055: April 2026 News Round-Up: Screen Forever Wrap-Up, Women in Screen AI Workshop & More...

058: May 2026 News Round-Up. Mental Health Action Plan, Vertical Microdramas & More...

Have your own thoughts to share about this episode or anything else happening in the industry? Join Loani, Aven, Robbie and Kirsty this Thursday 28th May at 8:30pm for our second Instagram Live: https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast In this monthly round-up episode, Robbie and Aven discuss Screen Well’s new Mental Health Action Plan and why conversations around leadership, safety and sustainability in production are more important than ever. They also explore the rapid rise of creator-led distribution, from TikTok micro-dramas to YouTube series, and what this shift means for traditional development cycles. Plus federal budget updates for the sector, key industry moves and opportunities, productions shooting around Australia, and the changing ways creatives are building audiences before projects even get financed. Links mentioned in this episode: Screen Well Mental Health Action Plan: https://www.screenwell.com.au/mhap [https://www.screenwell.com.au/mhap] Issa Rae Microdrama Article: https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/tv-shows/issa-rae-microdrama-screen-time-ratings-viewership-tiktok-pinedrama-exclusive/ [https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/tv-shows/issa-rae-microdrama-screen-time-ratings-viewership-tiktok-pinedrama-exclusive/] Screenworks Regional-to-Global: https://screenworks.com.au/ [https://screenworks.com.au/] NFSA appoints Zareh Nalbandian to board: https://www.nfsa.gov.au/about/people/board [https://www.nfsa.gov.au/about/people/board] --- 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. This episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast was hosted by Aven Yap and Robbie Miles. Join the conversation about Episode 58 on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast] and ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast/], or submit your own Big Idea to shape the industry at ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au]. --- Have industry news, upcoming events or productions to share? Want to sponsor the podcast? Let us know at weinterruptpod@gmail.com

057: Deep Dive with Lianne Mackessy: Create From Truth, Not Perfection

Fresh off of winning Tropfest 2026 with her short film Crescendo and taking home the Rebel8 Award for Most Outstanding Emerging Female Director at Flickerfest for Tuesday Tuesday, Lianne Mackessy reveals her process and reflects on the experiences that have shaped her creative voice. She chats to Robbie Miles to explore the pressures of creative ambition, motherhood and hustle culture, the importance of emotional truth in storytelling, and how working-class voices remain underrepresented behind the camera in the Australian screen industry. Listen to hear Lianne discuss: Why life experience is essential to storytelling The transition from acting into writing and directing Making Crescendo under the tight deadlines of Tropfest Motherhood, creativity and redefining success Building authentic creative collaborations and community Why working-class representation behind the camera matters Sustainable filmmaking careers and balancing art with life Listen to Episode 57 on Spotify [https://substack.com/redirect/6f9084cf-395c-4323-8bd7-a9727228ad64?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4], YouTube [https://substack.com/redirect/277f1a30-a06c-4298-876e-385df5bb879e?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4] or Apple Podcasts [https://substack.com/redirect/47162148-b4e0-4021-b5e0-119c7a8acff6?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4]. 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: Lianne Mackessy Website: https://www.liannemackessy.com/ [https://substack.com/redirect/fdc48d6b-6a1f-4a1c-af20-6bd94b82670e?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4] Tropfest Winner - Crescendo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys7v4uEMS_M [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys7v4uEMS_M] Flickerfest Winners: https://flickerfest.com.au/press-releases/flickerfest-2026-awards-announced-and-the-winners-are/ [https://substack.com/redirect/63c5d810-b374-44f1-82c3-f88c9a4c0564?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4] Follow Lianne and her work: Lianne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianne-mackessy-4a968b341/ [https://substack.com/redirect/40d2e875-96a6-4def-b841-e5b8154993a9?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4] This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Robbie Miles [https://substack.com/redirect/7ce400c4-f86c-44a5-ad7c-60080805027e?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4]. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://substack.com/redirect/6f9084cf-395c-4323-8bd7-a9727228ad64?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4] or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://substack.com/redirect/47162148-b4e0-4021-b5e0-119c7a8acff6?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4], and we’d love you to forward this episode to a friend! Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://substack.com/redirect/8e60b5dd-b679-4211-a03b-5505b688f6ad?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4] | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://substack.com/redirect/277f1a30-a06c-4298-876e-385df5bb879e?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4] | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ [https://substack.com/redirect/212bd1a4-0c3c-4c84-b18c-3a87ddaa5dbc?j=eyJ1IjoiaDJ6ZyJ9.gurfXKxygc2tKk0vGsRJzLlcMoFvfV5OWNSEXSqN-N4] Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

