Another Aussie in LA (general)
Join Ansuya Nathan as she navigates the city of Angels, chatting to some of the shiniest Aussies in L.A., sharing their tales of living, working and playing on this side of the globe.

Talk about ending with a bang! It’s the 2016 Heath Ledger Scholarship winner, Ashleigh Cummings (PUBERTY BLUES, MISS FISHER’S MURDER MYSTERIES, TOMORROW WHEN THE WAR BEGAN). Ashleigh talks about juggling three jobs in three cities, her ability to nap on set (in between takes nonetheless) and asserting her independence at the tender age of 14 by traveling to Los Angeles on her own. We discover new words and bond over our mutual love of pancakes. We chat about catharsis and balance as the great ideal. And just when you think you’ve got her down, she shares her African adventures with the Masai and Berber communities. AMAZING!

Direct download: Ashleigh_Cummings.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

#137 - Amy Child
Producer Amy Child came to LA without a plan and without a job but within two years she is working for Ellen Degeneres and has produced her first feature. BOOM! She shares how she hit the ground running and converted Aussie contacts into US work. We talk about how she pulled together a bunch of first timers to make their debut feature FOR ALL EYES ALWAYS, a biting satire about the CIA developing a reality television show to win back public opinion starring Lynn Whitfield and Sean Aston, among others. 
Amy talks about the simple joy of finding the perfect location and how much working with a kick ass casting director can change the vision and tone of a film. Remember guys, at the end of the day everything will be ok! So get out there and get to work! 
Direct download: Amy_Child.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Ok, before you loose your proverbial, this is a re-release of a chat I had with Tim Minchin two years ago. With his recent Logie win for THE SECRET RIVER, his musical GROUNDHOG DAY about to open in London and the success of MATILDA in Australia, well, I thought it might be appropriate timing. Tim illuminates me on the economic machine that is Broadway, how Groundhog Day the musical came about and his existential crisis brought on by the Grammys. We talk about the importance of making stuff you'd like to see, going for the low hanging fruit first, the beauty of reimagining what you've made before and how EVERYTHING informs EVERYTHING. And there are some Tamarama Rock Surfers reminisces. *SIGH*

Direct download: Tim_Minchin_re-release.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

You might recognize Eden Gaha from his days in front of the camera but it’s his days behind it that you’ll be most grateful for. As the President of Unscripted Television for Endemol Shine USA, this is the man who put the celebs into Celebrity Apprentice and the brought the juniors into the US Masterchef recipe. Eden shares his thoughts on what makes a great unscripted TV idea, what it was like working with Donald Trump, the importance of US network credits and his skill as being a talent whisperer. We discuss the new media conundrum, how a career in Australia put him ahead of the game in terms of experience and how OTT platforms like Netflix and Hulu are changing the style of storytelling in the unscripted arena. Have you got the moxie to get yourself over here? Well, then the hard part is over. Go for it!! 

Direct download: Eden_Gaha_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

It all began with a tropical jumpsuit! I On the eve of their US iTunes release, director Maya Newell and producer Charlotte Mars tell the story of how they met and what inspired them to make their powerful and poignant documentary GAYBY BABY. And that was the realization that in the midst of the debate over marriage equality that the missing voice in the conversation was that of the children raised by same sex parents. We discuss the NSW schools screening controversy and the subsequent media maelstrom surrounding the Australian release. tThey share the amazing social impact campaigns in conjunction with Safe Schools program they are about to launch! We have a chuckle over the crowdfunding stunts they pulled which allowed them to raise over $100K on Pozible - yeah, you read that right! - popping into Pixar and the joy of celebrating the film at Mardi Gras this year! 

Direct download: Maya_Newell__Charlotte_Mars_on_Gayby_Baby.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:33am PDT

They say write what you know and Sarah Scheller (NO ACTIVITY) has done just that with her first pilot THE LETDOWN. Part of the ABC Comedy Showroom it tells the story of a struggling new mum and the mothers’ group she thinks she doesn’t need - a situation that proves to be ripe for the comedic picking. Sarah shares about finding a great collaborator in actress and co-creator/writer Alison Bell, developing the work with Julian Morrow (THE CHASER), getting support from ABC from the get-go and calling in favors from actor mates like Brendan Cowell and Patrick Brammall. She admits that everyone was a little intimidated by Noni Hazelhurst - I mean, who didn’t grow up watching her! - and we do our best not to give the whole story away! 

Direct download: Sarah_Scheller.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Jersey born, Australian raised playwright Lally Katz (THINGS I WANT TO TELL YOU IN PERSON, NEIGHBOUHOOD WATCH) appears to have moved to Los Angeles. So far she is loving everything about it - the instacommunity, the freeways, the people, even the Californian hook turns. We discuss her obsession with New York psychics, her procrastination tools of choice and getting polite nudges from Gillian Armstrong via Instagram to get back to work. She shares her struggles with trusting her instincts with screenwriting, her annual new years resolution to see less theatre and watch more TV and her desire to pull the rug out from under herself. Be careful what you wish for! 

Direct download: Lally_Katz_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Have you seen an Australian film or TV show in the past 25 years? Then it’s likely you’ve seen some Ben Mendelsohn’s work. From The Henderson Kids to The Year My Voice Broke to Spotswood to Animal Kingdom. And that’s all before the US embraced ol’ Ben! We get stuck into all things Bloodline: working with Sissy Spacek and Sam Shepard, THAT INCREDIBLE WRITING and how the show made the Florida Keys locals proud. Ben shares how he works on accents and dialects, his youthful love for James Bond and how he scored the role of  in The Dark Knight Rises from a self tape! We also chat about his time in LA slogging away before what I call “the Animal Kingdom effect”. Just a word of warning: I might get a little excited in this one…

Direct download: Ben_Mendelsohn.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

You probably haven’t heard of Emilie Cocquerel (LION, JOE CINQUE’S CONSOLATION) yet but you will soon enough! She’s had a very busy year including being one of the runners-up of the Heath Ledger Scholarship. We have a chat while she’s experiencing her first pilot season on the ground. She tells us how she sees her quieter times career-wise, what Garth Davies does in between takes to enhance the mood on set and her go-to karaoke song. We discuss how to play characters of questionable morals without judging them and self taping on planes before take off.

Direct download: Emilie_Cocquerel_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Musician Andy Clockwise was meant to settle in London but he came to LA for a couple of meetings and never left. It’s the kinda city that can do that to you. The SXSW regular talks me through everything Los Angeles: the depth and breadth of the city’s music scene, how it can be relentless in it’s distractions and how it’s blank canvas nature can be both scary and exhilarating. He shares where he draws his inspiration from and his journey from lone wolf creator to obsessive collaborator. We both agree - for the artist or the audience - NOTHING beats a live performance! 
Direct download: Andy_Clockwise.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Kate Marks is a relative newbie to Los Angeles but I never would have guessed it. She has become a part of the community by taking on her role as the Executive VP of International Production for AUSFILM wholeheartedly. A role that includes enticing the international filmmakers to make use of our locations, incentives, facilities and talent. She tells us about Ausfilm’s involvement in the two tentpoles to be shot in Australia in 2016 (Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok and Ridley Scott’s latest Alien: Convenant - WOOT!) the ways in which Ausflim can help LA based Aussie writers, directors and producers and what they are doing to build relationships with China. We compare the differing financing systems and chat about the need for co-cporductions to happen organically. But ultimately it’s about business going back to Australia. Now that’s something I can completely get behind!

