SELLEST OSAST
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In this episode, Kirsty sits down with Sue Maslin AO, the producer behind films including The Dressmaker, Japanese Story and Road to Nhill, to work through one of the biggest questions currently facing the industry: why aren’t good Australian films being seen in cinemas?
Sue explains why she believes the theatrical model is structurally broken, from financing and release models to a level of marketing support that puts us at a disadvantage against international films. She also shares some real ideas for change, including a private equity film fund and marketing rebates.
The episode also includes a breakdown of the work Sue did behind the scenes of The Dressmaker to build their audience and reach over $20m at the Australian box office just over a decade ago.
With the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers announcing last week that they will be recognising Sue as their 2026 National Cinema Pioneer of the Year, this is a timely interview and well worth a listen for anyone working in feature films in Australia.
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Listen to hear Sue discuss:
The “spectacle, emotion and experience” formula that made The Dressmaker $20 million at the Australian box office
How she started building her audience and inviting them into the world of The Dressmaker before it even began production
Why streamer investment is now one of the only ways films of scale get financed, and the conflict this creates with exhibitors
The case for a private equity film fund run by industry risk takers, not screen agencies
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Further information about Sue and her work:
Sue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-maslin-ao-2823972
The Film Art Media website: https://www.filmartmedia.com
The Dressmaker (2015): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2910904
Japanese Story: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0304229
Road to Nhill: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120025
The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers Honours Industry Icon Sue Maslin AO as the 2026 National Cinema Pioneer of the Year: https://www.filmink.com.au/public-notice/the-society-of-australian-cinema-pioneers-honours-industry-icon-sue-maslin-ao-as-the-2026-national-cinema-pioneer-of-the-year
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This Deep Dive interview is hosted and edited by Kirsty Stark.
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