Honest Conversations with Alex Cubis

Award-winning filmmaker Robert Scott Wildes, whose debut feature ‘POOR BOY’ starred Oscar-nominee Michael Shannon and SHAMELESS actor Justin Chatwin, talks all things about his daily writing routine and his filmmaking journey. First crucial takeaway from this conversation? Fake it ’til you make it. You’ll have to listen though for what exactly that means in this context. Amongst many other top pieces of advice, Robbie gives incredibly specific and valuable insights into being a professional storyteller that would benefit anyone adopting the journeyman’s lifestyle. Listen to the end of this recording as we break down in minute detail what he ‘thinks’, ‘feels’, ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ , as well as memorable anecdotes about how he has secured financing, nabbed a top cast, and his key relationship with personal-development.

‘ARROW’ and NBC ‘CAMP’ actor Liam Hall, who is also about to appear on the next season of CW’s RIVERDALE, is more that meets the eye. A pure artist in every sense of the word, Liam gives credence to the notion that contemporary actors can balance mainstream fare with free expression. Liam talks filming on set, juggling roles and handling success with humility. For anyone wanting to know more about what really goes on behind the grid of thousands of Instagram followers, listen to Liam’s interview. You’ll walk away provoked in thought and feeling beyond what a typical conversation with an actor might usually offer. Aspiring to work in entertainment? Need some life advice and motivation without the b.s. ? What would Liam have told himself 5 years ago before all his current success? Hear about course-correction and career guidance from the hardest working actor in Vancouver.

Alison McGirr, one of the stars of Oscar nominee’s Bruce Beresford’s latest feature film ‘LADIES IN BLACK’ with Rachel Taylor, talks all things acting and her journey in this refreshingly honest chat that places special focus on craft and technique. This episode is particularly insightful for anyone interested in learning about how an Australian actor staying in LA halfway around the world gets cast in a feature film also starring Julia Ormond and Angourie Rice. Listen to the end to hear what inspiring and heartfelt advice Ali has to offer female actors, and take away an understanding about developing self-belief and knowing that the net will appear once you jump.

Publicist/Producer Jessica Carrera is one fifth of The Dollhouse production company and Director/Founder of Carrera Press Agency. She recently produced the Lexus Fellowship winning short film 'MY BOY OLEG', written and directed by Sundance 2018 international Short Jury Prize winner Goran Stolevski. Jess is also a recipient of Screen Australia’s Enterprise People funding to work alongside renowned producer Robyn Kershaw. In this episode, she offers many valuable insights about talent management, marketing, strategy and building a career in entertainment. How did she get her start? What’s her first piece of advice to up-and-coming industry talent? Listen in to find out. In addition to proving how a person can truly be a successful multi-hyphenate, Jess is a fantastic example of how success in the industry is built on collaboration, care and supporting others.

Sunday Emerson Gullifer is at the forefront of the next-wave of Australian storytellers. She offers insights about her writing and directing process in this down-to-earth and practically minded, but artistically inspiring, conversation. Sunday, who won the Lexus Fellowship at the Sydney Film Festival earlier this year and has also screened at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival, address questions about how she finds and casts her actors, how she starts writing a script, and what she thinks makes a good actor. Listen in!

Brother directing duo Jonathan and Josh Baker, whose debut feature film ‘KIN’ stars Zoe Kravitz, Jack Reynor, James Franco, Dennis Quaid, and newcomer Myles Truitt, is currently playing in cinemas around the world. They discuss their approach to directing, turning down a “$70 million dollar movie” before they even had an agent, and the genesis of their creativity. Both Jonathan and Josh give their insights about career development, where they started, and the honest advice they’d tell themselves 5 or 10 years ago if they could. For these Australians currently killing it on the world-stage, you’ll get a sense of their humility and a courage of convictions above all else - a welcome respite from the diluted filmmaking landscape that explains what makes their movie ‘KIN’ so unique.

“Love Is…” star Michele Weaver talks all things acting and God in this illuminating episode that will resonate with any aspiring artist or entrepreneur - regardless of background or passion. Michele speaks with a self-awareness that’s equally uplifting and challenging. Do you want to find out about the specific moments which lead to her current success and recent impressive bookings? Open your mind and ears to this hardworking talent: an example of how there’s no substitute for a good work ethic and faith.

In this episode I chat with casting director and recent Casting Society of America President, Matthew Lessall. Matt was previously director of feature film casting at 20th Century Fox, worked with Paramount Pictures Television Studios and currently casts an array of feature films, carving out a niche for himself in the industry as the go-to-guy for artists and directors wanting to find their next leading actor. Case in point, Matt cast Oscar-nominees Anna Kendrick and Timotheé Chalamet on the cusp of their mainstream breakout. We talk about how some actors are “stars” and others aren't, tips for filmmakers and actors (hint #1: chill out), how the audition process has changed and so much more in this refreshingly open and free-flowing conversation.

In this instalment I have a chat with GREY’S ANATOMY star Giacomo Gianniotti, a Canadian-Italian actor who has become a fan-favourite for his role as Dr. Andrew Deluca in Shonda Rhimes’ mega-hit ABC show. Listen in to find out what belief Giacomo is an advocate for when it comes to success and happiness, and join me in hearing about what the passionate philanthropist and filmmaker has to say about making mistakes and being true to yourself. Are you an actor or a business-owner? Take note of his advice about auditions that I know will be applicable to many life scenarios (and specifically hear about what he think helped with his GREY’S ANATOMY self-tape). Make sure to listen to the end of the episode to hear one of the biggest lessons Giacomo has learned in the past few years about life and career, as well as many anecdotes and tips about shooting on set and staying in the zone.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID star, and THE GOOD DOCTOR actor Zach Gordon opens up in a way he claims to not have done so before for any other interview. He’s only 20 but speaks with the authority of someone much older - we touch on this irony with reference to his career as a child actor up to his current status as working adult thespian. Which ’WIMPY KID’ cast member did he speak to on the drive to our interview (they’re friends in real life guys!)? Which Oscar-nominated actor gave him some life changing career advice while drinking a coke? What’s the question he’s most frequently asked and what would he rather answer? Zach answers all of these questions and more in this free-flowing episode that’s a must-listen!