We Interrupt This Broadcast

We Interrupt This Broadcast

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.

  1. 15/12/2025

    041 - December 2025 News Round-Up: Warner Bros. Discovery Bids, Screen Australia Drama Report & More...

    In this final episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast for 2025 (and Julie’s last episode as a host), Julie and Kirsty wrap up the month’s industry news, including the new streaming quotas legislation, the Screen Australia Drama Report, the Netflix / Paramount / Warner Brothers Discovery saga, and our Spotify Wrapped stats for the year. Plus: all of your December screen industry news headlines from around the country... This episode is sponsored by ⁠AFTRS⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code SUMMER2026 for a 15% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all summer short courses. Head to aftrs.edu.au/shortcourses to find your course and enrol. 00:00 Intro 00:41 Kirsty’s Japan Prize Trip & Julie Starts at Screen Queensland 02:45 Our Spotify Wrapped Results for 2025 04:27 Streaming Quotas 05:58 Screen Australia Drama Report 10:06 U16 Social Media Ban 12:51 Warner Brothers Discovery + Netflix or Paramount 17:36 Letterboxd’s Video Store 19:32 Industry news, key appointments & opportunities 25:10 What we’ve been watching 28:32 What’s in production around Australia 29:03 Farewell, Julie & see you all in 2026! 30:28 Outro & Acknowledgement of Country Links: Our Spotify Wrapped for 2025: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7402212521182744576 Streaming Quotas: https://deadline.com/2025/11/australia-streaming-quotas-sworn-into-law-1236630348 Screen Australia Drama Report: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/sa/media-centre/news/2025/12-02-drama-report-2024-2025 Warner Bros. Discovery + Netflix or Paramount: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-13/warner-bros-discovery-paramount-skydance-netflix-battle/106126968 U16 Social Media Ban: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/dec/09/australia-under-16-social-media-ban-begins-apps-listed Letterboxd’s Video Store: https://letterboxd.com/video-store AACTA Nominees: https://www.aacta.org/aacta-awards/winners-and-nominees AACTA Wake In Fright Recipient: https://www.aacta.org/aacta-development-initiatives/wake-in-fright-development-initiative AACTA Reg Grundy Award: https://www.aacta.org/our-news/media-room/top-5-finalists-announced-for-the-aacta-reg-grundy-award ASSG Awards: https://if.com.au/better-man-narrow-road-to-the-deep-north-lead-winners-at-assg-awards ASE Ellie Awards: https://if.com.au/the-order-apple-cider-vinegar-win-at-ellie-awards ACS State Awards: https://cinematographer.org.au/state-and-territory-awards Cameraimage Golden Frog: https://www.filmink.com.au/public-notice/australian-cinematographer-benjamin-bryan-takes-home-the-golden-frog-at-camerimage-2025-for-feature-documentary-iron-winter 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. 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 was edited by Kirsty Stark.

    31 min

  2. 08/12/2025

    040: Deep Dive Q&A with Daren Smith: Managing Uncertainty as an Indie Film Producer

    In this episode, Producer Daren Smith returns to share more about his production fund for independent features. Daren was previously a guest on Episode 34 and is back to answer all of the questions you submitted after listening to the episode. He shares insights on marketing, building relationships with investors and understanding market needs, how each film's finance structure works, and how to manage the uncertainty of the industry. --- This episode is sponsored by ⁠AFTRS⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code SUMMER2026 for a 15% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all summer short courses. Head to aftrs.edu.au/shortcourses to find your course and enrol. --- Listen to hear Daren discuss: Brotherhood: A Cinematic Musical, the first film being greenlit under Producer Fund 1why you need to start marketing on Day 1finance plans for independent films, and why they shouldn't be 100% equitywhy he's chosen to release his films theatricallyhow to reach out to investors and the importance of continued outreach over timetracking progress and analysing your numbers Follow Daren and his work: Daren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darentsmith Daren on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2743912 Craftsman Films: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co Get your free copy of Daren's book, Blockbuster: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/blockbuster Follow Brotherhood - Producer Fund One's first film: https://newsletter.craftsmanfilms.co/posts/brotherhood-update-composer-sessions-social-media-now-liveInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brotherhoodmusical/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brotherhoodmusicalYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrotherhoodMusicalSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2qxWEdMELDtPnr5qvq7Rsq This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by ⁠⁠⁠Kirsty Stark⁠. 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

