How do you spot a bad deal in commercial casting?
In this episode, Steph and Al dive into the major red flags actors should watch out for when it comes to fees, buyouts, and brand categories.
Drawing from a recent experience, they break down why a low fee for a global brand in a competitive category is a huge industry pitfall and discuss the fine line between servicing clients and protecting the integrity of actors' careers.
Later, they tackle the common fear many actors have about sharing their self-tapes and discuss why finding a safe community to get feedback is a green flag for career growth.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 - Hello & Welcome
00:36 - Today's Topics: Red Flags & Imposter Syndrome
03:02 - What Small, Unimportant Hill Will You Die On?
06:23 - The Main Event: Red Flags in Commercial Fees & Buyouts
13:22 - Red Flag #1: Analysing the Brand Category vs. The Fee
17:56 - Topic 2: Imposter Syndrome and the Fear of Sharing Self-Tapes
22:16 - A Reminder: Even a Request to Self-Tape is Positive Feedback
Connect with Steph and Al:
Chicken and Chips Casting:
Stephanie Pringle:
Alison Fowler (Al):
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.
In the creative arts industry, the mental and emotional toll on artists can be immense. This is where Trish Spears, the "mind mechanic," comes in.
In this episode, Trish explains how most of our limiting beliefs are just old programs installed before the age of seven and how, through techniques like NLP and hypnotherapy, we can rewrite them to achieve our best.
She discusses the crucial need for on-set mental health support—from script assessment to post-production—to ensure actors can safely navigate traumatic scenes, embody difficult characters, and leave the work at work.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 - Introducing Trish Spears: The Mind Mechanic
04:20 - The Motivation Behind Mentally Strong Productions
10:41 - How to Decompress After Playing a Heavy Role
15:45 - The Two Most Important Things: The Words and Pictures in Your Mind
24:39 - Supporting Actors with Lived Experience on Set
37:31 - The Ideal Time for Productions to Bring in a Mental Health Coordinator
45:26 - An Actionable Tip to Stop Overwhelming Feelings
Connect with Trish:
Trish Spears is an internationally board-certified trainer of NLP and hypnotherapy who provides mental health and welfare services to the creative arts industry through her company, Mentally Strong Productions.
Connect with Steph and Al:
Chicken and Chips Casting:
Stephanie Pringle:
Alison Fowler (Al):
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.
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
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:
Stephanie Pringle:
Alison Fowler:
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.
Look, we barely survived January, and honestly, February wasn’t much better. School holidays dragged on for centuries, mum guilt hit an all-time high, and trying to run a business while keeping small humans alive? A shit show.
But somehow, we made it. And now we’re back, caffeinated (or maybe just delirious), and deep in the ultimate reframe—because if we don’t shift our mindset, who will?
This episode, we’re talking:
• The mental load of school chaos (seriously, what do teachers do on those PD days?)
• Running a business when the world expects you to just “pause” for six weeks
• Rewiring our brains for success, abundance, and not self-sabotaging
• Vision boards, manifestation, and why we’re drinking the biggest glass of Kool-Aid
• The “cut from the tree” method—AKA, why some people just need to go
If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at life while everyone else is thriving, this one’s for you. We’re all just winging it—so let’s do it together.
Hit play, and let’s get into it.
Don’t Miss Out
• Subscribe toThe Sauce on your favourite podcast platform.
• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It helps us reach more listeners like you!
• Share with a Friend: If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, share it with them!
Stay Connected
For more insights, behind-the-scenes content, and updates:
• Website:www.chickenandchips.com.au
• Audition Academy Collective:Join Here
Instagram:
• Chicken & Chips Casting:@chickenandchips_
• Steph Pringle:@itsstephaniepringle
• Alison Fowler:@itsalisonfowler
Produced by:Dreamers Media Pty Ltd
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Sauce, where we serve up candid conversations and practical advice to empower you in your acting journey. Stay saucy!
