In this S2 finale of "CUT! The Podcast," hosts Amanda Browne and Neil Nakkan dive into a comprehensive recap of SXSW Sydney, sharing insights and reflections on the festival's panels and the evolving film industry. They discuss the importance of community building, the challenges of creative risk-taking, and the role of AI in filmmaking. Join them as they celebrate their producing wins, acknowledge the setbacks, and look forward to the exciting projects and opportunities ahead. Tune in for an engaging conversation that resonates with filmmakers and creatives worldwide.

Keep the conversation going:

Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontent

TikTok - @cut.the.pod

YouTube - @UndertowContent

Web - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/

Credits:

Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkan

Produced by Ashlee Russell

Edit by Snappy Street Creative

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Elaine Beckett, General Manager of Trackdown Studios - the largest scoring stage in the Southern Hemisphere. Elaine shares her 21-year journey from work experience student to industry leader, and what it takes to manage one of Australia’s most iconic creative spaces.

In this episode, Elaine talks about wearing many hats - score coordinator, producer, problem-solver—and what it’s like to support projects from Happy Feet to major Hollywood films. She reveals how Trackdown evolved from a 1970s rehearsal room to a world-class facility used by productions, and why collaboration is at the heart of every great soundtrack.

We dive into the human side of film scoring - the orchestras, composers, and behind-the-scenes teams that bring stories to life - and how music shapes emotion and memory on screen. Elaine also opens up about balancing career and family in a 24/7 industry, finding calm in chaos, and the importance of grit and teamwork.

A must-listen for filmmakers, music lovers, and anyone curious about the real magic that happens after the cameras stop rolling.

But wait, there’s more:

Keep the conversation going:

Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontent

TikTok - @cut.the.pod

YouTube - @UndertowContent

Web - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/

Credits:

Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkan

Produced by Ashlee Russell

Edit by Snappy Street Creative

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the surprising end of long-standing Australian programs like "The Project" and "Q&A" to the abrupt halts of international streaming hits, let's explore the intricate balance between viewership metrics, production costs, and creative dynamics. Are the  data-driven decisions to axe shows premature? We share personal reflections on beloved shows that met an untimely end. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the shows you miss the most!

Keep the conversation going:

Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontent

TikTok - @cut.the.pod

YouTube - @UndertowContent

Web - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/

Credits:

Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkan

Produced by Ashlee Russell

Edit by Snappy Street Creative

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Launchpad episode of the Undertow Content podcast, we meet filmmaker Ray Taylor, a passionate director dedicated to authentic, character-driven stories that normalise LGBTQ+ and disabled communities without centring trauma.

Ray shares his journey from theatre to film, creating 12 short films in 12 months during COVID, and becoming the only Academy Gold Rising intern to complete both the partner and production tracks. He talks about resilience, networking through genuine connection, and how his fresh autism diagnosis shapes his creative process.

Now developing his first feature Vox Raptor with his wife Paige, Ray is determined to bring original, inclusive stories to screen - and prove that representation can be joyful, powerful and deeply human.

But wait, there’s more:

Follow Ray:

raytaylorfilms.com

Keep the conversation going:

Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontent

TikTok - @cut.the.pod

YouTube - @UndertowContent

Web - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/

Credits:

Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkan

Producer by Ashlee Russell

Edit by Snappy Street Creative

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we delve into the vibrant world of the Australian film and TV ecosystem through the lens of festival making.

Discover how SXSW Sydney’s Screen Festival is cultivating fresh voices, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and smarter festival strategies - fuelling creative careers, audiences, and industry momentum.

Join us as Screen Festival Director Jordan Bastian lifts the curtain on curation, operations, and the very human magic that happens when film, music, games, and ideas share the same streets.

But wait, there’s more:

Keep the conversation going:

Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontent

TikTok - @cut.the.pod

YouTube - @UndertowContent

Web - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/

Credits:

Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkan

Produced by Ashlee Russell

Edit by Snappy Street Creative

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we delve into the vibrant world of the Australian film and TV industry, exploring its profound cultural impact and substantial economic contributions. Discover how Australian storytelling captivates global audiences, while also fueling local economies and creating jobs. Join us as we uncover the unique elements that make this industry a powerhouse of creativity and innovation.

Read more

https://www.arts.gov.au/news/highlighting-value-our-cultural-and-creative-activity

Keep the conversation going:

Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontent

TikTok - @cut.the.pod

YouTube - @UndertowContent

Web - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/

Credits:

Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkan

Produced by Ashlee Russell

Edit by Snappy Street Creative

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the captivating world of costume design in film and television with Vanessa Loh! A brilliant character designer working across film and television in both Australia and the UK.

Vanessa is a first-generation Chinese Australian whose work is grounded in authenticity, collaboration, and a deep respect for story. She’s passionate about projects that explore identity, race, gender and sexuality — particularly narratives centring BIPOC, Queer and marginalised voices.

Join us as we unravel the threads of creativity, craft, psychology of fashion and the many job within the costume department that shape iconic screen moments.

But wait, there’s more:

Follow Vanessa - @vanessalohcostume, IMDB

Keep the conversation going:

Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontent

TikTok - @cut.the.pod

YouTube - @UndertowContent

Web - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/

Credits:

Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkan

Produced by Ashlee Russell

Edit by Snappy Street Creative

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the world of filmmaking with award-winning producer Stephanie Troost.

Discover how a little bit of delusion and grit fuel the creative process, as Stephanie shares her journey from childhood performer to co-founder of Spectacle.

Learn about the many no's and triumphs of producing debut feature Birdeater, and the importance of perseverance in the ever-evolving film industry. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of collaboration in filmmaking, current trends in the industry, and offers valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers.

But wait, there’s more:

Follow Steph - @Steph.Troost @birdeatermovie

Keep the conversation going:

Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontent

TikTok - @cut.the.pod

YouTube - @UndertowContent

Web - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/

Credits:

Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkan

Produced by Ashlee Russell

Edit by Snappy Street Creative

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we ask if free to air still has the stronghold over streaming? A question triggered by a report that was released at the time of recording this episode from a company called Oztam and the consistent conversations around the projections that free to air TV is dying. Amanda and Nell explore the report and their own viewing habits making a little more sense of it all or coming to the conclusion the answer is still unpredictable.

In The News full article - https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/entertainment/tv/2025/06/30/oztam-tv-streamscape 

Shout Out

@nat_cinch_media @cinch.media for her insights on TikTok.

Keep the conversation going:

Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontent

TikTok - @cut.the.pod

YouTube - @UndertowContent

Web - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/

Credits:

Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne and Nell Nakkan @nell.nakkan

Produced by Ashlee Russell

Edit by Snappy Street Creative

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.