    1h 6m

  3. 01/12/2025

    039: Deep Dive with Enzo Tedeschi: Sustaining an Indie Film Business Through Innovation

    In this episode, Kirsty chats to Enzo Tedeschi, a director, producer, and writer at Deadhouse Films, and how he’s sustained a thriving indie production company through significant industry changes. Enzo has often been at the forefront of experimental production models made possible through changes in technology, from his early crowdfunded feature film The Tunnel, which now has an audience of over 25 million, to work across genre projects and documentary. He discusses audience building, the differences in audience building between documentary and narrative projects, evolving business models and the role of technology in shaping the future of indie filmmaking. Listen to hear Enzo discuss: How the traditional industry prevented Enzo and his team from their planned distribution rollout for The Tunnel Why crowdfunding isn’t the right move for 90% of projects How to cast a project in a way that increases its likely pathway to audience The importance of recognising - and leveraging - the story behind your project How Enzo is using AI on his latest project And much more! Follow Enzo and his work: Enzo Tedeschi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enzo-tedeschi Enzo Tedeschi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enzotedeschi Deadhouse TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/deadhousetv Enzo’s website: https://www.enzotedeschi.com.au Deadhouse Films: https://www.deadhousefilms.com The Tunnel: https://www.thetunnelmovie.net This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Kirsty Stark. 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 This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code SUMMER2026 for a 15% discount⁠⁠⁠ on all summer short courses. Head to aftrs.edu.au/shortcourses to find your course and enrol. Don’t forget to subscribe & get weekly episodes in your inbox.

    49 min

  4. 24/11/2025

    038: Deep Dive with Keith Quinn: Using Data to Power Your Creator Business

    In this episode, Julie Eckersley dives into the fast-evolving world of the creator economy with Keith Quinn, founder of Engine Room - a new kind of studio helping independent creators turn their data into strategy, growth, and sustainable income. Keith’s career has spanned 25 years at the intersection of entertainment, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship. From Project Greenlight with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, to running Paramount’s original digital content division, he’s watched the media landscape expand, contract, and re-invent itself multiple times. Now, with Engine Room, Keith is giving creators the kind of analytical and financial support once reserved for Hollywood studios. He explains how data can empower creative growth, why YouTube has quietly become the biggest player on TV screens, and what the next five years hold for creators, streamers, and the screen industry at large. Listen to hear Keith discuss: The evolution of entertainment: From the streaming boom to the rise of independent, open-platform creators.The creator economy as small business: Why data and audience insight are the new creative superpowers.Inside Engine Room: How the company helps creators understand and act on their analytics - with real examples of how simple insights doubled reach and revenue.The new model for creator growth: Subscription tools, sponsorship data, and how Engine Room connects like-minded creators to help build ‘creative clusters’ to leverage their successPlus: Keith’s big idea to change the future of our industry Follow Keith and his work: Keith Quinn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quinnkeith/Engine Room: https://www.engineroom.com.au This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠ and edited by Brandon Boyer. 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 This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code SUMMER2026 for a 15% discount⁠⁠⁠ on all summer short courses. Head to aftrs.edu.au/shortcourses to find your course and enrol.

    43 min

  5. 17/11/2025

    037 - November 2025 News Round-Up: Streaming quotas, AIMC, Copyright Law & More...

