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Yes, we are diving back into the production trenches with one of our former guests, executive producer, Nat Taylor. As many people know, Nat is a powerhouse in the production world, known for her ability to navigate the chaos and keep projects on track, no matter how wild, mad or crazy things get.

What is it? "Consolidate The Feedback" is those dinner party worthy tales of production nightmares, creative egos and unexpected crisis that somehow turn into valuable lessons.

From wrangling high maintenance directors on multi-million dollar Campari shoots to navigating near disasters on set, Nat has seen it all.

Nat shares the lessons learned, the moments that shaped her approach and why she no longer works with difficult people.

We talk about fostering new talent in the industry and why safety always comes first. It's an episode packed with insight, humour a few battle scars and hopefully, a few laughs.

Emma Scott is a seasoned producer with over 20 years of experience working on tourism, automotive, adventure and large scale events. Em's journey into production started with a passion for creativity, dabbling in theatre, photography and the arts before finding her true calling behind the scenes, orchestrating shoots and making the impossible happen.

From managing high profile tourism campaigns to coordinating complex automotive productions, Emma's built a career in problem solving, logistics and above all else, her relationships.

In the episode, we dive into her early career working in government institutions, how she transitioned into producing and the key lessons learned from those small jobs where every hat was worn. Em shares insights on working with directors, the importance of understanding every role on set and the delicate balance between keeping clients happy and ensuring the creative vision is met.

Matt Stoddart is the Executive Creative Director at TBWA Melbourne.

He has spent over two decades challenging the conventions of his profession. From humble beginnings as a graphic designer in Christchurch, New Zealand, to his current role as ECD, Matt’s career has been determined by his commitment to craft, innovation, and an unrelenting 'hunger'.

His accolades, including Cannes Lions, Spikes & a Yellow Pencil, speak to the impact of his work but it’s his philosophy and approach is what sets him apart.

In the episode, Matt shares how he navigates the delicate balance between creative chaos and structure, why staying hungry is essential for young creatives and how to spot the magic in an idea, even when it's scribble on a scrap of paper.He delves into the role of producers as creative partners, the art of collaboration with directors and the lessons he’s learned from crafting campaigns like the award-winning ‘VLine Guilt Trips.’

You’ll also hear his perspective on how to lead team members, the importance of being relentless in your work ethic, and how to build a career that’s not just successful but hopefully deeply satisfying.

Martin Box is the current Co-chair of the Commercial Producers Council (CPC) and former Executive Producer @ Airbag.

Martin’s career path is anything but ordinary. Starting out with a fine arts degree, he initially found himself working at a bookstore until a friend offered him a chance to be a runner on a television show. That small opportunity sparked a journey through TV production, live TV floor management and the bustling music video scene, eventually leading him into the world of advertising.

Throughout his career Martin has exemplified a zen like attitude, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to making anything happen. Known for his eloquence, good nature and collaborative spirit, he has successfully navigated high-pressure, high-budget shoots while thriving on today's inevitable tight schedules.

His hands-on approach has made him a trusted problem solver on set and helped him forge strong, lasting relationships with directors, agencies, and clients alike.

As co-chair of the CPC Martin champions best practices, inclusivity, and the development of the next generation of production people. For him, producing is more than logistics, it’s about the vision, the culture and creativity.

Martin brings a wealth of experience, compelling anecdotes and a grounded perspective on what it really means to produce.

Glenn Dalton is the former ECD at Hardhat & Akkomplice agencies in Melbourne.

With a career spanning almost 25 years, Glenn has seen it all. From his early days as a copywriter at CHE (now CHEP) to joining AJF in its early years, Glenn has always believed that great work requires more than just clever ideas - it needs story and soul.

Throughout his journey Glenn has championed the power of authentic storytelling, helping brands create campaigns that resonate on a meaningful level. At AJF, he contributed to the agency’s growth and creative direction. Later, at Hardhat, he brought a brand-focused approach to digital advertising. Over the years he’s crafted memorable campaigns for clients like 40 Winks, Sorbent and Dare Iced Coffee, always ensuring that his work makes an impact.

