We Interrupt This Broadcast

Director Hayley MacFarlane joins Robbie Miles to talk about building a career across unscripted, scripted series and features, from Big Brother to Wonka's The Golden Ticket and Dive Club for Netflix and her new feature Beauty from Surrender.

Hayley shares how reality taught her to tell a story in seconds and make decisions under pressure, and learn about character by watching people for ten hours a day.

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Listen to hear Hayley discuss:

• What directing both unscripted and scripted has taught her

• How calling cameras on Big Brother helped her tell a story in eight seconds

• The golden rule from unscripted (get there wide, fast) that now shapes her scripted coverage

• Giving actors ownership of their character

• Why director's attachments are so hard to get and how she fights to create them on her own films

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Further information about Hayley MacFarlane:

Hayley MacFarlane's website: https://www.hayleymacfarlane.com/

Hayley MacFarlane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-macfarlane-503bb949/

Hayley MacFarlane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleymacfarlane

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This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Robbie Miles.

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/weinterruptpodcast

Loani and Kirsty catch up to discuss a busy October across the Australian screen industry.

They share their takeaways from Screen Queensland's In the Frame event and the podcast's Adelaide Film Festival breakfast, before diving into a huge range of topics from here and overseas.

Tune in for all the details on a warning that regional cinemas could be lost due to projector replacement costs, the ACTF's concerns about AI generated pitches, Rising Sun Pictures' Emmy win, the ratio of spend on sport vs. children's content in production, and the great AACTA divide ahead of its December AGM.

Plus: the Skydance merger, Netflix layoffs, ABC upfronts, Screen Australia production funding announcements, what we've been watching this month, and much more!

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We Interrupt This Broadcast's new trailer: https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/bigideas

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Recent Episodes:

Episode 077: Leviticus Part 1: https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes/077

Episode 078: Leviticus Part 2: https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes/078

Episode 079: Mandy Walker AM ACS ASC: https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes/079

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Links to topics mentioned in this episode:

Independent Cinemas Australia: No Cinema Left Behind: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nickhayes3_nocinemaleftbehind-independentcinemas-australiancinema-ugcPost-7515868541149933568-vF3I/

ACTF: "There's No AI in Pitch": https://actf.com.au/blog/29713/there-s-no-ai-in-pitch

Kirsty's AI workshops for Filmmakers: https://ai.kirstystark.com

Rising Sun Pictures' Emmy for REVIZE: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc-DdfsmINo

Television Academy Emmy Announcement: https://www.televisionacademy.com/video/rising-sun-pictures-2026-engineering-emmys

SPA's Producer Fellowship Announcement: https://spa-prod.powerappsportals.com/media/release/?id=SPA-01961

Netflix's Next Brilliant Career Finalists: https://awg.com.au/congratulations-to-the-eight-finalists-in-netflixs-the-next-brilliant-career

Kids IP Incubator: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/applications-open-for-screen-australia-and-actfs-kids-ip-incubator

The Fox Q&A Screenings: https://www.madman.com.au/the-fox

Zombucha! Q&A Screenings: https://cinemaaustralia.com.au/2026/10/06/get-ready-to-fall-brewly-madly-steeply-in-love-with-zombucha

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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.

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This episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast was hosted and edited by Loani Arman and Kirsty Stark.

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast

Loani Arman sits down with Mandy Walker AM ACS ASC, the Oscar nominated cinematographer behind Elvis, Hidden Figures, Mulan and Tracks, and the first woman to lead the American Society of Cinematographers in its 106 year history.

Mandy talks about breaking into camera departments when few women were there, the mentors who backed her, and why wants to open doors for other women in camera.

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Listen to hear Mandy discuss:

• The mentors who championed her in her early career

• How she builds collaborative sets between departments

• The story-led way she prepares for a shoot, while being ready to pivot when things change on the day

• How she approached scenes in Elvis to allow the actors space to perform

• Why she isn't scared of AI, and what remains fundamentally human about cinematography

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.

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Further information about Mandy Walker AM ACS ASC:

• Mandy's website: https://www.mandywalkerdp.com

• Mandy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandywalkerdp/?hl=en

• Mandy on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0907999

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This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Loani Arman.

If you're enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating, and we'd love you to forward this episode to a friend!

