Michael Lucas (The Newsreader, Offspring) In Conversation with Danielle Cormack

Host(s)

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  Michael Lucas

  Michael Lucas is a writer, producer and script editor. He’s worked successfully across several genres, from the period drama of The Newsreader, to the relationship dramedy of Offspring, the prison thriller of Wentworth, and the comedy of Rosehaven. He has won the AWGIE for ‘Best Television Screenplay’ three times, from six nominations.   Michael’s first feature, the romantic comedy Not Suitable For Children, drew five AACTA nominations and won the AWGIE for ‘Best Screenplay’. From 2010 to 2014, Michael was a core writer and script producer of Network Ten’s much-loved series Offspring. He wrote 17 episodes across the span of five hit seasons. Michael then stepped up to creating and producing TV series, starting with 2014’s six-part political drama Party Tricks. He went on to co-create the AWGIE and AACTA-nominated contemporary drama Five Bedrooms, which ran for four seasons on Paramount Plus. And most recently he created, wrote and produced the acclaimed ABC drama The Newsreader, starring Anna Torv and Sam Reid. The Newsreader has been awarded ‘Most Outstanding Drama’ at both the AACTAs and the Logies, sold to over 80 territories worldwide, and been nominated for an International Emmy for Best Drama.  Michael Lucas is a writer, producer and script editor. He’s worked successfully across several genres, from the period drama of The Newsreader, to the relationship dramedy of Offspring, the prison thriller of Wentworth, and the comedy of Rosehaven. He has won the AWGIE for ‘Best Television Screenplay’ three times, from six nominations. Michael’s first feature, the romantic comedy Not Suitable For Children, drew five AACTA nominations and won the AWGIE for ‘Best Screenplay’. From 2010 to 2014, Michael was a core writer and script producer of Network Ten’s much-loved series Offspring. He wrote 17 episodes across the span of five hit seasons. Michael then stepped up to creating and producing TV series, starting with 2014’s six-part political drama Party Tricks. He went on to co-create the AWGIE and AACTA-nominated contemporary drama Five Bedrooms, which ran for four seasons on Paramount Plus. And most recently he created, wrote and produced the acclaimed ABC drama The Newsreader, starring Anna Torv and Sam Reid. The Newsreader has been awarded ‘Most Outstanding Drama’ at both the AACTAs and the Logies, sold to over 80 territories worldwide, and been nominated for an International Emmy for Best Drama.     
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  Danielle Cormack

  Danielle Cormack is a Producer, Director and award winning actor with an impressive stage and screen career spanning decades. From 70s hippies to Amazonian warriors, she has portrayed diverse roles in films such as "Topless Women Talk About Their Lives," "The Price of Milk," and "Via Satellite." Beginning on stage, Cormack has gained recognition both in Australia and New Zealand working for MainStage and independent theatre companies. She has received acclaim for her work across all mediums especially in notable TV shows like “Secret City” "Rake" "Underbelly:Razor" and "Wentworth." In 2017 Cormack co-founded Four One One Productions for which she co-produced and directed the 2025 AACTA nominated short film “Why we Fight”. She is slated to star in and Executive Produce the feature film “Who’s Afraid” that is based on the stage play of the same name that she co-created. After wrapping season 3 of The Twelve she is developing her first feature, which she will direct and has co-written. Currently titled IN THE WAKE - it is a New Zealand/German co-production. She also does costume design, making her a multifaceted presence in the entertainment industry.