Women’s History Month has been a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the amazing women working in the screen industry. From producing and digital scanning to management and VFX, women are making a significant impact across the board.
We have received an overwhelming number of submissions highlighting the success of women in the industry, which has inspired us to create this special page dedicated to celebrating these leading ladies.
Showcasing a selection of the amazing women who have been nominated, including those from Avatar Factory, CATO Location Services, Consolidated Media Services, Cutting Edge, Disney Studios Australia, Fin Design + Effects, Framestore, Heliguy, Luma Pictures, Show Group, Stage & Screen, TAG Travel and Event, and Village Roadshow Studios.
Enjoy these stories on the integral women who are breaking down barriers and making their mark on the screen industry.
WOMEN LEAD THE WAY AT AVATAR FACTORY: FAMILY BIZ WITH A CREATIVE EDGE
Avatar Factory has a unique edge, thanks to the creative and technical talents of its family members, especially the women at the forefront of it’s success. From producing and documentation to capturing and quality control, find out how this family team is taking digital scanning to the next level.
CATO LOCATION SERVICES CELEBRATES WOMEN CONTRIBUTING TO SUCCESS
CATO Location Services, a prominent provider of production support services to the Australian screen industry, has seen a surge in demand. This success is due in no small part to the company’s talented & dedicated female team members, who occupy a high percentage of management positions.
NAOMI CLEAVER: WOMEN IN FILM – CONSOLIDATED MEDIA SERVICES
Naomi Cleaver, the newly appointed Head of Production at Consolidated Media Services is a seasoned executive with decades of experience in the Aussie and international film industry. She’s a passionate advocate for gender diversity and empowering women in the industry.
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON THE INTEGRAL WOMEN OF CUTTING EDGE
Cutting Edge is celebrating its talented female employees in honour of International Women’s History Month. Meet two outstanding women in the team who exemplify leadership, patience, and professionalism: Features & TV Executive Assistant, Nicole Hargreaves, and Senior Online Creative, Jo Spillane.
BTS WITH MELISSA THIRTLE, COMMERCIAL MANAGER AT DISNEY STUDIOS AUSTRALIA
Meet Melissa Thirtle, Commercial Manager at Disney Studios Australia who looks after all the tenant relationships at the studios while championing sustainability and doing it with a smile on her dial. In this interview, Mel shares her career journey, proudest projects, favourite things to do in Sydney and more.
MEET EMMA DAINES: THE LEADING LADY BEHIND FIN DESIGN + EFFECTS
Founder and CEO of Fin Design + Effects, Emma Daines is an entrepreneurial pioneer and experienced VFX producer who founded Fin over 21 years ago as a single mother. Her inclusive leadership style is characterised by trust, integrity, and inclusivity. She shares some insights about her journey as a leader in VFX.
FRAMESTORE VFX RECRUITMENT TEAM: LINDSAY COWIE, CARLA RIZZO & ROXY PROPHET
The Framestore VFX Recruitment team, led by Lindsay Cowie with teammates, Carla Rizzo and Roxy Prophet, are instrumental in shaping company culture and driving diversity at Framestore. Gain insight into the industry from the women who work in it!
HELIGUY’S PRODUCTION COORDINATOR AND LICENSED DRONE OP, ALLIE BARDES
Heliguy’s Allie Bardes, Production Coordinator and licensed Drone Operator has worked her way up from Office Assistant to her current role. Allie shares her journey, including how she manages the work/life balance as a young mum in the workforce.
LUMA’S JAMY ZINK, ON CULTIVATING A PEOPLE-FIRST CULTURE IN VFX
Jamy Zink, the VP/Head of People & Culture at Luma Pictures, has shaped the company by fostering a culture that puts people first. With over a decade of experience in the VFX industry, Jamy has a great passion for people and for cultivating an inclusive work environment.
WOMEN BEHIND THE MAGIC: MEET SHOW GROUP’S UNSTOPPABLE TEAM
Show Group celebrates International Women’s Day by highlighting two exceptional women in their team, Lorraine Ashdown and Devi Bywater, who coordinate film travel arrangements and provide a seamless travel experience for productions. On with the show!
TWISTS AND TURNS IN TRAVEL & LIFE WITH STAGE & SCREEN’S, LINH TRAN
Stage and Screen’s Head of Supply, Linh Tran, has navigated challenges in the travel industry and life. When faced with a personal health crisis, Linh relied upon her data analysis skills to calculate and reduce her potential risks. By sharing her story, Linh hopes to offer reassurance to others who may face adversities of their own
TAG CELEBRATES WOMEN WHO TELL THEIR STORIES
TAG travel and event team celebrate the women behind the scenes. TAG acknowledges its female-identifying staff members, making up 66% of its total staff, with 42% in leadership roles. Including Allie Pratt, Head of Entertainment Strategy, Deanna Williams, Head of Production, Lorraine Greig, Director of US Ops and Mandy Armstrong, Team Leader/Production.
MEET LUANE LUCAS, EOA AT VILLAGE ROADSHOW STUDIOS
Luane Lucas is the talented Executive Operations Assistant at Village Roadshow Studios in Queensland. Her passion has made her a valuable asset to the team at VRS. Raised by a powerhouse woman herself, Luane’s mother instilled in her the values that shaped her own career