Cinematic Alchemy

We’ve hit 50 episodes, and exactly one year since the podcast launched.

This episode is a bit of a heart to heart.

No guests, no case studies, just us reflecting on the wild ride of building this sho…

In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our latest project.

We explain what an ident is (those quick sponsor clips before a TV show), why they’re harder to make than they look, and how …

In this episode, we’re diving into the behind-the-scenes of creating promotional book trailers for Lisa Jewell’s Don’t Let Him In. 

We share how our team turned this gripping crime thriller into cinem…

This week on the podcast, we’re continuing our deep dive into short form filmmaking with Harry Norton.

We talk about the emotional themes, the early writing process, and what it’s like to move from a …

This week, we’re talking about short form filmmaking with returning guest Harry Norton. From micro shorts to five-minute narratives, we explore what makes these projects both uniquely difficult and c…

In this episode, we dive into something we both love talking about mise en scène - the mood, the energy, the intention behind what we see on screen. 

If you’ve ever wondered how filmmakers create a wo…

We’re back for part two of our deep dive into the softer (but no less vital) side of filmmaking - leadership, management, and all things organisation. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to strike the balanc…

Ever found yourself in a creative project thinking, “Wait, why is this so chaotic?” You’re not alone.

In this episode, we dive into the behind-the-scenes magic that makes film projects actually functi…

This week, we’re chatting with Millan, the writer and director of Nothing But Blue, a powerful short film. 

Millan takes us behind the scenes of his emotionally gripping story about two Jewish people …

In this episode, we’re joined by composer and filmmaker John Parr for a heartfelt conversation about storytelling, music, and representation in film. 

John shares the inspiration behind his latest pro…

In this episode, we're diving into the magical - and often chaotic - world of book-to-screen adaptations. 

From the faithful beauty of The Lord of the Rings to the… loosely inspired World War Z, we’re…

Let’s talk about diversity in casting - beyond the tick boxes and token roles. In this episode, we get into what real representation actually looks like in film and TV, why it matters for storytellin…

In this week’s episode, Amber and I continue our no-fluff chat about casting - what’s working, what still needs work, and the invisible stuff no one tells you about until you're in it. 

We’re talking …

In this episode, we are pulling back the curtain on the casting process - warts, wonders, awkward self-tapes, and all. 

From open casting calls that start at 4am to the power of a well-timed chemistry…

In this nostalgic-meets-nerdy episode, we go all in on one of our favourite filmmaking obsessions: practical effects. 

From the animatronic shark in Jaws to painted backdrops, set illusions, and that …

Ever wondered how actors make stage fights look so real without actually getting hurt? In this episode, we chat with fight and intimacy director Robin Hellier, who pulls back the curtain on what real…

What happens when the police stop using scare tactics and start using humour? 

In this episode, we break down New Zealand’s “Legend” campaign, an anti-drink driving ad that ditched the doom and gloom …

In this week’s episode, we break down the infamous Snickers Super Bowl commercial that digitally resurrected Marilyn Monroe - except this time, she’s hangry and played by Willem Dafoe. 

It’s a bold, b…

The Oscars are more than just a night of glitz and glamour—they’re a reflection of the ever-evolving film industry. 

In this episode, we unpack the highlights of the 97th Academy Awards, from surprise…

What makes a great social awareness campaign actually work? 

In this episode, we break down Hindustan Unilever’s award-winning short film, "The Shower", the first advertisement to win a National Film …