Could you be our next We Interrupt This Broadcast co-host? Read more and fill out an EOI here: https://forms.gle/oQgAoJXgnQpejfej9
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What does it take to build a thriving, sustainable creative business in the new media landscape?
In this episode, Julie Eckersley dives into the fast-evolving world of digital creators with Farhad Meher-Homji, Co-Founder and Head of Strategy at Changer Studios - an organisation that’s helped tens of thousands of creators in over 40 countries turn passion into profession.
Farhad breaks down how the creator economy has matured from the fringes of entertainment into a powerful mainstream force and why the smartest creators now think like entrepreneurs.
He unpacks how to build a content strategy that actually works, how to read audience data beyond the vanity of subscriber counts, and why psychographics - understanding why your audience connects - is the secret weapon of modern storytelling.
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This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year. https://www.aftrs.edu.au/
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Listen to hear Farhad discuss:
Follow Farhad and his work:
Farhad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farhadmh/
Changer Studios: https://www.changerstudios.com
Changer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changerstudios
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This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Julie Eckersley and edited by Brandon Boyer and Kirsty Stark.
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
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This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year. https://www.aftrs.edu.au/
In this episode, Kirsty talks to Daren Smith of Craftsman Films, a Utah-based independent producer with four features and multiple seasons of TV under his belt.
Daren shares how he set up Craftsman Films, as an independent studio, and the new $10 million dollar film fund he’s raising, with the goal of producing ten profitable “blockbuster indies.”
He also discusses the challenges of independent filmmaking, including financing, development and distribution, and how he’s addressing these issues through a new model inspired by venture capital structures.
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This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year.
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Listen to hear Daren discuss:
The five key challenges of independent filmmaking
Craftsman Films’ new model for indie film financing
How to approach a pitch so that private investors will listen
The importance of building your personal brand
How reaching out on LinkedIn beats cold emailing
Why it’s important for a film fund to have a clear thesis
Follow Daren and his work:
Daren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darentsmith
Daren on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2743912
Craftsman Films: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co
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This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Kirsty Stark and edited by Brandon Boyer.
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
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This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year.
In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month's industry news, from distributors making AI edits and Tilly Norwood's debut through to shifting audience habits and some great industry opportunities to apply for.
Plus: all of your October screen industry news headlines from around the country...
This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.
00:00 Intro
00:41 Exciting news! Our new sponsor & a new partnership.
03:01 Critters - a $30m "AI-integrated" animated feature film
05:39 AI "actress" Tilly Norwood
07:40 Tropfest's stance on AI
08:20 Trump, Tiktok & Tariffs
09:46 Gen Z watching TV through social clips
14:23 Do fans move from YouTube to TV?
17:46 Industry news, key appointments & opportunities
09:20 Opportunities & upcoming events
20:17 What we've been watching
22:43 What’s in production around Australia
23:24 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of Country
Podcast News
AI Round-Up
Critterz "AI-integrated" Feature Animation
Unauthorised AI Editing
Tilly Norwood
AI "not out of the question" at Tropfest
Trump, TikTok & Tariffs
Audience Shifts
Industry News & Opportunities
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.
In this episode, Kirsty talks to Creative Producer Nicholas Colla from LateNite Films in Melbourne about how he and his business partner Chris Hocking have built a slate of work that balances great storytelling with highly accomplished VFX and animation.
Nick shares their approach to production, including integrating post production workflows and using technology in their planning and development process, plus the lessons they've brought into live action from their animation work.
Listen to hear Nick discuss:
Follow Nick and his work:
Video reference in the episode: I Am Mother VR Storyboarding: https://youtu.be/M4Xy9vvpLvE?si=L6ovF7pmv99c0273
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
Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.
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.
Follow Jaggi Entertainment:
Jaggi Entertainment: https://www.jaggientertainment.com
LinkedIn: 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 | LinkedIn
Don’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:
Follow Clayton and his work:
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/clayton-jacobson-13453841
Youtube (portfolio): https://www.www.youtube.com/@GUNSHYCOWBOYS-285
Escape AI: https://escape.ai/profile/gunshycowboys285
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 Australia
Innovative companies in the online space
How Grouse House is building opportunities for comedians to get their work in front of audiences
How revenue stacking leads to sustainable business models
Why you should repurpose your existing content to find new audiences
What’s happening in the games space in Australia
Follow 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-house
Grouse House on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNuaFLcbAeycQAIAW5s7T0Q
Lee Naimo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-naimo-689084233
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 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 Intro
00:41 Julie on Stake Out & Kirsty on holidays!
03:46 Tropfest is back!
