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
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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
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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
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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/.
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