaking and creative workflows.The future of storytelling beyond traditional gatekeepers.Iterative creative processes using AI tools.Rethinking collaboration, production, and budgets in screen content.The broader cultural impact of AI on creativity and human connection.Follow Clayton and his work:LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/clayton-jacobson-13453841Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clayton.jacobson.79Youtube (portfolio): https://www.www.youtube.com/@GUNSHYCOWBOYS-285Escape AI: https://escape.ai/profile/gunshycowboys285 Dreamscreen Australia: https://www.dreamscreenaustralia.com/This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠Julie Eckersley, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode, Julie Eckersley talks to Lee Naimo, Head of Creative for Grouse House at Haven’t You Done Well Productions, about the growth of online screen businesses in Australia and how to build a sustainable business model that works for you and your audience.Previously managing the Online and Games Unit at Screen Australia, Lee worked with Australian producers, writers, directors and gamemakers to elevate their projects and careers, and has great insight into how they’re succeeding in the marketplace.Even for those companies working in traditional media, online opportunities will need to make up at least one component of your future business strategy, so this is an episode not to miss!Listen to hear Lee discuss:The evolution of online content in AustraliaInnovative companies in the online spaceHow Grouse House is building opportunities for comedians to get their work in front of audiencesHow revenue stacking leads to sustainable business modelsWhy you should repurpose your existing content to find new audiencesWhat’s happening in the games space in AustraliaPlus, his big idea for the Australian industryFollow Lee, Grouse House and their work:⁠Haven’t You Done Well’s website: https://www.haventyoudonewell.com Grouse House’s website: https://www.haventyoudonewell.com/grouse-houseGrouse House on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNuaFLcbAeycQAIAW5s7T0QLee Naimo on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-naimo-689084233This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Kirsty Stark, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month's industry news, from the announcement of Tropfest 2.0 and an audience shift back to cinemas, through to Netflix's new staff announcements and some international successes for Australian work.Plus: all of your September screen industry news headlines from around the country...00:00 Intro00:41 Julie on Stake Out & Kirsty on holidays!03:46 Tropfest is back!05:49 The re-emergence of cinema 08:18 Industry news & key appointments09:20 Opportunities & upcoming events11:04 Netflix releases AI guidelines12:37 Australian successes overseas: The Emmys & Hollow Knight: Silksong17:03 What we've been watching19:13 What’s in production around Australia21:11 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of CountryWhat We've Been Up ToStake OutDeep Dive with Jonathon DuttonDeep Dive with Sam JockelScreen Well’s Psychosocial Safety courseAudience TrendsDeep Dive with Sam JenningsAdelaide Film FestivalMelbourne Is Getting Another Independent CinemaA24 Buys Cherry Lane TheaterThe MercuryCan Gen Alpha Save the Box Office?Aunty Donna / Grouse House’s New Streaming ServiceHow Dropout went from College Humor to multi-media powerhouseIndustry News & OpportunitiesNetflix AppointmentsLeanne Tonks appointed WIFT Chair AACTA Entries Now Open AACTA Young Stars CinefestOZ Feature WinnerCinefestOZ Shorts WinnersNetflix AI GuidelinesNetflix Clipping Feature Aquarius Films to Close Love on the Spectrum Wins Two EmmysScreenrights Cultural Fund RecipientsScreen Forever Session Call Out SPA GENR8 ConferenceHollow Knight: SilksongTeam CherryWhat We're WatchingLesbian Space Princess: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nra14aUNYS8 Went Up the Hill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ngflg43TKUI Top End Bub: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDIbYTsWSqw Pasa Faho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZQln1EvjeA CEEBS: https://www.tiktok.com/@ceebsseries HOOPS: https://www.tiktok.com/@transathletica.series Kangaroo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvmaXOvLJNc Mystery Road: Origin S2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zETZw4w-Hbs What's in ProductionStake Out: https://deadline.com/2025/08/brenton-thwaites-charlee-fraser-horror-stake-out-1236500324/ The Dispatcher: https://vicscreen.vic.gov.au/news/new-thriller-series-the-dispatcher-wraps-in-victoria Dog Park: https://www.filmink.com.au/public-notice/sit-stay-laugh-abcs-new-comedy-dog-park-begins-filming/ Happy House & Caper Crew: https://www.abc.net.au/about/media-centre/publicity-media-room/abc-unveils-two-new-original-children-s-series/105702130 Her Aussie Romance - Jaggi Entertainment:  https://if.com.au/colin-budds-her-aussie-romance-sets-melbourne-backdrop-with-mallory-jansen-ryan-corr-dannii-minogue/ Prima Facie: https://www.screendaily.com/news/prima-facie-starring-cynthia-erivo-gearing-up-to-shoot-at-londons-story-works-studios SXSW Sydney: https://www.sxswsydney.com/ Sony Scenescape: https://scene.sonyanz.com/sne-hub/explore-all/scenescape If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by Julie Eckersley and Kirsty Stark.This episode is proudly brought to you by Expanding Media & CrewHQ.

