Tarni James Australia

ABC Television delivers commercial-free, nationally available, free-to-air screen content via a multiplatform multi-channel network.  It is the destination of choice for viewers and users seeking quality and diversity in screen content; in particular engaging audiences in distinctly Australian content across a wide variety of genres.  ABC TV platforms include ABC1, ABC2, ABC3, ABC News 24, ABC iview and the most comprehensive array of online content for download or streaming on abc.net.au/tv.  We seek to commission and acquire programming with a strong multiplatform presence.

Tarni James
ABC Television
Executive Producer, Entertainment 
Profession
Bio

Tarni James is Executive Producer of Entertainment for ABC Television, based in Melbourne. She has worked in the television industry for the past 30 years for all the Australian FTA networks, several cable channels, numerous independent production companies and the BBC as a journalist, producer, writer and director.  Tarni has created programming for arts, sport, current affairs, children’s, news, comedy, variety and documentary genres and has produced extensively in the field in Britain, USA, Africa, The Pacific, Europe and remote Australia.  Tarni currently oversees production of The New Spicks and Specks, Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell; RAW Comedy; Comedy Up Late and Dirty Laundry Live.

Her documentary series credits include Family Footsteps, ABC; The Naked Lentil, SBS; Jail Birds ABC;  the environmental series Carbon Cops ABC; and Grand Designs Australia series 1 Foxtel Lifestyle Channel. 

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.

Jennifer Jones Australia

Formed in March 2011, Triptych Pictures slate encompasses television, feature film and multi-media projects, with the development and production of factual and drama television series forming the cornerstone of the company’s vision. Coming from diverse yet related backgrounds, the Triptych producers bring a wealth of production experience and knowledge to the table, each having worked in the industry professionally for over 15 years, ideally situating the company for domestic and international co-production opportunities.

Producing credits include feature films, Boxing Day, Lucky Country, The Babadook (Sundance 2014), The Dead Speak Back, Touch, with co-producing credits on Shut Up Little Man! an Audio Misadventure (Sundance 2011) and One Eyed Girl; factual television series producing credits include mY Generation (2008 SBS), Croc College (2013 ABC1) and Jillaroo School (2014 ABC1), as well as the multi-media multi-platform project Stasis, currently in the first stage of production.

Jennifer Jones
Triptych Pictures
Producer 
Bio

Following an early career in orchestral management in the UK, Jennifer Jones returned to Adelaide in 1999 and completed a BCA(Screen) at Flinders University. Jennifer has worked extensively in the film industry, from Locations Scout to Line Producer, from the Bollywood extravaganza Love Story 2050 to Scott Hick's The Lucky One, as well as television work on McLeod's Daughters and The Fairies. In recent years Jennifer has concentrated on producing and has recently completed co-producing a low budget feature film, One Eyed Girl, through the SA Film Corporation's FilmLab program, and producing a 6 x 1/2 hour factual series, Jillaroo School, for ABC1. Work is currently in progress on Stasis, a multi-platform/multi-media science fiction project.

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.

Fiona Lawson-Baker Malaysia

Launched in 2006, Al Jazeera English is a global 24-hour, English news and current affairs channel. Part of the Qatar-based Al Jazeera Media Network, the channel now transmits to more than 260 million households in over 125 countries. The channel's mandate is to deliver journalism that has depth and to provide context for the transformative changes taking place across the globe.

Fiona Lawson-Baker
Al Jazeera English
Senior Producer 
Profession
Bio

Fiona has more than 15 years experience in factual television across the UK, Australia and Asia. She started her broadcast career at BBC London in long-form current affairs, magazine science and interactive productions. As an AFTRS graduate, she worked for SBS television in production, commissioning and acquisitions. Since 2008, she has worked in Singapore and Malaysia, overseeing productions for Al Jazeera English (AJE), ZDF, Discovery, History and Crime & Investigation Channels. Fiona was integral to the first Malaysian Australian co-production in 2012, The Coral Triangle (3 x 1 hrs). Currently, Fiona is based in Malaysia with AJE sourcing documentaries from the Asia Pacific region for the flagship documentary strand, Witness. In 2013, Fiona oversaw a special Al Jazeera series from China, Wukan: After the Uprising with the festival version premiering at IDFA. She also oversees Viewfinder Asia, an extraordinary project bringing stories from indies in Asia to AJE's global audience.

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