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From Chocolate Hats to Post-Apocalyptic Fashion: Inside the World of Hollywood Costume Design

Step into the captivating world of costume design with Christopher Metzker, a creative genius who brings characters to life through fabric and detail. In this episode, Lola Berry explores Christopher's remarkable career spanning film, TV, and theatre. From crafting edible chocolate hats for "The Menu" to distressing post-apocalyptic wardrobes for "Fallout," Christopher reveals how costumes tell stories that words cannot. His attention to detail and collaborative spirit have made him a sought-after designer for major productions including "Chevalier" with Austin Butler and Matt Smith.

Timestamps:
06:30 - Behind the scenes of "Chevalier" and creating authentic 90s punk aesthetic
15:45 - The storytelling power of costumes and how they help actors access characters
22:15 - Creating the post-apocalyptic world of "Fallout" and sourcing unique materials
31:40 - The difference between designing for theater versus film/TV
38:20 - The surprising truth about edible chocolate hats for "The Menu"
42:30 - Career advice for aspiring creatives in the entertainment industry

Christopher shares invaluable insights about the balance between creativity and practicality in his work. "The process has its artsy-fartsy time... but at a certain point, the practicality has to become the thing," he explains. His approach combines meticulous planning with artistic vision, all while maintaining kindness that keeps him in demand.

Ready for a fascinating journey into how the clothes we see on screen help tell stories? Listen now to discover the incredible craftsmanship and creativity behind your favourite film and TV costumes!

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# From Corrupted Files to Hollywood Insights: A Peek into the Nomad Life

Ever had one of those days when technology decides to rebel against your best-laid plans? In this candid diary episode, our host takes us behind the podcast curtain, sharing the real struggles of corrupted SD cards and lost interviews. After six years and over 700 episodes, even seasoned podcasters face technical hiccups! But it's not all digital drama—we're whisked away on a journey through arthouse cinemas, literary adventures, and the excitement of upcoming travels, all delivered with authentic, unfiltered enthusiasm.

## Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

**2:15** - **Podcast Mishaps**: The frustrating loss of an interview with a Hollywood costume designer (who thankfully agreed to re-record!)

**5:30** - **Cinema Adventures**: Experiencing the National Theatre's "Inter Alia" starring Rosamund Pike and discovering hidden arthouse theaters in LA

**11:20** - **Book Club Returns**: Deep dive into "Blood of Hercules" by Jasmine Mass and upcoming reading plans including "Red Rising" and "Alchemized"

**18:40** - **Oracle Card Reading**: Insights on simplifying life, mother healing, and the promise of synchronicity and unexpected abundance

**21:15** - **Australian Recording Plans**: Upcoming podcast recording sessions in Sydney and Melbourne with a call for guest suggestions

Ready for more adventures from our globe-trotting host? From Hollywood costume designers to literary escapades, this diary episode offers a genuine glimpse into the creative life. Don't miss next week's episode—coming just one day later than usual due to travel—for what promises to be an especially exciting update! Tune in to experience the perfect blend of entertainment industry insights and personal reflections that make this podcast so addictively authentic.

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Claire Lovering Takes the Hot Seat: Authenticity, Acting, and Life Beyond the Stage!

Ever wondered what makes an actor tick beyond the spotlight? Claire Lovering brings her genuine charm to this episode of Fearlessly Failing Hot Seat, revealing the person behind the performances. From her commitment to giving up fries for an entire year to her refreshingly honest take on career competition, Claire offers a glimpse into her world with humor and heart.

In this rapid-fire conversation, Claire opens up about her favorite cities (spoiler: LA might be winning over Paris), her genuine fear of heights, and why accountability matters so deeply to her. The conversation takes a delightful turn when she shares how her relationship with her actor boyfriend functions as a true partnership rather than a competition—where "his wins feel like my wins."

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

2:15 - Sweet or savoury? Claire's year-long commitment to avoiding fries
3:30 - Favourite cities and beach spots, including shark encounters at Rottnest Island
5:20 - Confronting her fear of heights, including a stage-jumping incident that led to injury
6:45 - Claire's favourite quality about herself: her sense of humour and making her boyfriend laugh
8:30 - Favourite plays and movies, including "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" and indie picks
10:40 - The supportive dynamic with her actor boyfriend: "We're a team"
12:15 - Advice for young actors: "I'm a human being who acts" - finding identity beyond the craft

Don't miss Claire's powerful perspective on maintaining your humanity in the entertainment industry. Catch her performance in "Play Dirty" on Amazon Prime, and tune in next Wednesday for another Fearlessly Failing Hot Seat episode that dives deep into the real stories behind success!

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Meet the brilliant Aussie actor Claire Lovering:

In this chat we explore and deep dive not only her body of work but her most recent feature film; Play Dirty, so settle in as we unpack this awesome dream adventure!

Audition to Action: Claire Lovering's Hollywood Journey

Claire Lovering's journey from Australian theatre to Hollywood blockbusters is a masterclass in persistence and preparation. In this candid conversation, the actress shares her exhilarating experience landing a lead role opposite Mark Wahlberg in Shane Black's crime thriller Play Dirty. With refreshing honesty, Claire reveals how she conquered imposter syndrome on set and developed techniques to stay grounded amid the chaos of filmmaking. Her story is one of calculated risks, strategic career moves, and the courage to put herself forward when opportunity knocks.