In this episode, Kirsty Stark talks to Jonathon Dutton, Managing Partner of Screen Well, about mental health and wellbeing in the Australian screen industry.Screen Well's mission is to improve the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of the Australian Screen industry - not an easy task when their recent survey in partnership with Griffith University found that 25% of our workforce is looking to leave the industry within the next 6 months!This is a must-listen episode for anyone wanting to better look after our people - on an individual, production / workplace and industry-wide level. Listen to hear Jonathon discuss:The structural challenges in our industry that make wellbeing so much harder to maintainWhat you can do to manage your own mental health and wellbeing, or 'put your own life jacket on first.'How Town Hall meetings on productions can help to shift the culture on set and make policies 'real.'Mental Health First Aid Training and the impact it makes when people are trained across a production.Why you should have the Support Act number on your callsheets.Psychosocial safety, and your responsibility as an employer under new legislation.Screen Well's Mental Health Summit, and upcoming Mental Health Action PlanFollow Screen Well and their work:Screen Well's website: ⁠https://www.screenwell.com.auPsychosocial Safety training: https://www.screenwell.com.au/creative-workplaces Mental Health First Aid training: https://www.screenwell.com.au/mhfa-training Screen Well on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screenwell.com.auJonathon Dutton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-duttonBonus:Support Act (put this info on your callsheet!): https://supportact.org.au/individual-support/wellbeing-helplineThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠Kirsty Stark⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode, Kirsty Stark talks to Sam Jockel, Producer of Australian parenting documentary Seen, which has reached over 30,000 audience members and gone into profit within 4 months of release.Sam comes from outside the film industry, as a serial entrepreneur with expertise in community building across multiple businesses. Seen is her first feature film, and she used her business background to build a hybrid release model, working with distributor Bonsai Films.This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in building audiences and community around a project. Sam openly shares her experience, including how difficult the process was, and whether it was worth it to challenge the norms of distribution.Listen to hear Sam discuss:Why someone needs to be working on audience building from the moment a film is conceivedHow much she raised at the film’s first fundraising event, and why it was so importantHer choice to build a distribution plan around community screenings, instead of targeting individual ticket salesHer initial reaction to the distribution models she was presented withThe difficulty of managing an impact campaign alone, and whether it was worth itHow Seen planned and managed their release, including the tools and platforms they used, how they ran events and the benefit of their websiteWhat she would pitch to the film industry as an outsider, to make it better for everyoneSam Jockel is an award-winning entrepreneur and content producer with over 15 years of experience, known for founding ParentTV, an innovative parenting platform, and building ALDI Mum and School Mum, online communities with over 650,000 members. Recognised by the World Summit Awards Globally winning the Learning and Education category for the Quality Education SDG, she has also taken on the role of producer tackling the tricky topic of parenting in modern times with the recently released documentary Seen.Follow Sam and her work:Seen’s official website: https://seenthefilm.comSeen Resources: https://seentheresources.comSeen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seendocumentarySam Jockel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samjockelParentTV: https://parenttv.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentTVOfficial Trailer:This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Kirsty Stark, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode, Kirsty Stark talks to Samantha Jennings, Producer at Causeway Films - whose credits include Talk to Me, Cargo, Buoyancy and Of An Age.Sam breaks down the commitment that she and fellow Causeway producer Kristina Ceyton have to nurturing new Australian talent, and supporting them to direct internationally successful feature films.From the importance of authenticity in storytelling to the common traits amongst the diverse group of feature directors that Causeway has worked with, Sam’s advice is invaluable for anyone looking to build a career as a director in the screen industry.Key Takeaways:The importance of building relationships over timeHow to approach casting and packaging for featuresThe ideal budgets for feature films that Causeway will look to take onThe detail to which the directors they work with understand the audiences for their projectsWhy proof of concept shorts