CUT! The Podcast

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 guests you can look forward to seeing on this seasons podcast themed: a love letter to the industry. The discussion provides a sneak peek into Undertow's upcoming in-house production slate, and some of the projects the team is working on.Get ready for an amazing season filled with industry tips and tricks, and the success and failures that helped our guests make it to where they are today.Keep the conversation going:Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontentTikTok - @cut.the.podYouTube - @UndertowContentWeb - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/Credits:Hosted by Amanda BrowneProduced by Ashlee RussellEditorial Direction & Marketing by Ruth BaileyProduction & Edit by Olivia DevinSocials by Camila BoccalandroMusic by Genevieve PatrickArtwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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 and Cannes?Market vibe and industry sentiment: optimism despite global challengesHow to effectively network: timing, face-to-face meetings, and follow-up strategiesMaterials to prepare: scripts, pitch decks, teasers, and subtitlesThe importance of realistic financial planning and understanding government incentivesThe rise of co-productions in Europe and the impact on project developmentPractical tips for emerging filmmakers: cold pitching, business cards, and early engagementNext steps post-market: refining projects, re-evaluating strategies, and leveraging industry dataKeep the conversation going:Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontentTikTok - @cut.the.podYouTube - @UndertowContentWeb - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/Credits:Hosted by Amanda BrowneProduced by Ashlee RussellEditorial Direction & Marketing by Ruth BaileyProduction & Edit by Olivia DevinSocial Media by Camila BoccalandroMusic by Genevieve PatrickArtwork by Fifth Studio Design CoEFM Official Website - https://www.efm-berlinale.deWomen in Film and TV Australia - https://www.wift.orgScreen Australia - https://www.screenaustralia.gov.auCannes Film Festival - https://www.festival-cannes.comBerlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) - https://www.berlinale.de

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. The conversation highlights the potential for future opportunities in the Australian film industry and the importance of embracing such events.

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, acknowledge the setbacks, and look forward to the exciting projects and opportunities ahead. Tune in for an engaging conversation that resonates with filmmakers and creatives worldwide.Keep the conversation going:Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontentTikTok - @cut.the.podYouTube - @UndertowContentWeb - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/Credits:Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkanProduced by Ashlee RussellEdit by Snappy Street CreativeMusic by Genevieve PatrickArtwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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, problem-solver—and what it’s like to support projects from Happy Feet to major Hollywood films. She reveals how Trackdown evolved from a 1970s rehearsal room to a world-class facility used by productions, and why collaboration is at the heart of every great soundtrack.We dive into the human side of film scoring - the orchestras, composers, and behind-the-scenes teams that bring stories to life - and how music shapes emotion and memory on screen. Elaine also opens up about balancing career and family in a 24/7 industry, finding calm in chaos, and the importance of grit and teamwork.A must-listen for filmmakers, music lovers, and anyone curious about the real magic that happens after the cameras stop rolling.But wait, there’s more:Keep the conversation going:Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontentTikTok - @cut.the.podYouTube - @UndertowContentWeb - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/Credits:Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkanProduced by Ashlee RussellEdit by Snappy Street CreativeMusic by Genevieve PatrickArtwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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 the importance of collaboration in the film industry. Plus, hear about her film The Wolves Always Come at Night, which has been selected as Australia's entry to the Oscars for Best International Feature.

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 conversation and share your thoughts on the shows you miss the most!Keep the conversation going:Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontentTikTok - @cut.the.podYouTube - @UndertowContentWeb - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/Credits:Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkanProduced by Ashlee RussellEdit by Snappy Street CreativeMusic by Genevieve PatrickArtwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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 partner and production tracks. He talks about resilience, networking through genuine connection, and how his fresh autism diagnosis shapes his creative process.Now developing his first feature Vox Raptor with his wife Paige, Ray is determined to bring original, inclusive stories to screen - and prove that representation can be joyful, powerful and deeply human.But wait, there’s more:Follow Ray:raytaylorfilms.comKeep the conversation going:Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontentTikTok - @cut.the.podYouTube - @UndertowContentWeb - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/Credits:Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkanProducer by Ashlee RussellEdit by Snappy Street CreativeMusic by Genevieve PatrickArtwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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 curation, operations, and the very human magic that happens when film, music, games, and ideas share the same streets.But wait, there’s more:Keep the conversation going:Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontentTikTok - @cut.the.podYouTube - @UndertowContentWeb - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/Credits:Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkanProduced by Ashlee RussellEdit by Snappy Street CreativeMusic by Genevieve PatrickArtwork by Fifth Studio Design Co