CUT! The Podcast

Discover how Charlotte Wheaton, head of factual at Good Thing Productions, balances creativity, ethics, and business in the ever-evolving industry of documentary filmmaking. From global industry contrasts to ethical considerations, this episode offers insightful guidance for emerging producers and seasoned professionals alike.In this episode:Charlotte Wheaton shares her journey from UK and US co-productions to leading Australian factual contentHow her role encompasses creative, commercial, and cultural leadership within a medium-sized production companyThe importance of flexibility and diverse skill sets in maintaining industry relevanceStrategies for filtering stories with meaningful impact grounded in human connectionThe shifting landscape of global unscripted production, funding models, and audience preferencesThe role of celebrity versus intimate character stories in future factual projectsEthical frameworks and safeguarding vulnerable characters in documentary storytellingHow trust, communication, and reputation sustain projects despite industry fluctuationsGood Thing ProductionsConnect with Charlotte Wheaton:LinkedIn

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 performance art and meta-narratives in digital media. Reflecting on the evolution from multimedia projects back to his music roots and future directions: returning to music, recently published novel, and ongoing creative exploration. Listen to True Modern Romance on Spotify here

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 a world that Dianna herself has dreamed into existence to support her own lived disability - we unpack it all. Sydney listeners find tickets for BossCat premiere via the SFF Website Learn more about Dianna on IMBDKeep the conversation going:Instagram - @cut.pod @undertowcontentTikTok - @cut.the.podYouTube - @UndertowContentWeb - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/Credits:Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowneProduced and Edited by Ashlee RussellEditorial Direction & Marketing by Ruth BaileyLA Production by Ray TaylorMusic by Genevieve PatrickArtwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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's Hot Date to Directing Physical Production on Kevin Hart's Hartbeat Productions, we have a true comedy chameleon on our airways. We even learn a little about how comedy is looking in the US and compare it with Australian economies of scale.An episode not to miss! As well, Eleanor is a cofounder and executive backing Australian Inclusive film company: Bus Stop Films. Spoiler alert, Eleanor has moved back to Australia for a special project which finds its premiere at Sydney Film Festival https://www.sff.org.au/program/event/boss-cat/. 

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 about producer roles. bigswingproductions.comKeep the conversation going:Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontentTikTok - @cut.the.podYouTube - @UndertowContentWeb - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/Credits:Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowneProduced by Ashlee RussellEditorial Direction & Marketing by Ruth BaileyProduction & Edit by Olivia DevinLA Production by Ray TaylorMusic by Genevieve PatrickArtwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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 - @cut.pod, @undertowcontentTikTok - @cut.the.podYouTube - @UndertowContentWeb - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/Credits:Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowneProduced by Ashlee RussellEditorial Direction & Marketing by Ruth BaileyMusic by Genevieve PatrickArtwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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 out more about the filmmakers behind the project via Georgia's Instagram & Luke's Instagram

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/editIYB website: imyourbabymovie.comSocials: @imyourbabymovie