aren’t always the best pathway to directing featuresWhy you should build your own community of collaboratorsWhy the Australian industry needs to invest in building our next generation of cinemagoersSamantha Jennings and Kristina Ceyton co-founded Causeway Films with globally acclaimed THE BABADOOK in 2014, and produced Jennifer Kent’s follow up THE NIGHTINGALE. Causeway has launched many debuts on the global stage over the last decade, including Netflix Original CARGO starring Martin Freeman, Berlinale prize winner BUOYANCY by Rodd Rathjen, and Goran Stolevski’s YOU WON’T BE ALONE, OF AN AGE and HOUSEKEEPING FOR BEGINNERS, all released by Focus Features. In 2023, Causeway premiered Danny and Michael Philippou’s TALK TO ME at Sundance, which went onto become A24’s highest grossing genre release to date and earn over $140 million international box office. This year saw the release of the Philippous’ sophomore feature BRING HER BACK starring Sally Hawkins, distributed worldwide by A24 and Sony Pictures. Causeway is currently completing Dario Russo’s THE FOX starring Jai Courtenay and Emily Browning, and Adrian Chiarella’s LEVITICUS starring Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen and Mia Wasikowska.Follow Sam and her work:Causeway Films: http://www.causewayfilms.com.auCauseway Films on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/causeway_films Samantha Jennings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-jennings-89674621/Samantha Jennings on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1209992 This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Kirsty Stark, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month's industry news, from the Future Vision Summit, The Logies and Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian Songs of All Time, through to YouTube's inclusion in the under 16 social media ban, and AI "showrunners."Plus: all of your August screen industry news headlines from around the country...00:00 Intro00:59 Julie’s production & Kirsty’s First Day UK launch2:01 Future Visions, The Logies & the Hottest 100 8:20 YouTube in the under 16 social media ban12:10 AI Updates: Productivity Commission, Netflix uses AI to cut costs in post; Amazon invests in Fable14:48 Industry news round-up: SBS, Netflix gossip & new Screen Australia guidelines16:48 Short film renaissance & other opportunities 17:41 Vale David Stratton18:02 What we've been watching21:15 What’s in production around the country22:08 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of CountryWhat We've Been Up ToFirst Day (now on YouTube in the UK): https://www.firstdayseries.comFuture Vision Summit, The Logies and the Hottest 100The Logies Winners List: https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/08/logie-awards-2025-winners.html Ruari Elkington's LinkedIn post about a Hottest 100 Australian Films of All Time: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ruarielkingtonallaboutcinema_cinema-love-pride-activity-7355369755404296192-dnXPUnder 16 Social Media BanAustralia adds YouTube to Kids Social Media Ban: https://www.c21media.net/news/australia-adds-youtube-to-kids-social-media-ban-due-to-predatory-algorithms/The Atlantic: What Kids Told Us About How to Get Them Off Their Phones: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/08/kids-smartphones-play-freedom/683742/AI UpdatesProductivity Commission Considers a Copyright Exception for AI Companieshttps://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/arts-in-30/productivity-tdm-exception-apra-amcos-aava-natsiaa-rudi-bremer/105588574Netflix uses AI effects for first time to cut costs: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vr4rymlw9oAmazon Invests in Fablehttps://variety.com/2025/digital/news/netflix-of-ai-amazon-invests-fable-showrunner-launch-1236471989/Industry NewsJames Taylor Departs SBS: https://mumbrella.com.au/sbs-managing-director-james-taylor-steps-down-884978 Kristen Hodges' Summaries of the Screen Australia Guidelines: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/everything-producers-need-know-new-screen-australia-kristen-hodges-vnbsc/OpportunitiesScreen Queensland Short Film Fund: https://screenqueensland.com.au/investment-support/short-film-fund/Screen NSW Short to Feature Fast Track Initiative: https://www.screen.nsw.gov.au/funding-support/short-to-feature-fast-track-initiativeAACTA Pitch Focus: https://www.aacta.org/aacta-development-initiatives/2025-aacta-pitch-focus/SPA Ones to Watch: https://www.screenproducers.org.au/events/details/?id=6412031e-a1f9-43f2-9ca1-5639baf0c887SPA Pitch on Demand: https://www.screenproducers.org.au/events/details/?id=35134e97-9c55-42cc-a217-10a1f224a375Vale David Strattonhttps://if.com.au/vale-david-stratton-beloved-australian-film-critic-and-writer/What We've Been WatchingMIFF 2025: https://miff.com.au/Together: https://if.com.au/box-office-together-opens-at-no-6-in-both-australia-and-us/Ryan Trahan's 50 States in 50 Days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTYbvU-aSf4What's in ProductionMosquito Bowl: https://screenqueensland.com.au/sq-news/media-centre/filming-begins-the-mosquito-bowl/Forever