The Producer and the Publicist

From Reality TV to the Australian Stage

In this episode, we sit down with Wesley Senna Cortes, a Brazilian actor and model whose creative life has taken him across continents, across genres, and from screen to stage. Wesley Senna Cortes is a Brazilian-born actor and model with more than 15 years of experience across Brazil, the U.S., and Australia. Initially breaking into the industry in Australia through The Bachelor, Wesley later shifted his focus to dramatic training, working with leading industry figures including Kim Farrant, Ben Mathews, and Michael Sheasby.  One of the world’s nicest actors, at 31, he made the bold decision to start his acting career in a completely new country, moving from marketing and a stint on The Bachelor to Australia’s competitive screen and stage landscape.  Now starring as Christopher in the World Premiere of Gravity at QTOPIA Sydney, Wesley reflects on the immense personal and professional transformation required to shift from being a recognisable reality TV personality to a serious, disciplined actor. In this conversation, we dive into: • The leap from reality TV to acting How the immediacy and constructed nature of reality television gave Wesley an unexpected foundation: understanding narrative, audience connection, and the business mechanics behind “being seen.” • Starting over at 31 in a foreign country The psychological, creative, and practical challenges of uprooting your life, entering a new industry with no contacts, and navigating Australian casting culture as an outsider with experience that doesn’t always translate on paper. • Reframing past experience, not running from it Why Wesley no longer sees his reality TV background as something to “erase,” but as a toolkit he can draw on: production literacy, brand awareness, personal storytelling, and the discipline of working under pressure. • The business of show business What he’s learned about self-positioning, managing expectations, carving out an authentic on-screen identity, and why actors need to think like entrepreneurs rather than waiting for permission. • What he wants emerging actors to know Wesley offers thoughtful, practical reflections for anyone considering a career pivot, a late start, or a move to a new creative market. The Producer and the Publicist is a podcast for emerging filmmakers, screen creatives, and anyone fascinated by the business behind making stories happen. Each episode, producer Kyle and publicist Louise interview working professionals across Australia’s screen industry—directors, editors, actors, writers, crew, executives—and unpack the real stories of how they broke in, what they’ve learned, and the advice they wish they had starting out. Where to find us: • Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms Follow us for more industry interviews and insights: 📲 Instagram: [@theproducerandthepublicist] 📲 LInkedIn: [@The Producer and The Publicist Podcast]

Inside The Editing Suite With Danielle Boesenberg

In this episode of The Producer and the Publicist, we speak with award-winning editor and former President of the Australian Screen Editors Guild, Danielle Boesenberg, a powerhouse of post-production whose work has screened at the world’s top festivals, including Berlin, Toronto, Tribeca, and Palm Springs. Danielle shares the story of how she fell in love with her first editing system at COFA building up her experience in the advertising industry before moving into film and TV via AFTRS, and the craft behind assembling powerful, emotionally resonant edits while managing multiple creative opinions. We chat about: The responsibility of an editor How she approaches the all-important first cut Collaborating with directors, producers and navigating notes Why the Guild and industry associations are so important The evolution of editing technology Whether you're a film student, aspiring editor, or just love learning how stories are crafted behind the scenes, this episode is packed with incredible wisdom, warmth, and practical advice from one of the best in the business. Available now wherever you get your podcasts. The Producer and the Publicist is the podcast where we talk to the people behind the screen, to find out how they got their start, what keeps them going, and the advice they have for emerging creatives and film students alike. Follow us, share the episode, and let us know who you’d love us to interview next! Follow us for more industry interviews and insights: 📲 Instagram: [@theproducerandthepublicist] 📲 LInkedIn: [@The Producer and The Publicist Podcast]

From Sydney to South Beach - James Woolley on Running Film Festivals That Matter

In this episode of The Producer and the Publicist, we sit down with James Woolley, Executive Director of the Miami Film Festival, to explore the fascinating world of film festivals from the inside out. James shares his journey from working in Australia’s screen scene (Sydney Film Festival, Queer Screen, and more) to leading one of the most dynamic and diverse festivals in the U.S. We unpack the different flavours of film festivals, from big-name galas to niche genre gems and what filmmakers really need to know when submitting their work.  In this episode, we cover: – How James got his start in festivals – The buzz of festival life – Why genre festivals play a different, but equally vital, role – The do’s and don’ts of festival submissions – What emerging filmmakers can do to build lasting festival relationships  If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your film on the big screen at a festival — or you’re just curious about what happens behind the scenes — this episode is packed with insight. The Producer and the Publicist is the podcast where we talk to the people behind the screen — to find out how they got their start, what keeps them going, and the advice they have for emerging creatives and film students alike. Follow us, share the episode, and get in touch if there’s someone you’d love us to interview next! Follow us for more industry interviews and insights: 📲 Instagram: [@theproducerandthepublicist] 📲 LInkedIn: [@The Producer and The Publicist Podcast]

Loretta Cosgrove: Designing the World Behind the Camera

We chat with film Art Director and Production Designer Loretta Cosgrove, whose credits include Mortal Kombat, Stealth, I Know What You Did Last Summer and Mixtape. Loretta breaks down what art departments actually do, how she got her start in the industry, and incredible practical advice on everything from where to send your CV to building up your research database. A must-listen for anyone trying to break into or work up the production design and art direction ladder. Follow Loretta on Insta @lorettacosgrove Follow us for more industry interviews and insights: Instagram: [@theproducerandthepublicist] LinkedIn: [@The Producer and The Publicist Podcast] Follow us for more industry interviews and insights: 📲 Instagram: [@theproducerandthepublicist] 📲 LInkedIn: [@The Producer and The Publicist Podcast]

Triple Threat: Juan Pablo Di Pace on Acting, Directing & Dancing

In this episode, we sit down with Juan Pablo Di Pace (@juanpablodipace), the Argentinian actor, director, and dancer, who’s in Sydney for Queer Screen’s 32nd Mardi Gras Film Festival and the screening of his debut film Duino. Juan Pablo takes us on a deep dive into his incredible career—a journey filled with plot twists, perseverance, and faith. From starring in global hits to stepping behind the camera, he shares how he made the right connections to access the resources to tell his own story. We also chat about: His transition from acting to directing The making of Duino and why this story needed to be told How he manages mental health and stays inspired in the industry A sneak peek at his exciting upcoming project Tune in for an insightful and uplifting conversation about storytelling, resilience, and the power of forging your own creative path. Follow us for more industry interviews and insights: 📲 Instagram: [@theproducerandthepublicist] 📲 LInkedIn: [@The Producer and The Publicist Podcast]