September 21, 2025 • 41 mins
Strap yourselves in for this incredible woman; Linda Duncombe! She's an absolute powerhouse!
Linda Duncombe is the Producer and Executive Producer of the feature film The Queenʼs Jewels, and has had an incredible career before she started making films as the Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing, Data and Digital Officer at City National Bank, also known as “the bank to the stars."
In this chat we talk about Linda's work ethic, Aussie roots and passion for film making.
Linda has been voted 5 times by Variety as one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, and on top of all that; Linda has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM). She sits on the SAG-AFTRA and Grammys boards just to name a few!
Linda and I deep dive the business side of film making, and she has such great advice for anyone with a passion or creative dream!
You can follow Linda's movie The Queens Jewel's on insta here: https://www.instagram.com/thequeensjewelsmovie/
And you can follow Linda here: https://www.instagram.com/lindy_loo10/
Hope you love this ep as much as I do!
Big love,
Lola
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Get a I'm Lala Berry, nutritionist, author, actor, TV presenter,
and professional oversharer. This podcast is all about celebrating failure
because I believe it's a chance for us to learn,
grow and face our blind spots. Each week, I'll interview
a different guest about their highs as well as they're lows,
(00:26):
all in a bid to inspire us to fearlessly fail. Hello,
fearlessly failing, fam We have Linda Duncom on the podcast today,
and holy Molly, she is a formidable force and can
I please be like you?
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Linda.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
She's an executive producer producer of The Queen's Jewels, this
incredible feature film. As soon as it is out, you
have to go and watch it because Matt and I've
seen it twice and we already are like, when can
we see it again? Linda has this incre history thirty
five years in finance and banking, and then literally was like,
and I'm going to change my career and produce feature films.
(01:08):
She's so incredible, so kind, so warm and Ozzie so
enjoy the accent. But I hope you love this chat.
If you are a creative or anybody with a dream,
This episode is for you. Welcome to the Pod. Linda Duncombe. Mate,
I don't even know where to start with you. Truly,
(01:31):
truly so executive producer and producer of The Queen's Jewels,
which we have been lucky enough to see twice now
huge fans. But you have this whole other thirty five
year spanning career stemming from banking, and I have to,
like I said, I have post it notestually stuck around
the house, so correct me if I'm wrong. But executive
(01:55):
vice president, Chief Marketing and Data and Digital Officer at
the Bank of Stars, City National Bank. He did very well,
that's correct, He's really okay, And that's what brought you
to America initially, right.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
No, it actually originally brought me to America was City Bank,
so my poor mom would get confused. I worked at
National Australia Bank, and I worked at City Bank, and
then I worked at City National Bank.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
Got it?
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Okay, Okay, I'm glad that your mum and I are
on the same path. So take me back. You're nine
years old. You're watching Charlie's Angels, You're watching wond Woman.
You're like, mom, Dad, that's where I'm going to go.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
I'm going to go to America.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
I was a very quiet, awkward child, very shy, and
I loved those TV shows. And we grew up in
government housing. I didn't know what that meant, that we
didn't have money that everybody else had, because there was
so much love in our in our home. And I
would watch TV, which was a huge treat when we
got it, and I would watch these shows and I
would twirl around like wonder woman. And I turned to
(02:52):
my parents. I remember it so clearly, and I said,
I'm going to live in New York. I'm going to
live in America. And I'm sure they thought, or maybe
hope I would grow out of it, but absolutely, like
without question or hesitation, I mean, yeah, maybe you could
do it. Like you could do it, And then a
goal was kind of set, I think, not even consciously
as a nine year old, no pressure from anybody, including myself,
(03:13):
but this dream to want to live in America.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
And look at you and you and last night, literally
last night you were at the Emmys.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
Were It's true, Josh and I reat the Emmys. It
was so much it makes.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
Me even emotional thinking about Kate. Give me a highlight.
What was your favorite highlight moment.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
In all sincerity.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Getting to do it with Josh Friedman, who I just
respect and love so much professionally and personally is.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Always a huge privilege.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
But you're walking like to go through the red carpet,
and celebrities are having a queue up with you, like
everybody's having to queue up. People that were on stage
presenting awards are walking beside us in the same cues,
and you just kind of go, this is surreal, Like
you know, it's just wild, and everybody's dressed up, everybody's excited.
It's an awards night that gets a lot of support
from the industry, and it's it's great. We were there
with the Television Academy Foundation, so it's just really fun
(04:03):
to dress up or as we would say, frock up
and go.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
It was fun.
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Did it feel like magic? And you and I both
loved ear love. I know that sound right so well,
but I feel like you would have had such a
beautiful moment seeing the pit do so well.
Speaker 3 (04:17):
Yeah, and one of the rioters as a friend of ours,
but I just think Noah whiley as an actor, and
just everything I hear about this guy is that he's
just a phenomenal human and he was just so humble
and gracious when he got the Awarden in the show
got the award, and.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
I mean I was crying. I was so excited.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
I was out of my check clapping and cheering, and
I just was just to see someone who's been able
to last in an industry where it can be really
tough for multiple decades and be on top and just
everybody happy to see him there was fabulous.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
Oh, I feel like I'm vicariously living through I literally thought.
And then off the back of that, I'm sure there
was some incredible after party that you need to And
you're here now literally the next day recording this pod.
So thank you for not stopping.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Oh, thank you for the opportunity. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
Is that part of your like the way that you roll.
Are you just like someone that's I feel like you're
constantly on the go, You're you're a person that seems
to thrive off momentum.
Speaker 3 (05:11):
Yeah, it's a great I like that a lot. How
you just frame that, I'm definitely someone who after my
dad passed and then my brother passed, it was very
much for me.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Life is a gift. Every day really is a gift,
and I.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Can choose to not do something with that, or I
can choose to be proactive and live the best version
of myself and live the best life that I possibly can.
And so every day, the smallest things, you know, like
every morning I meet Josh for our morning meetings and
we have a coffee and we go free walk, yeah,
big walk and down by the beach, and I love that,
and I don't take it for granted. It's so wonderful
to be able to do that, and to be able
(05:46):
to live my best life and see all of my
experiences as a positive, even when they may not go
as I had planned. I throw everything at it because
I wanted to say I did it, then to think
what if?
Speaker 1 (05:57):
So this was my next thing. I've seen you say
you're someone that doesn't want the what if, and I
totally relate to you. I don't like the feeling of
having regret. And I've heard you also say, which is
really interesting about you jumping on this part, is you
don't really believe in failure. You're more like, I'd rather
give it a crack, learn and then grow from that
and move on.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
That kind of how you see a failure or like
a setback.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
One hundred percent. And there's a term I picked up
from a friend, I fail forward. It's probably as close
as I'll get to you ever hear me saying the
word fail because I genuinely believe that everything that has
happened to me in my life, some of the most
devastating experiences and some of the happiest is the person
who sits with you today, and that person is very happy.
And I'm I'm happy because I feel like I give
(06:42):
it my all, and I am a very transparent person.
I can weird people out by telling them how much
I love them, because you just don't know when you're
not going to be able to do it.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Anymore, you know, And so oh that's not weird.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
Yeah, you know, Like when I see it by mom
on the phone, like I know the last five minutes
will be like love you, and she goes love you,
buh bah, I love you, Mom, and it goes backward
and forward, backward and forward, and I just I never
I never take it for granted. I just feel so blessed.
And I will shout out to my friends I love them.
I'll send them random messages saying I love them because
they are very important to me in my life. My
people that are in my life, I'm just very blessed
(07:10):
to have them, and and they take me quirks and all,
and there are a few quirks and.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
So we come with quirks. It's a package deal, right,
It's true.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
It's true.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
So you, my friend, have an Order of Australia medal,
what like pinch yourself moment.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
I know you got that in and like was it
last year DC?
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (07:33):
So yeah, so I didn't go to you.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
Yeah, And Ambassador Ud, who I was very grateful, was
able to invite me to the embassy in DC. And
there was four of us that were getting different versions
of the Order of Australia, three people that worked in
the military and myself. So I feel incredibly grateful and
blessed and humbled to be on stage receiving my medal
as they were from Ambassador Rud.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
Incredibly was your mum beside herself?
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Yeah, it's it's yeah.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
I mean when I rang and I told her, hey,
I'm nominated for an Order of Australian medal, And there
were some questions they came about, so I wasn't sure
that I wasn't aware this had been going on, and
my mum was just crying with absolute joy, absolute pride
and joy. And when I got the medal and I
went to DC to get it, there was just I've
(08:23):
had some incredible experiences in my life and that would
have to be one of the most humbling, loss of voice,
not sure what to say, thank you moment, And Ambassador
Raj shook my hands and he said, you've been really
busy and you do so much for the community. It's
incredibly proud, a very proud moment for me to meet you.
And I felt my eyes welling up and I feel
it in my voice now. Guys like, that's because I
(08:45):
came from a family where we were always told you
can always do something to help somebody else.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
It's really important.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Ah. And I feel like I feel like your whole
shtick is your incredibleredible, incredibly driven and you've got drive
and ambition, all these things, but I feel like one
of your biggest hall marks is how can I help
other people?
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Thank you?
Speaker 1 (09:05):
That's the vibe I'm getting.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
It's really important to me to feel like I can
I can give something back. And sure, I mean a
lot of people like especially from a charitable perspective. Want
to see you give money, but I give my time.
I give money. I try to be a good friend.
I try to be a mentor to in programs where
I can share my learnings. And one of the things
I love doing like this is as much as I
admire and respect you, Lala, it's also that people listen
(09:28):
to you, and I hope that they take something that
I can share that goes, oh wow, that means something
to me, or that can help me with something that
I'm going through in my life. And what a gift
to be able to do that and share my own
experiences to possibly help others.
Speaker 1 (09:41):
Well, that's what I loved about researching you. I was
taking all these notes and there's all highlights and everything
going here because I was like, oh, I relate to that,
and I really want to talk about this incredible movie.