 

Direct download: Kate_Marks_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Funny is what gets actor Toby Truslove (UTOPIA, LAID, THE STRANGE CALLS, THANK GOD YOU’RE HERE) up in the morning. We caught up while he is here in Los Angeles having his first pilot season experience. And boy has it been a hectic one! No time to ruminate, no time to mourn. It’s just go, go, go. He shares his uncertainty about whether to maintain an American accent at all times and his experiences of being a ham & playing to the room and misreading scripts. (Take note: there are no thoughtful pauses in a multi cam…) We also talk about how LA is more like eight cities than one, finding your niche, the clammy actor handshake and those fear inducing pharmaceutical ads. If pain persists, PUHLEASE see your doctor!

Direct download: Toby_Truslove_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:30am PDT

After a couple of years in Los Angeles, actress Hannah Levien baulked at the suggestion from a friend that she move to Vancouver. After all, she liked it here and she wasn’t to keen on the idea of upping her life once again to move to another country. But life did some nudging and in the past 18 months she has booked some strong US network TV credits - those that had been so elusive to her in LA. She shares her experiences of waiting for the rain on BATES MOTEL, playing a lesbian rock chick in THE RETURNED, her unexpected path to LA representation through her display of demonic powers. What she can’t share just yet is whether she has mad magic skills in syfy’s “Harry Potter goes to college” show,  THE MAGICIANS. You’ll have to watch to find that out! 

Direct download: Hannah_Levien_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:36am PDT

AACTA winner and HLS nominee Joel Jackson (DEADLINE GALLIPOLI, NOT THE BOY NEXT DOOR) has an inquisitive spirit. Whether it’s learning from Sam Worthington and Hugh Dancy about the technical side of screen acting or dissecting behavior and extracting character from text like it’s a crime scene. He shares how he had to get out of his own way and find his version of Peter Allen for Not the Boy Next Door and how playing Charles Bean in Deadline Gallipoli was an opportunity to give something back to his grandfather. We have a rant and rave about drama school and also on coming to terms (or not!) with the American “sell”. But let this be said - Fortune does, indeed, favor the brave! 

Direct download: Joel_Jackson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am PDT

We got a live one here! Join us for a post Australians in Film screening chat for the Aussie made syfy film TERMINUS. On the panel are writer/director Marc Furmie (AIRLOCK, EVENT ZERO) and actors Jai Koutrae (CROWNIES,McLEODS DAUGHTERS), Todd Lasance (HOME AND AWAY, THE ORIGINALS) and Bren Foster (INFINI, THE LAST SHIP). Marc shares the development of the film from high concept big budget script to low budget indie syfy domestic drama. He also talks about shooting Australia as the US, having to raise money at the last minute and being flexible enough to roll with the punches. The actors discuss the freedom of working ‘guerrilla” style, knowing when to keep to themselves and pub rehearsals. Oh, and the sound of constant clicking is the photographer… So Hollywood...
Direct download: Terminus_QA.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:00am PDT

Actress Viva Bianca (SPARTACUS) is feeling at home in LA. Starting out on a high of five star hotels and red carpets, she then had to come to terms with the realities of living and working here. With much candour she shares what it was like to play villainess Ilithyia, the pitfalls of being on a show with the reputation of being oh-so very sexualised, google search results and how to state what you will and won’t do. We also discuss her fabulous website She Ra, working with people you’ve watched since a kid and gender equality in the film industry. So yeah, just the small stuff! 

Direct download: Viva_Bianca.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Actor and Host Nick Hardcastle (HOME AND AWAY, PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL) didn’t intend to to move to LA. And he certainly didn’t intend become Mr. Australia. But I’m glad he did - on both counts! As one of the co-founders of the Australian Theatre Company, Nick wants to bring Australian stories to US stages and put the multitudes of  talented Aussie expats to work. We have a moan about flakey Angelinos, get fired up about making your own rules and celebrate creating community. 

Direct download: Nick_Hardcastle.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Director of Photography Denson Baker (THE BLACK BALLOON, THE WAITING CITY, ORANGES AND SUNSHINE) is the real deal - he has some fancy letters after his name to prove it! After a bit of back and forth, he and his "wife/director” Claire McCarthy decided to make the move to Los Angeles. We discuss director Jim Loach’s approach to filmmaking, to have or not to have an agent and working with such acting greats as Donald Sutherland, Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving and David Wenham. He talks about getting emotional behind the camera, the beauty of the magic hour and the responsibility of being the first audience for the film. And he is generous enough divulge advice passed on to him from other DPs... You’ll have to listen to find out!! 

Direct download: Denson_Baker.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Actor Toby Wallace (NEVER TEAR US APART, THE TURNING) has a Star Wars: The Force Awakens audition story!!!! And he waits a whole eight minutes to tell me! Can you believe it?!?! Before that we discuss what it was like coming to  LA for the first time as a 2014 Australians In Film Heath Ledger Scholarship finalist, auditioning in odd places and preparing for pilot season. After he shares what it was like auditioning for J.J. Abrams, we talk about playing a young Michael Hutchence,  seven year contracts and the weirdness of watching yourself on screen. Did I mention he got close to Star Wars??? 

Direct download: Toby_Wallace_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

This episode with Belinda Gosbee (J. EDGAR, TWO BROKE GIRLS) is a illusion-busting reality check because sometimes it can take a little while to get started in Los Angeles. Belinda candidly shares her stories of her early days, her pride in still being here and how Hollywood can give you a little taste of the high life. Like when she worked with Clint Eastwood and Leo DiCaprio on J. Edgar!! EEK! She takes us on an in depth discussion about her latest gig - a role on CBS’ Two Broke Girls - from audition to performance level table reads to producers laughing at rehearsals to the glorious final taping in front of a live audience. If only you could ALWAYS forget the camera was there!! 

Direct download: Belinda_Gosbee.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Getting ready to come over for pilot season? This episode with actress Sara Zwangobani (LOVE MY WAY, PACKED TO THE RAFTERS, Sydney Theatre Company’s A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE) is for you! We discuss the business side of the biz here - branding, marketing and how to choose classes and workshops strategically. Sara shares her advice on balancing dreaming big and working towards achievable goals, making it easy for casting directors to give you the job and what to do in the waiting room. This is the Olympics people! So give yourself the best possible chance to do your best work and ask for help when you need it! 

