What does it take to build a globally competitive content company from Canberra? Michael Tear, CEO of Wildbear Entertainment, reveals the extraordinary journey from two university students with a dream to a 180-person powerhouse creating documentaries for Netflix, Disney, BBC and beyond.
The path wasn't straightforward. Starting with virtually no industry connections, Michael and co-founder Serge faced years of struggle before gaining traction. Their persistence eventually paid off, particularly after a 2014 merger that transformed their local production house into an international content creator. "It wasn't one plus one equals two," Michael explains, "it was one plus one equals ten."

The digital revolution has completely transformed how Wildbear operates. From analog beginnings to today's AI concerns, Michael shares how they've adapted by reinventing their business model every few years while preserving what matters most: storytelling craft. "Even though technology changes, the fundamental elements of making a film remain the same," he notes.
Current productions showcase their range - from documenting the War Memorial redevelopment to creating a feature on controversial former Queensland Premier Joe Bjelke-Petersen for Stan. Michael's leadership philosophy centers on alignment and talent: "Hire the smartest person and pay them as much as you possibly can - they'll add value way beyond what you imagine."
Ready to discover how persistence, adaptation and people-first leadership built one of Australia's most successful documentary companies? This conversation offers invaluable insights for creative entrepreneurs navigating today's rapidly evolving media landscape.