032: Deep Dive with Nicholas Colla: Planning a Smarter Production Workflow in Pre
In this episode, Kirsty talks to Creative Producer Nicholas Colla from LateNite Films in Melbourne about how he and his business partner Chris Hocking have built a slate of work that balances great storytelling with highly accomplished VFX and animation.Nick shares their approach to production, including integrating post production workflows and using technology in their planning and development process, plus the lessons they've brought into live action from their animation work.Listen to hear Nick discuss:Why planning in pre-production is crucial when making ambitious projects on lower budgetsHow LateNite approached Wizards of Oz and its 1200 VFX shotsThe technology that can assist with planning your shoot with a small team in development and preThe lessons LateNite has taken from animation into their live action workWhy the Australian screen industry needs to rethink development.Follow Nick and his work:LateNite Films: https://latenitefilms.com/Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-colla-07865790Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickcollaLateNite on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@latenitefilmsRebooted: https://youtu.be/1Rkn6rnsgc4?si=MI_iKFy2-KjREu1FThe Wizards of Aus: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJSMFXYSojXotCa_NrjYM54ICmSmmCygg&si=Za3YlDg327mjyycRThe Future of Everything: https://youtu.be/cD2jXqBFaIQ?si=oLo32b-jNjm-yjevDeadbeat Ends Meet: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJaZsLppUqpzk4tjJxcnBJunVHITREyTz&si=2xp5r9TkDpH1M69hVideo reference in the episode: I Am Mother VR Storyboarding: https://youtu.be/M4Xy9vvpLvE?si=L6ovF7pmv99c0273This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Kirsty Stark, and proudly brought to you by CrewHQ & Expanding Media.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 | YouTube | LinkedInDon’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.
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031: Deep Dive with Steve Jaggi: Audience Demand is Shaping New Production Models
In this episode, Julie talks to prolific producer Steve Jaggi, founder of Jaggi Entertainment, about how he has built one of Australia’s busiest independent studios. Steve unpacks his cradle-to-grave business model - spanning development, financing, production, post, VFX and distribution - and why being relentlessly audience-focused has been key to his global success.He shares candid insights into why legacy systems are struggling, how micro dramas and influencer-led casting are reshaping the industry, and why Australian producers must urgently rethink cost structures and audience engagement. Steve also reflects on AI, direct-to-consumer models, and what kind of leadership is needed to stop the industry’s “slow-moving train” from derailing.Listen to hear Steve discuss:The rise of vertical drama and mobile-first storytelling.Why influencer-driven casting is transforming audience definitions of quality.Rethinking cost, scale and sustainability in production.Preparing for disruption from AI, D2C models, and shifting global power.What kind of leadership the Australian industry needs right now.Follow Jaggi Entertainment:Jaggi Entertainment: https://www.jaggientertainment.com IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1863720You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaggi_entertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaggi_entertainmentFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaggientertainmentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jaggientertainment/This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Julie Eckersley, and proudly brought to you by CrewHQ & Expanding Media.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 | YouTube | LinkedInDon’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.
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030: Deep Dive with Clayton Jacobson: Reimagining Filmmaking with AI Workflows
In this episode, Julie talks to award-winning filmmaker Clayton Jacobson, best known for Kenny, about his pioneering work with AI in film. Clayton shares how AI is helping him bypass traditional gatekeepers, transform creative workflows, and unlock decades of unrealised ideas. He speaks candidly about the opportunities and challenges of this rapidly evolving technology, how it can democratise creativity, and why he believes it will change the way we make and experience stories.Listen to hear Clayton discuss:How AI is transforming filmmaking and creative workflows.The future of storytelling beyond traditional gatekeepers.Iterative creative processes using AI tools.Rethinking collaboration, production, and budgets in screen content.The broader cultural impact of AI on creativity and human connection.Follow Clayton and his work:LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/clayton-jacobson-13453841Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clayton.jacobson.79Youtube (portfolio): https://www.www.youtube.com/@GUNSHYCOWBOYS-285Escape AI: https://escape.ai/profile/gunshycowboys285 Dreamscreen Australia: https://www.dreamscreenaustralia.com/This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Julie Eckersley, and proudly brought to you by CrewHQ & Expanding Media.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 | YouTube | LinkedIn
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029: Deep Dive with Lee Naimo: Building Sustainable Online Models for Screen Businesses
In this episode, Julie Eckersley talks to Lee Naimo, Head of Creative for Grouse House at Haven’t You Done Well Productions, about the growth of online screen businesses in Australia and how to build a sustainable business model that works for you and your audience.Previously managing the Online and Games Unit at Screen Australia, Lee worked with Australian producers, writers, directors and gamemakers to elevate their projects and careers, and has great insight into how they’re succeeding in the marketplace.Even for those companies working in traditional media, online opportunities will need to make up at least one component of your future business strategy, so this is an episode not to miss!Listen to hear Lee discuss:The evolution of online content in AustraliaInnovative companies in the online spaceHow Grouse House is building opportunities for comedians to get their work in front of audiencesHow revenue stacking leads to sustainable business modelsWhy you should repurpose your existing content to find new audiencesWhat’s happening in the games space in AustraliaPlus, his big idea for the Australian industryFollow Lee, Grouse House and their work:Haven’t You Done Well’s website: https://www.haventyoudonewell.com Grouse House’s website: https://www.haventyoudonewell.com/grouse-houseGrouse House on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNuaFLcbAeycQAIAW5s7T0QLee Naimo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-naimo-689084233This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Kirsty Stark, and proudly brought to you by CrewHQ & Expanding Media.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 | YouTube | LinkedIn
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028 - September 2025 News Round-Up: Tropfest 2.0, Audience Trends, International Accolades & More...
