Filmmaking is a bloodsport, and no one tells you that before you sign up.

This episode, we’re sitting down with Nik Kacevski—writer, director, producer, and all-around filmmaking survivor—to talk about the real shit that happens behind the scenes. Forget the glossy Hollywood version—this is about bad deals, casting nightmares, industry politics, and why filmmaking is basically organised chaos.

We get into:

• The brutal reality of getting a film funded—and why it might cost you your sanity.

• How selling your film rights can haunt you for years (Nik learned this the hard way).

• The casting process no one understands, including why the best audition doesn’t always win.

• Hollywood’s “offer-only” system and why it’s killing actual art.

• The truth about breaking into the industry when no one’s giving you a seat at the table.

This episode is messy, hilarious, and a full-on reality check for anyone who’s ever dreamed of making movies. We’re talking real stories, real regrets, and real lessons that no one teaches you in film school.

If you’re in the industry (or trying to be), you can’t afford to miss this one.

About Our Guest

Nik Kacevski is an acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and director whose work spans feature films, TV series, music videos, and commercials. With a background in visual effects and animation, Nik has built a career crafting bold, immersive storytelling experiences that blur the lines between genre and reality.

His directorial work includes award-winning films and projects that have screened globally, and he has collaborated with major brands and artists to create visually stunning, narrative-driven content. With a deep passion for independent filmmaking, Nik has been at the forefront of pushing creative storytelling while navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry.

Check out more of his work at nikkacevski.com.

Look, we barely survived January, and honestly, February wasn’t much better. School holidays dragged on for centuries, mum guilt hit an all-time high, and trying to run a business while keeping small humans alive? A shit show.

But somehow, we made it. And now we’re back, caffeinated (or maybe just delirious), and deep in the ultimate reframe—because if we don’t shift our mindset, who will?

This episode, we’re talking:

• The mental load of school chaos (seriously, what do teachers do on those PD days?)

• Running a business when the world expects you to just “pause” for six weeks

• Rewiring our brains for success, abundance, and not self-sabotaging

• Vision boards, manifestation, and why we’re drinking the biggest glass of Kool-Aid

• The “cut from the tree” method—AKA, why some people just need to go

If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at life while everyone else is thriving, this one’s for you. We’re all just winging it—so let’s do it together.

Hit play, and let’s get into it.

Don’t Miss Out

• Subscribe toThe Sauce on your favourite podcast platform.

• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It helps us reach more listeners like you!

• Share with a Friend: If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, share it with them!

Stay Connected

For more insights, behind-the-scenes content, and updates:

• Website:⁠⁠www.chickenandchips.com.au⁠⁠

• Audition Academy Collective:⁠⁠Join Here⁠⁠

Instagram:

• Chicken & Chips Casting:⁠⁠@chickenandchips_⁠⁠

• Steph Pringle:⁠⁠@itsstephaniepringle⁠⁠

• Alison Fowler:⁠⁠@itsalisonfowler⁠⁠

Produced by:⁠⁠Dreamers Media Pty Ltd⁠⁠

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Sauce, where we serve up candid conversations and practical advice to empower you in your acting journey. Stay saucy!

Dating in your 30s isa whole different beast—especially when you’re a single parent, emotionally unavailable, or just trying to dodge “The Talk” for as long as possible. In this episode, we unpack theawkward realities of modern dating, from the pressure of sending gifts too soon to the unspoken expectations lurking behind every dating app match. Is exclusivity inevitable? Are dating apps actually dead? And why does a simple bouquet of flowers feel like a marriage proposal? Buckle up forhilarious rants, brutally honest truths, and some serious dating therapy.

Talk points:

00:00:22 - The 'How are you?' Dilemma

00:05:10 - Favorite Age Discussion

00:07:16 - Birthday Gift Dilemma

00:10:53 - The Aftermath

00:13:18 - The Talk

00:15:28 - The Dating Dilemma

00:16:13 - The Flower Incident

00:16:31 - The U-Haul Theory

00:17:55 - Reflections on Relationships

00:18:30 - Unpacking Relationship Dynamics

00:23:14 - The Funeral Question

00:27:43 - The Emotional Investment

00:29:18 - The Pace of Relationships

00:29:54 - The Time Constraint

00:31:28 - Dating App Experiences

00:48:05 - The Role of Men in Relationships

00:49:05 - Ghosting and Dating

00:50:11 - Dating App Messaging

00:51:28 - The Problem with Dating Apps

01:00:16 - Accidental Love Confession

01:05:13 - Avoidance and Disappearance

01:06:15 - Single-Parent Dating

Don’t Miss Out

• Subscribe toThe Sauce on your favourite podcast platform.

• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. It helps us reach more listeners like you!

• Share with a Friend: If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, share it with them!

Stay Connected

For more insights, behind-the-scenes content, and updates:

• Website:⁠www.chickenandchips.com.au⁠

• Audition Academy Collective:⁠Join Here⁠

Instagram:

• Chicken & Chips Casting:⁠@chickenandchips_⁠

• Steph Pringle:⁠@itsstephaniepringle⁠

• Alison Fowler:⁠@itsalisonfowler⁠

Produced by:⁠Dreamers Media Pty Ltd⁠

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Sauce, where we serve up candid conversations and practical advice to empower you in your acting journey. Stay saucy!

This episode is about:

dating in your 30s, modern dating struggles, single parent dating, dating apps 2025, online dating disasters, dating expectations, early relationship talk, dating red flags, when to buy a gift for someone you’re dating, relationship milestones, ghosting culture, hinge vs bumble, dating apps are dead, how to survive modern dating, dating etiquette, dating mistakes, navigating dating apps, relationship pressure, dating burnout, emotional unavailability, single mom dating, dating as a single dad, dating app tips, first date expectations, gift-giving in relationships, exclusivity talk, dating confusion, dating culture shift, best dating advice, dating pet peeves, relationship communication, why modern dating is hard, dating after divorce, dating in your mid-30s, when to define the relationship, avoiding relationship labels, dating mistakes to avoid, dating rules, online dating tips, dating deal breakers, dating psychology, commitment issues, casual dating vs serious dating, dating game rules, modern romance struggles

Ever feel like someone’s trying to box you into one role? We’ve been there. In this episode, we dig into the frustrating notion of being told to “stay in your lane.” It’s advice we’ve heard too often as casting directors, and frankly, we’re not here for it.

As casting directors and entrepreneurs, we’ve never been content with sticking to just one thing. We talk about why we refuse to limit ourselves, even when people try to hold us back. From running a business to hosting this podcast and everything in between, we explore how diversifying your skills isn’t just smart—it’s essential in today’s world.

We get real about how tall poppy syndrome, internalized misogyny, and fear of failure try to keep people small, especially women. But let’s be honest—no one ever did anything great by playing it safe. So why should we?

Tune in to hear our thoughts on ambition, rejecting societal expectations, and why it’s time for all of us to do whatever the hell we want.

Click and listen now—because staying in one lane is not an option.

www.chickenandchips.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Audition Academy Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@chickenandchips_⁠⁠⁠⁠ Steph Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@itsstephaniepringle⁠⁠⁠⁠ Al Insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@itsalisonfowler

Child acting with Todd O'Mara and Emma Jane Hyland from T&E Management.

Established in 2011, T&E Management is one of the most highly regarded talent agencies in the country, representing both kids and adults in the entertainment industry.

They share their expertise on what it takes for children to succeed in acting, how to support them, and how to navigate the highs and lows of the business.

From learning how to self-tape effectively to handling rejections, Todd and Emma offer invaluable advice for aspiring young actors and their families.

Get ready for an in-depth conversation about the realities and joys of the child acting world.

T&E Management

⁠www.tandemanagement.com.au⁠

⁠www.chickenandchips.com.au⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Audition Academy Collective⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@chickenandchips_⁠⁠⁠ Steph Insta: ⁠⁠⁠@itsstephaniepringle⁠⁠⁠ Al Insta: ⁠⁠⁠@itsalisonfowler

"You have to figure it out on your own!”

In this episode, we talk about:

• Embracing the mantra of self-reliance as single mothers

• Overcoming practical challenges like electrical issues at home

• Balancing the demands of business ownership and parenting

• The importance of community support and asking for help

• Finding personal space and autonomy amidst chaos

www.chickenandchips.com.au⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Audition Academy Collective⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@chickenandchips_⁠⁠⁠ Steph Insta: ⁠⁠⁠@itsstephaniepringle⁠⁠⁠ Al Insta: ⁠⁠⁠@itsalisonfowler