073: Deep Dive with Sue Maslin AO: The Theatrical Model in Australia is Fundamentally Broken
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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.
--- 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 episode is sponsored by Getty Images, home to market-leading creative and editorial content from the world’s best photographers and videographers.