Young: https://if.com.au/josh-mullins-and-ulysses-olivers-forever-young-springs-to-life-in-the-hawkesbury-with-travis-jeffrey-socratis-otto/Screenworks (become a member to access their production list): https://screenworks.com.au If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kirsty Stark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.This episode is proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode, Julie Eckersley talks to Dr. David Court  - founder of Compton School, and one of the most influential champions of emerging screen talent in Australia.From the early days of his career in finance and policy to his work advising governments, structuring production deals, and founding Australia’s first business school for creatives, David has seen the screen industry from every angle.This is a conversation about the art of mentoring - why it matters, how it shapes the creative community, and the ripple effects it has long after the advice is given.Key Takeaways:Why mentoring is more than just giving advice.Why the wider screen industry not only benefits from but needs mentoring in order to thrive.Key advice for how to approach a mentor.How to make the most of the mentor/mentee relationship.Whether you’re a filmmaker, a creative entrepreneur, or a leader in any field, this conversation is about connection, guidance, and how the creative industries can thrive through structured knowledge transfer between generations.Follow David and his work:Compton School: https://compton.schoolRAINMAKERS: https://compton.school/rainmakers David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-court-058965/This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠Subscribe and get weekly episodes in your inbox: https://weinterruptthisbroadcast.substack.com

In this episode, Julie Eckersley sits down with commercial and narrative filmmaker Michael V. Brown, whose mobile-first micro-dramas have racked up more than 60 million views on platforms like ReelShort and PocketFM.Michael shares his journey from indie filmmaking to mastering the vertical storytelling format - and why the rise of mobile-native content is one of the biggest opportunities for screen creatives today.Whether you’re a filmmaker, producer, or content strategist, this episode reveals what it takes to succeed in the fast-growing world of short-form, vertical drama, and why this format may be the future of global entertainment.Key Takeaways:Vertical Is a Format, Not a Limitation - Michael explains how vertical storytelling demands new creative muscles, but rewards them with massive audience reach.Treat Micro-Dramas Like Mini Features - Each short-form series is designed with tight structure, emotional hooks, and clear stakes, using traditional storytelling principles.Audiences Want Drama on the Go - With millions tuning into high-stakes, bite-sized stories, Michael sees mobile-first storytelling as a major opportunity for filmmakers to monetise and build audience.The Democratisation of Storytelling - Short-form vertical drama opens the door for underrepresented voices, new genres, and agile production models. It’s a playground for creators willing to experiment and iterate quickly.More about Michael V. Brown:Michael V. Brown is a commercial and narrative filmmaker who’s directed and/or produced campaigns for Merrell, CAT Footwear, Cisco, and Hershey’s, plus a growing slate of mobile-first micro-dramas that have pulled in over 60 million views across platforms like ReelShort and PocketFM.He produced the indie feature Hayseed, now streaming on Tubi and Amazon Prime, and available for rent or purchase on Apple, Vudu, and Google Play.Originally from Michigan, Michael was a film nerd and terrible athlete who didn’t realise making movies was a real job until college. Since then, he’s built a career blending intentional storytelling with sharp execution  - whether on set or in a Google Sheet.He’s currently developing filmmaker-focused tools to help indie creators forecast financial performance and avoid bad distribution deals, because he believes transparency shouldn't be a luxury in this industry.Follow Michael and his work:Website: www.michaelvbrown.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvincentbrown/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/im.mvb Lose You to Love Me:https://pocketfm.com/episode/4b2de7f6c1e34bdab8e57ddb49f39b2f?campaign_name= More Information on vertical dramas and jobs in the space:Maple Studios: https://apply.workable.com/crazymaplestudio/Pocket FM Jobs: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/pocket-fm-jobs-worldwide/?currentJobId=4239056060Fast Company: Netlflix  to add vertical video: https://www.fastcompany.com/91330227/netflix-app-ui-tiktokThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn

In Part 2 of this insightful interview, Jen Topping dives deeper into the strategic shifts shaping the future of media - from the decline of traditional commissioning models to the rise of audience-first thinking, and why producers must build with the platform in mind, not in spite of it.She also shares a passionate vision for helping creators understand where the money is, how to leverage transparency, and why it’s never been more important to treat your career like a creative business.This is part 2 of a two-part interview. Go back to last week's episode if you missed the first half!Key Takeaways:The Commissioning System Is Broken - So Let’s Build Alternatives. Jen explores why producers must stop waiting for gatekeepers and start exploring new commercial models, from branded content to IP ownership to creator-led ecosystems.Know Your Audience - Or You’ll Lose Them. It’s not enough to make great content. Producers must understand who they’re making it for, where they live online, and how to engage them meaningfully before release.Tech Fluency Is No Longer Optional. Jen urges producers to understand the platforms, data, and tools that shape how content is discovered, watched, and monetised - without becoming a slave to the algorithm.Forecast. Measure. Iterate. Drawing from her consultancy work, Jen gives practical advice on how to bring financial clarity and transparency to your projects.Your Career Is a Creative Asset. Jen’s parting message? Build a career you own, not just jobs you do. Be strategic. Be entrepreneurial. And don’t be afraid to pivot into what’s next.Follow Jen and her work:Subscribe to Jen’s newsletter – The Business on TV: ⁠businessoftv.substack.com⁠Want to work with Jen? You can find Jen’s consulting site here: ⁠jentopping.co.uk⁠This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn

In Part 1 of this rich and honest conversation, Julie Eckersley speaks with consultant and media commentator Jen Topping, whose career spans journalism, Channel 4, Microsoft’s interactive TV studio, and now helping hundreds of indies future-proof their screen businesses.Jen reflects on how producers and content creators must shift their mindset to stay relevant in a time of ongoing disruption—and shares deeply practical insights on navigating the emotional and structural challenges that come with change.This is part 1 of a two-part interview. Come back next week for the second half!Key Takeaways:Fragmentation, Convergence and the Rise of Audience Choice. Jen explains how these elements have increase completion for audience attention and why they are here to stay.What the media changes mean for producers and how you can thrive in the new media landscape. Jen talks about the skills you need to develop.Don’t Wait for Stability - Build for Change. Disruption is no longer a phase—it’s the environment. Jen challenges producers to become more adaptive, agile, and audience-savvy in how they develop and deliver stories.The Future Belongs to the Curious. The most valuable producers aren’t the ones with all the answers—they’re the ones asking better questions and staying open to reinvention.The Opportunity and the Challenge. The desire for great content has not changed, but how we make money through them has. Jen talks about the challenge of getting projects financed in this new model and how to own the D2C (direct to consumer) model.All About YouTube. Part 1 of this interview ends with Jen giving an overview of You Tube and why it is becoming an increasingly important platform.Follow Jen and her work:Subscribe to Jen’s newsletter – The Business on TV: businessoftv.substack.comWant to work with Jen? You can find Jen’s consulting site here: jentopping.co.ukThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month's industry news, from the Regional to Global conference, to AI challenges, to niche vs. mainstream content.Plus: all of your July screen industry news headlines from around the country...00:00 Intro00:38 Regional to Global Summit Highlights03:50 AI Opportunities and Concerns08:33 Digital Futures Summit & the Future of Content12:10 Industry Updates from Around the Country14:52 What we've been watching17:22 What’s in production around the country18:23 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of CountryLinks to further info:We Interrupt This Broadcast on social media:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠Regional to Global Summit:Deirdre Brennan's Opening AddressAIPast Episode - Jessie HughesDoug Shapiro Presentation - AI on the LotDisney & Universal Sue Midjourney for Copyright InfringementChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills (MIT Study)News in BriefScreen Australia's New GuidelinesNSW's $380m screen and digital games support packageNine overhauls Streaming and Broadcast divisionWhat We're WatchingMoonbird | Warm Props | Moni | Pasa Faho | Mix TapeIn Production:My Brilliant Career | Goolagong | Two Years Later | Reckless | The Postcard Bandit series⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Screen Australia Upcoming Productions⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠IF In Production⁠Upcoming EventsFuture Vision Summit⁠If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.Plus: don’t forget to stop by ⁠⁠our Instagram⁠⁠ on Wednesday evening (the day after each episode is released) to join the conversation in our Stories.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kirsty Stark⁠⁠⁠⁠.This episode is proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠.

