With Donald Trump proposing new tariffs on international films, the Australian film industry is on edge, facing uncertainty and the potential for a significant disruption to the production supply chain. In this episode, Steph and Al discuss what these tariffs could mean for local filmmakers, from increased costs on imported gear to the potential for streaming services to shy away from purchasing international content.

Takeaways

• The proposed tariffs on international films are vague, but they could increase production costs on everything from camera gear to post-production, making Australian films more expensive to create.
• There is speculation the tariffs could be passed on to the consumer, potentially doubling cinema ticket prices for international features and depressing audience numbers further.
• Al discuss entering a "midlife crisis" phase in their late 30s, exploring feelings of disillusionment, hormonal changes, and the desire for identity reclamation.
• Steph shares a new drink trend: adding jalapeños to a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Chapters

00:00 - Can't Sleep? Try Working or Raiding the Fridge
04:14 - The New Trend: Savvy B with Jalapeños
07:23 - Are We Having a Midlife Crisis?
16:13 - Sydney Film Festival Opening Night
24:17 - Donald Trump's Proposed Tariffs on Film

Connect with Steph and Al:

Chicken and Chips Casting:

• Website: https://www.chickenandchips.com.au/
• Instagram: @chickenandchipscasting
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chickenandchipscasting/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicken-and-chips-casting/

Stephanie Pringle:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-pringle-3578a442/

Alison Fowler:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-fowler-1a05845a/

Stephanie Pringle and Alison Fowler are the founders of Chicken and Chips Casting, a Sydney-based agency focused on driving diversity and creating opportunities for fresh talent in Australia's film and television industry.

Filmmaking is a bloodsport, and no one tells you that before you sign up.

This episode, we’re sitting down with Nik Kacevski—writer, director, producer, and all-around filmmaking survivor—to talk about the real shit that happens behind the scenes. Forget the glossy Hollywood version—this is about bad deals, casting nightmares, industry politics, and why filmmaking is basically organised chaos.

We get into:

• The brutal reality of getting a film funded—and why it might cost you your sanity.

• How selling your film rights can haunt you for years (Nik learned this the hard way).

• The casting process no one understands, including why the best audition doesn’t always win.

• Hollywood’s “offer-only” system and why it’s killing actual art.

• The truth about breaking into the industry when no one’s giving you a seat at the table.

This episode is messy, hilarious, and a full-on reality check for anyone who’s ever dreamed of making movies. We’re talking real stories, real regrets, and real lessons that no one teaches you in film school.

If you’re in the industry (or trying to be), you can’t afford to miss this one.

About Our Guest

Nik Kacevski is an acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and director whose work spans feature films, TV series, music videos, and commercials. With a background in visual effects and animation, Nik has built a career crafting bold, immersive storytelling experiences that blur the lines between genre and reality.

His directorial work includes award-winning films and projects that have screened globally, and he has collaborated with major brands and artists to create visually stunning, narrative-driven content. With a deep passion for independent filmmaking, Nik has been at the forefront of pushing creative storytelling while navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry.

Check out more of his work at nikkacevski.com.