But there's a moment where and I can't remember which
interview was you're doing, and you were like, oh no,
we had doubters, like people out you. And then in
(10:02):
another entry I heard you talk about like, I've had
to work on my self doubt. So I can only
imagine if you're in a scenario where you feel like
someone might be doubting your dream or your vision. Then
to be able to cultivate self belief in amongst a
little bit of doubt, like that's very hard, like lying
(10:22):
to to tread because it's one thing to be like,
that's cool, that's their stuff. I don't need to take
it on. But it takes this kind of like inner
learning and knowledge and lived experience of dealing with self
doubt to have that belief. And I know that you
and Josh are like the bestie soulmates in the whole world,
So you've got one another for those days when self
(10:43):
doubt might creep in. But was there any kind of
moment where you're like, no, I've got this, We've got this,
and you remember like backing yourself even when it felt
like maybe other people didn't back you.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
Yeah, it's such a good question of love the lens
you just gave that.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
I would say that when I left the bank, I
was actually going to go home for a little bit
because my mum wasn't in the best of health and
I was really like trying to work out who I was,
Like I've just it had been my life, all my
life of working was at banking and it was five years.
I joined as a five year old and was of
a special program, so you know, and I but I
(11:23):
wasn't sure what my next chapter would look like. And
when Josh Friedman, who'd been working in the industry for
ten years and just an incredibly talented person but a
very nice human which is important to me, very strong values,
wonderful family, you know, said you know, do you want
to come on as the executi producer And there was
a process to that, and I was like, I remember
(11:44):
on the phone like kind of giggling, gang Mom's gonna
love this. And I wasn't exactly sure of how much
that would entail. But what I saw was during the
strikes for the industry, just the ethical compass.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
That Josh has that is in movable.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
He is such an honorable person and works incredibly hard
and his work ethic really resonated with me. And so
I saw when it was very difficult he was navigating
because he was truly independent, so he was able to
continue to progress and having his film made and just
that grit, and so many people doubted him, and I
was like, there's nothing that's going to stop Josh from
(12:24):
doing this film, and he will do it in an
ethical and kind way, which is very important. And so
when I came on board, I had this background in banking,
which was very helpful to the role, but also to
your point. The bank was known as the Bank to
the stars. Like I had industry contacts, I had built
up a reputation, and together I really feel like we
became unstoppable. He has a very strong creative talent and
(12:47):
has a good business sense, and I have a very
strong business sense with the creative talent, and so it
was a real ying and yang and the amount of
times people were like no, no, or like we can't
believe you actually did it, and we're.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
Like, we never doubted ourselves.
Speaker 3 (12:59):
And I think the big thing for me was when
I phoned Josh and I said, we just got the
green light. It was early July last year, and we
had a lot of hurdles to get through for our investors,
and we just kind of had this moment and I
said to him, you know, these are the moments that
we have to remember because will only our first will
(13:19):
only happen once.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Our first film.
Speaker 1 (13:22):
Yeah, isn't it so good?
Speaker 2 (13:23):
I love it?
Speaker 3 (13:23):
You know, it's the first of everything that we have
to like really and enjoy the micro moments, you know.
And and there were plenty of times when we'd be
on the phone or we'd be in the trailer and
we'd be like, oh my gosh, we're actually doing this.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
This is crazy so good.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
Yeah, And I think the first day on set when
we were going into the trailer and we're getting our
passes and there's just hundreds of people. It's four o'clock
in the morning, and I go, well, I got to
put my big girl pants. I'm like, this is like,
this is the major league. And so there were a
lot of times where people still go like, I can't
you know, I can't believe what you guys have done.
And I say to Josh, I never ever questioned us
(14:00):
doing it. I just was wanting to make sure that
the lessons were ones that we could take into the
next film, in the next film, in the next film,
because we'll do it for a long time. So yeah,
I and I do try to find joy in every moment.
So even if it's like like a chaotic moment, very
soon thereafter I'll be trying to find a way to
laugh with Josh or others about that moment. I think
(14:22):
that's also a very Australian way. We're very self deprecating
and I loved that me too. Yeah, so I and
you know, there are still moments where I go, oh,
my gosh, like you know, we've done this and you know,
and and we've done it really well. Like everybody says,
it's a really well produced movie. Josh did a great
job as the director, our cast are phenomenal and they
love us.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
It's just been a totally positive experience.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
I love that you describe it as Indiana Jones on water.
I know I was like, oh, that is the perfect phrase.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
It is, and that also is my age demographic.
Speaker 3 (14:51):
Josh will say out of banks, which probably shows his
age right now, it's Indiana Jones.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
I feel like I'm probably more near the Indiana. But
I have to ask as someone who's also changed careers
and a little different but gone from like nutrition and
then being like I'm an actor out and it can
feel really scary sometimes. Yeah, and having spent thirty five
years in that like banking finance relationships, that kind of
(15:19):
it feels like you wore many hats. But was there
any part of you that was like, oh, this is
really this is going to be really scary, because if
you finished, I believe it was like March twenty twenty
four cut like a year later, I imagine on set
or like Thick in the film. Yeah, like that's a
(15:40):
quick it was turned around.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
It was weeks after I left the bank that Josh
asked me to come on board and be part of
the team. Yeah, And I ended up going home backward
and forward and didn't go home for possibly the months
that I was going to do. With my mum's blessing
and absolute support, there were times when I would be like,
I'm used to running big teams, hundreds of people, and
(16:04):
it's your one or two other people. I'm like, I
have to learn this. Like there's acronyms. I don't know
what they're talking about. But I worked in the industry
from a perspective of I've been involved in sponsorships for films.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
I've been involved with finance.
Speaker 3 (16:16):
I worked very closely with all the media, Like I
knew all of these when the when COVID and the
tragedies around COVID was taking place, Like my team led
one point eight billion dollars of loans to the industry
through Triple Be. Like I knew the industry, but I
had not known it from this side of the table.
Speaker 2 (16:32):
But I was doing the asking and people were saying.
Speaker 3 (16:34):
No, I'm like whoa, I'm Usually they're usually coming to
me and asking like can I'd be giving them the
check or something, or working with their teams. There were
plenty of times when I went like I might in
over my head, like wow.
Speaker 2 (16:46):
Like this is a lot.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
But I say this because when I went to Harvard
Business School and I was nominated my class president, I
was like, can I do this? Like can I give
this speech? And my mom phoned. I phoned my mom
and mom said, well, people think you can because they
voted your president. Yeah, and Josha and our investors believed
(17:10):
in me. And I was never gonna not take that
very seriously, and I was never going to do anything
that would let down or disappoint because people were counting
on me.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
So even when I didn't know, I kind of went
what a ride.
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Who would have thought like at my age, I'd be
like having to learn something and really recognized muscles I
hadn't worked before, and having a lot of fun doing it,
having a lot of fun doing but I would literally
be on the phone, and I would have my phone
and I'd be on like a zoom and I'd be
looking at the zoom and I'd be on my phone
going like what is this acronym? And I'd be like Okay.
Then I'd be like talking like very confidently to that acronym.
(17:42):
And I learned it two seconds ago. Thank goodness for Google.
Thank you for sharing that.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
That gives me so much, like hope and joy. I
have to ask this. Your whole career feels like it's
been one that's there's been a lot of relationships and
when you are a self described introvert, does sometimes does
your social battery sometimes go hang on? I just need
a beat? Or is it when you and Josh do
(18:09):
your morning walks? Is that like a reset for you,
you know, like getting into nature, just being with one
other person? Yeah, because I Yeah, as an introvert as well,
I struggle, like I'm like, you know, I need to
go home and like chill or do something.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
And you'd appreciate like it's just because of like I'm
an introverted extravert. Like it doesn't mean we don't like
being around people's where we saw our energy from. Yes,
And like I'll always be that happy, shy kid like
I totally I'm totally at peace with who I am.
I definitely need downtime, Like when I run over morning.
It's very rare that I'll take phone calls because I
(18:46):
get into like a meditative state. Music's really quietly playing
in the background in my AirPods. But I just enjoy
that time for me every day. And when I do walk,
there's like moments of that walk where you know, ten
fifteen minutes, it's just the company of Josh that's so
comforting that I don't need to talk to him. He's
pretty happy that I'm quite occasionally, but I am. Yeah,
(19:07):
those moments are really important for me. Like even when
it was so great when you and back could come
to the screening, when we all went to Barney's thereafter,
there was a mom where I actually just went to
the bar and I got myself some Nacho's and I
sat there with my skinny margarita and I just allowed
myself for a moment on my own. There are people
all around me, and but all I was just was
like thinking of into how luckier you like, you're at
(19:29):
the sag After Foundation. You guys are in the green
room it's called Nicole Kidman Green Room, which is so wonderful,
and I'm replaying the day and giving reminding myself of
how blessed and lucky I am. I put my arms
around luck. Like anyone who says that luck they've worked
really hard and there was no luck involved. I understand
the mindset. I have a slightly different lens to it.
(19:50):
I work really hard and luck has come my way,
and I wrap my arms around it. I wrapped my
arms around it, and so I sat there for like
according to one of my friends, I was at the
Barro mooent for like twenty five thirty.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
I was so happy.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
I knew all like people that I love here in
the room, people that support us, champion us, like I
stand on the shoulder of giants like and I want
to be very present and grateful, and I am. I
just needed a little time on my own, and I
can find it in moments of chaos like that. I mean,
Barney's It's great, It's for Linda and Rachel came out
and she says, hey, like, you know you're gonna come
(20:22):
over and join us.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Says, yeah, let's go.
Speaker 3 (20:24):
Because I'd had a chance to, because it had been
a big day. It was very emotional and I and
I just again, like you said on that stage, like
you know, the reader Wilson and the Tom Hanks screening room,
you know, like it's and our names are up on
the screen, like it's just it's those pinch me moments,
like you know, like that's the kid who grew up
in government housing and here she is.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
Because I do believe in the Aussie battler, like.