Direct download: Sara_Zwangobani_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:57am PDT

Actor and writer Jonathan Gavin (OFFSPRING, PUBERTY BLUES) has written for some of Australia’s most loved and most acclaimed TV shows. His latest offering is THE BEAUTIFUL LIE, a contemporary reimagining of ANNA KARENINA for the ABC. He talks us through the inevitable trade offs made when it comes to modernising a classic. He shares what it’s is like to work with the powerhouse partnership of John Edwards and Imogen Banks, dealing with schedule clashes and the fear of being 'found out’. We also discuss how each show he has worked on is a reflection of the particular personalities involved. And the essential truth that if the writers' room doesn’t work, invariably the show won’t get made! 

 

Direct download: Jonathan_Gavin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:12am PDT

Strap yourself in for a crash course in indie filmmaking from writer, director, actor Paul Ashton recorded in the aftermath of the Los Angeles premiere of his feature THIS ISN’T FUNNY. Paul talks us through the film’s nine month gestation, birth and beyond: from writing a first draft in six weeks to upping a nano budget to a micro one to the necessity of having balls of steel. 

Direct download: Paul_Ashton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am PDT

Director Catriona McKenzie (SATELLITE BOY, REDFERN NOW) began her time in LA using is as a base between international festivals. Now she spends her time in between work at home to partner with creatives here in order to make work with a reach beyond the American market. We discuss her rev head tendencies and the script they have inspired, LA as a city of commerce and her interest in writing genre pics. She shares the Jimmy McGovern school of creating plot - f*cking up your characters and letting them go at it. 
Her advice: don’t get distracted by the fizz. Let’s hope Ava DuVernay is listening...
Direct download: Catriona_McKenzie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

The first time Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood came to LA was for a callback for the role of a certain Mother of Dragons. Needless to say, the experience was enough to whet her appetite. She has made it a point to visit in between seasons of A Place To Call Home ever since. We talk about the need to have 1000% more confidence here, the pros and cons of a red carpet life and finding an authenticity on social media. She shares her passion for making stop-motion animations with her hubby and difficulties of the time difference when they are apart. And as much as she loves period dramas - and boy does she! - Arianwen would like to give a procedural a go. Would someone cast her in a cop show please? 

Direct download: Arianwen_Parkes-Lockwood.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Writer/Director Megan Riakos has taken a very American indie approach for her debut feature CRUSHED, an Australian mystery thriller. Her time in studying screenwriting at UCLA can be attributed for both the genre and budget. She talks to us about writing a movie you know you can shoot, identifying your film’s niche and the multitude of theatrical release options in the current market. She advises getting clear about your personal goals in navigating all of the above. Sound advice from someone who almost got caught on the independent film production assistant hamster wheel! She certainly knows what she is talking about. But don’t take it from me, have a listen! 

Direct download: Megan_Riakos.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

#113 - David No

David No (MATRIX RELOADED, MR. NICE GUY) is the epitome of a slashie - actor, producer, writer, action director and filmmaker. He talks to us about making genre films, producing $4 million dollar commercials starring Jackie Chan and straddling two cultures - those being Australian and Korean. He shares his insight into the Los Angeles stunt community as well as what took him away from here and what might bring him back.

Direct download: David_No.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Writer and actress Krew Boylan (SCHAPELLE, MOLLY) did LA for a spell and it wasn’t for her. New York is her chosen home. She talks about what pilot season is like in the Big Apple and the constant stimulus of art, fashion and culture. She shares advice on playing real life characters - something she has done thrice now! And the things she has learned about her writing routines - dressing the part and when the magic of place has gone. I am most excited to talk to her about THE DOLLHOUSE, a collective of incredibly talented women - Krew, Rose Byrne, Jessica Carrera, Shannon Murphy and Gracie Otto - ‘committed to exploring the creative boundaries of film, TV and theatre’. Whoop! 

Direct download: Krew_Boylan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Producer Robyn Kershaw (SUCKER, MY MISTRESS, LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI, KATH & KIM) is the context queen. If you listen closely, you can hear the cogs in my mind turning as she explains rise of the Kardashians, how You Tube has become the bastion of outsiders and cultural significance of the horror genre. She believes that Los Angeles - for better or for worse - drives the taste for the rest of the world and that part of her job is to understand the market forces behind that so she can bring Australian stories to a greater audience. Now that is something I can get behind! 

Direct download: Robyn_Kershaw.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Story is everything to actress turned novelist, Tempany Deckert (HOME & AWAY, THE SECRET LIFE OF US). On this podcast she shares tales of why she choose the US over the more worn path to the UK for Aussie Soap stars, using her acting inspirations as fuel for her novels and how Anna Karenina taught her everything she needed to know about men. She warns against writing for the market but encourages the fake till you make it attitude. At the very least, she’s got your holiday reading list sorted!
Direct download: Tempany_Deckert.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Director, writer and choreographer Alethea Jones (2012 Tropfest winning LEMONADE STAND, THE GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO KNIFE FIGHTING) had a two year campaign of to-ing and fro-ing between Oz and LA before moving here. But, boy, did it pay off! In the last year she has directed a couple of episodes of GORTIMER GIBBON’S LIFE ON NORMAL STREET and the pilot episode of A HISTORY OF RADNESS - both for Amazon Studios. We discuss the power of saying ‘I don’t know’, the difference between pitch meetings and general meetings, the necessity of making messy short films and the importance of making your boss look good to their boss.

Direct download: Alethea_Jones.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Jacinta Stapleton (NEIGHBOURS, STINGERS) has been checking out LA for a while now. On this podcast, she shares her acting origins stories, her attraction to complicated characters (read: b*tches) and deciding her career path at age eight. We talk about her recent reign as Queen of the Biopic with SCHAPELLE, NEVER TEAR US APART and the upcoming project MOLLY and approaching those characters outside in. She lets us in on ways she keeps sane in this city which includes getting out as often as possible! 

Direct download: Jacinta_Stapleton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Chum Ehelepola (A MOODY CHRISTMAS, THE STRAITS) has done that trans-pacific flight too many times for his liking but that is what it takes to get established in LA. His first trip at age 19 was to work with the man who taught Michael to moonwalk - yes, that Michael! Chum shares more recent stories of being part of the ABC Diversity program, twice - once as an actor and then again as a writer and director - winning fans in the industry and juggling accents in audition rooms. In a country where they say ‘yes’ first and fear comes second and the opportunity to go full Entourage is only ever a phone call away, Chum seems very happy. And yes, of course - we do indian accents

Direct download: Chum_Ehelepola.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Actor Damon Gameau (BALIBO, THE TRACKER, SECRETS & LIES) has added documentary filmmaker to his bow with the release of THAT SUGAR FILM. Beginning with nutritional naiveté and dogged determination Damon used himself as a guinea pig in a Super-Size Me style to explore the effect of hidden sugar on the body. The results are startling in this fun, informative doco. In this podcast, he talks about letting go of ego, putting the audience first and using humour in order to deliver the message beyond 'The Quinoa Curtain’  - his awesome phrase, not mine! We also discuss dealing with haters on social media and how the backlash after his 2010 Tropfest win was the best thing that could have happened to him. Wanna know the key to happiness? Have a listen! 

