Warren: Interview with a cartoonist

Behind the Pen: My Interview with Political Cartoonist Warren Brown

As part of our Year 9 coursework, we were asked to research and present a job that interested us. While many of my classmates chose careers like doctors, engineers or athletes, I wanted to do something a bit different. I’ve always been fascinated by art and current events, so I decided to explore the world of political cartooning.

That’s how I ended up interviewing one of Australia’s most well-known political cartoonists — Warren Brown.

Warren has worked for The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph since the 1980s. He’s a true legend in the world of Australian media, not just for his cartoons, but also for his TV documentary work. From poking fun at politicians to highlighting important issues with just a few strokes of a pen, Warren’s job is both creative and powerful.

We filmed the interview in mid-January, outside in country New South Wales — in mid-January. That meant blazing heat, unpredictable wind, and even a cat-versus-snake standoff in the background (yes, that actually happened). To top it off, there was a single fly that just wouldn’t quit.

But despite the chaos, Warren was completely unfazed. He was warm, down-to-earth, and incredibly generous with his time. He talked about how he got started in cartooning, the role humour plays in political commentary, and how he manages to stay creative in a fast-paced news environment. What really struck me was how passionate he is about his work — it’s more than just a job to him, it’s a calling.

Off-camera, we also talked about his love for vintage cars and trucks. He has an entire ‘man cave’ filled with them — a dream garage, really — which adds even more personality to someone who already lives such a creative life.

The interview, titled Warren: Interview With A Cartoonist, was shot on my (very old) iPad and edited using Adobe Premiere Pro. It’s far from perfect, but it was a great learning experience. I had to plan the questions, think like a director, problem-solve on set, and then put it all together in post-production.

More importantly, I came away from the project with a deeper appreciation for visual storytelling, and for how political cartooning shapes public conversation. It was an unforgettable experience — and not just because of the heat, the wildlife, or the fly.

I’m also thrilled to share that my film was part of the Official Selection screed at the SF3 Kids Smartfone Fickfest in 2023 as well as being submitted to the Parcours Métiers competition in Paris, where it received a Highly Commended award. Even more exciting, it was screened at the Grand Rex cinema in Paris, one of the city’s most iconic venues. Being part of such a prestigious event was an incredible honor and a highlight of my Year 9 journey.