Dating in your 30s isa whole different beast—especially when you’re a single parent, emotionally unavailable, or just trying to dodge “The Talk” for as long as possible. In this episode, we unpack theawkward realities of modern dating, from the pressure of sending gifts too soon to the unspoken expectations lurking behind every dating app match. Is exclusivity inevitable? Are dating apps actually dead? And why does a simple bouquet of flowers feel like a marriage proposal? Buckle up forhilarious rants, brutally honest truths, and some serious dating therapy.
Talk points:
00:00:22 - The 'How are you?' Dilemma
00:05:10 - Favorite Age Discussion
00:07:16 - Birthday Gift Dilemma
00:10:53 - The Aftermath
00:13:18 - The Talk
00:15:28 - The Dating Dilemma
00:16:13 - The Flower Incident
00:16:31 - The U-Haul Theory
00:17:55 - Reflections on Relationships
00:18:30 - Unpacking Relationship Dynamics
00:23:14 - The Funeral Question
00:27:43 - The Emotional Investment
00:29:18 - The Pace of Relationships
00:29:54 - The Time Constraint
00:31:28 - Dating App Experiences
00:48:05 - The Role of Men in Relationships
00:49:05 - Ghosting and Dating
00:50:11 - Dating App Messaging
00:51:28 - The Problem with Dating Apps
01:00:16 - Accidental Love Confession
01:05:13 - Avoidance and Disappearance
01:06:15 - Single-Parent Dating
Don’t Miss Out
• Subscribe toThe Sauce on your favourite podcast platform.
• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It helps us reach more listeners like you!
• Share with a Friend: If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, share it with them!
Stay Connected
For more insights, behind-the-scenes content, and updates:
• Website:www.chickenandchips.com.au
• Audition Academy Collective:Join Here
Instagram:
• Chicken & Chips Casting:@chickenandchips_
• Steph Pringle:@itsstephaniepringle
• Alison Fowler:@itsalisonfowler
Produced by:Dreamers Media Pty Ltd
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Sauce, where we serve up candid conversations and practical advice to empower you in your acting journey. Stay saucy!
This episode is about:
dating in your 30s, modern dating struggles, single parent dating, dating apps 2025, online dating disasters, dating expectations, early relationship talk, dating red flags, when to buy a gift for someone you’re dating, relationship milestones, ghosting culture, hinge vs bumble, dating apps are dead, how to survive modern dating, dating etiquette, dating mistakes, navigating dating apps, relationship pressure, dating burnout, emotional unavailability, single mom dating, dating as a single dad, dating app tips, first date expectations, gift-giving in relationships, exclusivity talk, dating confusion, dating culture shift, best dating advice, dating pet peeves, relationship communication, why modern dating is hard, dating after divorce, dating in your mid-30s, when to define the relationship, avoiding relationship labels, dating mistakes to avoid, dating rules, online dating tips, dating deal breakers, dating psychology, commitment issues, casual dating vs serious dating, dating game rules, modern romance struggles
Sit down with industry expert George Konstand to explore the transformative concept of the actor’s archetype. If you’ve ever felt pigeonholed or uncertain about how to present yourself in auditions, this conversation is your key to taking control and standing out.
What You’ll Learn
• Archetype vs. Typecast: Understand the crucial difference and how recognising your archetype puts you in the driver’s seat of your acting career.
• Owning Your Narrative: Learn how embracing your unique qualities can empower you to make strategic choices in auditions and roles.
• The New Casting Paradigm: Discover why authenticity and individuality are now more valued than ever in casting decisions.
• First Impressions Matter: Gain insights into how your visual presence and initial impression can significantly influence casting outcomes.
• Leveraging Social Media: Explore the growing importance of personal branding and social media in today’s entertainment industry.
Key Discussion Points
• Understanding Your Archetype: George explains how identifying your archetype allows you to either align with or intentionally defy expectations, giving you greater control over your career trajectory.
• Shifting Casting Preferences: The industry is moving away from solely seeking the most skilled actors to finding the most interesting and authentic individuals.
• Visual Perception in Casting: First impressions are powerful. Learn how to make yours count from the moment you step into the audition room.