Direct download: Damon_Gameau.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

Hold on to your seats folks because writer/director Elissa Down (THE BLACK BALLOON) jumps right into this podcast with a glorious tale of the fickle nature of Los Angeles. She also shares stories of the inevitable speed bumps and stop signs on the long road of development, the Hollywood water trail and knowing when to send a script out and to whom. But if you take nothing else: Beware the raccoon overlords!! 

Direct download: Elissa_Down.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

This one is for the actors out there! Richard Brancatisano (CHASING LIFE, UNDERBELLY RAZOR) is all for making the process easier for himself. Whether that’s dealing with self-imposed pressure or knowing how he works best. He talks about the necessity of taking risks, lessening obsession and having the confidence to make choices and follow your instincts. He takes us through pre-reads and network testing to booking the job and maintaining the fun. Time to let go of the idea of being the best. Here’s to getting better each time instead! 

Direct download: Richard_Brancatisano.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:36am PDT

Excuse our croaky voices - T.J. Power (EAT, PRAY, LOVE and LITTLE DEATH) and I are recovering from doing "some theatre, daaaarling!”
We discuss the addictive nature of acting, the constant activity vs the lack of free fun in LA and getting backstage passes to 90s touring bands - ROCK! T.J. dispenses tales of hanging and leaning from Javier Bardem and the catch-22 of wanting a role. But if you only take one thing away from this chat then let this be it: If the creator of Glee asks if you can sing and you can, say HELL YESSSSS! 
Direct download: TJ_Power.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:02pm PDT

We did it! We reached 100! And to celebrate here is panel of awesome guests - Wil Anderson, Kimberley Cooper, Maude Garrett and Tim Minchin - recorded live at The Parlor in West Hollywood. We catch up a little with each person to see what they’ve been up to since they were on the podcast - Wil’s three hour lunches with the Australian Consul General in Chicago, Maude’s nerd news, Kimberley’s foray into playwrighting and Tim’s ethical and moral dilemmas. Then a glorious chaos descends! Covering the necessity for nudity or (but not both) songs in theatre, Star Wars porn, bad Australian accents, Dave Hughes impressions and The Corrs. But if you take nothing else away from this podcast, please let it be that Tim Minchin REALLY loves dogs. 

Direct download: Live_with_Wil_Anderson_Kimberley_Cooper_Maude_Garrett__Tim_Minchin_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:37pm PDT

Writer and actress, Monica  Zanetti is checking off a lot of ‘firsts'. A short, a play, a feature and soon a pilot… But it is SKIN DEEP - her debut feature under both job titles - that brings her to LA, specifically Newport Beach, the latest stop of the festival circuit. She takes time out to talk with me about writing specifically for a low budget, writing not quite autobiographically and just plain old writing. When it comes to filmmaking, she is the first to unashamedly admit that  a little bit of ignorance can go a long way! 
For me, the 'take away’ from this podcast is not waiting for permission to make a film. Just please don’t take her cat… 
Direct download: Monica_Zanetti.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:51pm PDT

Writer and director Stephen Lance’s first feature MY MISTRESS is an impressionistic view of his adolescence. But if you want more details than that - it’s a firm ‘no’. He holds sacred the complicit pact between audience and the film to maintain the integrity of the illusion of storytelling. What he is willing to share, however, is the difficulties in collaboration, seeing the DNA of his main character, Maggie in the luminous Emmanuelle Beart, directing actors with differing techniques and how he draws upon the greats of European cinema. Warning - there are some spoilers!

Direct download: My_Mistress_Q__A_with_Stephen_Lance.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:45pm PDT

It would seem that fortune is on actress Melanie Zanetti’s side (TRACKS). She just wrapped the Project Greenlight film THE LEISURE CLASS, the documentary on which will soon be seen on HBO. She talks about working with your betters, gaining camera confidence and what it was like being followed by a doco crew - oddly kinda liberating. Having ditched her preconceived notions about LA and the industry here, she is reveling its challenges and surprises. She highly recommends giving “less f*@ks” and attempting to live in the present. I highly recommend letting her perspective and enthusiasm infect you!  
Direct download: Melanie_Zanetti.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:39am PDT

Glen Dolman, writer and story editor (HAWKE, THE BILL, Australians in Film Gateway LA finalist), started making movies in his backyard. Having worked in Oz, the UK and now here, he talks us through the ‘Murrican way of doing things. Yup, managers and agents and lawyers - OH MY! Being a writer who ACTUALLY writes, Glen shares his experiences of getting out of your own way, the need to immerse yourself in the culture, establishing your brand and his ethos of 'no magic, just work'. And he teaches me a new word! Say it with me: hagiography... 

Direct download: Glen_Dolman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:07am PDT

It’s a the ongoing adventures of the One Eyed Girl team with Writer Director Nick Matthews and Producer/EditorDavid Ngo! Their decade long partnership made the leap from short to feature via the SAFC FilmLab program resulting in their Austin Film Festival Jury Prize winning thriller. They debate the merits of reviews vs festival fronds, the market driven system vs the filmmaker driven system and the longest of social media long games. They illuminate this Aussie on the advantages of having an Australian film on the world festival circuit and the the differing paths of directors and producers in Hollywood. Here’s a few helpful hints: 1) Be ready with you want to do next and 2) if you are going to 'them', you’re not ready yet… Anyone for table tennis? 
Direct download: Nick_Matthews_and_David_Ngo.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:27pm PDT

Third time's a charm in Los Angeles for actress Charlotte Best (HOME AND AWAY, PUBERTY BLUES). The 2014 Heath Ledger Scholarship Runner Up talks about her growing affection for this city, trusting the right job will come along, moving up the casting hierachy, the rebirth of her audition techniques LA-style and putting her boyfriend Andy through her film appreciation course. She reflects on her breakthrough role as Cheryl in Puberty Blues and the relish she took in getting to play the class 'mole'. While the grass may always be greener, Charlotte's seems pretty happy with her patch! 

Direct download: Charlotte_Best.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:39am PDT

Tracy Bacal is CEO and SVP of Karga Seven Pictures, an LA and Istanbul based production company who specialises in non-fiction television and feature films. But don't let the important sounding letters fool you. This down to earth woman is all about teamwork - there is no 'us vs. them' in this camp. She defines her job as how to give everyone what they want for the money you have. She talks about the having to choose between the scripted and un-scripted genres when arriving here, fufilling her childhood dream to live in Los Angeles, the importance of persistance and how helpful her mum's scrapbook was in applying for a visa. 

Direct download: Tracy_Bacal.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:03pm PDT

Happy days! Tripod - Australia’s (2nd?) best musical comedy trio - are in Los Angeles to work on their new show, THIS GAMING LIFE. Scod, Gatesy and Yon take time out of their hectic schedule to reminisce about the good ol’ days opening for cover bands and their old school marketing techniques, which included capturing St Kilda foot traffic and diuretic mail outs. They reveal their individual gaming preferences and advise me on the best games for lasting romantic relationships. I have yet to test their theories... Look out LA Uber drivers - The Peace Machines have arrived and they will serenade you with their three part harmonies! 

