Tea Time - Fullisick Filmmaking Podcast

Tea Van de Burgt
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  • FILM INTERVIEWS
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Created by Australian production company Fullisick, Tea Time is a filmmaking podcast that explores career pathways, opportunities and achievements of filmmakers in the Australian film industry. Each episode features special guests that have made recent progress or achievements in the Australian screen industry. Hosted by writer and director Tea Van de Burgt, the podcast hopes to inspire Australian film practitioners on their journey in the industry, and provide insight for film lovers to appreciate the challenges Australian filmmakers experience in the industry.

Episodes

  1. 16 APR

    E07: David Ward - Writing and Directing Lenore

    In this episode we are joined by writer and director David Ward, whose feature film Lenore is currently doing its festival rounds. Lenore is a psychological thriller- “When a controversial influencer suddenly disappears, a terminally online sycophant goes hunting for answers, but comes face-to-face with the monstrosity of his own sins.” If you’re listening to this episode before the 15th of May 2026, you can catch Lenore at its Australian premiere, at Fantastic Film Festival, with screenings in Sydney and Melbourne- we touch more on this towards the end of the episode. My favourite parts of this episode was our discussion on private investors, test screenings, and literary genesis of the screenplay- these are topics we haven’t yet spoken about on the podcast before and is so useful for emerging filmmakers. Grew up an actor, went to film school  Film school - character shaping vs craft shaping  Camaraderie & collaboration - fundamental skills built through film school The reality of being a director nowadays- the need to be multihyphenate  Directing and Editing Lenore Trifecter - Good, Fast and Cheap 16mm unit at Swinburne - benefits of learning the discipline of shooting on film  How Lenore began as a stageplay VFX, screen replacements, in-camera effects  Genre - Thriller or Horror?  Creative genesis - Edgar Allen Poe  Co-writing the screenplay  How the HODs got attached Casting Lenore - the challenges of casting such an intense role Challenges and restrictions during filming Ethics and morality of directing  Financing the film - private investors Private investing for feature films - how to find private investors  Budget - and budget for genre  Test screening - the benefits of doing  Feedback on films - how to take it  Finishing the film & festival runs  Fantasporto - winning the audience choice award Fantastic film festival - Australia premiere  Advice for emerging filmmakers Check out Lenore's screenings at Fantastic Film Festival Follow the podcast on instagram: ⁠⁠@teatimefilmpodcast⁠⁠ Follow Tea on instagram: ⁠⁠@teavandeburgt⁠⁠ Follow David on instagram: @davidjsward ⁠⁠ To leave the podcast feedback ⁠⁠follow this link

    1hr 24min

  2. 25 MAR

    E06: Tavis Pinnington - Cinematography in Melbourne’s Landscape [Part Two]

    Today we have the second half of the podcast with Melbourne-based cinematographer Tavis Pinnington. In this part of the episode we talk about Westgate, the process, scheduling, and film festivals of the film, as well as Tavis’ other narrative works that he has completed recently. We delve into the importance of creating genuine ongoing relationships with other filmmakers, advice for cinematographers, and much more.  Scheduling of Westgate  Opportunities films can lead toScreening your films in cinemaBeing perceived in the industryGoal setting Growing with films Life experience turning into your artVulnerability in films The worth of films - and how people perceive your workLetterboxd reviews and peer feedback Shooting ‘Boys Club’Visual style and colour choicesHow different films can open up to different experiencesShooting with an intimacy coordinator Danaë’s producing style- how generosity and kindness creates the best setsLa Petite MortOngoing working relationships and the benefitsAmerican Society of Cinematographers MentorshipAdvice for cinematographers Mentioned:  Westgate Adrian Ortega Letterboxd  Marty Supreme  Boys Club Danaë Grieef Marissa Faith Benson Daniela Fink Daniel Agar Victor Tikhanov Liam Mollica Mary Gavriilidou Dimas Sujono Indi Sandwell Data Creep Christopher Nolan Follow the podcast on instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@teatimefilmpodcast⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tea on instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@teavandeburgt⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tavis on instagram: ⁠@⁠tpdop⁠ To leave the podcast feedback ⁠⁠⁠follow this link