In this episode, Julie Eckersley sits down with filmmakers and digital content creators Lachlan & Austin Macfarlane, whose work spans YouTube (973K subscribers), TikTok (673K followers) and Instagram (196K followers). The brothers discuss how they have built a sustainable business model by regularly posting 15-second VFX-heavy clips, and how they have strategically created broader filmmaking opportunities for themselves through an online pathway.Whether you’re looking to greenlight your own career or interested in learning more about finding an audience on digital platforms, this episode is full of great insights.Listen to this episode if you are interested in:Crafting short-form content that resonates with audiencesWhy you should post your work across multiple platformsThe importance of storytelling, even in short videosHow they come up with ideas and know what will resonateWhy consistency and authenticity are crucial for building an audienceWhen to transition from a traditional job to full-time content creationWhich data is useful when building your channelsHow to leverage an online presence to create opportunities to work in traditional mediaFollow Lachlan and Austin and their work:Website: https://www.macfarlanemedia.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@macfarlanebros TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@macfarlanebrosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/macfarlanebrosThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!Follow us on: Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

In this episode, Julie Eckersley sits down with world-renowned writing teacher and story consultant Corey Mandell, whose students include Oscar winners and leading showrunners. Known for his groundbreaking approach to screenwriting, Corey unpacks why formulas are failing today’s writers and what you need to do instead.Whether you're a screenwriter, producer, or development executive, this episode is a masterclass in how to write truly original and emotionally resonant stories that sell, and why so many talented writers fail to break through.---Listen to this episode if you are interested in:The two levels of a great screen story.Why formulas fail, and how to avoid them.Talent is not a gift, it’s a muscle.Creative integration: the core of Corey Mandell's screenwriting method, and how to develop both your "hammer" and your "straw"Story design vs. plotting, and how to deliver an emotional experience for your audienceWhy your relationship with writing mattersThe new reality of the global screen industryA bold idea to improve the industry---Follow Corey and his work:Website & free resources: https://coreymandell.net/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreymandellworkshops/ X: https://x.com/coreymandell Facebook: Corey Mandell Professional Screenwriting Courses: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063888732536 Resource:The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle: https://www.amazon.com.au/Talent-Code-Greatness-born-grown/dp/1847943047/ ---This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠Spotify⁠ or ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!---Follow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105338177/

In this episode we talk to Jessie Hughes, Senior Creative Technologist at Leonardo.Ai. Jessie is an internationally-recognised new media artist, technologist, scholar and screenwriter, her works having exhibited most notably at Sundance, SXSW, Cannes and the Tate Modern. In her role at Leonardo.Ai, she has been instrumental in leading global education, evangelism, community engagement, and industry-wide adoption for one of the world’s fastest-growing generative AI platforms. Jessie talks about the ways generative AI can play a role in the future of the screen industry, and why she’s particularly excited for emerging creatives and the Australian screen industry.Listen to this episode if you are interested in:The ways generative AI is being used on current productionsWhy Australia is leading the way with AI from a technology perspectiveHow creative experience is the key to creating great AI contentWhy collaboration still leads to better outcomesThe ways democratisation of creativity allows