Speaker 3 (20:43):
I really do, and and that that that is championed
in Australia, you know, Like and I came here and
people were so welcoming to me, wanting to be here
and to establishing myself here.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
That's how I say Aussies often do quite well here
because we've got that battler mentality and like hard work.
But I've also got like the Aussie Alarican, like yeah,
don't take stuff too seriously, Like there's a bit of
which I feel like you have in spades, thank you.
Speaker 3 (21:08):
And I do think there's a love affair between Australia
and America. Yeah, there is a love affair of our people.
And I love I love living here and I love
that I'm still Australian and I love America and some
of the most impactful people in my life live in America,
like you know, and have been incredibly supportive to me.
Speaker 2 (21:25):
So yeah, I feel very blessed, very lucky.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
Now.
Speaker 1 (21:28):
When we had beautiful Josh on the pod, yes, he
gave us a little sneak taste into kind of because
because I think, especially through the lens of an actor,
you kind of see movie magic and you're like, like,
can't wait to do that kind of a project one day.
And Josh was really good in like kind of opening
my eyes too. There's a business side to making movies,
(21:50):
and I feel like your skill set would have been like, yeah,
I can. I've got all this like nous and understanding
with finance, with spot, like all the history of everything.
That's almost like that's led you to this moment. How
important to the view are the listener? Is the business
side of making a movie?
Speaker 3 (22:09):
Yeah, look, it's critical, especially if you're and I think
this is even so with studios, but you will definitely
see it in independent films that they want to be
sure you can manage to the budget. They want to
be sure that you understand the numbers. And when Josh
and I were speaking to investors. He did an outstanding
job of showing his creative brilliance, like absolute genius, and
(22:32):
he wrote the script and it was incredibly supportive while
not always like cheering about the decision, but sometimes we
had to make changes to the script because of budget,
and he could see that all options were explored. He
was very collaborative with the team about things like that.
And you know, when you're sitting with like investors, like
explaining to them we're going to be in all these
(22:52):
different countries where there's different currencies and different tax different currencies, yeah,
and letting them know that we understood that. And you know,
budget versus cash flow, it's two very different things, you know,
And being able to have those conversations with them was
really important. While I often led a lot of those conversations,
it was only because that's what was my responsibility, you know,
Josh was a great partner. And then being able to
(23:14):
see as a director he understood the value of the
money and staying on budget and being responsible to that.
And I think that that for any filmmaker is really
important because you know, we talk about how it's hard
at the moment because everybody's fishing from the same pond fish,
we went to a different pond, and to show respect
(23:35):
to that new pond with new fish, they needed to
see that we understood the importance of making good quality
like work like this feature film, and we could do
it in a budget. So when you watch the film,
a lot of people say, oh, that must have cost
X and Meg wasn't that much. And that's because Josh
was so clever and creative in being able to really
bring this scripture life on a big screen, which I
(23:57):
absolutely love.
Speaker 2 (23:57):
I've watched it so many times now I've lost count.
Speaker 1 (24:00):
It truly feels like a huge budget movie, like underwater shots,
strone shots, like stuff coming up from below. Hole was like,
yeses so epic an adventure, and I think you think
as a viewer, you're like, oh, this must be a
humongous budget. And I have heard you say people were
(24:20):
surprised when you were like, yes, this is an independent
film and yes we have fully funded it, like you
believed in it and championed it and really got it
to this point where your baby is completely coming to life.
Speaker 2 (24:34):
I know where baby's going to have a home soon,
which is very exciting.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
Oh my goodness, I cannot wait. I cannot wait for
the next phase. And speaking of next phases, I have
to ask you about your next project. Yeah, being an Aussie,
it sounds flip and unreal, So give me a little taste.
Speaker 2 (24:50):
Thank you, very excited.
Speaker 3 (24:53):
I'm Monty Franklin, who you know is a very well
established comedian and has a very large following. Wrote a
script with the Rob Schneider and John Cleese and it's
called The Great Emu Wall and it's inspired by a
true story which I love and I think it's it's
written in such a beautiful way that it's going to
be austraight as human will translate into all different countries
and languages.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
It's wonderful.
Speaker 3 (25:13):
And basically there's a huge kind of uprise of farmers
in the nineteen thirties saying that the EMUs were overtaking
their wheat farms. And you see this kind of play
out in a very nostalgic, whimsical, very authentic way. And
it's going to be great to be able to showcase
some Aussie talent, some Overseas talent, some new technologies around
(25:36):
how do you bring EMUs to the film, And Yeah,
it's gonna be fun. It's going to be really good
fun to show that beautiful connection between the importance of
human talent with technology that really brings a film to life.
Speaker 2 (25:48):
And Josh is going to direct it. We're both EPs.
Speaker 3 (25:51):
I'm'm the lead producer and that will be April May
next year. We'll start filming and we're just kind of
pulling that together. Actually, I had a meeting about it
this morning, and so Monty's been wonderful to work with.
He's just so so talented, and I'm really excited by
this story. I'm really excited, and to be able to
have that talent in this film just feels like a
(26:12):
really nice progression for Josh and I so very very excited.
There's words getting out like we just have a lot
of people approaching us right now and we're very very
lucky and blessed to be able to have these opportunities,
but say, hey, we're already working on something, and so
that's super exciting.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
And you get to go home.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
I get to go home Australia.
Speaker 3 (26:30):
I have good and you know, I joke, Josh's half fuzzy.
We I go home three or four times a year,
and so I really love it. But to go home
and to be home and be base there, like for
you know, a couple of months, bring my mum on side.
Speaker 1 (26:44):
You've got to bring your mom set in the trailer.
Speaker 2 (26:47):
Yeah, she'll love it. She'll love it so much.
Speaker 3 (26:50):
And you know, like and my nephews and my niece,
like this is my family, like my friends I've had
since I was teenagers, Like this somebody is really excited
and supportive and so to be able to do something
like that in my home country and like, it's just
this the sense of pride is just enormous, Like it's
just oh yeah, very amazing.
Speaker 1 (27:06):
It makes me emotional. And also this story Josh and
I were talking about is so funny, Like the character,
it's literally literally the EMUs. I can give this aways
win right, Like that is inspired. It's so incredible and
(27:26):
I'm so excited. I just can't wait to see how
it all unfolds now, as I love asking this to
creatives that have kind of gone out there and done
the thing that they love and are living their passion
or the Yogi word for is darma to live your dahma,
And I feel like you are doing that. Thank you
(27:47):
for like a young actress or creative that's fresh out
of drama school in Australia. I trained in Melbourne fresh
out of Melbourne Drama School, you know, and I always
say that when you come out of acting school, it's
so exciting, but there isn't necessarily a bridge between you've
been in this beautiful little incubator that is drama school
(28:10):
and then to get on a set or to get
the reps all that kind of thing. It can feel
like a world away. So do you have any advice
for a young creative that is like, I want to
do this thing, don't I don't know how? Or you know,
should they just start creating? Should they understand the business
side of it and start networking?
Speaker 2 (28:30):
Like?
Speaker 1 (28:30):
What advice do you have for a young because I
know you were that young girl, you know, nine years old,
this big dream that kind of feels larger than achievable.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
You know.
Speaker 3 (28:42):
Yeah, the nine year old didn't know that. I had
no clue I was I'm going to do this. I
would say a few things. First, networking can sound like
it's not important, but it's super important. Like it's really
important to build your network. It's really really important. Some
(29:03):
of the contacts that Josh and I have had meetings,
we've had and even around Southern distribution has come from
our networks. So it's really important to build your networks
in a very authentic way. To you, I'm not someone
who can walk into a room and everybody's there and
it's a networking event and people are exchanging cards, whether
that's physically or digitally. I find that stuff for me personally,
(29:24):
as an introverted extra, very uncomfortable. I'm in the bathroom,
I'm just like, do a lap be seeing it out
of here, and I'm sure there's a lot of nice
people in that room. It's just not my energy. And
so find authentic ways to network and to build genuine
connection and nurture them, like look after them, I would say,
especially for Australians, it's not in our nature to ask,
(29:48):
and in America you've got to ask. I had great
support from Josh and our friends and investors like Linda, like,
you know these people, phone them and ask them.
Speaker 2 (29:57):
The worst they can say is no.
Speaker 3 (29:59):
I felt like out of my skin, but it was
absolutely the best advice I'd gotten, especially as an independent filmmaker.
So I'd be like, don't be afraid to ask, and
don't lose sight of your dream. Even if it feels
like you've had to go around to get there, like
it's you bit off track if you know you were
having to work in a restaurant because that's what you
do while you're working in the local community plays.
Speaker 2 (30:20):
But you're not getting paid any money.
Speaker 3 (30:22):
But you get to live your you get to build
your muscle and enjoy your passion. I think it's really
really important. I do a lot of pro bono work,
and the work that I've done in the entertainment industry
has been very, very valuable into making this film and
establishing a career now and movie making. The business side
is really important. People want to see that you understand it.
But if you're an actor per se, it's it's good
(30:45):
to understand and be respectful to it. But they need
to build the muscle, start to get things on their
resume that shows that they're very committed to it.
Speaker 2 (30:53):
And having a network super important.
Speaker 1 (30:55):
Oh so good. I love how you say, like ask
because yeah, one of the things I love about Americans
is they're so direct, and initially when you first hear
off that that just flight, you know, but you're like,
oh my goodness, they're so forward, But it is you
can see how really good business has done, and quite
quickly because you know where you stand, like people are
(31:18):
really honest about what they need or what they think
you can do, and it's there's a refreshing yeah. Like
I always say to people, it feels like there's so
much possibility here. And I think it's because of that
directness and that feeling like people are asking for what
they really want.
