Award-winning filmmaker Robert Scott Wildes, whose debut feature ‘POOR BOY’ starred Oscar-nominee Michael Shannon and SHAMELESS actor Justin Chatwin, talks all things about his daily writing routine and his filmmaking journey. First crucial takeaway from this conversation? Fake it ’til you make it. You’ll have to listen though for what exactly that means in this context. Amongst many other top pieces of advice, Robbie gives incredibly specific and valuable insights into being a professional storyteller that would benefit anyone adopting the journeyman’s lifestyle. Listen to the end of this recording as we break down in minute detail what he ‘thinks’, ‘feels’, ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ , as well as memorable anecdotes about how he has secured financing, nabbed a top cast, and his key relationship with personal-development.
#39: Liam Hall (CW's 'ARROW', 'RIVERDALE')
‘ARROW’ and NBC ‘CAMP’ actor Liam Hall, who is also about to appear on the next season of CW’s RIVERDALE, is more that meets the eye. A pure artist in every sense of the word, Liam gives credence to the notion that contemporary actors can balance mainstream fare with free expression. Liam talks filming on set, juggling roles and handling success with humility. For anyone wanting to know more about what really goes on behind the grid of thousands of Instagram followers, listen to Liam’s interview. You’ll walk away provoked in thought and feeling beyond what a typical conversation with an actor might usually offer. Aspiring to work in entertainment? Need some life advice and motivation without the b.s. ? What would Liam have told himself 5 years ago? Listen in
#38: Alison McGirr (Bruce Beresford's 'LADIES IN BLACK')
Alison McGirr, one of the stars of Oscar nominee’s Bruce Beresford’s latest feature film ‘LADIES IN BLACK’ with Rachel Taylor, talks all things acting and her journey in this refreshingly honest chat that places special focus on craft and technique. This episode is particularly insightful for anyone interested in learning about how an Australian actor staying in LA halfway around the world gets cast in a feature film also starring Julia Ormond and Angourie Rice. Listen to the end to hear what inspiring and heartfelt advice Ali has to offer female actors, and take away an understanding about developing self-belief and knowing that the net will appear once you jump.
#37: Jess Carrera (Publicist/Producer, The Dollhouse, Carrera Press Agency, Sundance winner 'MY BOY OLEG'
Publicist/Producer Jessica Carrera is one fifth of The Dollhouse production company and Director/Founder of Carrera Press Agency. She recently produced the Lexus Fellowship winning short film 'MY BOY OLEG', written and directed by Sundance 2018 international Short Jury Prize winner Goran Stolevski. Jess is also a recipient of Screen Australia’s Enterprise People funding to work alongside renowned producer Robyn Kershaw. In this episode, she offers many valuable insights about talent management, marketing, strategy and building a career in entertainment. How did she get her start? What’s her first piece of advice to up-and-coming industry talent? Listen in to find out. In addition to proving how a person can truly be a successful multi-hyphenate, Jess is a fantastic example of how success in the industry is built on collaboration, care and supporting others.
#36: Sunday Emerson Gullifer (Award-Winning Filmmaker, Telluride Festival, 'TOMORROW, TOMORROW AND TOMORROW')
Sunday Emerson Gullifer is at the forefront of the next-wave of Australian storytellers. She offers insights about her writing and directing process in this down-to-earth and practically minded, but artistically inspiring, conversation. Sunday, who won the Lexus Fellowship at the Sydney Film Festival earlier this year and has also screened at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival, address questions about how she finds and casts her actors, how she starts writing a script, and what she thinks makes a good actor. Listen in!
#35: Jonathan and Josh Baker (Directors, feature 'KIN' with Zoe Kravitz, James Franco, Dennis Quaid, Jack Reynor and Myles Truitt)
Brother directing duo Jonathan and Josh Baker, whose debut feature film ‘KIN’ stars Zoe Kravitz, Jack Reynor, James Franco, Dennis Quaid, and newcomer Myles Truitt, is currently playing in cinemas around the world. They discuss their approach to directing, turning down a “$70 million dollar movie” before they even had an agent, and the genesis of their creativity. Both Jonathan and Josh give their insights about career development, where they started, and the honest advice they’d tell themselves 5 or 10 years ago if they could. For these Australians currently killing it on the world-stage, you’ll get a sense of their humility and a courage of convictions above all else - a welcome respite from the diluted filmmaking landscape that explains what makes their movie ‘KIN’ so unique.
#34: Michele Weaver (Oprah Winfrey Network's (OWN's) "LOVE IS...")
“Love Is…” star Michele Weaver talks all things acting and God in this illuminating episode that will resonate with any aspiring artist or entrepreneur - regardless of background or passion. Michele speaks with a self-awareness that’s equally uplifting and challenging. Do you want to find out about the specific moments which lead to her current success and recent impressive bookings? Open your mind and ears to this hardworking talent: an example of how there’s no substitute for a good work ethic and faith.