    In this episode of We Interrupt This Broadcast, Julie and Kirsty wrap up this month’s industry news, including a summary of the streaming quotas bill that’s just been introduced to parliament, a wrap-up of the Australian International Movie Convention (AIMC), and what’s happening in AI. Plus: all of your November screen industry news headlines from around the country... This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code SUMMER2026 for a 15% discount⁠⁠⁠ on all summer short courses. Head to aftrs.edu.au/shortcourses to find your course and enrol. 00:00 Intro 00:40 Julie’s new role at Screen Queensland 02:10 AACTA Festival’s 2026 line-up 03:15 Streaming Quotas update 07:40 AIMC wrap-up & what’s happening in the feature space 11:57 AI update: copyright laws & OMNI AI film festival 14:30 Industry news, key appointments & opportunities 19:25 What we’ve been watching 20:22 What’s in production around Australia 21:13 Wrap-Up & Acknowledgement of Country Podcast News: Julie’s new role at Screen Queensland: https://screenqueensland.com.au/sq-news/media-centre/screen-queensland-appoints-julie-eckersley-as-executive-director-screen-content/ 2026 AACTA Festival Program Launch: https://www.aactafestival.com Streaming Quotas: https://www.screenproducers.org.au/media/release/?id=SPA-01860 https://deadline.com/2025/11/australia-streaming-quota-analysis-1236607691 https://www.saveaustralianstories.com.au AIMC: https://cinemaassociation.asn.au/members-events/2025-aimc AI Updates: https://if.com.au/industry-commends-government-for-ruling-out-tdm-exception-in-copyright-laws https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jun/27/deepfakes-denmark-copyright-law-artificial-intelligence https://omnifilmfestival.com The Cinema That Never Was: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfludfofQGw Awards & Announcementshttps://www.screenhub.com.au/news/news/natalie-miller-fellowship-awards-dual-recipients-with-2025-grant-2684678 https://if.com.au/cornel-wilczek-jed-kurzel-meg-washington-on-top-at-screen-music-awards https://cinematographer.org.au/state-and-territory-awards https://if.com.au/screen-nsw-selects-daniel-king-for-first-nations-screen-fellowship https://if.com.au/spa-announces-pitch-on-demand-shortlist-for-2025 https://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/2025/10/29/sbs-nitv-and-screen-australia-announce2025-digital-originals-shortlist https://www.aacta.org/our-news/media-room/strawflower-wins-the-2025-aacta-pitch-focus-initiative Industry opportunities https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/narrative-content-production/finance-attraction/international-initiatives/talent-gateway https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/narrative-content-production/finance-attraction/international-initiatives/global-producers-exchange https://if.com.au/whos-the-next-big-thing-submit-your-picks-for-ifs-2026-rising-talent-list https://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/2025/11/04/sbs-calls-for-bold-thought-provoking-factual-ideas-up-to-50000-in-development-funding-available https://www.screenproducers.org.au/spa-awards Race Around the World: https://if.com.au/abc-opens-applications-for-race-around-the-world-revival/ Creator Economy Masterclass: https://www.screenproducers.org.au/events/details/?id=cdc82e50-50a7-4aee-b8f0-a7d9c14bbf57 Wrap-Up Japan Prize: https://www.nhk.or.jp/jp-prize/english/index.html Daren Smith Episode (submit your questions to weinterruptpod@gmail.com): https://open.spotify.com/episode/38P6KVO39ekPEqlmw1C2dx 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 was edited by Brandon Boyer.

    23 min

  6. 10/11/2025

    036: Deep Dive with Amelia Darmawan: Go Direct to Audience & Maximise Your Existing IP