more diverse voices to be heardWhat you should do if you want to upskill with AI toolsBonus: Pair this episode with an AI Cheat Sheet put together by Scott Dickson from Bold Digital Media.The cheat sheet is a look at a variety of AI tools that may help speed up tasks, reduce costs, and unlock new creative possibilities across different points of the production process.https://www.bolddigitalmedia.com.au/aitoolspdf Scott Dickson works with creative teams to explore practical ways AI tools can support production workflows without giving up any creativity.Follow his work:www.linkedin.com/in/thatscottdicksonbolddigitalmedia.com.au Follow Jessie and her work:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-hughes-050138b1Leonardo.ai: https://leonardo.ai/Announcement: Google’s Veo 3 on Leonardo.AiLeonardo.Ai Training:Leonardo LearnCreating Detailed Concept Designs for PresentationsCreating Cinematic Storyboards with AICreating Concept Art and Posters for Your Film⁠How to Ideate with Flow State⁠⁠How to Use Flow State⁠Other Links & Presentations:Top 50 Women in AI: Leonardo.Ai News | Forbes ArticleLeonardo.Ai at AWS Sydney SummitLeonardo.Ai at Canva Create 2025Meta Festival 2025 — Jessie Hughes, Leonardo.AiEmerging Media Programming AI Toolkit Series: Leonardo.aiFlow Issue No 01: Agency Storyboarding & Development Edition Spill Issue No. 01: Advertising & Marketing EditionLeonardo 104: Transform Your Business with Leonardo for TeamsThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!

In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month's industry news, from short film funding and Screen Australia's new guidelines to Google's Veo 3.Plus: International news, Screenwest increases its PDV Offset, Creative Australia's new website, and more screen industry news from around the country...00:00 Intro00:38 Short films, microbudget features & safety concerns03:24 Screen Australia's new short film guidelines06:17 Screen Well hosts wellbeing roundtables06:37 Creative Australia releases new website07:33 Google launches Veo 311:01 Mr Beast hits 400 million subscribers11:35 Mountainhead's streamlined production process13:08 Screenwest increases PDV rebate13:48 Ausfilm leads Australian contingent at Annecy14:16 What we've been watching15:50 What’s in production around the country17:04 Upcoming Industry Events 19:09 Remembering Liz Tomkins20:02 Acknowledgement of CountryLinks to further info:We Interrupt This Broadcast on social media:LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeShort Film FundingPrevious episode: Melanie Rowland and FlunkSA's Film Lab: New Voices initiative & its films: Monolith & Lesbian Space PrincessRobert Rodriguez book - Rebel Without a CrewScreen Australia Webinars - New GuidelinesNarrative - with Louise GoughDocumentary - with Richard HuddlestonCreative Workplaces New websiteAI & Google's Veo 3Official pageExample AI generated videosClayton Jacobson's perfume adOpinion: The film industry is about to get Blockbuster'd by AI and nobody sees it comingLeonardo AI Scott Dickson - Bold Digital MediaWant to sponsor We Interrupt This Broadcast?Reach out to weinterruptpod@gmail.comInternationalMr. Beast hits 400 million subscribersMountainhead's production process: Hollywood Reporter | IndiewireNews in BriefScreenwest increases PDV rebate to 20%Stan extends multi-year partnership with Sony Pictures TelevisionStan to present at Content LondonAusfilm leads an Annecy contingentWhat We're WatchingThe Survivors | Bring Her Back | Hacks | Sunday Too Far AwaySAFC 50th anniversary screeningIn Production:Tenzing | ⁠Gnomes | Play Dead⁠⁠Screen Australia Upcoming Productions⁠ | ⁠IF In Production⁠Simtrav behind the scenes footage from The SurvivorsUpcoming EventsScreenworks Regional to Global | Australians in Film Future Vision Summit | AFTRS Digital Futures SummitVale Liz TomkinsWIFT Announcement If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple or give us 5 stars on Spotify to help us spread the word.Plus: don’t forget to stop by ⁠our Instagram⁠ on Wednesday evening (the day after each episode is released) to join the conversation in our Stories.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Kirsty Stark⁠⁠⁠.This episode is proudly brought to you by ⁠CrewHQ⁠ & ⁠Expanding Media⁠.