05:49 The re-emergence of cinema
08:18 Industry news & key appointments
09:20 Opportunities & upcoming events
11:04 Netflix releases AI guidelines
12:37 Australian successes overseas: The Emmys & Hollow Knight: Silksong
17:03 What we've been watching
19:13 What’s in production around Australia
21:11 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of Country
What We've Been Up To
Audience Trends
Industry News & Opportunities
What We're Watching
What's in Production
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:
Follow Screen Well and their work:
Bonus:
Support Act (put this info on your callsheet!): https://supportact.org.au/individual-support/wellbeing-helpline
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 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 conceived
How much she raised at the film’s first fundraising event, and why it was so important
Her choice to build a distribution plan around community screenings, instead of targeting individual ticket sales
Her initial reaction to the distribution models she was presented with
The difficulty of managing an impact campaign alone, and whether it was worth it
How Seen planned and managed their release, including the tools and platforms they used, how they ran events and the benefit of their website
What she would pitch to the film industry as an outsider, to make it better for everyone
Sam 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.com
Seen Resources: https://seentheresources.com
Seen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seendocumentary
Sam Jockel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samjockel
ParentTV: https://parenttv.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ParentTV
Official 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 time
How to approach casting and packaging for features
The ideal budgets for feature films that Causeway will look to take on
The detail to which the directors they work with understand the audiences for their projects
Why proof of concept shorts aren’t always the best pathway to directing features
Samantha 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.au
Causeway 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 Intro
00:59 Julie’s production & Kirsty’s First Day UK launch
2:01 Future Visions, The Logies & the Hottest 100
8:20 YouTube in the under 16 social media ban
12:10 AI Updates: Productivity Commission, Netflix uses AI to cut costs in post; Amazon invests in Fable
14:48 Industry news round-up: SBS, Netflix gossip & new Screen Australia guidelines
16:48 Short film renaissance & other opportunities
17:41 Vale David Stratton
18:02 What we've been watching
21:15 What’s in production around the country
22:08 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of Country
What We've Been Up To
First Day (now on YouTube in the UK): https://www.firstdayseries.com
Future Vision Summit, The Logies and the Hottest 100
The 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-dnXP
Under 16 Social Media Ban
Australia 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 Updates
Productivity Commission Considers a Copyright Exception for AI Companies
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/arts-in-30/productivity-tdm-exception-apra-amcos-aava-natsiaa-rudi-bremer/105588574
Netflix uses AI effects for first time to cut costs: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vr4rymlw9o
Amazon Invests in Fable
https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/netflix-of-ai-amazon-invests-fable-showrunner-launch-1236471989/
Industry News
James 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/
Opportunities
Screen 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-initiative
AACTA 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-a1f9-43f2-9ca1-5639baf0c887
SPA Pitch on Demand: https://www.screenproducers.org.au/events/details/?id=35134e97-9c55-42cc-a217-10a1f224a375
Vale David Stratton
https://if.com.au/vale-david-stratton-beloved-australian-film-critic-and-writer/
What We've Been Watching
MIFF 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-aSf4
What's in Production
Mosquito 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.school
RAINMAKERS: https://compton.school/rainmakers
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
Subscribe 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:
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.com
LinkedIn: 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=4239056060
Fast Company: Netlflix to add vertical video: https://www.fastcompany.com/91330227/netflix-app-ui-tiktok
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 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:
Follow Jen and her work:
Subscribe to Jen’s newsletter – The Business on TV: businessoftv.substack.com
Want to work with Jen? You can find Jen’s consulting site here: jentopping.co.uk
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 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.
Follow Jen and her work:
Subscribe to Jen’s newsletter – The Business on TV: businessoftv.substack.com
Want to work with Jen? You can find Jen’s consulting site here: jentopping.co.uk
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 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 Intro
00:38 Regional to Global Summit Highlights
03:50 AI Opportunities and Concerns
08:33 Digital Futures Summit & the Future of Content
12:10 Industry Updates from Around the Country
14:52 What we've been watching
17:22 What’s in production around the country
18:23 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of Country
Links to further info:
We Interrupt This Broadcast on social media:
LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube
Regional to Global Summit:
Deirdre Brennan's Opening Address
AI
Past Episode - Jessie Hughes
Doug Shapiro Presentation - AI on the Lot
Disney & Universal Sue Midjourney for Copyright Infringement
ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills (MIT Study)
News in Brief
Screen Australia's New Guidelines
NSW's $380m screen and digital games support package
Nine overhauls Streaming and Broadcast division
What We're Watching
Moonbird | Warm Props | Moni | Pasa Faho | Mix Tape
In Production:
My Brilliant Career | Goolagong | Two Years Later | Reckless | The Postcard Bandit series
Screen Australia Upcoming Productions | IF In Production
Upcoming Events
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, 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 audiences
Why you should post your work across multiple platforms
The importance of storytelling, even in short videos
How they come up with ideas and know what will resonate
Why consistency and authenticity are crucial for building an audience
When to transition from a traditional job to full-time content creation
Follow Lachlan and Austin and their work:
Website: https://www.macfarlanemedia.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, 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.
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Listen to this episode if you are interested in:
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Follow Corey and his work:
Website & free resources: https://coreymandell.net/
Facebook: Corey Mandell Professional Screenwriting Courses: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063888732536
Resource:
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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!
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Follow us on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcast
LinkedIn: 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 productions
Why Australia is leading the way with AI from a technology perspective
How creative experience is the key to creating great AI content
Why collaboration still leads to better outcomes
The ways democratisation of creativity allows more diverse voices to be heard
Bonus: 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/thatscottdickson
bolddigitalmedia.com.au
Follow Jessie and her work:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-hughes-050138b1
Leonardo.ai: https://leonardo.ai/
Announcement: Google’s Veo 3 on Leonardo.Ai
Leonardo.Ai Training:
Creating Detailed Concept Designs for Presentations
Creating Cinematic Storyboards with AI
Creating Concept Art and Posters for Your Film
How to Ideate with Flow State
Other Links & Presentations:
Top 50 Women in AI: Leonardo.Ai News | Forbes Article
Leonardo.Ai at AWS Sydney Summit
Leonardo.Ai at Canva Create 2025
Meta Festival 2025 — Jessie Hughes, Leonardo.Ai
Emerging Media Programming AI Toolkit Series: Leonardo.ai
Flow Issue No 01: Agency Storyboarding & Development Edition
Spill Issue No. 01: Advertising & Marketing Edition
Leonardo 104: Transform Your Business with Leonardo for Teams
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!