    * Could you be our next We Interrupt This Broadcast co-host? *Read more and fill out an EOI here: https://forms.gle/oQgAoJXgnQpejfej9 In this episode, Julie Eckersley chats to Amelia Darmawan, Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Totem, a company that’s quietly reimagining what a digital-first entertainment business can be. The company designs next-gen content businesses for media companies, brands, and creators, helping great IP reach millions more online. As Director of Strategy & Content, Amelia helps drive innovation across original content, revenue expansion, brand partnerships, and AI-powered workflows.She shares some of what she’s learnt while shaping the next generation of entertainment brands. Listen to hear Amelia discuss: The shift she’s seen across the screen and creative industries over the last 10 years How the benefits can go both ways as we move into true collaborations between traditional media creators and the creatorsphere How to maximise your IP and reach new audiences online How to understand and work with the algorithms The importance of staying nimble as things continue to change and evolve Follow Amelia and her work: Amelia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-darmawan-8a5b2541 Totem: www.totem.global Bondi Rescue on YouTube: www.youtube.com/bondirescue Twisted Lunchbox on YouTube: www.youtube.com/twistedlunchbox Peking Duck on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pekingduk Try Guys on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tryguys This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Julie Eckersley⁠⁠⁠ and edited by Brandon Boyer. 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 This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠AFTRS⁠⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year.

    26 min

  7. 03/11/2025

    035: Deep Dive with Farhad Meher-Homji: Your Content Strategy Should Drive Your Creator Business

    Could you be our next We Interrupt This Broadcast co-host? Read more and fill out an EOI here: https://forms.gle/oQgAoJXgnQpejfej9 --- What does it take to build a thriving, sustainable creative business in the new media landscape? In this episode, Julie Eckersley dives into the fast-evolving world of digital creators with Farhad Meher-Homji, Co-Founder and Head of Strategy at Changer Studios - an organisation that’s helped tens of thousands of creators in over 40 countries turn passion into profession. Farhad breaks down how the creator economy has matured from the fringes of entertainment into a powerful mainstream force and why the smartest creators now think like entrepreneurs. He unpacks how to build a content strategy that actually works, how to read audience data beyond the vanity of subscriber counts, and why psychographics - understanding why your audience connects - is the secret weapon of modern storytelling. --- This episode is sponsored by ⁠⁠AFTRS⁠⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year. https://www.aftrs.edu.au/ --- Listen to hear Farhad discuss: The shift from attention as a metric to attention as a business modelHow creators are turning audiences into communities, and communities into media businessesWhy “audience ownership” is a key step for long-term sustainabilityWhat burnout looks like in the creator economy, and how to build for longevityHow authenticity, not production value, is now the ultimate marker of qualityThe rise of “human-led, AI-assisted” creativity, and the value of real human connection Follow Farhad and his work: Farhad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farhadmh/ Changer Studios: https://www.changerstudios.com Changer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changerstudios ----- This Deep Dive interview is hosted by Julie Eckersley⁠ and edited by Brandon Boyer and Kirsty Stark. 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 --- This episode is sponsored by ⁠AFTRS⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year. https://www.aftrs.edu.au/

    34 min

  8. 27/10/2025

    034: Deep Dive with Daren Smith: Inventing a New Financing Model for Indie Features

    In this episode, Kirsty talks to Daren Smith of Craftsman Films, a Utah-based independent producer with four features and multiple seasons of TV under his belt. Daren shares how he set up Craftsman Films, as an independent studio, and the new $10 million dollar film fund he’s raising, with the goal of producing ten profitable “blockbuster indies.”He also discusses the challenges of independent filmmaking, including financing, development and distribution, and how he’s addressing these issues through a new model inspired by venture capital structures. --- This episode is sponsored by ⁠AFTRS⁠, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year. --- Listen to hear Daren discuss: The five key challenges of independent filmmaking Craftsman Films’ new model for indie film financing How to approach a pitch so that private investors will listen The importance of building your personal brand How reaching out on LinkedIn beats cold emailing Why it’s important for a film fund to have a clear thesis The difference between asking ‘what’ questions and ‘why’ questions Follow Daren and his work: Daren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darentsmith Daren on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2743912 Craftsman Films: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co Get your free copy of Blockbuster: https://www.craftsmanfilms.co/blockbuster --- This Deep Dive interview is hosted by ⁠⁠Kirsty Stark and edited by Brandon Boyer. 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 --- This episode is sponsored by AFTRS, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Use the code INTENSIVE2025 for a 20% discount⁠⁠⁠ on all “intensive” courses until the end of the year.

    1h 4m
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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.

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    We Interrupt This Broadcast
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