Direct download: Tripod.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:04pm PDT

Awarding winning filmmaking team Tim Marshall (writer/director) and Christina Radburn (producer) are decompressing from the whirlwind that is the Sundance Film Festival where their short, FOLLOWERS premiered. It’s just like being at camp! 
They share stories from the frontline of indie filmmaking like juggling timezones and international producing partnerships, getting on the radar of funding bodies and the importance of seeking mentors. We discuss the pros and cons of festivals vs. online release - it’s a tough one! And Tim let’s us in on his barometer for a good project - when it scares you, you know you are on the right track. While for Christina, it's working on something you believe in with people that you believe in. Cheers to that! 
Direct download: Tim_Marshall_and_Christina_Radburn.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:03pm PDT

Julius Avery (writer/director) and Nash Edgerton (actor - for this one!) joined Another Aussie for a Q & A at screening of their new film SON OF A GUN. They share stories of being a fan boy and buillding a fan base, watching each others' careers, the journey from shorts to features and the need for adaptability and trusting your instincts. Especially when it's very likely that as the director, you are the one with the least amount of experience! With the help of the audience we cover writing, financing, shooting, marketing and distributing - yeah, the gamut! The highs the lows of filmmaking and everything in between... 

Direct download: Son_of_Gun_Q__A_with_Julius_Avery_and_Nash_Edgerton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:32pm PDT

After 15 years Stateside, multi-hypenate Paul Leyden (THE CLEANERS, AS THE WORLD TURNS, CANAL ROAD) knows a few things. He's lived the high life in NYC, killed numerous cellphones and survived many a pilot season. And yes, those last two are related. As a writer/director/producer, he shares stories on how to woo Sony money men, the constraints of writing to locations, how best to win over novelists. (Hint: flattery) and the subtle art of timing when selling scripts. But my favourite is a tale about picking a show with Heather Lockler and Blair Underwood (LAX) over one about being LOST on a deserted island...

Pilot season is coming... Please don't take it out on your phone!!

Direct download: Paul_Leyden.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:03am PDT

It’s Q & A time with Joel Edgerton! Recorded after an Australians in Film screening of Exodus: Gods and Kings, Joel shares tales of his time shooting the swords and sandals epic from working with Ridley “The General” Scott to his thoughts on the casting controversy surrounding the movie. We also delve into his work with Blue Tongue Films, the trails and tribulations of making and distributing films in Australia, the tumultuous times on the set of Jane Got a Gun, the things actors get away with and mixing it up vs. knowing what your wheelhouse is. It’s a cracker!

Direct download: Q__A_with_Joel_Edgerton_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:45pm PDT

Dion Beebe, cinematographer extraodinaire, Oscar and BAFTA winner and all around affable guy chats with Another Aussie after a screening of his latest film INTO THE WOODS. With two other musicals under his belt (Chicago, Nine), he discusses Hollywood's desire to pigeonhole you, disregarding the technicalities of what he does, grounding fairytales and earning the moment to burst into song. He shares what he has learnt from his ongoing relationships with Jane Campion(Holy Smoke, In The Cut), Michael Mann (Collateral, Miami Vice) and Rob Marshall (Memoirs of a Geisha), but at the end of the day his impressively diverse work speaks for itself. 

Direct download: Q__A_with_Dion_Beebe.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:33am PDT

Enjoy the easy breezy banter of this Q & A with some of the key creatives on the new Aussie film THE MULE. Our illustrious panel includes writer/director/actor Angus Sampson (Where The Wild Things Are), writer/actor Leigh Whannell (Saw, Insidious), actress Georgina Haig (Once Upon A Time) and actor Chris Pang (Tomorrow When The War Began) - Phew! They talk about finding the right people, Angus' inherent beard growing skills, the subtle art of crafting a fart, how Hugo Weaving legitimizes most things and not having the answers for Noni Hazlehurst. How would you have faired in our audience poll – “who's ever bogged in their pants?”. Be honest now…  

Direct download: The_Mule_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:35pm PDT

Amongst the pitter-patter of puppy paws, Stephan Elliott takes the time to reminiscence about Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and tells some truths about the current state of the industry. There are no stock answers here. Stephan shares stories of sharing the spoils with Muriel, being on the festival circuit with Tarantino and confronting Grace Jones.  Twenty years later, Priscilla - or as he calls it, 'The Old Bus and Chain' - while firmly cemented in Australian cultural landscape is still finding an audience. Stephan is fairly certain this will be the last hurrah for her... I'm not so sure. There seems to some life in the old girl yet! 

Direct download: Stephan_Elliot.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:09pm PDT

Lucy Fry (Vampire Academy) has had a busy two years! She has gotten to be a vampire princess, a Hollywood starlet, a manipulative high schooler and the troubled, somewhat possessed daughter of Kevin Bacon. We disscuss putting in the extra oomph, being part of the other half on LA public transport, and that little ol' fear of being 'found out'. She also shares her pre-audition routine and the various things she has learnt along her short but prolific journey. She is an utter delight to talk to! But you might have already guessed as much... 

Direct download: Lucy_Fry.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:42pm PDT

John Orcsik has been in the biz for a long time and boy, does he have some stories to tell. The self confessed raconteur reveals the asking price for a multilingual renaissance man and what it was like to have his Cop shop role written for him. We do a little brushing up on Sydney theatre history and discuss the Australian “No Bullshit” School of acting that the Yanks seem to love soooo much.  After 40 years he’s pretty zen about his career. Even his groundbreaking moment on Number 96 - the first gay kiss on Australian tele! All in a day’s work for John… 

Direct download: John_Orcsik.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:36pm PDT

Everything and anything is possible with documentary filmmaker Genevieve Bailey! Gen shares her epic nine year journey of making the award winning I AM ELEVEN, a film about 11 year olds from around the world. From outrunning pesky adults in Morocco, listening to the musings of France's pre-teen philosopher and the learning to surf bathing elephants, Gen has done it all! Let her positivity and passion inspire you too! As she says "Never let not having money stop you from telling stories!" Hear, hear! 

Direct download: Genevieve_Bailey.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:45pm PDT

Meet Aussie director Peter Cornwell (The Haunting in Connecticut, Helmlock Grove) who seems to have that horror/action thing down pat. We chat about the importance of jump scares, out Bazing Baz, pitching films about Amish people and his childhood obsession with watching sword fights. He also shares his philosophy on horror as personal development - clearly I’ve been going about life the wrong way! Time to face my fears… or not… 

Direct download: Peter_Cornwell.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:23pm PDT

Anna McGahan (House Husbands, Underbelly:Razor, 100 Bloody Acres) is both wise beyond her years and an easy breezy chatting buddy. She talks about playing the most notorious of Sydney’s prostitutes, her science geekiness and how being busy keeps her inspired. She asks some big questions too… when is a body just a body? How can actors take care of their psychological welfare? And why is it soooooo HOT in LA???
 
Warning: contains shameless Australians in Film plugs. 
Direct download: Anna_McGahan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:39pm PDT

Sitting high in Laurel Canyon amongst the gum trees, in between birds a tweetin' and trucks hooning, conversation with actor and director Warwick Young is free flowing. In town for a whirlwind trip which includes his AFTRS graduate film screening, we talk about his filmmaking process where story is paramount and the director is keeper and defender of it. Here's to making movies that make the world a better place! 