---

Follow us on:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcast

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast

Kirsty Stark sits down with the team behind Leviticus: Writer/Director Adrian Chiarella, Producer Sam Jennings (Causeway Films), and Distributor Marc Wooldridge (Maslow Entertainment) for Part 2 of a two-part conversation about what it takes to make a million dollars at the Australian box office.

If you missed Part 1, head back to last week's episode, #77.

The queer horror feature reached almost 1.5 million dollars domestically, and in this conversation the three share what happens on the ground when you make a sale at Sundance, the strategy behind opening weekend, and how to turn audience members into fans.

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Listen to hear Adrian, Marc and Sam discuss:

• What actually happens in the 48 hours after a Sundance screening
• How to choose the right partner when you have multiple offers on the table
• Why going day and date with the US gave Leviticus the advantages of a global release
• The accidental in-season Q&A strategy that gave the film's theatrical run a boost
• What number you need to hit on opening weekend to reach a million dollars
• How involving and empowering their audience helped turn viewers into passionate advocates

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.

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Further information after listening to the episode:

• Leviticus Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXuK0vlFxII
• Leviticus on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/film/leviticus-2026
• Adrian Chiarella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianchiarella/
• Sam Jennings on Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-jennings-89674621
• Maslow Entertainment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maslowentertainment
• Sam Jennings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-jennings-89674621
• Marc Wooldridge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-wooldridge
• Maslow Entertainment: https://www.maslowentertainment.com
• Causeway Films: https://www.causewayfilms.com.au

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This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by ⁠⁠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 - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcast

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Kirsty Stark sits down with the team behind Leviticus: Writer/Director Adrian Chiarella, Producer Sam Jennings (Causeway Films), and Distributor Marc Wooldridge (Maslow Entertainment) for Part 1 of a two-part conversation about what it takes to make a million dollars at the Australian box office.

The queer horror feature reached almost 1.5 million dollars domestically, and in this conversation the three share how they got there, from an idea developed through VicScreen’s Originate program to their breakout Sundance premiere.

Come back next week for Part 2, where they’ll discuss what happens on the ground when you make a sale at Sundance, the strategy behind opening weekend, and how to turn audience members into fans.

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Listen to hear Adrian, Sam and Marc discuss:

• Why horror is intrinsically theatrical and how they positioned Leviticus for both queer and broad horror audiences.
• Causeway Films’ financing strategy for the film, which allowed them to build a theatrical model that wasn’t centred on international pre-sales.
• What Maslow looks for in a script, concept and pathway to market before saying yes to distribution.
• The casting and packaging process and what actually mattered when putting the project together.
• Why they kept news about the film quiet through production and launched it as a breakout festival film.
• How they planned their Sundance premiere, including pre-screenings, PR and festival strategy.

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.

---

Further information after listening to the episode:

• Leviticus Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXuK0vlFxIILeviticus on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/film/leviticus-2026
• Adrian Chiarella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianchiarella/
• Sam Jennings on Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-jennings-89674621
• Maslow Entertainment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maslowentertainment
• Sam Jennings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-jennings-89674621 Marc Wooldridge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-wooldridge
• Maslow Entertainment: https://www.maslowentertainment.com
• Causeway Films: https://www.causewayfilms.com.au

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This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by ⁠⁠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 - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcast

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Loani and Robbie cover all of your screen industry news from September, digging into the Screen Queensland funding cuts, 46 production jobs going at the ABC, and what it means to lose an internal champion on a project.

They discuss the reboot-heavy upfronts, the reversal on the ABC Indigenous department, and the new Shared Ground initiative.

Plus the Emmys, the Tilly Norwood “interview”, the cancelled Clayton Jacobson ACS workshop, upcoming conference and festival appearances for the team, and what they’ve been watching.

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Links to topics mentioned in this episode:

Screenworks Regional to Global conference: https://screenworks.com.au/opportunities/regional-to-global-2026/

SPA report on Screen Queensland funding cuts: https://www.screenhub.com.au/news/industry-news/screen-queensland-screen-producers-australia-response-2707269/

WITB Media Watch mention on Screen Queensland cuts: https://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/episodes/cut/107125420

ABC cutting 46 production jobs: https://if.com.au/abc-slashes-46-production-roles-across-its-screen-division/

ABC lifting drama slate to twelve shows for 2027 (IF Magazine): https://if.com.au/as-the-abc-expands-its-scripted-slate-rachel-okine-outlines-what-it-wants-next/

