Some of our Crew...

crew picture

Owen Elliott - Director/ Producer, is a multi award winning short film director / producer and a graduate from Newcastle University (Communications), 2002. Owen recently completed producing twelve educational DVD documentaries for PCYC NSW to be distributed state-wide later this year.

Michael Winchester - Writer/ Producer, is a graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne (1985) he has worked as an actor in theatre, film and television for over twenty years. This is Michael's first feature film as scriptwriter and in his spare time runs a small 200 acre organic beef enterprise near Gresford in the Hunter Valley.

John O’Brien - Script editor / 1st AD, his work includes film scripts, television series and books, episodes of The Alice for Channel 9 and Fireflies for ABC TV. John has been a multiple 'AWGIE' award winner for his work, including Best Original TV Script on two occasions, Best Original Feature Film Script and Best Short Film Script in addition to receiving the NSW Film and Television Office Writers Fellowship in 2009.

Gavin Banks - D.O.P. is experienced in commercials, corporate education, documentary and short films. In 2008 Gavin filmed the exceptional 50 minute docu-drama Lockout which was shot in and around Newcastle and the Hunter in late 2006. The film was released mid 2007 and broadcast on the History channel. Gavin is a local hunter valley resident and a graduate in Communications from Newcastle University.

Lisa Ellicott - Production Manager, is a consultant engineer having recently completed a degree in environmental engineering at Newcastle University. Lisa brings her phenomenal organisational and management skills which she shares with the Paterson Rural Fire Brigade, the Dungog Film Festival, the Maitland Repertory Society and most recently, as founding co-ordinator of the Hunter Impro Network.

Virginia Begg - Production Designer, Virginia has worked as Wardrobe Supervisor and Wardrobe Designer in News and Current Affairs with Channel 10, Home and Away, Chopper Squad and for the ABC's Playschool. Virginia was standby wardrobe on Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, A Fortunate Life, Treasure Island and Mosquito Coast.

Tamara Findlay - Wardrobe Assitant, her passion is costuming. Tamara completed courses in pattern drafting and fashion design skills which she now puts to use with the Maitland Repertory Society. Her other interest is in historical costuming through her involvement with a Dark Ages re-enactment group called Fire and Steel.

Emma Swain - Publicist, is one of the principal journalists with the Maitland Mercury newspaper. Emma's skill as an engaging, and astute interviewer with a keen interest in the people she deals with will be an invaluable asset for the telling of the Bathing Franky story.

Clare Hodgins - Graphic Designer, currently studying for a Diploma in Graphic Design and Communications at TAFE NSW Hunter Institute in Newcastle. Clare has participated in Maitland's Young Fashion Designer Awards since 2006 and in 2009 she was the award winner for Newcastle's Earth Hour competition. Her design work has featured on posters and programs for The Loft Youth Venue.

Amanda Safranko - Production Designer, completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Newcastle University in 2007 and is currently studying part time for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English and Film. Amanda was invited to exhibit her work the following year at Penni’s Gallery, John Hunter Hospital as part of the ‘Arts for Health Programme.

Nathan Daymond - Production Co-ordinator, completed certificates in producing for film and television and production management for film and television at Metro Screen in Sydney. In 2009 Nathan produced a pilot episode of a talk show for Foxtel's "Aurora" channel. Nathan also has experience working on "Home and Away", "All Saints" and "Today Extra" in a voluntary capacity.