#33: Matthew Lessall (Casting Director, former CSA-President)
In this episode I chat with casting director and recent Casting Society of America President, Matthew Lessall. Matt was previously director of feature film casting at 20th Century Fox, worked with Paramount Pictures Television Studios and currently casts an array of feature films, carving out a niche for himself in the industry as the go-to-guy for artists and directors wanting to find their next leading actor. Case in point, Matt cast Oscar-nominees Anna Kendrick and Timotheé Chalamet on the cusp of their mainstream breakout. We talk about how some actors are “stars” and others aren't, tips for filmmakers and actors (hint #1: chill out), how the audition process has changed and so much more in this refreshingly open and free-flowing conversation.
#32: Giacomo Gianniotti (ABC's "GREY'S ANATOMY," CW's "REIGN")
In this instalment I have a chat with GREY’S ANATOMY star Giacomo Gianniotti, a Canadian-Italian actor who has become a fan-favourite for his role as Dr. Andrew Deluca in Shonda Rhimes’ mega-hit ABC show. Listen in to find out what belief Giacomo is an advocate for when it comes to success and happiness, and join me in hearing about what the passionate philanthropist and filmmaker has to say about making mistakes and being true to yourself. Are you an actor or a business-owner? Take note of his advice about auditions that I know will be applicable to many life scenarios (and specifically hear about what he think helped with his GREY’S ANATOMY self-tape). Make sure to listen to the end of the episode to hear one of the biggest lessons Giacomo has learned in the past few years about life and career, as well as many anecdotes and tips about shooting on set and staying in the zone.
#31: Zach Gordon ("DIARY OF A WIMPY KID" franchise, Freeform's upcoming "GOOD TROUBLE"
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID star, and THE GOOD DOCTOR actor Zach Gordon opens up in a way he claims to not have done so before for any other interview. He’s only 20 but speaks with the authority of someone much older - we touch on this irony with reference to his career as a child actor up to his current status as working adult thespian. Which ’WIMPY KID’ cast member did he speak to on the drive to our interview (they’re friends in real life guys!)? Which Oscar-nominated actor gave him some life changing career advice while drinking a coke? What’s the question he’s most frequently asked and what would he rather answer? Zach answers all of these questions and more in this free-flowing episode that’s a must-listen!
#30: Becca Gleason (Director, SXSW feature "SUMMER '03" with "THE KISSING BOOTH'S" JOEY KING)
Fresh off premiering her feature at SXSW, Becca Gleason and I have a little chat about her career and her latest film SUMMER ’03, a project she describes as “60% autobiographical, 40% fabricated.” A veteran of short filmmaking and web series content, Becca goes into detail about whether challenges are increased by being on a feature film set. We discuss her next moves and her unique writing process (does it or does it not involve adderall?). She also gives valuable advice on how filmmakers should communicate with their actors to help them deliver stronger performances, a spiel that segues nicely into how she cast her film which includes Paul Scheer (FX’s THE LEAGUE, NTSF:SD:SUV), Joey King (THE CONJURING, THE KISSING BOOTH), Erin Drake (AMC’s DIETLAND) and Andrea Savage (EPISODES with Matt LeBlanc, TruTV’s I’M SORRY). And finally, we get to that plug moment where she tells us about the film’s release date - you’ll have to listen to find out when you’ll get to see SUMMER ’03!
#29: Jay Ellis (HBO's "INSECURE", BET's "THE GAME")
In this episode I chat with HBO ‘INSECURE’ star Jay Ellis, also known for his work on on BET hit ’THE GAME,’ ‘MASTERS OF SEX’ , upcoming Sony feature ’THE MAZE’ and Sundance feature ‘A BOY. A GIRL. A DREAM,’’. If you’re listening to hear about Hollywood stories or behind the scenes gossip, you should probably go somewhere else - because in this chat we dive a little deeper. Among other things, Jay and I talk about eclecticism, art and whether ingratiation is a skill-set. He offers advice for actors and writers, and we discuss the genesis of his passion for acting and being a storyteller. Jay also reveals what advice he would tell himself 10 years ago and through our conversation shows an empathy for humans through discussing the universality of ‘coolness,’ all the while also offering a down-to-earth point of view on content creation and mastering one’s craft. Hope you guys enjoy this chat.
#28: Gretchen Enders (WGA-Award Winning writer, Netflix's "GRACE AND FRANKIE" with Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin
WGA-award-winning writer Gretchen Enders offers a refreshingly honest and commonsensical series of insights about putting creative aspirations into practice, and balancing creative self-indulgence with results-oriented focus. We discuss her journey from pursuing acting and discovering improv in LA, and working a temp job at HBO all the way to stepping into the writer’s room for Netflix, Amazon, and currently, Facebook Watch (with its billions of dollars). We also discuss whether an award win is an advantage or a hindrance, the challenging sleeping practices of show-runners, her lessons from Oscar-winner Martin McDonagh (THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI) and the ‘perfectly fine answer’ you can present in a pitch meeting. Content creators, and those seeking ways to find confidence within themselves, will most definitely enjoy this chat!