From her acclaimed theatre work with Australia's premier companies to her breakthrough screen roles, Claire offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of building an acting career. She shares practical wisdom about maintaining confidence in an industry filled with rejection, the importance of nurturing professional relationships, and her disciplined approach to performance preparation. Whether discussing her self-funded one-woman show or her techniques for staying focused on set, Claire's insights reveal the dedication behind her success.

Timestamps and Key Takeaways:

08:30 - Theatre vs. Screen Acting: Claire discusses her journey from theatre to screen work and how each medium has shaped her acting process.

15:20 - Landing "Play Dirty": The unexpected audition process that led to Claire's biggest Hollywood role to date.

23:45 - Preparing for a Major Role: Claire's detailed research process, from dialect coaching to Google Maps tours of her character's neighborhood.

32:10 - Breaking Into the Industry: Practical advice for new actors on creating opportunities, including self-producing work and building relationships with casting directors.

39:15 - Staying Grounded on Set: How Claire maintains focus amid the chaos of filmmaking, including her technique of avoiding video village and eliminating caffeine during shoots.

46:30 - The Confidence Challenge: Claire's strategies for maintaining confidence in LA's competitive entertainment industry.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of Australia's rising stars making her mark in Hollywood. Claire's journey proves that with preparation, persistence and the courage to put yourself forward, dreams can become reality. Listen now to get the full story behind her success!

And you can watch the trailer to Play Dirty here, which is officially out now on Amazon! Play Dirty Trailer

You can follow Claire on insta here too: https://www.instagram.com/clairelovering/

Hope you love this ep! Big big love!

Lola

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Welcome back to the Friday LA Diary!

Big Love

Lola x

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Fearlessly Failing Hot Seat with Pip Cowley!

Ever wondered what makes creative powerhouses tick? In this bite-sized episode of Fearlessly Failing Hot Seat, we dive into the mind of Philippa Cowley through rapid-fire questions that reveal everything from her chocolate preferences to her creative philosophy. This intimate conversation uncovers Pip's Scottish heritage, her love affair with New York City, and why ocean time is her non-negotiable daily ritual. Beyond the personal tidbits, she shares golden wisdom for aspiring creatives about persistence, handling rejection, and the power of collaboration.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

**0:30** - Introduction to Philippa Anna Campbell Cowley and her Scottish heritage
* Full name reveals family connections on both sides

**1:15** - Food preferences and chocolate comparisons
* Savory with a chocolate exception
* Preference for American healthy chocolate brands over Australian options

**2:00** - Favorite places in the world
* New York tops her city list
* Whistler holds special memories from her time as a ski instructor
* Bondi Beach gets honorable mention for its spectacular views and point breaks

**3:30** - Daily non-negotiables
* Beach time is essential for grounding
* Ocean breeze provides daily restoration

**4:15** - Career advice for creatives
* "Go after it" - take the leap toward dream jobs
* Be persistent with outreach
* Work on personal creative projects to showcase your unique perspective
* "Get really good at rejection" - resilience is key

**5:30** - Five-year vision
* Working on screenplay projects
* Embracing collaboration with other creatives

Ready to hear more insights from fascinating minds like Pip's? Don't miss new episodes of Fearlessly Failing Hot Seat dropping every Wednesday – where candid conversations reveal the human side of success and the beauty of fearlessly failing forward.

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Today on the pod: Photographer and creative director Pip Cowley!

Ever wondered what it's like to photograph Taylor Swift, Jason Bateman, or Prince William? Meet Pip Cowley, an Aussie photographer and creative director who's built an extraordinary career capturing some of the world's biggest stars. In this candid conversation, Pip takes us behind the scenes of her remarkable journey from Australia's Channel V to becoming one of the most sought-after photographers in America.

Pip's story is one of bold career pivots and fearless creativity. What began as a passion for music photography evolved into commercial work, sports photography for brands like Nike, and eventually directing. Her ability to read human behavior and anticipate magical moments has made her the photographer of choice at events like the Grammys, where Taylor Swift personally called her over for photos, and the US Open, fulfilling her lifelong tennis fan dreams.

Key Takeaways:
- 05:30: Pip's transition from Channel V to New York without a job, and how a chance meeting at a party led to her advertising career
- 11:45: The art of capturing movement and working with athletes at events like the US Open
- 18:30: Behind the scenes at Global Citizen, working with Hugh Jackman and other celebrities for social causes
- 24:15: The unforgettable Grammy Awards experience with Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Lizzo, and Adele
- 26:30: Advice for aspiring creatives: persistence, personal projects, and not being afraid to reach out
- 32:00: How Pip stays grounded despite her jet-setting lifestyle
- 37:30: Pip reveals her exciting new venture into screenwriting

I hope you love this inspiring conversation about creative persistence, finding authentic connections in Hollywood, and the courage to pursue new creative challenges. Whether you're an aspiring photographer, filmmaker, or any type of creative, Pip's journey proves that with talent and determination, extraordinary opportunities await.

Big love from sunny Los Angeles,

Lola

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