Welcome to the latest episode of the Cinema Australia Podcast. Straight off the bat, I need to say that this interview with Beast director Tyler Atkins is one of my favourites ever. I always appreciate openness and honesty from my guests, and Tyler delivers it in spades here. It’s one of the most real and raw insights into the difficult world of filmmaking that I’ve ever recorded. If you’re an emerging filmmaker looking to make your mark, take in what Tyler is saying here. It’s no walk in the park and takes a bucket load of dedication. Tyler made his feature debut with Bosch & Rockit in 2024, which he wrote, directed, and produced. The film premiered internationally, won the Grand Jury Prize at the Mammoth Film Festival, and marked the beginning of his work in feature filmmaking. For a film as good as his latest, Beast, you may find it interesting to learn that Tyler didn’t complete his early schooling, and he certainly didn’t attend film school. Beast follows MMA legend Patton James, played by Daniel MacPherson. Now a commercial fisherman, Patton is pulled back into the cage when his brother is in danger. Reuniting with his old coach Sammy (Russell Crowe), he commits to one final fight in ONE Championship against its brutal champion. Anyway… enjoy.