There’s a strong team behind Australia’s leading film and television content, and it’s time for them to be properly recognised. Cutting Edge is an Australian production house who, across three offices in Sydney, Brisbane and Tokyo, have produced commercial and narrative work for the likes of Sony, McDonalds, SBS, and Toyota. I had the pleasure of chatting with Director of Innvoation and Creative Development, Benjamin Richards, about his emerging technologies and the tools young artists have
Hey Benjamin, thanks for chatting! Firstly, introduce yourself. Where are you based and what exactly do you do?
After spending almost 15 years overseas I returned to Australia about 3 years ago and by some turn of fate ended up in Brisbane. I am originally from Sydney, but I worked at Cutting Edge about 20 years ago and am really happy to be back here. Over the years I have worked in nearly all aspects of film and tv production, predominantly in VFX and post-production. At Cutting Edge I am the Director of Innovation and Creative Development, which means I do a whole lot of different things which I love, I would go crazy if I just did one thing all the time. On the innovation front I look after new markets and new technology, specifically expanding into China and Japan on the market side, and Augmented and Virtual Reality on the new tech side. In terms of Creative Development, I work closely with writers, directors and producers, helping educate and guide projects using new tech.
How has Cutting Edge grown in such a competitive industry?
The owners have always been smart by constantly re-investing into the business, having the best gear, the best people and the best customer service. At the same time they've always been diversifying the business to meet an ever-changing market. With the help of Elle Croxford we have had a lot of success in bringing VFX work from Hollywood, which is really exciting for the local artists to work on.
What advice would you give to aspiring creatives in Australia?
There has never been an easier time in the history of man to educate yourself. I was completely self-trained in this industry, which meant buying the few books which were available 20 years ago. Now with the myriad of video-based learning and wesbites around, there is no excuse for someone who is dedicated to not be able to teach themselves if they can't afford formal education. If you want to make a film these days, you can shoot and edit it on your phone; technology has never been so democratised.
Who and/or what has inspired your work at Cutting Edge?
I have a voracious appetite for knowledge and draw inspiration from everything I do / read / watch / interact with. I have been lucky to work with some amazingly talented people in my career and both people I know, or artists work from the last 1000 years, are constant sources of inspiration.
Read more about Ben's favourite project and the future of the creative industries here.