Direct download: Warwick_Young.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:52am PDT

As VP for Scripted Development for Essential Media (Saving Mr. Banks, Rake, Jack Irish) and Australians in Film President, Simonne Overend has some stories and insights to share. Not in the least what it was like meeting Tom Hanks and translations for industry jargon! She talks about the ideal journey from idea to film or tv show, how internships are the best way in and her honest belief that the good stuff will rise to the top. NEWSFLASH - She also announces the judges for the Australians in Film Gateway LA script initiative. With 63 buyers of content in this town (MIND BLOWN), it's no wonder that Aussie properties are hot!

Direct download: Simonne_Overend.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:59pm PDT

All bets are off in this unguarded interview with actor Josh Saks (Face to Face, Deadline Gallipoli). Josh reveals his irrational fear of shark attacks, his inability to pick up on hints and how LA weather has spoiled him. We talk in depth about his friendship with director, mentor and tennis student Michael Rymer. While he gets me to reveal my current relationship status he is pretty bloody good at dodging the question himself... Though in the end, our advice to American girls - "Do it the Aussie way" and save yourself time and potential heartache. I REALLY hope my Granny isn't listening!!! 

Direct download: Josh_Saks_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:37pm PDT

A post Comic-Con Julian Curtis - actor, writer, lead in Hulu's SPOOKED, twitter obsessive - sits down with Another Aussie to ask the big questions. Like 'what is the male version of brunette?' And 'did I get the part 'cos someone pulled out last minute?' Y'know just the stuff we actors think about. He shares his secrets on scamming your way into panels and proves he ain't great with surnames. He also shares his belief that Hollywood is always looking for the next best thing but you gotta choose your stream here, mate. This ain't the multitasking Aussie industry. Your US peers are too good and have been at it for longer! But rest assured that everyone - and we mean EVERYONE - in LA is NUTS! 

Direct download: Julian_Curtis.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:18pm PDT

Jo Long makes sh*t happen - though she would never descibe it that way. But that's what she did as a producer on Rove LA, Hamish & Andy's Gap Year and The Jenny McCarthy Show. We talk about being a jack of all trades vs. being on the one track career path, catfish noodling with Hamish and Andy, googling Harrison Ford, having on the lot Warner Bros. parking for her Pontiac Sunfire and how weird it is to have an agent. We both agree being around funny people is the BEST! 

Direct download: Jo_Long_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:11am PDT

Susan Prior (Puberty Blues) jumped on The Rover train and found herself in LA via Cannes. And, boy, am I glad! In between tea slurps, we discuss her conscioius decision to focus on TV and film, the beauty and honour of filmmaking, “backing yourself”, working with Guy Pearce, R.Patz and Philip Seymour Hoffman and when to hide the self help books. 'Be yourself, be your best self and work hard' is now my motto! 

Direct download: Susan_Prior.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:26am PDT

Eva Orner is the Oscar and Emmy winning documentary producer and director of Taxi to the Dark Side and The Network. Her new film Bloody UnAustralian will examine Australia's treatment of asylum seekers. Um.... yeah. This is a lady with something to say. Big Stuff is covered. But so is fun stuff - we chat about the dangers of reading online comments, facebook stalking for the greater good, dressing appropriately for the Oscars and befriending the likes of Javier Bardem on Award Season red carpets. 

Direct download: Eva_Orner.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:23am PDT

Cody Fern (War Horse) has just been awarded - no, gifted - the Australians in Film Heath Ledger Scholarship and he couldn't be more chuffed. He shares a little about the whirlwind two weeks - pre and post - and where to from now. Needless to say, it's been an accelerated crash course in all things LA... We compare and contrast art and commerce: the profession that almost was. And his work ethic puts me to shame. All in all, he's ready to make the most of this. And I couldn't be happier for him! 

Direct download: Cody_Fern.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:26pm PDT

To say Another Aussie got Sean James Murphy on a good day is an UNDERSTATMENT! Three life things sorted by 11.30am! Relatively new to LA but with heaps of stories to share, Sean takes us through his golden pilot season of 2013 and the not-so golden one for 2014. We discuss the compare and despair trap, the weird notion of "Making It", the desire to contribute cuturally and having awesome parents. He reveals his cynicism. But to be honest, if that is him being cynical - it's awwwwwright by me! 

Direct download: Sean_James_Murphy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:58am PDT

The easy, breezy banter of Phil Lloyd and Trent O'Donnell - creators of The Moodys and Review with Myles Barlow - is 20 years in the making. From short films at Uni to developing ideas with Doug Elin and everything in between, they share it all at a live Australians in Film Q & A. Trent outs Phil as lazy but only after Phil outs himself and they admit they were only really banking on one season of The Moody Christmas. Whoops! Patty Brammalll gets a mention and if you listen real carefully - around 7 minutes in - you can hear Wil Anderson laughing... 

Direct download: Phil_Lloyd_and_Trent_ODonnell.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:52pm PDT

Holy Aussiewood! To celebrate Another Aussie in LA becoming the official podcast of Australians in Film, this week's ep is a live Q & A chat with Fred Schepisi, acclaimed Australian director of The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Evil Angels, Six Degrees of Separation, Roxanne and The Eye of The Storm. We sit down with Fred after a screening of his new film WORDS AND PICTURES in Los Angeles. Toooooo much wisdom, wit and general amazingness in the form of film stories. 

Direct download: Fred_Schepisi.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:37pm PDT

Here's a quickie with Roxane Wilson - Stingers, Water Rates, The Alice - a chat grabbed before pre-show rehearsals of Australian Theatre Company's inaugral production of HOLDING THE MAN. But no fear, a lot of ground is covered! We chat about the shifting landscape for women in Hollywood, working with Larry Moss, being dedicated to the craft of acting and the interplay between hope and stupidity, intuition and stubborness in one's attraction to Los Angeles. With occasional gripes on the 2014 budget and interjections from ATC company manager, Jackie Diamond. 

Direct download: Roxane_Wilson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:56pm PDT

Jonny Pasvolsky - McLeod's Daughters, The Moody's, Mr. and Mrs. Murder - has had the best of times and the worst of times and then the best of times. He's just shot a film playing oppposite Johnny Depp, Olivia Munn, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Goldblum and Paul Bettany. CLANG! Hear those names drop! We talk about the work levelling everything, family keeping it real, 80s comedies and weeing next to Adrian Brody. And he has the best Jeff Goldblum story ever.  

Direct download: Jonny_Pasvolsky.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:25am PDT

It's Patty's Day on my podcast! Hurrah! Patrick (A Moody Christmas, Upper Middle Bogan and soon to be seen on Offspring) gives his pilot season round up whilst competing with the Russian next door... We discuss the cultural cringe, patriotism, the pros and cons of meeting your heroes and facebook threads getting outta hand. He reveals why he could NEVER be Thor. Or any role Russell does for that matter. But then again when you've got the loveable f*ckwit nailed, why do anything else. For now...