#27: Jon Carlo (Actor and Co-Writer behind Harvey Keitel's latest film "FIRST WE TAKE BROOKLYN")
Jon Carlo - Actor and Co-Writer behind Harvey Keitel’s latest film: “FIRST WE TAKE BROOKLYN,” co-starring Anna Lynne McCord and Charlotte McKinney - sits down with me to talk career paths, the dream and full-circle moments involving being a waiter to an Oscar-nominated actor serving him breakfast one year, to acting as their co-star in a feature film 10 years later. Jon, who has also appeared on popular shows “PARKS AND RECREATION” and “TRANSPARENT”, tells a great story involving the classic definition of luck being preparation meets opportunity, as well as a refreshingly vulnerable recount of his journey that has seen him arrive in LA, take a 3-year hiatus, and come back again. Jon and I also talk about the genesis of his writing process, as well as how a predisposition towards problem solving informs his storytelling point of view. Listen in towards the end for his advice for actors, and through our chat appreciate the ways in which humans just need to sometimes ‘shut up and do.’
#26: Cassie Jaye (Documentary Filmmaker, "THE RED PILL", "DADDY I DO,")
Cassie Jaye is an award-winning American documentary filmmaker behind the quote-un-quote controversial movie “The Red Pill”, a documentary chronicling a ‘feminist’s journey into the Mens’ Rights Movement' which posed questions about the future of gender equality. Cassie also has a prolific online presence and recently delivered a TEDX talk, all of which was preceded by the production and release of other documentaries which explored LGBT and women’s issues. Australian audiences might remember Cassie from a “controversial’”appearance on Channel 10’s “The Project” in which hosts were puzzled by her response to their skewed questions. We go into that viral moment in our chat, but also discuss the ironic intolerance the internet has fostered in our current age, social climates suffocating from political correctness, and how changes in the way news outlets make money has informed our “fake news” milieu.
#25: Suzi Yoonessi (Director, Duplass Brothers' upcoming "UNLOVABLE", Blue Ribbon Content's "DAPHNE AND VELMA")
Joyful and boss director Suzi Yoonessi has two films out this year: “UNLOVABLE", a Duplass Brothers' film premiering at SXSW starring Oscar-winner Melissa Leo, Oscar-nominee John Hawkes and Charlene deGuzman, and Blue Ribbon Content's “DAPHNE AND VELMA" from the Scooby Doo universe. Also known for her award-winning feature “DEAR LEMON LIMA”, Suzi has created acclaimed content for Funny or Die, Lancome, Kylie Jenner and Snapchat. We discuss one way she’s become a good judge of character (and by extension, an award-winning filmmaker ), the surprising advantage of leaving powerhouse talent agencies, and a guiding purpose for her work that made me want to raise my own standards for my creative purpose. Don’t be intimidated though, because Suzi’s pretty awesome and you’ll want to listen past the half-way mark for what she thinks makes a good actor, and two paths she can suggest for a director wanting to jump-start their career.
#24: Gary Pearl (Executive Producer of CW's 'Jane the Virgin', Film Financier, Filmmaker, Entrepeneur)
Gary Pearl: Film Financier, Producer, Filmmaker and all-round Entrepreneur. Gary is an Executive Producer of the Golden-Globe winning “JANE THE VIRGIN,” and a former agent of William Morris, Paradigm and ICM. He was involved with packaging films like the Oscar-winning "GOOD WILL HUNTING", and produced “10.5” with Kaley Cuoco, leading to an overall 8 hours of programming for the limited series. This episode is more business in focus, so forgive my hard line of questioning, but it nevertheless is a very insightful conversation for those aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives out there looking to ground themselves in reality, while staying connected to their dreams. Here’s one tip: make the right phone calls. How do you do that? Listen in to find out. Make sure to stay past the 16 minute mark for an important lesson anyone can benefit from heeding, but also listen for a reflection on the industry that is both refreshingly blunt and honest.
#23: Tom Hammock (Director/Producer)
Director of ‘THE LAST SURVIVORS’ with Haley Lu Richardson (SPLIT, THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN), Tom gives an eloquent analysis for how American filmmaking, and therefore one’s financial obligations, informs content creation in a way that can blend art and commerce in an effective, rather than mutually exclusive fashion. Tom, who has worked on productions with actors like Tom Hanks, and filmmakers like Adam Wingard, gives great suggestions for the aspiring content creator out there for how to path a career (preview: find any opportunity to tell a story in whatever role possible). Also listen in for how he got his agent (hint: take risks!)
#22: Alethea Jones (Director)
Alethea Jones (director behind Sony’s upcoming live-action feature BARBIE with Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway, and Sundance feature ‘Fun Mom Dinner’ with Toni Collette) discusses the nitty-gritty process behind her directing career - from acting school, up to winning the Screen Australia Breakthrough Award from AiF in October. Hear about what themes from her life and society she attributes her success to, as well as a rather surprising story for what helped pay the bills while she was an up-and-coming short-film director. Alethea also gives generous tips for those aspiring filmmakers out there, so take a listen and take notes.
#21: Gia Carides (Actress)
Gia Carides (MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, HBO’S BIG LITTLE LIES, SHOWTIME’S TWIN PEAKS), discusses her career and all things acting. Listen in to hear from a working actor who has balanced careers in both countries for many years and worked with legends like Baz Luhrmann, Mike Myers and Mike Nichols.