Today’s guest is Kirsty Stark, an Emmy award winning producer, start up founder, speaker, podcast host and screen industry leader.
Kirsty’s screen credits include children’s series First Day, Stateless (co-producer for Matchbox Pictures), feature film A Month of Sundays (Madman Production Company) and ABC iview series Goober, Unboxed and Wastelander Panda.
Kirsty founded and runs independent production company Epic Films, and recently launched CrewHQ, a nationwide crewing platform for production freelancers around Australia. Kirsty is also co-host of We Interupt This Broadcast, and is Deputy Chair of The Mercury.
In this episode, Kirsty discusses how The Mercury’s new board members helped the organisation overcome its challenges in 2022, highlighting the key strategic priorities that have elevated this beloved screen icon to new heights. Kirsty also offers practical tips for filmmakers submitting to film festivals and reflects on the differences between producing films with and without major funding from state funding bodies.
Chapters
00:05 - First Job in the Industry
01:03 - Strategies Used to Help The Mercury Overcome Challenges
03:36 - Difference Between Producing Films With vs. Without Major Funding
06:51 - Tips When Submitting to Film Festivals
08:31 - How to Handle Feedback
10:13 - Feedback on Grant Applications
12:27 - Wrap Up
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Submissions for AIFF26 are currently open. Enter SOFTSTICKS for 30% off the entry fee.
The Soft Sticks Podcast is presented by the Adelaide Independent Film Festival and is hosted by Tom Kerby.
This episode was edited and mixed by Melissa Pons. You can find her latest work here.
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This conversation was recorded in The Mercury’s Sound Lab via Riverside.
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About AIFF
The Adelaide Independent Film Festival (AIFF) is an annual celebration of short films, proudly presented in two beloved cinemas in the festival state of South Australia.
The 2026 Adelaide Independent Film Festival will take place between 3 - 4 October at the heritage-listed Capri Theatre and The Mercury.