Susie Jones Australia

Matchbox develops and produces scripted and non-scripted television programs and feature films for audiences throughout the world.

Formed in 2008 by Tony Ayres, Penny Chapman, Helen Bowden, Michael McMahon and Helen Panckhurst, Matchbox is one of the most dynamic production houses in Australia. In May 2011, NBCUniversal took a majority stake in Matchbox Pictures and this has allowed the company to diversify its content. We produce television drama, children’s programming, factual and entertainment content, animation and feature films for the domestic and international marketplace. We have also developed games and apps to enhance our programs across all available platforms.

Matchbox works with some of the most exciting writers, directors and producers in Australia to deliver content that is internationally renowned.

Susie Jones
Matchbox Pictures
Factual Entertainment Development Executive 
Bio

Susie works as part of the unscripted team developing and producing original and formatted programs. Prior to taking up her role with Matchbox Pictures, Susie spent the last ten years as a freelance producer in a variety of genres, producing content for ABC, Seven, Ten, Nine, SBS and the Discovery Channel. As well as a strong track record in Factual Entertainment, in 2010 Susie's feature documentary for the ABC, Rudely Interrupted, was nominated for an AFI for best documentary under one hour.

Melissa Juhanson Australia

The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC)is the state Government agency responsible for Adelaide Studios and for the state’s thriving screen industry.

Established in 1972, we have continuously been at the forefront, pushing the boundaries and remaining open to innovation and change.

South Australia's reputation as Australia's home of independent filmmaking has been built on our state’s stunning locations, award winning crews, and legacy of successful film titles that have resonated with audiences worldwide for more than 40 years.

Our aim is to empower the South Australian screen production industry to achieve success. We do this by working closely with South Australian practitioners, businesses, industry bodies and other stakeholders to create a sophisticated, dynamic film and television industry that prospers in a rapidly changing world and which makes a significant contribution to South Australia’s cultural and economic wellbeing.

Melissa Juhanson
South Australian Film Corporation
Production Executive 
Profession
Bio

Melissa’s role is to deliver the SAFC production investment programs across what was previously divided amongst documentary, digital media and drama projects. 

Melissa is an award winning filmmaker who has worked in the film and arts industries for over twenty years.  Melissa has managed various SAFC programs and overseen SAFC investment interests in hundreds of Documentary, Drama & Digital Media projects as well as numerous special development and production initiatives. Prior to working at the SAFC Melissa’s work as a filmmaker includes award winning short films and broadcast documentaries as producer, director and editor. Melissa is a graduate of Swinburne film school in Melbourne (now VCA) and her films have screened at  film festivals internationally including Venice, Oberhausen, Cork, Melbourne, Sydney, Clermont-Ferrand International and Edinburgh. She has taught film production and theory at the University of Melbourne and Bachelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education.

Sara Kidd Australia

INDIEVILLAGE Distribution

These are exciting times for filmmakers with unprecedented access to our audiences across the world 24/7. In this radically changing era we can now be in control of our films from conception through to sales. No longer must we wait for permission.

INDIEVILLAGE is at the forefront of this new era.


With your total involvement and ownership INDIEVILLAGE starts plotting your film’s success from Day 1. We provide consulting services that assist with every stage of your project. Whether it's a documentary, film, web series, TV program or simple YouTube videos, we will tailor services to suit your needs. INDIEVILLAGE offers advice to give your project the best possible outcome for a global market.

The most important thing to remember is the sooner you start the better. INDIEVILLAGE will save you time, money and disappointment.   

INDIEVILLAGE starts with YOU telling US about YOUR PROJECT and where you would like to take it. From there we can go on to discuss any of the following strategies:

•Outline Achievable Goals and tactical support to Independent Filmmakers 

•Design distribution strategies that can be used to pitch to potential investors

•Design a Release Strategy 

•National and International Theatrical Release 

•VOD and Other Available Platforms 

•International Distribution 

•Securing Domestic and Foreign Partners 

•Design a Launch Strategy

•Branding, PR and Strategic Marketing 

•Social Media Strategy 

•Grass Roots Outreach and Growing a Strong Audience Database

•Website and Payment Gateway

•Festivals 

•Establishing Institutional Partnerships 

•Merchandise and Products 

•National and International DVD Replication and Fulfillment 

•Deliverables 

 

Website: www.indievillage.org
Sara Kidd
Indievillage Distribution
General Manager 
Bio

SARA KIDD - General Manager
Sara Kidd is the General Manager for a new innovative distribution company INDIEVILLGE, she has spent the last 10 years working in Film, Television, Marketing and Business Branding. She recently distributed the film Yogawoman into 35 cinemas in Australia and New Zealand and 42 cinemas in USA and Canada. The film had multiple sell out Premieres and Q+A events. Other projects she has worked on the distribution include the films Circle Of Lies, I Love This Place and AUSSIE RULES the world. She has assisted filmmakers with identifying and building audience fan hubs and structuring distribution and marketing strategies that appeal directly to their targeted market. She has an outstanding knowledge of digital platforms and interactive behaviors; she has a depth of understanding unique to the Australian film industry, especially in documentary. Her contacts with cinema owners and international distributors have been paramount to the success of her clients. 