• The Role of Social Media: Contracts increasingly require actors to maintain an active online presence. Find out how to use this to your advantage.
Memorable Quotes
• “Actors, know thyself. Mastering your archetype is the first step to mastering your career.” — George Konstand
• “Casting directors are looking for authenticity. Your unique archetype is what sets you apart.” — Alison Fowler
• “Understanding your archetype isn’t about limiting yourself; it’s about empowering yourself with choice.” — Steph Pringle
About Our Guest
George Konstand is a seasoned entertainment industry professional specialising in actor development and casting dynamics. With extensive experience collaborating with actors, casting directors, and producers, George offers unparalleled insights into how understanding your archetype can unlock new opportunities and empower you to take control of your career.
• Website: The Actors Brand
• Instagram: @georgekonstand
Join the Conversation
Have thoughts or questions about today’s episode? We’d love to hear from you!
• Instagram: @chickenandchips_
Don’t Miss Out
• Subscribe to The Sauce on your favourite podcast platform.
• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It helps us reach more listeners like you!
• Share with a Friend: If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, share it with them!
Stay Connected
For more insights, behind-the-scenes content, and updates:
• Website: www.chickenandchips.com.au
• Audition Academy Collective: Join Here
Instagram:
• Chicken & Chips Casting: @chickenandchips_
• Steph Pringle: @itsstephaniepringle
• Alison Fowler: @itsalisonfowler
Produced by: Dreamers Media Pty Ltd
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Sauce, where we serve up candid conversations and practical advice to empower you in your acting journey. Stay saucy!
Struggling to get noticed in the crowded acting industry? Discover how TikTok can be a game-changer for your acting career. In this episode, social media sensation Maddy MacRae shares her insider tips on leveraging TikTok to showcase your talent, build a following, and catch the eye of casting directors. Learn how to create engaging content, build your personal brand, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media to give your acting career the boost it needs.
What You’ll Learn
• Why TikTok Matters for Actors: Understand the platform’s potential to elevate your acting career.
• Creating Engaging Content: Learn how to craft videos that showcase your skills and attract followers.
• Building a Personal Brand: Discover strategies to develop a unique online presence that stands out.
• Navigating Algorithms: Get insights into how TikTok’s algorithm works and how to make it work for you.
• Connecting with Industry Professionals: Find out how to network with casting directors and agents through social media.
Key Discussion Points
• Maddy’s Journey: How she grew her TikTok following and the impact it had on her career.
• Content Creation Tips: Practical advice on video ideas, trends, and staying authentic.
• Overcoming Challenges: Discussing common obstacles actors face on social media and how to overcome them.
• The Future of Casting: Exploring how social media influence is shaping casting decisions.
Memorable Quotes
• “TikTok isn’t just for dances; it’s a platform where actors can showcase their range and creativity.” — Maddy MacRae
• “Your online presence can be your audition tape to the world.” — Alison Fowler
• “In today’s industry, casting directors are looking at social media to discover new talent.” — Steph Pringle
About Our Guest
Maddy MacRae is a rising star and social media influencer known for her engaging TikTok content that blends acting, comedy, and storytelling. Maddy has successfully leveraged TikTok to advance her acting career and inspire others to do the same.
• Instagram: @maddy_macrae_
• TikTok: @maddy_macrae_
Join the Conversation
Have thoughts or questions about today’s episode? We’d love to hear from you!
• Instagram: @chickenandchips_
Don’t Miss Out
• Subscribe to The Sauce on your favourite podcast platform.
• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It helps us reach more listeners like you!
• Share with a Friend: If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, share it with them!
Stay Connected
For more insights, behind-the-scenes content, and updates:
• Website: www.chickenandchips.com.au
• Audition Academy Collective: Join Here
Instagram:
• Chicken & Chips Casting: @chickenandchips_
• Steph Pringle: @itsstephaniepringle
• Alison Fowler: @itsalisonfowler
Produced by: Dreamers Media Pty Ltd
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Sauce, where we serve up candid conversations and practical advice to empower you in your acting journey. Stay saucy!