Direct download: Patrick_Brammall.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:10pm PDT

Ben Lawson - Neighbours, No Strings Attached, Secrets and Lies - must smell of Hollywood. That special something that makes expat actors oh-so attractive to industry back home. It is a phenomenon he has noticed amongst peers and how he explains his crazy busy last year of back to back work in Oz after having been in LA for six years... Well, either that or he's good at what he does. We take at LENGTH about how long my podcasts are, being on hold for over a year (retainer = vodka money), getting the role of "handsome man" and my shitty research on him. Yeah, he spends most of the podcast giving me shit. Thankfully we were - I mean, ARE -friends.

Direct download: Ben_Lawson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:56am PDT

Kieran Darcy-Smith is doing pretty bloody good for a self-confessed f*ck-up at school... His first feature, Wish You Were Here, debuted at Sundance in 2012 and since then he's been riding the Hollywood development wave with style. We talk about how Aussie TV show E-Street made acting look enticing and the early days of Blue Tongue Films. He confirms my sneaking suspicions that a good screenplay is the greatest currency and being a writer/director can be an Access All Areas pass in this town. Yup! I knew it... 

Direct download: Kieran_Darcy-Smith.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:31pm PDT

Kate Box (Rake, Offspring, Paper Giants) is maintaining her sense on humour while in LA for pilot season! We chat about playing the mortal enemy of Australia's sweetheart, Asher Keddie, driving lessons with Sam Neill ,rewrting scripts for US accent ease and the everyday reality of pilot season which (sometimes) includes losing out to Jada Pinkett-Smith... And when all else fails, there's always the #3 at Greenblatt's Deli! 

Direct download: Kate_Box.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:48pm PDT

So many surprises in this podcast with Hugh Sheridan! Star of Packed to the Rafters, Never Tear Us Apart and patron (saint) of Urban Myth Theatre... Bet you didn't know that one! Hugh tells stories about opening for Liza, beating out Rhianna and where his FOMO comes from. Oooooo! So close... But don't think one set back's gonna stop this triple threat. Na-uh! Oh, and keep and ear out for the crooning. It's pretty sweet. 

Direct download: Hugh_Sheridan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:04pm PDT

Being in Hollywood has made Zoe Ventoura (Packed to the Rafters, Wild Boys) very zen-like. The getting close to life changing deals, auditioning against bonafide stars and having a career that straddles the Pacific - well, that'll do it! We talk about being ready to carry a film, working with John Cusack, the art of self testing and not being immune to celebrity spotting. If you saw Seth Rogen, you'd probably have a moment too... But just be sure to ASK for a photo. No creepiness please!

Direct download: Zoe_Ventoura.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:30am PDT

AWESOME GUEST ALERT! Tim Minchin joins Another Aussie in LA for a chat three weeks into making LA his new home. Digressions abound and names are dropped. Tim illuminates me on the economic machine that is Broadway, how Groundhog Day the musical came about and his existential crisis brought on by the Grammys. We talk about the importance of making stuff you'd like to see, going for the low hanging fruit first, the beauty of reimagining what you've made before and how EVERYTHING informs EVERYTHING. And there are some Old Fitzroy Theatre reminisces. A 'This Blasted Earth' reboot, anyone?

Direct download: Tim_Minchin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:11pm PDT

Fresh from NBC's Camp, Natasha Basset is just starting out in LA. But don't let that fool you into thinkng she is a novice. Oh no! This lady knows her stuff. With guest roles in RAKE, LAID and WILDBOYS, she chats with me about her experiences here thus far. We bond over the Atlantic Theatre Company and working with Melissa Bruder. She shares her stories about making her first short KITE, under the mentorship of Jane Campion! We get dsitracted by a puppy chomping on a bone. Just your normal podcast really!

 

Direct download: Natasha_Bassett.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:08pm PDT

Watched some Australian comedy on the tele in the past few years? Then it's highly likely you're familiar with Trent O'Donnnell's work. Director of A Moody Christmas, Review with Myles Barlow, Laid and Sam Simmons' Problems. We talk about how easy it is to sell an idea in the US (pretty damn easy) compared to making something in Oz (hmmm, kinda tough...), the joy of making stuff with friend and collaborator of TWENTY years, Phil Lloyd and pranking peeps - I mean, working with - The Chaser team. He admits to less manhandling of actors on US sets. Probably for the best, considering...

Direct download: Trent_ODonnell.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:52pm PDT

This little Aussie is back in LA with a chat to rising star Beejan Land. In only ten months, Beejan has scored a lead in the feature, Damn Foreigners, a recurring role in NCIS:LA and supporting role in Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark. But don't think this is some overnight sensation. He's been training and working in Paris for the last four years and couldn't be more grounded as a result. We talk about his origins as a magician - Ta-Dah! - LA not being a theatre town, what's it's like going to producers on your third audition - awesome! Be careful. His grounded and positive approach to work might rub off on you. It did on me... 

Direct download: Beejan_Land.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:44pm PDT

Another Aussie is in NYC visiting my carnie family, La Soiree. Soooooo, this week's guest is Creative Producer and Ringmaster Brett Haylock! We catch up with him in between teching acts for the New Years Eve spectacular. We talk about the international phenomenom that La Soiree has beome - from little show born out of The Famous Speigeltent to it's Olivier award winning West End run. Skill and heart, danger and subversion. Trusting your instincts and being the best is what it is all about. Leave your troubles at the door, La Soiree is in town!! And, yes, it is impossible to resist. 

Direct download: Brett_Haylock.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:58pm PDT

A Melbourne stand up does a set in LA... And gets a gig writing for Jay Leno. Not a gag, just the facts. That guy is Simon Taylor! We talk about how that crazy thing happenned, why he's happier in Melbourne, being a ghost and gag writer and being both Turtle and Johnny Drama to someone else's Vinnie Chase. My favourite dog, Dusty Biscuits makes a cameo or two.

Direct download: Simon_Taylor.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:30pm PDT

Join Sam Clark and I for some tea drinking, thigh slapping and existential chat from our mutual hometown, lil' ol' Adelaide. But don't fret conversation is still very much focussed on LA things. We cover hiking (or what Aussies would call walking outside) street sweeping, parking fines and losing jobs to Emilie Hirsch. We bond over our love of acting homework. Sam illuminates how music and acting go hand in hand for him. Tangents are in abundant supply.

Direct download: Sam_Clark.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:41pm PDT

Actress Trilby Glover and I cover all things actory things. In her six years in Los Angeles she has experienced the highs and lows of what this city has to offer and she is doing just fine! We talk about working with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, roles that change everything, saying 'yes', the joys of writing partners and how improv can make life better. Things get a little philosophical a few times - my bad!

Direct download: Trilby_Glover.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:44pm PDT

Alex is an actor on the rise. His first role outta drama school was playing Julian Assange in Underground. He's in LA for a wee while checking stuff out. We sat down to chat about working with Rachel Griffiths and Anthony LaPaglia, playing someone cleverer than yourself, wrestling with old telecom phone boxes and his time spent serenading South Yarra on the sax. Oh and we came up with the best marketing campaign for Underground: The Julian Assange Story... It's just like Batman Begins! Yup. You heard us...