In the episode Glenn discusses the evolution of the industry and how he brings story and soul into each of his projects. We also touch on the importance of strong production partnerships, his advice for newcomers, and his perspective on what it takes to make work that truly connects.

Nick Jamieson is the former Executive Creative Director at Taboo Group and most recently at Scooter in Melbourne.

While Nick’s path didn’t follow the traditional route through Australia’s big agencies, his journey is never the less marked by creativity, resilience, individuality and a fearless approach to new challenges.

From comedy and acting to creative writing, Nick’s diverse background has given him a unique edge in the advertising world. His leadership at both Taboo and Scooter has shaped campaigns that push boundaries by blending creativity with practical problem solving.

Throughout his career, Nick has shared valuable insights on the importance of collaboration, the need for fearlessness in the creative process and how great ideas often emerge from unexpected places. He emphasises the role of mentorship, learning from every interaction and the importance of staying open to new perspectives.

Karlene Van Opdorp is an accomplished producer and current Head of Post Production at Bastion whose career spans both agency and client-side roles across New Zealand, the UK, and Australia. Originally from New Zealand, Karlene started her journey in the world of brand and design before quickly transitioning into advertising, where she cut her teeth working on Kmart commercials and car campaigns for Mazda. Karlene has built her expertise across a wide spectrum of creative production, from live-action shoots to post-production and animation.

In the episode, Karlene opens up about the successes and failures she’s experienced throughout her career, and the important lessons she’s learned along the way. We discuss how crucial communication is to her process, the importance of asking the right questions and why Karlene believes being curious is key to success.

Stephen Digby is the owner of Digby Law and a highly respected intellectual property lawyer with over 30 years of experience working closely with producers, freelancers, ad agencies, and production companies. As the legal advisor to the Commercial Producers Council, Stephen knows the ins and outs of what it takes to protect your business and your IP in the production world.

We discuss the critical importance of having an exit strategy in business, handling tough business conversations early, and why clear contracts are a must from day one. Stephen also offers a crash course in avoiding common legal pitfalls in production, but remember, while this conversation is full of useful advice, it’s not legal advice! If you find yourself in a bind, definitely consult with your own lawyer.

Caleb De Leon and Haley McDonald, the dynamic duo leading 3P Studio, a full-service content and post-production powerhouse.

Caleb’s career began unexpectedly in live events, where he gradually discovered his passion for VFX and post-production, ultimately becoming a creative director and VFX supervisor. Meanwhile, Haley’s journey followed a more traditional route, fuelled by an early love for film and television. Her career spans roles such as editor, motion designer, and compositor, evolving from small company gigs to a thriving freelance career.

In the episode, we uncover the diverse paths that led them to where they are today, explore the complexities of the post-production process, and discuss what it takes to thrive in this demanding industry. Caleb and Haley offer their perspectives on various aspects, including the significance of mastering different roles within post-production, the balancing act required to meet tight deadlines, and how the industry is adapting to the digital age. Additionally, we break down key post-production terminology, providing valuable insights for production professionals who may not frequently engage with this side of the industry.

Heath George is the Founder and Executive Producer at Clockwork Films.

Heath's journey is nothing short of inspirational, marked by perseverance, humility, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. From growing up on dirt floors in Broken Hill to pursuing engineering at ANU, Heath’s path took a significant turn when financial challenges led him to follow his passion for film at Charles Sturt University.

In our conversation, Heath opens up about the core values that have driven Clockwork Films to success. He shares his belief that emotional intelligence, resilience, and strong communication skills are essential qualities for any producer. Heath also offers a unique perspective on trust—arguing that it should be something you lose rather than something you have to earn. With remarkable honesty, he reveals the financial costs of not measuring performance accurately, estimating significant losses over the years.

Heath's honesty, vulnerability, and candour during our chat are truly admirable. They not only reflect the character of the man but also offer a blueprint for a leadership style that many aspire to but few actually practice.