 

INDIEVILLAGE

These are exciting times for filmmakers with unprecedented access to our audiences across the world 24/7. In this radically changing era we can now be in control of our films from conception through to sales. No longer must we wait for permission.

INDIEVILLAGE is at the forefront of this new era.


With your total involvement and ownership INDIEVILLAGE starts plotting your film’s success from Day 1. We provide consulting services that assist with every stage of your project. Whether it's a documentary, film, web series, TV program or simple YouTube videos, we will tailor services to suit your needs. INDIEVILLAGE offers advice to give your project the best possible outcome for a global market.

 

The most important thing to remember is the sooner you start the better. INDIEVILLAGE will save you time, money and disappointment.   

 

INDIEVILLAGE starts with YOU telling US about YOUR PROJECT and where you would like to take it. From there we can go on to discuss any of the following strategies:

•Outline Achievable Goals and tactical support to Independent Filmmakers 

•Design distribution strategies that can be used to pitch to potential investors

•Design a Release Strategy 

•National and International Theatrical Release 

•VOD and Other Available Platforms 

•International Distribution 

•Securing Domestic and Foreign Partners 

•Design a Launch Strategy

•Branding, PR and Strategic Marketing 

•Social Media Strategy 

•Grass Roots Outreach and Growing a Strong Audience Database

•Website and Payment Gateway

•Festivals 

•Establishing Institutional Partnerships 

•Merchandise and Products 

•National and International DVD Replication and Fulfillment 

•Deliverables 

 

Website: www.indievillage.org

Simon Killen Australia

Hi Gloss Entertainment is an all rights distributor of arthouse cinema, documentaries, and foreign language TV. It's an all rights distributor specialising in niche markets, and niche marketing.

Simon Killen
Hi Gloss Entertainment
Managing Director 
Bio

Killen commenced at Aztec International in 2004, and acquired cycling documentary HELL ON WHEELS which launched at Adelaide Film Festival, and became national theatrical phenomenon. Several cycling docs followed, but also music, culture, and pure cinema documentaries. Started Hi Gloss Entertainment in 2012, opening with two feature docs, ITALY LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT, and Raymond Depardon's JOURNAL DE FRANCE. 2013 saw LA MAISON DE LA RADIO join the catalogue, and 2014 will see release of GARDENING WITH SOUL (screening at AIDC 14!)

Sarah Lancaster Australia

The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC)is the state Government agency responsible for Adelaide Studios and for the state’s thriving screen industry.

Established in 1972, we have continuously been at the forefront, pushing the boundaries and remaining open to innovation and change.

South Australia's reputation as Australia's home of independent filmmaking has been built on our state’s stunning locations, award winning crews, and legacy of successful film titles that have resonated with audiences worldwide for more than 40 years.

Our aim is to empower the South Australian screen production industry to achieve success. We do this by working closely with South Australian practitioners, businesses, industry bodies and other stakeholders to create a sophisticated, dynamic film and television industry that prospers in a rapidly changing world and which makes a significant contribution to South Australia’s cultural and economic wellbeing.

Sarah Lancaster
South Australian Film Corporation
Business Development Executive 
Profession
Bio

Sarah’s role at the SAFC is to deliver the Seed and Production Attraction Grant programs for IDP.  

Previously Sarah spent several years at the Sydney Film Festival covering countless miles as the Travelling Film Festival Manager.  In 2013 she was Conference Manager for AIDC’s inaugural DocWeek and in 2012 produced the Industry Conference at Hot Docs in Toronto. In other lives she has worked at TIFF, the Adelaide Film Festival, Worldwide Short Film Festival and the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.

Kay Lawrence Australia

activeTV is an internationally renowned independent production company based in Australia and Asia. The company produces programming across a broad range of genres including reality, factual, entertainment and children’s television. activeTV is known for taking on international formats and creating local versions boasting high production and entertainment values, which translates into top ratings for broadcasters.

The company has produced two seasons of ‘The Amazing Race Australia’ (Seven Network), which has won an International Emmy and awards at the inaugural Australian AACTAs and Asian Television Awards.  This success comes off the back of four seasons of the award winning ‘The Amazing Race Asia’ (AXN), three seasons for Reshet in Israel and versions for the Philippines and Ukraine. 

Since its inception, activeTV Asia has quickly cemented its reputation as the region’s most highly skilled producers of reality, entertainment and factual programming. Its slate includes ‘E! News Asia’ (Comcast), ‘Cash Cab Asia’ (AXN), original series ‘Can You Serve?’ and ‘Driving Change with Caltex’ (digital/StarWorld).

In Australia, activeTV boasts a highly respected children’s division, which has produced 91 episodes of the smash hit comedy-action series ‘Prank Patrol’, now exported to CBBC, ZDF and RAI. activeTV Australia also produce prestigious televised events, including ‘Woolworths Carols in the Domain’.

