Another Aussie in LA
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.

This one is for all the actors out there! And writers!! And directors!!! Basically ANYONE who's thinking of moving to the US and wants to know how to get a visa and/or representation. Our panelists include Kate Raynor of Ranyor and Associates (immigration attorneys) and managers Lital Spitzer of 3 Arts Entertainment & Jeff Golenberg of Silver Linings Entertainment. Kate explains the differences between a Green Card and O1 visa, deal memos, petitioners and the like. Lital and Jeff impart their thoughts on when to come for pilot season, how to pitch to yourself managers and finding the right rep for you. Just when you think there are no more visa questions - there are more visa questions... Typical Aussies. 

Direct download: Australian_Actors_in_the_US_Forum.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:46pm 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

Lenka is the kinda musician that only needs one name. Even in LA, a city of singer-songwriters! She shares stories of her double life - Eastern suburbs mum (or MOM) vs. bodyguards and screaming fans. We discuss discovering the cool side to Los Angeles, getting less mature as one matures, becoming an adjective, working with Alfonso Cuaron - Yeah, you heard that right! - and the perfect Aussie care package. For the record, her's contains Paw Paw ointment, Berroca and Sirena tuna... 

Direct download: Lenka.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:40pm 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