056: Deep Dive with Dawid Naude: The Ultimate AI Masterclass for Filmmakers

** This is a special video masterclass, so make sure you watch on video to get the full benefit of seeing Dawid share his screen.** In this special masterclass episode, Kirsty Stark chats to Dawid Naude, CEO & Founder at Pathfindr, and an award-winning AI innovator and educator. Dawid takes Kirsty through the Claude AI platform, offering in depth insights into how to set it up for maximum efficiency in her day-to-day tasks as a producer. There is a huge wealth of knowledge in this episode and the lessons he shares are transferable to other AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. They are focused on admin and workflow outcomes, rather than using AI to generate creative work. Whether you’ve been using AI regularly, or want to know what’s possible beyond basic prompting, this is an episode that can benefit anyone working in the screen industry. Watch as Dawid shares his screen and teaches: * AI team members: your Assistant, Thinker and Creator * Interviewing AI to craft a plan for how it can help you * Task management and prioritisation * Integrating AI with your email, notetaker and other tools * Data privacy and security * Preparing for meetings and keeping track of production information * Using AI for deep research * Personalising your AI interactions * Creating and managing Projects in Claude * Creating AI Skills for repeated tasks * Creating and managing AI policies for your team * Claude Cowork and using plugins * Creating websites and presentations directly from Claude * Automating tasks with browser control Watch Episode 56 on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1GsbiHRwpncSFFUCtI0hvJ?si=9bd2df776e664faa] or YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@weinterruptpodcast]. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast. Links mentioned in the episode: Claude: https://claude.ai [https://claude.ai] Pathfindr: https://www.pathfindr.ai [https://www.pathfindr.ai] Start Learning AI (Dawid & Pathfindr’s monthly masterclass): https://startlearning.ai [https://startlearning.ai] Follow Dawid on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawidnaude [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawidnaude] This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Kirsty Stark [https://kirstystark.com/]. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please leave a comment or rating on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/1GsbiHRwpncSFFUCtI0hvJ?si=9bd2df776e664faa] or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/we-interrupt-this-broadcast/id1791026795], 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/105338177/] Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

055: April 2026 News Round-Up: Screen Forever Wrap-Up, Women in Screen AI Workshop & More...

