CUT! The Podcast

Discover how Charlotte Wheaton, head of factual at Good Thing Productions, balances creativity, ethics, and business in the ever-evolving industry of documentary filmmaking. From global industry contrasts to ethical considerations, this episode offers insightful guidance for emerging producers and seasoned professionals alike.

In this episode:

Charlotte Wheaton shares her journey from UK and US co-productions to leading Australian factual content

How her role encompasses creative, commercial, and cultural leadership within a medium-sized production company

The importance of flexibility and diverse skill sets in maintaining industry relevance

Strategies for filtering stories with meaningful impact grounded in human connection

The shifting landscape of global unscripted production, funding models, and audience preferences

The role of celebrity versus intimate character stories in future factual projects

Ethical frameworks and safeguarding vulnerable characters in documentary storytelling

How trust, communication, and reputation sustain projects despite industry fluctuations

Good Thing Productions

Connect with Charlotte Wheaton:

LinkedIn

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Discover the artistry and strategic thinking behind creating immersive worlds in film and television as Virginia Mesiti shares insights from her 20-year career. Learn how her design choices influence storytelling and how the industry is evolving. Nothing is left out from the impact of cross-role experience on her leadership in art departments to how large-scale projects like 3000 Years of Longing shape resourcefulness and sustainability. 

We also get the insight to working on the recent series Watching You.

More resources from this episode!

• Virginia Mesiti unpacks the craft of “natural realism”
• How To ‘Make It’ As A Production Designer, With Advice From An Industry Expert
• Viriginia on IMDB:
• Virginia on socials: @virginaforlovers 

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

In this episode, Max Bennett Kelly shares his journey of creativity, vulnerability, and the art of blending performance, music, and storytelling to explore themes of love, loss, and authenticity. Dive into his innovative approach to multimedia art and his reflections on navigating identity as an artist.

Max delves into his time in the True Modern Romance universe, which explores the concept of performance art and meta-narratives in digital media. Reflecting on the evolution from multimedia projects back to his music roots and future directions: returning to music, recently published novel, and ongoing creative exploration. 

Listen to True Modern Romance on Spotify here

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

In this episode Dianna La Grassa Chief Operating Officer and Head of Screen for Bus Stop Films sits down with host Amanda Browne and discusses the merit of inclusive filmmaking. Drawing on Bus Stop's first feature film production: BossCat and how to storytell authentically with differently abled characters in mind, and create an inclusive environment on set to her broader aspirations for building a world that Dianna herself has dreamed into existence to support her own lived disability - we unpack it all.

Sydney listeners find tickets for BossCat premiere via the SFF Website

Learn more about Dianna on IMBD

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

Produced and Edited by Ashlee Russell

Editorial Direction & Marketing by Ruth Bailey

LA Production by Ray Taylor

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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

This episode we are fortunate to have a guest who some might refer to as a unicorn of comedic production experience. Eleanor Winkler is an Australian who cut her teeth locally before flying the coop to pursue bigger comedy dreams. In this episode we dive deep into how a career like Eleanor's has been shaped. From stints on US Comedy Franchise: Funny or Die, being a showrunner for Will Arnett's Hot Date to Directing Physical Production on Kevin Hart's Hartbeat Productions, we have a true comedy chameleon on our airways. We even learn a little about how comedy is looking in the US and compare it with Australian economies of scale.

An episode not to miss! As well, Eleanor is a cofounder and executive backing Australian Inclusive film company: Bus Stop Films. Spoiler alert, Eleanor has moved back to Australia for a special project which finds its premiere at Sydney Film Festival https://www.sff.org.au/program/event/boss-cat/. 

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

Are you curious about the life of a producer?

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Valerie Stadler, a seasoned producer with films that have screened at Sundance, Tribeca, TIFF, and more and expert in the dual nature of producing: balancing creativity and business. Valerie shares her insights on navigating the creative and business sides of filmmaking, industry opportunities, and the truth about producer roles.

bigswingproductions.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

Produced by Ashlee Russell

Editorial Direction & Marketing by Ruth Bailey

Production & Edit by Olivia Devin

LA Production by Ray Taylor

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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

In this insightful interview, filmmaker Natalie Erika James shares her journey from film school to Sundance success, exploring her unique approach to horror, industry insights, and the evolution of her voice across two Sundance films, Relic and Saccharine. Discover how her cross-cultural background influences her storytelling and what’s next in her career.

Keep the conversation going:

Instagram - @cut.pod, @undertowcontent

TikTok - @cut.the.pod

YouTube - @UndertowContent

Web - undertowcontent.com/cutthepodcast/

Credits:

Hosted by Amanda Browne @a.m.andabrowne

Produced by Ashlee Russell

Editorial Direction & Marketing by Ruth Bailey

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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

This episode explores how creators (filmmaking duo) Luke Morgan and Georgia Eyres behind the film One Day, Five Years are redefining the filmmaking landscape by leveraging social media, building audiences early, and maintaining creative freedom outside traditional systems. Their journey highlights innovative approaches to making, sharing, and distributing films in the digital age.

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

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

In this episode, Josie Fite shares her journey from making films with just a DSLR and cardboard in her living room to developing her feature film, "I'm Your Baby." She discusses the importance of instinct, personal storytelling, and the power of community and collaboration in indie filmmaking.

Fundraising party RSVP link: https://partiful.com/events/neEVcFljWQdP90TqUNaQ/edit

IYB website: imyourbabymovie.com

Socials: @imyourbabymovie 

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

In this episode, Amanda's longtime Hollywood pal and publicist to the stars, Chris Rossi shares his unfiltered journey from stage dancer, teenage talent agent to a force for good in LA PR circles. From hustling in talent and product placement in his early days to navigating today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, Chris breaks down what it takes to stay relevant—and indispensable. Spoiler alert - Chris has lived a life - jamming with James Taylor in his lounge room as a kid, say no more right?

We also dive into how publicity has transformed in the age of social media and AI, why relationships still matter more than ever, and the strategies for building trust in one of the most competitive industries.

Whether you’re an aspiring publicist, manager, or creative, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and playing the long game.

Learn more from Chris' playbook via @status_pr & check out his website: https://www.statuspr.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

Produced by Ashlee Russell

Editorial Direction & Marketing by Ruth Bailey

Production & Edit by Olivia Devin

LA Production by Ray Taylor

Music by Genevieve Patrick

Artwork by Fifth Studio Design Co

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