Streamer upfronts and reboots (McLeod's Daughters, Wentworth: Halfway Home): https://deadline.com/2026/09/stan-mcleods-daughters-revival-angourie-rice-stuck-up-stupid-1237104979/: https://if.com.au/binge-opts-for-some-tough-love-in-2027-to-keep-post-colin-from-accounts-comedy-momentum/

ABC reversing plan to overhaul Indigenous department: https://www.lamestream.com.au/exclusive-abc-backflips-on-indigenous-tv-closure-will-continue-in-existing-divisions-for-now/

Shared Ground Indigenous co-production initiative: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/indigenous-screen-organisations-from-canada-aotearoa-new-zealand-and-australia-launch-new-international-co-production-initiative/

Northern Pictures wins three Emmys for Love on the Spectrum: https://www.filmink.com.au/public-notice/australias-northern-pictures-wins-three-primetime-emmy-awards-for-love-on-the-spectrum-season-four-at-the-78th-primetime-creative-arts-emmy-awards/

Tilly Norwood AI "actor" Piers Morgan interview: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/tilly-norwood-interview-1236700405/

Asia Pacific Screen Awards nominations and program: https://www.asiapacificscreenawards.com/about

In The Frame Queensland: https://screenqueensland.com.au/events/in-the-frame-screen-queensland-practitioners-forum-2026/

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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.

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This episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast was hosted and edited by Robbie Miles and Loani Arman.

Follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠Getty Images⁠⁠⁠, home to market-leading creative and editorial content from the world’s best photographers and videographers.

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Aven Yap speaks with Arran Birchenough from our podcast sponsor Getty Images in the show’s first deep dive into archive.

Busting the stereotype that archive is only relevant for historical documentaries, Arran explains why it matters for scripted and factual producers alike. He unpacks the difference between copyright and intellectual property rights, and how the same shot can carry very different risk depending on the story and how it’s used.

Arran also shares his story of joining Getty in 2001 at the time of the September 11 attacks, and talks about Getty’s ethically trained AI tool.

If you’ve ever had questions about licensing images or footage for use on a project, this episode is a great place to start.

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Listen to hear Arran discuss:

• Why archive is not just vintage historical footage but contemporary news and pre-shot creative content
• The difference between copyright and the intellectual property rights inside licensed content, and where the risk actually falls
• Why the same Sydney Harbour Bridge shot carries wildly different risk depending on how the story is told
• Why you should talk to an archive house during development to build your projects around sizzle reel or pitch content, not come in during the pressure of post-production
• How Getty’s AI tool is trained only on licensed, released content and indemnified for on-screen use
• How licensing can be reworked around ad revenue for YouTube channels

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.

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Further information about Getty Images:

Website: https://gettyimages.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getty-images

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettyimages

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gettyimages

Getty Images Scripted Services: https://engage.gettyimages.com/86dwgnc9c-ScriptedContent-APAC#/en/Getty_Images

Getty Images Archive: https://engage.gettyimages.com/the-archive#/en/modal/home

Arran Birchenough on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arranbirchenough

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This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by ⁠Aven Yap.

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 - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thanks to ⁠Getty Images⁠ for sponsoring this episode. If you’re looking for historical, contemporary or creative footage, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gettyimages.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠Getty Images⁠⁠, home to market-leading creative and editorial content from the world’s best photographers and videographers.

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Loani Arman speaks with Shonee Samia: actor, stunt performer, motion capture performer, producer, game developer and national powerlifter.

Ten years after a brain tumour diagnosis and being told she had six months to live, Shonee shares how facing her mortality made her more deliberate about her life and her career, including why she started her company, Mana Film Productions.

Plus, her big idea to credit and protect performers as their work becomes data.

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Listen to hear Shonee discuss:

The difference between courage and recklessness, and why it’s important to be selective about your work rather than pushing through

How a six month prognosis made her more deliberate about her choices

How powerlifting discipline helps her handle rejection and changes on set

What an intense rehearsal day taught her about recovery and workload management

Why she started Mana Film Productions to “build the door” instead of knocking on it

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.

