Armani Freeman

Based in North Queensland, Armani Freeman was a high achiever at Heatley Secondary College, where she completed certificates in screen and photography, and participated in a young Indigenous women STEM program. She is exploring a career pathway that sparks her passion in the visual arts space and is currently working in a traineeship to complete a Certificate III in Business. Armani was mentored by Special Effects Make Up Artist Sue Kim. Armani completed the Essential Screen Skills Future Filmmakers Camp.

Ella Pearce

Instagram: @jokestudi0 | YouTube: @jokestudio7246

Ella Pearce is a passionate filmmaker with a keen interest in narrative production, particularly in the horror genre. Recently graduated from high school, Ella is now planning to study film in Brisbane where she aims to sharpen her skills. Currently, she works with Rapidspin filming AFL games, and edits content for QCvideos. Ella aspires to create unforgettable horror films, though she remains open to exploring all other genres of film as well.

Elleni Geena Adams

Elleni Geena Adams is a passionate Cairns-based director, writer, actor and composer. Her love of learning has fostered an aspiration to understand every facet of filmmaking, leading to her involvement in many large and small scale productions as well as programs in an array of different roles. Elleni Geena Adams was selected for the Film Intenstive Script to Screen (FISS) program run in collaboration between ESS, Screen Queensland, Kolperi and ScreenWell to gain set-ready skills and industry credits across camera, costume, lighting, production and locations. Her dedication and work ethic in that program has led to work as a First AD on Super, a short comedy from the Cairns local production company Yarner, experience in grips and electrics for commercial work for Paramount, as well as a PA/AD on the feature genre film Zombie Plane. Elleni Geena will make her debut in front of the camera playing a lead character in Professional Short Film Quest, A Hero within. Elleni Geena is a graduate of Screen and Media Gateway School Cairns State High School.

Francis Lau

Born in Manila and raised in Brisbane, Francis is an aspiring filmmaker fascinated in all things funny, alternative, and gross. From tearjerking documentaries to silly little shorts, Francis’ versatile skillset has landed him in a variety of festivals such as STUFFit, BUFTA, & UNDEREXPOSED. He hopes to spotlight the unspoken while working with Essential Screen Skills, following our oddities and flying our freak flags. 

Hayden MOUAT

Instagram: @heidenfilms | YouTube: @heidenfilms

Hayden is a 19-year-old filmmaker from Brisbane, known for his passion for film and his creative expression through editing, cinematography, and visual effects. For many years, Hayden has been deeply immersed in the world of film, contributing to various projects at Indooroopilly State High School and pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Griffith Film School. His exceptional talent has earned him multiple awards, particularly with his short film “An Aberration in Eternity” receiving high recognition at local and international film festivals alike. Hayden aspires to further his career in filmmaking, aiming to utilize his skills to create visually stunning experiences for years to come. 

Lily Podlich

Instagram: @wattletreemedia 

A Bachelor of Film and Screen Media student at Griffith University, Lily has co-founded Wattle Tree Media to support emerging filmmakers. Her work has earned awards at various film festivals, including finalist positions at the 2023 BUFTAs. A recognized speaker, she has represented Generation Z at the Australian Teachers of Media Conference and discussed barriers for female filmmakers. Lily has served on juries for the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and European Film Awards, participated in the Swaggies Outback Film Camp, and worked at the AACTA Careers Expo. She has a profound passion for producing and storytelling, and deeply values the work of Essential Screen Skills, attributing much of her career development to their rewarding programs and opportunities.

OLIVIA EDWARDS

Instagram: @wattletreemedia 

Olivia is a neurodivergent filmmaker who strives to evoke thought and change through her work. She finds film to be the perfect avenue to express her creative expression, as it is a combination of everything she is passionate about. Olivia is currently studying a Bachelor of Film at Griffith University and co-founded the production company Wattle Tree Media with her best friend Lily who she met through Essential Screen Skills.  

Ryo O’LOINGSIGH

Ryo is an emerging Brisbane-based writer and filmmaker currently studying Film and Television at Griffith Film School. He specialises in screenwriting and colour-grading and is the recipient of awards such as the AIFF Best SEQ Future Stars Screenplay, Heart of Gold Short Film Festival National Young Filmmaker, and Lantern and Light Film Festival Next Wave award.  

Sachiel Ognyenovits

Sachiel is a passionate young filmmaker completing a Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production at Griffith University. Specialising in colouring and directing, he has created a number of short films over several years and is excited to make many more.

Sienna AURORA

Instagram: @siennafilms | YouTube: @siennaaurora

Sienna is an 18-year-old filmmaker from Brisbane, studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts at QUT. She began her filmmaking journey in 2020, helping develop Indooroopilly State High School’s film program. Passionate about all things creative, Sienna loves acting, music, and film, expressing her creativity through directing, editing, and cinematography. Her short film, ‘Just Listen,’ has won multiple awards at film festivals across the world. Known for her strong work ethic and eagerness to embrace new challenges, she is continuously working on new projects. She aspires to build a career in film, valuing the collaborative and innovative environment it offers.