Equity Foundation Podcast

Equity NZ President and New Zealander of the Year Jennifer Ward-Lealand Te Atamira recently interviewed Sam Neill about his life and career, and what he has learnt along the way. Sam Neill has more than 75 films and over 45 television programs to his credit. He is a passionate supporter of many environmental and social justice causes and has been a proud Equity member since 1979.

The voice over industry can be a mystery to those outside it. This is a chance to find out how it works and get key information about what you need to be a working commercial voice over artist.

This is an edited version of our recent live stream where Miranda discussed screen acting and naturalism. Miranda’s approach is based on years of writing and performing Verbatim theatre in prisons in New Zealand, Australia and the UK, as well as her work as an on-set acting coach with renowned actors and directors on films all over the world. In her work with actors and directors Miranda aims to shift paradigms, empowering creatives to realise their own talent. She introduces simple but innovative ways of thinking about and achieving connection and character. She has developed a series of tools and exercises for use in rehearsal and on-set that get actors to where they need to be, fast.

This is an edited version of a recent Equity Foundation live lecture and Q&A with leading voice and dialect coach Katherine Beck. This is a chance for Equity members to learn the tools to enhance your American accent and create an authentic American character.

This is an edited version of a recent Equity Foundation Live Stream. Join leading Australian psychologist Dr Julie Crabtree for an online discussion about coping as a performer during these uncertain times. Julie has worked extensively with creative people and through her doctoral research into creativity and mental health she is at the forefront of our understanding of how to be both healthy and creative. This is a great chance for some simple and practical advice from a professional who understands your unique circumstances.

Meditation coach Deone Zanotto shares two mindfulness exercises for performers.

US Casting Director Jeanie Bacharach shares her insights into the industry with Alan Fletcher. Recorded live in Melbourne May 2018.

During this The Equity Foundation In Conversation Australian director Garth Davis ('Mary Magdalene', 'Lion') discusses his film-making process and his approach to working with actors. Garth is interviewed by esteemed producer/acting coach Miranda Harcourt. This event was held in Auckland in May with the support of Rialto Cinemas, Transmission Films and the Australian High Commission.

What is the difference between the American and Australian audition process? How important is it to have a believable American accent? How can I prepare for pilot season? In this podcast Josh Bitton and Sharon Davis discuss the ins and outs of the American and Australian acting industries. Joshua Bitton is an actor, teacher and coach. Most notably he was Eminem’s acting coach on the set of' 8 Mile'. He has worked with Nicole Da Silva, Hamish Michael, Josh Helman, Ashley Zukerman, Cal Mickey, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Omar Benson Miller, and many more. As as actor he has appeared on over three dozen TV shows and numerous films. He teaches classes in NYC and LA. The podcast is produced by The Equity Foundation and sponsored by Media Super.

Mindfulness of your cuppa by Sarah Borg. Prepare your favourite hot beverage and use it as an anchor in this short practice to help centre your mind in the present moment.

Post performance solo or group cool down by Simon Ward. A brilliant performance! Welcome yourself back to the world without a bumpy re entry.

Pre Audition calm-down and energise up by Simon Ward. In the hallway before an audition. Everyone else is better than me and I have to go in! A mindful way of calming down and keeping your focus.

Step out of performance mode by Sarah Borg. A short grounding practice to help transition out of performance mode. Great for those times after an audition, rehearsal, a day on set... especially those performances that might be tricky to let go of.

An intimate and detailed discussion about craft and career with two of Australia’s most in-demand performers, Don Hany and Patrick Brammell. Moderated by performer, Jane Harber. Recorded at The Malthouse Theatre on the 4th February 2017.

Artistic Directors Kip Williams (Sydney Theatre Company), Lee Lewis(Griffin) and Eamon Flack(Belvoir) share rare behind-the-scenes insights into the journey of bringing exciting works and artists to the Australian stage. The directors discuss their past and current projects, the challenges and highlights of their careers, what they have learnt along the way and their plans for the future. Moderated by performer Helen Dallimore. *Please note at 59:32 the recording stopped due to technical difficulties. Recorded at Belvoir on Monday January 30th 2017.

From the ditzy blonde to the Middle Eastern terrorist, stereotypical representations of women, minorities, seniors and other historically marginalised groups are all too common on our stages and screens. What can we do as individuals and an industry to ensure the characters we create don't perpetuate stereotypes? Is it possible to help reframe the conversation, while creating and sustaining your career? Panellists will share their real world experiences in creating a different narrative. Speakers: Tony Ayres - Scripted Producer, Matchbox Pictures Kate Hood - Performer Osamah Sami - Performer Maysa Abouzeid - Performer Moderator: Sonya Suares - Performer

More and more performers are stepping into production roles such as writing, producing and directing in a bid to create the kinds of stories and characters they want to see on our screens and stages. Four slashies discuss the challenges and rewards of taking on different creative roles, what lead them there and what they learnt along the way. Speakers: Robyn Butler - Writer, Performer, Producer Candy Bowers - Writer, Performer, Comedian, Hip Hop Artist, Director, Producer Damon Gameau - Performer, Filmmaker Shaun Micallef - Performer, Comedian, Writer Moderator: Queenie van de Zandt - Writer, Performer, Producer

Madeline Di Nonno is the Chief Executive Officer of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, the only research based non-profit working with the entertainment and media community to improve gender diversity in entertainment through research based programs. Di Nonno leads the Institute's strategic direction and brings over thirty years experience in media, marketing and business development in the entertainment, non-profit, digital media and consumer packaged goods industries. Recorded in Melbourne at The Equity Summit on Sunday December 4 2016.

What are the issues that female performers must face on a regular basis and what tools can we use to address them? Join us for a discussion about what rights female performers have and how we can all be empowered to create an industry in which women are treated with equality, respect and dignity. Speakers: Zoe Angus - Director, Actors Equity Australia & New Zealand Nicolina Lademann - Senior Associate, Litigation, Marshalls + Dent Lawyers Ferne Downey - President, International Federation of Actors Anna McGahan - Performer Simone Ball Santamaria - Performer Moderator: Nadine Garner - Performer

Some of Australia's most successful storytellers reflect on their careers, bringing female stories to the screen, what they wish for the future of our industry and how we get there. Speakers: Gillian Armstrong - Director Sue Maslin - Producer Ana Kokkinos - Director Nadia Tass - Director Moderator: Danielle Cormack Recorded at the Equity Summit in Melbourne on Sunday December 4 2016.