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Further information about Shonee Samia:

Shonee’s website: https://www.shoneesamia.com

Shonee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoneesamia

Shonee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shonee_samia

Shonee on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shoneesamia

Shonee on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14628341

Further information on Mana Film Productions:

Website: https://www.manafilmproductions.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoneesamia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manafilmproductions

Links to dive deeper:

An example of Shonee’s Motion Capture work: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuytOv5Jthn

https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/nesia-daily/shonee-samia-part-one-finding-passion-for-the-screen/106664554

https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/nesia-daily/shonee-samia-wins-screen-professional-of-the-year-2026/106664556

https://www.openpowerlifting.org/u/shoneesamia

Shonee’s APL National Recap Video: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DN7k3NqEweT/

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This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Loani Arman.

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 - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠⁠

YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠⁠

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Thanks to ⁠Getty Images⁠ for sponsoring this episode. If you’re looking for historical, contemporary or creative footage, head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠gettyimages.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This episode is sponsored by ⁠Getty Images⁠, home to market-leading creative and editorial content from the world’s best photographers and videographers.

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In this episode, Kirsty sits down with Sue Maslin AO, the producer behind films including The Dressmaker, Japanese Story and Road to Nhill, to work through one of the biggest questions currently facing the industry: why aren’t good Australian films being seen in cinemas?

Sue explains why she believes the theatrical model is structurally broken, from financing and release models to a level of marketing support that puts us at a disadvantage against international films. She also shares some real ideas for change, including a private equity film fund and marketing rebates.

The episode also includes a breakdown of the work Sue did behind the scenes of The Dressmaker to build their audience and reach over $20m at the Australian box office just over a decade ago.

With the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers announcing last week that they will be recognising Sue as their 2026 National Cinema Pioneer of the Year, this is a timely interview and well worth a listen for anyone working in feature films in Australia.

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Listen to hear Sue discuss:

The “spectacle, emotion and experience” formula that made The Dressmaker $20 million at the Australian box office

How she started building her audience and inviting them into the world of The Dressmaker before it even began production

Why streamer investment is now one of the only ways films of scale get financed, and the conflict this creates with exhibitors

The case for a private equity film fund run by industry risk takers, not screen agencies

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.

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Further information about Sue and her work:

Sue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-maslin-ao-2823972

The Film Art Media website: https://www.filmartmedia.com

The Dressmaker (2015): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2910904

Japanese Story: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0304229

Road to Nhill: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120025

The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers Honours Industry Icon Sue Maslin AO as the 2026 National Cinema Pioneer of the Year: https://www.filmink.com.au/public-notice/the-society-of-australian-cinema-pioneers-honours-industry-icon-sue-maslin-ao-as-the-2026-national-cinema-pioneer-of-the-year

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This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by ⁠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 - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠

YouTube - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast⁠⁠

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Thanks to ⁠Getty Images⁠ for sponsoring this episode. If you’re looking for historical, contemporary or creative footage, head to ⁠⁠⁠gettyimages.com⁠⁠⁠.

This episode is sponsored by Getty Images, home to market-leading creative and editorial content from the world’s best photographers and videographers.

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In this episode, Robbie Miles speaks with Jairo Alvarado, manager and co-founder of Redefine Entertainment, about building a career and a company on your own terms.

As a Literary Manager, Jairo has progressed from a junior executive job at Warner Brothers to launching his own management firm. He supports filmmakers with their projects and careers, giving creative feedback and helping position them in the industry.

He and Robbie discuss why risk is the lifeblood of creativity, how reputation and people management can make or break a career, and why it's important to build relationships ahead of individual transactions while creating your own work.

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Listen to hear Jairo discuss:

• Why risk is the lifeblood of creativity and how playing it safe can be a dangerous choice
• Why quality beats quantity when building relationships
• The two questions he asks every artist to test whether they have real authorship and vision
• Why people management and conflict resolution matter as much as craft
• How to keep your eyes on the big picture so one project doesn't box you in
• Why you don't need millions to make your first film

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast.

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Further information about Jairo Alvarado:

Jairo Alvarado on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jairoalvarado

Redefine Entertainment: https://www.redefineent.com

Redefine Entertainment on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redefine-entertainment

Redefine Entertainment on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redefineent

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This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Robbie Miles.

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 - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast⁠

YouTube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcast⁠

LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast⁠

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Thanks to ⁠Getty Images⁠ for sponsoring this episode. If you’re looking for historical, contemporary or creative footage, head to ⁠⁠gettyimages.com⁠⁠.