    48 min

  3. 11 MAR

    E05: Tavis Pinnington - Cinematography in Melbourne’s Landscape [Part One]

    Today we’re joined by Melbourne-based cinematographer Tavis Pinnington. For part one of the chat with Tavis, we discuss film school, the transition from sound department to cinematographer. We touch on first paid jobs, and the reality of making a living as a cinematographer. We look at pitching, commercials, spec ads, and all the creative documentation, specifically delving into his recent campaign work for Up There Store x Adidas, particularly talking about references and treatments, lighting, shooting, you name it. More on Tavis’ narrative work will be coming in the next episode!  ​Film school at Swinburne ​Sound department to cinematographer ​First paid job ​The reality of making a living from being a cinematographer​Pitching - knowing your worth ​Commercials ​Spec ads ​Working with brands ​Levelling up- international jobs, worldviews and experiences ​Adidas Online Advertisement ​References and treatments​Shooting naturally​Colour Grade for Adidas ​Creating in Melbourne​The future of creatives in Melbourne​Camera Assisting​Anuk - First Feature Film​First film in MIFF Mentioned: Cinematographer Rina Yang Adidas Wilhelm Philipp Crayon Westgate  Caleb Ribates Follow the podcast on instagram: ⁠⁠@teatimefilmpodcast⁠⁠ Follow Tea on instagram: ⁠⁠@teavandeburgt⁠⁠ Follow Tavis on instagram: ⁠@tpdop To leave the podcast feedback ⁠⁠follow this link

    39 min

  4. 25 FEB

    E04: Adrian Ortega - Writing and Directing Westgate, festivals and distribution - the real secrets to the life of a film after post

    In today’s episode we are joined by Melbourne-based writer, director and producer Adrian Ortega, the director of feature films Westgate and Cerulean Blue, both of which were in MIFF and had decorated festival runs and award wins globally. He is the founder of Proud Wing Films, an Australian production company, where he also produces short films, championing debut and emerging filmmakers. Throughout this episode, we touch a lot on the details of feature filmmaking, talking about the challenges of both features- and every step of the process.  Gaining experience in many roles- particularly ADing, can help you become a better director How living in isolated societies made film seem like an unattainable dream The importance of film school in Melbourne/Australia vs America  The importance of doing volunteer work and upskilling before doing HOD roles Transition into making his first feature film Budgets for independent features  Using the volume screen  Car scenes in films  Immense pre-production planning  Proud Wing - Starting a production company, supporting first-time directors Festival strategy- is it even a thing?  Writing plans and creating deadlines Casting process  How important Instagram is for actors  Madman Distribution - how it came to be  MIFF Premiere Fund  Period Films - making films set in the 1990s  VFX for period pieces  Budget towards locations  Good vs bad characters Australian Cultural Fund - Crowdfunding Rehearsals  “If something goes wrong, then it’s supposed to happen.” - Greta Gerwig's advice that changed both of our perspectives The Happy Place & Cerulean Blue anecdote - working through when things go wrong Advice for up and coming filmmakers Westgate still has select screenings and Q&As- keep an eye on Adrian's instagram for more info! Cerulean Blue is available to watch on Stan! Follow the podcast on instagram: ⁠@teatimefilmpodcast⁠ Follow me on instagram: ⁠@teavandeburgt⁠ Follow Adrian on instagram: ⁠@adrian.mov To leave the podcast feedback ⁠follow this link Other media mentioned: The Belie - Sarah Nicolazzo (Proud Wing's New Short Film) The Happy Place - Tea Van de Burgt & Harrison Rook The Eulogy  - Natalie Cicciarelli The Florida Project - Sean Baker

    1hr 4min

  5. 11 FEB

    E03: Matthew Higgs & Majella Davis - An Actor’s Handbook: The Talent Behind Award-Winning Short Film Once Ethereal