Have your own thoughts to share about this episode, Screen Forever, or anything else happening in the industry? Join Loani, Aven, Robbie and Kirsty this Thursday 7th May at 8:30pm for our first ever Instagram Live: https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast --- Screen Forever turned 40 on the Gold Coast last week, and there’s a lot to unpack! Kirsty and Loani reflect on the big conversations coming out of Screen Forever, from funding pressures and private investment to the risks of Australia becoming a service economy. They also dive into the growing conversations around AI in the sector, and what it means for authorship, voice and the future workforce. Plus feature film distribution challenges, major inbound productions shooting now, and why the National Cultural Policy consultation is a crucial moment for the industry. --- Links mentioned in this episode: AACTA Proof Recipients: https://www.aacta.org/our-news/media-room/aacta-and-gold-coast-film-festival-announce-the-three-proof-finalists [https://www.aacta.org/our-news/media-room/aacta-and-gold-coast-film-festival-announce-the-three-proof-finalists] Screen Australia funds 91 Narrative Projects: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/screen-australia-announces-narrative-content-funding-for-91-projects-including-four-short-films-paired-with-industry-mentors/ [https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/screen-australia-announces-narrative-content-funding-for-91-projects-including-four-short-films-paired-with-industry-mentors/] Australia’s National Cultural Policy - Have Your Say (Closes May 24, 2026) https://www.arts.gov.au/have-your-say/new-national-cultural-policy [https://www.arts.gov.au/have-your-say/new-national-cultural-policy] Deep Dive: Right-Sizing Your Screen Production Business (Ep 051) https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes?grid1-dialog=recGSZhWj4oxIhvrZ [https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes?grid1-dialog=recGSZhWj4oxIhvrZ] Deep Dive: Why Nobody Saw Your Film at the Cinema (Ep 054) https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes?grid1-dialog=recGSZhWj4oxIhvrZ [https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes?grid1-dialog=recGSZhWj4oxIhvrZ] Deep Dive: Inventing a New Financing Model for Indie Features (Ep 034) https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes?grid1-dialog=rec9998Xpoi4tYfyW [https://www.weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au/episodes?grid1-dialog=rec9998Xpoi4tYfyW] Production Infrastructure and Capacity Analysis (PICA) report: https://www.o-spi.com/projects/production-infrastructure-and-capacity-analysis-pica-for-australias-screen-production-sector [https://www.o-spi.com/projects/production-infrastructure-and-capacity-analysis-pica-for-australias-screen-production-sector] --- 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. This episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast was hosted by Kirsty Stark and Loani Arman. Join the conversation about Episode 55 on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/weinterruptpodcast] and ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast/], or submit your own Big Idea to shape the industry at ⁠⁠⁠http://weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au⁠⁠⁠ [http://weinterruptthisbroadcast.com.au]. --- Have industry news, upcoming events or productions to share? Want to sponsor the podcast? Let us know at weinterruptpod@gmail.com

054: Deep Dive with Kate Separovich: Why Nobody Saw Your Film at the Cinema

** We’re postponing our regular monthly wrap-up episode to next week so that we can cover all of the conversations and discussion from Screen Forever. If you’ll be with us on the Gold Coast, make sure you say hello! ** In this episode, Aven Yap chats to Kate Separovich, Producer at Lake Martin Films and creator of the Australia in Cinemas newsletter that dives into Australian box office numbers and the current situation for Australian films in Australian cinemas. (If you haven’t already subscribed, it’s a must read!) https://australiaincinemas.substack.com Kate has just produced and released Proclivitas, written and directed by Miley Tunnecliffe, and shares some of her experience releasing the film, as well as what actually needs to change if we want Australian films to thrive in Australian cinemas. With the National Cultural Policy Review coming up, this conversation couldn’t be more timely. --- Listen to hear Kate discuss: * Why box office data is important for producers * Understanding audience engagement * Cinemas as cultural infrastructure and their role in supporting Australian films * France’s model for supporting local films * Why awareness, availability and habit all matter when ensuring Australian films get seen in cinemas * The upcoming National Cultural Policy review and why it’s important * Insights from producing Proclivitas * What you can do to support Australian films Listen to Episode 54 on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe & leave a rating or review to help us reach more listeners for We Interrupt This Broadcast. Make your own submission to the new National Cultural Policy: https://www.arts.gov.au/have-your-say/new-national-cultural-policy Follow Kate and her work: Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateseparovich Lake Martin Films: https://lakemartinfilms.com Australia in Cinemas newsletter: https://australiaincinemas.substack.com Proclivitas trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtgkX5oHCVI This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Aven Yap. https://www.linkedin.com/in/avenyap 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  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC-Mg00WX7bn_iXD8JPd7FvQ] LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weinterruptpodcast Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.