Ever feel like someone’s trying to box you into one role? We’ve been there. In this episode, we dig into the frustrating notion of being told to “stay in your lane.” It’s advice we’ve heard too often as casting directors, and frankly, we’re not here for it.
As casting directors and entrepreneurs, we’ve never been content with sticking to just one thing. We talk about why we refuse to limit ourselves, even when people try to hold us back. From running a business to hosting this podcast and everything in between, we explore how diversifying your skills isn’t just smart—it’s essential in today’s world.
We get real about how tall poppy syndrome, internalized misogyny, and fear of failure try to keep people small, especially women. But let’s be honest—no one ever did anything great by playing it safe. So why should we?
Tune in to hear our thoughts on ambition, rejecting societal expectations, and why it’s time for all of us to do whatever the hell we want.
Click and listen now—because staying in one lane is not an option.
www.chickenandchips.com.au
Audition Academy Collective Instagram: @chickenandchips_ Steph Insta: @itsstephaniepringle Al Insta: @itsalisonfowler
Child acting with Todd O'Mara and Emma Jane Hyland from T&E Management.
Established in 2011, T&E Management is one of the most highly regarded talent agencies in the country, representing both kids and adults in the entertainment industry.
They share their expertise on what it takes for children to succeed in acting, how to support them, and how to navigate the highs and lows of the business.
From learning how to self-tape effectively to handling rejections, Todd and Emma offer invaluable advice for aspiring young actors and their families.
Get ready for an in-depth conversation about the realities and joys of the child acting world.
T&E Management
www.chickenandchips.com.au
Audition Academy Collective Instagram: @chickenandchips_ Steph Insta: @itsstephaniepringle Al Insta: @itsalisonfowler
"You have to figure it out on your own!”
In this episode, we talk about:
• Embracing the mantra of self-reliance as single mothers
• Overcoming practical challenges like electrical issues at home
• Balancing the demands of business ownership and parenting
• The importance of community support and asking for help
• Finding personal space and autonomy amidst chaos
Audition Academy Collective Instagram: @chickenandchips_ Steph Insta: @itsstephaniepringle Al Insta: @itsalisonfowler
How did Brendan’s childhood dreams shape his career in the entertainment industry?
Discover Brendan’s unique journey from aspiring actor to producer. Hear his humorous childhood misconceptions, insights on the financial realities of acting, and the challenges of producing a TV show. This episode is packed with inspiration and valuable lessons on adaptability and growth in the entertainment industry.
“Transitioning to production opened up a world of opportunities I never imagined.”
Audition Academy Collective Instagram: @chickenandchips_ Steph Insta: @itsstephaniepringle Al Insta: @itsalisonfowler
Alex Culliver and Sarah Nathan Share Their Experiences
“The pandemic has really changed the dynamics in the industry, making people more accessible and breaking down hierarchical barriers.”
What led Alex Culliver and Sarah Nathan to start their own talent agency, Nathan Culliver Management?
In this episode, they share their non-linear career paths and how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped their perspectives.
They discuss how self-taping has deepened their understanding of clients’ capabilities and personal lives, leading to better representation.
With a focus on supporting emerging talent and filmmakers, Alex and Sarah are dedicated to fostering growth and creativity in the industry.
Their path shows a commitment to making the entertainment world more accessible and collaborative.
https://www.nathanculliver.com.au/
Audition Academy Collective Instagram: @chickenandchips_ Steph Insta: @itsstephaniepringle Al Insta: @itsalisonfowler
Join us for a laugh-out-loud episode where we get into the entertainment industry, single mum life and rushing woman syndrome. Get ready for a hilarious review of a baffling Romanian film we saw at Sydney Film Festival, Steph’s epic house clean-up hack, and Al's school fundraiser fiasco. Plus, hear all about how we juggle work, kids, and everything in between. Don’t miss out on the fun and chaos!
www.chickenandchips.com.au Audition Academy Collective Instagram: @chickenandchips_ Steph Insta: @itsstephaniepringle Al Insta: @itsalisonfowler