    Today we are joined by the talent of short film, Once Ethereal- Director, Writer, Editor and lead actor Matthew Higgs, and co-star and former Neighbours actor, Majella Davis. Throughout this episode, we touch on Once Ethereal, how it came to be- all the way up until its festival run. But we also talk about non-linear pathways into acting and directing, we focus a lot on acting training, studios, and courses, and their benefits. We delve into Majella’s time on Neighbours, and how she got the big role, and we discuss Matt’s previous films and acting experience, including some projects that we’ve collaborated on together over the years. Non-linear pathways into acting and directing- rejections & no film school   How working with non-actors can help your directing  Acting training: What to take and what to leave  Brave studios & other acting courses in Melbourne  Networks made through short courses Control vs collaboration as a director How Majella got her start on Neighbours- filming 427 episodes  The making of Once Ethereal How to make your own work as an actor Directing actors as an actor- benefits and challenges The benefits of meticulous pre-production Rehearsals for short films  Anecdotes from Once Ethereal  Filming in Australian weather conditions Matt’s Festival strategy for Once Ethereal Majella on Neighbours vs Short Films and her processes Jobs in between the dream roles  Matt’s new short film ‘Model’ Advice for actors  Self tape advice for actors - the real truth to self-taping Link to watch Once Ethereal on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9ojc3e9ueY Matt's Instagram: @_matthiggs Majella's Instagram: @majella.davis Mentioned: Link to watch For The Dear Leader on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9UMioorNsc  Cinematographer & Fullisick Co-Founder Darcy Michell

    1hr 4min

  6. 28 JAN

    E02: Gabriel Carrubba - Writing and Directing Sunflower, and All the Jobs in Between: The Reality of Being a Director in Australia

    Today we’re joined by Melbourne-based writer, director and producer Gabriel Carrubba, who discusses his debut feature film Sunflower, that was officially selected for MIFF, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Cinefest, and also had a buyers screening at Cannes. Gabriel talks about his transition from acting to directing, the many industry jobs he’s worked between projects, and the writing, casting, budget and challenges behind Sunflower. We also cover the film’s festival journey, producing Zane Borg’s upcoming feature River, Screen Australia development funding, and much more. Note: This episode was recorded in July 2025, and dates mentioned may be outdated. All future episodes were recorded in 2026. Key Topics: ​Transition from acting to directing​Working as a lecturer​Short films before making a feature​Jobs after directing Sunflower - Time Addicts, Late Night with the Devil​Writing Sunflower​Casting Sunflower - how the leads landed their roles​Budget for Sunflower - making a feature film under $20k​Sunflower festival strategy - the reality of getting into Australian film festivals ​Going to Cannes - buyers screening experience​Producing Zane Borg’s River​Screen Australia development funding Sunflower is available to watch on SBS on Demand (in Australia): Follow the podcast on instagram: ⁠@teatimefilmpodcast⁠ Follow Tea on instagram: ⁠@teavandeburgt⁠ Follow Gabriel on instagram: @gabrielcarrubba_ To leave the podcast feedback ⁠follow this link

    1hr 17min

  7. 15 JAN

    E01: Will Jones - Stunts, Directing, and Queer representation in Australian Webseries

    Today we are joined by writer, director, producer and stuntman Will Jones, who recently created the pilot episode of his web series “Queer Custodians”. Within the podcast, we talk about Will’s career in stunts, including his experiences with Margot Robbie and Liam Neeson, and being Master Chief in the trailer of Halo. We talk about his experience doing film studies on exchange with the New Columbo Grant. We also discuss film school, stunt license and training, as well as his progression into establishing himself as a writer director. Then we touch on Queer Custodians, the development and casting of the webseries, as well as the importance of Queer representation in film and television. Key Topics: ​Early Career in Stunts​Stunt license and training​Australian Stunt career highlights​New-Colombo Plan with a filmmaking focus​Film School - Honours at Deakin University​Progression from stunts into writing and directing​Queer Custodians - Superhero webseries​Development and Casting the webseries​Queer representation in film and televisionFollow the podcast on instagram: @teatimefilmpodcast Follow me on instagram: @teavandeburgt Follow Will on instagram: @thereisonlyonewill To leave the podcast feedback follow this link

    1hr 6min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Created by Australian production company Fullisick, Tea Time is a filmmaking podcast that explores career pathways, opportunities and achievements of filmmakers in the Australian film industry. Each episode features special guests that have made recent progress or achievements in the Australian screen industry. Hosted by writer and director Tea Van de Burgt, the podcast hopes to inspire Australian film practitioners on their journey in the industry, and provide insight for film lovers to appreciate the challenges Australian filmmakers experience in the industry.

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