Speaker 3 (31:34):
Yeah, are hundred percent. When I first hit New York
and I would have these very direct conversations, I'd be like,
oh gosh, like it's a lot, but sir, if you
know exactly where you stand, it's very refreshing. And I
think it's every no gets you closer to the yes.
Speaker 2 (31:50):
It's how I kind of taught it myself.
Speaker 3 (31:52):
And also when people say no, we'll ask why even
when it's good, like because it's great, like it'd bit
white wires it great like. So you to have that
information and understand that the lens of someone like speaking
to you take the opportunity when they are to get
as much feedback as you can informs you for the
next conversation.
Speaker 1 (32:10):
That's such a great idea. I never asked.
Speaker 3 (32:13):
I'm like, oh, thank you, Yeah, thanks very much now
say that, like even when they go that's great.
Speaker 2 (32:18):
Why is that great?
Speaker 3 (32:19):
And you know, when we were people were approaching us
about the film and sales and distribution, and we had
a few people making offers and some would go that's great,
and Josh would say, oh, you know, thank you for
the feedback, always very well mattered, and be like, what
did you like about it? You know, and you know
or you know, like I thought this, you know, like
someone could give us feedback around oh, you know, you
should probably think about this in marketing, and we'd be like,
(32:41):
that's great.
Speaker 2 (32:42):
Why do you think that? Yeah?
Speaker 1 (32:44):
I love it? Okay, So I found a quote of yours. Oh,
let's hear it.
Speaker 2 (32:48):
Nervous.
Speaker 1 (32:49):
How can other people believe in me if I can't
believe in myself? And I love it, like it rings
true to everything you've shared today, But I think someday
it can be kind of hard to like, like you said,
you're like a like am I getting to where I
want to get to? Where am I going about? Something?
Really round about way? How important is that? Obviously self
(33:12):
belief you would have to be like primo primo, Yeah,
because you're well executive producing, you're running the show you're
running the ship. You and Josh it's your baby and
you're guiding this ship. How true is that quote to
how you live?
Speaker 3 (33:27):
Yeah, it's it's it really resonates with me because if
people are gonna trust me, then I better you know,
honor that and be and be credible for it.
Speaker 2 (33:41):
I mean, another two you'll hear is imposter syndrome.
Speaker 3 (33:44):
You know, there are days where I do doubt myself,
you know, and and you know, it's easier to stay
inside and you know, keep the blinds down, but I
make a choice to get up and think about, well,
you know, what is what is my per you know?
And I was joking with some friends about this. It's
so easy to say, oh, my coffee is half empty,
(34:05):
but actually it's like I've just drank half my coffee
and it was great. I know it's a very simple example,
but I gave it to someone earlier last week. It's
we choose our path and it's harder to be positive
and to see the goodness in things and the positive aspects.
Speaker 2 (34:21):
Like I live in Santa Monica.
Speaker 3 (34:22):
People will save their money, their whole life to come
there for a holiday or a vacation. And I'm blessed
to walk down there every day and go for a run.
I will never take that for granted. And while I
lived in around beautiful beaches in Australia, I just remind
myself of the blessings that I have, Like I I'm very,
very lucky, and so I try to role model what
(34:43):
I hope is a good a.
Speaker 2 (34:45):
Good citizen, like I really do.
Speaker 3 (34:46):
I know that sounds a little Pollyanna, but I do
really want to be the best version of myself.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
Like I saw the sacrifices that.
Speaker 3 (34:54):
My mum and dad made, Like it's yeah, yeah, do
you know what makes me think of watching you at
the Emmy's last night and the song that was behind
your like you were all glammed up and ten out
of ten heart and which would you sing by the way,
but and the song was this Girl's on Fire?
Speaker 1 (35:13):
Yeah, And I was like, oh, it just fit. It
feels like your anthem because your parents, it felt like,
gave up a lots to make sure that you and
your brother had really beautiful childhoods. Yeah, filled with love.
Speaker 2 (35:29):
Yeah yeah.
Speaker 3 (35:30):
And like if I said to my mum, you know
the sacrifices you and dead made, she would give me
the hand and go. We made no sacrifices, you know,
like that that's what's so nice about Like she truly
is probably the most optimistic person I've ever met in
my life. And she doesn't see it as a sacrifice.
And so you know, and I I do, you know,
like when I spoke to her on Saturday afternoon.
Speaker 2 (35:51):
And I should, you know, what are you doing tonight? Baby?
And I was thinking, what we're doing is Josh there,
put me on speak about it.
Speaker 3 (35:56):
I'm not here yet, but like we're going to this
incredible party to support a charity that gives back motion
picture Television fund.
Speaker 2 (36:03):
Yeah. Very important.
Speaker 3 (36:04):
And and I'm like, you know, like just the blessing
of being able to attend this and with our friends
and and promote the movie talk about what we're doing
with the film and whatnot, and and I get to
do those things Like that's incredible.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
I feel like you have so many pincher self moments
like didn't you do a speech opening the Grammys wearing
and I saw you were Australiana.
Speaker 3 (36:25):
Yeah I'm not sure you pronounce it.
Speaker 2 (36:30):
Yeah, thank you?
Speaker 1 (36:31):
Yes, But You've had moments like that, right and then
and then like to be on set with Josh, your
bestie in the entire world, Like, is there a moment?
And I know there's probably so many pincher self moment.
It's like you were literally the Emmys last night, I know,
but especially with creating, like and I feel like talking
(36:52):
to like being a producer and being an executive producer,
that's your purpose, Like that's your dream. Was there a
moment on set? Like I know someone was shot in
Underground k and where you were just like, oh my,
how are we? How are we doing this thing?
Speaker 2 (37:08):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (37:09):
Have does anything spring to mind?
Speaker 2 (37:11):
It's yeah.
Speaker 3 (37:11):
It was interesting when we were coming from the Dominican
Republic to Florida and it was our last few days
of filming and we had a number of the cast
with Josh and I on the plane and Michael Evans Bailing,
who's a phenomenal talent and very just a lovely, lovely human,
and he was sitting beside Josh behind me, and people
(37:34):
got wind that he was on the plane and he's
in a TV show called All American and the flat
attendant had to announce like came over and apologized to me.
I'm like, that's okay, Like Josh and Michael have gone
asleep and I'm really sorry, We're going to have someone
standing like just near their seat so they can just
have their privacy. And I'm like, this is so so surreal.
I would probably be the person who would have been
walking down the older trying to get a sneaky pick,
(37:55):
and now they're actually like protecting us from it. It's like,
oh my gosh, like this is this is us we
make in this film, you know, we're doing this and
and I found just that moment of like, well, like
like we brought these people together, like Josh, you know,
selected this phenomenal cast and went through a very thorough
process in doing it, and we brought this group together,
like that's that's surreal, you know, like it's and I
(38:17):
will say I think the first morning when we got up,
it's like four am and we're getting into the car,
like I was just like, I'm just like it could
have been any time of the day.
Speaker 2 (38:26):
I was so hyperactive. I was so pumped up.
Speaker 3 (38:28):
Then I started this thing, and now I insisted we
do it for every every film. It would be at
the end of every day. I go, if you're happy,
and you know, I clap your hands.
Speaker 2 (38:36):
It's so bad.
Speaker 1 (38:37):
I love it so much.
Speaker 2 (38:39):
We would have our drivers looking at with us and
I loved it so much, so good.
Speaker 1 (38:43):
Yeah, it was sound like play school Australia. That is
literally where I think.
Speaker 3 (38:51):
And it would be like and then the guys would
be like, do we have to do this? And I'm like,
we're doing on every film we ever make.
Speaker 2 (38:56):
Now.
Speaker 3 (38:57):
I tried to do it at five o'clock in the
morning and no one was having any other it.
Speaker 2 (39:00):
It's like it's too earlier, you kidding, Like it's almost
like Josh Maker stop, like it's too She's like a puppy.
Speaker 3 (39:05):
But of the after people were more excited. I could
like rally people to do it and I would totally
get into It's funny when the drivers would start doing.
Speaker 2 (39:11):
It with you and they'd be like, Linda, Linda.
Speaker 3 (39:13):
Like one day we got in the car and we
just had a long day and they'd been unexpected rain
and we're in the car and we hadn't started it
yet and the driver starts going Linda, Linda, and he
starts doing it.
Speaker 2 (39:25):
I loved it, Oh, I love it.
Speaker 3 (39:28):
Yeah. There was a lot of pinch me moments, just
like you know, like I'd ring my mum and because
you don't. I'm like, we've just blocked off a lane
of the freeway and we're in we're filming all this stuff,
and Josh's got like hundreds of people and they've got
boats and there's some people on land. And I'm back
at the freeway where we've got like all these semi
trailers and trailers set up and we've taken over a
whole lane of a freeway.
Speaker 2 (39:49):
Like it's just wild.
Speaker 1 (39:50):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's like mind bending, like, ah, this
is happening. Well, my friend, I could talk to you
all day long.
Speaker 2 (39:56):
Thank you, Loly. It's such a bit egg thinking, Oh.
Speaker 1 (39:58):
That was so fun. Please come back again. Let's do
an Australiana version for the great emu W wash me
do that.
Speaker 3 (40:05):
I really tried to like turn my accent down, stay
but I'd love to do that.
Speaker 1 (40:08):
Don't tone your accent.
Speaker 3 (40:10):
I'm told often that people can't understand me, but because
I do have a very working class as the accent
that I love, like I do.
Speaker 2 (40:15):
Yeah, I think you do. I feel like we're on
a similar Yeah, thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (40:20):
You are wonderful to the listener slash viewer. Go out
and watch the Queen's Jewels. Please, when it's got its home,
I'll ask you about after this.
Speaker 3 (40:28):
Yeah, thank you for this opportunity.