In this episode we talk to Writer and Game Director Sam Cable. Sam specialises in bringing humanity and emotion into games. She is Co-Founder and Game Director of Spoonful of Wonder. Their debut game - Copycat - won Best International Game at the SEA Game Awards in 2024.Sam talks about how to create an emotional connection when building the story for a game. She discusses scripting for games and using branching narratives, as well as new trends in gaming and how audiences can impact games.Listen to this episode if you are interested in:Creating emotional connections in gaming.What a branching narrative is, and how to build player agency.How to intertwine storytelling with game mechanics.The growing role of the writer in gaming and how screenwriters can transfer their skills.A unique proposal that looks at mental health and interactive storytelling.Follow Sam Cable and her work:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacableCompany: https://spoonfulofwonder.comCopycat:Trailer: https://youtu.be/QfODF74EPzITwitter/X: https://x.com/GameCopycatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/copycat.game/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@copycat.indie.gameYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CopycatGameDevlogSteam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1622350/Copycat/This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!

Julie chats with emerging screen talent Ally Morgan, creator of the 15-part TikTok musical series Girl Crush. Originally envisioned as a TV series, Girl Crush became a groundbreaking short-form series that reached and resonated with queer audiences online.Ally opens up about how she greenlit herself, the creative and logistical pivot from television to TikTok, and what the project taught her about episodic structure, vertical storytelling, and building an audience from scratch in the digital age.Listen to this episode if you’re interested in:Why Girl Crush pivoted from long-form TV to a 15-part TikTok musical seriesHow Ally mastered writing hooks and sustaining story over one-minute episodesThe creative constraints—and unexpected freedoms—of vertical storytellingLessons in crafting for short-form platforms, from writing to visual styleHow to cultivate a micro-niche audience instead of chasing viral fameMarketing strategies that actually worked (and what didn’t)Why authentic, unpolished content often outperforms glossy production on TikTokThe power of starting today—even without a green lightWhat every production company can learn from creators like AllyTop Takeaways:Start early and start raw — audiences value authenticity over polishEvery second counts — grab attention in under 1 second on TikTokCraft still matters — shorter doesn't mean easier, it means sharperFind your people — lean into specificity to build a loyal audienceMarketing is not optional — plan content and community alongside storyGo cross-platform — TikTok is powerful, but don't skip Instagram and YouTube ShortsWatch Girl Crush:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@girlcrushseriesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlcrushseries/Trailer: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3WdAt9PfPx/Connect with Ally Morgan:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/allymorgan1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allykmorgan/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allykaymorganWebsite: https://allymorgan.squarespace.com/---This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!

In this episode, Melanie Rowland, co-founder of Lilydale Films, shares how she and her business partner have built a successful independent production company that is totally sustainable, without relying on streamers or broadcasters to greenlight them.They’ve created seven series, six feature films, and built a loyal audience with no investors, meaning all revenue flows directly to them.Their flagship show, Flunk, has garnered over 200 million views globally to date, all while operating on a minimal budget. In this episode Melanie discusses Lilydale’s unique approach to self-funding, building community engagement, optimising for YouTube’s algorithm, and creating new content within their highly engaged niche.Listen to this episode if you are interested in:How to build a sustainable production company in the new media landscape.How to build and grow a story universe.Gaining insights into how to have a truly audience centric approach to screen storytellingUnderstanding sustainable revenue streams that don’t rely on traditional gatekeepers.Being inspired to create high quality on a low budget.Exploring business models that leverage You Tube, social media and direct-to-audience.Follow Melanie and her workWebsite: ⁠https://www.lilydalefilms.com⁠Social MediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-rowland-producer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flunkseries/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FLUNKSERIESYou Tube:: https://www.youtube.com/flunkseriesWatch Flunk here:Website: https://www.flunk.com.auYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/flunkseriesThis Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠, and proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠CrewHQ⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Expanding Media⁠⁠.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend!