Beyond Reality artwork

Beyond Reality

29 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago -

Join TV Producer Hayley Ferguson (Nee Dunn) as she chats with the people behind the TV shows you love. Each episode will feature interviews with talented TV professionals about their experiences of working in television, from how they got their start in the industry to the pivotal moments that got them to where they are now. If you're interested in a career in TV,  already work in the television industry or, just want to know more about what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite shows, then this podcast is for you!

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Episodes

Supervising Producer & Co-Convenor Women In Media, NSW - Dominique Spanos

April 22, 2024 17:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

In this episode I chat to Supervising Producer Dominique Spanos, whose impressive list of credits includes Stars on Mars, Travel Guides and My Kitchen Rules. Dom shares her story of starting out in the industry, building her career across field and post production, as well as shining a light on her important work with not-for profit organisation Women In Media. To get in touch with Dominique about her MC work, head to www.dominiquespanos.com If you enjoyed this episode,  you may like to l...

Casting Director - Kirsty de Vallance

April 08, 2024 18:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MB

In this episode, I sit down with Casting Director and Co-owner of A Cast Of Thousands, Kirsty De Vallance. With close to three decades in the industry, Kirsty is one of the most experienced casting professionals in Australia and when it comes to finding TV talent for reality, factual and entertainment formats, you name it - she’s cast it. Kirsty reveals her top tips for getting cast on TV,  the high profile names she’s discovered over the years and, the extraordinary lengths she goes to in ...

Film and TV Director - Hayley MacFarlane

March 25, 2024 16:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MB

In this episode, I’m joined by Film and TV Director, Hayley MacFarlane.  Hayley has spent the last 10 years directing some of the UK and Australia’s biggest reality hits such as Love Island, Big Brother and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. I find out how Hayley’s fierce determination to make it as a director has propelled her success and how her work in reality TV has positively influenced her work in other genres. To explore more of Hayley's directing work, head to https://www.hayleyma...

Head of Global Formats, Eureka Productions - Wes Dening

March 11, 2024 16:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MB

In this episode, I sit down with TV executive Wes Dening, a powerhouse of the television industry who has made his mark in developing, selling and producing original content in Australia, the US and beyond. In his current role as Head of Global Formats for Eureka Productions, Wes oversees the making of hit shows such as Australian Idol (Seven Network), The Mole (Netflix), The Floor (Fox) and Stars On Mars (Fox).  We chat about his first taste of television as a contestant on Big Brother bac...

TV Personality - Australian Survivor - George Mladenov

February 26, 2024 17:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MB

Just like a great reality TV twist, this episode is a little bit different. I chat with TV personality George Mladenov or as he’s more commonly known by Survivor fans, King George. I find out how George went from a bold and sometimes brash political operative to a two-time Australian Survivor player who cemented themselves as one of the most strategic players the game has ever seen. If you enjoyed this chat, you might like to listen to a recent episode recorded with David Forster. Dave is ...

Supervising Post Producer and Writer - Bri La Rance

February 12, 2024 17:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MB

In this episode, I’m joined by Supervising Post Producer and Writer, Bri La Rance. Bri’s drive and determination to learn new skills led her to explore a diverse range of film and TV roles before more recently forging a path in post production, but as I find out, it’s her passion for storytelling that underpins everything she does. Over the course of Bri's impressive career, she has worked in the writers room on Australian drama shows including Neighbours and Bite Club. More recently, her w...

TV Presenter - Liz Cantor

December 17, 2023 18:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MB

In this episode, I’m joined by TV presenter and two time reality tv show winner (The Mole and Livingstone Botswana), Liz Cantor as she shares her unique insights from an enduring career in front of the camera. Whether she’s delivering the winning lotto numbers, fronting stories on the best travel and adventure spots or dominating any reality competition she enters, Liz’s passion and enthusiasm for her work always shines through. Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes...

Executive Producer - Leroux Botha

July 23, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 41.7 MB

In this episode, I’m joined by Leroux Botha, the Creative Producer for Cape Town based production company AfrOkaans and Executive Producer for Survivor South Africa.  Leroux shares his incredible journey in television from his early years working on soap operas, to becoming the instrumental force in returning Survivor South Africa to our screens in recent years.  Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. Yo...

Series Producer - Natasha Pizzica

July 09, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 41.5 MB

In this episode, I catch up with Natasha Pizzica, a series producer who’s worked across a range of genres from primetime entertainment shows like Big Brother and Gogglebox to iconic kids television such as Playschool and Teletubbies, and even though-provoking docuseries like Limitless with Chris Hemsworth. I find out how Tash’s theatre background set her up for a career of creativity, how she navigates the busy world of tv production as a working mum and why her son is her biggest inspiratio...

Karen Crespo - Editor

May 21, 2023 19:00 - 44 minutes - 31.5 MB

In this episode, I chat with award-winning editor, Karen Crespo, who has been responsible crafting some of the most memorable moments on our favourite shows such as Masterchef, Australian Survivor and Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.  I find out about Karen’s early beginnings in TV and how her creative style and ability to carve out emotional moments became renowned in the industry.  Support the show If you enjoyed this podcast and want to stay up to date with the latest episodes then cli...

Editor - Karen Crespo

May 21, 2023 19:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MB

In this episode, I chat with award-winning editor, Karen Crespo, who has been responsible crafting some of the most memorable moments on our favourite shows such as Masterchef, Australian Survivor and Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.  I find out about Karen’s early beginnings in TV and how her creative style and ability to carve out emotional moments became renowned in the industry.  Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your fa...

Executive Producer - David Forster

May 07, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MB

In this episode, I sit down with Executive Producer, David Forster. David’s first taste of reality TV is not what you’d expect, he tells me all about his unconventional introduction to the industry, how he later honed his skills on set as a writer and the key moments along the way that ultimately led to his rise to the top job on Masterchef and Australian Survivor.  If you enjoyed this podcast and want to stay up to date with the latest episodes then click 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or '...

Television Industry Mentoring Initiatives - Panel Discussion hosted by The Production Portal

April 27, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MB

In this bonus episode, I share a recent collaboration with The Production Portal where I joined Emma Ritchie along with Bloomtime Media’s, Yana Groves and Laura Young from Coordimate for a panel discussion about Industry Mentoring Initiatives in television. I hope you enjoy this special edition of the podcast. If you want to find out more about The Production Portal and the other guests from this panel. You can find them on Instagram: @theproductionportal @cordimatetv @bloomtime_media Sup...

Executive Producer of Floor is Lava / President of A. Smith & Co. Productions - Frank Sinton

July 17, 2022 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MB

In this episode, I sit down with Frank Sinton, President of A. Smith & Co. Productions and Executive Producer of Floor Is Lava to talk about the launch of series 2 of the hit show on Netflix. Frank shares his insights from an impressive 40 year career in television that now sees him at the helm of a whole slate of TV shows. We chat about the key ingredient for making it in the industry, how he stays passionate after all these years and a behind the scenes moment that could have been one big ...

Art Director and Challenge Producer - Courtney Watts

June 27, 2021 02:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

In this episode, I chat with South African Art Director and Challenge Producer Courtney Watts. Courtney has worked on some of the most popular reality formats such as Big Brother, Survivor and I’m a Celebrity across a number of global territories. I find out how Courtney’s passion and creativity led her to an international career in TV.  Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us on socia...

Post Producer & Story Producer - Amelia Wasserman

January 11, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MB

In this episode, I sit down with post producer and story producer Amelia Wasserman who spent years working in the field on shows such as The Bachelorette , Four Weddings and Storage Wars in Canada before more recently moving to Australia where she now works as a post producer. Amelia shares her story from the early years of working in broadcast news, her experiences on reality and factual formats in Canada and Australia and even reveals the story behind her very famous prom date… Support t...

Post Producer & Story Producer - Amelia Wasserman

January 11, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MB

In this episode, I sit down with post producer and story producer Amelia Wasserman who spent years working in the field on shows such as The Bachelorette , Four Weddings and Storage Wars in Canada before more recently moving to Australia where she now works as a post producer. Amelia shares her story from the early years of working in broadcast news, her experiences on reality and factual formats in Canada and Australia and even reveals the story behind her very famous prom date… If you enj...

Supervising Producer - Katie Horbury

November 10, 2020 01:00 - 1 hour - 46.1 MB

In this episode, I catch up with supervising producer Katie Horbury, originally hailing from the UK she now calls LA home and her career in television has seen her work on huge formats such as Big Brother, Love Island  and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here across multiple international markets. I chat to Katie about the challenges of starting out, why she values the balance of working in the field and in the edit and how her passion and determination has led her to where she is now.  Supp...

Producer - Andrea Rehrig

October 19, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 49.7 MB

In this episode, LA-based producer Andrea Rehrig joins me to chat about her career in television, from her early days at E! Entertainment and Laguna Beach to producing on both US and Australian Survivor. She shares her story about how her passion for people led her to a life in TV.  Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us on social media: Instagram: @beyondrealityau Facebook: @beyondre...

Publicity Manager - Kate Whitby

August 03, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MB

In this episode, I’m joined by publicity manager Kate Whitby whose slate of shows has included, The X Factor, Australian Survivor and Lego Masters. I chat to Kate about her early career as an entertainment reporter for Dolly Magazine, what it’s like to work with radio royalty Kyle and Jackie O and the always unpredictable life of a TV publicist. Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us ...

Supervising Control Room Producer and Story Producer - Alex Spurway

July 06, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 49.8 MB

In this episode, I catch up with Alex Spurway, a supervising control room producer and story producer whose reality TV experience includes, Married At First Sight, Love Island and Australian Survivor. I chat to Alex about how she started her career on the Today Show, what it’s like to be an executive producer in the competitive world of breakfast radio and how she eventually found her place in reality TV.   Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hi...

Line Producer - Michelle Gauntlett

June 29, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 47.5 MB

In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Gauntlett, a line producer whose career in production has seen her work shows such as Australian Survivor, The Bachelor and Australian Ninja Warrior. I find out how Michelle got her start working on specialist factual TV in the UK, before successfully making the move to Australia, where she now works on some of the biggest entertainment formats in the country.  Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'foll...

Home Economist - Brendan Garlick

June 22, 2020 11:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

In this episode, I chat with Brendan Garlick a home economist who has worked on shows including; Masterchef, MKR and The Great Australian Bake Off. I find out how Brendan went from reality TV contestant to working on Australia’s favourite food reality formats. Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us on social media: Instagram: @beyondrealityau Facebook: @beyondrealityaus X: @beyondreal...

Post Producer and Story Producer - Kaite Milicich

June 09, 2020 11:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

In this episode, I chat to Kaite Milicich, a Story Producer and Post Producer who has worked on some of Australia’s biggest reality TV shows such as Married At First Sight, Australian Survivor and Lego Masters. I talk to Kaite about how she balances the unpredictable world of field producing with the more structured environment of post production.  If you enjoyed this podcast and want to stay up to date with the latest episodes then click 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on Spotify...

Sound Recordist - Nick Peterson

June 01, 2020 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MB

In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Peterson - a sound recordist who has worked on shows such as Travel Guides, Australian Survivor and Australia’s Next Top Model. I chat to Nick about growing up in a TV family, the toughest gigs in sound and an 8 hour surgery he will never forget.  Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us on social media: Instagram: @beyondrealityau Facebook: @beyondre...

Shooter Producer and Story Producer - Matt Hindson

May 25, 2020 10:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MB

In this episode, I chat to Matt Hindson, a shooter producer and story producer who has worked on shows such as Dancing With the Stars and Australian Survivor. I find out how Matt went from working in a TV network call centre to producing on some of Australia’s biggest reality formats. Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us on social media: Instagram: @beyondrealityau Facebook: @beyond...

Camera Operator - Paul Webb

May 18, 2020 11:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MB

In this episode, I talk to Paul Webb, an Australian camera operator, whose passion has taken him all around the world from covering the OJ Simpson trial, to shooting countless seasons to US Survivor. I find out how Paul cut his teeth in the industry in news before taking on the world of reality TV. Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us on social media: Instagram: @beyondrealityau Fac...

Senior Story Producer - Erica Foley

May 11, 2020 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

In this episode, I catch up with Erica Foley, a senior story producer who has worked on some of Australia’s biggest reality formats including Australian Survivor, Big Brother and Australian Ninja Warrior, as well as human interest campaigns for R U OK? Day and the 'Yes' vote for marriage equality. I find how Erica’s passion for story telling has informed her choices throughout her career.  Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your...

Story Producer and Challenge Producer - Grant Phillips

May 03, 2020 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MB

In this episode, I’m joined by Grant Phillips, a story producer and challenge producer who has worked on shows including Australian Survivor, Big Brother and The Bachelor. I talk to Grant about how he turned his reality TV obsession into a successful career in television.  Support the show To stay up to date with the latest episodes then make sure you hit 'follow' on your favourite podcast app. You can also find us on social media: Instagram: @beyondrealityau Facebook: @beyondrealityaus X...

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@beyondrealityau 28 Episodes