Speaker 2 (40:31):
Thank you, I to you. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (40:36):
That's a wrap on another episode of Fearlessly Failing. As always,
thank you to our guests, and let's continue the conversation
on Instagram. I'm at Yumo Lollerberry. This potty my word
for podcast is available on all streaming platforms. I'd love
it if you could subscribe, rape and comment and of
(40:59):
course spread the laugh
Get a I'm Lala Berry, nutritionist, author, actor, TV presenter,
and professional oversharer. This podcast is all about celebrating failure
because I believe it's a chance for us to learn,
grow and face our blind spots. Each week, I'll interview
a different guest about their highs as well as they're lows,
(00:26):
all in a bid to inspire us to fearlessly fail. Hello,
fearlessly failing, fam We have Linda Duncom on the podcast today,
and holy Molly, she is a formidable force and can
I please be like you?
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Linda.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
She's an executive producer producer of The Queen's Jewels, this
incredible feature film. As soon as it is out, you
have to go and watch it because Matt and I've
seen it twice and we already are like, when can
we see it again? Linda has this incre history thirty
five years in finance and banking, and then literally was like,
and I'm going to change my career and produce feature films.
(01:08):
She's so incredible, so kind, so warm and Ozzie so
enjoy the accent. But I hope you love this chat.
If you are a creative or anybody with a dream,
This episode is for you. Welcome to the Pod. Linda Duncombe. Mate,
I don't even know where to start with you. Truly,
(01:31):
truly so executive producer and producer of The Queen's Jewels,
which we have been lucky enough to see twice now
huge fans. But you have this whole other thirty five
year spanning career stemming from banking, and I have to,
like I said, I have post it notestually stuck around
the house, so correct me if I'm wrong. But executive
(01:55):
vice president, Chief Marketing and Data and Digital Officer at
the Bank of Stars, City National Bank. He did very well,
that's correct, He's really okay, And that's what brought you
to America initially, right.
Speaker 3 (02:09):
No, it actually originally brought me to America was City Bank,
so my poor mom would get confused. I worked at
National Australia Bank, and I worked at City Bank, and
then I worked at City National Bank.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
Got it?
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Okay, Okay, I'm glad that your mum and I are
on the same path. So take me back. You're nine
years old. You're watching Charlie's Angels, You're watching wond Woman.
You're like, mom, Dad, that's where I'm going to go.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
I'm going to go to America.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
I was a very quiet, awkward child, very shy, and
I loved those TV shows. And we grew up in
government housing. I didn't know what that meant, that we
didn't have money that everybody else had, because there was
so much love in our in our home. And I
would watch TV, which was a huge treat when we
got it, and I would watch these shows and I
would twirl around like wonder woman. And I turned to
(02:52):
my parents. I remember it so clearly, and I said,
I'm going to live in New York. I'm going to
live in America. And I'm sure they thought, or maybe
hope I would grow out of it, but absolutely, like
without question or hesitation, I mean, yeah, maybe you could
do it. Like you could do it, And then a
goal was kind of set, I think, not even consciously
as a nine year old, no pressure from anybody, including myself,
(03:13):
but this dream to want to live in America.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
And look at you and you and last night, literally
last night you were at the Emmys.
Speaker 3 (03:23):
Were It's true, Josh and I reat the Emmys. It
was so much it makes.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
Me even emotional thinking about Kate. Give me a highlight.
What was your favorite highlight moment.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
In all sincerity.
Speaker 3 (03:33):
Getting to do it with Josh Friedman, who I just
respect and love so much professionally and personally is.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Always a huge privilege.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
But you're walking like to go through the red carpet,
and celebrities are having a queue up with you, like
everybody's having to queue up. People that were on stage
presenting awards are walking beside us in the same cues,
and you just kind of go, this is surreal, Like
you know, it's just wild, and everybody's dressed up, everybody's excited.
It's an awards night that gets a lot of support
from the industry, and it's it's great. We were there
with the Television Academy Foundation, so it's just really fun
(04:03):
to dress up or as we would say, frock up
and go.
Speaker 2 (04:05):
It was fun.
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Did it feel like magic? And you and I both
loved ear love. I know that sound right so well,
but I feel like you would have had such a
beautiful moment seeing the pit do so well.
Speaker 3 (04:17):
Yeah, and one of the rioters as a friend of ours,
but I just think Noah whiley as an actor, and
just everything I hear about this guy is that he's
just a phenomenal human and he was just so humble
and gracious when he got the Awarden in the show
got the award, and.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
I mean I was crying. I was so excited.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
I was out of my check clapping and cheering, and
I just was just to see someone who's been able
to last in an industry where it can be really
tough for multiple decades and be on top and just
everybody happy to see him there was fabulous.
Speaker 1 (04:42):
Oh, I feel like I'm vicariously living through I literally thought.
And then off the back of that, I'm sure there
was some incredible after party that you need to And
you're here now literally the next day recording this pod.
So thank you for not stopping.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Oh, thank you for the opportunity. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (04:59):
Is that part of your like the way that you roll.
Are you just like someone that's I feel like you're
constantly on the go, You're you're a person that seems
to thrive off momentum.
Speaker 3 (05:11):
Yeah, it's a great I like that a lot. How
you just frame that, I'm definitely someone who after my
dad passed and then my brother passed, it was very
much for me.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Life is a gift. Every day really is a gift,
and I.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Can choose to not do something with that, or I
can choose to be proactive and live the best version
of myself and live the best life that I possibly can.
And so every day, the smallest things, you know, like
every morning I meet Josh for our morning meetings and
we have a coffee and we go free walk, yeah,
big walk and down by the beach, and I love that,
and I don't take it for granted. It's so wonderful
to be able to do that, and to be able
(05:46):
to live my best life and see all of my
experiences as a positive, even when they may not go
as I had planned. I throw everything at it because
I wanted to say I did it, then to think
what if?
Speaker 1 (05:57):
So this was my next thing. I've seen you say
you're someone that doesn't want the what if, and I
totally relate to you. I don't like the feeling of
having regret. And I've heard you also say, which is
really interesting about you jumping on this part, is you
don't really believe in failure. You're more like, I'd rather
give it a crack, learn and then grow from that
and move on.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
That kind of how you see a failure or like
a setback.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
One hundred percent. And there's a term I picked up
from a friend, I fail forward. It's probably as close
as I'll get to you ever hear me saying the
word fail because I genuinely believe that everything that has
happened to me in my life, some of the most
devastating experiences and some of the happiest is the person
who sits with you today, and that person is very happy.
And I'm I'm happy because I feel like I give
(06:42):
it my all, and I am a very transparent person.
I can weird people out by telling them how much
I love them, because you just don't know when you're
not going to be able to do it.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Anymore, you know, And so oh that's not weird.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
Yeah, you know, Like when I see it by mom
on the phone, like I know the last five minutes
will be like love you, and she goes love you,
buh bah, I love you, Mom, and it goes backward
and forward, backward and forward, and I just I never
I never take it for granted. I just feel so blessed.
And I will shout out to my friends I love them.
I'll send them random messages saying I love them because
they are very important to me in my life. My
people that are in my life, I'm just very blessed
(07:10):
to have them, and and they take me quirks and all,
and there are a few quirks and.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
So we come with quirks. It's a package deal, right,
It's true.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
It's true.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
So you, my friend, have an Order of Australia medal,
what like pinch yourself moment.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
I know you got that in and like was it
last year DC?
Speaker 3 (07:33):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (07:33):
So yeah, so I didn't go to you.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
Yeah, And Ambassador Ud, who I was very grateful, was
able to invite me to the embassy in DC. And
there was four of us that were getting different versions
of the Order of Australia, three people that worked in
the military and myself. So I feel incredibly grateful and
blessed and humbled to be on stage receiving my medal
as they were from Ambassador Rud.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
Incredibly was your mum beside herself?
Speaker 2 (08:00):
Yeah, it's it's yeah.
Speaker 3 (08:01):
I mean when I rang and I told her, hey,
I'm nominated for an Order of Australian medal, And there
were some questions they came about, so I wasn't sure
that I wasn't aware this had been going on, and
my mum was just crying with absolute joy, absolute pride
and joy. And when I got the medal and I
went to DC to get it, there was just I've
(08:23):
had some incredible experiences in my life and that would
have to be one of the most humbling, loss of voice,
not sure what to say, thank you moment, And Ambassador
Raj shook my hands and he said, you've been really
busy and you do so much for the community. It's
incredibly proud, a very proud moment for me to meet you.
And I felt my eyes welling up and I feel
it in my voice now. Guys like, that's because I
(08:45):
came from a family where we were always told you
can always do something to help somebody else.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
It's really important.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Ah. And I feel like I feel like your whole
shtick is your incredibleredible, incredibly driven and you've got drive
and ambition, all these things, but I feel like one
of your biggest hall marks is how can I help
other people?
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Thank you?
Speaker 1 (09:05):
That's the vibe I'm getting.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
It's really important to me to feel like I can
I can give something back. And sure, I mean a
lot of people like especially from a charitable perspective. Want
to see you give money, but I give my time.
I give money. I try to be a good friend.
I try to be a mentor to in programs where
I can share my learnings. And one of the things
I love doing like this is as much as I
admire and respect you, Lala, it's also that people listen
(09:28):
to you, and I hope that they take something that
I can share that goes, oh wow, that means something
to me, or that can help me with something that
I'm going through in my life. And what a gift
to be able to do that and share my own
experiences to possibly help others.
Speaker 1 (09:41):
Well, that's what I loved about researching you. I was
taking all these notes and there's all highlights and everything
going here because I was like, oh, I relate to that,
and I really want to talk about this incredible movie.
But there's a moment where and I can't remember which
interview was you're doing, and you were like, oh no,
we had doubters, like people out you. And then in
(10:02):
another entry I heard you talk about like, I've had
to work on my self doubt. So I can only
imagine if you're in a scenario where you feel like
someone might be doubting your dream or your vision. Then
to be able to cultivate self belief in amongst a
little bit of doubt, like that's very hard, like lying
(10:22):
to to tread because it's one thing to be like,
that's cool, that's their stuff. I don't need to take
it on. But it takes this kind of like inner
learning and knowledge and lived experience of dealing with self
doubt to have that belief. And I know that you
and Josh are like the bestie soulmates in the whole world,
So you've got one another for those days when self
(10:43):
doubt might creep in. But was there any kind of
moment where you're like, no, I've got this, We've got this,
and you remember like backing yourself even when it felt
like maybe other people didn't back you.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
Yeah, it's such a good question of love the lens
you just gave that.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
I would say that when I left the bank, I
was actually going to go home for a little bit
because my mum wasn't in the best of health and
I was really like trying to work out who I was,
Like I've just it had been my life, all my
life of working was at banking and it was five years.
I joined as a five year old and was of
a special program, so you know, and I but I
(11:23):
wasn't sure what my next chapter would look like. And
when Josh Friedman, who'd been working in the industry for
ten years and just an incredibly talented person but a
very nice human which is important to me, very strong values,
wonderful family, you know, said you know, do you want
to come on as the executi producer And there was
a process to that, and I was like, I remember
(11:44):
on the phone like kind of giggling, gang Mom's gonna
love this. And I wasn't exactly sure of how much
that would entail. But what I saw was during the
strikes for the industry, just the ethical compass.
Speaker 2 (11:58):
That Josh has that is in movable.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
He is such an honorable person and works incredibly hard
and his work ethic really resonated with me. And so
I saw when it was very difficult he was navigating
because he was truly independent, so he was able to
continue to progress and having his film made and just
that grit, and so many people doubted him, and I
was like, there's nothing that's going to stop Josh from
(12:24):
doing this film, and he will do it in an
ethical and kind way, which is very important. And so
when I came on board, I had this background in banking,
which was very helpful to the role, but also to
your point. The bank was known as the Bank to
the stars. Like I had industry contacts, I had built
up a reputation, and together I really feel like we
became unstoppable. He has a very strong creative talent and
(12:47):
has a good business sense, and I have a very
strong business sense with the creative talent, and so it
was a real ying and yang and the amount of
times people were like no, no, or like we can't
believe you actually did it, and we're.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
Like, we never doubted ourselves.
Speaker 3 (12:59):
And I think the big thing for me was when
I phoned Josh and I said, we just got the
green light. It was early July last year, and we
had a lot of hurdles to get through for our investors,
and we just kind of had this moment and I
said to him, you know, these are the moments that
we have to remember because will only our first will
(13:19):
only happen once.
Speaker 2 (13:21):
Our first film.
Speaker 1 (13:22):
Yeah, isn't it so good?
Speaker 2 (13:23):
I love it?
Speaker 3 (13:23):
You know, it's the first of everything that we have
to like really and enjoy the micro moments, you know.
And and there were plenty of times when we'd be
on the phone or we'd be in the trailer and
we'd be like, oh my gosh, we're actually doing this.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
This is crazy so good.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
Yeah, And I think the first day on set when
we were going into the trailer and we're getting our
passes and there's just hundreds of people. It's four o'clock
in the morning, and I go, well, I got to
put my big girl pants. I'm like, this is like,
this is the major league. And so there were a
lot of times where people still go like, I can't
you know, I can't believe what you guys have done.
And I say to Josh, I never ever questioned us
(14:00):
doing it. I just was wanting to make sure that
the lessons were ones that we could take into the
next film, in the next film, in the next film,
because we'll do it for a long time. So yeah,
I and I do try to find joy in every moment.
So even if it's like like a chaotic moment, very
soon thereafter I'll be trying to find a way to
laugh with Josh or others about that moment. I think
(14:22):
that's also a very Australian way. We're very self deprecating
and I loved that me too. Yeah, so I and
you know, there are still moments where I go, oh,
my gosh, like you know, we've done this and you know,
and and we've done it really well. Like everybody says,
it's a really well produced movie. Josh did a great
job as the director, our cast are phenomenal and they
love us.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
It's just been a totally positive experience.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
I love that you describe it as Indiana Jones on water.
I know I was like, oh, that is the perfect phrase.
Speaker 2 (14:49):
It is, and that also is my age demographic.
Speaker 3 (14:51):
Josh will say out of banks, which probably shows his
age right now, it's Indiana Jones.
Speaker 1 (14:55):
I feel like I'm probably more near the Indiana. But
I have to ask as someone who's also changed careers
and a little different but gone from like nutrition and
then being like I'm an actor out and it can
feel really scary sometimes. Yeah, and having spent thirty five
years in that like banking finance relationships, that kind of
(15:19):
it feels like you wore many hats. But was there
any part of you that was like, oh, this is
really this is going to be really scary, because if
you finished, I believe it was like March twenty twenty
four cut like a year later, I imagine on set
or like Thick in the film. Yeah, like that's a
(15:40):
quick it was turned around.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
It was weeks after I left the bank that Josh
asked me to come on board and be part of
the team. Yeah, And I ended up going home backward
and forward and didn't go home for possibly the months
that I was going to do. With my mum's blessing
and absolute support, there were times when I would be like,
I'm used to running big teams, hundreds of people, and
(16:04):
it's your one or two other people. I'm like, I
have to learn this. Like there's acronyms. I don't know
what they're talking about. But I worked in the industry
from a perspective of I've been involved in sponsorships for films.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
I've been involved with finance.
Speaker 3 (16:16):
I worked very closely with all the media, Like I
knew all of these when the when COVID and the
tragedies around COVID was taking place, Like my team led
one point eight billion dollars of loans to the industry
through Triple Be. Like I knew the industry, but I
had not known it from this side of the table.
Speaker 2 (16:32):
But I was doing the asking and people were saying.
Speaker 3 (16:34):
No, I'm like whoa, I'm Usually they're usually coming to
me and asking like can I'd be giving them the
check or something, or working with their teams. There were
plenty of times when I went like I might in
over my head, like wow.
Speaker 2 (16:46):
Like this is a lot.
Speaker 3 (16:48):
But I say this because when I went to Harvard
Business School and I was nominated my class president, I
was like, can I do this? Like can I give
this speech? And my mom phoned. I phoned my mom
and mom said, well, people think you can because they
voted your president. Yeah, and Josha and our investors believed
(17:10):
in me. And I was never gonna not take that
very seriously, and I was never going to do anything
that would let down or disappoint because people were counting
on me.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
So even when I didn't know, I kind of went
what a ride.
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Who would have thought like at my age, I'd be
like having to learn something and really recognized muscles I
hadn't worked before, and having a lot of fun doing it,
having a lot of fun doing but I would literally
be on the phone, and I would have my phone
and I'd be on like a zoom and I'd be
looking at the zoom and I'd be on my phone
going like what is this acronym? And I'd be like Okay.
Then I'd be like talking like very confidently to that acronym.
(17:42):
And I learned it two seconds ago. Thank goodness for Google.
Thank you for sharing that.
Speaker 1 (17:48):
That gives me so much, like hope and joy. I
have to ask this. Your whole career feels like it's
been one that's there's been a lot of relationships and
when you are a self described introvert, does sometimes does
your social battery sometimes go hang on? I just need
a beat? Or is it when you and Josh do
(18:09):
your morning walks? Is that like a reset for you,
you know, like getting into nature, just being with one
other person? Yeah, because I Yeah, as an introvert as well,
I struggle, like I'm like, you know, I need to
go home and like chill or do something.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
And you'd appreciate like it's just because of like I'm
an introverted extravert. Like it doesn't mean we don't like
being around people's where we saw our energy from. Yes,
And like I'll always be that happy, shy kid like
I totally I'm totally at peace with who I am.
I definitely need downtime, Like when I run over morning.
It's very rare that I'll take phone calls because I
(18:46):
get into like a meditative state. Music's really quietly playing
in the background in my AirPods. But I just enjoy
that time for me every day. And when I do walk,
there's like moments of that walk where you know, ten
fifteen minutes, it's just the company of Josh that's so
comforting that I don't need to talk to him. He's
pretty happy that I'm quite occasionally, but I am. Yeah,
(19:07):
those moments are really important for me. Like even when
it was so great when you and back could come
to the screening, when we all went to Barney's thereafter,
there was a mom where I actually just went to
the bar and I got myself some Nacho's and I
sat there with my skinny margarita and I just allowed
myself for a moment on my own. There are people
all around me, and but all I was just was
like thinking of into how luckier you like, you're at
(19:29):
the sag After Foundation. You guys are in the green
room it's called Nicole Kidman Green Room, which is so wonderful,
and I'm replaying the day and giving reminding myself of
how blessed and lucky I am. I put my arms
around luck. Like anyone who says that luck they've worked
really hard and there was no luck involved. I understand
the mindset. I have a slightly different lens to it.
(19:50):
I work really hard and luck has come my way,
and I wrap my arms around it. I wrapped my
arms around it, and so I sat there for like
according to one of my friends, I was at the
Barro mooent for like twenty five thirty.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
I was so happy.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
I knew all like people that I love here in
the room, people that support us, champion us, like I
stand on the shoulder of giants like and I want
to be very present and grateful, and I am. I
just needed a little time on my own, and I
can find it in moments of chaos like that. I mean,
Barney's It's great, It's for Linda and Rachel came out
and she says, hey, like, you know you're gonna come
(20:22):
over and join us.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Says, yeah, let's go.
Speaker 3 (20:24):
Because I'd had a chance to, because it had been
a big day. It was very emotional and I and
I just again, like you said on that stage, like
you know, the reader Wilson and the Tom Hanks screening room,
you know, like it's and our names are up on
the screen, like it's just it's those pinch me moments,
like you know, like that's the kid who grew up
in government housing and here she is.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
Because I do believe in the Aussie battler, like.
Speaker 3 (20:43):
I really do, and and that that that is championed
in Australia, you know, Like and I came here and
people were so welcoming to me, wanting to be here
and to establishing myself here.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
That's how I say Aussies often do quite well here
because we've got that battler mentality and like hard work.
But I've also got like the Aussie Alarican, like yeah,
don't take stuff too seriously, Like there's a bit of
which I feel like you have in spades, thank you.
Speaker 3 (21:08):
And I do think there's a love affair between Australia
and America. Yeah, there is a love affair of our people.
And I love I love living here and I love
that I'm still Australian and I love America and some
of the most impactful people in my life live in America,
like you know, and have been incredibly supportive to me.
Speaker 2 (21:25):
So yeah, I feel very blessed, very lucky.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
Now.
Speaker 1 (21:28):
When we had beautiful Josh on the pod, yes, he
gave us a little sneak taste into kind of because
because I think, especially through the lens of an actor,
you kind of see movie magic and you're like, like,
can't wait to do that kind of a project one day.
And Josh was really good in like kind of opening
my eyes too. There's a business side to making movies,
(21:50):
and I feel like your skill set would have been like, yeah,
I can. I've got all this like nous and understanding
with finance, with spot, like all the history of everything.
That's almost like that's led you to this moment. How
important to the view are the listener? Is the business
side of making a movie?
Speaker 3 (22:09):
Yeah, look, it's critical, especially if you're and I think
this is even so with studios, but you will definitely
see it in independent films that they want to be
sure you can manage to the budget. They want to
be sure that you understand the numbers. And when Josh
and I were speaking to investors. He did an outstanding
job of showing his creative brilliance, like absolute genius, and
(22:32):
he wrote the script and it was incredibly supportive while
not always like cheering about the decision, but sometimes we
had to make changes to the script because of budget,
and he could see that all options were explored. He
was very collaborative with the team about things like that.
And you know, when you're sitting with like investors, like
explaining to them we're going to be in all these
(22:52):
different countries where there's different currencies and different tax different currencies, yeah,
and letting them know that we understood that. And you know,
budget versus cash flow, it's two very different things, you know,
And being able to have those conversations with them was
really important. While I often led a lot of those conversations,
it was only because that's what was my responsibility, you know,
Josh was a great partner. And then being able to
(23:14):
see as a director he understood the value of the
money and staying on budget and being responsible to that.
And I think that that for any filmmaker is really
important because you know, we talk about how it's hard
at the moment because everybody's fishing from the same pond fish,
we went to a different pond, and to show respect
(23:35):
to that new pond with new fish, they needed to
see that we understood the importance of making good quality
like work like this feature film, and we could do
it in a budget. So when you watch the film,
a lot of people say, oh, that must have cost
X and Meg wasn't that much. And that's because Josh
was so clever and creative in being able to really
bring this scripture life on a big screen, which I
(23:57):
absolutely love.
Speaker 2 (23:57):
I've watched it so many times now I've lost count.
Speaker 1 (24:00):
It truly feels like a huge budget movie, like underwater shots,
strone shots, like stuff coming up from below. Hole was like,
yeses so epic an adventure, and I think you think
as a viewer, you're like, oh, this must be a
humongous budget. And I have heard you say people were
(24:20):
surprised when you were like, yes, this is an independent
film and yes we have fully funded it, like you
believed in it and championed it and really got it
to this point where your baby is completely coming to life.
Speaker 2 (24:34):
I know where baby's going to have a home soon,
which is very exciting.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
Oh my goodness, I cannot wait. I cannot wait for
the next phase. And speaking of next phases, I have
to ask you about your next project. Yeah, being an Aussie,
it sounds flip and unreal, So give me a little taste.
Speaker 2 (24:50):
Thank you, very excited.
Speaker 3 (24:53):
I'm Monty Franklin, who you know is a very well
established comedian and has a very large following. Wrote a
script with the Rob Schneider and John Cleese and it's
called The Great Emu Wall and it's inspired by a
true story which I love and I think it's it's
written in such a beautiful way that it's going to
be austraight as human will translate into all different countries
and languages.
Speaker 2 (25:12):
It's wonderful.
Speaker 3 (25:13):
And basically there's a huge kind of uprise of farmers
in the nineteen thirties saying that the EMUs were overtaking
their wheat farms. And you see this kind of play
out in a very nostalgic, whimsical, very authentic way. And
it's going to be great to be able to showcase
some Aussie talent, some Overseas talent, some new technologies around
(25:36):
how do you bring EMUs to the film, And Yeah,
it's gonna be fun. It's going to be really good
fun to show that beautiful connection between the importance of
human talent with technology that really brings a film to life.
Speaker 2 (25:48):
And Josh is going to direct it. We're both EPs.
Speaker 3 (25:51):
I'm'm the lead producer and that will be April May
next year. We'll start filming and we're just kind of
pulling that together. Actually, I had a meeting about it
this morning, and so Monty's been wonderful to work with.
He's just so so talented, and I'm really excited by
this story. I'm really excited, and to be able to
have that talent in this film just feels like a
(26:12):
really nice progression for Josh and I so very very excited.
There's words getting out like we just have a lot
of people approaching us right now and we're very very
lucky and blessed to be able to have these opportunities,
but say, hey, we're already working on something, and so
that's super exciting.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
And you get to go home.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
I get to go home Australia.
Speaker 3 (26:30):
I have good and you know, I joke, Josh's half fuzzy.
We I go home three or four times a year,
and so I really love it. But to go home
and to be home and be base there, like for
you know, a couple of months, bring my mum on side.
Speaker 1 (26:44):
You've got to bring your mom set in the trailer.
Speaker 2 (26:47):
Yeah, she'll love it. She'll love it so much.
Speaker 3 (26:50):
And you know, like and my nephews and my niece,
like this is my family, like my friends I've had
since I was teenagers, Like this somebody is really excited
and supportive and so to be able to do something
like that in my home country and like, it's just
this the sense of pride is just enormous, Like it's
just oh yeah, very amazing.
Speaker 1 (27:06):
It makes me emotional. And also this story Josh and
I were talking about is so funny, Like the character,
it's literally literally the EMUs. I can give this aways
win right, Like that is inspired. It's so incredible and
(27:26):
I'm so excited. I just can't wait to see how
it all unfolds now, as I love asking this to
creatives that have kind of gone out there and done
the thing that they love and are living their passion
or the Yogi word for is darma to live your dahma,
And I feel like you are doing that. Thank you
(27:47):
for like a young actress or creative that's fresh out
of drama school in Australia. I trained in Melbourne fresh
out of Melbourne Drama School, you know, and I always
say that when you come out of acting school, it's
so exciting, but there isn't necessarily a bridge between you've
been in this beautiful little incubator that is drama school
(28:10):
and then to get on a set or to get
the reps all that kind of thing. It can feel
like a world away. So do you have any advice
for a young creative that is like, I want to
do this thing, don't I don't know how? Or you know,
should they just start creating? Should they understand the business
side of it and start networking?
Speaker 2 (28:30):
Like?
Speaker 1 (28:30):
What advice do you have for a young because I
know you were that young girl, you know, nine years old,
this big dream that kind of feels larger than achievable.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
You know.
Speaker 3 (28:42):
Yeah, the nine year old didn't know that. I had
no clue I was I'm going to do this. I
would say a few things. First, networking can sound like
it's not important, but it's super important. Like it's really
important to build your network. It's really really important. Some
(29:03):
of the contacts that Josh and I have had meetings,
we've had and even around Southern distribution has come from
our networks. So it's really important to build your networks
in a very authentic way. To you, I'm not someone
who can walk into a room and everybody's there and
it's a networking event and people are exchanging cards, whether
that's physically or digitally. I find that stuff for me personally,
(29:24):
as an introverted extra, very uncomfortable. I'm in the bathroom,
I'm just like, do a lap be seeing it out
of here, and I'm sure there's a lot of nice
people in that room. It's just not my energy. And
so find authentic ways to network and to build genuine
connection and nurture them, like look after them, I would say,
especially for Australians, it's not in our nature to ask,
(29:48):
and in America you've got to ask. I had great
support from Josh and our friends and investors like Linda, like,
you know these people, phone them and ask them.
Speaker 2 (29:57):
The worst they can say is no.
Speaker 3 (29:59):
I felt like out of my skin, but it was
absolutely the best advice I'd gotten, especially as an independent filmmaker.
So I'd be like, don't be afraid to ask, and
don't lose sight of your dream. Even if it feels
like you've had to go around to get there, like
it's you bit off track if you know you were
having to work in a restaurant because that's what you
do while you're working in the local community plays.
Speaker 2 (30:20):
But you're not getting paid any money.
Speaker 3 (30:22):
But you get to live your you get to build
your muscle and enjoy your passion. I think it's really
really important. I do a lot of pro bono work,
and the work that I've done in the entertainment industry
has been very, very valuable into making this film and
establishing a career now and movie making. The business side
is really important. People want to see that you understand it.
But if you're an actor per se, it's it's good
(30:45):
to understand and be respectful to it. But they need
to build the muscle, start to get things on their
resume that shows that they're very committed to it.
Speaker 2 (30:53):
And having a network super important.
Speaker 1 (30:55):
Oh so good. I love how you say, like ask
because yeah, one of the things I love about Americans
is they're so direct, and initially when you first hear
off that that just flight, you know, but you're like,
oh my goodness, they're so forward, But it is you
can see how really good business has done, and quite
quickly because you know where you stand, like people are
(31:18):
really honest about what they need or what they think
you can do, and it's there's a refreshing yeah. Like
I always say to people, it feels like there's so
much possibility here. And I think it's because of that
directness and that feeling like people are asking for what
they really want.
Speaker 3 (31:34):
Yeah, are hundred percent. When I first hit New York
and I would have these very direct conversations, I'd be like,
oh gosh, like it's a lot, but sir, if you
know exactly where you stand, it's very refreshing. And I
think it's every no gets you closer to the yes.