Direct download: Alex_Williams.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:39pm PDT

This is a chat with Michael Schwarz - One third of Full Clip Productions with brother John and buddy Sam Worthington. Mike is a proper "Don't call 'em graphic novels" comic book fan! He shares the ups and downs of constantly being 6 weeks away from shooting, what it's like to lose to Harvey Weinstein or take script notes from Lorenzo di Bonaventura and his role as trusted advisor on comic book films for Sam. Note: it will make Hollywood agents curious as to who the hell you are!

Direct download: Michael_Schwarz.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:08pm PDT

Comedian Sam Simmons isn't mad for LA but it seems to be keen on his comedy. We chat about the being a professional idiot, Los Angeles as the scene for the apocalypse, how ACE the Australian film Animal Kingdom is, the death of whimsical comedy, where he gets his inspiration and unwittingly molesting John Snow on stage for the sake of laughs. Yeah, that ACTUALLY happened. 

Direct download: Sam_Simmons.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:16pm PDT

Meet Brett Tucker - as if you didn't know him already! Sheesh! Star of McLeods' Daughters, Neighbours and Mistresses. Brett and I chat about indulging your rock star fantasies, giving things a lukewarm go, long time flirting with Los Angeles and how scary a place the internet can be. Brett's Hollywood tales illustrate that everything has its' time. Just don't put off listening to this podcast! 

Direct download: Brett_Tucker.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:21am PDT

It's Monty Franklin!! WOO HOO!  No more toe dipping, Monty is getting amongst it and making his mark on the Los Angeles comedy scene. We discuss the advantages of playing the dumb Aussie card, inadvertent racism, good gossip and revenge as the ulitmate motivation. Monty's career is proof that doing good work consistently and being a good human is all it takes. Pocket watches will never be the same again!!! 

Direct download: Monty_Franklin.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:59pm PDT

This little podcaster can't believe her luck! Stuart Beattie - writer of Collateral, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Australia and writer/director of Tomorrow, When The War Began -  joins me for chat. WOO FRICKIN' HOO!  We talk about the ridiculous rollercoster from development to production, being in it for the long haul, the Hollywood rewrite, getting script notes from John Marsden and Pirates as a Star Wars. He busts open the myth of overnight success and shares the origins of midnight screenings. Hmmmm... Maybe it's time for me to keep banker's hours. WARNING: There are snoring puppies and couch farts.

Direct download: Stuart_Beattie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:35pm PDT

Join me as I chat with the ever affable Bucko, radio host, actor and presenter. A man who fate was decided by a pop up ad! And not the kind you are thinking of... C'mon, get out of the gutter! We discuss the future of radio, the appeal of smokey burnouts, Hollywood's 'definite possibilities', instinct vs. fear and the importance of saying 'YES!'. Bucko was once beaten up by Steven Segal. Not only did he live to tell the tale but got paid for it. One of those crazy Hollywood moments... Hell Yeah! 

Direct download: Jonathon_Bucko_Buckley.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm PDT

Aaron Glenane gives understated chat in this episode. But don't let the chilled out exterior fool you. This guy knows what's what. Only in LA for a month on the back of his powerful performance in Drift, he's been one busy little Aussie. We talk about facial hair, triple threats, how awesome Andy Serkis is, working with George Miller, the weirdness of being dubbed and all manner of things to do with dance. Be warned: there are many a tangent in this one! 

Direct download: Aaron_Glenane.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Film Reporter and Cheeky Hugger, Alicia Malone has the best job in the world. If the best job is seeing movies and chatting to the stars. And I think it might be. Always up for an awkward moment, she talks about staring competitions with Emma Stone, hugging Ryan Gosling and calling Jake Gyllenhaal her future husband - TO HIS FACE! Not creepy, no... She reveals that the fine art of networking is really just being nice and making friends. We bond over our mutual admiration for Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg, childhood memories of Bill Collins' Sunday movie matinees and,well, pretty much everything. And we may well have stumbled upon the key to a meaningful life - doing stuff you love with the peeps you love! She is one awesome chick!

Direct download: Alicia_Malone.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:40pm PDT

Journalist, face of Showtime movie news and family man, Andrew Warne has been the in Hollywood trenches for 25 years, reporting locally and for Australia from the frontline. He's seen some stuff. From the Rodney King riots to rise of Aussiewood to the imminent demise of commercial television. We discuss his ongoing involvement in Australians In Film including his recent switch from president to chairman. We give credit where credit is due - to Paul Hogan and Crocodile Dundee. For better or for worse, if it wasn't for Hoges, Americans wouldn't know we Aussies existed!! 

Direct download: Andrew_Warne.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:05pm PDT

The straight talking Judi Levine, producer, has seen it all. The highs and lows and the blahs, too. She talks me through the upward trajectory of producing The Sessions, the fine balance between finance and casting, the machinations of the film festival circuit and awards season. Note to self: Even grounded Aussies can get swept away with the hype. AND always remember we may think we are the same but we sure as hell are different to Americans! Oh, and here's to serendipity!!  

Direct download: Judi_Levine.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:50am PDT

Super talented and super dooper down to earth, Claire van der Boom talks about her excellent year - a result of doing what makes you happy and learning to say to no to things. We chat about working with Sam Shepard and David Rabe, sword fighting, 'Hollywood Sexy', living in the fringes, painting cactuses and an experience that I would actually describe as my actor's nightmare! I out her as a history nut. She seems fine with it, though...

Direct download: Claire_van_der_Boom.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:50pm PDT

Welcome to the wonderful world of Esther Anderson! She is a pure delight and the complete opposite to her sly, cunning, game playing alter- ego Esther on NBC's Siberia. Just don't tell Esther she can't do something. Unless, of course you want her to do it! 

Direct download: Esther_Anderson.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:29pm PDT

Actor, Musician, Presenter and doting father to Fox and Banjo, Bernard Curry chats with me in his salubrious home with special drop in guest Sullivan Stapleton. Well, why the hell not? Brief as his cameo may be... Bernie and I get to stuck into actorly rejection, how grounding family can be, making music with friends, doing your own stunts and why us Aussies keep getting work in the US. I don't make things too awkward. At least I don't think I don't. You be the judge. 

Direct download: Bernard_Curry.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:54pm PDT

This is Justin Hanrahan, A.C.S. – D.O.P. (screw you Americans, Imma keeping my vowels), Dad and all round top bloke. Even J.T. thinks so. From swimming with sharks – real ones, not Hollywood ones– to documenting weddings – Hollywood ones, not the other ones - to covering the Hong Kong handover to working on Oprah’s Next Big Thing to hanging out with Frank Gehry, Justin keeps his Aussie self-deprecating humour and hard work ethic about him at all times. This is how you do it peeps. This is how you have an ongoing career doing what you love. As J.T. would sing – what goes around comes around…

Direct download: Justin_Hanrahan_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:53pm PDT