In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month's industry news, from the announcement of Tropfest 2.0 and an audience shift back to cinemas, through to Netflix's new staff announcements and some international successes for Australian work.Plus: all of your September screen industry news headlines from around the country...00:00 Intro00:41 Julie on Stake Out & Kirsty on holidays!03:46 Tropfest is back!05:49 The re-emergence of cinema 08:18 Industry news & key appointments09:20 Opportunities & upcoming events11:04 Netflix releases AI guidelines12:37 Australian successes overseas: The Emmys & Hollow Knight: Silksong17:03 What we've been watching19:13 What’s in production around Australia21:11 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of CountryWhat We've Been Up ToStake OutDeep Dive with Jonathon DuttonDeep Dive with Sam JockelScreen Well’s Psychosocial Safety courseAudience TrendsDeep Dive with Sam JenningsAdelaide Film FestivalMelbourne Is Getting Another Independent CinemaA24 Buys Cherry Lane TheaterThe MercuryCan Gen Alpha Save the Box Office?Aunty Donna / Grouse House’s New Streaming ServiceHow Dropout went from College Humor to multi-media powerhouseIndustry News & OpportunitiesNetflix AppointmentsLeanne Tonks appointed WIFT Chair AACTA Entries Now Open AACTA Young Stars CinefestOZ Feature WinnerCinefestOZ Shorts WinnersNetflix AI GuidelinesNetflix Clipping Feature Aquarius Films to Close Love on the Spectrum Wins Two EmmysScreenrights Cultural Fund RecipientsScreen Forever Session Call Out SPA GENR8 ConferenceHollow Knight: SilksongTeam CherryWhat We're WatchingLesbian Space Princess: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nra14aUNYS8 Went Up the Hill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ngflg43TKUI Top End Bub: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDIbYTsWSqw Pasa Faho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZQln1EvjeA CEEBS: https://www.tiktok.com/@ceebsseries HOOPS: https://www.tiktok.com/@transathletica.series Kangaroo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvmaXOvLJNc Mystery Road: Origin S2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zETZw4w-Hbs What's in ProductionStake Out: https://deadline.com/2025/08/brenton-thwaites-charlee-fraser-horror-stake-out-1236500324/ The Dispatcher: https://vicscreen.vic.gov.au/news/new-thriller-series-the-dispatcher-wraps-in-victoria Dog Park: https://www.filmink.com.au/public-notice/sit-stay-laugh-abcs-new-comedy-dog-park-begins-filming/ Happy House & Caper Crew: https://www.abc.net.au/about/media-centre/publicity-media-room/abc-unveils-two-new-original-children-s-series/105702130 Her Aussie Romance - Jaggi Entertainment: https://if.com.au/colin-budds-her-aussie-romance-sets-melbourne-backdrop-with-mallory-jansen-ryan-corr-dannii-minogue/ Prima Facie: https://www.screendaily.com/news/prima-facie-starring-cynthia-erivo-gearing-up-to-shoot-at-londons-story-works-studios SXSW Sydney: https://www.sxswsydney.com/ Sony Scenescape: https://scene.sonyanz.com/sne-hub/explore-all/scenescape 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.We Interrupt This Broadcast is hosted by Julie Eckersley and Kirsty Stark.This episode is proudly brought to you by Expanding Media & CrewHQ.
Your essential monthly round-up of the Australian screen industry, every third Tuesday of the month.
Plus, weekly deep dive interviews on the Tuesdays in between!
Hosted by Julie Eckersley and Kirsty Stark.
Produced by Leonie Marsh.
Australia