I chat with first time filmmaker, writer/director/actor Harvey Zielinski about his gorgeous gem Sweet Milk Lake.

Shot in Australia, Sweet Milk Lake tells the story of Jake a trans man who heads to his father's home in the countryside after hearing he is ill. There here is mistaken for his alpha cis male brother, comedy, heartbreak and reality follow.

We discuss what belonging means. How directing and acting in a film as a twin is one heck of an undertaking. And how having authentic support can make film dreams come true.

Director: Harvey Zielinski

Produces: Molly O'Connor, Harvey Zielinski, Philippa Campey

Screenwriter: Harvey Zielinski

Production Company: Film Camp

Cast:

Harvey Zielinski - Jake/Sam

Hunter Page-Lochard - Toby

Kieran Darcy-Smith - Lee

Nicholas Cassim - Ken

Ngaire Pigram - Phoebe

David Howell - Mark

Belinda McClory - Olivia

Mia Morrissey - Alice

Patrick Livesey - Austin

Emma Annand - Jessica

In this episode, I chat with Lena, the owner of the Craeve Committee handle who is a longtime fan of Shortland Street. Lena shares her insights, favorite moments, and theories. We chat character dynamics, plot twists, and fan engagement, and deep dive into the show's storytelling and community.

Pay attention - Lena's Craeve edit over William Philipson's score is also featured in this episode.

In this episode of Unique Lens: The Podcast I chat with Shortland Street composer and all round lovely man, William Philipson. He shares how he joined the show, the impact the arrival of Dr Crane had on the audience, and how glad he is folks are connecting with the storyline.

This episode was a beast to edit but here it is! On March 31st, 2026 Tania Nolan aka Dr Crane arrived on Shortland Street and garnered an unexpected international audience! I chat to composer William Philipson about Crane’s arrival and the score he composed for her. In this episode I also breakdown the genius of 2 pivotal scenes share some of ‪@tanianolancoaching‬ brilliant 2hr live (check out her YouTube channel Tania Nolan Coaching for the full video). I want to thank the whole Shortland Street team for their continued commitment to LGBTQ+representation! The Craeve storyline is one for lesbian representation history - truly. Thanks also to Craeve Committee Lena for her brilliant edit over Crane’s leitmotifs kindly shared by Philipson for this podcast. Find her on Instagram and TikTok.

I do not own any of the Shortland Street clips: South Pacific - Shortland Street clips: © 2026 South Pacific Pictures Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Cast:
Jess Sayer - Maeve Mullens
Tania Nolan - Sophia Crane

Clips from Shortland Street episodes:
Episode 8290 (Written by Kalyani Nagarajan, Directed by Amanda Tito)
Episode 8298 (Written by Janaye Henry, Directed by Mia Blake)

In this episode, I chat to my friend and playwright extraordinaire Amy Dellagiarino about her journey from acting to writing, her creative process, and the life of a playwright.

I join Emma and Mark Cameron the filmmaker couple behind the John Hughes inspired teen flick Detention. We discuss shooting in Washington, writing, music, and much more.

Detention stars an incredible young cast, Emma Cameron as their Saturday detention therapist. Elizabeth Mitchell provides the pathos and depth we expect from her. I cannot recommend finding a screening near you enough!

Yes, my accent is a hot mess.

In this episode of Unique Lens, I sit down with Claire Sara of @themcsaras who started a content about IVF with her wife that has turned into a safe space for queer people.

Thanks to the programming team at Frameline 50, I sit down and chat with writer director Xiaodan He about her latest and truly heartwarming film Montreal, My Beautiful (Montreal, ma belle). We talk about being multi-lingual, immigrants, and the incredible Joan Chen who leads this film.