Podcast: The Art and Business of Filmmaking

PAC Film and Media students Charlie (Year 11) and Harrison (Year 10) recently had the opportunity to step into the role of podcast hosts, interviewing acclaimed Australian filmmaker and Old Scholar Timothy David Piper (PAC 1989) and actor and writer Sally Gifford about their creative careers and the making of their feature film, Kangaroo Island.

The engaging conversation provided students with a rare behind-the-scenes look at the realities of bringing a major film project to life. Tim and Sally generously shared the story behind Kangaroo Island, exploring everything from the early inspiration for the screenplay to the process of securing funding, casting actors, selecting locations and navigating the logistics of filming in one of South Australia's most iconic destinations. The film, written by Sally and directed and produced by Tim, premiered at the Adelaide Film Festival in 2024.

A key theme of the discussion was the creative partnership that underpins their work. Students were fascinated to learn how Tim and Sally collaborate, combining their individual strengths while continually refining ideas through discussion, feedback and trust. Their insights highlighted the importance of teamwork and collaboration in producing meaningful creative work.

The conversation also explored the balance between artistic storytelling and commercial realities. Drawing on careers that have spanned advertising, television, digital media and feature filmmaking, Tim and Sally spoke candidly about the need to engage audiences while meeting the expectations of investors, producers and distributors. Their experiences demonstrated that creativity and commercial success are not necessarily competing forces but can work together to amplify the impact of a story.

For aspiring creatives, one of the most valuable lessons centred on the relationship between talent and hard work. While acknowledging the importance of natural ability, Tim and Sally emphasised that persistence, resilience and a willingness to keep learning are often the qualities that sustain long-term success in the creative industries. A little bit of luck doesn't hurt!

Of the experience Harrison shared, "Hosting the podcast was an incredible opportunity to hear directly from two people with so much experience in the industry. I particularly enjoyed learning about their journeys and the experiences that have shaped their careers and it was inspiring to gain insight into an industry I'm passionate about."

When asked about their own influences, Tim and Sally shared the people and creative works that inspired them during their student years, reinforcing the value of seeking mentors and role models while developing a creative practice.

For Charlie and Harrison, the podcast was an invaluable opportunity to engage with leading industry professionals and gain firsthand insights into the craft, discipline and passion required to build a career in film and media. The experience brought classroom learning to life and provided inspiration for the next generation of storytellers.