The company has gained an international reputation as a first class facilitator and producer of turnkey productions.  In Australia the team have facilitated for US and UK programs including Discovery’s ‘World’s Toughest Truckers’, Comcast’s ‘Chelsea Lately’, fashion series ‘How Do I Look?’ and ‘Finding Bigfoot’ (Animal Planet).

activeTV is currently launching an exciting slate of original factual, reality and kids programming thanks to its recently formed development division ‘activeTV Originals’.

Website:
activetv.tv
Kay Lawrence
active TV
General Manager 
Bio

Kay is a highly accomplished General Manager and Executive Producer with an exceptional track record of delivering successful productions. Kay has a demonstrated ability to forge and sustain relationships with the Australian and international industry to optimise opportunities and secure finance for projects. Kay's track record of success in negotiating deals which deliver substantial benefits to all parties by understanding requirements and expectations and devising innovative structures and approaches is second to none.

Sandy Lepore Australia

The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC)is the state Government agency responsible for Adelaide Studios and for the state’s thriving screen industry.

Established in 1972, we have continuously been at the forefront, pushing the boundaries and remaining open to innovation and change.

South Australia's reputation as Australia's home of independent filmmaking has been built on our state’s stunning locations, award winning crews, and legacy of successful film titles that have resonated with audiences worldwide for more than 40 years.

Our aim is to empower the South Australian screen production industry to achieve success. We do this by working closely with South Australian practitioners, businesses, industry bodies and other stakeholders to create a sophisticated, dynamic film and television industry that prospers in a rapidly changing world and which makes a significant contribution to South Australia’s cultural and economic wellbeing.

Sandy Lepore
South Australian Film Corporation
Development Executive 
Profession
Bio

Sandy’s role is to deliver the SAFC's development investment programs and programs delivered through Screen Culture organisations. Sandy Lepore is a passionate industry professional with over twenty years’ experience in screen content creation. Seven of those years have been with the SAFC where she has worked across many programs including Drama Development, Documentary Development and Production, the Short Film Fund, the IDEA fund and the Attachment Scheme.  Previous to the SAFC Sandy worked as a freelance writer and director whose award winning films screened at international film festivals including Berlin, Aspen, Palm Springs and Sydney.  Her projects have been broadcast on SBS and ABC as well internationally in the USA, Italy, Israel and the Czech Republic.  She also worked as a university lecturer teaching screen writing, directing and acting for screen.  She is a Directing graduate of the AFTRS and has an honours degree from Flinders University

Susan MacKinnon Australia

The Documentary Australia Foundation (DAF) is unique in Australia as the only organisation that builds and nurtures partnerships between filmmakers, non profits and philanthropic funders to enable them to tell stories and build campaigns that inspire change.  

Susan and Mitzi are ready to take your meetings relating to Good Pitch Australia.

Susan MacKinnon
Documentary Australia Foundation
COO 
Profession
Bio

Susan has over 25 years of producing award winning films - Paul Kelly Stories of Me, Honeybee Blues, The Oasis, Life In Movement, Global Haywire, 4... She is a co-founder and director of the Documentary Australia Foundation, established to connect private funders, not for profit organisations and filmmakers, facilitating a new source of funding and establishing new partnerships around documentaries.

Susan and Mitzi are ready to take your meetings relating to Good Pitch Australia.

Joseph Maxwell Australia

With a background as Australia’s multicultural broadcaster, SBS holds a unique place in the Australian media landscape. As described in the SBS Charter, SBS’s principal function is to provide multilingual, multicultural and Indigenous radio, television and digital media services that inform, educate and entertain all Australians, reflecting Australia’s diverse society.  SBS inspires all Australians to explore, appreciate and celebrate our diverse world, and in doing so contributes to social cohesion.

 

SBS carries out this function through an ever-increasing number of distribution platforms including free-to-air television channels, subscription television, analogue and digital radio, online, and via mobile devices and apps.

 

For more information, please visit www.sbs.com.au

Website:
www.sbs.com.au
Joseph Maxwell
SBS
Commissioning Editor - Documentaries 
Profession
Bio

Before moving to Australia to take up his role as commissioning editor for SBS, Joseph developed, directed and produced high end, prime time documentaries for most of the major broadcasters in Britain. He also set up his own production company. In Australia his credits as a commissioning editor include, “Dirty Business: How Mining Made Australia” and “Who Do You Think You Are.” He has a series of new international co pro’s in production, in both science and history. 

Jeni McMahon Australia

Film Victoria is the State Government agency that provides strategic leadership and assistance to the film, television and games sectors of Victoria. We invest in projects and people, and promote Victoria as a world-class production destination nationally and internationally.

Website:
film.vic.gov.au
Jeni McMahon
Film Victoria
Development and Investment Manager 
Profession
Bio

Jeni McMahon joined Film Victoria as Development and Investment Manager in July 2013. Prior to this she was Managing Director of Rebel Films where she produced a diverse range of highly successful, award winning documentaries with a uniquely Australian focus.  Jeni has worked with several of Australia’ s most established documentary filmmakers as well as nurturing several award winning emerging directors.

Recent  credits include  "Then the Wind Changed" winner of the 2013 AACTA Award for Best Documentary under one hour and the 2012 Walkley award for Documentary and Coniston, winner of the 2012 ATOM award for best dramatised documentary.