Speaker 2 (31:50):
It's how I kind of taught it myself.
Speaker 3 (31:52):
And also when people say no, we'll ask why even
when it's good, like because it's great, like it'd bit
white wires it great like. So you to have that
information and understand that the lens of someone like speaking
to you take the opportunity when they are to get
as much feedback as you can informs you for the
next conversation.
Speaker 1 (32:10):
That's such a great idea. I never asked.
Speaker 3 (32:13):
I'm like, oh, thank you, Yeah, thanks very much now
say that, like even when they go that's great.
Speaker 2 (32:18):
Why is that great?
Speaker 3 (32:19):
And you know, when we were people were approaching us
about the film and sales and distribution, and we had
a few people making offers and some would go that's great,
and Josh would say, oh, you know, thank you for
the feedback, always very well mattered, and be like, what
did you like about it? You know, and you know
or you know, like I thought this, you know, like
someone could give us feedback around oh, you know, you
should probably think about this in marketing, and we'd be like,
(32:41):
that's great.
Speaker 2 (32:42):
Why do you think that? Yeah?
Speaker 1 (32:44):
I love it? Okay, So I found a quote of yours. Oh,
let's hear it.
Speaker 2 (32:48):
Nervous.
Speaker 1 (32:49):
How can other people believe in me if I can't
believe in myself? And I love it, like it rings
true to everything you've shared today, But I think someday
it can be kind of hard to like, like you said,
you're like a like am I getting to where I
want to get to? Where am I going about? Something?
Really round about way? How important is that? Obviously self
(33:12):
belief you would have to be like primo primo, Yeah,
because you're well executive producing, you're running the show you're
running the ship. You and Josh it's your baby and
you're guiding this ship. How true is that quote to
how you live?
Speaker 3 (33:27):
Yeah, it's it's it really resonates with me because if
people are gonna trust me, then I better you know,
honor that and be and be credible for it.
Speaker 2 (33:41):
I mean, another two you'll hear is imposter syndrome.
Speaker 3 (33:44):
You know, there are days where I do doubt myself,
you know, and and you know, it's easier to stay
inside and you know, keep the blinds down, but I
make a choice to get up and think about, well,
you know, what is what is my per you know?
And I was joking with some friends about this. It's
so easy to say, oh, my coffee is half empty,
(34:05):
but actually it's like I've just drank half my coffee
and it was great. I know it's a very simple example,
but I gave it to someone earlier last week. It's
we choose our path and it's harder to be positive
and to see the goodness in things and the positive aspects.
Speaker 2 (34:21):
Like I live in Santa Monica.
Speaker 3 (34:22):
People will save their money, their whole life to come
there for a holiday or a vacation. And I'm blessed
to walk down there every day and go for a run.
I will never take that for granted. And while I
lived in around beautiful beaches in Australia, I just remind
myself of the blessings that I have, Like I I'm very,
very lucky, and so I try to role model what
(34:43):
I hope is a good a.
Speaker 2 (34:45):
Good citizen, like I really do.
Speaker 3 (34:46):
I know that sounds a little Pollyanna, but I do
really want to be the best version of myself.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
Like I saw the sacrifices that.
Speaker 3 (34:54):
My mum and dad made, Like it's yeah, yeah, do
you know what makes me think of watching you at
the Emmy's last night and the song that was behind
your like you were all glammed up and ten out
of ten heart and which would you sing by the way,
but and the song was this Girl's on Fire?
Speaker 1 (35:13):
Yeah, And I was like, oh, it just fit. It
feels like your anthem because your parents, it felt like,
gave up a lots to make sure that you and
your brother had really beautiful childhoods. Yeah, filled with love.
Speaker 2 (35:29):
Yeah yeah.
Speaker 3 (35:30):
And like if I said to my mum, you know
the sacrifices you and dead made, she would give me
the hand and go. We made no sacrifices, you know,
like that that's what's so nice about Like she truly
is probably the most optimistic person I've ever met in
my life. And she doesn't see it as a sacrifice.
And so you know, and I I do, you know,
like when I spoke to her on Saturday afternoon.
Speaker 2 (35:51):
And I should, you know, what are you doing tonight? Baby?
And I was thinking, what we're doing is Josh there,
put me on speak about it.
Speaker 3 (35:56):
I'm not here yet, but like we're going to this
incredible party to support a charity that gives back motion
picture Television fund.
Speaker 2 (36:03):
Yeah. Very important.
Speaker 3 (36:04):
And and I'm like, you know, like just the blessing
of being able to attend this and with our friends
and and promote the movie talk about what we're doing
with the film and whatnot, and and I get to
do those things Like that's incredible.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
I feel like you have so many pincher self moments
like didn't you do a speech opening the Grammys wearing
and I saw you were Australiana.
Speaker 3 (36:25):
Yeah I'm not sure you pronounce it.
Speaker 2 (36:30):
Yeah, thank you?
Speaker 1 (36:31):
Yes, But You've had moments like that, right and then
and then like to be on set with Josh, your
bestie in the entire world, Like, is there a moment?
And I know there's probably so many pincher self moment.
It's like you were literally the Emmys last night, I know,
but especially with creating, like and I feel like talking
(36:52):
to like being a producer and being an executive producer,
that's your purpose, Like that's your dream. Was there a
moment on set? Like I know someone was shot in
Underground k and where you were just like, oh my,
how are we? How are we doing this thing?
Speaker 2 (37:08):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (37:09):
Have does anything spring to mind?
Speaker 2 (37:11):
It's yeah.
Speaker 3 (37:11):
It was interesting when we were coming from the Dominican
Republic to Florida and it was our last few days
of filming and we had a number of the cast
with Josh and I on the plane and Michael Evans Bailing,
who's a phenomenal talent and very just a lovely, lovely human,
and he was sitting beside Josh behind me, and people
(37:34):
got wind that he was on the plane and he's
in a TV show called All American and the flat
attendant had to announce like came over and apologized to me.
I'm like, that's okay, Like Josh and Michael have gone
asleep and I'm really sorry, We're going to have someone
standing like just near their seat so they can just
have their privacy. And I'm like, this is so so surreal.
I would probably be the person who would have been
walking down the older trying to get a sneaky pick,
(37:55):
and now they're actually like protecting us from it. It's like,
oh my gosh, like this is this is us we
make in this film, you know, we're doing this and
and I found just that moment of like, well, like
like we brought these people together, like Josh, you know,
selected this phenomenal cast and went through a very thorough
process in doing it, and we brought this group together,
like that's that's surreal, you know, like it's and I
(38:17):
will say I think the first morning when we got up,
it's like four am and we're getting into the car,
like I was just like, I'm just like it could
have been any time of the day.
Speaker 2 (38:26):
I was so hyperactive. I was so pumped up.
Speaker 3 (38:28):
Then I started this thing, and now I insisted we
do it for every every film. It would be at
the end of every day. I go, if you're happy,
and you know, I clap your hands.
Speaker 2 (38:36):
It's so bad.
Speaker 1 (38:37):
I love it so much.
Speaker 2 (38:39):
We would have our drivers looking at with us and
I loved it so much, so good.
Speaker 1 (38:43):
Yeah, it was sound like play school Australia. That is
literally where I think.
Speaker 3 (38:51):
And it would be like and then the guys would
be like, do we have to do this? And I'm like,
we're doing on every film we ever make.
Speaker 2 (38:56):
Now.
Speaker 3 (38:57):
I tried to do it at five o'clock in the
morning and no one was having any other it.
Speaker 2 (39:00):
It's like it's too earlier, you kidding, Like it's almost
like Josh Maker stop, like it's too She's like a puppy.
Speaker 3 (39:05):
But of the after people were more excited. I could
like rally people to do it and I would totally
get into It's funny when the drivers would start doing.
Speaker 2 (39:11):
It with you and they'd be like, Linda, Linda.
Speaker 3 (39:13):
Like one day we got in the car and we
just had a long day and they'd been unexpected rain
and we're in the car and we hadn't started it
yet and the driver starts going Linda, Linda, and he
starts doing it.
Speaker 2 (39:25):
I loved it, Oh, I love it.
Speaker 3 (39:28):
Yeah. There was a lot of pinch me moments, just
like you know, like I'd ring my mum and because
you don't. I'm like, we've just blocked off a lane
of the freeway and we're in we're filming all this stuff,
and Josh's got like hundreds of people and they've got
boats and there's some people on land. And I'm back
at the freeway where we've got like all these semi
trailers and trailers set up and we've taken over a
whole lane of a freeway.
Speaker 2 (39:49):
Like it's just wild.
Speaker 1 (39:50):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's like mind bending, like, ah, this
is happening. Well, my friend, I could talk to you
all day long.
Speaker 2 (39:56):
Thank you, Loly. It's such a bit egg thinking, Oh.
Speaker 1 (39:58):
That was so fun. Please come back again. Let's do
an Australiana version for the great emu W wash me
do that.
Speaker 3 (40:05):
I really tried to like turn my accent down, stay
but I'd love to do that.
Speaker 1 (40:08):
Don't tone your accent.
Speaker 3 (40:10):
I'm told often that people can't understand me, but because
I do have a very working class as the accent
that I love, like I do.
Speaker 2 (40:15):
Yeah, I think you do. I feel like we're on
a similar Yeah, thank you so much.
Speaker 1 (40:20):
You are wonderful to the listener slash viewer. Go out
and watch the Queen's Jewels. Please, when it's got its home,
I'll ask you about after this.
Speaker 3 (40:28):
Yeah, thank you for this opportunity.
Speaker 2 (40:31):
Thank you, I to you. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (40:36):
That's a wrap on another episode of Fearlessly Failing. As always,
thank you to our guests, and let's continue the conversation
on Instagram. I'm at Yumo Lollerberry. This potty my word
for podcast is available on all streaming platforms. I'd love
it if you could subscribe, rape and comment and of
(40:59):
course spread the laugh
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